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Learning to Knit: Part #1 - The Washcloth

I have always wanted to learn how to knit. Growing up I was a crafter, I admit I tried my hand at a lot of different crafting projects. Some projects I finished and did well with, others well lets not really talk about them today. 

Over the last few months I have been watching all the neat things my friend JoAnne has been coming up with - socks, mitts, hats, shawls, scarves. I have been wanting to learn for so long how to knit but really didn't have anyone to help me. I tried a few times and each time I got frustrated with how long it took and how hard it was. Guess what? Basic knitting isn't hard I was just doing it wrong. 

Now that I have been shown how to do a basic knit I have finished my very first knitting project! It feels wonderful and I am very excited to learn more stitches to make other things. 

I want to share this with my you as I know a few of you are knitters - if you are leave a comment below and let me know if you are on Ravelry.com or have a knitting blog.
JoAnne had said the best thing for me to start with was a dishcloth and the very basic Grandma style cloths we all grew up around. Here is the pattern I used and my progress. I finished this in two days. I would say it likely 4+ hours maybe a little more. I didn't check the times. I am sure I will get faster as I make more. 

Yarn: 100% cotton 

Needles: 8 or .5mm

Instructions: 

Cast on 4 

Row 1: Knit 4
 

Row 2: Knit 2, yarn over, knit rest of row.
 

Repeat Row 2 until you have 45 or 50 stitches on the needle (depends on how big you want the wash/dishcloth, I did 45). 

Now you are going to start the decreasing rows as follows: 
Knit 1 Knit 2 together Yarn over Knit 2 together again and then knit to end of the row. 

Repeat until you have 4 stitches left. 

Knit 2 together 

Knit last 2 together 

Tie a knot you are finished! 
A BIG Thank You to JoAnne for getting me going on this project and pointing me in the right direction. I look forward to making tons of great crafty knits! 

My next project? Another washcloth as I have 2 kids and my son wants one too! I am sure I will likely make a bunch as I love them for dishes. I also want to make a cute handband - just a basic thin one. I hope you will follow my adventures in learning to knit.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

13 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Anonymous8:26 AM

      Thanks! The kids are picking out colours today when we go out to get groceries :) More to come

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  2. Great job! I make dishcloths like these as gifts... and I always end up getting requests for more. I also modified the design a bit to make washable covers for my Swiffer. They are really great for washing up all over the home... even bodies.

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous8:44 AM

      That is a great Tonya (swiffer covers!) more green and better for your pocket! I am thinking a lot of people will get washcloths in their Christmas as I will be practicing and playing with patterns. :)

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  3. I always tell people to start with dishclothes, if you mess up who cares it's just for dishes! LOL Great job!

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  4. knitting is so addictive and fun congrats :) on your dishcloth it looks beautiful

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous5:36 PM

      Thanks, I am addicted already. About to start my next dishcloth in sage

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  5. My grandma makes these and I use them as dish clothes, they are the best. I love my black/white variegated ones!!

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  6. I loved watching your progress on this! It was so exciting! Glad we're friends on Ravelry now too! :)

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  7. God love you for trying to teach me how to knit. That is my sister's domain. Do you have cooking lessons somewhere? Just kidding! Great post!

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  8. I've always wanted to learn to knit. The couple of times I've tried I just couldn't seem to get it down though. Something about the lack of coordination. These are my favorite dish cloths.

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  9. My mom used to make these all the time but I never had the instructions, thanks I'm going to give these a try. Love the colours you have chosen!

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