Fun
This Dishcloth Drawer Is Condemned
Dear Ann,
Lately I’ve been trying to get more zen about my knitting. I get so excited about projects, and cast them all on at once. Don’t get me wrong: casting on All the Things is one of the most fun aspects of knitting for me, and I always give myself permission to start something new. Whatever the consequences, being inspired by a project is what keeps me knitting. Knitting projects are not vegetables that you have to eat, or plates you have to clean. They are delicious! Nom nom nom.
But it’s also enormously satisfying to finish things, and to wear them, and to feel calm and in control. I sometimes look upon one-project-at-a-time knitters with envy. They seem to click off project after project, while I buzz around between many projects. When I feel like this, I go on a finishing spree. I buckle down and knit those sleeves, sew on those buttons, and set the world to rights. It’s probably not a coincidence that I tend to do this when a new Field Guide is about to enter my world. I take a break from casting on, and do a bit of binding off and weaving in. Clearing the decks feels good.
There is one absolute exception to any cast-on moratorium. And that exception is dishcloths. I will never count a dishcloth in the tally of WIPs. A dishcloth is knitted up so quickly, it’s like a stone that skips over the surface of Lake Works-in-Progress. And there’s a good reason for that.
I Need the Dishcloths
I haven’t wanted to mention this to you, but my dishcloth drawer is a shambles. Before the pandemic, I had allowed my prized collection of Ballband Dishcloths + Friends to go to seed. They were faded to dingy pale nothing-colors, their holes had holes. No amount of darning could put them together again. So, in a moment of deep shame, I got a couple packs of store-bought woven dishcloths to take over for them.
And now, the store-bought dishcloths have gone ratty too, and I need to knit new ones. It’s my favorite thing, knitting dishcloths. Why haven’t I done it! Time to get busy!
Handknit Cotton is the best stuff ever. This little collection of colors is a Log Cabin Cloths Kit in the Goldie colorway, plus a single skein of Blushes, the light lavender. So far, I’m going for a vintage vibe.
Would anybody like to join me in knitting dishcloths?
Later this summer, I am thinking of organizing a little knitalong, for the restoration and beautification of dishcloth drawers around the globe. Prizes will include scrubbies, rubber gloves, a box of Barkeeper’s Friend, and a grand prize that is yet to be determined, but definitely will be named The Kitchen Sink. If you think this is a good idea, let me know in the comments.
In the meantime, my own dishcloth drawer can’t wait for a knitalong, it’s too far gone. I’m going in!
These cast-ons don’t count!
Love,
Kay
Totally with you on having multiple WIP in play at all times (but they will get done in due time). Having a dishclothalong is perfect. Great snack knitting that is perfectly portable.
Yes I would love to knit along dishcloths.
It’s a *very* good idea. : )
Between my mother crocheting them and my knitting them I think I have more dishcloths than dishes. But I definitely enjoy the quick and often mindless knitting they provide. I’m sure I’ll join in the fun.
I love a fresh bright dish cloth!! Trying hard in our home to reduce paper towel use so having a new cloth makes it easier and this cotton dries quickly!! And it brings me back to summer 2020 when I needed fast and finished!! And right now I need that feeling again!! Bring on the kitchen sink!!!
Yaaassss! Count me in!
Dishcloths sound like the best project for the loooooong airplane rides I’m taking soon.
Sounds fun!
I’m with you Kay. I’ve got a few on the go right now. If only Rowan would bring back those Kaffe Fasset colorways!
I live at the beach so dishcloth knitting is my beach knitting every summer—I’m in!
Knitting dish clothes is always a good thing to do and I would love a challenge that I would be able to finish in the time frame given
Once your own drawer is full- make a few more. They make a “bow” on a house gift.
Cute idea Lynn!
I would love a dish cloth KAL. My drawer is in need of renewal.
The Log cabin designed washcloths are my favorite though I also like knitting a basic knit stitched one.
The Log Cabin design is a fun handknit dishcloth to make. Sometimes, the basic knit stitch washcloth is perfect too!
This sounds like a good time! I hope it happens at a time I can come
Love the idea! Been knitting dish clothes for years. They seem to last forever! I do love the log cabin pattern!!
