Sponge or Dishcloth?

Humanity can be divided into two groups of people. Those who use sponges to wash their dishes and those who use dishcloths. My mother-in-law uses a sponge. My mother uses a dishcloth. The sponge vs. dishcloth debate has gone on for generations. There are arguments for and against both, but being my mother's daughter I come down on the side of the dishcloth. I enjoy making my own so I was happy to hear that Susan Lowman has released a new pattern booklet entitled Wiggly Crochet Dishcloths.  

The booklet is published by Annie's and available here. It includes photos, instructions and charts for 6 beautiful wiggly crochet dishcloth projects. The patterns are well-written and easy-to-follow. I would expect nothing less from Susan, a talented designer, superb crochet technical editor, my mentor and my friend.  

I decided to start with Susan's Four Square pattern. Like all of the dishcloths in the booklet, you begin this dishcloth by making a crochet grid (sort of like filet crochet). Once you finish your grid you fill in some of the squares with crochet stitches that stand up and look, well, wiggly!  

The effect is amazing but it's really not hard to do. Once you get the hang of the technique you can design patterns of your own. For my second dishcloth I made a basic chevron pattern.

For these dishcloths I used Omega Sinfonia yarn, a light worsted weight cotton recommended by the pattern. It was easy to work with and the colors are lovely.

 

If you'd like a chance at winning a signed copy of Wiggly Crochet Dishcloths, just leave a comment on Susan's blog. Even if you don't think you're lucky enough to win the booklet, I recommend you check out Susan's blog anyway. It's filled with interesting posts and has a lot more information about this fun, pretty technique of wiggly crochet.  

I challenge you sponge people to try making just one wiggly crochet dishcloth. I think it might convince you come over to our side.

 

Comments

[mlr]

Kara, thank you for passing along info about these whimsical and stylish dishcloths. I need to get over my crochet neurosis and get to work! I really love the colors and yarn you chose, and as I recall Knit Picks has a newish and handsome-looking cotton yarn, too.

[Bev]

Cute designs!

[Kara]

Glad you like the the dishcloths Bev and Marion. I've never tried Knit Picks cotton yarn but I will look into it.

[Jenn]

So, I fall on the sponge side, but I use things my mom made as dishcloths as facecloths instead. They can't be that different, can they?

These are really great! I like the square one the best.

[Kara]

Thanks Jenn. The square one is Susan's pattern. It's in the booklet. They might be a little too textured for face cloths but they are perfect for dishes.

[Jill Roth]

Having always been a "sponge" person these adorable dishcloths could bring me to the other side. Thanks Kara!

[Kara]

Thanks Jill. :-) The nice thing about a sponge is that you can pop it in the microwave or run it through the dishwasher to sanitize it. The dishcloth crowd has to do more laundry!

[Claudine]

Love your color combos!

[Kara]

Thanks Claudine.

[Ruth]

I'm also a sponge person (and you just reminded me that I should put mine in the microwave) but I love the look of these, esp. the chevron one. Could they be used as potholders or trivets instead?

[carolyn]

Too funny...my mom was squarely (get it!?!) A dishcloth user, while I am firmly in the sponge camp. But I love the chevron pattern, and am reaaly glad I stumbled upon your posting!

[Nini]

I've never made dishcloths before because I thought they looked boring, but these are so pretty! I'll have to give them a try. Thanks!

[Kara]

Ruth, yes, I think these can be used as trivets. On her website Susan has some patterns for wiggly crochet potholders. It's the same technique, just with more of the grid filled in so that your fingers can't accidentally poke through any of the holes!

[Kara]

Ha! Thanks Carolyn. It's funny how loyal people are to one or the other. Take care.

[Kara]

Thanks Nini. These could be a good way to use up the scraps from that pretty crochet blanket you just made (if it was cotton?).

[Allana]

Really lovely. Some very interesting variations there.

[jill]

i've been a sponge person, mostly because i use the scrubby side to clean things. and i feel like i'd regret getting something i've made stained and dirty.... first world problems to be sure, but i love the idea of using these as a trivet!

[Patrice]

Just like you, my mother is a dishcloth person and my mother-in-law is a sponge person and I have stuck with the dishcloth. We have little battles with my husband & kids about which to use. These wiggly crochet dishcloths are so cute. I am definitely going to make one soon. Do you mind if I talk about it on my blog? I will direct everyone right over to Susan's blog (and I will put in a good word for you too). Thanks for sharing!

[Katy]

My mother made me an afghan when I was in high school that is the same concept as these dishcloths. I still have it mumble mumble years later. :)

[Daphne]

Is the knitting or crocheting of dishcloths an American thing? Personally, I would not waste my time making a dishcloth when there are so many other beautiful things to make. Granted these are lovely designs - they are just too pretty to be relegated to washing dishes. PS I'm a sponge person!

[Charlotte Lusk]

I've seen these before but didn't know who had the patterns. Thanks for featuring the Wigglys.

[Daniela]

I wish I knew how to crochet so that I could make some. They are lovely.

[Kara]

Thanks so much everyone for the comments. Patrice, feel free to blog about the wiggly dishcloths. Daphne, I don't know - maybe this is an american thing. My mom always knitter her own. It was a good way to use up cotton yarn scraps left over from other projects. That's interesting Katy that your mom made you a wiggly afghan. Thanks Allana, Jill, Charlotte and Daniela!

[Lynette]

Very nice designs, the wavy one looks like a trivit. I'm going to practice, practice, practice my crochet.