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[sfnative]

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@alliswell wrote:

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@Free2be wrote:

The best dish clothes I ever owned and wore out into shreds were crocheted.  I recently ordered one through Etsy but what I received was more like a piece of blanket that would hold water rather than allow water and food particles to run through open spaces.  I put it to use underneath the Aquasana to catch any drips.

The dishclothes I loved were more like heavy thread material or a very thin yarn than yarn used for throws or hats.  Wish I could find more.  I would not know what to buy to make my own, it's been decades since I've crotched anything.

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@Free2be  I think I know the type of dishcloth you mean.   Maybe @sfnative could give you an idea about the type of yarn to use.

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@Free2be

@alliswell

Please accept my apology for not getting right back to you.  I've had a bad spike in chronic migraine pain since last Thursday and my eyes are sensitive to the bright computer screen.

Dishcloths are quite the thing right now.  After years of being relegated to the bottom of the "interest" barrel, there has been a resurgence of interest thanks to yarn companies and technology.

Free2be:  It's possible your experience was due to the type of yarn used.  Many companies are using what is called "worsted weight cotton" yarn and have created patterns using this sweater and afghan weight yarn for dishcloths.  About 18 months ago, I crocheted several using this weight yearn and I must say it is not only weird, but takes a long time to dry.

To achieve the weight and feel of the dishcloths we know from years ago, look for "fingering" or "sport" weight yarns in 100% cotton.  If one purchases a cotton/acrylic mix, the dishcloth will not absorb water as expected.

Attention will need to be paid to the pattern: if you have a pattern which calls for worsted or DK yarn, you can certainly use fingering or sport weight yarn, but you'll be using a much smaller hook (3.0mm, 3.5mm or 4.0mm) and will need to add many repeats of the "pattern" contained within the instructions.

When complete, block your dishcloth.  You can do this easily by purchasing an 18x18 piece of foam or Styrofoam and some quilting pins with glass heads (long pins).  Place your dishcloth on the foam and smooth it out with your hands.  Starting at one end, place one pin in the middle of the dishcloth edge, pushing it about 1/3 of the way down.  Now continue adding pins, one to the right then left then right, etc., about 1/2" apart to the corners.  Now go to the opposide side/end and do the same, first pulling a bit on the dishcloth.  Sides:  You should have no more than a tic of indentation.  If more, then release one end and do it over.  When pinning the sides, start at the center, as with the ends and work right and left per the above.  Use a ruler or tape placed along that side, which touches both corners already pinned down.  This way, you can bring the sides right up to the ruler or tape and pin down per the above.  Once the dishcloth is pinned all around, get a spritzer bottle with water in it and spray the dishcloth liberally with water.  Leave it to dry where pets will not get at it, as you won't want pins to dislodge and perhaps injure your pet.  (Quilting pins or other steel pins purchased at a fabric store will not rust, so no worries about spraying water on them.)

Note:  Do not use wool to make dishcloths.  These will shrink, takes some time to dry and when placed in the dryer will "felt."  This means that you'll lose all definition of your stitches, as the wool fibers will have meshed with each other.  This is desirable in other instances, but not here.

Hope this helps.  Good Luck!  Crochet XXXs!

[Free2be]

@sfnativeTY for your help to explain so thoroughly.  I'll check out that particular weight yarn.  I found a pattern on YouTube that is simple enough for my level, eyesight, and hand dexterity.  LOL

[alliswell]

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@sfnative wrote:

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Please accept my apology for not getting right back to you.  I've had a bad spike in chronic migraine pain since last Thursday and my eyes are sensitive to the bright computer screen.

@sfnative I completely understand.  I've been known to wear sunglasses when looking at my computer screen.  I hope your migraine vanishes.

Thank you again for posting so much helpful information.

[ChouChou]

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@Free2be wrote:

The best dish clothes I ever owned and wore out into shreds were crocheted.  I recently ordered one through Etsy but what I received was more like a piece of blanket that would hold water rather than allow water and food particles to run through open spaces.  I put it to use underneath the Aquasana to catch any drips.

The dishclothes I loved were more like heavy thread material or a very thin yarn than yarn used for throws or hats.  Wish I could find more.  I would not know what to buy to make my own, it's been decades since I've crotched anything.

@Free2be

I think I know the ones you mean. My grandmother made them all the time. She used balls of cotton string that she bought at the hardware store. I made some many years ago and used them for years. I made them using half double crochet (hdc). I just might get some string and make myself some more. I had forgotten about them. HTH

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[sfnative]

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@Free2be wrote:

@sfnativeTY for your help to explain so thoroughly.  I'll check out that particular weight yarn.  I found a pattern on YouTube that is simple enough for my level, eyesight, and hand dexterity.  LOL

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@Free2be

Hi free2be,

I'm so happy I took time to visit here today.  I've been so busy crocheting lately, literally nearly all day long on several projects, that it seems all else has fallen by the wayside.

I'm so glad you found a pattern on YouTube that suits your abilites, etc..  Many times that can take quite some time.

Because we were talking about lighter weight yarns and I just opened up to your new comment, I wanted to share with you one of the projects I'm working on at present.  It's a MAL, which is short for a "Make-a-Long."  This shawl will be 60" from tip to tip once complete and uses ones choice of a Scheepjes Whirl, plus Whirlette to match.  The Whirls are the Fingering weight of which I spoke and I'm using a 3.0mm hook.  This MAL just started on the 11th, which is when Part 1 was released.  The designer, Lilla Bjorn, will release Part 2 next week and so on, until the shawl is complete.  I chose a Whirl called "Red Velvet Sunrise," because I've seen these colors in gorgeous Southwest U.S. sunsets, when at conventions.

We're all encouraged to share our work-in-progress, so this morning I went out and took a photo with my Whirl and Whirlette.  This is typically how crocheters photograph their works - outside.  Since makers from many nations are involved in this MAL, it's wonderful to see their photos and sort of get to know them over the course of numerous weeks.  I also like that you have an entire week to work through each "Part," once it's published online.  If you're interested in viewing the completed shawl, check it out on the Scheepjes home page plus dot com.  Lilla Bjorn's name will be affiliated with the photos, so look for that.  (This shawel is absolutely, drop-dead gorgeous when complete.  Can't wait to get there.

Enjoy your crocheting journey!