Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Let’s Dish Crochet

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cro dish v stitch 0814

 

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.

cro dishcloth pineapple 0814

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.

 

 

cro potholder 0814

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:

Fabi’s V-stitch dishcloth

Alexis’ Pineapple Dishcloth

Dishclothdiaries Dishcloth

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?

Comments

  3. 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!

  5. 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

Have you read?

Crochet Christmas Dove Ornaments With a Printable Gift Poem

There is something especially lovely about a handmade gift that comes with a few thoughtful words. These crochet Christmas birds pair a folded yarn ornament with a decorative poem card, turning a little crochet project into a keepsake.

The design has a rounded head, a tiny embroidered eye and beak, and a forked tail. A broad overlapping section forms the wing, giving the bird that folded, origami-inspired appearance. It is a simple-looking shape with plenty of handmade charm.

A Crochet Bird That Doubles as a Gift Topper

What appeals to me most is the idea of using the bird twice. Tie it onto a wrapped present as a gift topper, then let the recipient hang it on their Christmas tree afterwards. The wrapping gets recycled, the ribbon goes into somebody’s “far too useful to throw away” drawer, and the bird becomes part of next year’s decorations.

Cream would be a lovely choice for a Christmas dove, while cranberry red, sage green and dusty blue offer a different seasonal look. Keeping the wing plain lets the crochet texture and folded layers stand out.

For a personalised crochet gift tag, an embroidered initial is a sweet addition. One small letter gives the ornament a purpose without needing to squeeze an entire name onto the wing.

The Printable Christmas Dove Card

The accompanying printable brings the gift together. Watercolour-style holly, evergreen branches, berries and gold accents frame the card, with space above the poem for attaching the crocheted bird.

The original Christmas poem shares wishes for peace, joy and love, then invites the recipient to hang the dove on their tree. There is also a “With love from” line, so the finished card feels like a complete little present.

I would print it on firm cardstock and attach the bird with a removable thread or ribbon loop. That way, the recipient can lift it off the card easily when it is time to decorate the tree.

It is a thoughtful Christmas gift concept, especially for crafters who enjoy making small decorations with a personal touch. The bird and poem card belong together: a little handmade ornament, a Christmas wish, and something to bring out again next December.