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# Mesh Eyelet Filet Dishcloth

A light, breezy dishcloth worked in a simple filet mesh (dc + ch-1 spaces). The open texture rinses clean quickly and makes a great beginner introduction to filet crochet. Finished with an optional single crochet border for a tidy edge.

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## Skill Level
Beginner

## Finished Size
Approximately 8 x 8 inches (20 x 20 cm), unblocked. Add about ½ in (1.3 cm) on each side with the optional border.

## Materials
- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (#4) 100% cotton — approx. 50–60 yds (46–55 m)
- **Hook:** US H/8 (5 mm)
- **Notions:** Tapestry needle, scissors
- **Color:** Your favorite color

## Gauge
14 dc and 8 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in double crochet.
In mesh pattern: 1 mesh unit (dc + ch-1) ≈ ½ in wide.
*Gauge is not critical for a dishcloth, but a consistent gauge keeps the square even.*

## Abbreviations (US Terms)
- **ch** = chain
- **dc** = double crochet
- **sc** = single crochet
- **sp** = space
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)
- **sk** = skip
- **rep** = repeat

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## Pattern Notes
- The **turning ch-3 at the start of each row counts as the first dc**.
- The mesh is formed by working **(ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next st)** across.
- Work each dc into the dc of the previous row and each ch-1 over the ch-1 space below to keep columns straight.

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## Instructions

### Foundation
**Ch 30.**

**Row 1 (RS):** Dc in 4th ch from hook (the skipped 3 ch count as first dc), *ch 1, sk next ch, dc in next ch*; rep from * across.
- Verify: Starting ch 30 → 1 turning-equiv dc + 1 dc in 4th ch = 2 dc, then the repeat works across remaining 26 ch as 13 × (ch1 + dc).
- **Stitch count: 14 dc and 13 ch-1 sps across.** ✓ (14 + 13 = 27 units ≈ 8 in)

**Row 2:** Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), turn. Dc in next dc, *ch 1, sk ch-1 sp, dc in next dc*; rep from * across, working last dc in top of turning ch.
- **Stitch count: 14 dc and 13 ch-1 sps.** ✓

**Rows 3–16:** Rep Row 2.
- Total rows = 16. At ~2 rows/in, height ≈ 8 in. ✓

Fasten off if not adding a border. If adding the border, do **not** fasten off — continue below.

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## Optional Single Crochet Border
This neatens the mesh edges and stabilizes the cloth.

**Round 1:** Ch 1, do not turn. Working around the entire edge:
- **Across each side:** Work sc evenly, placing approximately 1 sc in each st and each ch-1 sp along the top and bottom, and approximately 2 sc per row along the side edges.
- **At each corner:** Work 3 sc in the corner space to turn it neatly.
- Aim for roughly **27 sc** along the top and bottom edges and **28 sc** along each side edge, plus **3 sc** at each corner.
- Join with a sl st to the first sc.

**Optional Round 2 (for extra body):** Ch 1, sc in each sc around, working 3 sc in the center st of each corner. Join with sl st to first sc.

Fasten off.

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## Finishing
1. Weave in all ends with the tapestry needle.
2. Trim excess yarn.
3. Lightly block or simply wet and lay flat to even out the mesh, if desired.

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## Quick Reference Summary
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Starting chain | 30 |
| Stitches per row | 14 dc + 13 ch-1 sps |
| Total rows | 16 |
| Finished size (no border) | ~8 x 8 in |
| Hook | US H/8 (5 mm) |
| Yarn | Worsted cotton, ~50–60 yds |

Enjoy your breezy mesh dishcloth! Once you're comfortable with the rhythm of *(ch 1, sk 1, dc)*, you can make a larger version by chaining in multiples of 2, plus 2 extra for the starting chain.