Wash the Dishes, Dry the Dishes, Turn the Dishes Over

Did you ever play this playground game? I have, and it reminds me now of the first thing we ever learned to knit as children: the humble but very useful dishcloth. Granny would give us a big ball of thick cotton yarn, always a creamy white colour, and a pair of size 8 (4mm) needles and tell us to cast on 40 stitches, then knit until it made a square. I think my aunts helped to cast on and bind off.

Here's my updated version of the classic dishcloth, worked from corner to corner, so a beginner doesn't even have to cast on and off; just make a slip knot to begin. I've used a better quality cotton than the usual ‘craft cotton’, hoping it stays softer and lasts longer. The basic pattern is given, along with suggestions for 4 different stitches to try out: and of course you can try your own.

Of course you can make it any size you like!