When I first discovered that people actually crocheted and knitted dishcloths and washcloths I was astounded. Wouldn’t the traditional square of terry towelling do? And why crochet or knit hot pads and potholders? Why spend that time on making such utilitarian items? Now I know why!
It’s so much fun! What a great way to use small amounts of yarn left over from other projects (these are all crocheted in worsted weight cotton: Lily Sugar’n'Cream, purchased from American Yarns Online). What a great way to play with colour! What a great way to learn new techniques and experiement with shape and form! All incredibly satisfying. Mine will probably end up on a wall as decoration rather than what they were designed for, but you never know.
The Chrysanthemum Dishcloth (a free pattern but you need to register).
The Ripple Potholder (but mine is only one layer so it’s a dishcloth)
The Scalloped Potholder (I did make this double-sided, brown on one, yellow on the other)
A Stir Me Up potholder (free Ravelry download) – this one is slightly different on each side as well
Another Flower Hot Pad
And a Starburst hotpad
And that’s it! I’m all out of the yarn – about a metre left of each. I worked all of these with a 4.5mm hook. Lots and lots of fun – why not give one (or two) a try?
Wow those potholders are gorgeous, love the last 2 the most I think. I am sure you can put them up on the wall as decorations like Kate from Foxslane does!
I just love this kind of designs.
I love crocheting small pieces of craft such as squares, potholders… You see the results in a short amount of time.
Thanks for sharing the patterns! I’ll use them asap, no doubts…
Funny, I had the same reaction. Looking at your beautiful creations, I can see why people do it. But they’re works of art, not utilitarian items!
They’re beautiful
When I first read that people crochet dishcloths I wondered why as well. I didn’t see the point. Then I bought a book of 99 crochet dishcloth patterns, failed dismally when I tried two different patterns, and I’m back to wondering why people would crochet them. Seeing how beautiful yours are, perhaps I should just try a simple simple SIMPLE pattern!
I love these Lara & yes a fabulous way to use up the little left over bits & pieces.
Wall art I say. Especially if you think any of them are DISHCLOTHS. Pot holders I can come at – at a pinch. But not DISHCLOTHS.
When I first saw these pop up on your flickr stream I fell of the chair…just SO beautiful Lara!
So much better than a piece of towelling! I particularly love the last two. I think it’s lovely when you visit someone elses bathroom and see pretty things like that too!
Really beautiful. An addiction of mine too. It’s so nice to finish something in an hour or so. Instant gratification of the crafting kind. I do use all of mine. I like seeing them when I use them. As William Morris is quoted as saying, ““Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”
Absolutely loving these, especially the ones where you have used the multicoloured wool in small sections. You must really enjoy the dishes now
)
OMG. How cool are these?? Love the colours too. Really bright and happy.
Thanks for sharing all these great designs. I definitely will whip some up for gifts.
Love those! I’ve only done simple square dishcloths, but will have to try some of these fun designs. I have to say, the crocheted and knitted dishcloths I have are my favorites, because they work so well, and last so long. And they are really, really fast to do. I can make a simple square one in about an hour. And if it’s not perfect…who cares? I’ll be washing dishes with it.
It would be a sin to wash a dish with any of those Lara. I love the second one…
They look fantastic, and they would look brilliant on the wall of your sewing room. I thought the idea of a crochet dish cloth was a bit fuddy-duddy, but now I have changed my mind.
I too had the same inital thoughts as you. While I have yet to crochet them (loving the last 2 especially) I have taken to knitting themed ones eg, Xmas, Baby, Alphabets and loved them. But I am now really interested in your ones
May of the fancy potholders croched back in the late 40′s and 60′s in the US were used as wall decor. These are sweet ones that you’ve made. Try them with crochet cotton (finer than yarn)
Beautiful potholders!
Until I saw your photos, I thought I really didn’t like crocheted potholders very much. Now I am in love! Thanks for showing off your beautiful projects! Love your color choices, too! I have a bag full of Sugar n’ Cream that was originally going to make some plain jane dish cloths. Psh! I’m gonna make these pretty ones!!
Hello there, remember me? I love them, my fav is the stars – gorgeous!
Oh my goodness! You are amazing!! I love all these. I’ve done washcloths before, but they were just boring textured squares. Yours are works of art!
Wow – these are so so beautiful – both the design and your workmanship – I am in awe – I love the Starburst – sized up it would make a great cushion!
Awesome work! Awesome color combinations! This is my first visit to your blog. I’ll definitely keep coming back to view your creativity!
What a brilliant idea – and a cheery way to tackle those non cheery tasks!
They are beautiful, far to pretty to be used, they need to be hung somewhere and admired.
Jacey
These are great! I’ve done one of them, the folded star, and now I can’t wait to try more! Saw you on i-crochet and would love to have you contribute at my weekly blog linking party, opens Sunday but is open most of the week. all the best, and hope to see you there!
I’m looking for a pattern for a pot holder that is 4 wash cloths with the edges all crocheted together and then folded and laid flat so that the upper and lower sides of the potholder’s crocheted seams/edges form an X (with corners/ points to the center). This is a pattern my grandmother used for making potholders. The crochet stitches are not yarn but thread and thus strong but more delicate looking. Can anyone help or has this way of doing the potholders become history?
These are awesome! Just the kind of small, quick project I’m looking for. And you know we all have the yarn waiting…