My dishcloth drawer should just about last until “later this summer”. Guess I’d better stock up on cotton now while it’s on sale; I want to start a Picket Fence Afghan too!
By the way, I never enjoyed knitting with cotton until I started using Rowan. If you’re tempted by cheaper brands, just try a few skeins of Rowan. No kidding: softer, smoother, (dare I say, silkier) than those cheaper choices.
I’m definitely down for a dishcloth knit along. I have been feeling the call since I knit that Stephen West shawl that was like a giant dishcloth sampler.
Count me in—the dishcloth is ratty and sparse. I have been properly disposing of the remains of the fallen and the survivors are barely hanging on.
I have a project bag full of yummy cotton next to my chair in the den, dishcloth knitting and tv go hand in hand!!
Sounds like fun! Count me in!
I’m in as well. Dishcloth knitting soothed my soul through all those covid briefings in 2020. Family and friends loved getting them in the mail. Noticed a few “holy” ones in my daughter’s kitchen drawer. Told her they make great cleaning rags and wont be offended in the slightest if thats the next chapter for them. Would love to try the Rowan.
I’m in!
Yes, please! I need Ballband Dishcloths in my life! I just hope it’s some time after the end of June because I am presently in a sling, recovering from shoulder surgery. Dish cloths would be a great starter project once I”m given the knitting green light!
I’m in. Love small discreet projects with the goal of finishing. I can make a gift package with the potholders you all started me on in the early hours of the pandemic!
Great idea. Sounds like fun!
I love the Kitchen Sink project. Let’s do it.
Yes, my dishcloths are looking ratty, so a knitalong is a great idea. Currently I am doing washcloths.
I could go for a Ballband KAL! I once commented in the Lounge that they should have their own Topic section 😉
Count me in. This is my kind of KAL
Have you been looking in my dishcloth drawer? It is not pretty. I’m in for a KAL.
I’m totally in for a KAL! We’re moving this summer, and my sad looking dishcloths are not making the packing cut. I’m going to need a whole new set once we settle in, and with all the unpacking to be done, dishcloths are probably the only things I’ll have time to knit! don’t tell my queue!
I’m in. Moving to our retirement log cabin. Plenty of wips but also about to have foot surgery. Can’t think of 2 better reasons.
I love the Ballband Dishcloth. I even chose it for one of my swatches on slip stitches for the third level of the master handknitting program. It is such a fun pattern and great one for summer knitting.
Dish cloths are a great place to try out stitch patterns, too. They’re a here goes nothing kind of learning. Great idea.
I think a dishcloth knit a long I’d a very good idea. Dishcloths are my subway knitting.
What great timing. I’ve gifted every dish cloth I’ve ever made. Maybe I need some too!
Same here! And I’ve made A LOT!
That’s funny, I’ve gifted all mine too!
I’m definitely in. I was just thinking of making a bunch of Ballband Dishcloths. A KAL will help me stay on track.
Do ‘sponges’ count? If so, I’m in! I like the Double the Fun dish sponge, knit at half size; they’re great. I’ve started adding scrubby yarn to part of them, too
Count me in on the KAL!! Now to decide what Rowan cotton bundle to order!!!
I am in for sure! My adult daughters (and a few of their husbands) swooped in one day and picked their favorites in my drawer. “Can we have these?” I am left with all the ones I knit that are really too large for a dishcloth. I can wait till this summer but I really need new ones!
We are a bit desperate for new dishcloths here. I too have a few woven ones but mine were snagged when I cleaned out my mother’s house five years ago. I would knit her dishcloths and buy her new ones but she insisted on using the oldest, most stained rag that would hold together. My own, Ballband natch, have holes with holes. I’ve started just patching them with a scrap from the fabric stash and machine stitching that sucker down because they are so ratty. I’m deep in a cardigan in sport weight but would abandon that in a heartbeat for a Ballband kal.
Great idea! A DCAL.
yes, do the knit along. We all need something small and useful to focus on.
Count me in!
yes, please!
Brilliant, I’m in!
I’m in
I’m in for a summer dishcloth knit along!
I love this idea! My ballband cloths are gray and faded, have been using them for spots on the floor sadly. Count me in, I’ve never tried log cabinning so this will be a perfect opportunity!
