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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

  2. I loBe to knit dishcloths–both for my home and for others. Most recently, I made a stack of them for my new DDIL and had fun trying out new stitches and techniques.

  3. Could you please fix my typo above (love, not loBe)? And then delete this comment? Thank you!

  5. I’ve enjoyed making afghans, dish cloths and other things. This book would be great to help me teach my granddaughter knitting!

  7. I make washcloths. I have a couple of really sturdy patterns but I also enjoy new patterns to learn new stitches.

  8. I’m only just learning to knit, but I crochet a ton. I’ve done afghans for several people in my family and am currently working on filet curtains for our new camper and Christmas stockings for my nieces.

  9. I make dishcloths but really only know about two patterns. My family & friends would really appreciate a different style or two! Thanks for the give away! As always, it is such a kind thing to do!!!!

  10. I love knitting and crocheting discloths and washcloths for our own home and as gifts. Nothing beats the satisfaction that comes from a quick and pretty project!

  13. I’m in the process of knitting an afghan for myself. I’d love to be able to knit some dishcloths for myself and others! I have a ton of cotton yarn waiting to be used up!

  14. I am always looking for new and different patterns for wash cloths. My grand children love them!

  15. I am gauge challenged so love knitting afghans–they fit everyone or someone:) Always!

    from summertime VT where I sit with fingers crossed,
    the Vermonster

  16. My stash busting go to is lap robes and baby blankets. I lean towards simple stitches that I don’t have to think about. They give me the best zen meditation effects. I bet some of these dish clothes could be made larger for covering throw pillows!

  17. I love knitting dishcloths. I make them for myself and to give as gifts. I also make afghans and pillows.

  19. What really happened is that I found a big roll of Tshirt yarn, so with 20 mm needles I made a rug for the bathroom. The bind off was a little bit tight but I crafted it up in just a couple of days! Instant gratification and a pretty view too!

  21. I’ve knit afghans, wash cloths and scrubbies, Christmas ornaments. Washcloths are nice to have as impromptu gifts or to do when in-between projects- and to learn new techniques.

  23. This would be amazing! I love to crochet dish cloths. Years ago I did the knitted ones that had little pictures on them. So thanks for the chance to win this.

  24. I just finished leggings and hand warmers for my daughter and granddaughter. Would love to work on dishcloths. i like to take my knitting with me when I travel.

  25. I have yarn for a dishcloth in my purse at all times because they are small enough to pull out and work on while I wait to pick up a child or any other “down” time. My favorite thing I have made was an afghan for our daughter that used all kinds of yarns…from ribbon yarn to chunky yarn. It was beautiful! :>) MS

  26. I’ve knit a couple of dish clothes. I like to mix cotton and tulle to make a sort of dishcloth/scrubbie.

  27. My knitted washcloths are my favorite to use in the kitchen – even have them in my little pop up camper. It’s one of my favorite gifts to make because they’re so quick to work up and I know they’ll always get used! Thanks for the giveaway!

  28. I love knitting dishcloths, but the colors are always so prety that I end up using them as hotpads on my table first. Love all the infor I get from your site.

  29. I love dishcloths. No matter what else I am working on I always seem to have a dishcloth going on the side. Folks love them!
    Always looking for a new pattern.

  30. i love to give dishcloths with small bottles of dishsoap for gifts.
    This would be a great book to own, thank you so much for the chance.

  31. I’d love to have this book. I make a set of pot holders to give as a wishing well gift for every bridal shower I attend. I could definitely add some dish cloths to my to my roundup.

  32. I love knitting dishcloths! Just started working on a throw for our family room to coordinate with the knitted pillows.

  33. What a fun book this would be! I am working on a few hats right now but would love to make a more than a few dish cloths!

  35. I would love to have a copy of this book so I could learn new things. I have knitted afgans, dish cloths & a baby blanket. This would be great book to have!

