Dishcloth Emergency!

During kitchen clean-up a while ago, we realized we were out of usable dishcloths. I usually have a stash, so this was a bit of a surprise. While watching Conclave with my daughter, I grabbed some navy blue yarn and had one finished before the finale. (Knitting during a tense film adds an extra challenge—luckily, no dropped stitches this time.)

My mom used to knit dishcloths for herself and as gifts for visitors. I always thought her style leaned a bit “granny-like,” so I’ve reinterpreted the idea with a more modern take on design and color. They’re incredibly easy to knit—perfect for beginners and satisfying for experienced knitters who want a quick, no-fuss project.

I make mine out of cotton, but I’ve also made scrubby hemp versions (you can see one as the cover image on my homepage). Both fibers are durable, natural, and washable—ideal for kitchen and bathroom use. And they’re not just for dishes—teens love them as facial scrubbers! With so many gorgeous cotton yarns available, I’ve experimented with neons, classics, and muted tones.

If you’re looking for a simple, satisfying mini project, here’s how to make one:

1. Grab a pair of US 7 or US 8 needles.

2. Choose a worsted-weight cotton yarn. I love Dishie (the name says it all), and you can easily find sources for it with a quick web search.

3. Cast on 35 stitches (or any odd number).

4. Knit every row until you reach your desired size and shape.

5. Cast off and sew in ends.

I prefer a modern, simple edge, but there are endless variations—edgings, stripes, or even textured patterns for more advanced knitters. A quick search will give you plenty of options.

The best part? These are so fast to knit that you can finish one in the time it takes to watch a movie. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating something useful with just a bit of yarn and a couple of hours. It’s always nice to keep some cotton yarn on hand for when the urge—or, in my case, the need—hits!