In this episode of our video podcast Eric and CAT clean up with yarn aka a Dishcloth Face-off.
What’s on the set:
Yarns:
- Lily Sugar ‘n Cream yarn
- Herrschner’s Village Yarn Craft Cotton
- Crystal Palace Cotton Chenille
- Knit Picks Shine Worsted
- Peaches and Creme
- Lion Cotton
Needles
Book Review:
And check out their newest book Mason-Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines: Patterns, Stories, Pictures, True Confessions, Tricky Bits, Whole New Worlds, and Familiar Ones, Too
- Top Down Sweater (my own design) knit with Katia Reno Plus yarn finished 2007
Some of my favorite sites (other than Ravelry) for Dishcloth patterns
Leave a comment for a chance to win a beautiful skein of yarn from Dyeabolical Yarn
Special Thanks to heathers and knittingheather for use of their Dishcloth images.
Our sincere condolances to Kay Gardiner and her family on their recent loss. To show your support consider donating a handknit to Afghan for Afghans
This episode is sponsored by:
BIJOU BASIN RANCH
Use promo code LK2G at checkout for 5% off. All sales have a 100% no questions asked money back guarantee.
OMg CAT, i totally want that yarn. It’s so guy-ish 7 it’s hard to find guy-ish yard! I even joined ravelry because of you 🙂
My favorite yarn has been the Lily Sugar ‘n Cream — it’s cheap enough that it’s accessible for budget knitting AND it comes in so many colors! It’s great for trying out new patterns.
I love the wash cloth face off — there should definitely another yarn face-off with yarn for other tools or yarns! =)
I’ve never actually knitted a dishcloth. After this episode though, I will have to try it!
Cute show! I have a half dozen dishcloths, all the plain diagonal style, made from Peaches & Cream, and they are holding up wonderfully after (so far) one year of constant use. They may have faded ever-so-slightly, but it’s not noticeable in a dishcloth! I enjoyed the pattern links you provided. Here is another that I found from playing in the links (& their links) from your show—LOTS of free dishcloth patterns here also!
http://freepatterns.k1p1keepingyouinstitchesstudio.com/index.html
I love knitting dishcloths in the Peaches ‘n Cream as I love the variety of colors, and LOVE the fact that they make the cones, for more yardage. I am huge elvish leaves can, love knitting lace dishcloths, use them to clean glass, as the cotton leaves no streaks, it’s a great secret!!
So glad to see the book review back this episode! yay!
I loved this episode. I don’t like the Peaches N Cream though. I find it too rough when knitting. The Sugar N Cream is much softer and better to knit up. Last year at Stitches East, I bought tons of cotton from Newton Yarn Country and I really like it although it is not good for knitting up washcloths with patterns. But for the plain stuff, I find it works great. I’ve bought some Bernat cotton to try but I have not yet gotten to knitting that up yet.
Thanks for this episode. I thought it was very very useful.
I really like EL-D Mouzakis Butterfly Super 10 Mercerized cotton. Each skein makes 2 6″ square garter stitch on the bias dishclothes. They hold up very well!
As a veteran of a hundred dishcloths over the years, I’ve found that there isn’t much difference between the common kitchen cotton yarns. I’ve found that different colors & dyelots can affect yarn weight (wpi), softness, and water absorption (as does the use of fabric softener, which cuts down on the fiber’s ability to absorb water).
Since garter stitch stretches rather severely, especially when wet, I go down a needle size or two to get a nice firm fabric. Most of the time, I use a stockinette pattern, so there’s a smooth side and a scrubbier side. I like to knit the printed yarns in bias or short-row patterns, to avoid that odd plaid-like pooling.
Christmas 2007 had my female relatives fighting over a stack of 30+ dishcloths; they are very popular gifts! My favorite patterns for dishcloths are the 4-square pattern (based on an EZ baby blanket), granny’s favorite, and my “Planned Purlhood” cloth.
Thanks for the casein needle recommendation, I’ll have to pick up a pair and see how they do!
I enjoy using the Mason-Dixon pattern for the Ballband Dishcloth and have even expanded it to make preemie-sized blankets. A year ago I gave each of my coworkers a knitted washcloth and a small bottle of hand cream since nobody amongst the crowd did any sorts of craftwork. They were impressed and I’ll never tell them how easy it was to make those gifts. 😀 I usually use the Lily brand yarns but I think I’ll give Lion Brand a try when it comes on sale at my local Joann’s. It’s fun to try out new patterns in something small like a washcloth to see whether I want to make it larger and use that for the preemie blankets that I make for charity. I never thought about making bibs out of the squares, though. Great idea! I’ll have to try that, too.
Great episode – things I liked about it were A)doing the comparison testing and showing how you actually tested the cloths! B)your feedback on the different needles (I, too, have certain needles I just love to use with certain yarns and I’m going to check out the casein ones now) and C)getting your husband in on the act. The unscripted part just seems a lot more personal and natural.
Keep up the good work!
when it comes to wash cloths i can honestly say i haven’t used anyting other than sugar and cream. i have made hundreds in the last couple years of knitting. i find that the ones with patterns tend to make better bathroom/face cloths..i have been eyeing some new yarn at my LYS for making dishcloths (sheepishly relizes that i don’t remember what the name is of it)
Really enjoyed the show because I’ve become addicted to knitting dishcloths and washcloths. I use Sugar & Cream, which knits up really well. I knit them on my acrylic needles, which are nice and slick and don’t catch the cotton. For washcloths, I use cotton chenille from NuMei Yarns, which knits up fabulously and makes a great gift. I’m trying to figure out a pattern for a French mitt-style washcloth to give as gifts when I visit my friends in Paris this summer. I think they’ll work out beautifully in the cotton chenille.