  38. I enjoy knitting and crocheting dishcloths and other items for hearth and home. Funny thing is, I’ve yet to keep anything I’ve made for myself other than a hat or two. Everyone I’ve ever given dishcloths to always ask for more because “you can’t find that quality anywhere.” Therefore, I am always trying to update my repertoire of patterns. I would love to receive one of the lovely books you’re giving away. My son just got married, and Christmas is coming!

  39. Learning to knit is on my bucket list. This book would provide the opportunity to learn with a small, quick project. Thanks so much and I hope I win.

  40. you never have enough made, someone is always asking for some. there a fun and easy knit

  43. I don’t often make afghans for others because I’m not sure how well received they will be, but dishcloths are a quick and simple gift that seem to be welcome and are a good break for me from bigger projects.

  44. Thank you for offering this giveaway! I love giving away wash- and dishcloths (in sets of three, for example, perhaps with fancy soap). Many patterns can be easily adopted to make something bigger — a back scrubber or a towel, perhaps. Also, knitting dishcloths allows you to practice new stitches and techniques.

  45. I do the loom knitting, but I would really love this for an elderly neighbor who knits practically 24/7 and gives it all away. Something like this would be perfect!

  46. I’ve knit dishcloths, as well as vase covers and pillows. I’ve woven a blanket, but haven’t knit one yet. I’d gladly put that on the back burner if I had this book!

  47. As a relatively new knitter & crocheter this is a wonderful way of trying out new patterns and practicing. I would love to have a book like this to help me along – and add to my birthday & Christmas presents!!

  50. Thanks for offering this book for a giveaway! I love to crochet and am teaching myself to knit. I have learned new crochet techniques by making dish cloths which I have used in larger projects. I would love to win this book!

Have you read?

10 Knitted Christmas Bauble Patterns for a Tree Full of Handmade Charm

There’s always room for one more Christmas decoration, especially when it uses yarn you already own. That’s my reasoning, anyway. Those little leftover balls that aren’t quite enough for a hat suddenly look much more promising when you start thinking about knitted baubles.

I love the idea of adding a few handmade ornaments to the tree each year. They don’t all have to match, either. A traditional colourwork ball beside a slightly cheeky Christmas pudding feels far more interesting than a tree where everything arrived in the same box.

These knitted Christmas bauble patterns include flat-knit designs, festive characters and detailed colourwork ornaments. Most are free, with a paid collection included for anyone who wants plenty of designs to work through. Some suit newer knitters; others are small projects for practising skills you already know.

Christmas Baubles Knitted Flat

The free Christmas Baubles—Knit Flat pattern from Tat’sgrans Treasures is worth a look if knitting tiny rounds doesn’t appeal. It includes three sizes and charted words such as Peace, Hope, Love and Joy, worked using intarsia. The flat construction is approachable, although the lettering adds a challenge beyond basic stocking stitch. I’d choose this for meaningful gift ornaments, particularly when one of those words suits the person receiving it.

Christmas Pudding Bauble

The free Christmas Pudding Bauble by Amanda Berry has all the appeal of a festive pudding without anyone debating whether they actually like eating it. Knitted flat in DK yarn, it combines shaping, colourwork and seaming, with a little holly topper to finish. It’s best for confident beginners with some experience rather than someone learning their first knit stitch. At approximately 6 cm tall, it would make a lovely tree decoration or an extra treat tied onto a wrapped present.

Rudolf & Friends Character Baubles

The free Rudolf & Friends Ornaments by Claire Fairall bring a playful touch to a handmade Christmas tree. These character baubles are knitted flat, and the instructions include illustrations for assembly and embroidery. Hobbii lists the pattern as suitable for beginners, making it a useful option for knitters who would rather practise finishing details than stranded colourwork. The finished ornaments measure approximately 8 × 6 cm and would also look cheerful tucked into a handmade wreath.

