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

One of my favorite things to make on a circular knitting machine is scarves, because they’re a great way to use leftover yarn and certainly faster than knitting by hand.

But if you pay attention to the colors you’re using and how you are using them, you can make fun knitting machine scarves that look like something different when you roll them up.

One of the first versions of this I saw was the sushi scarf, are there are a lot of variations on this one. For example this one from Flower and Anchor that uses five colors of yarn, or this one from Three Threads NE that uses four. These generally are made to look like California rolls, but you could change up the colors to make them different things if you like. Just make sure the outside of the “roll” is black or green to indicate the nori. I found another version on Pinterest if you’re looking for a free pattern, but there’s no image of it rolled up.

Another popular variation is making a scarf that rolls up to look like a mug with coffee, tea or another fun beverage inside. This collection of three mug scarf circular knitting machine patterns from Idaho Cottage Creation includes green tea, a pumpkin spice latte with whipped cream and a candy cane colored confection (which honestly reminds me of the Grinch since it has a green mug!). Again you can change the colors of the mug part and the drink part. The little handle looks like it’s crocheted on these, and it doubles as a loop you can thread the scarf end through when you wear it.

Again there’s a version of the green tea scarf on Pinterest with crocheted elements. I also found a latte done with a striped yarn and a red mug that’s pretty cute and gives you an idea what a different beverage would look like.

I also love this pumpkin pie scarf designed by Jodi Favish Saunier. It has a bit of crocheted edging to give it a fancy crust but you can omit that if you don’t crochet. These are all on Facebook but she also has a watermelon and lemonade pattern that are super cute.

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