How to Make a Dishcloth
Washing dishes might not be the most exciting activity in the world, but at least it can be done in style. Try whipping up a few handmade dishcloths to add some pizzazz to your cleaning routine. Not only will handmade dishcloths show off your crafty side, but they can also be good for the environment. Use repurposed materials to prevent extra waste from being thrown in landfills. If you use these dishcloths instead of disposable sponges, you'll save money, too.
Things You'll Need
- Old t-shirts
- Cotton sweaters
- Knitting needles or crochet hook
- Large-eyed yarn needle
Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Create your yarn. For t-shirt yarn, cut the old t-shirts into long strips and sew or knot them together. For recovered cotton yarn, unravel gently-used cotton sweaters and wind the yarn into a ball.
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2
Choose a knitting needle or crochet hook size. T-shirt yarn requires a larger sized implement than regular yarn because of its bulkiness. Cotton yarn from sweaters will vary in gauge; try the yarn with different-sized implements to get a feel for what will create a medium-gauge fabric.
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3
Choose a stitch pattern. Pick a simple knit or crochet design that can be worked into a square shape. If you would rather make a plain dishcloth, stick to the basic stitches---garter or stockinette for knitting and single crochet for crochet.
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4
Work a sample of the pattern. Determine the gauge that the pattern makes using your needle size, then compare it to the size you'd like your cloth to be. This will tell you how many pattern repeats or plain stitches you will need.
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5
Design a border. A border is important because it makes the dishcloth look more polished. You can work in garter stitch for a few rows at the top and bottom, and a few stitches at either side, or single crochet around the piece when it is finished.
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6
Make the dishcloth. Follow your pattern, being sure to include the border.
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7
Secure all yarn ends. Use a large-eyed yarn needle and weave the ends into the finished cloth. Make sure they are fastened tightly so that the cloth will stand up to repeated use.
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Tips & Warnings
Search for old t-shirts or cotton sweaters at secondhand stores. Be sure to wash them before you create your yarn.
Try dying your yarn or finished dishcloths. Find environmentally friendly dye that will remain colorfast in water.
Make three or four dishcloths and tie them together with ribbon. You'll have a handy and thoughtful gift for almost any occasion.