You can never have enough dishcloths and they are the perfect warm-weather project! KAL is a G-R-E-A-T idea!
count me in! ordering all the colors while on sale!
Yes! Now that the temp blanket is getting a bit, er, big and I still need something to knit at the doctor appointments, I’m going for the dishcloth collection too!
I need a new stash of dish clothes! Looking forward to this.
Count me in! This sounds like so much fun and I definitely need a refresh on my dishcloth/washcloth drawer.
Absolutely I am IN. Been thinking about this for way too long. Thanks for the kick up the pants!
Sounds great! I’m in for the summer!
Count me in!
Aww, the lure of casting on something new, she wrote; having spent more time contemplating what to take for conference knitting (masked) than perhaps her unworn for 2 years wardrobe.
You guys did get my youthful grove out with potholders early pandemic ….
I’m definitely in!!!!
Sounds fun!
I call dishcloths “grilled cheese knitting.” They are comfort food. You don’t have to plan ahead for them, you can just throw one together, and you’ve done it so many times you hardly have to think about it. I get the urge to make them in spring and summer when the weather gets warmer. I have one on the needles now.
Dishcloths now & forever are my comfort knitting & I have probably knit over 100
I think a dishcloth knit along is a fabulous idea !!
Having never knit a dishcloth, I’m on it.
Sounds like a plan. I do love my one ball band dishcloth and I take it out occasionally and drap it artistically so I can admire it. Maybe if it had friends I might use them all. My house just seems too dirty for that much cuteness! This could be the push I need.
I’m in for a KAL. I knit a simple seed stitch dishcloth for my car-ride, filler knitting, but would be keen to try ball band. I still need to work on my other ongoing projects – men’s vests and, always, socks – but I can squeeze in some more!
Sweet Mercy, YES!!! My dishcloths are barely recognizable, tangled wads of threads and fuzz that smell just a bit funky even after bleaching. Bring on the KAL!!
The Dishcloth Crusade is not a good idea – it’s a fabulous idea! This is what so many of of us right now. We can create order where chaos has reigned, quickly produce visible results and feel a little better about life in general. You’re doing a great thing.
Excellent plan! And I think I may have a stash of (whispering here) Peaches & Creme lurking in the basement.
I’m a multi-WIP kind of gal myself! I don’t know how to act unless I have at least three projects going at once! And I’ve been eyeing my own dishcloth drawer and thinking it needs more. So I’m with you!! More dishcloths!! Can you really ever have too many?
I am definitely in for this KAL. My dishcloth drawer is in sad shape. Also need to make a few for family.
Let’s go! The knitalong sounds like fun!!
Why yes, that sounds just perfect! I can use them to feather my empty nest / as crying towels as I send my one and only off to college!
I’m all in for dishcloths. I went crazy last summer and made a bunch of different patterns. I gave them all away at a boat gathering in July. The recipients got to choose one, from the reactions I think the cloths were a hit! I’m ready to stock up again.
Oh yes. Feeling a sudden urge to Log Cabin!!
I love this! I’m due with my first baby July 30, and this KAL feels like just the perfect project and thing for the final weeks. Thank you for all of your great ideas and for this lovely community. ❤️
Do you know the Baby Genious Burp Cloths in the first MDK book? You can find it on ravelry. I made a bunch for my newphew’s wife when she was having their twins in 2018. She still uses them at bath time for the growing girls. <3
It’s always a good idea to knit these dishcloths. I love making them. They are so much fun. And everyone I’ve given them to love them.
Shall I admit that though I’ve loved a few knitted dishcloths in my time, I’ve never knitted my own? Maybe after 50 years of knitting, it’s time. And I WOULD love to win the Kitchen Sink.
YES YES YES! Beach knitting of Ballband cloths sounds wonderful ❤️
Definitely a good idea!
Yes! I gifted the rest of my fresh, new hand knit dish cloths to my children’s teachers (along with handmade soap, hand cream, a candle and a Visa gc). I would love a KAL!!
Great summertime project! I’m in!
Sounds like fun. I’m in.
Dishcloths are my zen knitting. I’m in!
knitting dishcloths is my portable project. They make nice quick gifts
Embarrassed to say I found two Ballband dishcloth in my WIP basket this morning, having earlier bemoaned the lack of decent dishcloths in my kitchen. Yes yes yes to a dishcloth-along, please!
i wish I could get on the dishcloth band wagon, but it just seems like it would be a yucky, slimy, soggy mess. Anyone convince me otherwise?
