Since I am on the kick of kitchen and cleaning products to knit and crochet to save money I thought I would share some free dish cloth patterns with you. I have a ton of these on hand for all kinds of different uses. I stopped buying paper towels as a way to reduce my carbon footprint and these cloths are super absorbent and can handle any mess better than any paper towel. I usually crochet a little loop on one corner and hang them inside my cupboard so I always have them on hand.

Alex's Cloth

This is a nice cloth with a lovely checker pattern. Just the right size for doing dishes and kitchen cleanups.

Materials: 1 ball Cotton yarn, Size 4mm or 4.5mm needles, (US 6 or 7).

Click here for free pattern.

Cupcake Dish Cloth

I love this cloth. So cute and interesting to knit. Add a sweet touch to your kitchen with this dish cloth pattern.

Size: approximately 8 ¾” X 7 ¾”.

Materials: One skein of worsted weight cotton. The cloth pictured was done in Peaches & Crème in Baby Pink.

Needles: Size 6
Gauge: 4.5 sts. per inch, not critical

Click here for the free pattern.

Nubby Crochet Dish Cloth

This is a super thick and absorbent dish cloth pattern. This one is crochet for all of you crocheters out there.

Click here to download the pdf pattern.

Christmas Wreath Dishcloth

Since the holidays will be here before long, here is a cute crochet Christmas wreath cloth pattern.

Materials:  100% cotton Sugar & Cream yarn in the colors of red, white and green

Crochet Hook size H

Large Tapestry Needle for making french knots & weaving in the ends

Click here for the free pattern.

If you like these knit and crochet dish cloth patterns please leave me a comment. I am doing a contest. I will draw one name from the people who leave comments each month and will send you a free dishcloth that I will knit up for you. So the more comments you leave on my blog posts the greater your chance of winning!

Technorati Tags: crochet dish cloth patterns, free crochet patterns, free knitting patterns, knit dish cloth patterns

Chemical Free, Waste Free Cleaning

I love the convenience of my Swiffer, but I do not love the cost of the replacement cleaner and disposable pads or the effect using disposable pads and chemicals have on the environment. My solution was to create some eco-friendly and budget friendly cleaning alternatives.
Let’s face it, we all hate cleaning but we love having a clean house. The convenience of these use and toss products makes it easier but there is a way you can have the best of both worlds.
Here is the pattern for reusable Swiffer pads, paperless paper towels and reusable Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush pads. For the total cost of $3 you can save about $500/year on cleaning supplies and chemicals and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.

Reusable Swiffer Pad

Materials:
2 balls Bernat Craft Cotton (50g)
5mm (H/8) crochet hook
2 buttons

Note: I make my pad 1″ longer on each side. This gives me really good edge cleaning abilities. Better than the disposable pads. If you want to add “scrubbing” abilities, try adding some jute twine with your yarn for the center 4 rows. This will make an abrasive strip. (kind of hard on the hands when working up though)

Instructions:
Ch 40, dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across.
Ch 3 turn, dc in each dc across.
Repeat last row till 17 rows have been worked.
Fasten off.
Sew one button 2 1/2 inches from edge on each end of one long side.
Put the pad on the Swiffer stretching to button around the head.
Grab a spray bottle with 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water or refill your wet jet bottle with the vinegar solution and you are all ready to go. Spray the floor and mop with your new Swiffer pad. When you are done just toss the pad into the washing machine in cold water and hang to dry. (If you want to be able to use hot water and dry in the dryer you will need to make the pad larger to allow for shrinkage)

Tip: To refill your Wet Jet bottle, you will need to soak the lid in boiling water for at least 1 minute. Then grab a cloth and wrap around the lid and pull off. Fill with the vinegar and water solution.
If you can’t get the lid off, another alternative is to leave the bottle on the Swiffer, drill or cut a whole in the bottom of the bottle, fill with a funnel and place a cork in the hole.

Reusable Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush Pads

Ch 10, dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across.
Ch3 and turn, dc in each dc across.
Repeat last row till pad is 8″ long. Fasten off.
Fold the pad in 3 and clip into your fresh brush. Dip in full strength vinegar. Flush the toilet and pour a few cups of vinegar in bowl as it is filling. Scrub under the rim with the pad and full strength vinegar, scrub sides of the bowl. Squeeze the pad against the side of the bowl to wring it out a bit. Pop the pad off right into the washing machine. There, now you have the convenience of a “no touch” clean with no waste or chemicals.

Paperless Paper Towels

Use the balance of your yarn making two different sized cleanup cloths.
Cloth 1
Ch 20, dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across.
Ch 3 and turn, dc in each dc across.
Repeat last row till 12 rows are worked. Ch 10, sl st into corner stitch to form a loop for hanging. Fasten off.

Cloth 2
Ch 16. Dc in second ch from hook and in each ch across.
Ch 3 and turn, dc in each ch across.
Repeat last row until you run out of yarn.