Thanks for all the great tips everyone. And thanks, Cat, for getting me re-excited about dishcloths.
i’ve never knit a dishcloth because socks are enough of a knitting addiction for me. but i did start the Moss Grid Hand Towels pattern from MDK in Knitpicks Cotlin; the project sort of got put aside but i did enjoy the pattern very much. i haven’t finished it yet so i don’t know how the yarn will hold up to washing and how it will feel after the first wash (my hope is that it will soften up after going through the dryer once). i would love to see a review of Knitpicks Cotlin and their new Organic Cotton. Lion Brand also has a new yarn that’s recycled cotton and i would love to see a review of that as well. Have you tried what seems to be MDK’s fav yarn – the Louet Wet-spun Linen? It seems kinda expensive to knit dishcloths though.
also, would love to see you review Cookie A’s new book!
I do not knit dishcloths, but I like cotton yarns for sweaters 🙂
You two are just so funny. I love the new camera angles. Way to go Eric. I don’t plan on knitting any washcloths any time soon but I do have some Sugar ‘n Cream to make baby things so this was a great test. Thank you for putting a big smile on my face today.
Excellent episode! I have knit maybe 6 dishcloths. My favorite yarn is Peaches and Cream. I have also used Sugar ‘N Cream and liked it just fine.
I use Peaches and Cream. I got started doing dish clothes because of the first Mason Dixon book. I have done several dozen. I have also made potholders out of Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton. I have made bathmats out of Peaches & Cream and after 2+ years, they still look great even though they are used every day! Good show!
Great show! I loved the “water fight” 😀
My favorite yarn for dishcloths is definitely Peaches and Cream. I love how it holds up!
You are enjoyable to watch and a pro in giving good instruction on video. I have used peaches and cream and sugar and cream. The others I never explored yet. I never knitted a cloth but have crocheted many for people who love them. It is easier to slide a hook than needles with these cottons. Thanks for showing the needles. I want to knit a heart dishcloth pattern that I’m saving for a breather. All these little balls of attractive colors make it easy to toss them in the cart..like candy. Color is therapy!
I’m a peaches n cream girl for dishcloths, but I like the cotton chenilles for face cloths. Some of the organic cottons work well for face cloths as well. Hubby won’t wear my socks, nor will he wear any type of sweater or vest – so I knit him lots of wash cloths! Love the episode as usual – Eric makes a fine side-kick.
My favorite cotton yarn is Peaches & Crème. I have a huge stash of Sugar ‘n Cream and I can’t stand it anymore. I think I just might try to trade it out. I’m always finding little hard grassy bits that I have to pick out. I think it might be vegetable matter. Whatever it is I got a piece of it stuck under my thumb like a splinter. That was the final straw, pun intended, for me. P&C is just higher quality yarn because it is a long staple fiber. It holds up well over time too. I love it so much I buy it in 1lb cones whenever possible! P&C has a huge color selection and awesome customer service. I’ve never found any bits that need to be picked out. I wish P&C had neat collections like S&C Stripes and Twists. I’m confident Pisgah, P&C maker, will come up with something. I also love that I can get P&C at Wal-Mart and my LYS and it’s made in the USA! I’ve used Lion Cotton and like it too. The big balls are super nice. However, their color selection is very lacking.
This was an excellent episode! I absolutely loved it. It’s one of my favorites along with the felting and toe up sock episodes! Keep up the great work!
Bubble fight! I loved it! I also liked how the show started out with Eric saying that it was sponsored by Bijou Basin Ranch. The camera angles were really cool. I’ve always enjoyed knitting with Peaches n cream for my cotton needs. I’ve tried Lion Brand organic cotton and Blue Sky Alpacas cotton, but they’re just too pilly.
Enjoyed the other comments. I am Peaches and Cream cause it was the only thing I could find at the time. I love the feeling of cotton, I am using Lion Brand for a sweater for my niece. I liked the ad narrated by Eric up front. Real Professional, then Cat meantioning it in show, just gave it a nice tone. You two are fun to watch, you seem to have a GREAT relationship. Not only fun to watch but informative. Good job as usual.
Hi! I have used the Lily Sugar n Cream but after this episode I may try the Peaches n Cream. Wash cloths and Dish cloths- gotta have ’em!
I use Bernat Handicrafter Cotton yarn. My sister will only use knitted dishcloths and that is who I make them for because I don’t use knitted dishcloths. I will have to ask her how they hold up. 🙂
I haven’t knitted any dishclothes yet. But I picked up a few skeins of Katia Jamaica on sale and decided the colors were a little too much for the Tshirt I had intended. I will try using it for dishclothes. It is very soft. Love the show.
I love Peaches & Creme! I did have some Lily and another label-less ball of cotton in my stash and it is no contest between the three. P&C is easy to work up, washes well, and lasts a good long time.
Thanks for the great podcast!
I have used both sugar & cream and peaches & cream for many, many years. One time I used a Lion brand kitchen cotton in a varigated green for a friend, which he picked out. He & his wife used it in hot water in the dish sink & the greens ran into the white of the cotton. He didn’t seem to mind, but I did, & I’ve never used that brand again.
I use both Sugar’n Cream and Peaches & Creme for my dishcloths, since they are both available locally. I think I like Peaches & Creme a little bit better, but wish that Walmart here, carried more colors. I’m always tempted to order some of the other colors online, but never quite get around to it. Enjoyed watching your dishcloth test and was interested in how the chenille yarn held up. I agree that it would probably make a good baby washcloth, rather than a workhorse cloth to use in the kitchen. Also, knitting dishcloths is addicting, too! LOL!