Also, try stockinette (not garter) based stitch patterns. Those dry faster for me.
Love the dishcloth concept but not the cotton due to slime, like you. Try synthetic – acrylic or polyester. You can use any wonderful pattern you like and they don’t absorb or hold wet stuff, so the soap goes on what you’re washing rather than soaking in. They have a little rough scrubbiness, rinse out well, wash out clean and dry FAST. My favorites are about sponge size (around 4 X 4 inches) garter stitch on a smallish needle. For just a few bucks you can make dozens and wash em everyday.
(Of course, if you want something absorbent to clean counters, cotton is King.)
I agree. I made a dishcloth several years ago. It took a long time to dry. I don’t think I want multiple damp washcloths hanging up somewhere waiting to go in the laundry.
I use a fresh one each day, they wash and dry beautifully for years. Slime and/or sog has never ever been an issue but perhaps this is because I was raised by women with strong opinions about Wringing Things Out and Hanging Things Up in the Air, so mine never sit around in wet lumps ever. Don’t know how else to convince!
Exactly. Fresh one each day. And wring and hang. Can’t stand the musty smell.
Just be sure not to use mercerized cotton – it’s not absorbent like the Rowan cotton, Peaches & Cream, or linen. I love my ballband dishcloths I made during the pandemic when paper towels were hard to get. I use them to wipe up spills or dry dishes, and they are great! And I’ve reduced my paper towel consumption as well. (Folded in half they can double as a potholder, too)
I spent last summer knitting dishcloths. After a year the supply is dwindling, some were sold, some were gifted, and some are just plain worn out. A dishcloth knit along sounds great to me!
I would DEFINITELY be in for this! My knitting has languished lately. I still haven’t finished weaving in ends on my 2021 temp blanket. I’ve been reading books instead of knitting. Sometimes that happens- I work at a bookstore after all! I love the colors you choose for your ball band dishcloths, so yes, I’m in!
I’m always up for a dishcloth-a-long!
A dishclothalong would be the perfect mid summer distraction!
I want to get in on the fun, I need dishcloths!!
Yes, I need more dishcloths! Thanks for the nudge.
Dishcloths are my favorite in between project break, or to knit socially. I can’t have enough, all sizes, and I make them for gifts too, love it!
A dishclothalong sounds great. During the pandemic, I replenished my dishcloths, but now they are sad. Someone in this house forgets that electric ovens have a heating element that burns holes in dishcloths.
The knitalong is a great idea! I also need to spiff up my dishcloth drawer. Will definitely join you!
Yes – I’m in! My daughter is moving into her first apartment in August. She will be needing many things- and good dishcloths is one. She’s a knitter herself (even founded a charity knitting non-profit!) but she will be working and taking summer classes and all the things like that. So – her mama will make her some dishcloths for her new apartment! Ironically I JUST asked her about color scheme for her kitchen. 🙂
Whenever I finish a project with cotton yarn I knit the leftovers into a stack of dishcloths. Functional but not fancy.
My dishcloth drawer is in pretty good shape, but I love making them so have a pile ready to donate to a local animal shelter thrift store.
gitte.elgaard@yahoo.com
It was exactly your Ballband design dishcloth that got me started on “stress relief pandemic knitting” two years ago! Many bigger wips later and a bunch of dishcloths given to loved ones and friends… here we are again! Now it’s time for MY dishcloths to be replaced!
My dishcloth drawer could use new friends to join in the fun. I love the idea of a knit-along.
I have a knitting “go bag” for dishcloths. It’s always loaded with needles and cotton yarn.
I love knitting dishcloths! Small and portable and quick to finish, they make lovely gifts. But, I was noticing the holes in my dishcloth the other night. Count me in!
When it’s hot and I’m lazing about on summer weekends, nothing is better than whipping up a couple cotton dishcloths! Let the games begin!
Yeah dishcloths. Great project idea. I am always up for an easy fun project.
I am 1000% in for a summer dishcloth knitalong! My dishcloth drawer is an embarrassment. A shame.
