Simple Single Crochet Dishcloths or Washcloths

Sometimes the simplest stitches and a simple project give me the greatest satisfaction. These easy dishcloths make a great carry along project and are quick to work up. They are a last minute gift idea and wonderful hostess gifts. You can use them in the kitchen or bath.

Materials: 100% cotton yarn (approximately 2 ounces per cloth)
size H (5.0. mm) crochet hook

Finished size: both cloth patterns measure approximately 8 ½ inches square

Gauge: exact gauge is not necessary for these

Pattern #1
The textured look of this cloth is achieved by alternating single crochet stitches in
the back and front loops.

Row 1: Ch 34, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (33 sc)

Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in first sc. *Sc in back loop only of next sc, sc in front loop only of next sc. Rep from * across to last 2 sc. Sc in BL of next sc, sc in both loops of last sc.

Rep row 2 for pattern until cloth is square. Do not fasten off.

Edging: ch 1, turn, (sc, ch 1, sc) in first sc for corner st. Sc evenly around the entire cloth making sure to work (sc, ch 1, sc) in each of the 3 remaining corners. Sl st to beg sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Pattern #2

This texture is achieved by working sc sts into chain spaces of the previous row.

Row 1: Ch 33, sc in 3rd ch from hook, *ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next. Rep from * across. (32 sts total (16 sc, 16 spaces, including beginning space)).

Row 2: ch 2, turn, skip first sc, *sc in next ch 1 space, ch 1, skip next sc. Rep from * across to last space, sc in ch 2 space.

Rep row 2 for pattern until cloth is square. Do not fasten off.

Edging: ch 1, turn, (sc, ch 1, sc) in first sc for corner st. Sc evenly around the entire cloth making sure to work (sc, ch 1, sc) in each of the 3 remaining corners. Sl st to beg sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.

I hope you enjoy making these patterns as much as I have!

Photos and content © 2011 Red Berry Crochet. These patterns are intended for your personal use only. Please do not copy, redistribute or sell these patterns. But please feel free to post and share the link to this blog page:

http://redberrycrochet.blogspot.com/2011/04/simple-single-crochet-dishcloths-or.html

For a free pdf download of this pattern, click here

My Search to Be Square - Part 1

I love to cross stitch on crocheted fabric and I had made an afghan several years ago that featured our family name and a cabin graphic with some pine trees. So when I came across this free KG Chart for Cross Stitch program I got excited and downloaded it. In no time I was able to easily create graph patterns. It is a simple program to master. I drew out a "J" monogram by hand and scanned and imported it into the program. What's great is that this program will create a chart from any image and it is easily editable for stitch placement and color changes. You can also view the chart in "real view" and it looks like an actual cross stitched piece!

Having this program got me to thinking about the crocheted fabric that you cross stitch on and I remember having read somewhere about a "square" crochet stitch. Of course I can't remember where I read that, and searching online was no help. What I do remember from what I read is that using the seed stitch will give you a truer square. Single crochet is fine, but is not truly square being wider than tall. So I worked up a swatch in seed stitch (or the seed stitch as I know it to be). And while I was at it, I decided to work up a simple stitch chart for it using Inkscape which is also a free program.



Here is my swatch pattern:
With a size H (5.0 mm) crochet hook and worsted weight (medium) yarn.
Row 1 (RS): ch 24, sc in 2nd ch from hook, *ch 1, sk next, sc in next. Rep from * across. (23 sts)
Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in next, sc in next ch1 sp, ch 1, sk next, sc in ch 1 sp. Rep from * across to last, sc in last sc.
Row 3: ch 1, turn, sc in next, *ch 1, sk next, sc in next ch 1 sp. Rep from * across.
Rep rows 2 and 3 alternately for pattern.

Abbreviations used in pattern:
RS - right side, or the side of the fabric you want to show (or face out)
ch - chain
sc - single crochet
sk - skip
sp - space
rep - repeat
My swatch is 23 rows high, and is square - Yay!






Now all I have to do is figure out where the cross stitches should go. To me it doesn't look there is a square pattern in the fabric. *sigh*
I will continue and stitch up some other swatches too; in single crochet, "square" single crochet, and also a Tunisian swatch.

So for now my search to be square continues . . .


Links - KG software - http://www.iktsoft.net/kgchart-en/kgchart/
Inskscape - http://www.inkscape.org/

A Hooker Book Review - The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs

The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs
500 Classic & Original Patterns
by Linda P. Schapper
ISBN 1-57990-915-9
Revised Edition, published 2007 by Lark Books


Originally published in 1985, this revised edition is much easier to read and has all new updated photos.
The book includes 33 chapters, an introduction, illustrations of basic stitches, International crochet symbols, and a pictoral index of all the stitches.
I really love the pictoral index. Set up with 6 columns and 5 rows, the mini pictures are clear enough to search for a particular stitch or design that you are looking for. For example, if you want a stitch pattern that is more detailed vertically than horizontally, it is easy to browse and visually pick out one that may work for you. Each picture in the index also includes a number and the page number where the details can be found.
When you go the page that has the stitch details you will find a larger photo, a symbol pattern chart (I love these!) and step by step instructions.
Every stitch design book is unique and different in its own way, and this book is much more than a guide to basic stitches and the simple patterns that we all know and love. If you are searching for a lacy pattern for a lovely evening shawl, or an openwork pattern for a tablerunner, or popcorn stitch patterns for a new scarf, you will certainly find them here!
This is a great reference book for any crocheter, beginner to experienced, that makes it easy to design and create your own projects.

What do you think? Visit your local library and if they do not have this book in their collection, ask them to loan it from another library for you. It’s a free service, and a great way to preview books if you are considering purchasing them.


4 out of 5 "Hooks Up" Recommendation