My choice for knitting with cotton is Peaches and Creme. I have used other brands and have not found them to be as soft, durable or colorfast and Peaches and Creme. since I knit and crochet a lot, my preference is to buy it in cone form. An added bonus for me is that there are more colors to choose from than any of the yarns I have previously tried.
Hi CAT! I loved the episode. I usually work with Blue Sky Cotton. It never worked well, but now I will have to try the Peaches and Creme.
Hi Cat, I just love your dishcloth episode, especialy that you and Eric are in it together~ keep doing more episodes together! 🙂
Although I never knitted dishclothes before, after watching this video, I will definitly want to start making them, I never knew there was such a rage to make homemade dishcloths until I joined Ravelry.
Someone had given me 3 ~ 1lb cones of cotton yarn in pretty multi colors, the name says “Lily Craft”, and thats it, so I don’t know anything else about the company, but I’m happy that I have cotton yarn to play with!
Thanks again for your dishcloth demos, happy knitting~ Dora 🙂
I would have to say that in Canada we don’t have access to a lot of different yarns. I usually use bernat cotton and find it works great and is quite cheap wich is a definite plus. Thank you so much for your podcast. Claude
Out of all the dishcloths i have made I would say that out of all that i have tried i really like peaches n’ cream. I just love how it holds together and doesn’t seem to stretch very much (if at all)
Happy Knitting and keep making great videos!
I like using Bernat Handicrafter Cotton and Lily’s Sugar ‘N Cream. My first knitting project was a dishcloth and I have been making them since. I always have cotton on hand and tons in my stash. I agree with Cat, they’re a great project to pick up at any time, especially when traveling! I also like to practice different stitches and patterns with dishcloths!
Another great episode – I particularly like the sock videos on techniques
At the end of session #46 you mention sock progress – show at the end of May – what sock project are we working on and what session # do I listen to to hear the details
Please email me at jeremiah1300@mac.com – I couldn’t find your email address on your contact page – Thanks
I have used Lion Brand Cotton, Peaches & Cream and Sugar & Cream yarns as dishcloths. I have found the Lion Brand and the Peaches & Cream to hold up a bit longer than the Sugar & Cream. The last batch of dishcloths that I did were with the Sugar & Cream – they already have holes. I think the kids washed some really sharp knives with them. Watch out for sharp knives!
I really enjoyed this video podcast. I have actually never made a dishcloth before, but after watching your dishcloth face-off, I just might have to try one.
Jean in Maine (RAV ID)
I found some sugar n cream yarn and I think I am going to try it out. Wish me luck!
I have always used both the Lily and the Peaches yarn for dishcloths. Thanks for offering the yarn – I would love to win the skein of yarn.
I have to agree with you..Peaches and Creme is the best. I have been using it for over a year now and love it!! They have SOOO many other great products as well..you must try their Country Cabled Cotton and Petalspun for shawls, sweaters, etc. I recently destashed my Lily cotton to my sister who is not loving it due to all the splitting while crocheting. I gave her 1 ball, only one of my Peaches and she’s hooked too. Great show!!
I love KnitPicks Cotlin yarn…but to be honest, I’ve never tried another kind. Your dishcloth face-off gave me some great tips on other yarns to use. Thanks for the show…I so enjoy watching!
My favorite dishcloth yarn is Peaches and Cream. It holds up really well and does a fantastic job scrubbing my dishes!
I loved this episode. This has been my favorite yet. I agree with Dora that it’s really fun when you and Eric are in the episode together. I haven’t tried my hand at knitted dishcloths yet, but I appreciate you doing the “dirty” work to figure out which yarn seems to work best. Thanks again.
I started making dishcloths with Sugar & Cream but have since found my favorite to be Tahki Cotton Classic. I love the beautiful deep colors that are available. I fully expected the colors to fade after almost daily use for months but to my surprise have found the colors to be VERY colorfast and just as deep and rich as the day I knit them. My favorite stitch for dishcloths is seed stitch – gives the dishcloth just enough body and scrubbing surface and keeps the dishcloth from stretching out.
Thank you for the great review of dishcloth yarns. I am currently working on soft towels that I am giving as a wedding gift (along with a bamboo cutting board from their registry). They are made out of Araucania Ulmo. It is pretty splitty, but oh so soft.
I have always used Peaches N Cream. It’s good to know I am using the winner of the dishcloth faceoff.
Cat and Eric,
I was pleased to see your new episode of the podcast on knitting dish cloths! Like you, I enjoy knitting cloth squares when I need a break from knitting a larger project. I often use my pattern swatches for other projects as wash cloths, too!
My favorite yarn to knit dish cloths is DMC’s Senso 100% cotton yarn. I have found it is very durable and not as “floppy” as some of the other more popular cotton yarns.
I enjoy the show! Thanks!
I love the way Peaches and Cream holds up during use. Yes, it’s a little more difficult to knit with, but I think, for such a small project, it’s not too much of a pain. Like others, I have found that crocheting with it is easier.
For something I intend to really scrub with, I have recycled plastic shopping bags into “plarn” and used that for smaller squares. They don’t hold up as long as commercial scrubbers, but it makes me feel better knowing that I’ve recycled something just hanging around the house.
Loved this episode! Very informative and I am glad you tested the yarns out for us so we don’t have to. From now on I think I will knit my own dishcloths instead of buying. Also very funny! Knowing that you are having a good time making the show while I am having a good time watching is one of my favorite parts!
Great episode! I have never actually used any of my dishcloths. I’m glad that you decided to experiment with the different yarns, as your advice is very valuable. I can’t wait until the next episode!
