One of the easiest ways to live a little more frugally and a little greener at the same time is to stop using paper towels and start using washable cloths instead. Knit or crochet cloths are easy to make and are a great replacement for those paper towels. They’re absorbant, durable, washable, soft enough to wipe or clean even the most delicate surfaces yet the fabric texture has great scrubbing abilities.
They can be used as dishcloths, facecloths, washcloths, and cleaning rags and can be tossed in the wash. They’re a great way to use up those little odds and ends of yarn leftover from other projects too.
Dishclothes Galore!
Whether you are an experienced knitter or crocheter or someone who has never attempted to knit or crochet before the patterns below are simple and quick to make up and the clothes will last for years. I do recommend though you pick different colours for different uses if you’re planning to make both dishcloths or scrubbing clothes as well as facecloths.
- Simple Knit Washcloth (knit pattern)
- Bubble Scrubber Washcloth (knit pattern)
- Round Washcloth (knit pattern)
- Meshie Washcloth (crochet pattern)
- Peas and Carrots Washcloth (knit pattern) – this would be an adorable hostess gift or part of a gift basket for a bridal shower.
- Another Round Dishcloth (crochet pattern)
- Popcorn Stitch Dishcloth (crochet pattern)
- Crochet Dishcloth (crochet pattern) – this one has great step by step photos.
- Star Washcloth (knit pattern)
If you’ve never knit or crocheted before here are a couple of tutorials. Washcloths are a great way to learn to knit or crochet as the patterns are pretty simple and even if the first few don’t turn out perfect – they’ll still be great scrubbing rags.
- How to Knit – the Basics (video tutorial)
- How to Knit (step by step with illustrations)
- How to Crochet (video tutorial)
- How to Crochet (step by step with illustrations)
