I know a lot of knitters who really enjoy knitting washcloths and dishcloths. They're usually quick, easy projects made with inexpensive materials, so it's easy to see why so many knitters like them.
Best yet, everyone always needs more washcloths, so you can play with any stitch pattern you like and you'll end up with a functional finished project you can keep or give as a gift for a housewarming, to a new mom or as part of a spa kit.
1. Easy Stockinette Stitch Washcloth
(c) Sarah E. White, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Even a new knitter can successfully knit this basic washcloth of stockinette stitch with a seed stitch border. This is a great first washcloth project because it gives you lots of practice with both knits and purls. For more experienced knitters, this is a great quick project and a basic washcloth that can take a lot of use.
2. Garter Stitch Eyelet Washcloth
(c) Sarah E. White, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Adding eyelets to a basic washcloth gives it more of a spa feel, making this washcloth pattern a good choice to add to a basket of soaps and pampering goodies. The garter stitch also adds texture, which is good for exfoliation.
3. Mistake Rib Dishcloth
(c) Sarah E. White, licensed to About.com, Inc.
More rectangular than the washcloth patterns, this "dishcloth" can be used for washing people as well. Mistake rib is a really easy and fun knitting stitch pattern, and the cool colored yarn used in the sample makes an almost camouflaged effect.
4. Broken Rib Washcloth
(c) Sarah E. White, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Broken Rib is an interesting and easy to knit stitch pattern that provides a lot of texture, perfect for scrubbing dishes (or your body). This generously sized cloth will be your go-to for all your big cleaning jobs.
5. Pumpkin Washcloth
(c) Sarah E. White, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Why not dress your kitchen or bathroom up for Halloween with this super-cute Pumpkin Washcloth? A simple Jack O'lantern is knit into the center of the washcloth using knit stitches on a field of purls. It's fun to see the face come out as you knit.
6. Christmas Bias Knit Washcloth
(c) Sarah E. White, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Of course this simple bias knit washcloth doesn't have to just be for Christmas, but the colors of the sample lend themselves to celebrating the season. This project is quick knitting and a little more interesting than knitting a basic square.
7. Double Basket Stitch Basket Liner
(c) Sarah E. White, licensed to About.com, Inc.
The Double Basket Stitch is a fun, textured pattern that's great for all sorts of projects, including this sweet basket liner, which could also be used as a dishtowel.
8. Feather and Fan Dishcloth
(c) Sarah E. White, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Feather and Fan is a classic stitch pattern that's a great introduction to lace knitting for those who might be a little afraid of lace. This dishcloth project is a great first lace project because it's done on pretty big needles, making it quick, easy and cute.