I just noticed the Peaches & Crème is spelled wrong and the link points to the old URL. The new URL is http://www.peaches-creme.com. The old URL will soon no longer work.
Thank you so much for doing this experiment with dishcloths. I’ve used Lily and have never liked the way they stretch out. I’ve also tried Knit Pick’s Cotlin. It’s not bad. I have some Peaches & cream, but haven’t used it yet. I will definitely use it now after seeing how it holds it shape when wet.
I use Peaches n cream or Sugar n Cream because it’s inexpensive. Good job to your hubby on the testing!
Love your podcast…
Unfortunately here in NZ we can’t get a lot of those cotton yarns mentioned. I have been able to use the sugar’ncream yarn before and lion brand. They’re both good, but I like using anchor magicline for how it looks after knitted! 🙂
I design free cloths on my blog (mainly using short rows!)
I’ve only been knitting for a few years and made 1 dishcloth. I used Peaches and Cream and then went back to buy lots more. I have goals of dishcloths in every color! I use the one I made every day and it’s holding up pretty good!
I love knitted dishclothes. I must say Rachel’s yarn is amazing!! I love her stuff! I enjoyed your videocast. Way cool.
If I’m making dishcloth, I normally stick with the old cheap standby of Bernat Handicrafter Cotton yarn, or occasionally Patons Grace if I’m feeling all extravagant about it!
I love knitting dishcloths. They are more durable than anything that I can buy. I participate in a monthly dishcoth KAL and usually make one dishcloth for me and one for my mother inlaw. I didn’t realize how much she loved them until her daughter (my sister inlaw) was getting her own place and wanted to buy dishcloths. My mother inlaw quickly said, “you don’t need to buy them, have Deb knit some for you, there better.” That made my day.
As for Mason Dixon knitting, I love the book. I have made the baby bibs, the ballband washcloth, a modern log cabin blanket, a baby modern log cabin blanket, and some mitered squares for a charity.
Deb
I have only recently gotten back to knitting, learning (with a lot of help from you!) how to knit socks, and I love the knitted dishcloths, but somehow never thought of making them – I have bad arthritis so smaller projects are great – I was so pleased (and quite entertained) to watch this podcast today! The soap sud fight was the best!! 🙂 Cheryl I only found your Podcast recently through my IPOD (from my husband – what a marvelous thing it is!!)
I loved the episode, especially the water fight at the end. Reminds me of my husband and me 🙂
I’m a Peaches and Creme fan for dishcloths — it’s soft but holds up really well to all the dishes we do.
Great episode! I really liked Eric’s on-camera involvement! I mostly use Lily Sugar N Cream because that’s what’s available in the small towns near my home. I’ve never seen Peaches N Creme on the shelf anywhere, in any store.
Just like you mentioned on the show, I like to do a dishcloth when I need something really small, mindless and portable, when I’m tired of a current larger project or when I really don’t feel like hauling out the sweater, afghan or somesuch.
I just discovered your show and I am enjoying it so much. Thanks!
I have a large stash of both the Sugar & cream and the Peaches & cream. I can get the L&C locally and like the stripes line so I tend to use that a lot of burp clothes and larger pieces. Most of my wash cloths are P&C, which I have to order on line. So I guess bottom line is – a toss up between the 2 creams! LOL! I really enjoyed the comparison you 2 did. It was a big help! And thank you for the needle recommendation. I’m going to try those ones you recommended for those with arthritis! Thanks!
Hi Cat
When I make washcloths I really enjoy the peaches and cream. I like the yarn because it comes in such a varitey of colors and they are always on sale where I live. My MIL just remodeled her kitchen in light blue, sunshine yellow and red. I thought I wouldn’t find a color that would be both beautiful and hold up to her standards of washing. Lo and behold peaches and cream had the most perfect color for her. When I gave it to her she loved it.
BTW, I loved this episode with the actual washcloth wash-off with DH. It was great to actually see you doing it that is why I love your shows.
Thank you for the great show. This was the first one I’ve watched; my friend Rachel from Dyeabolical Yarns told me about it. I’m so glad she did. LK2G is going on my regular read list from now on!
Oh, about dishclothes — I haven’t knit one yet. My first knitting project, last fall, was going to be a dishcloth. It kept growing and growing, though, and turned into a baby blanket. (I used a little over six skeins of Reynolds Saucy mercerized cotton yarn.)
I’ll have to get back to dishcloths one day. Maybe after I finish the two pairs of socks, two sweaters, novelty bag, and baby hat that I have on my needles right now. 😀
Wonderful, fair testing done!! Love the humor and the banter…..I do a lot of dishcloths as they make incredible last minute gifts….I use mostly Peaches and Cream—I find that it holds up great….I have used the Village yarn, but find it hard on my hands although it does work well for scrubbing…..one of the other advantages concerning dishcloth is that there are so many patterns on the web….my favorite pattern is the Chinese Wave….Keep up the best videos…Fondly, s
I like to knit dishcloths to occupy my hands when there’s something else (like TV or the radio) available to occupy my mind. I use whatever cotton is available, and I’m not even sure what kind I’m using right now because it’s from my grandma’s stash from quite a while ago.
Love this episode! It is so interesting to range the yarns!
