basic idea based upon info from Mary Thomas Knitting Book

This square can be made to whatever finished size you desire as you start in the center and work outwards.

You start with double pointed needles and then change to a circular needle when you have enough stitches.

For a dishcloth one ball of cotton will make a square dish cloth (mine is about 10 inches); one small ball of acrylic or wool will make an afghan square as well.