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Hand knit washcloths are relatively easy to make, quick to create, and have a wonderfully practical purpose when complete. The 4 heart lace like heart pattern is delightfully decorative. It is a simple yet effective design to add a touch of elegance to this otherwise everyday item. Made from 100% cotton these handmade knit cloths put the store purchased dishcloths to shame. There is just no comparison.
These can be used in either the kitchen as a dishcloth or in the bath as a washcloth. Ideal as wedding and new baby gifts they also make for excellent craft fair sales if you are looking to bring in a little extra money around the holiday season. I have gifted many away but also sold a few and of course have kept some for my own personal use.
Pattern Stitches and Specifics
When working on dishcloths I always use a 100% Cotton Yarn. This insures that the finished product will be of a soft and thirsty material yet durable enough to hold up well over numerous washings. This project is made using Bernat Handicrafter Cotton. Needles are size 4mm or size 6 U.S. or size 8 U.K. Stitch Abbreviations: K = Knit P = Purl S = Slip one stitch (move one stitch over to other needle) YO = Yarn over (increase by laying yarn over needle to act as another stitch) SSK = Slip slip knit (slip 2 stitches onto other needle then knit together as one stitch) PSSO = Pass slipped stitch over
There are many yarns that one can use but it is important to note that most truly do have a reason they are recommended for a specific project. From thick bulky types to the thin baby yarns most are available in a variety of options and colours. There are also quite a few yarn blends consisting of two or more different fibres so it is wise to know the qualities that each type possesses before selecting which you will use. Wool: Available in numerous varieties the selling feature of wool is its warmth. Generally most wools are made from sheep's wool which as a yarn can be itchy to the touch however there are others that will likely be more pleasant.
The wool from Merino sheep is soft so a quality choice in yarns. Alpaca wool is made from the fur of Alpacas and creates a silky soft highly luxurious yarn. Cashmere is made from the downy underfur of Kashmir goats making it likely the softest option but also a more expensive choice as well. Most wools come in a blend thus creating a warm and highly durable product.
Creating a Pattern Isn't Too Difficult
I hope you enjoy this pattern and if you are feeling creative perhaps you will try your hand at creating your own distinct pattern. The key is to graph out the pattern first as this is generally the best way to insure success when working on a new piece. I've discovered that there are a number of images you can quite easily place into a knit pattern. Using trial and error you can get the hang of creating your own patterns relatively quickly.
Working with the open lace pattern concept all you have to do to create a pattern is to use a combination of "K2tg + YO" to strategically create spaces that outline an image. "YO + SSK" can be used on an opposing side to create a slant in the opposite direction. You can plot out your pattern on graph paper using cookie cutters, children's shape makers, or freehand to create the design. Keep in mind that simple shapes will show up best.
The next pattern I plan to create will be similar to this one but with a 5th heart added into the center of the washcloth. After that I will try stars, flowers, or perhaps four leaf clovers to replace the hearts. There are so many designs one can make so it is quite exciting once you get started.
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