Right there with you! Dishcloths do not count as cheating on the WIPs! Bring on the ballbands! I even practice a little intarsia on them to keep things interesting!
I love knitting dishcloths and your ballband pattern is my go-to pattern. I’m in. It could be the perfect late summer knitting while I’ll be helping out with a new grandchild!
Yes, a kal for discloths is a great idea. I can’t wait for my sister to knit me up some more!!
Sounds like fun, and so doable!
I think it is a great idea!
Yes! Great idea. Mine is getting low, and my own ballband one is byong repair.
This is a great idea! Dishcloths are not only portable knitting, but are one of the relatively few handknits that can go through the washer and dryer. Plus, they’re useful for cleaning all the stuff that can’t go through the dishwasher!
However, please note Kay’s color choices: Avocado green, harvest gold, and burnt orange. She’s been binge-watching “The Brady Bunch” again…
I’m in! My favorite are cotton fingering seed stitch dish cloths. They take longer but are fabulous to use.
Love to knit dishcloths! Need more for my kitchen.
Dishcloth KAL? In.
I am so in! Wash cloth – napkin – whatever . . . We go through dozens and dozens a week at our house – every week! These are my portable knitting project and go with me everywhere.
Dishcloth KAL? Yes please!
You are a girl after my own heart-with the cast on all the things! Definitely in for The Kitchen Sink. And do socks count as WIPs? I’d like to think not!
I gave my ball band dishcloths away as gifts many years ago, so it is time to make some for my home. I always have a stash of finished dishcloths to keep as gifts.
I would love to join in on your fun. I haven’t been doing a lot knitting because I am also a quilter. I can’t think of a better way to get back in the groove.
You should make this an annual event – check the drawer and renew, as needed. Thanks.
ALWAYS up for knitting dish cloths.
Sounds like summer fun!
The Soak Tub is very much like a Kitchen Sink.
I was just telling someone that I needed to make myself new dishcloths. Yes Please for a Dishcloth Knitalong!
Love the idea of a Dishcloth KAL, but would like matching dish towel patterns as well. With 2 dishcloths and a dishtowel…what a wonderful gift for new bride, old friend, holiday gift….you get the idea.
Please give this some serious thought.
Thanks,
Nancy
This is a GREAT idea! Count me in!
Yes! Yes! Yes!
At the beginning of the pandemic, I knit 17 ball band dishcloths. It was all my mind could handle.
Ball Band dishcloth knit along? I’m so in!
I think a dishcloth knitalong would be great. I also think dish cloths are one of the best projects ever to give that quick satisfaction of finishing something quickly! If I get bored with a long term project, I’ll knit up a dish cloth to make me feel better!
Yes, yes, PLEASE yes! My daughter is getting married in 17 days (gulp!) and has asked for a gaggle of dishcloths. I need to get a-knittin’!
Dish cloths are my waiting room knitting – I memorized the Chinese Waves pattern years ago and just keep churning them out. I usually wait to weave in ends until someone asks for a few or mine have all been relegated to cleaning rags. Might be time to start taking color requests in anticipation of a Kitchen Sink KAL!
A KAL that I might actually finish?? What’s not to love about that!!
Yes! My kitchen drawer is in desperate need of a refill!
Yes, still my favorite thing to knit!!
Yes!! I’d love to participate – I’ll be Ballband-ready!
We are in the middle of remodeling our kitchen, which will definitely call for new dishcloths!
I’m in! Love knitting yup dishcloths!
Great idea on the dishcloth KAL!!
I think it’s great idea and have been thinking of making some more log cabin dishcloths. I’ll hold of on that (maybe) to see if you do a KAL.
I put the Goldie colorway in my cart yesterday, along with a Blush, and today Goldie is out of stock. My fault for waiting, I guess. I love seeing you working with the same colors, but now I am hoping you will restock quickly! Goldie will go perfectly in my kitchen. My dishcloth collection began during the pandemic, and it needs some brighter colors!!
By the way, I hope the Kitchen Sink will include the Skill Set Tote… just a friendly suggestion. And I totally agree that dishcloths don’t need to count in the WIP tally.
I always have multiple projects going. I find I don’t get bored as easily. It also allows me to choose a smaller or larger project as needed. I haven’t tried the dish cloths yet. It sounds like it might be just the very quick item I need.
