Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn: My Choice for Kitchen Dish Cloths

When I first started making my own dish cloths, I didn’t realize just how much the yarn mattered. I thought any cotton would do, but after trying a few brands, I finally landed on my all-time favorite: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn. It’s strong, absorbent, affordable, and honestly just makes the best everyday dish cloths. Over the years, I’ve compared it with other popular yarns like Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn, Peaches and Creme Cotton Yarn, Paintbox Cotton Aran Yarn, and even the premium Knit Picks Dishie Cotton Yarn. Each has its perks, but Bernat continues to win a permanent spot in my craft basket.

So if you’re searching for the best yarn for dish cloths, or just curious how different cotton yarns compare, let me walk you through what I’ve learned.

Best Yarn for Dish Cloths

If you’ve ever made or used a hand-knit or crocheted dish cloth, you already know cotton is the best option. Why?

• Cotton absorbs water and soap beautifully.
• It’s machine washable and gets softer the more you use it.
• Cotton cloths last much longer than sponges and are more eco-friendly than paper towels.

But among all the cotton options, a few stand out. Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn is my number one because it’s durable and easy to work with, but each brand has its own personality. That’s where experimenting with other cottons can be fun.

Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn

Let’s start with the star of the show. Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn is a true workhorse. It’s a 100% cotton, worsted weight yarn that comes in a huge variety of colors and patterns.

Here’s why I reach for it again and again:

• Absorbency: It soaks up water without feeling soggy forever.
• Durability: I’ve washed my Bernat dish cloths hundreds of times, and they still hold up.
• Availability: It’s easy to find online and in craft stores, sometimes even in big-box retailers.
• Budget-Friendly: Buying cones of this yarn is such a steal, especially if you make dish cloths in bulk.

For me, Bernat is the balance of practicality and quality. It doesn’t feel too stiff like some cottons, but it isn’t so soft that it falls apart after a few washes. It’s just right.

Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn

Now, let’s talk about Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn. This one is very different from Bernat because it’s mercerized cotton. That means it’s been treated to give it a sleek shine and extra strength.

What I love about Lion Brand 24/7 is the stitch definition. If you’re crocheting or knitting a fancy stitch pattern, this yarn makes it pop. It also feels a little more polished, so it’s perfect for decorative dish cloths or gifts.

The trade-off? It’s not quite as absorbent as Bernat. So while it looks gorgeous and lasts a long time, I personally don’t grab it when I want a cloth that can handle heavy kitchen scrubbing.

Peaches and Creme Cotton Yarn

Ah, Peaches and Creme Cotton Yarn—a true classic. It’s similar to Bernat Handicrafter in that it’s a 100% cotton, worsted weight yarn, but it’s often praised for its soft feel and kitchen-friendly colors.

When I first started making dish cloths, Peaches and Creme was my introduction to cotton yarn. It’s inexpensive, easy to find, and softens beautifully after a few washes.

If I had to compare it directly to Bernat:

• Peaches and Creme is softer right out of the skein.
• Bernat feels a little sturdier in the long run.

Both are great, but if I’m making a set of cloths to give as gifts, I’ll often use Peaches and Creme for that cozy, handmade feel.

Knit Picks Dishie Cotton Yarn

If you’re ready to splurge a little, Knit Picks Dishie Cotton Yarn is worth a try. It was designed with dish cloths in mind, and it shows.

Dishie is tightly spun, which means it doesn’t split easily while you’re working with it. That alone is a huge bonus for crochet projects. It’s also incredibly durable and comes in fresh, modern colors that stand out from the more traditional kitchen palettes of Bernat or Peaches and Creme.

The only downside? It’s pricier. If you’re making lots of dish cloths, that can add up quickly. But for a long-lasting, premium feel, Dishie is fantastic.

Paintbox Cotton Aran Yarn

Next up is Paintbox Cotton Aran Yarn. This UK-based yarn brand has exploded in popularity thanks to its gorgeous range of colors. If you want dish cloths that look straight out of an Instagram post, Paintbox is the one to grab.

It’s smooth, consistent, and very beginner-friendly. The only catch is that it’s not always easy to find in local stores—you’ll likely need to order online.

I love using Paintbox for kitchen projects that double as décor, like placemats, coasters, or stylish dish cloths to leave out when company comes over. It’s the kind of yarn that makes everyday household items look like works of art.

Comparing the Cotton Yarns

So, how do all these yarns stack up against each other? Here’s my quick breakdown:

• Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn: The ultimate everyday yarn—durable, affordable, and dependable.
• Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn: Sleek and shiny, great for decorative projects.
• Peaches and Creme Cotton Yarn: Soft and cozy, perfect for gifts and everyday use.
• Knit Picks Dishie Cotton Yarn: Premium and long-lasting, ideal for projects you want to keep forever.
• Paintbox Cotton Aran Yarn: Trendy and colorful, best for stylish, modern projects.

My Tips for Making the Best Dish Cloths

Whichever yarn you choose, here are a few tips that have helped me create dish cloths I actually love to use:

1. Stick with textured stitches: Patterns like seed stitch, waffle stitch, or basket weave make the cloth more effective for scrubbing.
2. Buy cones for bulk projects: Bernat Handicrafter cones save money if you plan to make multiple cloths.
3. Pre-wash your yarn: Cotton can shrink a little, so wash a swatch before starting a big project.
4. Avoid fabric softeners: They coat the fibers and reduce absorbency.
5. Experiment with color: Kitchen cloths don’t have to be boring—try bright stripes or neutral tones to match your style.

Beyond Dish Cloths: Other Projects with Cotton Yarn

While dish cloths are the obvious choice, don’t stop there. Bernat Handicrafter and other cotton yarns are perfect for:

• Wash cloths for the bathroom
• Market totes and reusable bags
• Baby bibs and blankets
• Coasters and placemats
• Face scrubbies and spa sets

Cotton yarn is safe, sturdy, and versatile—it’s one of those materials every crafter should have on hand.\

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the best yarn for dish cloths depends on your style, budget, and priorities. But if you want a yarn that checks all the boxes—affordable, absorbent, durable, and easy to find—it’s hard to beat Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn.

Sure, you might fall in love with the sleek look of Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn, the cozy feel of Peaches and Creme Cotton Yarn, the premium strength of Knit Picks Dishie Cotton Yarn, or the vibrant shades of Paintbox Cotton Aran Yarn. But for me? Bernat Handicrafter remains the yarn I grab when I want dish cloths that last, work hard, and keep my kitchen looking cheerful.

If you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect cotton yarn for your next project, I’d say start here—you’ll see why so many of us swear by it.

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