The only kitchen accessory I have ever made was a cozy for my french press. I use cascade 220 and the pattern was from yarnplay. I love the cozy, it’s pink with a green top kind of like a strawberry. The only problem is that everyone thinks it looks like either a giant baby bottle or condom…oh well at least a like it and it does keep the coffee warm which is the most important part.
i loved your dishcloth faceoff! i’m new to knitting and found this thru the Monthly Dishcloths yahoo group. i am a longtime user of Peaches n Creme for crocheting so it was what i had on hand to do my first knitted dishcloth in March. my husband is the main dishwasher and prefers a “scrubbie sponge” for dishes so my dischloths are actually face cloths. with that in mind i moved to the Hobby Lobby store brand “I Love This Cotton” yarn. If you’re not familiar with it, it has a very similar feel to Bernat Cotton-tots but without the “wrap” around it. it holds together very well, holds a lot of water and dries quickly when hung. blessings, nance
I mostly use the lily sugar and cream. However, I have been trying every 100% cotton I can find out there. Sinfonia, I love this cotton, etc…..
I sometimes use Aunt Lydias mercerized cotton. I find I like the way it feels. Especially when I use a double strand of the very thin stuff.
A word on Cotton Chenille, which was the big loser in this episode. It is an incredibly expensive yarn. However, I find it has its uses. It knits up so beautifully and looks really expensive after knitting it. I use it only when I have people who think that dollar signs mean quality and are a bit snobby about it. And also, people whom I know will never put their dishcloths in water. I know some people who have put my dishcloths as part of a flower arrangement on the wall rather than as a cloth. For these people the Cotton Chenille is the way to go because it satifies the desire for expesive look and will never be actually used as a cloth. It will always be a “for show” cloth. So the cotton chenille I will use a very fancy stitch or a picture cloth with a border.
For a more practical cloth that will be used I use the lily sugar and cream. It’s cheap and often on sale and knits up just fine and I really like the colorways.
I really enjoyed this episode and watched it with great interest. I would like to see more faceoffs using other lesser known 100% cotton yarns. Senseo, Sinfonia, Aunt Lydias and on and on……
Lionors
I have a fairly good sized stash of both Peaches N Creme and Sugar & Cream – they both have a huge selection of colorways which I love. I find both of the fairly hard on the hands as far as knitting goes, but for durability I like the Peaches N Creme better.
I don’t mind using crochet cotton for crochet doilies and stuff, but I have had problems using Sugar n Cream and Peaches and Creme to knit dishcloths. I feel like I’m fighting with both the yarn and the needles when it comes to patterns, so I gave up following patterns and started making seed stitch cloths instead.
I will either switch to casein needles or try one of the other yarns you guys were okay with. I knit dishcloths to use up stash and give myself a break from bigger projects.
My favorite dishcloth yarn is Peaches and Cream, with Fantasy Naturale running a close second.
What a fun comparison! I mainly use SnC, simply because it’s most available and I stock up when it’s on sale. . . I have been experimenting with other yarns over the last year or so, but I give most of my cloths away! I keep the “seconds” cloths for myself lol, and most of those are just SnC. . . I also quite like Bernat Handicrafter Cotton (which, I think I heard somewhere is made by the same mill as the PnC)
My favorite is Peaches and Cream but I have also knit a wash cloth to match my handwoven linen towels with cotlin.
Eric’s great in the kitchen!
I have used Sugar and Cream, Peaches and Creme, and Lion Kitchen Cotton for my kitchen knits. I have also made literally hundreds of dishcloths, many potholders, and probably 20 or 30 towels. My favorite yarns to work with are Peaches and Creme and Lion Kitchen Cotton. It was interesting to me that they ended up being the winners, as they are my winners, as well. I use Sugar and Cream, too, but still prefer the other two in the end. The reason I use all three brands is because I make so many different color combinations, and match my cloths to lots of different themes (seasons, holidays, decor, etc.). So I like to have lots of choices when it comes to color.
Thanks for a nice show. I’d never watched before! I’ll be sure to watch all the time, now!
Suzanne in rural Ohio
I really loved the show I just started knitting dishcloths I found tons of great ones on Ralvary. I joined a group on Ralvary to knit dishcloths so they can be made into blankets for patients at St. Jude’s childrens hospital. I really enjoy your show and I love those casin needles I am so going to buy some of those. I’d love to know where you got your electric spinner I looked on e-bay and didn’t find one. I just started knitting and a video podcast where I can see how to do something is really helpful. Thank You.
Hey Cat,
Great, great episode! I love knitting dishcloths and have always wondered if I should branch out and try other yarns than what I usually use, Lion Brand Cotton or Peaches & Cream. Now, thanks to you, I didn’t have to spend all the time and money to find out that I’m already knitting with the best yarn. Thanks!
Ahhh….washcloths, dishcloths!! I’m with you, love to knit them! And, ya know, family members request that I knit washcloths and dishcloths about as often as they do socks!!
Since I’ve been on and off of crutches for so many years that my hands have a hard time knitting with most cotton yarns. Dishcloths Sugar N Cream and/or Peaches N Cream and for face cloths I love, love Blue Sky Cotton because it’s quite soft.
If you have recommendations for cotton yarn that is durable, great in the kitchen and bath AND isn’t brutal on the hands, I’d love to know about it!
FYI, there are a few cloth designs on my site, stop by :0)
As usual – LOVE, LOVE the show :=)
I just love knitting dishrags and found the video very imformative. I have stayed between Peaches and Cream & Sugar and Cream, using mostly Peaches and Cream. I’m glad I saw your video before investing in some of the other yarns I was considering.
Thanks for testing out different cotton for dish cloths. Now I know which ones are best to use, without having to find out the hard way!
I loved this episode! As I think I mentioned on another live chat, I’m knitting washcloths for my wedding favors (up to 45). I’m mostly using the Lily & Creme and Sugar & Creme because its so easy to get tons of different colors.
