About 7 years ago, I got my start in knitting by making dishcloths. I learned a lot of new-to-me techniques, started a dishcloth knitalong (KAL) group on Ravely, wrote a few patterns of my own, and filled a lot of peoples' kitchen drawers with a dash of color and cheer. Over the years, the dishcloth knitting has come and gone in my repertoire, usually rearing it's head in the warmer weather, and checking out around back to school time. I've knit over 200 cloths in my 7 years of knitting, and they are still among my favorite go-to projects that I can just get started on with little planning or forethought. When I teach someone how to knit, the humble cloth is my preferred first project, since I've found that most beginners can't really wrap their minds around knitting something that doesn't have a purpose other than to BE.
There seem to be many people in the knitting world who look down on cloths as being a waste of time - sort of like wrapping paper, they are made to be used, torn up and discarded. While I can understand the thought of something you've put your time, effort, and creativity into being used to mop up baby slobber/dinner spills/messy kid faces/dirty countertops/etc - I find it to be a little bright spot in what might otherwise be a total chore. Open a drawer in your kitchen, and you're greeted by bright, cheerful colors, just waiting for you to choose one for the next task. Keep a stack in your linen closet to be used for washcloths in the shower. Knit small bath mitts for the kids to use in the tub. Use luxury cotton blend yarns for a decadent spa cloth for yourself or as a thoughtful gift.
Great textures -
Double Bump dishcloth (the start of one of my Double Bump cloths is pictured at the top of this post)
Waffle Knit Dishcloth
Squidge dishcloth
7 Ridges cloth
Chinese Waves dishcloth
Mitered dishcloth
Fun for multi-colored yarns -
DW Dishcloth
Starfish cloth
Pretties -
Feather & Fan
Little Lace Cloth
Mountain Laurel cloth (by me!)
Harmony Lace cloth (also by me)
I love just about anything that has a lot of back-and-forth between knits and purls, which gives a great feeling of sqwooshy texture!
A recent episode of Stash & Burn, one of my favorite knitting podcasts, introduced me to Dishcloth Diva, a great new compilation of 20 fresh innovative designs available for sale now. I bought it through Ravelry, and have a few favorites I'm eager to get started on.
That's all I've got for now - time to get back to my knitting!
P.S. - Knitting a cloth a bit smaller, either by casting on fewer stitches, or by using a smaller needle, makes for a great coaster for your coffee or ice water!
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