Now you are armed with all you need to clean your house chemical free and environmentally friendly. I make a ton of these cloths in all different sizes and keep them hung on a cup hook inside my cupboard under the sink. Small ones are great for counter top cleanups and small spills.
I even make some of these and use at the table in place of paper napkins or serviettes. The kids each have their own color. Then just wet them to wash their hands and face and toss in the wash when dinner is done.

If you like these patterns please leave me a comment. Or if you have another “green” pattern or eco-tip please leave it for other readers. If we all do our part we will be happier, healthier and greener.

Technorati Tags: chemical free cleaning, green cleaning tips, reusable swiffer pads

This is a really fun and different project… you will get lots of comments if you bring this knitting to a meeting! But I especially love the texture this bathmat adds to a bathroom.
Skills Needed

You need to know how to knit, purl and cable.
Size

Approximately 18″ wide and desired length. The sample is 36” long for a bathtub, it can be shorter for a smaller shower.
Materials
Rag Yarn

Sample used two pre-washed twin size sheets ripped into 1 ½” strips and connected as per the rag knitting tutorial on cocoknits.com.
Needles

# 19 needles.

Gauge

Using # 19 needles over moss st, approximately 1 st per inch.
Abbreviations

CO – cast on

BO – bind off

st(s) – stitch(es)

c4b – cable 4 sts behind. Slip next 4 sts onto cable needle (in this case I used a chopstick) and hold at the back of your work. Knit 4 sts, then knit 4 from cable needle.
Directions

CO 26 sts.

Row 1, 3, 7 (RS): [k1, p1] four times, p1, k8, p1, [p1, k1] four times.

Row 2 and all WS rows: [k1, p1] four times, k1, p8, k1, [p1, k1] four times.

Row 5: [k1, p1] four times, p1, c4b, p1, [p1, k1] four times.

Repeat these 8 rows until you reach the desired length. BO on a row 1 of pattern.

Finishing

add fringe by cutting rag “yarn” into 4″ long pieces and attaching to either edge as follows

Click Here For a tutorial on how to prepare your rag yarn.

My Tip: If you want to make this bath mat non-skid just hand stitch a few recycled rubber bands onto the back of it. They will grip the floor and keep the bath mat from sliding.

Technorati Tags: bathroom knit patterns, free gift knitting patterns, free knitting patterns, home made gift, home made gifts, homemade gift patterns, knitted bath mat, rag knitting, recycled gift patterns, recycled knitting

Knit Spa Gift Set

This knit soap cover pattern is the perfect gift to combine with a bar of fancy spa soap. It is part of my Knit Spa Gift Set which includes the hand towel and face cloth.

Soap covers do two things. They allow you to use your soap right to the finish without having to deal with that little sliver of soap that breaks apart. It is still usable within the cover. So you no longer waste that last bit. It also makes your soap last twice as long. Perfect if you love fancy spa soaps like I do! I don’t mind spending $5-$10 for a fancy bar of soap if I know it will last twice as long. Slip that bar of soap into the shower bag and it will lather beautifully. The nubby texture of the soap cover will make you cleaner as it gently exfoliates the skin while you shower.

Soap Cover - Shower Bag Pattern

Knit Soap Cover – Shower Bag Pattern

Materials:

Bernat Ultrasoft Cotton: White 1 Ball (42.5 grs)

Scrap of any color cotton for Icord tie.

Scrap of fingering weight cotton for trim (optional)

Size 5mm (8) double point needles

Size 2.5 mm crochet hook

Directions:

CO 6 sts on DPN.

Row 1: kfb in each st. (knit in front and back of each st) (12 sts)

Row 2: *K1, kfb. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

Row 3: *K2, kfb. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

Row 4: *K3, kfb. Repeat from * around (30 sts)

Row 5: *K4, kfb. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)

Rows 6-8: Knit.

**Row 9: *K1, slip 1. Repeat from * around.

Row 10: Purl.

Rows 11-26: Repeat last 2 rows.

Rows 27- 30: knit

Row 28: (eyelet row) *YO, K2tg. Repeat from * around.

Rows 29-32: knit.

BO.

Trim:

Attach fingering weight cotton and work 1 row of clover st as follows:

*Ch3, slip st in 1st ch of ch 3, ch 5, sl st in 1st ch of ch5, ch 3, sl st in 1st ch of ch3, sk 3 sts, sl st in next st. Repeat from * around. Fasten off.

On dpn CO 3 sts. Work I-cord for 8″.

Finishing:

Weave in ends. Thread I-cord through eyelets.

Give this soap cover pattern a try. You will love the results!

Technorati Tags: hand knit gift, home made gifts, knit shower bag, knit soap cover, knit spa gift set, knit spa items

Knit Spa Gift Set

Hand knit spa items make the perfect gift for any occasion. I keep a large selection on hand as a quick go-to when you need to come up with a gift in a hurry. This set is one that I have in my own bathroom and use every day. There just isn’t anything that I have found in spa stores that I like better.

