Want to Learn New Stitches in the New Year? Start with Dishcloths

Every now and then I go through phases of wanting to knit dishcloths and washcloths. (My latest was using the new Red Heart Scrubby yarn, and I have a feeling I’m going to be making a lot of them.)

Washcloths and dishcloths are great knitting projects because they are almost instant gratification, they travel well, are infinitely useful, make great simple hostess gifts and give you the opportunity to try out something new. If you want to learn a new stitch pattern or technique but don’t want to take on a huge project, a dishcloth is a great place to start.

Stitch & Unwind has a little collection of six knitted dishcloth patterns that will help you learn new stitches. They include lattice, double Seed Stitch, basketweave and diagonal check, as well as Stockinette and Garter. You can also check out my dishcloth and washcloth knitting patterns over at About to get some more ideas, or just cast on a multiple of stitches that works for the pattern you want to try, knit until you’ve got a piece that’s about square (or whatever size you want) and bind off. Easy and educational.

Do you have a favorite dishcloth or washcloth knitting pattern? I’d love to hear about it!

[Photo via Stitch & Unwind.]

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:

The felted slipper craze that began last year doesn’t seem like it’s fading away. The Sailor Slippers, often striped knit and felted slippers made with super bulky yarn, because the project of the moment late last year (check out more knit slipper options in this post all about sailor slippers) and they’re still consistently popular with knitters.

Which makes sense because they are fun and fast to knit, and seeing them go from this giant thing to something that actually fits a foot feels a little magical.

I have always loved felting (in fact my first book was about felting knitting) and it’s always fun for me to see people rediscover this technique.

If you’ve knit enough plain slippers to fit all the feet you know, maybe it’s time to stitch up some tabi style slippers instead.

Maymade Knits has designed these cute tabi ballerina slippers, made with bulky yarn and felted. They’re worked flat at first and then in rounds, and are available in 10 EU sizes (the Internet tells me add 31 to your American shoe size to get your EU size). The designer says the slippers are meant to have a close fit and you should choose a size a little smaller than your foot for the ideal fit.

The pattern includes a video tutorial along with the written pattern.

You can grab this pattern on Ravelry. The same designer has her own version of the striped felted slipper as well, called Sarah’s Striped Slippers. These are worked in super bulky yarn and have a contrasting foot and a striped body. These are knit flat and seamed and there are 7 size options available. Check that pattern out here if you’re looking for a more traditional slipper shape. They also look roomier so you can wear them with socks if you like.

[Photo: Maymade Knits]

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