Crochet Unpaper Towels Basket – Easy Handmade Gift Idea
Give an eco-friendly handmade gift of a crochet “unpaper” towels basket that’s as fun to make as it is to give. It’s an inexpensive and useful gift that will help take the place of throw away paper in the the kitchen.
Yield: 7 cloths
Calories:
Cost: $5-$7
Equipment
- 5mm crochet hook (size H) OR 4mm hook (size G, sometimes also listed as 4.5mm). The pattern calls for the 5mm hook, but I only had a 4mm and it works fine. In fact, it make create a tighter weave which is what we want!
- Yarn needle
- Scissor snips
Materials
- 100% cotton yarn My favorite cotton yarn is from Dishie from Knit Picks. One ball has 190 yards which yielded 3 cloths for me. My next favorite is Sugar ‘n Cream. Each ball of Sugar ‘n Cream has 120 yards which was just 2 cloths.
- 1 Basket that can hold 7 cloths (when each cloth is folded in half and half again).
- Twine or ribbon
- Labels – make your own or download the free printable below.
Instructions
The Pattern
- I used a simple pattern that used single, half double, and double crochet – it’s really easy and perfect for beginners!Go here for the crochet cloth pattern found at Miss Mustard Seed.What I like about this pattern for these “unpaper” towels is that it is a tight weave with minimal openings which allows for more absorption.While you can use other patterns, I’d definitely stay away from loose patterns or those with large holes.
A Simple Alternate Edging
- I made most of the cloths with the ruffled edge like in the pattern linked above, but I also made some with a clean edge of single crochet. I experimented with contrasting colors, but mostly used the same color for a clean lined look.Here’s how to make a simple, alternative clean edge:
- When you get to the end of the cloth, make 1 single chain to round the corner to the next edge.
- Place your hook through the closest hole on the edge, loop the yarn around the back of the hook and bring the yarn through the front (two loops on hook now).Grab the yarn on the hook and bring it through both the loops. Move on the to the next hole in the edge.
- Tips: Single chain on each corner to round it. Only do 3 edges – the top of the last row of half double stitches looks like this edging, so you don’t need to stitch on top of it.
- At the last loop, bring the yarn through and snip off leaving 7-10 inches. Weave in the yarn with a yarn needle and snip off what doesn’t get weaved in.
Finishing
- Even though the cloths won’t look as “new,” the key to making the cloths useable immediately is to wash them before packaging.This tightens the weave and makes the yarn more absorbent, ready to be used as our unpaper towels!So wash up the cloths as you finish them and keep them ready and waiting to be packaged up.
How to print and attach the labels
- After downloading, print the the labels out on a color printer using white cardstock paper.
- Punch two holes at the top OR one hole in the corner, your choice.
- Thread twine or a ribbon through the hole(s) and attach to your basket.
Notes
Here are a couple packaging ideas for gift giving:
- Buy large dollar store bags, place basket of cloths in bottom and add tissue.
- Place the basket in a clear cellophane bag and tie closed with a ribbon.
- Wrap basket in a large flour sack towel – center on the towel, bring edges up and tie with a ribbon (love this useable wrapping option!).
