The nights are drawing in, and it’s the perfect time to get into some crafting. So how about making something that’s really useful?
Crocheting or knitting your own eco-friendly dishcloths is really easy, and fun to do. And it’s cheaper and more sustainable than the shop-bought options.
Beginner project
Even if you aren’t specially proficient at crochet or knitting, making your own dishcloths is the perfect beginner project. There’s no “wrong size” for a dishcloth, and it doesn’t matter if your stitches aren’t perfectly even. In fact, it’s part of the homemade charm.
Choosing your yarn
For an eco-friendly dishcloth, you will want to choose a sustainable yarn. Think natural fibres such as hemp or linen, or organic cotton. Recycled yarns are even better. This is a great way to use up oddments of yarn from other projects too.
If you want a “scrubbier” cloth, choose a coarser yarn such as hemp or even natural twine.
Man-made materials such as polyester are best avoided as they shed micro-particles, which wash down the drain and into our water systems – and ultimately, our rivers and seas.
How to make your eco-friendly dishcloths
Essentially, a dishcloth can be a simple square or rectangle. So even if you are an absolute beginner, this is a great way to practice different stitches.
Using a bigger hook or needle will give you a looser weave, and your cloth will dry more quickly.
If you are feeling adventurous you can try creating patterns or adding fancy edging to your cloths.
There are lots of free patterns available online for homemade eco-friendly dishcloths. Try these from lovecraft.com to get you started with crochet. Or if knitting is more your thing, try these from letsknit.com.
Brand new to crochet? Try this beginner’s guide from Prima Magazine. Beginner knitters start here with these tips from sheepandstitch.com.
Washing your eco-friendly dishcloths
For sustainable, planet-friendly (and people-friendly) cleaning, bleach is best avoided. So, you can wash your homemade dishcloths in your washing machine in the normal way. For an an extra clean, submerge your cloths in boiling water for a few minutes before throwing them in the washing machine. Soaking your cloths in a solution of half hot water, half white vinegar, will also keep them fresh.
Avoid using fabric softener in your wash. This leaves a water-repellant residue which makes your dishcloth less absorbent.
If you can, hang your eco-friendly dishcloths outside to dry in the sunshine. Not only will they dry perfectly and smell fresh, the sunlight will also bleach them.
Between washes, always wash out your cloths, rinse thoroughly and hang them to dry flat so they stay smelling fresh.
Not just dishcloths
Of course, you don’t need to stop at dishcloths. Choose a lovely soft yarn for homemade washcloths to use in the shower, or make small versions to use as cleansing pads for removing makeup.
Gift ideas
A friend recently gave me some homemade eco-friendly dishcloths and washcloths and I have loved using them. I think they would make a lovely stocking filler for Christmas. So what are you waiting for? Get stitching!
