Blue crochet dishcloth made with a free printable pattern

Crochet Dishcloth

Looking for a crochet dishcloth pattern? We’ve got you covered with a quick and easy crochet washcloth pattern that’s FREE to download. You can also follow our beginner friendly step by step photo or video tutorials to make this homemade dish cloth!

With its beautiful shell-like pattern, it’s not too thick and it works up really quickly. Choose your favourite colour and make this useful project for yourself, for a housewarming gift, or to sell at craft fairs!

Blue crochet dishcloth made with a free printable pattern

 

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How to Crochet a Dishcloth

Washing dishes is never fun, but it’s a lot more cheerful when you’re using a beautiful crochet dishcloth! Make these washcloths in all your favourite colours!
Author: Debbie Chapman

Check Out The Video Tutorial:

Looking for more crochet crafts? Here’s a few of our favourites:Easy Crochet CoastersCrochet PumpkinCrochet Rose

Instructions:

Step 1: Find what you need

  • Gather your supplies and materials.
    Crochet Dishcloth SuppliesCrochet Dishcloth Supplies

Step 2: Begin your crochet dishcloth

  • Create a slip knot and tighten it on your crochet hook.Chain 32.
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth
  • Insert a single crochet into each chain across.
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth

Step 3: Row Pattern #1

  • Chain 1 and insert 1 single crochet into the first stitch.
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth
  • Skip 2 stitches and insert 5 double crochet into the next stitch.
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth
  • Skip 2 stitches and insert 1 single crochet into the next stitch.
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth
  • Repeat this pattern (1 sc, skip 2 sts, 5 dc, skip 2 sts) until the end.
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth

Step 4: Row Pattern #2

  • Chain 3 (counts as a double crochet) and insert 2 double crochet into the first stitch.This creates a “half shell”.
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth
  • Skip 2 stitches and insert 1 single crochet into the next stitch.
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth
  • Skip 2 stitches and insert 5 double crochet into the next stitch.
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth
  • Repeat to the end (1 sc, skip 2 sts, 5 dc, skip 2 sts), finishing the row with another half shell (3 double crochet into the last stitch).
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth
  • Repeat the 2 row patterns (steps 3 & 4), alternating between them until you have 15 “shell stitch” rows.
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth

Step 5: Make the border

  • Chain 1 and insert 1 single crochet into each stitch across, stopping at the last stitch of the row.
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth
  • Insert 2 single crochet, chain 1, 2 single crochet into the last stitch.This is called a corner stitch.
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth
  • Rotate your work and continue inserting single crochet into the side of the cloth.On the sides of the cloth it can be difficult to determine where to add your stitches and how many to insert.You’ll typically add 1 single crochet in each chain 1 or single crochet space, and 2 single crochet in each chain 3 or double crochet space.
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth
  • When you get to the last stitch along the side, make a corner stitch (insert 2 single crochet, chain 1, 2 single crochet).
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth
  • Repeat the same single crochet and corner stitch pattern for the next two sides, until you reach the final stitch (next to your original chain 1).
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth
  • Insert 2 single crochet, chain 1, 1 single crochet into the last stitch (the same spot as the chain 1 from the first row).The chain 1 counts as the 2nd single crochet in the corner stitch.Then slip stitch into the first single crochet to end the round.
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth
  • Repeat the border for a second round. Chain 1 and insert 1 single crochet into each stitch across until you reach the corner stitch.
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth
  • Insert 2 single crochet, chain 1, 2 single crochet into the chain 1 space from the previous round.Repeat the same border pattern all the way around
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth
  • When you reach the last stitch, insert a full corner stitch (2 single crochet, chain 1, 2 single crochet).Then slip stitch into the first single crochet to join the round.
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth

Step 6: Finish off your crochet dishcloth

  • Cut and tie off your end.
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth
  • Sew in your tails with a yarn needle.
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth
  • Your crochet dishcloth is complete!
    Crochet DishclothCrochet Dishcloth

Helpful Tips:

  1. This crochet dishcloth is made with a combination of stitches called a “shell stitch”.
  2. If done correctly, your “5 dcs” should land in the “sc” of the previous row, and your “1 sc” should land in the 3rd dc of the “5 dc” cluster of the last row.

6 bright and cheerful colours of cotton yarn crocheted into washcloths6 bright and cheerful colours of cotton yarn crocheted into washcloths

Download our free crochet dishcloth pattern:

Click on the link or photo below to download our free, printable crochet dishcloth pattern! The 7 page PDF file will open in a new window. Then simply follow along with the crochet pattern on your device’s screen, or print it on 8.5 x 11 (letter size) printer paper.

>>> Crochet Dishcloth Pattern <<<

Free pattern for a crochet dishclothFree pattern for a crochet dishcloth

What’s the best yarn for making a crochet dishcloth?

We highly recommend using cotton yarn to make crochet dishcloths. Cotton yarn is the best choice for dishcloths because it’s very absorbent.

Cotton is a strong and natural fiber that will hold up for years to come. You can even throw your crochet dishrags in the washer and dryer when they get dirty.

What specific yarn did you use to make your crochet dishcloths?

We used Lily Sugar ‘n Cream cotton yarn, which is a size 4 medium/worsted weight yarn.

The colours we used are: Hot Pink, Hot Orange, Sunshine, Hot Green, Hot Blue, and Hot Purple.

Folded pile of crochet dish clothsFolded pile of crochet dish cloths

What size crochet dishcloth does this pattern make?

This pattern makes a dishcloth that’s approximately 8 x 9 inches in size.

To make a smaller dishcloth, use a smaller crochet hook or a thinner yarn size. Or make a larger dish rag with a larger hook and/or bulkier yarn.

Check out our free PDF pattern for more specific instructions on how to adjust the size of the dishcloth.

Pretty crochet dish rags on a wooden backgroundPretty crochet dish rags on a wooden background

How many crochet washcloths can I make from one ball of yarn?

Using this exact pattern you can make about 1 & 3/4 dishcloths from one 2.5 ounce skein. Each cloth uses about 80 yards of yarn from the 120 yards in the ball.

What is the best crochet stitch for dishcloths?

We definitely recommend using a mixture of simple stitches, like single crochet and double crochet, to make a crochet dishcloth.

Our shell stitch combination gives the cloth a nice texture, which makes it easier to scrub dishes with. It also creates a loose enough weave that it’s easy to wring out the cloth (meaning it won’t hold a lot of moisture and grow mildew).

DIY crochet dishclothDIY crochet dishcloth

This crochet dishcloth is a quick and lightweight project that uses a small amount of yarn. Use your crochet washcloth to wash dishes, clean counters, or place hot dishes on. You can even use this homemade cloth as a facecloth in the bathroom!

Crochet Dish Rags Free PatternCrochet Dish Rags Free Pattern

Here’s even more easy crochet craft ideas:

Easy Crochet Coasters

Free pattern for crocheted coastersFree pattern for crocheted coasters

Crochet Hat

How to crochet a hatHow to crochet a hat

Crochet Rose

Free pattern to crochet a roseFree pattern to crochet a rose

Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!

Low Mess Crafts for Kids BookLow Mess Crafts for Kids Book

Where to buy:

You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:

Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Books-A-Million  |  Indiebound  |  Amazon Canada