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Giveaway: 52 Weeks of Dishcloths

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52 weeks of dishcloths

Congratulations to Carina, Anne L. and Annette!

I love knitting things that I know are going to get a lot of use. Sweaters are great, but even as always-cold as I am, they only get used for a pretty small portion of the year.

That’s why I like knitting things for the home that we can see and use throughout the year. From blankets to pillows to dishcloths, it’s just nicer to use things that you’ve made yourself, am I right?

This week I have three digital copies of a great book all about making dishcloths to give away. 52 Weeks of Dishcloths from Knit Picks actually has 60 patterns, 33 for knitters and 27 for crocheters. They range from pretty simple to requiring a few knitting skills like lace or colorwork, and they offer lots of different styles to suit your taste.

Dishcloths are fun to knit because you get to play with different techniques on a small scale but they’re still done relatively quickly, and they’re great to have on hand for a quick addition to a hostess or housewarming gift.

If you’d like to win one of these ebooks, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, August 23. Why not tell me about something you’ve knit for your home or someone else’s home? My goal for the winter is to finally finish a big stash busting afghan I’ve been working on for a really long time.

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing, and good luck!

Comments

  4. I’ve knit and crocheted blankets, and I’m currently working on Christmas stockings for the house.

  8. Oh yes please! This Dame would love these patterns! I am a leftie so I could practice my chrocheting left handed in the priacy of my home!

  9. I have made afghans, but when I was recuperating from surgery, made MANY dishcloths (pain pills + knitting = potential for mistakes). I have also used dishcloths to teach knitting!

  10. My sis and I knit dishcloths and sell them at her church craft sale – ALL of our profits are donated to our local animal shelter to sponsor the adoptions of homeless doggies!!! We call iurselves “Dishcloths for Doggies”. So far in 3 years we have donated almost $4000.00 – some new patterns to knit would be awesome!!!

  12. I have made ‘dish’cloths and given them many times with a pretty bar of soap for little hostess gifts or ‘just because’ gifts at Christmas time. I would love to win one of the e-books because I’d love to give it to my friend who is just embarking on learning to knit and has been making dishcloths to sell for charity at her work.

  13. I’ve knit the basic grandmother washcloths and have modified them for baby bibs too. I also love to knit sweaters and socks!

  15. I’ve been knitting a stash busting blanket, too. Every time I finish a project any leftover yarn is used to knit a few more rows of the blanket.

  17. My family and friends love the washcloths I knit. They were so disappointed the Christmas I didn’t make. Now I make sure I knit them first then I see all these beautiful patterns I start again. I also make them for a local thrift shop that they give away as gifts.

  18. Would love this sometimes i make dishclotjs into washcloths. Great for a new mom shower gift with soap and lotion adde

  19. For some reason I knit or crochet a lot of pillow covers. Maybe I’m hoping to correct buyer”s remorse.

  20. I crocheted all my flowers for my wedding and gave them away (along with yarnbombed wine bottles we used for vases) to my guests as a thank you. A lot of them are being used in various houses and offices as decor right now!

  21. I’ve knit lots of dish and face cloths. I love how quickly they knit up and the variety of patterns there are for them.

  23. I am currently working on a baby cardigan For my best friend who is expecting a baby girl this winter! Can’t wait to give it to her.

  24. Hi there, I haven’t knitted anything for the home yet, but want to start! I’ve just finished a seed stitch gaptastic cowl in a super chunky Drops andes yarn, just delicious! I’d love this book to help start me in the right direction!

  25. I have knit and crocheted oodles of dishcloths/washcloths for myself and as gifts. I also knit and crochet lapghans for charity (for which I sometimes use dishcloth patterns), and baby blankets for gifts.

  27. I knit dishcloths all the time in between projects. I love to give them as gifts.. friends always say that the knitted ones are the best they’ve ever used!

  28. I’m thinking that this would also make and awesome stash-busting afghan sampler! Make all 60 (or however many) in a coordinated color palette and seam into a funky blanket!!!

  29. I knit for my parents a throw that had A LOT of cables. They both reach for it when they want comfort. I made an afghan for a wedding gift for an aunt too.

  30. I have knit a really cool pouf/ottoman for my daughters new apartment. I also made a couple of pillows…
    Great giveaway!

  31. I love to knit and crochet. I find it very calming to relax with needles in my hands. Always looking for the next best pattern. This book looks intising.

  34. i havent knit in a long long time and would love to get back into it by making these lovely dishcloths

  35. Years ago I knit washcloths for all the ladies in my family for Christmas. I am hoping to do it again soon.

  36. I’m halfway through a cotton dishcloth right now–the second of a pair for my nephew’s first home!

  37. the most recent knitting project was a hand bag out of thick wool that I changed as I went along. I wish I would have written down what I did when I did it so I could make a duplicate!

  38. I have knit dishcloths and afghans, mostly for my own home. This would be an awesome book to win! Thank you for the chance to win.

  41. Working on Christmas gifts: infinity scarves, washcloths, cross-stitched ornaments, hats, socks, etc. I’d love to have a variety of patterns. The more projects, the better!

  47. I’ve made washcloths and blankets for the home. I’ve made many grandma’s favorite washcloths and would like to learn something different.