My very favorite cotton though, is one I can’t find anymore. I got it from a local yarn shop which was a mill outlet, but they closed down about a year ago 🙁 Here’s a picture.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jadielady/3502167927/
I am a Peaches and Cream girl. I really like the double worsted for hand towels.
I love Sugar ‘n Cream and have made gobs of dish cloths and wash cloths with it. I’ve also tried some others, but always return to the Sugar ‘n Cream. Love that you tested six different kinds–confirmed my experience and confirmed that I’m not crazy–there really is a difference. Thanks! LOVE your blog.
I like lilly’s sugar n cream since its the easiest to find. Sometimes I knit with barnet cotton, but it doesn’t have as many pretty colors. I’m also a sucker for crimminy jicket’s garlac cloth.
After knitting thousands of cloths, my favorite is Lily’s Sugar N Cream. Peaches N Cream is a little thinner but runs a close second in my stash. Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton is too stiff for my hands and much more expensive. I’m currently living in Japan and brought a large stash of cotton with me and am sharing with other knitters the joy of making cloths. You can’t beat them for gifts and almost instant gratification when you’re knitting another project that takes so much time. I’m also collecting japanese stitch dictionaries and cloths are a great way to test out these patterns.
Sugar n cream is the only brand I’ve ever used. I am definitely going to try the top two brands from this episode and go exploring for some new patterns.
i like using many diff types and brands of yarn depending on my mood/ who its for/ and the purpose. use really soft cotton yarn for baby washcloths, i use a really rough acrylic yarn…etc
Hey Kat,
I love your last web cast. I love to knir dish cloths. And I love using Red Hart it works really well for lite cleaning or polishing. BTW I’ve been watching your show for a while and I love your new hair cut. I have a question to ask you, are you going to show use something to Knit for men. Being a guy theres not alot of thing for knitting. Thank You
Always in Style
Willie Robinson
I love Lion Brand Cotton. I’ve used it for as long as I’ve been knitting, about 10 years. I haven’t ever used the Peaches and Cream but the Sugar and Cream works well too. My first “pattern” was a dish cloth from the ball band of the Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton. That alone tells you how long it’s been since they changed the name several years ago. This was a nice side by side comparison but I think probably between the top three, there’s little difference. Without a LYS, the Lion Brand and Lily S&C are easily available with no shipping costs. This was fun!
Betty Ann
I love knitting dishcloths and I also have found through trial and error which yarns to continue knitting dishcloths with and which ones are better left for baby items. Although I hear raves about Bernat Cottontots, I’d rather use that yarn for baby items. It is soft and had a good hand but I don’t think it is rugged enough for dishcloth quality. My favorite yarn for dishcloths is a tossup between Lion Cotton and Lily Sugar and Cream. Always durable, oodles of colors, and a great hand. Thank you for providing this video.
I have knitted dishclothes in the past and belonged to a monthly knitalong. My favorite cotton yarn is sugar n cream, esp. if it is on sale. I also have knit baby bibs and baby clothing since it is washable.
hey cat i am 11 and i love to knit my dad showed me this podcast and i have bin whaching ever sence i pay for my yarn so i like to use sugar n cream
I really enjoyed your Dishcloth Face-off. I’m on a dishcloth kick this year and my goal is to make 100 dishcloths…up to 80 already. I generally only use Sugar ‘n Cream, Peaches & Creme and I Love This Cotton!.
Someone mentioned that they were knitting up a few different dishcloths with the year on them to see how long they last. There’s a free pattern I Heart to Knit in 2009 that would work.
I’d like to invite everyone to join the Ravelry Dishcloth R Us Group: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/dishcloths-r-us . We have a Monthly K/CAL and everyone is so friendly and helpful.
Anyway, thanks Cat you always seem to know what we are interested in learning about.
I like the Bernat cotton, its what I can get, its inexpensive, and they stand up well. we use them for dishes and cleaning off the glass stove top, and we use them until the start to fall apart! dishcloths make wonderful between-big-project projects, when you want to do knitting that takes no thinking.
thanks Cat, this was a funny face-off.
My favorite is Peaches and Cream. I’ve made quite a few dishcloths and washcloths with it and have been very happy with the results. I also made the bath rug from the Mason Dixon Knitting book.
Loved your show.
My favorite is the Peaches & Cream also. It is easier to knit the dishcloth, Sugar & Cream is thicker & spreads out more in the water. I don’t even know how many dishcloths I have made over the years because they are such great gifts. I am a regular supplier for a couple family members who are non-knitters, poor dears. Both yarns wear like iron though, so if someone has stronger hands than I, they might like the thicker yarn. Both of these make wonderful slippers though if anyone is interested. There is a pattern on Ravelry for “Pocket book slippers”. I adapted the pattern for use with cotton by adding a button and loop closure, and the cotton worked wonderfully.
I live in a small town and my only source for yarn here is Wal-mart, so I usually end up knitting dishcloths in The Sugar n’ creme. My closest LYS is 2 1/2 hours away and I don’t get there very often. 🙁
My favorite yarn to knit up with is Lily Sugar n’ Cream. Mostly because it’s readily available where I live, and have numereous colors where I purchase it at. The faceoff was very creative and interesting. I now know which yarns I can experiment with, to make my dishcloths. Thanks
I have only used Lily Sugar n’ Cream for dish cloths. Howoever, within the last month I ordered a tremendous amount of Peaches and Creme directly from the manufacturer in North Carolina. I’m planning on using some of it very soon. The reason I ordered it was because of the Mason Dixon books. I like the idea that it’s made in North Carolina. Because I’m an East Tennessean, I find it pleasant to patronize my neighbor’s establishment (as it were). I also like the fact that Peaches and Creme is made of American-grown cotton. That’s important to me because that means there are stricter enforcements on pesticide applications for a crop on which 25% of the world’s pesticides are used. I sometimes feel bad enough that all my cotton isn’t organic. But I at least don’t want to contribute toward the use of pesticides on cotton crops in places where the growers/farmers/laborers don’t have the ability to protect themselves or their families from the incorrect use of dangerous petrochemicals. By making this claim for Peaches ‘n Creme, I am not “throwing off” on any other manufacturer. I don’t know where their raw materials come from. I have no idea. I emailed Lily to ask them where their cotton is grown. I just haven’t heard from them, yet. I’ll let you know when I do.