Another great thing about them is they are so inexpensive to make yet impressive to receive as a gift. I have never given them to anyone who hasn’t whole-heartedly appreciated them.

This hand towel pattern is part of a complete spa gift set. You will find patterns for the face scrubbie and the shower bag in other posts. It made this post way to long to include all three patterns in one post.

Go here for the face scrubbie and here for the shower bag/soap cover. I will also be posting some great spa recipes that you can make yourself to include in the gift set or just to pamper yourself!

Knit Hand Towel Pattern

Knit Hand Towel Pattern

This hand towel is thick and thirsty and super soft. I used Bernat Ultrasoft Cotton In Key Lime Pie and Hot Green and White and I added a crochet trim in Patons Grace Cotton. You can use any colour combination or solids you like. Any worsted weight cotton yarn will work and any fingering weight cotton could be used for the trim or if you are giving the set to someone who is not that dainty you could leave off the trim all together.

Materials:

Bernat Ultrasoft Cotton: Key Lime Pie 2 balls (50gr/4.2oz)

Bernat Ultrasoft Cotton: Hot Green 1 ball (50gr/4.2oz)

Patons Grace Cotton: White 1 ball (50gr/4.2oz)

Size 5mm(8) knitting needles

Size 2.5mm crochet hook

Gauge is not important in this pattern.

Directions:

CO 61 sts

Work 5 rows Seed Stitch (K1, P1)

Next Row: K1,p1,k1,p1, knit to last 4 sts, p1,k1,p1,k1

Next Row: K1,p1,k1,p1,k1 purl to last 5 sts, k1,p1,k1,p1,k1

Repeat last 2 rows once more.

Work 4 rows Seed Stitch

Next Row: K1,p1,k1,p1, knit to last 4 sts, p1,k1,p1,k1

Next Row: K1,p1,k1,p1,k1 purl to last 5 sts, k1,p1,k1,p1,k1

Repeat last 2 rows until towel measures 24″ (61cm).

Work 4 rows Seed Stitch.

Next Row: K1,p1,k1,p1, knit to last 4 sts, p1,k1,p1,k1

Next Row: K1,p1,k1,p1,k1 purl to last 5 sts, k1,p1,k1,p1,k1

Repeat last 2 rows once more.

Work 5 rows Seed Stitch.

BO

Trim:

I used the Cross and Clover edging on this set but you could use any kit or crochet edge trim you like.

Cross & Clover Edging

Attach fingering weight cotton to any corner. Ch1 and sc around the outer edge of the towel, join.

Next Row: Ch 3, dc in previous sc of last row, *skip one sc, dc in next sc, dc in skipped sc. Repeat from * around. Join to the beginning ch 3.

Next Row: Slip st in first dc, *ch 3, slip st in 1st ch of the ch3, ch5, sl st in 1st st of ch5, ch 3, sl st in 1st ch of ch3. Skip 3 dc, sl st in 4th dc, sl st in next st. Repeat from * around. Fasten off.

Weave in all ends. Block and press with damp pressing cloth.

On this knit hand towel I have only worked the cross and clover trim on the ends and just the clover(last row) along the sides.

Technorati Tags: hand towel pattern, knit hand towel, knit spa gift set, knit spa items

If you are making this as a gift for a man or someone who does not appreciate delicate femininity, you can omit the lacy trim.

This is part of my Knitted Spa Gift Set. You can find the hand towel and shower bag/soap cover in other posts.

Knit Face Cloth Pattern

Materials:

Bernat Ultrasoft Cotton: Hot Green 1 ball (42.5grs)

Small amount Patons Grace Cotton: White (optional)

Size 5mm (8) knitting needles

Size 2.5mm crochet hook

Gauge: Gauge is not important for this pattern. I use 37 stitches because I like a smaller face cloth but you can make it as large as you like. Just cast on an odd number of stitches to the size you prefer.

Directions:

CO 37 sts

Row 1: (WS) knit

Row 2: *K1, slip 1. Repeat from * to last st. K1

Repeat these 2 rows until face cloth is the desired size.

Bind off.

Optional Trim:

I have used the cross and clover stitch in my trim but you can use any trim pattern you like or omit the trim all together.

With fingering weight cotton, attach yarn and work a row of sc evenly around the cloth, join.

Next row: Ch3, dc in last sc of previous row, *sk 1 sc, dc in next, dc in skipped sc. Repeat from * around. join.

Next row: *Ch3, slip st into 1st ch of ch3, ch5, sl st in 1st ch of ch 5, ch 3, sl st in 1st ch of ch3, sl st in next sc. Repeat from * around. Fasten off.

Finishing: Weave in ends. Block and press using a pressing cloth.

I hope you enjoy making these knitted face cloths. If you like a fancy kitchen you could also use this pattern to create pretty knitted dish cloths.

Technorati Tags: homemade gifts, knit face cloth, knit spa items, knitted face cloth, knitted face scrubbie, spa gift set