purlJam

# Simple Crossover Stitch Dishcloth

A beginner-friendly introduction to cable knitting! This small square features an easy crossover stitch pattern that creates beautiful twisted columns without complicated techniques. Perfect for learning how stitches can "travel" across your knitting to create texture and visual interest.

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Approximately 8.5" x 8.5" (21.5 cm x 21.5 cm) after blocking

## MATERIALS
- **Yarn**: Worsted weight cotton yarn, approximately 90 yards (82 m)
  - Sample shown in Sugar'n Cream or similar 100% cotton
- **Needles**: US 7 (4.5 mm) straight or circular needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
- **Notions**: 
  - Cable needle (or spare DPN)
  - Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
  - *Optional: Small safety pin or stitch marker*

## GAUGE
18 stitches and 24 rows = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, blocked

*Gauge is not critical for this project, but will affect finished size and yarn requirements.*

## ABBREVIATIONS
- CO: cast on
- k: knit
- p: purl
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- C4F (Cable 4 Front): Slip next 2 sts to cable needle and hold in front of work, k2 from left needle, k2 from cable needle
- rep: repeat
- st(s): stitch(es)

## PATTERN NOTES
- This dishcloth is worked flat from bottom to top.
- The crossover stitch creates columns that twist to the left every 6 rows.
- **Beginner Cable Tip**: If you don't have a cable needle, you can use a spare DPN, a pencil, or even a paper clip! Some knitters prefer to drop and pick up stitches without a tool once comfortable.
- The garter stitch border (knit every row) prevents curling and creates a neat edge.
- For best results, block your finished dishcloth by wetting it, squeezing out excess water, and laying flat to dry.

## INSTRUCTIONS

### Border Setup
**CO 38 sts.**

Knit 4 rows (creates garter stitch border).
[Stitch count: 38 sts]

### Main Pattern Section
The pattern is worked over the center 30 stitches, with 4-stitch garter borders on each side.

**Pattern Row Setup (RS)**: K4 (border), k30 (center stitches), k4 (border).

**Next Row (WS)**: K4, p30, k4.

**Begin Crossover Pattern:**

**Row 1 (RS)**: K4, *k2, C4F; rep from * to last 6 sts, k2, k4.
[This row crosses stitches: 4 border + (2, then cross 4) × 5 times + 4 border = 38 sts]

**Row 2 (WS)**: K4, p30, k4.

**Row 3 (RS)**: K4, k30, k4.

**Row 4 (WS)**: K4, p30, k4.

**Row 5 (RS)**: K4, k30, k4.

**Row 6 (WS)**: K4, p30, k4.

**Repeat Rows 1-6** seven more times (8 times total).
[8 repeats × 6 rows = 48 rows of pattern]

### Top Border
Knit 4 rows.

**BO all sts loosely.**

### HOW TO WORK C4F (Cable 4 Front)
This is the "crossover" technique:

1. Slip the next 2 stitches from your left needle onto your cable needle (or DPN).
2. Hold the cable needle in front of your work (toward you).
3. Knit the next 2 stitches from your left needle as usual.
4. Now knit the 2 stitches from your cable needle.
5. You've just made 4 stitches "cross over" each other!

The stitches that were held in front will appear to travel to the left, creating a twisted or "braided" effect.

## FINISHING
1. Weave in all ends securely using tapestry needle.
2. Block to finished measurements: Soak in cool water for 10-15 minutes, gently squeeze out excess water (don't wring), lay flat on a towel, and shape to approximately 8.5" square. Allow to dry completely.
3. Your dishcloth is ready to use or gift!

## PATTERN VARIATIONS
- **More Cables**: For a more dramatic look, work Rows 1-4 only (cable every 4 rows instead of 6).
- **Larger Project**: Cast on 62 sts and work pattern for 12 repeats to create an approximately 13" × 13" washcloth or small hand towel.
- **Different Yarn**: Try worsted weight wool for a cozy trivet or hot pad (use two layers for better heat protection).

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**TECHNICAL VERIFICATION:**
- Cast on: 38 sts ✓
- Border stitches (each side): 4 sts ✓
- Center pattern stitches: 30 sts (divisible by 6 for pattern repeat: 5 repeats × 6 sts each) ✓
- Total: 4 + 30 + 4 = 38 sts ✓
- Row 1 breakdown: 4 border + k2 + (C4F + k2) repeated 5 times = 4 + 2 + (4 + 2) × 5 = 4 + 2 + 30 = 36... 

**CORRECTION NEEDED:** Let me recalculate Row 1:
- K4 (border) = 4 sts
- *k2, C4F* = 6 sts per repeat
- Need 30 center sts, so 30 ÷ 6 = 5 repeats ✓
- k2 at end + k4 border = 6 sts
- Total: 4 + (6 × 5) + 6 = 4 + 30 + 6 = 40 sts ✗

**REVISED Row 1 (RS)**: K4, *C4F, k2; rep from * 4 more times, C4F, k4.
- K4 (border) = 4 sts
- C4F = 4 sts
- *k2, C4F* × 4 times = 24 sts
- k2 + k4 (border) = 6 sts
- Total: 4 + 4 + 24 + 6 = 38 sts ✓

Let me provide the corrected pattern:

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## INSTRUCTIONS (CORRECTED)

### Border Setup
**CO 38 sts.**

Knit 4 rows (creates garter stitch border).
[Stitch count: 38 sts]

### Main Pattern Section

**Row 1 (RS)**: K4, C4F, *k2, C4F; rep from * 4 more times, k4.
[Working: 4 border + 4 cable + (2 + 4) × 4 + 2 + 4 border = 4 + 4 + 24 + 2 + 4 = 38 sts ✓]

**Row 2 (WS)**: K4, p30, k4.

**Row 3 (RS)**: K4, k30, k4.

**Row 4 (WS)**: K4, p30, k4.

**Row 5 (RS)**: K4, k30, k4.

**Row 6 (WS)**: K4, p30, k4.

**Repeat Rows 1-6** seven more times (8 times total).
[8 repeats × 6 rows = 48 rows of pattern]

### Top Border
Knit 4 rows.
[Total rows: 4 + 48 + 4 = 56 rows]

**BO all sts loosely.**

## FINISHING
1. Weave in all ends securely using tapestry needle.
2. Block to finished measurements: Soak in cool water for 10-15 minutes, gently squeeze out excess water (don't wring), lay flat on a towel, and shape to approximately 8.5" square. Allow to dry completely.
3. Your dishcloth is ready to use or gift!

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© Pattern designed for educational purposes. You are welcome to make and sell items from this pattern. Please credit the designer if sharing the pattern.