I will begin teaching crochet to the middle schoolers where I volunteer in a couple of weeks. So, I have been on the look out for dish cloth patterns that I could use to teach the basic crochet stitches. We’ll practice tension and counting stitches, but we can still produce a useable dish cloth even if the edges and the shape aren’t perfect. What mom will complain when a kid brings home her/his first crochet project – even if it’s not perfect?
This first pattern is from Fabi and uses a single crochet V stitch (see link below). So, I think I’d teach it first without changing yarns. That comes later.
Alexis Middleton created these very cute Pineapple Dish Cloths. See link to her pattern below. These would be very cute and decorative in the kitchen. Might be a bit ambitious for beginners, but if it sparks their imagination, they will be willing to work a bit harder.
Here’s another one that looks fairly easy and works up nicely as shown in the variegated yarn (always my fave!). This pattern is from the ‘dishclothdiaries’ which sounds pretty much like my life 😉 Cleaning is not my favorite thing! I think the only problem a beginner would have with this pattern is with the border. But, I like the border so if the kids make the whole dish cloth, I think s/he’d be ready to attempt the border. Or, we could just work single crochets around to stabilize. Pretty much will depend on the kid. See the link below.
If you have a link to any other simple dishcloths (or face cloths), please feel free to share a link or pattern source. I want to engage these kids minds and fingers. Crochet is so therapeutic that I believe it will be a very valuable skill for kids of middle school age to learn. Once they master the simple stitches, we’ll move onward and upward.
Links:
We love the concept of making long-lasting re-usable dishcloths that are practical and help save the environment. We highly suggest using a 100% Cotton yarn as it stays fresh longer. Looking for more Dishcloth patterns? Check these crochet patterns out on Etsy. Dishcloths come in so many different designs and themes which makes them perfect little handmade gifts. Everyone can always use a dishcloth right?
CrochetConcupiscence (@CrochetBlogger) says
Ooh, enjoying the new look of the site. Wanted to say that I’d love to hear more about your experience teaching crochet to the kids and how it helps them as it develops!
jd wolfe says
Thanks for your kind words! I will be posting about teaching crochet soon. My class(es) will start in early September.
jd
SheilaSchnauzies says
Lovin’ the new look, JD! Very clean and simple, easy to read and find things for sight impaired kids like me:) Also kudos for teaching crochet to the middle school kids! How awesome is that!
Ambar says
Nice new look, jd. 🙂
Sheri Lb says
Ni-i-ce! Everything is! Gizmo doesn’t seem to jump around as much at this New/Improved… But L?VED the Old Site. Got Lost wondering around in it! Smile