A dishcloth is the best first project there is: small, flat, quick to finish and useful even if it comes out a little uneven. It is also the easiest way to try a new stitch before you commit to it in something bigger.
Use 100% cotton yarn for anything that will touch water – it absorbs and holds up to washing, where acrylic just pushes water around. Worsted weight cotton and a 4 to 5 mm hook or needles suit almost every pattern here.
Where to start: the single crochet dishcloth for beginners, or Sue’s easy knit dishcloth if you knit. The right angle rows and diamonds dishcloths add a little texture once you have the basics.
