Cotton: Not Just for Dish Cloths

There seems to be an attitude in These Parts (and probably elsewhere, too!) that cotton yarn is for knitting  or crocheting dish cloths.  And maybe 'spa cloths'.

But that's about it.

With Spring (aka the March Equinox) coming soon (less than a week to the Official Start!) and Summer not far behind, we at The Crafty Lady are here to dispel that notion!



Yes, we carry "dish cloth cotton" -- it's a brand from Estelle Yarns appropriately named "Sudz" because..well...you get the idea.  It comes in small balls of a sturdy cotton that's ideal for dish cloths, towels, place mats and more home decor items.  It's reasonably priced, colourful, easy to work with and care for.  What's not to love?

Alas, you probably wouldn't want to wear it.

For one thing, it's heavy -- so your finished garment would be heavy -- and for another, like as not, it wouldn't hold it's shape all that well.

For garments that say "It's warming up!  I'll be colourful and comfortable to wear through late spring and all summer long!", cotton also fills the bill -- but it has to be the type of cotton that suits garments in particular.

Yes, it needs to be colourful.

Yes, it should be machine washable (beware a bit of shrinkage if the water is too hot!) and machine dry-able -- but it also has to be a quality of cotton designed for both stitch definition and drape, meaning that not only could you cable with it (!) but also you could create a garment that would hang beautifully as a summer tank top, a more tailored summer tee-shirt, or an over-the-bathing suit top for lakeside, pool-side or beach...and would even look well in baby items such as booties!

To do all of this well, cotton has to be not only sturdy but also soft and comfortable -- and usually it costs more than "dish cloth cotton" on a per metre basis. Sigh.

However, what we're offering this week for our Super Special Sale will fill the bill for a garment, and  be cost-effective too!

Universal Yarns

Cotton Supreme

100% Cotton, plied

100 grams = 165 metres (180 yards)

Gauge:16 - 20 stitches = 4" on 4-5 mm needle (U.S. 6-8) 

or 5-6 mm hook (U.S. H - J)

Regular Price: $13.00 per skein

Sale Price: $3.25 per skein

Limited quantities, limited colours.

When they're gone, they're gone!

See you in the shop!

*Written by Margaret, who has to admit that while she likes to wear cotton, she'd rather knit with wool.  Ah well... 😉