Another linen stitch project: this time a linen stitch dishcloth. I am cheating a bit with this one, because I used the pattern for the linen stitch lovie to make these linen stitch dishcloths.
They were supposed to be a Christmas gift, but according to a newspaper poll, handmade gifts are one of the Top-1o What-Not-To-Give gifts in the UK. I say that’s why I didn’t gift them in the end, but the truth is that I really liked them and really wanted to keep them for myself. Teehee.
{Just getting back to that silly poll quickly. I must be more of a geek than I realized, because I LOVE Handmade. So if any of you ever feel like making me something, bring it!}
I used a 5 mm crochet hook and Patons 100% Cotton DK. For dishcloths/washcloths I much prefer cotton to any other yarn. The cloths are sturdy, yet soft, and I love the way the stitches are so well defined. And have I mentioned that they scrub really well?
Although the pattern for the linen stitch lovie calls for 3 stripes in 3 different colours (and that does work very well for the Circus Elephant Lovie), I rather like the look I got from using the light-dark-light comborooni.
You can find the pattern for the linen stitch lovie/dishcloth/whatever here.
The first bit of the post is a step-by-step how-to for making the linen stitch. If you are comfortable with the stitch and just want the pattern, just scroll right on down. You will find the pattern at the end of the post.
This is a close-up of what the linen stitch “mesh” looks like.
I have one more linen stitch pattern lined up, this time with multiple colours, and I will be posting that next week. So if you are curious to see the linen stitch in all it’s colourful glory, you’ll just have to pop by again.
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Happy Hooking and Happy New Year!!!
MELANIE MARLEY says
Yes we do think it appropriate, well most people I know do. Obviously I can’t speak for the whole of the UK. Much more valued, unique and better quality. The only group I can imagine might find it inappropriate would be millennials.
Jenny Lowman says
I know my family seem to love hand made gifts, and that includes two millennials :)
Jennifer Guffanti says
I canot believe the UK dose not think it is appropriate to give handmade items as gifts. Everyone loves getting handmade items in the US.
I have made different types of handmade gifts for Chrstmas and other occasions. I have made scarves, hat , afgans , napkin rings , cloth napkins with crochet edging. Facial scrubbies with a crochet box to put them in.
Judi says
Does everyone in the US love getting home made gifts? That is surely speaking for a lot of people. I know most of my family love getting afghans I make but would not be so thrilled with anything else I would crochet. They would certainly not want socks, dish cloths, potholders, scrunches, face scrubbiest or cute tchotchkes. Perhaps it is all a matter of personal tastes and not at all where you reside?
Sherry says
I love the striped cable stich dishcloth!
I’ll be moving into a new home soon, so will make a few for my new kitchen!
While I’m at it, I’ll make some of your others as gifts, too.
Keep up the beautiful work!!!
Dedri Uys says
Good luck with your move. I hate moving and we seem to do it far more often than most, seeing as we rent. I hope your new home is fabulous and exactly what you wanted.
Laurie says
Hey Dedri,
I know this will sound really weird, but, I have never used or even heard of crocheted dish clothes. Are they something new?? I have asked a few older people and they haven’t heard of them either. Still loving your site xx
Dedri Uys says
Laurie, if you look at these search results you will see that there are very VERY many patterns for dishcloths, going back to the dawn of crochet.
They are popular to make as they are quick and the perfect way to test/learn a new stitch. A lot of people use them as potholders, to wipe counters, to wash with…
…but most people just make them because they are pretty.
I love my dishcloths and the pop of colour they lend to my dreary kitchen. I sometimes use them under a plate when serving biscuits to guests, or under a vase of flowers. Personally I also love using them to wash with (both dishes and my face/body). I should probably add that I don’t use the same cloth for both purposes, hehe.
Andrea says
I appreciate your response (and the one on Facebook). The best way to keep up with updates on our trip would be to subscribe to my blog or like my blog’s fan page on Facebook.
I, too, agree that God can use whatever he pleases to reach someone. I am excited for how he might use me this summer. I really hadn’t even had yarn on my mind concerning the trip except for a way to possibly raise money to get there!
I am sure we will be talking more in the time between now and June.
Cheers,
Andrea
Dedri Uys says
Thank you for getting back to me, Andrea. If there is anything I can do to help you (promotion/etc), please let me know.
Dedri
Andrea Warren says
Hey there!
I just found your blog by searching for new dishcloth patterns. I am currently raising money for my husband and my mission trip to Haiti/Dominican Republic. I love this pattern and plan to use it to gather donations for our trip.
I will also be using several patterns to teach the orphans we are going to serve while we are down in the Dominican. I am sure they will enjoy this pattern as well. Thanks for posting.
Cheers,
Andrea
Dedri Uys says
Andrea, it sounds like you and your husband are off on a glorious adventure! I wish you the best of luck with your work in Haiti/Dominican Republic. I hope that you will find the resources you need over there to teach the kids this precious hobby/craft of ours. I know that most people might not think of crochet as a way of ministering, but God is creative and I believe He uses whatever gifts He has given us to help us minister to people.
I would love to hear how your fund-raising/mission trip is going.
Dedri
Diana says
Oh I am so glad I stumbled upon your blog ! I make handmade for everyone in the family at Christmas (Yes I do make the gifts year round!!) when I see something I think they like I send them a link and ask so what do you think ? hehehe ..sneaky I know !
Thank you for putting the blog out in cyberspace so we all can enjoy it !!
Dedri Uys says
That’s a very good idea, Diana. That way you know they are getting something they like :) I should do that. I sometimes make little scribbles on my phone. Such and such likes carrot cake…such and such really needs new gloves…etc. If I don’t scribble it down, I forget.
Have fun!
Dedri
Christine Brown says
Happy New Year Dedri. I love your blog and handmade gifts too! CMB
Dedri Uys says
Christine!!! What a surprise :) Thank you and Happy New Year to you too xx