Why wash with towelling when you can wash with a hand-crocheted cloth?
When I first encountered hand-crocheted and hand-knitted washcloths, my reaction was “you’ve got to be kidding”. Why use something that takes all that time to make just to wash yourself (or to wash the dishes)? But now, I know why!
They’re just SO lovely to feel, and maybe the time and effort that goes into making them somehow transfers itself to the person using them. These four are made in Cleckheaton Natural Cotton 8 ply, with a 4.5mm hook. They’re based on the Organic Cotton for Babies Washcloth pattern from Interweave Crochet, Summer 2008.
I’m planning on giving these as Christmas gifts accompanied by a cake of natural soap (which I will buy, not make myself).
Each washcloth took just under one ball of yarn, edged with the leftover from a coordinating ball.
Apparently the colours in this yarn are natural variations found in unbleached cotton. They are rather muted and I think quite sophisticated. Even if they are being used for washcloths.
Edited to add: Thanks for the washcloth love! A few people have asked me about the pattern. You can find a free one here (you do need to register with the website but they have loads of patterns) using the same stitch, sedge stitch. If you have a crochet dictionary you’ll find sedge stitch in that too. I used 37 stitches for mine, and edged it right around with a row of sc in the main colour, then a row of sc and a row of hdc in the contrast (I’m using American crochet terms). Hope that helps!
These look so beautiful. I so have to master the crochet though I fear it may be addictive.
please can I be on your xmas list?!!! I now have a new year’s resolution – I must learn to crochet!
Lara these look amazing, and I can even imagine the way they feel. Your photography looks really great too!
Those are so lovely! What a nice gift!
Beautiful, and you’re right- the colours are so elegant and sophisticated.
I too have always been a little unsure about whether I’d put the time into making knitted/crocheted dishcloths. But your post has made me rethink- I guess even the most mundane of household chores can be made a joy with beautiful tools hand crafted with love 🙂
I just love knitted or crocheted wash cloths. Yours are just beautiful – is that pattern still available, do you know? I used mine everyday – they are great as kitchen cloths too.
I’ve been making these also. When I tell people they think I am crazy, but for some reason they make cleaning up the kitchen a little more enjoyable.
Love love love them! What a wonderful present! I hope you can get a pure soap which will blend with their subtle colours. They remind me of the pics I have seen in Cotton and Paper a Japanese magazine. Everything there is pale so you can see the line of the design clearly and the textures, rather than be distracted by colourful patterns.
Ooo what about as a baby shower present too with a baby talc, duck and lotion? They are really wonderful. I really should try to make more time after Christms to get beyond the double crochet stitch. 🙂 Does this pattern have a name?
These are gorgeous! I love the colours and I love the fact that you are making something so beautiful to be used so simply. I feel like I should be doing more of that. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thanks for the link, these are beautiful and I have lots of cotton so will give them a go.
Very pretty washcloths. I really like the muted colors. I think I have downloaded the pattern. 🙂 I love the Lion Brand yarn and they do have tons of free patterns. The Cleckheaton yarn must be native to Australia. 🙂
These are just divine, they make me want to learn crochet!
I’m with Rebecca … I really need to have a go a crochet again. My Nanna taught me when I was a kid, now I wouldn’t know where to start 🙂
mmm they look lovely…I must admit I was tempted by that yarn but thought what would I make but I’m inspired!
Corrie:)
I love this idea.. They are great.
I just put all my pressies in the mail today, so it’s a bit late for this year – maybe next year. Or maybe I’ll just make some for myself!