Knit Gift Idea: Knit a Santa’s Mitt Dishcloth

December 15, 2016 by Sarah White Leave a Comment

We’re getting a little bit down to the wire on our ability to knit holiday gifts (though I’ve been knitting a ton of giant needle scarves, and I have plans to make coffee travel mug cozies for my daughter’s teachers), but this dishcloth that looks like a mitten is one project you probably still have time to knit a few of.

The pattern from Yarnspirations calls for two colors of yarn (it wouldn’t have to be red and white, but it’s really cute that way), using one color for the Stockinette body of the mitten and the other for the cuff, which is worked in Seed Stitch.

It’s knit from the cuff up on size 7 US needles, and includes just a little bit of shaping for the thumb and the top of the mitt. This would be a cute gift for someone who loves to cook, with some other fun accessories for the kitchen or some fun scented dish soap.

[Photo via Yarnspirations.]

Why use dishcloths? Dishcloths are re-useable and save on kitchen waste. Most dishcloths are made using cotton yarn and can be thrown into the washing machine when dirty. This makes them very hygienic, especially when compared to kitchen sponges, which sit on the sinks for days if not weeks. Another great thing about dishcloths is when it comes to knitting the knit up quickly and are great for gift giving. Everyone needs a dishcloth. For gifting, It’s not something that has to be in fashion or a certain colour for the recipient to like it, though there are so many great dishcloth pattern designs out there.

Looking to knit more dishcloth patterns ? Check out these dishcloth patterns on Etsy

Next Pattern:

Have you read?

Learning to Knit? Try a Garter Stitch Washcloth

I used to always teach people how to knit by giving them bulky yarn, teach the knit cast on and have them knit a scarf (like this garter stitch scarf). That’s still a great first project, but I acknowledge people might get bored knitting all that garter stitch before they can say they’ve finished their first knitting project. Plus they might not want to wear something that comes out a little wonky, as first knitting projects often do.

These days I’m more likely to recommend a garter stitch washcloth to a new knitter.

Washcloths are usually made with medium weight cotton yarn, which is one of the easiest yarns to find at big box stores and craft stores, and it’s usually inexpensive and comes in lots of fun colors. You only need one ball of yarn and one pair of needles to make one, so there’s not a lot of outlay in terms of supplies.

Everyone can use washcloths, and even if you drop stitches, add stitches, have weird tension issues or all of the above, it will still work as a washcloth. And you can keep that first thing you made to see how much progress you make in just a couple of projects.

And if you still want more garter stitch when it’s done, you can move on to a scarf (or even a sampler scarf if you want to try some new stitches).

That post linked above is a great one for a brand new knitter or someone who just needs a refresher, because it walks you through everything you need to know how to do to make it. There’s also a full video tutorial for people who would rather see moving images rather than still pictures.

What was the first thing you made when you learned to knit? Or if you’ve taught someone to knit, what first project did you give them? I’d love to hear about it!

Easy Washcloth Knitting Patterns

Knit a Sweet Ducky Washcloth

Next Pattern:

Have you read?

Leave a Reply