Cute Christmas Baubles With Little Faces

The free Cute Christmas Baubles from Marianna’s Lazy Daisy Days turn small amounts of DK yarn into cheerful character decorations. Worked flat and seamed, they use simple shaping, stuffing and added facial details to create their personality. They suit knitters comfortable with knit, purl, increases and decreases who enjoy a little assembly afterwards. I rather like Marianna’s idea of using them on the Christmas dinner table before adding hanging loops for the tree.

Rudolph’s Nose Christmas Bauble

The free Rudolph’s Nose Bauble from DROPS Design is a useful choice when you want a traditional ball-shaped ornament. Designed in DROPS Flora, it uses knitting in the round with increases and decreases to create the shape. Choose this if you’re comfortable handling a small circumference and want a project focused on construction. I’d make a few in coordinating colours to bring a little consistency to an otherwise wonderfully mismatched handmade tree.

Merry Mints Bauble

The free Merry Mints Bauble from DROPS Design offers another festive option, this time designed in DROPS Cotton Merino. The instructions include working back-and-forth rows and shaping, so it’s worth considering if you prefer that approach to tiny rounds. Read through the construction before starting and pay attention to the instructions for working yarn overs to avoid unwanted holes. This would be a nice project for a knitter who enjoys seeing a shaped decoration emerge from a small piece of knitting.

Caorann Fair Isle Christmas Bauble

The free Caorann Christmas Bauble by Sarah Berry brings delicate Fair Isle detail to a small ornament. It uses fingering-weight yarn and 2.5 mm needles, with instructions sized for an approximately 60 mm bauble insert. Worked in the round, the design includes both written and charted directions for its repeated segments. I’d save this one for knitters with some colourwork experience who want to make a particularly special keepsake.

A Dated 2026 Christmas Bauble

The free 2026 Christmas Bauble by Smaatterier combines the year with two traditional Selbu rose motifs. It’s knitted in the round using stranded colourwork across the middle, with either fibre filling or a suitably sized plastic bauble inside. The charted design is listed as intermediate and finishes at approximately 6.5 cm tall. This is a lovely choice for marking a first Christmas in a new home, a family milestone or simply another year of making things by hand.

Colourful Christmas Balls From Two Strands

The free Christmas Balls by Mary Ann Stephens are full of colourwork detail, with optional touches such as duplicate stitch and nupps. The designer also discusses I-cord hanging loops, which give the ornaments a pleasingly substantial finish. These are better suited to knitters comfortable following charts and managing several colours than complete beginners. Follow the updated download directions in the post to find the patterns on the designer’s current website.

ARNE & CARLOS Christmas Ball Collection

The paid Twenty-four Christmas Balls 2024 collection by ARNE & CARLOS includes a basic ball pattern and 24 different motif charts. The ornaments are worked in the round using stranded colourwork, with a linked tutorial to help you follow the process. Although the designer lists the collection as beginner level, I’d be comfortable knitting in the round and making increases and decreases before starting. This is the pick for someone who wants a whole collection of coordinated ornaments rather than just one small project.

Choosing Yarn for Knitted Baubles

Small decorations are tempting stash projects, but check the yarn weight before diving into that leftover basket. A thicker yarn can make a much larger bauble, while changing the yarn in a fitted cover may stop it fitting the recommended insert.

For colourwork, choose shades with enough contrast for the motif to show. Two lovely colours can look surprisingly similar once they’re knitted together, especially on something this small.

Smooth yarn also makes it easier to see your stitches. Save the fluffy, sparkly and slightly mysterious leftovers for a pattern where you’re confident they’ll work.

Getting a Nicely Rounded Finish

If your pattern uses stuffing, add it gradually and spread it evenly. You’re aiming for a rounded ornament without stretching the stitches so far apart that the filling shows through. For designs worked over an insert, check the diameter and follow the instructions for when to put it inside.

Give the finishing a little time, too. A neat seam, securely woven ends and a tidy hanging loop help a small decoration feel properly finished.

I’d start with a pair for the tree and one to give away. Of course, once you’ve laid out all those yarn colours, “just three” may become a rather flexible arrangement.