Soft Cotton

ctmax · March 23, 2006, 5:53pm

I want to make washcloths, but the cotton I use (I think Bernat) would be to rough on a face. Just wondering if there is a softer cotton on the market?

Jenelle · March 23, 2006, 5:58pm

Cottontots is a soft cotton. Comes in great colors too.

knitqueen · March 23, 2006, 6:03pm

I second that. Cottontots is also made by Bernat.

knitstress_tygher · March 23, 2006, 7:02pm

I’ve been pretty happy with Lily’s Sugar & Cream, though I haven’t tried making a washcloth for my face or anything, just dishcloths. But I’m making a hooded baby towel from CottenTots and it is -very- soft.

Jan_in_CA · March 23, 2006, 7:18pm

IMO Sugar and Cream is too harsh for the face. I made myself a face cloth, but can’t use it.

sfavereau · March 23, 2006, 8:35pm

I agree with Jan… I made a dishcloth/washcloth with Lily Sugar and Cream that my dog fell in love with and since it was so harsh I gave it to him. He loves to try and shred it and it’s held up REMARKABLY well. LOL

KellyK · March 24, 2006, 4:33am

Blue Sky has some LOVELY (and even ORGANIC!) cotton

Also, GGH’s Bali or Goa are cotton blends…mostly cotton, though, and are nice and soft.

I wonder how a mercerized cotton would work with a face cloth? Its always SO soft, but I dont know if the “Mercer” rubs off on your face or if there are weird chemicals involved or anything…

Cristy · March 24, 2006, 7:00am

I vote for cotton-tots…

what pattern are you using for the face cloth–anything specific? just curious…

Ingrid · March 24, 2006, 7:02am

The mercandized cotton has a kind of sheen to it. It’s like all the cottony fibers on the outside are removed. I don’t really see it as a washcloth.

rebecca · March 24, 2006, 9:02am

Crystal Palace’s Cotton Chenille is supposed to be VERY soft

nicolethegeek · March 24, 2006, 9:05am

I’ve used Paton’s Grace {sport weight merc. cotton} as a dishsoap dress, but wouldn’t use it as a dishcloth or washcloth. While it feels smooth and silky to the hands, it’s definitely not the same feel on the face. I’ve heard of people using cotton chenille for facecloths, but I don’t even know where to begin to look for that.

Editted to add: Look at above reply to find cotton chenille!!!

Jan_in_CA · March 24, 2006, 9:11am

MERCERIZED COTTON
Here’s some short answers:
Mercerized cotton has a higher luster, greater strength, holds more dye, and does not shrink as much when washed as unmercerized cotton.

Mercerized Cotton is prepared using a process first discovered by John Mercer in 1844. He found that when cotton fibres are submersed in a strong caustic soda solution they swell and develop a high lustre. Because of this, Mercerized Cotton fibres dye to a more brilliant shade than un-mercerized cotton, are stronger and more lustrous.

Here’s the long answer…it’s actually quite interesting…at least for a nerd. :roflhard:

http://fiberarts.org/design/articles/mercerized.html

I googled it. :rollseyes:

ctmax · March 24, 2006, 9:36am

HI thanks for all the ideas and tips I really like the idea of using cotton chenille. I would probably have to order it online somewhere because I don’t have many places to buy yarn where I live. I don’t have a pattern in mind yet, but have wanted to make a washcloth for awhile now. Thanks again for all the help.

Rennagayle · March 25, 2006, 9:27am

Jan, from one nerd to another, that was pretty interesting! :study: :mrgreen:

bjc1050 · March 25, 2006, 10:18am

Jan, you read my mind. I’ve been wonderiing what the difference was between mercerized and unmercerized cotton. Thanks.