“But honey, you LIKE doing the dishes!”
The first time my boyfriend said this to me I stared him down like a jungle cat narrowing in for the kill.
Misguided man-notions aside, why not make something you do anyway more enjoyable through knitting?
I’ve got two great easy projects for you that could revolve around doing dishes, if you so choose: the ubiquitous-for-a-good-reason Granny’s Favorite Dishcloth, and the technique of crocheting a border around it or around anything else.
These two exercises will improve your all-around knitting and pattern-reading skills, whether you choose to make the dishcloth for yourself or give it as a gift… maybe to a deserving boyfriend.
Great Beginner Pattern: Granny’s Favorite Dishcloth
This is a great pattern for beginners: after a basic garter-stitch scarf, this is the perfect next step for someone who has just learned how to knit.
For help with reading the pattern and understanding the abbreviations, please download the video knitting dictionary!
This is a traditional pattern whose designer is unknown. Here is a link to the pattern on Ravelry.
Materials: Sugar and Cream cotton yarn, US size 6 or 7 straight needles
Pattern Instructions:
© wool1229 on Ravelry
CO 4 sts.
Row 1: K4.
Row 2: K2, YO, knit across row.
Repeat last row until you have 44 sts on the needle.
Next: K1, k2tog, YO, k2tog, k to end.
Repeat last row until you have 4 sts on the needle.
You can now either bind off or do a round of single crochet, making a loop of chain stitches in one corner to hang the cloth up when you are finished using it.
Adding a Simple Crochet Border
And speaking of how to do a round of single crochet around your dishcloth, look no further! Even if you don’t know how to crochet, you can do this, because I show you every step.
Related Tutorials:
If you liked this tutorial on how to add a crochet border to knitting, post in the comments and click the “Like” button!
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ON KNIT FREEDOM .COM YOU HAVE THAT NICE KNITTTED IDSHCLOTH AND EASY DIRECTIONS BUT IM NOT VERY GOOD AT KNTTING WOULD YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW HAVE DIRECTIONS FOR THAT SAME PATTERN BUT DIRECTIONS IN CROCHETED TERMS THANKS EMAIL ME AT SWMORSEL@AOL.COM
Hi Patricia, I will teach you to knit! Just go to http://knitfreedom.com/learn-to-knit, and you will be able to do this dishcloth. :)
Thanks for this video! I was very nervous about messing up my sweater but you make it look so easy. I going to get started now…
I love learning something new each day, and this was new to me. I can crochet a little (know how to chain and do basic stitches), but I did not know how to do this. Thank you for sharing!
LOVE this dishcloth, and I did use it to help a friend learn how to knit. Glad you posted the instructions. I think it should be in everyone’s repertoire. Combine hobby with something practical. Plus it is great mindless knitting while reading subtitles in your fave foreign language shows/movies.
Catherine, that’s wonderful! I’m so glad you used it to teach a friend to knit! I made a bunch when I learned to knit, and I think they are a great project. You learn solid beginner skills and make something practical!