Colorful Crochet Dishcloths – Perfect Stash-Busting Pattern

This colorful crochet dishcloth free pattern uses the houndstooth stitch. It is the perfect stash buster for leftover cotton yarn. With its vintage boho style and bold texture, it adds charm to any kitchen.

I love making patterns that use up leftover yarn! These quick dishcloths are perfect for playing with color combinations from your stash. You’ll enjoy watching them work up fast, and each one becomes unique with the striping pattern.

The houndstooth crochet stitch has become incredibly popular, and for good reason! This classic pattern creates a beautiful texture with its alternating colors. I love how the front and back of the piece look completely different. There’s something wonderfully vintage about this stitch pattern that adds character to even the simplest projects.

What makes this stitch so enjoyable is how relaxing and rhythmic it is to work. The standard houndstooth stitch (sometimes called lemon peel stitch) combines 1 sc and 1 dc in each row, working a dc in each sc and a sc in each dc in the following row. However, for my dishcloth pattern, I played around with using 2 sc and 2 dc in each row and absolutely loved the result – it creates a bolder pattern.

These aren’t just pretty additions to your kitchen – crochet dishcloths are incredibly practical too! Each cloth measures a generous 10.5 inches square, making them the perfect size for all your kitchen cleaning needs. The textured houndstooth pattern provides excellent scrubbing power for tackling dirty dishes and counter tops.

Cotton yarn makes these dishcloths sturdy enough for everyday use while remaining soft on your hands. Unlike disposable cleaning products, these dishcloths are easily washable. Simply toss them in with your regular laundry and they’re ready to use again and again. They’re eco-friendly, economical, and add a cheerful touch to your daily routine.

I wanted to design a selection of dishcloths that follow my theme of using up scrap yarn this year. With loads of half-used balls of cotton in my stash, this project was perfect for putting some of it to good use. The result? Vibrant, cheerful dishcloths that look fabulous in any kitchen.

Each dishcloth uses approximately 25% of a 50g ball of cotton yarn in two contrasting colors. I added a contrast border to finish them off, which gives them a polished, professional look while using up even more small yarn remnants.

Materials Needed

• Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/6 (or any DK weight cotton yarn)
• Approximately 50g total (25g each of 2 main colors) plus a small amount of a contrast color for each dishcloth
• 4mm crochet hook

Using 1^st color and a 4mm hook, chain 41

Row 1: 1 sc into 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in next ch, 1 dc in each of the next 2 chs, * 1 sc in each of the next 2 chs, 1 dc in each of the next 2 chs; rep from * across, turn. Fasten off yarn – 40 sts

Row 2: Using 2^nd color, ch 1 (does not count as a st), 1 sc in 1st st, 1 sc in next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts, * 1 sc in each of the next 2 sts, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts; rep from * across, turn – 40 sts

Rows 3 – 33: Repeat row 2 for the pattern, changing yarn every row.

Fasten off yarn and weave in all threads.

Side 1: Join CC in the first stitch of the last row. Work 40 sc evenly across the top of the dishcloth.

Side 2: At the first corner, turn to work down the side edge (do not make a corner stitch).

Tip: Place a stitch marker at the halfway point (20 sts) along this side to help evenly distribute stitches. Work 40 sc evenly down the side edge, adjusting with increases or decreases as needed.

Side 3: Turn and work 40 sc evenly across the foundation row (bottom edge).

Side 4: Turn and work 40 sc evenly up the second side edge. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc made. Fasten off – 160 sc

Weave in all ends.

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!