General description:

You will be using single crochet in back loops only for most of the pattern. The pattern begins at one corner, and you will increase at both ends of each row until the dishcloth is ½ the desired size (a triangle). You will cut and fasten off the yarn, and begin working at 90-degree angles to the first half of the dishcloth.

Use any cotton yarn and appropiate hook for chosen yarn. (I used an I hook with worsted weight.)

Begin: Chain 3.

Row 1: Skip first sc, and sc (in back loops only, here and throughout pattern) in next 2 stitches.

Row 2: Ch. 1 and turn. 2sc in each st.

Row 3: Ch. 1 and turn. 2sc in first sc, sc in each sc across row, 2sc in last single (row increased by 2 stitches).

Continue with row 3 until dishcloth is one-half the desired size. You should have an even number of stitches. Cut and tie off yarn.

Second half:

Begin by determining which two stitches are the center stitches of your last row (call this the foundation row for the second half), and mark these two stitches.

For right-handed crocheting, with right side of work facing, attach yarn in a contrasting color to the first stitch on the right-hand side. Remember that you will be working at a 90 degree angle to the first half.

Row 1: ch 2, sc (in back loop only!) in second chain from hook. Slip stitch in next two stitches of your foundation row from the first half.

Row 2: ch 1 and turn, 2 sc (in bl only).

Row 3: ch 1 and turn. 2c in first stitch. sc in each stitch to end of row (bl only), slip stitch in next 2 stitches of foundation row.

Row 4: ch 1 and turn. sc (in bl only) to end of row, 2sc in last stitch.

Repeat rows 3 and 4, until the slip stitchin in the foundation row reaches the first marker. At this point, work away from the foundation row and increase as usual. If you wish, you may tie off the yarn and attach a third color at this point.

For the next row, ch 1 and turn, and work sc evenly to the end of the row, slip-stitching twice in the next two stitches of the foundation row.

Continue work in the following manner:

Row A: ch. 1 and turn, sc (bl only) to the last two stitches, then sc last two stitches together, decreasing by 1.

Row B: ch 1 and turn, sc (bl only) first two stitches together (decreasing by one), then sc in bl to end of row. Slip stitch in next two stitches of foundation row.

Continue in this manner until the end of the foundation row is reached, slip stitching into the final stitch of the foundation row. Do not cut and tie off yarn.

Border:

ch. 1, sc in same stitch. Work ch 2, sc in gap space around, working (sc, ch2, sc) into the center of each corner. End with ch 1 or 2 (whatever fits), and slip stitch to first sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.