Cotton is really the only yarn that I will recommend for working with for washcloths. Especially if you want to use them in the bathroom and not in the kitchen. If you want use them in the kitchen then you could consider using a cotton blend, but I personnally would only stick to cotton.

So why cotton? Firstly, it is my preferred yarn to work with. I rarely come across a cotton that is hard to work with. Some of the cheap ones might feel a bit stiffer, but I’ve not experienced any horror stories like I have with some really cheap acrylics.

Cotton is a natural fibre so it is more eco-friendly than acrylics. It is also biodegradable so once you’re finished with it you can compost it or throw it away and know that it is going to break down. It also breaths, which means it is not going to trap in moisture. If you let them dry out each day then they are less likely to smell or become filled with mildew.

It’s also extremely durable and strong when wet, which are both important considering the tasks you’re going to be putting them through. They’re also highly absorbent, so instead of repelling water, they make it easier to clean up spills. They also dry quite quickly so it is not a problem that they are absorb so easily.

And from a totally aesthetic perspective, I love the stitch definition that you get with cotton. It makes your washcloths so much prettier!

If you’ve not worked with cotton yarn before then you’re in for a treat. And it’s probably easier to work with than you think.

Some people might tell you that cotton is more prone to splitting. That might be true, but it is not something that I experience or struggle with often, and definitely not with the yarns I use for washcloths. So if your experience is a cotton that splits, then I would suggest looking for a different brand or maybe trying out some different hooks and see if you experience a difference.

Cotton isn’t as stretchy are yarn. If you have tight tension then I recommend going up a hook size so that it isn’t as hard for you to work with. It will also give your washcloth more drape and less stiffness if you loosen your tension up a little.

There isn’t much else I would recommend for how to work with it. Try out some different stitches and stitch designs as you might find some easier to use than others.

If you’re after a good yarn for washcloths, then I totally recommend KnitPicks Dishie. I order it online and find it to be reasonably priced for both the yarn and the shipping. I’ve been using it for more than 5 years now and have used it for every single washcloth that I have designed.

If you’re looking for some washcloth designs then I have you covered there too! I’ve published over 60 designs now and you can find the majority of them in my online and etsy stores. I’ve created different bundles so that you can pick and choose your favourites to try, or purchase them all in my online store for even bigger discounts!

Let me know if you have any questions relating to cotton or washcloths and I’ll do what I can to answer them for you.

Seona x