This is the response I received from my inquiry to Lily about the manufacture location of their yarn and the source of their raw material:
Hi
Our cotton yarns are all manufactured in Canada and the cotton is grown
in the USA. Hope this answers your questions.
I love this episode (I commented on Ravlery too). Keep up the great work!!
I use Peaches & Cream mainly because it’s available at our WalMart here in town. Otherwise I have to drive 1 1/2 hours into the city to find any other brand. So, I’m glad to see that my favorite is your favorite!
Peaches & Cream made in my neck of the woods (NC). It’s so good to see the comparisons. I have used Peaches & Cream for wash cloths and have not been disappointed. I have not tried other cotton yarns so the show was awesome. Love seeing your husband in the show. He’s fun!!!
Hello CAT and eric! This is my first visit to your site — referred here by snowbird_62869 from the Monthly Dishcloths Yahoo/Ravelry sites. Your videocast #46 was a perfect complement to our online “dish-cussion” about the cottons we like to use for these cloths. I don’t know if this yarn is particular to Canada, where I live, but I really like Bernat’s “Handicrafter Cotton Ultrasoft” for my cloths. I’ve used Lily’s “Peaches and Cream” too, but find the Bernat knits up just as nicely and produces a softer, more absorbant cloth. It comes in both solid and variegated colour-ways, which I like too. (I’m a sucker for the variegateds!)
The ball band tells me the Bernat is a 4 ply, 100% cotton, with a gauge of 20 sts to 4 inches, using 4.5 mm needles. I usually use 4.5 or 5 mm — whichever is available. I like the metal Aero brand (made in England) straight needles that I’ve had in my stash for years. I see too, that the Bernat mailing address is in Ontario, Canada, and that the yarn is made there, so perhaps you can’t get it in the US. I’d rank it right up there with the Lion Brand and the P&C, for sure!
I’ve bookmarked your site now, so I won’t miss future videocasts, and will be checking out your group on RAvelry. Thanks again, CAT and eric — good stuff!!
I usually use Sugar ‘n Cream for dishcloths. I also like to use Tahki Cotton Classic for shower washcloths. I love the ballband pattern from Mason Dixon Knitting. Keep up the work on the great show! 🙂
My favorite dishcloth yarn is Peaches ‘n Cream cotton. I have even found it in big cones so I can find a color that I like and I won’t have to get more cotton for a while. I actually like it more than Sugar ‘n Cream (which I also use) because I find it softer while knitting it.
I have been experimenting with different patterns but I found a cute sheep dishcloth pattern on Ravelry that I want to try after I finish my boyfriend’s big blue socks. Love the show. I can’t wait for the next episode.
I’m new to your site and love it. I also love knitting dishcloths and using them too. They make great pot scrubbers and there are so many different patterns out there you can never get bored.
Dishcloths are the perfect way to try out new techniques, or just when you need to complete something because the project you are working on is just taking too long.
The first ones I made my kids refused to use! They said, “We can’t use those, you made them! They’re too nice.” Quite an endorsement of the humble dishcloth.
I have used Sugar ‘n’ Cream, but will try out the Peaches’n’ Cream after this episode.
Great podcast episode! In our home, I use Peaches and Cream and SWTC Twize for washcloths. For dishcloths, I find that cotton doesn’t always do the job. Instead, I use good ‘ol acrylic for dishcloths. In addition to being slightly abrasive, they also seem to be more resistant to odor and bacteria than the cotton, IMO.
I’ve just began to knit dish/wash cloths and I chose allhemp 6 knitting yarn for my first project. Though the yarn is a bit stiff to knit up, but it makes a very sturdy dish/wash cloth. I’ve used it as a wash cloth mainly, but I plan on also making dishcloths out of this yarn as well. The yarn makes a GREAT exfoliator for my skin!
I love Peaches & Creme. I’ve visited Flo in Old Fort, NC where they make this yarn and always come away with lots of yarn. Love all the colors available and the fact that it is an american based and manufactured product.
This is the first time I’ve seen your podcast. I really enjoyed it. I usually use Peaches & Creme as I can find it more readily.
I enjoy your podcasts – short & to the point. i make my own dishcloths, usually using Sugar & Creme, but I think I will switch to Peaches & Creme. Thanks.
Hi Cat, Love your podcast. My favorite dishcloth yarn is I Love this Cotton from Hobby Lobby,
it is very soft. I knit dishcloths all the time, most new stitches I try I make in to a dishcloth. I knit them on a knitting loom, I can only knit on needles for about 5 minutes at a time. A couple of weeks ago I had a dish cloth that had been on my table being blocked for a couple of days and then I needed a clean cloth and moved it to by the sink. My hubby went to wash dishes and didn’t want to use it, he said it was to pretty.
Angel
My favourite dishcloth yarn is Bernat Handicrafter. 🙂 I tried some random fancy expensive organic cottons and they just fell apart… can’t remember what they were called now. 🙁
I like using the Peaches and Cream yarn for my dish clothes because it is sturdy and inexpensive and I can find it at my local craft stores.
