Frugal Frog - DIY Dishcloths

Doing dishes is one of those unavoidable things. In our efforts to be nice to the planet and our bodies, we always choose a dish soap that is phosphate-free and biodegradable. Recently we did our saving-money dance when we found a few store brands that had gone green.

But dishes don’t get done with soap alone – you need a scrubber. Washable cloths are more environmentally friendly than disposable ones but they do cost a little bit more. So time to get a little crafty and save some money - we’re going to knit our own washing up cloths.

Whether you’ve never knit a stitch in your life or you crank out ten sweaters a year – this little project is as easy as they come. Grab a set of knitting needles (if you don’t have any; ask a neighbour – closet knitters are everywhere!)  We used 4mm but anything in a small width will do – just remember the bigger the needle the bigger the holes in your cloth.

Then find yourself some worsted weight cotton yarn like the new Dishie Yarn in scrumptious colours. We dug up a left-over half-ball from the bottom of the knitting basket but really, any old yarn will do. Bonus Frugal Frog points if you unravel an old sweater and recycle the yarn!

There are plenty of fancy knitting patterns out there, but if you are just getting started or reacquainted with knitting – keep it simple.  Cast on as many stitches as you think looks good, remember that number and knit that many rows – then cast off.  That’s it. Now you can use them, throw them in the wash and use them again.     

You’ll be scrubbing up, keeping the planet clean and your money won’t be going down the drain!

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Valerie McTavish is a professional writer and video producer living ‘the good life’ in Kelowna, BC. She’s a long-time decision evader which she satisfies by letting a roll of the dice deliver her to spontaneous fun. Follow her adventures by chance at www.zufalladventures.com.