Why would you crochet your own washcloth when you can buy a flannel? Well, they’re easy and quick to make, making them ideal projects for craft groups, TV crafting or travelling with. You can try out new techniques – like this wavy crochet stitch pattern, striping and changing colours. They’re also economical and eco friendly, made from leftover yarn and lasting for ages.

This colourful, stripey version is fun to make and to use. It’s hard wearing and can be chucked in the washing if it needs freshening up. It uses any DK cotton or bamboo in three colours. I used Rico Essentials DK. It doesn’t need much of each colour so it’s a good way to use up leftover yarn.