Offset mesh is a slight variation of the regular mesh that is used in filet crochet. Offset mesh works well for a dishcloth because it makes a flexible piece that is comfortable to hold; it crumples up in the hand just the way you would want it to, for washing dishes. This pattern works up quickly. Great for those times when you want a quick project.
Abbreviations: ch = chain, chs = chains, ea = each, dc = double crochet, sc = single crochet, sl st = slip stitch, sp = space, st = stitch, sts = stitches
Materials: about 1 oz. any cotton worsted weight yarn, US size H hook
Pattern Note: You will turn at the end of each row.
Starting chains are for medium (about 8 inches) and large (about 10 inches) dishcloths.
Starting Chain: ch 34 (42).
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook, sc in ea ch across. (making 33 or 41 sc altogether)
Row 2: ch 4 (counts as first dc and a ch-1), (skip next sc, dc in next sc, ch 1) as many times
as needed to go across the row. Do not do the ch-1 at the end of the last repeat.
Row 3: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in first ch-1 sp, (ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp)
as many times as needed to go across the row, until only one dc and one ch-4 space remain at the end of the row, then ch 1, skip next dc, dc in ch-4 sp, next, skipping one ch of the ch-4 sp (a chain which is covered by the dc just made), dc in next ch (if counting the chains of the ch-4
from the outside edge, you should have crocheted into the 3rd ch up from the base of the ch-4).
Row 4: ch 4 (counts as first dc and a ch-1), (skip next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1)
as many times as needed until only 2 dc remain, then (after you have done the ch-1 of the last
repeat made) skip next dc, dc in the top of the ch-3 at the end of the row (that counts as the
last dc of the row).
For Medium Size, Rows 5 - 14: Repeat rows 3 and 4.
For Large Size, Rows 5 - 17: Repeat rows 3 and 4.
Last Row: ch 1 (to turn), sc in the first dc, (sc in ch-1 sp, sc in next dc) across
the row. (33 or 41 sc in the row)
(Optional) Outside Round: ch 1, then working down the side of the piece, make
2 sc around the dc post on the edge of ea row. When you reach the end, ch 2 for a corner,
sl st in the remaining starting chain on the bottom edge of ea sc across the bottom edge,
ch 2 for a corner, 2 sc around the dc post on the edge of ea row along the next side, ch 2
for a corner, sl st in ea sc across the top edge, ch 2 for a corner, sl st in the first sc of the
outside round.
End off, leaving a strand for weaving in. Weave in the ends, to secure.