Although most patterns call for cotton yarns, it doesn’t mean that it is the only yarn that makes a dishcloth. I’ve tried other yarns, including acrylic ones, which worked perfectly well. Once you begin to crochet different items using acrylic yarns, you’ll be surprised by how versatile it is. Today I’ll share the advantages and challenges of using acrylic to crochet dishcloths.
Contents
- Can you use acrylic yarn for dishcloths
- Do acrylic dishcloths clean well?
- Acrylic vs cotton crochet dishcloths
- Benefits of acrylic dishcloths
- Downsides of acrylic dishcloths
- What is the best yarn for crochet dishcloths?
Crocheting a dishcloth is one of the fun activities anybody can try. Once you’re done crocheting, you will have a practical dishcloth to show for it. Most people crochet their dishcloths using cotton yarns, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you cannot use other materials.
Can You Use Acrylic Yarn For Dishcloths?
Yes, crocheters can use acrylic yarns to make their dishcloths. It is one of the top three materials that most people pick when they want to create a dishcloth.
Are Acrylic Dishcloths Versatile?
Some people use their dishcloths to wipe down their counters, while others use them to clean up spills. Some hold their hot pans and pots using dishcloths. If your sole intention is to wash dishes and scrub food stuck on countertops, acrylic dishcloths are recommendable. Most people pick the material depending on how well it would complete a specific job.
If you find yourself frequently dealing with foods that have adhered to the surface of your dishes, you would want to consider picking acrylic dishcloths. However, if you soak your dishes for hours before washing them, you can use other dishcloth alternatives, such as polyester. Unlike acrylic, polyester is relatively easy on the surface and makes it easier to scrub.
Acrylic vs Cotton Yarn For Dishcloths
If you are not patient enough to let your dishes dry in the air, you might need to consider using cotton dishcloths. Cotton dishcloths are quite absorbent as compared to polyester and acrylic dishcloths. This is what makes them perfect for manually drying the dishes.
The problem with acrylic yarns is that they are less absorbent and rough than cotton yarns. They also dry faster which is why we tend to use synthetic fibres to crochet swimwear. These properties plus their low heat tolerance, make them less desirable for dishcloths.
Advantages of Using Acrylic Yarn for Crochet Dishcloths
There are a few benefits to using acrylic yarn for your dishcloth project including
- Dries quickly. One of the advantages of using acrylic yarns is their ability to dry relatively faster than other materials.
- Acrylic is static. This is a unique property that most materials don’t have. Acrylic has a natural static that picks up dust better than polyester and cotton when users sweep it over the kitchen counter.
- Economical. Acrylic yarns are cheaper than cotton and polyester yarns. They are also readily available in physical and online stores.
- Doesn’t shrink. The main problem with cotton dishcloths is they shrink when users press them while they are still wet. On the other hand, acrylic doesn’t shrink. It stretches when wet and with time.
- It is machine washable. Acrylic is easy to maintain and take care of after use. Essentially, most acrylic dishcloths can be machine-washed. Unlike cotton yarn dishcloths, acrylic dishcloths do not shrink after washing in a machine.
- Durability. Acrylic dishcloths can withstand harsh treatment and conditions. They can withstand the pressure placed upon them when cleaning dishes and other surfaces.
Why Acrylic Yarn is Not Perfect for Crochet Dishcloths
Acrylic is not ideal for dishcloths for several reasons. Unlike cotton, acrylic lacks natural fibers, making it less absorbent. While acrylic has its place, it is not perfect for washcloths as it cannot make the patterns needed. Below are additional reasons crocheters should avoid acrylic yarns when crocheting their dishcloths.
- Acrylic may stretch over time, losing its original size and shape
- Less absorbent as compared to polyester and cotton, making it less ideal for spills
- Melts when exposed to high temperatures, making it unsuitable for potholders
- Acrylic might shed microplastics into the environment or the dishes
What to Consider When Picking the Best Yarn For Your Dishcloths
Although acrylic yarn can make a dishcloth, it is not ideal for kitchen purposes. There are several considerations that crocheters need to make when picking suitable yarn. I have highlighted several examples of such concerns below:
- Durability
- Cost
- Color
- Care
Durability
Let’s be honest. It is fair to use and abuse dishcloths. As such, you need to access a yarn that can withstand the pressure caused by repeated cleaning. The dishcloth also needs to hold up the pressure of becoming wet multiple times when used in the washing machine.
Unfortunately, not all yarns have the ability to withstand such pressure. When shopping for yarn to use for making a dishcloth, it is essential to check the label to be sure that it can withstand the pressure exerted by the washing machine.
Nobody is interested in washing a dishcloth by hand when they can dip it in a washing machine and do away with the stress. Machine-washable yarns can last longer than hand-washable yarn. It is much more convenient to throw your dishcloth into the dirty laundry and wash it with the other items.
Care
As a crocheter, search for a straightforward yarn to care for. Dishcloths should be put to good use rather than sitting around and looking pretty.
Therefore, users need to read through the instructions and directions for caring for the yarn. The instructions are generally present on the label. Here, you will find instructions on how to care for the yarn. The instructions will also help you determine whether the yarn is machine washable.
Color
Although color is not the most prominent factor when choosing a yarn for your dishcloth, it is worth considering. The color picked will significantly impact your satisfaction with the finished dishcloth. Pick colors that sufficiently blend with the interior design of the kitchen.
Several materials aren’t available in a wide variety of colors. Choosing those materials will limit you on what colors the dishcloth should have. Pick the yarns with multiple colors, so the selection does not limit you.
Cost
Since dishcloths are typically small, you don’t necessarily have to worry much about the cost of the chosen yarn. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t consider the price.
If you’re on a budget, pick acrylic yarns because they are cheaper than cotton yarns. However, cost shouldn’t be a significant factor when choosing between two yarns.
Can You Use Acrylic Yarn For Dishcloths?
Dishcloths are important kitchen pieces that help you keep the dishes clean and dry. However, since they are pretty versatile, users can utilize them to hold hot pots and scrub dirty countertops and utensils.
While acrylic is one of the materials crocheters can use to make a dishcloth, it isn’t always the perfect material for the project. Acrylic quickly melts in the presence of high temperatures. It stretches a lot and is less absorbent than cotton and polyester. But on the upside, acrylic is cheaper, economical, and doesn’t shrink when wet.