I don’t much like knitting with cotton, but I am more than willing to make an exception for dishcloths. Just finished one Log Cabin (Field Guide version 1) and cast on another (Field Guide version 4)! The ratty ones go in the rag bucket (a roll of paper towels lasts many months in this household). The only problem is how the old ones tend to sneak back into the dishcloth drawer!
Love the ‘Kitchen Sink’ idea! I’m in!
100 times yes to a dishcloth along!! As a person who has made an ungodly amount of dishcloths in my knitting career I have never (despite many promises to myself) kept any. So my dishwashing tools are all store bought, while at least 3 other households exist almost exclusively on dishcloths I have made over the years. I have been out of the habit of making them so I am sure my recipients would love some fresh ones, but maybe just maybe I could snag a few as well….
A very good idea! I always dishcloths and washcloths as my waiting in the car knitting.
I’m in – am never without a dishcloth on needles – perfect for knotting at long stoplights
Count me in! The Ballband is my go- to dishcloth pattern for my kitchen and gifting.
I have never knit the same one twice!
Kay, Kay, with 11.1k Ravelry project photos of the humble ballband, you didn’t even have to ask! I have been itching to make some! However, I am trying to finish this pair of socks and have sworn off casting on anything else until done. With the yarn I was obliged to use, this hasn’t been easy. The thing is, I am a multiple cast-onner like you (without so much of the periodic finishing sessions). So, being faithful to one project has had its frustrations. The other day, I was so craving to knit a ballband, that I looked up and re-read your 2009 post about the dishcloths with the Easter egg colors. It helped, but did not totally remove the craving. I wonder if it would be cheating to knit just one and gift it along with the socks. (Heavy Sigh) Who am I kidding? When it comes to the ballband, I can’t only knit just one!
i recently moved and have located so many of my missing needles. They are holding things that ended up on or under the bed-ish item in my knitting room. Now I am trying to finish some of them but there are always new things. I made a ball band dishcloth for a potter who gave me a work of art on the promise I would mail him a check. I felt I had to give him something too. I hope he liked it. I fell in love with the pattern and would love a dishclothalong.
Count me in!
Oh yes!! Count me in!
I’m another one who loves starting new projects. From seeing a pattern that yells out to me, then picking the yarn and color(s). And on to the actual cast on. Unfortunately, I have a number of unfinished projects, where my best friend has a very good track record of finishing ( actually finished and given out )!
(I’m currently working through the Cast On, Bind Off class with Marie Greene and loving what I’m learning.)
I’m also working on face cloths in between working on other projects. I’m using a cotton-linen blend. So, YES, YES, YES to a dish cloth KAL.
Someone always needs a dish cloth! I include the mitred hand towel in the dish cloth category and have recently made a couple. Yummy indeed.
I’m in! For whatever reason, I prefer to crochet my warshrags. My favorite pattern makes a flower, and I have an embarrassing stash of Sugar and Cream at the moment. I know I have some brown and gold, perfect for sunflowers.
I’m in.
I can’t wait for the kal! Everyone needs a dishcloth!
Would love a dish cloth KAL!
i’ve always been a ‘sponge-r’ but i’m willing to become a ‘dishclothe-r’
I would love a KAL of dishcloths. Thank you Kay for always soothing any guilt about WIP. So many times I get so excited about a project but postpone the “joy” of casting on something new because of the guilt but you have just saved me. Life is too short to postpone the thrill of starting something new. Oh Happy Day!!!
I love this idea! My knitting time has shrunk (for reasons I’m not going to go into) and this might bve a great way to get me out of that slump.
Kay, you are a pretty convincing lady. I’ve been waffling about what I will knit during my 2 months of “drag the children around anywhere you can sleep for free while you get new floors.” I might take one ambitious finish project (or ambitious get-back-on-the-horse project) and one for mindless moments. I had been thinking about hand towels, but that’s basically a dishcloth, right? Right.
I’m in! My drawer is looking a little sad too
I’m so in! But you knew that! I can’t wait!
Yes! I am in I only have a few “presentable” dishcloths left in the drawer now!
I’m in with the dishcloths and a new Swiffer cover. I think I will begin with the Linoleum Dishcloth. I like to balance out the drawer between them and Ballbands.
