Wash the Dishes, Dry the Dishes by ChristineLothian

Wash the Dishes, Dry the Dishes

Knitting
January 2023
DK (11 wpi) ?
20 stitches and 40 rows = 4 inches
US 5 - 3.75 mm
66 - 77 yards (60 - 70 m)
English
This pattern is available from lovecrafts.com for £1.56.

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!