Free Crochet Pattern - Best Little Dishcloth EVER!

This pattern originally appeared in the Fall issue of Crochetvolution, 2013.

Please note, this pattern is copyrighted and may not be reproduced or redistributed.

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The Sponge vs. The Dishcloth.

Some people feel very strongly about one or the other. Me-I prefer sponges and don’t care for dishcloths. I always found them too big and bulky and they slopped the soapy water all over the place. I always liked sponges; so small and compact they could fit inside my reusable water bottles to clean them and also tackle the dishes without a hitch. But sponges are icky. We’ve all heard or read the reports about how kitchen sponges and dishcloths are breeding grounds for bacteria. So what are we supposed to do? Use a sponge once then throw it out? Use paper towels? Not only is that wasteful, but expensive too. The eco-conscious, thrifty, crafty lady inside me knew there was a better way. Designing my own perfect dishcloth was the only logical solution. The result: a handmade dishcloth, small enough to work like a sponge but machine washable so it could be replaced daily. It doesn’t get any easier than this!

The Best Little Dishcloth EVER! Make a stack of them and pull out a fresh, clean, germ-free one as needed-at least once a day or more often if you do a lot of cooking and cleaning throughout the day. They are small enough to be laundered with your regular laundry and not take up much space at all.

Want a cute gift idea? Make a week’s worth and pair them up with some handmade soap. Tie with raffia and you’ve got an instant handmade gift.


FINISHED SIZE: 4.5” X 5”

MATERIALS:

• Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Twists [100% cotton; 603yd/551m per 12oz/340g skein]  One dishcloth uses approximately ½ oz or 25 yards of yarn.
• H/5.0mm hook

GAUGE: Not important

NOTES: Written with standard US stitches.

• Ch-chain
• Sc-single crochet

Working in the Back Bump.

By working the 1st row of stitches in the back bump of the chain, the result is a nicer finished edge that matches the top edge. If you have trouble with this, work in the chain as you normally would. It isn’t essential to the project.  If you would like to see a video on this method, please visit this page: http://crochetbydarleenhopkins.com/2013/06/14/starting-crochet-working-in-the-back-bump-video-how-to/

PATTERN

Ch 21

http://freecrochetpatternsbydarleen.blogspot.com/

1) Work in the back bump, see below. Sc-ch 1 in 2nd ch from hook, skip next ch, *sc-ch 1, skip next ch; repeat from * 7 more times, sc twice. Ch 1 and turn. (20 stitches)

 2-18) Sc-ch 1 in 1st, skip next stitch, *sc-ch 1 in the ch 1 space from the previous row, skip next stitch; repeat from * 7 more times, sc in ch 1 in space from previous row, sc in last, ch 1 and turn. (20 stitches)

After row 18, break off yarn, work in ends and scrub away.

Free Crochet Pattern - Snowflake Ice Scraper Mitt

This pattern is a great way to use an old damaged wool sweater.  Felt it and cut the front and back to the appropriate size.  Don’t have an old sweater available?  Look at your local thrift store for a hidden treasure.  Or you could crochet the pieces.  Most wool shrinks by 20%-30% when felted.  Crochet two rectangles in half double crochet that is at least 16” X 13” and then felt it.  Trim it to the appropriate size as stated in the pattern.  Want to learn more about felting?  See this blog post for information about how to felt.  It's easy, it's fun, it's inexpensive and a great way to repurpose something old into something new and useful.

Please note, this pattern is copyrighted and may not be reproduced or redistributed.

Want to be the first to hear about new FREE patterns by Darleen?  Sign up for email notification (see sidebar) or subscribe via RSS feed.  Don't forget to LIKE for Facebook updates, crochet fun and coupon codes. Join the Crochet by Darleen Hopkins Newsletter http://crochetbydarleenhopkins.com/newsletter/.

FINISHED SIZE: Mitt-11” X 9”, Snowflake-6” point to point.

SUPPLIES: Worsted weight 100% wool yarn or substitute any feltable worsted weight yarn
   F/ 5 3.75mm hook
   Two pieces of felted wool trimmed to 11” X 9” (perfect use of an old wool sweater)
   Ice scraper

GAUGE: Not important

SKILL LEVEL: Easy/Intermediate; requires concentration

NOTES: Pattern is written using standard US stitches.
sl st = slip stitch
ch  = chain
sc = single crochet
magic circle/adjustable ring = see this photo tutorial: http://crochetbydarleenhopkins.com/2013/01/23/magic-circle-aka-adjustable-ring-how-to/

Snowflake

Center Ring-unless otherwise noted, work in a continuous spiral, do not join rounds.  Mark the beginning of each round.

1) Using magic circle/adjustable ring method, work 8 sc in loop.  Tighten.

2) * Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc; repeat from * 3 more times around. (12 stitches total)

Snowflake Point-first you will work the length of the point by chaining and working loops (Steps 1 - 4).  Then you will work back down the same chain by slip stitching into the chain and working loops on the opposite side of the loops already made (Steps 5 - 12). 

Note-be careful not to twist the chain and keep the loops to your right (left if left-handed).

Step 1) Sc in next stitch, ch 9, sl st in 6th chain from hook.  Loop (A) made.

Step 2) Ch 9, sl st in 6th chain from hook.  Loop (B) made.

Step 3) Ch 11, sl st in 8th chain from the hook.  Loop (C) made.

Step 4) Ch 6, sl st in both the slip stitch and the chain from loop (C).  See photo X.

Step 5) Working back down the chain, sl st in the next 3 chains.

Step 6) Sl st in both the slip stitch and the chain from loop (B).  See photo X.

Step 7) Ch 4, slip stitch in just the chain from loop (B).  See photo Y.

Step 8) Working back down the chain, sl st in the next 3 chains.

Step 9) Sl st in both the slip stitch and the chain from loop (A).  See photo X.

Step 10) Ch 4, slip stitch in just the chain from loop (A).  See photo Y.

Step 11) Working back down the chain, sl st in the next 3 chains.

Step 12) Sc in next stitch on the center ring.

Starting from Step 1, repeat 5 more times.  End with a sl st in the first sc from the first point. 
(6 snowflake points, 6 sc)

Photo X

Photo Y

 Assembly

Block the snowflake.  Sew the snowflake onto the first piece of felt. 
Place the two pieces of felt together (snowflake on top), and starting in the upper right corner, whip stitch down the first side of the mitt, sewing the two pieces together.  Turn the corner and continue whip stitching the two pieces together for 3 ½”.  Leave a 2” opening in the middle for the ice scraper (continue adding decorative stitching to one side) then finish whip stitching the bottom 3½” together.  Turn the corner and whip stitch the second side together.  Turn the last corner and whip stitch the first 1½” together.  Continue adding decorative stitching to one side of the felt for 6”.  This is the arm opening.  Whip stitch the last 1½” together.   Break off yarn.  Last, add decorative stitching to the two opening sides that were previously skipped. 
Enjoy!