MD Knitting turned me on to Peaches & Cream, which I ordered by the cone for bibs and washcloths. Still have lots. My daughter has learned how to knit–maybe I’ll get her to try a dishcloth.
After watching this episode, I rushed out to buy some yarn for dishcloths. I picked out some Lily Sugar’n Cream and can’t wait to get started. Thanks for the inspiration.
Yours is my favorite podcast. I enjoyed this episode also. Lily sugar n cream is my usual go to cotton for cloths.
My fav by far has always been Peaches & Cream. I am constantly ordering from their website so that I can get ALL the colors they offer.
beautiful dishclothes! I never thought of that! it’s really a great idea and brightens a dull kitchen like my own.. I’ll make one with cute bear patterns when i am taking the subway..
This was a great episode! I have only made dishcloths with lily sugar & cream. It seems great, but I’m happy to hear that peaches & cream is so great, I’ll definitely try it next time I made washcloths.
I love the way Lionbrand Cotton-Ease performs. It’s easier to squeeze out the water and dries faster. I wish it had the great variegated colours that the others have, though
I knitted and crocheted a few wash clothes and I like the peaches and cream yarn the best. They hold up very well and have made many great gifts. I love the the face off. Keep up the great work. I get so excited when the next show comes out, that I stop whatever I am doing and watch it right then and there.
My favorite dishcloth/facecloth yarn is KnitPicks CotLin. I made faceclothes for gifts last year and it has held up wonderfully.
I use Sugar and Cream. Once accidently used a cotton wool blend – what a mess!
I like Peaches and creme…and so do my aunts who receive the dishcloths as Christmas presents.
hey Cat — this was a great episode. The cotton markety seems to have exploded over the last couple of years, and it was great that you did the comparing for us – thank you! You did however miss a very old standby, Bernat handicrafter … it is one of the worst cottons out there, I hate to say, it starts out okay but soon will loose its color and composure – I have had some last as few as 5 washes before it was too thin to use as a washcloth and it got bumped down to a Boo-Boo Bunny. To me the “standard” 7-inch cloth is too large – I like to use my gauge swatches … 4×4 with a border around it is a great size for my family.
I used Sugar and Cream. It is what Walmart has so that is the main reason. I normally knit 1 dishcloth a week and then give them a way for Christmas presents.
Hi! My name is Sarah and I used to discriminate against knitting dish cloths. There I said it! I used to look at dish cloths and watch people make them and thought the projects were rather boring. I didn’t think anyone could make me excited at all. Then I saw this episode. Cat: I’ve seen them all and I have to say this one is my favorite. You guys looked like you were having a ball! Can’t wait to get some peaches-n-creme yarn and try it out!
Hello Cat. I just wanted to say that I loved this episode. I simply love knitting dishcloths. I find that when I need an instant gratification project, I can turn to the HUNDREDS of patterns I have for the dishcloth. I have used all types of cottons for my cloths. But by far my most fave yarn is the Peaches N Cream. I like lily sugar n cream. But Peaches takes the cake. Keep up the great work on all your doing. Now that I have watched this episode, I’m itching to start a cloth. xD Have a blessed day! ! ! ^_^
What a fun show! I really love the Video aspect of your show. Your pleasant voice and smile are just…pleasing! I probably use Peaches and Creme the most, mainly because of price and availability. It is good to get reviews of the other yarns, so I won’t waste my time. Keep up the good work and more face-offs would be a blast!
Carolyn aka crazy8mom
I like to knit dishcloths with Peaches & Cream. I like organic cottom chenile
for face cloths.
I loved this eposode. My husband even watched it with me and got a kick out of it! I’ve always used Lily to knit with. Never even considered using any others plus I can get it easy at most big chain stores. I think I will search out Peaches and Cream and give this a try. Thanks for the fun!
So far, I’m a Lily girl. I even made a version of the log-cabin baby blanket from the Mason-Dixon knitting book out of the Sugar ‘n Cream. I’m willing to try other brands, but haven’t yet. Maybe it’s time to venture out?
I love Peaches n cream and am in love with dish cloths right now. Luckily my sister really likes the hand knit ones. I was glad to see your review of dish cloth yarns it is nice to know what the other options are out there.
I too love to knit and crochet cloths of many uses. Sugar and cream is what I usually use. Now I just got some organic cotton from KnitPick and that seems to be a new favorite.
Oh, saw you are on the Sock Wars IV madness once again. I did it last year and so it was an east do again this year. Your clipd covering your adventure brought back all the fun–noon tomorrow!! Get ready set —knit till the neddles fall out of your hands. What a way to fall asleep!!!
I enjoyed this episode. Loved the bubble fight. Most of my stash is Sugar n Cream. I like the fact that I can find it anywhere and it comes in so many different colors, something for everyone. Thanks for the “face off”, makes me want to try some other cotton yarn.
Thanks everyone for your great comments!
The winner of the yarn is:
Christina/eyes4books!
I love this episode! Thank you so much for taking the time to test out the different yarns! 🙂
Thanks for testing out the yarn! It was interesting. I would have been interested, however, if you had thrown all of them into the washer/drier a couple times to see how they held up that way.
I took time to watch your comparison of cotton dishcloths. I have crocheted/knitted with peaches n cream cotton yarn for over 30 yrs.. I won’t use anything else for items that will be used as wearable articles or cleaning items.
oh u got it??. well mayb it looks very nice when paired with nice things. and it does make people notice ur there!. i say cudos for buying such a nice jacket!!
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