Add a splash of freshness to your bathroom with this free crochet washcloth pattern.
Using an interlocking crochet shell stitch, it boasts a vibrant color combination that’s sure to brighten up your home! Crochet washcloths are a very welcome gift with a pretty bar of soap.
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Suitable for any skill level, this pattern helps you easily make your own colorful washcloths (or crochet dishcloths!)
You will only use basic crochet stitches to create a ripple effect. This crochet stitch results in a thick, colorful fabric that’s relaxing to crochet. Change colors every two rows for a wavy look as I did in my washcloth, making a fun design!
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
More Crochet Washcloth and Crochet Dishcloth Patterns
- 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
Yarn for a Crochet Washcloth
For my washcloths, I used a DK weight cotton yarn with a 4mm hook. Cotton is the best yarn for wash cloths and dish cloths; it’s sturdy, maintains shape, and is easy to launder.
Aran or worsted weight cotton yarn would also be perfect and work nicely with a 5mm hook. It is a great way to use those spare skeins of cotton yarn you’ve got on hand.
Your washcloth will be bigger using the thicker yarn. I have included the stitch multiple in the pattern so you can make your washcloth any size you wish.
Remember, match your 5mm hook with worsted yarn and the 4mm hook for lighter DK yarn to get the best results!
Crochet Washcloth Shell Stitch Details
The washcloth is made by crocheting repeat rows of shell stitch for the main part and then adding a border around the edges. You will use only basic stitches – double crochet stitches and the single crochet stitch for this pattern.
It also includes a special stitch called Double Crochet 5 Together (Dc5tog) – this is a cluster stitch (worked over 5 stitches) that gives the washcloth a lovely texture and a ripple effect.
If you need help with the Dc5tog stitch, there’s a step-by-step photo tutorial in my Interlocking Shell Crochet Stitch blog post. I also used this easy stitch in my popular nautical baby blanket pattern.
How to Crochet the Spring Fresh Washcloth
Add a splash of freshness to your bathroom with this quick crochet project for a crocheted washcloth!
It boasts a vibrant color combination that’s sure to brighten up your space. Ideal for gifting, this washcloth brings both style and functionality to any bathroom routine.
Materials Needed
- Hobbii Cotton 8/6 – 100% cotton/115yds/105m/50g
- Small amounts of yarn in 3 different colors
- 4 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- You can use any dk weight cotton yarn for this pattern.
Measurements
8.5 x 8 in [21.5 x 20 cm]
Abbreviations
US Crochet terms
- t-ch turning chain
- sc single crochet
- dc double crochet
- ch chain
- st stitch
- rep repeat
- MC main color
- CC contrast color
Notes
- The pattern is written in US crochet terms
- Stitch multiple is 6 chs + 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 1 at beginning of a row does not count as a stitch
- Ch 3 at beginning of a row counts as 1 dc
Changing Colours
Work the last yarn over at the end of the row with the next color, for a neat color change
Special Stitches
Double Crochet 5 together – Dc5tog (cluster): Yarn over, insert hook in next st, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops left on hook), (yarn over, insert hook in next st, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops) 4 times, yarn over and draw yarn through all 6 loops on hook.
You can find a step-by-step photo tutorial for the stitch used in the following blog post:
Interlocking Shell Crochet Stitch
Color Sequence
Row 1 – MC
Rows 2 & 3 – CC A
Rows 4 & 5 – CC B
Rows 6 & 7 – MC
Rows 8 – 13 – Repeat rows 2 – 7 once more
Rows 14 – 17 – Repeat rows 2 – 5 once more
Row 18 – MC
Crochet Washcloth Pattern
Using MC and 4mm hook, chain 39
Row 1: 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook (counts as 3 dc), skip 2 ch, 1 sc in next ch, * skip 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch, skip 2 ch, 1 sc in next ch; rep from * to last 3 ch, skip 2 ch, 3 dc in last ch, turn. Fasten off yarn.
Row 2: Using CC A, ch 1 (does not count as a st), 1 sc in 1st st, * ch 2, dc5tog over next 5 sts, ch 2, 1 sc in next st; rep from * ending by working last sc in top of t-ch, turn.
Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc here and throughout), 2 dc in 1st st, skip 2 ch, * 1 sc in top of next cluster, skip 2 ch, 5 dc in next sc, skip 2 ch; rep from * to last cluster, 1 sc in top of cluster, skip 2 ch, 3 dc in last sc, turn. Fasten off yarn.
Rows 4 – 18: Repeat Rows 2 – 3, and Row 2 once more, following color sequence above. Do not fasten off yarn on final row.
Border
Turn piece so you are now working down the first side of the washcloth.
Round 1:
Tip – On the 2 longer sides, I worked 1 sc in each sc row end and 2 sc in each dc row end.
- Side 1 – Ch 1 (does not count as a st), (1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc) in same st (corner made), work sc evenly down side 1 (see tip) until you reach the next corner, (1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc) in corner,
- Bottom Row (foundation row) – * 2 sc in next ch-2 sp, 1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next ch-2 sp, 1 sc in bottom of 5 dc; rep from * across, ending with (1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc) in next corner,
- Side 2 – work sc evenly down side 2 until you reach the next corner, (1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc) in corner,
- Top – 1 sc in 1st st, * 2 sc in next ch-2 sp, 1 sc in top of next cluster, 2 sc in next ch-2 sp, 1 sc in next sc; rep from * across, ending with a sl st to beg sc. Weave in all threads.
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!
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.