How to Knit a Washcloth

washcloth and pretty soap with hydrangea

First Knitting project: a washcloth

If you would like to learn how to knit, start with a washcloth! They are so useful and a great way to start the wonderful art of knitting. No matter how long I am stuck at home or waiting somewhere, I can bring along a little washcloth project and keep busy. There is something about the rhythm of knitting that can be very relaxing.

I take a skein of cotton and size 6 needles in the car and knit everywhere. Car washes, school pickup lines, red lights, baseball games, out for ice cream. I churn them out and not only are they useful, they make the perfect little gift! Last year I gave them to my grandchildren’s teachers at Christmas. I packaged them up with fun soap and gave them as hostess gifts. The same cloth can be a simple washcloth, a dishcloth, a spa cloth and a baby washcloth! Super versatile and when I’m not gifting them, I’m using them!

For now I am knitting a lot in my favorite chair in my family room. Babies are still being born, and mommies can really use washcloths for new babies! I have made these washcloths for toddlers who have ended up using them as lovies and sleep with them. Once you learn how to knit a washcloth you will never want to stop!

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Yarn

Washcloths or dishcloths must be knit with cotton. Cotton is the best fiber because it is absorbent and soft. My favorite cotton yarn is from Hobby Lobby called I Love This Cotton. It comes in sparkly colors and variegated as well, and all work for washcloths.

2 skeins cotton yarn

Needles

For washcloths, a number 6 needle is usually recommended for the 2 brands of cotton yarn that I am recommending. My favorite needles are knitpicks caspian needles. “Caspian boasts the same strong, smooth layers of laminated birch and sharp, gradually tapered tips that you know and love. The burnished surface of Caspian delivers just the right amount of grip to easily manage slippery yarns while warming quickly in your hands for hours of comfortable knitting.”