Crochet guide
Yarn for dishcloths and washcloths
Make dishcloths and washcloths in cotton. Cotton takes up water, it is strong, and it stands up to being washed again and again. Acrylic, the other common yarn, absorbs far less, so it tends to push water around instead of soaking it up.
On this page 8 parts
Why cotton
A cloth that gets wet has two jobs: to take up water, and to come through the wash many times over. Cotton does both. It is absorbent, strong and hard-wearing, which is why it is the usual yarn for dishcloths, washcloths and face cloths.
The fibers compared for a cloth
| Fiber | For a cloth that gets wet |
|---|---|
| Cotton | The usual choice: absorbent, strong, and it lasts through many washes |
| Bamboo, alone or blended with cotton | Also used. Bamboo is an absorbent plant fiber too |
| Acrylic | Not suited: it absorbs little, so the cloth moves water about without taking it up |
Types of yarn describes each fiber in general.
Which weight and which hook
Medium weight cotton, the weight labeled 4 and often called worsted, is the usual yarn for a cloth. Patterns for cloths commonly pair it with a hook of about 5 mm (H-8). The hook size by yarn weight chart shows the full range of hooks for each weight.
For a firmer, denser cloth, go down a hook size: a smaller hook makes a tighter, more solid fabric. See what a bigger or smaller hook does.
Working with cotton
Cotton has very little stretch, so it does not give under the hook the way acrylic does. If you tend to crochet tightly, the stitches can be hard to work into. Holding the yarn a little more loosely can help. Yarn tension has more on tight and loose stitches.
A first project
A dishcloth is a common first piece for a beginner: it is small, flat and square, and it practices the basic stitches. If you are just starting, see how to crochet and things to crochet.
How big
A square of about 6 to 8 in (15 to 20 cm) is a common size for a cloth. It does not have to be exact: a cloth works as well a little bigger or smaller, so there is no need to match a gauge.
Washing and drying
Cotton cloths are made to be washed often. A cotton cloth can stretch a little in use and draw back in when it is washed. Follow the washing instructions on the yarn's label, and see how to wash crochet.
A small loop at one corner lets the cloth hang up to dry. See hanging loops and button loops.