I’m in! I knit a ballband dishcloth this week. It is one of the “classic” patterns and I go back to it often.
This is so, so weird– I was upstairs, making the bed, when I thought, “I need to make some new dishcloths; the old ones are so shabby.” Then I came downstairs to finish my coffee and check the news feed, and this article was listed under recommendations. Cue “Twilight Zone” theme…
Would love to do a dishcloth knitalong.
I need new dishcloths too. Mine are falling apart and faded. I’m in on a KAL.
Dear Kay,
I’ve been having a difficult time processing recent events and have felt overwhelmed. Yesterday I stooped and made a dishcloth. It really did help. My temperature blanket is at a not so fun stage and I needed a happy knit. Thanks for the suggestion. ♥️♥️♥️
definitely a good idea! and maybe I can use up all the cotton scraps and partial skeins from my market bag knitting spree.
I actually have knitted down to the kitchen cotton in my year of stash-busting, and this is just the push I need to make it through to the end. I’m in!
I would love it! Either way I just purchased the Rowan cotton for them (new to me, thank you!) SO, I will be happily making some to replace my old ratty ones that will be moving to my cleaning cloths bin very soon!
I will be with you!
Sounds lime fun! Count me in!
I’m in! Yes!
A handknit dishcloth and a lovely bar of French lavender soap makes a great little gift from your needles. I’m in.
I have knit 72 dishcloths since Christmas, and half are already gifted. Probably time to try a new pattern!
Congratulations!! We share what I like to call ‘the factory gene’ !! If one is good, a hundred will be better, hahahahaha!
I love this idea. Dish cloths are the reason I really started knitting. I still think I’m a newbie and haven’t found my favorite, go to dish cloth pattern. Let’s do it!
I’m in on dishcloth knitting!
Yes yes !!!
Love this idea mine are sad
Yes. I have been doing a lot of small projects (knitted dishcloths, crocheted market bags, etc.) during the pandemic, as I seem to need that quick finish now more than ever. (Also, I have way too much cotton stash, so I’ve been burning through some of that with the small projects.) A dishcloth KAL sounds like fun.
Absolutely in for a dishcloth KAL!
Haha! Just finished 7 dishcloths of the corner to corner type with a solid color cotton/linen yarn for my sister. Each one took more than half the skein so I knit a multicolored hand towel with the remainders. The towel turned out so well that it will be one I make again!! Fun knitting. I have so many cast on wips that I leave notes in my Tulip case so I know where my tips have gone!
A dishcloth challenge in whatever form is a great idea. I once tried to get my knitting group to knit and submit a dishcloth to our County Fair, for fun, for entertainment, for enlightenment. I’m afraid it didn’t go over. You have a large enough audience and this project should work. Later in summer is when we in the Northern Hemispheres are really dragging through the heat. Short and simple would work.
My first dishcloth was the BallBand from Modern Daily Knitting Book 1! I like knitting dishcloths because you can experiment with stitch patterns on a small scale. Yes, I do need some more. Also like knitting drying towels — about 12″x22″ in a loose drapey guage.
I keep a stack of my handknit dishcloths by my sink and use one a day (then toss it in the laundry hamper). It’s fun, I don’t have to worry about smelly sponges and germs, they are great but gentle scrubbers, and it makes me happy to see my work at work. I always have a washcloth on needles as a go-to for quieting nerves, relaxed movie knitting, passing the miles while traveling, taking stitch adventures, learning new knitting techniques, and producing a potential homey gift for someone. So I love the idea.of the knitalong. The combo of humble practicality with crafting aesthetics just hits the sweet spot.
Love it! I also love knitting dishcloths and always have one going on the needles, in it’s own little bag with an extra pair of needles, in case I want to cast on another one in a different pattern. So Yes, please.
The ballband dishcloth is the absolute best. There are no wrong color combinations.
I’m in! Great idea!
Funnily enough, I have neither made nor used a hand-knitted dishcloth. I have a few hand-knitted wash clothes that friends have made and that I use for my face, but that is it. However, I love a hand-knitted dishtowel! I’ve made many a Mitered Hanging Towel as a gifts, and there’s a Purl Soho set of of three slip-stitch patterns with hanging loops that I’ve made for myself and as gifts. When I can’t decide on a knitting project, I cast on a dishtowel, so I hope you will include them in the KAL!
