Even chores can be festive, right?

My festive dishcloth

The other day I came up with this crazy notion of crocheting dishcloths for Christmas. At first I thought it would brighten up the chores around the festive season but, in all honesty, I think I just wanted to crochet something cool. I use the term 'cool' very loosely when talking about crocheting dishcloths.

Before we begin, I should probably point out that I am far from an expert at crocheting. I'm not even an experienced beginner. In fact, half the time, I think it's just luck that I have the hook pointing in the right direction. 

Prior to this project, I had been working on some beautiful Fresh Stitches amigurumi patterns. Apparently my brain was still in that head space because I was about halfway through my dishcloth when I realised I had been crocheting through the back loop only. I was very close to pulling it all apart and starting again when I realised that the texture was perfect. Soft and smooth on one side with slightly rougher ridges on the other. Great for scrubbing. And for the record...Yes, I did get a little excited about scrubbing with my new dishcloth.

Soft and smooth on the front

Good old scrubbin' ridges on the back

Without further ado, here is my super-easy crocheted dishcloth pattern.

Note: I have used US terms for the stitches. Also remember to crochet through the back loop only if you want the smooth/ridged effect.

ch = Chain

st = stitch

sc = Single Crochet

dc = Double Crochet

sl st = Slip Stitch

sk = skip

• ch 2
• sc 8 times into the 2nd ch from hook (8)
• (sc 1, sc 3 in next st) 4 times (16)
• sc in next 2 st, (sc 3 in next st, sc in next 3 st) 3 times, sc 3 in next st, sc in next st (24)
• sc in next 3 st, (sc 3 in next st, sc in next 5 st) 3 times, sc 3 in next st, sc in next 2 st (32)
• sc in next 4 st, (sc 3 in next st, sc in next 7 st) 3 times, sc 3 in next st, sc in next 3 st (40)
• sc in next 5 st, (sc 3 in next st, sc in next 9 st) 3 times, sc 3 in next st, sc in next 4 st (48)
• Continue in this pattern, of sc 3 in each corner st, until the dishcloth reaches 96 stitches (another 6 rounds)

For the scalloped edge:

• sl st until you reach the first corner st
• sl st into the corner st then ch 2, dc 3 (also into the corner)
• *(sk 2, sc 1, sk 2, dc 5) 3 times
• sk 2, sc 1, sk 2, dc 8** (note: the dc 8 should always fall on a corner st)
• Repeat from * to ** 2 more times
• (sk 2, sc 1, sk 2, dc 5) 3 times
• sk 2, sc 1, sk 2, dc 4
• join to 2nd ch
• Fasten and weave in ends

Back view of my little festive beauty