Basic Cloth

We all had to go to the dentist the other day. The dentist had all four of us set for the same time, and who know how many others :( It was over a hour before one of us was called in :(

I am sure everyone out there has come across this pattern in one form or other it is very basic, however I didn't realise how much I had evolved this pattern to fit my needs. So I thought I'd share mine with you all :)

I started this one at the dentist office and finished it there too ;) it is a very fast knit, but I had way more time than I needed :(

I often use these as a hot pad as well, so I place the yarn overs close to the edge. I like the speed of a yarn over to most other increases, but you can use any increase you like, knitting into the back loop works well :)

I really don't like large sized kitchen cloths. When I use them as hot pads I always mange to get them in the food ;(

I am a very messy cook, I swear I can't even open a can without making a mess, let alone cook lol. I try, but you know somethings just can't be helped ;) ... no this has nothing to do with why I cook outside so much ;) lol

I add a little chain loop on the end so I could hang them on the cabinets for easy reaching.

I use a size 6US needle, as I find they give me a nice and tight stitch for use as a hot pad, but still knit up fast.

If using as a hot pad always use yarn that can take the heat. I always use 100% cotton in worsted weight, and be sure to keep your stitches on the tight side or go to a smaller needle. As well as keeping to the knit stitch for thickness. As always be careful with anything hot :)

I don't like the way it hangs if knit into a square, the sides kind of fold in :( so I don't make mine square. They are also great for using up bits of cotton.

Mine are "work" cloths so I use whatever colors I have around :)

Cast on 6

k1, yo, k to end.

repeat until you have the size you want ( I go anywhere from 35 to 45 stitches across )

k1, yo, k2tog, k to end

repeat 5 times

k1, yo, k2tog, k1, k2tog, k to end

repeat until you have around 15 stitches

k1, yo, *k2tog, * to end, knitting the last stitch if need be ( the k2tog's give a slight curve to the cloth that makes hanging them easier )

Bind off, leaving tail long enough to make loop for hanging.

I use whatever size crochet hook I have around, making about a dozen chain stitches, join loop by weaving in end.

This style cloth can be changed up in so many ways. Go with what you like :)

The next time you find yourself sitting at the dentist office without a pattern give it a try :)