Knit Washcloths for Spring Cleaning

I like knitting washcloths all the time, but I think there’s something extra fun about knitting washcloths as we get ready for spring cleaning. It just makes all the scrubbing a little more fun, whether you’re deep cleaning the kitchen counter or yourself.

I hope by now you know that washcloths don’t need to be boring, and there’s a special joy in using something pretty that you made for something totally mundane?

Like this pretty and easy floral design from Knitted Accent. The pattern is worked as purls on a stockinette stitch background, and the design reminds me a little of a quilt block. The pattern is written but also has a chart if you’d rather work from that.

Or how about this set of textured washcloth patterns from Knit On Designs. These are all knit and purl stitch combinations so they’re easy for beginners but the make really pretty dishcloths you’ll enjoy making.

The Tin Ceiling washcloth and hand towel set from Purl Soho use an easy knit and purl pattern to make a lovely textured diamond design all over the project. This pattern is both written and charted as well so you can follow whichever version you like.

Add a teeny bit of lace to a simple washcloth for a cute effect like in the It Had to be You dishcloth from the Kitchen Sink Shop (available as a free download on Ravelry). This one features little eyelets worked in a heart shape on a background of stockinette stitch.

But who says washcloths have to be a normal shape or a dainty design? Also on Ravelry you’ll find the Whale Tooth Dishcloth from Cassandra Bibler. It’s worked with short row shaping but the pattern includes various technique ideas you can use to make the project the way you want.

Or make your cleaning time a throwback with Kate Agner’s Cassette Tape washcloth (Ravelry). It’s worked in garter stitch using the intarsia technique and is stitched from a chart. Using garter stitch makes for a thick washcloth that could also be used as a pot holder.

A Bunch of Great Free Washcloth Knitting Patterns

Whether you love the cottagecore vibe, are heading to a Renaissance faire, stitching something fun for your Halloween costume, or just want to keep cozy on your fall rambles in the woods, the Wandering Woods Knit Hood from Yarnspirations should be your next knit.

The skill rating is easy, and it calls for worsted weight yarn to knit the hood with an integrated seed stitch border worked in a contrasting color. The hood is worked flat and seamed, then you pick up stitches along the bottom to knit the cape portion.

The cape part is shaped just like a raglan sweater, with increases on each side of four points across the cape. If you’ve ever worked a raglan project before this will be simple for you. And if you haven’t you’ll be ready for your first raglan sweater after this project! The front edgings are worked at the same time as the body, and you’ll finish off with the contrasting bottom edge, as well as I-cord ties for the hood.

This cape is pretty short, just covering the shoulders, but you can knit it as long as you like and even make a full length cape if you’re going for high drama (and warmth!).

There are four size options for the cape, to fit a chest measurement ranging from 28 to 60 inches (71 to 117 cm). As shown the cape edges don’t meet in the front, so if that’s something you want you can work more increases, which will also make the project longer. I’d love a version that’s longer and with a fun clasp to make it even cozier, but you can make it your own way.

The pattern calls for Red Heart Super Saver, but this would be a great project to knit in wool or a wool blend for extra warmth.

You can grab a free copy of the pattern from Yarnspirations, and if you want to make it as shown you can also get a kit that includes the two colors of yarn you need and other supplies if you want them.

[Photo: Yarnspirations]

Have you read?