Washclothes - the Perfect beginners knitting project

If you've ever wanted to learn to knit, but just wasn't sure you wanted it badly enough to actually do something about it (happens to me all the time) may I suggest a washcloth. Not only are they simple and small, but they offer the chance to make something right off the bat that is functional. They don't even have to look spectacular because it isn't as if you are going to frame it.

I'd like to make a case for knitting in general - it's Productive! I can sit in front of the TV or in bed before I really get sleepy and knit. Depending on the project, I can either knit away and let my mind wander, or I can be completely involved in an intricate pattern. It's almost like reading a book in that it takes me away to a quieter place; it's as relaxing as a good long bath with the benefit of having something to show for myself besides pruny hands and feet.

Nine years ago I learned how to knit. The washcloth on the left is my first full project. Looks pretty good after nine years of use, don't you think? I should say that this isn't the very first washcloth I knitted. My teacher (and my missionary companion at the time) knitted a third of a washcloth and then handed it over to me to learn on. It was VERY obvious where I had started in the final product, but by the end of it my stitches were more even and I knew I could make one all by myself

About two years ago I realized that it was silly to just have one washcloth that I really liked, so I made a bunch more, the two green ones on the right show a couple of the different patterns I played with. They still work great, though the original green is a bit faded, but I wanted some that were a little smaller.

So I made a bunch more. White this time, so the fading wouldn't be noticeable, and an inch and a half smaller - 81/2 inches square instead of 10. The benefits? I got more washcloths out of one cone of Peaches N'Cream cotton yarn and they fit my hands better especially as they stretch a little when wet.

Of course I don't need 30 washcloths. This project was jumpstarted by another project - a baby shower for my sister-in-law! These white clothes were the "diaper" favors for her diaper-themed shower.  They were way more fun to make knowing I had a cuter object in mind for many of them.

"Diaper and wipes" baby shower favor

Try it! There are many sources for learning how to knit (my personal favorite is verypink.com) and once you get the hang of it you just might be addicted!