Simple Eco-Friendly Knits

… That you can make with very little knitting knowhow!

Hello there everyone! Eeeek, it’s been a busy few weeks since I last posted here… I’ve had a couple of markets and workshops on in the meantime, and prepping for those tends to squeeze out everything else!

Anyway, if you can cast your mind back to the end of last month, I was talking about sustainability, and how learning to knit can play a part in lessening your impact on the planet.

But what if you’re really only just learning, and you’re not sure where to start?

No problem! Even your very first knits can be put to use in your home, helping you to replace some of the disposables that lurk in our kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

All of these simple eco-friendly knitting projects use an Aran-weight 100% cotton yarn, paired with 5mm knitting needles. Cotton is great because, as well as being a natural, biodegradable, plant-derived fibre, it’s super soft and easily washed and reused.

Project 1 – Face Scrubbie

These couldn’t be easier! The scrubbie is just a straightforward knitted square. Use yours with facial soap to gently cleanse and exfoliate your skin.

• Cast on 12 stitches
• Knit until piece is 7cm long
• Cast off and weave in ends

Project 2 – Wash Mitt

I love a good wash mitt, and handknitted ones are my particular favourites. The bumpy texture of the knitting makes this handmade mitt a perfect substitute for plastic shower puffs, too!

• Cast on 20 stitches
• Knit until piece measures 34cm, or until it fits comfortably over both sides of your hand
• Cast off, fold in half and use the tails to sew up each side

Project 3 – Dishcloth

Commercial dishcloths are so often produced using man-made materials, and they’re basically designed to be disposable. Switch things up by hand-knitting your own – these simple squares are a great way to try out new yarns and stitches! Knit them from durable cotton yarn and see how much longer they last. You can pop them in the washing machine to freshen them up, too.

• Cast on 40 stitches
• Knit every row until you have a square (about 26cm)
• Cast off

Have you any go-to knitted items that have replaced commercial disposables around your home? Be sure to tell us all about them in the comments! And if you’re interested in giving any of these projects a go, I’ve included a printer-friendly version of the patterns below.

Happy knitting!