Handmade dishcloth

A knitted dishcloth is a simple and useful craft project for the kitchen. Using thick cotton creates a sturdy cloth suitable for the rigours of the washing-up bowl. Working in a thread of contrasting colour creates a pleasing pattern. To make: using 4mm needles and double knit cotton, cast on 41 stitches. Rows 1-4: Knit one, purl one (this will form moss stitch, rather than a rib). Row 5: (k1, p1) twice, (k2, p1) repeat to the last four stitches, (k1, p1) twice. Row 6: (k1, p1) twice, (p2, k1) repeat to last four stitches, (k1, p1) twice. Strands of embroidery cotton can be knitted in to form a pattern, if desired. Repeat rows 5 and 6 until the cloth is almost square. Repeat rows 1-4. A plain dish cloth can be made entirely in k1 p1 moss stitch.