How to Crochet a Dishcloth (Free & Easy Pattern

This topic is near and dear to me! I love to make and use crochet dishcloth patterns for a number of reasons. When I first heard of crocheted dishcloth patterns, I thought they sounded strange and “why bother”. But once I did a little more research and tried making one, I discovered that they are really wonderful in so many ways! This tutorial will show you how to crochet a dishcloth with easy step-by-step instructions.

Crochet Dishcloth Tutorial

Once you have learned how to crochet a dishcloth with this basic pattern, you can move on to other stitches and make a whole set. They make wonderful housewarming gifts or when you need a quick and easy gift for any occasion.

Supplies

• Yarn – Worsted weight cotton yarn.
• Crochet hook – 5 mm crochet hook or size appropriate for your yarn.
• Scissors
• Yarn needle or tapestry needle – for weaving in ends.

What is the Best Yarn for Crochet Dishcloths?

I would highly recommend a cotton yarn, or at least a cotton blend, as you need this to be absorbent. It must also be either worsted or DK weight to work up to the correct size for this pattern.

I used Paintbox Cotton Aran yarn, which is a lovely, soft cotton yarn that comes in an amazing range of colors.

Other suitable cotton yarns include:

• Dishie Cotton Worsted
• Lion Brand 24/7
• Lion Brand Pima Cotton
• Sheepjes Cahlista

Of course, you can choose any color you fancy, but I generally make my kitchen dishcloths white so that they can be bleached when necessary. You can also make them to match your décor if you so wish!

Crochet Dishcloth Pattern Notes

Skill Level

The first crochet dishcloth pattern below is for beginner crocheters. Crocheted dishcloth patterns are fantastic for crocheters just starting out. You won’t need a lot of yarn, which will give you some experience before tackling a more involved crochet project.

Abbreviations

This tutorial uses US terms.

• ch = chain stitch
• sc = single crochet stitches
• hdc = half double crochet

What Crochet Stitch is Best for Dishcloths

The best crochet stitches are ones with texture, such as the lemon peel stitch, waffle stitch, linen stitch, or crochet moss stitch. You can also use a combination of single crochet and half double crochet if you are a beginner. See my types of crochet stitch tutorial.

Standard Size of a Crochet Dishcloth

You can make your crochet dishcloths in any size. Make different sizes for different purposes. A good size is approximately 6” square. (15cm)

The crochet gauge of this dishcloth or crochet washcloth pattern is not essential. To adjust the size of this washcloth, chain any even number of stitches.

How to Crochet a Dishcloth, Step by Step Instructions

This crochet dishcloth pattern uses just basic crochet stitches for beginners of single and half double to give texture.

First Row:

1. Chain 26. (Or any even number of chains)
2. Sc into the second chain from the hook, then sc into each chain across. (25 stitches)

Row 2:

1. Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch).
2. Hdc in the first stitch, then sc into the next stitch.
3. *Hdc into the next, sc into the next stitch.
4. Repeat from *, ending with 1 hdc in the last stitch.
5. Turn.

Row 3:

1. Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), sc into the first stitch.
2. Sc into each stitch across and turn.

Completing Rows 4 – 27:

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until your crocheted dishcloth is your required size.

Finishing the Crochet Dishcloth:

Fasten off and weave in any loose ends using a yarn needle.

How to Add a Border to a Crochet Dishcloth

Crochet dishcloth borders look good when done in another color. (As long as you aren’t planning to bleach your cloth!)

1. Fasten a new color or continue in your main color yarn.
2. Sc around in each stitch on the straight sides.
3. Work 3 sc into each corner. 
4. Slip stitch to the first stitch to finish.
5. Fasten off and weave the ends.

How to Add a Loop to a Crochet Dishcloth

Adding a loop to makes it easy to hang and dry quickly.

1. Crochet 16 chain stitches (or double your desired loop length)
2. Join the end of the first stitch with a slip stitch. This will form a loop.
3. Optional – For a thicker loop, sc into the chain stitches. Slip stitch into the beginning.
4. Fasten off at the end.

What to Use Crochet Dishcloths For

Crochet dishcloths can be used in your kitchen to wash dishes or wipe down surfaces. They are equally good in the bathroom for washing your body in the bath or the shower or even for removing makeup.

Crocheted dishcloths are wonderful small gifts. They are quick and easy to make, and you can personalize them to suit the recipient by using their favorite colors. I have seen lovely gift packs at markets that are simply a pretty crochet washcloth wrapped around a luxury soap and decorated with cellophane and ribbon.

A larger dishcloth can be used as a dish towel, making it a great gift.

Crochet Dishcloth Patterns FAQS

In Conclusion

Making your own dishcloths with crochet is useful and good for the environment but also fun and artistic. No matter how much you know about crocheting, making dishcloths is a fun and useful project that lets you show off your skills and add a personal touch to your everyday routine.