Alternating double crochet and single crochet make the design of this pattern, switching to the other stitch halfway across the row, (this creates the "steps"). The off balance effect across a row shows up the most when changing colors on every row or on every two rows.
The photo shows the look of changing colors after every two rows. I carried the unused color strands along the side and crocheted over them when doing the final outside round (using this method makes fewer ends to weave in at the end). You could also make this dishcloth in one solid color.
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 Chain: ch 33.
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook, sc in ea ch across. (making 32 sc altogether)
Row 2: ch 1, sc in first sc, sc in ea of next 15 sc,
dc in next sc, skip next sc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next sc, skip next sc, dc in ea of next 12 sc.
Row 3: ch 1 (to turn), sc in the first dc,
sc in ea of next 12 dc, sc in ch-1 sp, sc in ea of next 2 dc, dc in next sc,
skip next sc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next sc, skip next sc,
dc in ea of next 12 sc.
Rows 4 - 17: Repeat row 3.
Row 18: ch 1 (to turn), sc in the first dc, sc in ea of next 12 dc, sc in ch-1 sp, sc in ea of next 2 dc, sc in ea of next 16 sc. (32 sc in the row)
If desired, work one round of single crochet around the outside edge. If you made the dishcloth in more than one color and carried unused strands along the edge, crochet over these unused strands while doing this final outside round.
End off, leaving a strand for weaving in. Weave in the ends, to secure.