  48. I’d love a copy of this book. My hand knit dishcloths are full of holes and it’s past time to make new ones.

  49. I love to knit dish cloths and surprise friends and family with an unexpected “I’m thinking of you” gift.

Have you read?

8 Knitted Crown Patterns for Children and Adults

There is something rather wonderful about a knitted crown. It takes a little yarn, a few pointed peaks and suddenly someone is in charge of the birthday cake. Whether they should be trusted with that responsibility is another matter entirely.

I love small knitting projects that invite a bit of fun, and these knitted crown patterns have plenty of possibilities. Make one for a grandchild’s dress-up basket, start a handmade birthday tradition, or knit matching crowns for a family celebration. And yes, there are adult sizes too, because being the person who organised the food should surely come with some royal privileges.

A soft knitted crown also makes a lovely alternative to a cardboard party crown. You can choose a favourite colour, coordinate it with a costume, or make something special enough to bring out year after year. Mustard yellow has that classic storybook look, but dusty pink, forest green and jewel-toned purple would be beautiful too.

These crown knitting patterns include children’s and adult options, along with designs that can be adjusted to fit. Some are worked flat and seamed, while others use circular knitting techniques, so there is a nice mix depending on what you enjoy making.

Our Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults

Start with our own free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults on CraftBits. It’s a lovely starting point for a handmade birthday crown or an addition to the family dress-up collection, with children and grownups both invited to join the royal household. I would choose a colour the wearer already loves—there is no rule saying every crown has to be gold.

Sheep & Stitch Crown: An Adjustable Design with a Video Tutorial

The knit crown pattern from Sheep & Stitch uses worsted-weight yarn and straight needles, with a video tutorial to help you follow along. You repeat the pointed sections until the crown fits, then join the ends, making this a useful option for children or adults without relying entirely on an age label. I especially like the video support for knitters who prefer seeing the shaping happen before trying it themselves.

Jubilee Crown Headband: Baby Through Adult Sizes

Marianna’s Jubilee Crown Headband is a free DK-weight design with baby, child, teen and adult size options. It’s described as quick and easy, making it an appealing choice when someone announces they need a costume rather closer to the event than you would have preferred. I would keep the smallest versions simple and let the yarn colour provide the decoration.

Hobbii Knitted Crown: A Cosy Ribbed Headband

The free Knitted Crown Headband from Hobbii, designed by Katharina Müller of My Favourite Stitches, combines a ribbed band with crown points. It includes baby, child and adult sizes and is knitted in the round with two yarns held together. This is the one I would look at for a crown that doubles as a playful ear warmer—very useful when your little royal insists on wearing their costume outside.

Elegant Knit Crown: Two Stretchy Size Options

Kathryn Andrews’ Elegant Knit Crown is a free Ravelry download with a small toddler/child size and a large teen/adult size. Worked from the top down in worsted-weight yarn, it uses a small amount of yarn and relies on stretchy edges to accommodate a range of heads. It’s a handy option for using a treasured leftover colour that isn’t quite enough for a hat.

Simple Knitted Crown: A Grownup Birthday Crown

Nicky Barfoot’s Simple Knitted Crown is a free DK-weight pattern with seven points and an adult-sized fit. The listed finished circumference is 50 cm, designed to stretch to a 55 cm head, so check that measurement before choosing it as a gift. I like this option for a grownup birthday celebration, especially in a beautiful cotton yarn that lets the shape take centre stage.

Crowning Glory: A Flat-Knitted Crown for the Family

The free Crowning Glory pattern by MrsMeeseMakes is knitted flat and seamed, with the circumference adjusted through the number of points you make. The designer gives guidance for baby, toddler, child, teenager and adult versions, making it a flexible choice for a family set. This would be my pick if you enjoy straight-needle projects and want to check the length as you go.

Paintbox Yarns Party Crown: Child and Adult Versions

The free Paintbox Yarns Party Crown uses aran-weight yarn and includes separate child and adult instructions. The listed finished circumferences are 44 cm and 50 cm, and the pattern is rated intermediate. I would make a coordinated pair in different colours for a birthday child and their favourite grownup—matching enough for photographs, but easy to tell apart when the party gets busy.

Choosing the Right Size for a Knitted Crown

Measure around the wearer’s head where the crown will sit, then compare that measurement with the pattern’s sizing notes. A finished knitted circumference may be smaller than the intended head measurement because the fabric stretches; that is different from choosing a size that is simply too small.

For an adjustable design, check the fit before sewing the ends together. You want the crown to stay put comfortably, especially if its owner plans to spend the afternoon dancing, running or issuing important instructions to the dog.

Yarn choice matters too. A springy wool blend and a smooth cotton can behave quite differently, even when both carry the same yarn-weight label. Follow the pattern’s tension guidance and think about how the finished crown will be washed.

Make It a Birthday Tradition

My favourite idea is to knit a crown that comes out every birthday. Choose a colour that will grow with its wearer, tuck it away with the birthday candles, and let it become one of those small family things everyone remembers.

For children’s crowns, stitched details are a lovely way to personalise the design without adding loose decorations. A little embroidered initial or a few contrasting stitches can make a simple crown feel very much their own.

And if you happen to knit yourself one while making the children’s versions, I think that is entirely reasonable. Someone has to supervise the kingdom—and keep an eye on the cake.