Knit a Washcloth

This is a very easy pattern for novice knitters. This is also a very inexpensive and practical way to occupy time.

Steps

Cast on 30 stitches.
Knit (garter stitch) until it is about square shaped-it doesn't really matter how long it is, though. If you want, make it into a rectangle.
Bind off.
When you are finished binding off, tie the extra yarn into a knot and cut off the end.

Cast on 4 stitches and knit the entire row in garter stitch.
On the second row, knit 1, yarn over, knit 2, yarn over, knit 1.
Third row, knit 1, yarn over, knit until 2 stitches remain, yarn over, knit 1.
Continue repeating step three until you have a triangle that looks about half the size you want your washcloth to be. When you are at this point, you will need to start decreasing.
To decrease, knit 1, yarn over, knit two together (which is just like regular garter stitch, but instead of knitting one stitch on the left handle needle, you knit two.) Knit across the entire row until three stitches remain, knit two together, yarn over, knit 1.
Repeat step 5 until you have four stitches remaining, then bind off and tie and cut the remaining yarn.
Finished.

A yarn over (called YO in knitting patterns) is when, before you pick up the stitch to knit it, you wrap the yarn around the right hand needle once, then knit the stitch on the left hand needle like you regularly would.
Don't be afraid to use bright colored yarn.

Medium weight yarn (not too thick or too thin, compare yarns or ask a worker at the yarn store.) Cotton works very well for wash cloths, and is cheap.
About size 6 needles.