Yarn choice for dishcloths

Even though dishcloth patterns state 100% cotton yarn, many times other yarn with 50% cotton or more is better.  A cotton blend will hold its shape better after use or washing.  I usually purchase yarn in a cone and it is a blended cotton.  Also, yarns that are category 4 sometimes are thinner or thicker than others in the same category.  I don’t know why, but they are.  Some are softer than others.  Try to purchase a medium thick yarn.

If in doubt, look it up on the internet and do research on yarns.

Dishcloth size 7 1/2″ x 7 1/2″ or 8″

Elderly and small hand people find it easier to use a smaller dishcloth.  My elderly 90 yr old Mother preferred 6 1/2″ to 7 1/2″  instead of full size dishcloths.  Using a lighter material is also helpful for elderly to handle.

The actual size of a knitted piece can be affected by yarn weight, needles used, pattern size selected, and knitting style tension.  Each knitter has their own actual style and tension even if they are using the same technique of knitting.  You should use the same tension throughout the piece.  I have to make sure my tension is the same at the sides [edging] and borders [top/bottom or caston/bindoff].  Many knitters use a different cast on or bind off needle size than they use on the whole piece.

Needle Sizes used for Dishcloths

According to this needle measure tool, a 3.0 would be a US size 3 [3 1/8 mm] and a US size 4 [3 1/2 mm]. Thus, a 3.0 mm would actually be a 3 1/8 mm hook.

Remember the thickness of yarn and your tension when knitting also determines size of item.

Dishcloth Sizing

These dishcloth patterns are 7 1/2″ x 7 1/2″ dry, but when whet they expand in size as wet cotton stretches.

If you want a larger dishcloth, use a larger needle size.  The larger size will make the dishcloth less dense and more stretchy as well as larger.