Hi! I’m from the uk and while I’ve seen hand knitted dishcloths, they are quite rare over here, they’re the sort of thing that gets knitted when we run out of ideas (as if!!!) So I have to ask, are you telling me that drawer fills of knitted dishcloths are an actual thing in the Us? I’m not sure it would catch on here, they’re too good looking for washing dishes
I thought it was just MY dishcloth collection that looked bad. They’re all faded and ratty. Some are (gasp!) stained. I think dishcloths make excellent “waiting room” knitting. They don’t take up much space in your bag, they don’t require much attention to detail and you can shove ’em back into your bag as soon as they call your name.
I’m totally in for a dishcloth knit fest!
I always have a ball band dishcloth on the needles. It’s nice to pick up when I need a break or simple knitting. I am knitting one right now 🙂 I give them away to friends and keep a few. I love them. I’m in for the KAL. Love the idea!
Definitely a good idea to have a warsh-rag-along effort so we can spruce the spaces for the dishest cloths. I usually don’t try to join the join-y -along efforts because I can’t keep up. But I am all in for this one even if I can only manage one to everyone else’s four or five.
I am ALL IN on a dishclothalong. I need more dishcloths and so does my son, the first-time homeowner. (In Nashville, no less, giving me reasons to visit.)
I’m in. I invite houseguests take a packet of three, tied with ribbon, when they leave. The schedule of guests for this summer is lengthening so the pile is dwindling fast!
I love this idea and would love such a prize. I use Bar Keeper’s Friend and handmade dishcloths! I have been knitting worsted weight dishcloths during the pandemic as a result of being on Zoom for hours. I have a stack of them and donate them to our county health department wrapped around a bar of soap-a “washcloth”. I pick thinner-than-worsted weight yarn with some small amount of viscose or other stronger content, along with the cotton content, for more durability and quicker drying time for home use.
Love this idea! Definitely count me in.
I have a knitting bag dedicated to dishcloths. Straight, circular and double-pointed needles for any pattern. Some cotton yarn and often a wip. Can go dormant for months, but the supplies are always ready. I also have a packet of patterns that I rotate between and add to from time to time.
Looking forward to a knit a long!
You use something hand-knit to wash dishes and pots and pans? No, no, no. Use a sponge; save the hand-knits for pot holders, coasters, face cloths. Make bath mats, dog or kitty mats. I’ve done all of these.
My dishcloth drawer is also in need of filling. Why, when I love knitting and crocheting dishcloths? So I’m with you for a KAL AND getting a few done right now.
A dishcloth KAL would be wonderful. Count me in!
I’m in! And love this idea. My drawer is in shambles as well and dishcloths are my favorite knits. But I haven’t cast one on in a while d at I way overdue
Love it! I kept dishcloth yarn in my purse to knit when I was out and about. With the pandemic, there was a lot less of that happening, so I am running low, too.
Yes! I have a few projects cast-on, but hot summer calls for cotton and easy!
Count me in! My friends and family will love the completed product!!
Yes, a good idea, and Barkeeper’s Friend is the best!
I’m all in for a dishcloth KAL. My mom is a huge fan of the Ballband dishcloth, and I probably owe her some replacements.
Love your idea for KAL! I can’t get enough of knitted or crocheted dishcloths and washcloths in our house, plus these are great popular gifts for friends and family.
This is DEFINITELY a good idea! Also, I used to be a one-project-at-a-time person, which was great, but in the past few years I’ve gravitated to having several on the go at once and I really enjoy the luxury of that. Guilt free!
Yesssssss! Useful cute AND fast
I’m in! I need a mindless project that’s quick and useful and I REALLY need to add some colour to my dishcloth basket which is looking horribly anaemic
Yes, yes, yes to dishcloths. Fun, fast and colorful! But wait…what about potholders??? Matching potholders (maybe)!
Ball Band Dishcloth KAL – I’m in!!!!
I will join in! My stash of Handknit Cotton is by my side. Last summer, I made three baby blankets from it and I’ve just started a Picket Fence afghan. The remnants are ripe for turning into dishcloths. I’ll watch for updates later this summer!
I’m looking for a little fun, and this is right up my alley.