Squares And Cables Dishcloth

Squares and Cables Dishcloth by Joan Laws

What Is Being Made

The Squares and Cables Dishcloth is a knitted kitchen textile measuring 8.5 inches by 8.5 inches (22cm x 22cm). This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Joan Laws creates a functional dishcloth featuring an attractive combination of textured square motifs and cable stitch elements. The finished piece is suitable for everyday kitchen use, dishwashing, and general household cleaning tasks.

Craft and Technique Overview

This project uses the knitting craft exclusively. The pattern is rated as beginner difficulty, making it an accessible introduction to working with cables and textured stitch patterns. The design employs a charted pattern system that repeats across the fabric, allowing knitters to develop consistency and rhythm while working through the 28-row pattern repeat.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern Details

The Squares and Cables pattern incorporates several fundamental knitting stitches combined in a structured repeat:

• Knit stitch (k) — the basic foundation stitch used throughout
• Purl stitch (p) — creates texture and defines the pattern structure
• 2/2 Right Cable (2/2RC) — a four-stitch cable that crosses to create the characteristic twisted cable texture

The pattern repeat is based on a multiple of 14 stitches plus 10 additional stitches, creating a balanced design that repeats horizontally across the fabric. The 28-row chart cycles through various combinations of knit, purl, and cable stitches to build the interlocking squares and cable motifs. Rows alternate between right-side (RS) rows and wrong-side (WS) rows, with specific stitch placements that create the dimensional texture characteristic of this design.

Materials and Tools

The pattern calls for TAHKI Stacy Charles 100% Mercerized Cotton yarn in sport weight. The recommended yardage is 108 yards per 100 grams, with color #3402 (Dark Orange) requiring one skein to complete the project. Mercerized cotton provides durability, absorbency, and a smooth finish ideal for dishcloths.

Knitting needles in size 5 (3.75mm) are specified, though the pattern notes that needle size may be adjusted as needed to achieve proper gauge. The recommended gauge is 24.5 stitches and 34 rows per 4 inches (10cm) when working in the stitch pattern, ensuring the finished dishcloth reaches the intended dimensions.

Pattern Construction

The pattern begins with casting on 52 stitches, which accommodates the 14-stitch repeat multiple three times, plus the 10-stitch edge section. Knitters then work through the 28-row charted pattern, which includes garter stitch sections (knit and purl rows), reverse stockinette backgrounds, and strategically placed cable crosses that create visual interest and texture variation throughout the fabric.