This crochet washcloth pattern is my go-to project when I want something small, satisfying, and finished in an evening. It’s the kind of make I reach for between bigger projects – a way to use up the odd ball of cotton that’s been sitting in the stash for months.
The washcloths pile up, and before you know it you’ve a lovely little stack ready for gifting. Add a pretty bar of soap and a bit of twine and they look beautiful.
The stitch is an easy textured repeat that’s suitable for a confident beginner, and the lacy border adds a delicate finishing touch. Keep reading to find the free pattern below!
Pattern Overview
- Skill Level: Confident beginner
- Yarn: DK weight cotton (approx. 1 x 50g ball)
- Hook: 4mm
- Finished size: 9 x 9 in [23 x 23 cm]
- Stitches used: Chain, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, slip stitch
Crochet Washcloth or Crochet Dishcloth? They’re the Same Pattern
This is a very common questions. The short answer — a crochet washcloth and a crochet dishcloth are essentially the same thing. The pattern is the same, the yarn is the same. The only difference is where it ends up in your house.
A softer cotton with a smooth stitch makes a lovely face washcloth. A more textured stitch or a coarser cotton works better in the kitchen for scrubbing. This pattern sits happily in the middle and is soft enough for the bathroom, sturdy enough for washing up!
So if you’re here looking for a crochet dishcloth pattern, you’re in the right place. Just pick your cotton and off you go.
How to get the Pattern for the Crochet Washcloth
- Free Crochet Pattern: Scroll down this blog post for the free pattern instructions
- Printable PDF: Ad-free PDF pattern including all details. This helps me continue to provide free patterns. Thank you for your support! – Purchase on Ravelry and on Etsy
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Washcloth
- Quick enough to finish in an evening — a truly satisfying one-ball project.
- A great stash-busting project for leftover cotton yarn.
- Suitable for a confident beginner — uses basic stitches you already know.
- Makes a thoughtful handmade gift paired with a bar of soap.
- Easily adjustable in size — the stitch multiple is included in the pattern notes.
Yarn for a Crochet Washcloth and Dishcloth
Cotton yarn is best for crochet washcloths and dishcloths. It’s absorbent, durable, holds its shape through repeated washing, and feels soft against the skin. It also won’t melt near heat, which matters if your washcloth ever ends up near a hot dish.
For the washcloths in this pattern I used Stylecraft Naturals Organic Cotton — a DK weight 100% organic cotton that I love working with. It’s soft, easy to crochet, and comes in lovely muted shades.
If you’re in the US, the most popular cotton yarns for washcloths are Lily Sugar ‘n Cream and Knit Picks Dishie. Both are worsted weight, so use a 5mm hook instead of a 4mm. Your washcloth will come out a little bigger, which is no bad thing.
Avoid acrylic yarn for washcloths if you can. It doesn’t absorb water the way cotton does or feel as nice against skin.
You can use any DK or worsted weight cotton yarn for this pattern.
More Crochet Washcloth and Dishcloth Patterns
- Houndstooth Dishcloth – perfect for scrap yarn
- Moss Stitch Washcloth – a great project for beginner crocheters
- Simple Dishcloth – easy crochet dishcloth pattern with great texture
- Crochet Baby Washcloth – add a bar of handmade soap for a lovely gift
- Shell Stitch Washcloth – with vibrant color combinations
Free Crochet Washcloth Pattern
This easy crochet washcloth pattern features an easy textured stitch with a pretty lace border for a delicate finish. Made with DK weight cotton yarn, it’s perfect for practical use or gifting. A quick and satisfying project!
Materials Needed
- Stylecraft Naturals Organic Cotton – 100% organic cotton/115yds/105m/50g
- 1 ball (50g) will make a washcloth
- Small amount of a contrast color for the border
- Yarn needle
You can use any dk weight cotton yarn for this pattern.
Measurements
9 x 9 in [23 x 23 cm]
Abbreviations
US Crochet terms
- Beg beginning
- Sc single crochet
- Hdc half double crochet
- Dc double crochet
- Ch chain
- St stitch
- Rep repeat
- MC main color
Notes
- The pattern is written in US crochet terms
- Stitch multiple is 3
- Gauge is not important for this project
- The main body of the washcloth is worked in rows and a border is worked around the edges of the main piece
- Ch 2 at beginning of a row counts as 1 sc and ch-1
- Stitch counts are in italics at the end of a row
Crochet Washcloth Pattern
Using MC and 4mm hook, chain 42
Row 1: (right side) [1 hdc, 1 dc] in 3rd ch from hook, skip 2 chs, * [1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc] in next ch, skip 2 chs; rep from * across, ending with 1 sc in last ch, turn – 14 sc, 13 hdc, 13 dc
Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1 sc and ch-1 throughout), [1 hdc, 1 dc] in 1st st, skip 2 sts, * [1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc] in next st (sc from previous row), skip 2 sts; rep from * across, ending with 1 sc in last ch-2 sp, turn – 14 sc, 13 hdc, 13 dc
Rows 3 – 30: Ch 2, [1 hdc, 1 dc] in 1st st, skip 2 sts, * [1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc] in next st (sc from previous row), skip 2 sts; rep from * across, ending with 1 sc in last ch-2 sp, turn – 14 sc, 13 hdc, 13 dc
Fasten off yarn and weave in threads.
Border
With right side facing and using a contrast color, join with a sl st into first sc (last sc worked on final row),
Round 1:
Top: * Ch 4, skip 2 sts, sl st in next sc; rep from * across, working last sl st in corner ch-2 sp. Turn to work down first side.
Side 1: * Ch 4, skip next row, sl st in the side of next row; rep from * to next corner, working last sl st in sc in corner.
Bottom Row (foundation row): * Ch 4, skip 2 chs, sl st in next sc; rep from * across, working last sl st in beg ch-2.
Side 2: * Ch 4, skip next row, sl st in the side of next row; rep from * to next corner, working last sl st in same sp as beg sl st.
Fasten of yarn and weave in threads.
Finishing your Washcloth
Blocking your washcloth will make a difference to the finished project. Pin in place, spray with water and leave to dry. Your washcloth will look neat and polished!
PIN FOR LATER
F.A.Q. About Crochet Washcloths and Dishcloths
What is the best yarn to use for a crochet washcloth?
Cotton yarn is preferred for its durability and ease of care. Worsted-weight cotton yarn is the most popular choice.
How do I care for my crochet washcloth?
Wash in cold or warm water and tumble dry on low, or lay flat to air dry.
Can I alter the size of the washcloth?
Yes, the pattern can be adjusted by changing the number of starting chains. The stitch pattern multiple is given in Notes.
Is there a difference between crochet washcloths and crochet dishcloths?
They can both can be made with the same patterns. The yarn choice may vary depending on their intended use, with some preferring softer yarns for washcloths and more durable yarns for dishcloths.