Friday, March 20, 2009

Knitted Dishrag Patterns

For everyone out there who doesn't knit, or knits way past me and is making cabled sweaters, this will not be riveting.

For everyone out there who loves to knit, and is right there in the beginner box with me, or you're tired of having that heavy cabled sweater sitting on your lap, especially now that the days are getting warmer - here are the two patterns I used.

For this one:

Worsted weight cotton yarn, one 50 gram skein makes two cloths)
5 mm (size 8 US) knitting needles

CO 5 sts
Increase section: YO, knit to end
Repeat til dishrag is half of the desired size.
Decrease section: YO, k2tog, knit to the last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Repeat til 5 sts remain.
BO. Weave in ends. Use right away in lieu of blocking.

For this one:

1 ball of knit worsted weight cotton (Sugar N' Cream) 50 gm size
Size 9 to 10 1/2 needles

CO 4 sts
Row 1: knit one row
Row 2: K2, YO, knit to the end of the row.
Repeat row 2 til there are 40 sts (for dish scrubber) or 50 sts (for face cloth).
Next row: K1, K2tog, YO, K2tog, knit to the end of the row.
Continue decreasing til 4 sts left. Cast off.
Use right away in lieu of blocking.

Easy peasy. I'm knitting one now using chenille yarn. Last night the yarn broke in half, trying to K2tog - the nubbiness of it all was a bit aggravating but lessons usually are, and I'm determined to make it work. The yarn feels so nice, it makes me want to knit it all up into a fluffy bathrobe. But that would be too hot in my lap with summer coming, so I'll stick to dishrags for now.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

I can absolutely see myself in you. You are just where I was about 2 years ago when I went so GAGA over dishcloths. I still love to knit them, but back then, I couldn't believe the wonderful fun I had found. We are so easily entertained :)

Linda said...

Oh thank you, thank you Bev. I was hoping you would post the pattern. I love them - and great choice of yarn. They will certainly brighten up the kitchen!

Sarah said...

I love the idea of knitting dishcloths, but I don't actually want any dirt on them. So would it be rude to put some out in my guest bathroom, with a lovely soap and a discreet note that says,

"These are just for pretty. Don't you dare use them!"

:)

SentimentsbyDenise said...

I love your knitted dishcloths - so very pretty!
I don't knit. I papercraft.
About a year ago another blogging friend of mine made me six lovely dishcloths and I made her some handmade cards. A fun trade! We were both thrilled with the exchange. And everytime I use them, I think of her.

Carpool Queen said...

I'm here Gretchen's page. I just started knitting six months ago, and I'm having so much fun knitting dishcloths. It's helped me learn to follow a pattern and practice different stitches. I've graduated from "knit" to kfb, ssk, ssk psso, and purl. It's such a non-threatening way to practice.

And I agree with Sarah - the hardest part is actually using them!

Abbie said...

Thank you for sharing these! I just taught myself the verrrry basics of knitting and I was looking for a dishrag pattern like my great-grandmother used to make. Your second one is it! I'm almost halfway through one and it's looking good! Thanks again.

Eagles Wings said...

I LOVE THESE, I would always go to the Amish craft shows to buy them since I can't knit...
blessings