A Sewn Dishcloth Tutorial

I love making a using knitted and crocheted cotton dishcloths. I also love to sew. I have had this idea rolling around in my head for a sewn dishcloth. I wanted something different than a hemmed piece of terry cloth. This is what I came up with. It is quick and easy to make and I think very useful too.

To make it I cut 4 pieces of cotton flannel 9"x12" and 2 pieces of nylon netting 9"x12". Really you could use any size you feel comfortable with. I picked this size because it is what I had leftover from another project.

Next layer 2 pieces of nylon netting followed by a piece of flannel right side facing the nylon netting. And then the last 3 pieces of flannel right side facing up.

Mark a diagonal line on the true bias. The true bias is the diagonal line crossing the grain at a 45 degree angel. Sew all layers across this line and at 1/2 inch intervals until the whole piece is sewn together.

Trim the edges to even things up if necessary.

Then cut the top three layers of fabric between the stitching. Be careful not to cut through the bottom layer of flannel or any of the netting.

Next sew along the edge 1/2 inch from the edge.

The last step is to machine wash and dry the washcloth. This will make the fabric edges fluff up making a soft washcloth or chenille top.


This make a washcloth with a soft absorbent top. The nylon netting on the back makes a good pot scrubber but it is still not going to scratch anything. I designed this as a dishcloth but I think it would also make a good bath cloth too. The netting side would be a good exfoliating scrub.

A New Book

I received Sewing Bits & Pieces the other day. I'm so glad I bought this book as it has several projects I want to try. All of the projects are adorable and easy to sew and there are plenty of pictures and illustrations to help you complete a project. I love Sandi Henderson's style. I think the Picnic Quilt is such a clever design. Maybe I will be able to make one this summer. I think it would be perfect for some of those Moda layer cakes I have. I may have to make a few of the Ruffled Head Scarves to wear in the sun. I need something to protect my hair now that I color it. If I get to much sun it bleaches my hair to blond. I am brunette with some blond highlights so I would like to keep it that way if I can.

There is a cute Forest Owl and a Woodland Bunny toy. Even though I don't have any kids to make it for I may just make myself one or just make one for a gift if the occasion presents itself. I can see myself using many of the ideas in this book.

Tiny Aprons

I haven't posted in about a month and I am not sure if anyone noticed except my friend Mary. She has told me that she wanted me to post something new.

Mary made me these tiny aprons as a thank you gift. She picked up these bottles at a secondhand store. I don't remember if they are Aunt Jemima or Mrs Butterworth. But they sure are adorable. The small one is my hand soap bottle. I love these tiny aprons and they are even reversable.

Mary had to adapt the pattern a bit because Mrs Butterworth was a bit plump for some of the aprons. But the three of them have been proudly keeping watch over my kitchen. And they love their adorable aprons. I love them too and the good friend who gave them to me.