Crocheting or knitting dishcloths out of colorful, durable yarn is a fun project that is practical and decorative. However, you may have questions about what cotton yarns are the best for dishcloths. We researched yarns recommended by expert craft lovers for their texture, tensile strength, and availability of colors. The next time you choose a cotton yarn for making a dishcloth, snag a skein or two that's a pleasure to crochet or knit.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution if you want to knit or crochet a great dishcloth. Check out our recommended list of cotton yarns.
- Lily Sugar N' Cream
- Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
- Bamboo Cotton Chunky Yarn
- Cotton Sport Weight
Get crafty, grab your needles, and whip up a batch of knitted or crocheted cotton dishcloths with fantastic, touchable yarns.
Excellent Cotton Yarns
Cotton yarn is a solid choice for crocheting and knitting dishcloths. The material is versatile, absorbent, naturally strong, available in multiple colors, and has a good texture for scrubbing away dirt. Aside from choosing 100% cotton yarn for a project, a cotton blend including silk or bamboo works.
Fibers such as wool or synthetic fibers like acrylic might not be ideal for dishcloths. Be mindful of microfibers from certain synthetic materials leaching into the waterways, making cotton yarn a kinder choice for the environment.
1. Lily Sugar N' Cream
It's no wonder that Lily Sugar N' Cream comes up as the top choice for 100% cotton yarn, a popular dishcloth choice. The texture and weight of this yarn has a good thickness and, worsted, medium weight. Look underneath the wrapper and discover great patterns for creating dishcloths, afghans, and other handy crafts.
Check out this assortment of pastel Lily Sugar N' Cream cotton yarn on Amazon.
2. Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Lion Brand Yarn is recognized for its range of quality, colorful fibers for knitting and crochet projects. Check out the 24/7 Cotton line, which is a mercerized cotton yarn for added durability and texture. Create tasteful dishcloths in a variety of stitches and throw them in the washing machine for easy maintenance.
Check out this quality cotton yarn on Amazon.
3. Bamboo Cotton Chunky Yarn by JubileeYarn
Bring together the best of both cotton and bamboo fibers in this blended yarn. Working a dishcloth using this chunky, medium-weight cotton-bamboo blend yarn is a dream. You end up with a project that is thick, soft, and feels ultra-durable with every use.
Check out this thick, soft cotton yarn blend on Amazon.
4. Cotton Sport Weight Yarn by BambooMN
When you want a yarn that is easier on your hands as a dishcloth, choose a super soft yarn that feels good to the touch. Don't fret over snags or frays with this lightweight yarn which is available in a wide range of colors.
Check out this fine sport weight yarn on Amazon.
Can You Use Any Cotton Yarn For Dishcloths?
Not all cotton yarns work well for dishcloths, as they should have some roughness to handle frequent immersion in water and agitating dirty dishes. Some knitters and crocheters love using mercerized cotton yarn, while others like a softer yarn that would be more fitting for a baby blanket or washcloth.
Experiment with different types of cotton yarns to better understand their effectiveness while also choosing a variety of textured stitches.
Is Mercerized Cotton Good For Dishcloths?
If you desire dishcloths that last longer and look good after multiple washings, choose mercerized cotton. The process of mercerizing cotton and other fibers strips away the fuzziness of fibers. Mercerized cotton is an excellent choice for dishcloths because it is strong, has luster, and is less likely to accumulate mildew and lint.
Another common term for mercerized cotton is kitchen cotton. Many knitters and crocheters choose this yarn for dishcloths, washcloths, and other articles that can withstand wear-and-tear without quickly losing color and performance.
Are Cotton Dishcloths Good?
Compared to disposable dishcloths, knitted or crocheted cotton dishcloths work just as well and have plenty of benefits. Cotton dishcloths are very absorbent, durable, reduce waste, and the textures from select stitches add scrubbing power.
Unlike sponges which will need to be tossed, you can keep cotton dishcloths hygienic by throwing them into the washing machine as needed. Look for 100% organic cotton or a cotton blend fiber for best results.
How Do You Make Homemade Dishcloths?
The best way to make homemade dishcloths is to crochet or knit some. You can use many wonderful stitches and patterns to create lovely dishcloths that wash well and hold up over time without losing their scrubbing power.
Create your own pattern, work a single textured stitch into a square until it measures 6 x 6 or 8 x 8 inches in size, or work a pattern from online or a book. Consider how easy or difficult the pattern is before beginning. Many patterns are excellent for novices to crochet or knitting and don't take long to complete.
Try your hand at making a simple, easy-to-knit dishcloth with cotton yarn using this helpful video.
Here is a great tutorial for creating a crocheted dishcloth.
What Is The Best Crochet Stitch For Dishcloths?
There are many wonderful crochet stitches to choose when making dishcloths; it is hard to choose one. Consider trying out the following stitches or mixing and matching for beautiful results. Each one has its aesthetic appeal and unique texture.
- Basketweave Stitch
- Diamond Lattice Stitch
- Lemon Peel Stitch
- Linen Stitch
- Moss Stitch
- Seed Stitch
- Tunisian Honeycomb Stitch
No matter what type of stitch you choose, the best choice offers lots of texture for scrubbing dishes and table surfaces. Additionally, the stitch should add visual interest to the dishcloth, durability, and be fun to work.
Read more: 11 Types Of Crochet Hooks [By Material, Shape, And Size]
Check out this set of aluminum crochet hooks on Amazon.
How Do You Clean Cotton Dishcloths?
Make cleaning cotton dishcloths a breeze by pre-soaking them in warm water with some vinegar. Let the dishcloth soak for about 15 minutes before adding a tablespoon of baking soda. Follow up by throwing your dishcloths in the washing machine with a mild laundry detergent.
Hang dry in the sun for an added boost of freshness and germ-killing UV rays, or lay flat to dry on a rack until next use.
No time to throw the dishcloths in the wash? Throw your dishcloths in a solution of liquid dish soap, vinegar, and water, and boil for 15 minutes, occasionally agitating it. Wring out the dishcloths and hang them to dry.
Check out this delicate laundry detergent on Amazon.
Does Cotton Yarn Stretch When Blocked?
Cotton yarn will stretch slightly when wet, but blocking helps an article keep its desired shape, reducing awkward curls. Know that cotton tends to be less elastic than other fibers unless it has been well used. Consider choosing smaller stitches and needles to create a denser, compact textile if you are worried.
Mercerized cotton has less stretch to it than softer cotton yarns or blended yarns with wool, silk, or bamboo. Remember, cotton likes to stretch out when wet and may shrink a bit in the dryer. Allow blocked cotton yarn projects to air dry for a neat, polished look.
In Closing
We hope you learned a lot more about what makes a top-quality cotton or cotton-blend yarn an excellent choice for dishcloths. Many lovely stitches provide scrubbing texture, add strength, and make beautiful dishcloths. Try your hand at creating patterns and playing around with different size needles and yarn weights. Knit or crochet dishcloths as gifts or for home.
Before you go, don't miss out on the following helpful articles:
17 Types Of Yarn For Crochet And Knitting [By Material, Weight, and Style]
