Blocking Tips & Tricks

I've gotten a few questions on how to get your dishcloth looking its best, so I put together a little to-do list to ensure the best possible looking cloth.

• Use a small knitting needle.  I know cotton is heavy and can be hard on your hands when using a small needle, but it really does produce the best stitch definition.  It also makes a denser, more absorbent fabric.  I recommend a US#3 needle in all my patterns.  You may go down to US#2 if you wish, but I wouldn't recommend anything smaller (that would really hurt your hands!).

• Try to keep your tension as even as possible while switching from knit stitches to purl stitches.  Most holes appear when switching from a knit stitch to a purl stitch, so make sure your yarn is pulled tightly to the front of your work before making that first purl stitch.

• When you've finished your dishcloth and have weaved in the loose ends, soak the cloth in a warm bath.  I add a drop or two of baby shampoo to the water -- it gives it a softer touch.  Soak your cloth until it is completely saturated.  You will see air bubbles as the cotton soaks.  Once the air bubbles are gone (about 10-15 minutes), stretch your dishcloth out under the water.  This gives you a chance to even out your stitches.

• Gently squeeze out your dishcloth and lay flat.  You can then stretch the cloth out again, but be careful not to stretch it so much that the picture become distorted.  Gentle fingers!  =)  Then, press down on the stockinette stitches.  Be careful not to push down on the purl stitches.  This is what helps the image to "pop".  For small areas (say 1 or 2 stockinette stitches), you can use a crochet hook to push them down.  I usually let my dishcloth sit for a couple hours, then press down on the stockinette stitches again.

I hope this helps!  If you have any tips or advice, leave a comment!  I'd love to hear if anyone has a different strategy.  =)

LOVE Dishcloth

Another Valentine's Day inspired cloth!  This one would be perfect for gifting.  Mine is going to my daughter's daycare teacher!  =)  Happy knitting, everyone!

LOVE Dishcloth

Supplies:

1 Skein Lily Sugar n Cream yarn

US #3/3.25mm needles

Yarn needle

(Finished size approximately 8" x 6")

Instructions:

Cast on 43 sts

Row 1 (and all odd rows): K

Row 2: K

Row 4: K

Row 6: K

Row 8: K9, P25, K9

Row 10: K8, P27, K8

Row 12: K7, P29, K7

Row 14: K6, P31, K6

Row 16: K5, P33, K5

Row 18: K4, P35, K4

Row 20: K3, P3, K6, P4, K1, P8, K3, P3, K6, P3, K3

Row 22: K3, P3, K6, P3, K3, P7, K3, P3, K6, P3, K3

Row 24: K3, P3, K2, P6, K5, P5, K2, P1, K2, P2, K2, P7, K3

Row 26: K3, P3, K2, P5, K7, P4, K2, P1, K2, P2, K2, P7, K3

Row 28: K3, P3, K2, P4, K9, P2, K2, P3, K2, P1, K4, P5, K3

Row 30: K3, P3, K2, P3, K11, P1, K2, P3, K2, P1, K4, P5, K3

Row 32: K3, P3, K2, P3, K11, P1, K2, P3, K2, P1, K2, P7, K3

Row 34: K3, P3, K2, P3, K11, P1, K2, P3, K2, P1, K2, P7, K3

Row 36: K3, P3, K2, P4, K4, P1, K4, P2, K2, P3, K2, P1, K6, P3, K3

Row 38: K3, P3, K2, P5, K2, P3, K2, P3, K2, P3, K2, P1, K6, P3, K3

Row 40: K4, P35, K4

Row 42: K5, P33, K5

Row 44: K6, P31, K6

Row 46: K7, P29, K7

Row 48: K8, P27, K8

Row 50: K9, P25, K9

Row 52: K

Row 54: K

Row 56: K

Row 58: Bind off

Weave in ends and block, pushing down on  the stockinette stitches so the purl stitches "pop".

Birdhouse of Love Dishcloth

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and I've already started decorating the house with red, pink, hearts and yummy smelling candles.  We don't usually do much, just a heart shaped pizza and a romantic movie, but I just love decking our home out with all the valentine trimmings I can!  So of course I came up with a few valentine inspired dishcloths.  This first one is actually my favorite....I think it turned out so cute!  It also reminds me that spring is coming and soon I'll be waking up to the birds singing.  =)

This pattern is available to purchase as a PDF file for $1.50.  This pattern is available to purchase on Ravelry, but please note that you do not need an account to purchase it.  Just click on the link below and it will take you directly to Paypal.

For the Love of Hot Cocoa Dishcloth

I love hot chocolate.  To me, there's really nothing better than curling up on a chilly night with a blanket, a good book, and a steamy cup of hot chocolate.  I recently found a peppermint hot chocolate mix at our local grocery store and can't get enough of it!  Especially since Shane has started making Peppermint Mocha coffee for us on the weekend, topped with whipped cream.......yummm....

So my love of hot cocoa inspired this dishcloth.  For all the chocolate lovers out there, happy knitting!

This pattern is available to purchase as a PDF file for $1.50. This pattern is available to purchase on Ravelry, but please note that you do not need an account to purchase it. Just click on the link below and it will take you directly to Paypal.

Happy New Year!

Ah yes.....today is the day that so many resolutions are made and acted upon.  I think mine are the same every year, most of which are forgotten by March!  =)  I would like to thank everyone who has visited my blog in 2011.  I've really enjoyed reading all your comments and hope I can continue to give you some fun dishcloths to knit this year.  From our family to yours, Happy New Year!  Welcome, 2012!