A dishcloth is the perfect first crochet project: it's small, it's square, it teaches you to keep your edges straight, and even a wobbly one scrubs dishes just fine. This pattern uses US crochet terms. Abbreviations: ch = chain, sc = single crochet.
Step by step
- Foundation: Make a slip knot and ch 31 (about 7 to 8 inches wide).
- Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. You should have 30 sc. Ch 1 and turn.
- Row 2: Sc in each sc across (30 sc). Ch 1 and turn. The ch 1 does not count as a stitch.
- Repeat Row 2 until the cloth is roughly square. Count your stitches every few rows; if you have fewer than 30, you've probably missed the last stitch of a row.
- Fasten off: cut the yarn leaving a 6 inch tail and pull it through the last loop.
- Weave both tails in with the yarn needle, going back and forth through the stitches so they don't work loose in the wash.
Cotton is best for dishcloths because it's absorbent and holds up to hot water. Acrylic yarn doesn't absorb well.