Crochet Dishcloth Pattern: The Perfect First Project (Plus 3 Textures)
An 8-inch cotton dishcloth in single crochet with a neat border — plus three textured versions that scrub better. The classic first crochet project and the best stash-buster.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn
- Worsted (#4) cotton, about 60 yd
- Hook
- 5 mm (H-8)
- Time
- About 1 hour
- Finished size
- About 8 × 8 in (20 × 20 cm)
You'll need
- Worsted weight (#4) 100% cotton — about 60 yd
- 5 mm (H-8) hook
- Tapestry needle
In this post
The dishcloth is the perfect first crochet project: small, square, made in one stitch, and useful even if your edges wobble. It's also the best way to try a new stitch, use up cotton scraps, and replace disposable sponges with something that lasts for years.
Use 100% cotton — it's absorbent and can be washed hot. Acrylic just pushes water around.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
The basic dishcloth
- Row 1: Ch 29. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and across. Ch 1, turn. (28)
- Rows 2–30: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (28)
- Check: The cloth should be about square. Add or remove rows to match the width.
- Border: Ch 1 and sc evenly around all four sides, working 3 sc in each corner. Sl st to join.
- Hanging loop (optional): At a corner, ch 12 and sl st back into the same st. Fasten off.
New to single crochet? See how to single crochet.
Three textured dishcloths (they scrub better)
| Stitch | Chain | How |
|---|---|---|
| Moss stitch | 30 | Sc in the 4th ch from the hook, then (ch 1, skip 1, sc) across; following rows sc in each ch-1 space |
| Lemon peel | 29 | Alternate sc and dc; on each row work sc into dc and dc into sc |
| Waffle stitch | 28 | Dc and front post dc grid — the thickest, best scrubber |
Care
Wash cotton dishcloths hot with your towels, and tumble dry. They'll soften with every wash. Replace them when they thin out — or compost them if they're 100% cotton.
Gift idea
A stack of three dishcloths in coordinating colours, tied with twine and a bar of soap, is one of the most-loved handmade gifts — see more quick crochet gifts.
Common questions
What is the best yarn for crochet dishcloths?
100% cotton in worsted weight. Unmercerised "kitchen cotton" is most absorbent; avoid acrylic, which doesn't absorb water.
How big should a dishcloth be?
About 7–9 in square. Smaller for washcloths for the face, larger for drying cloths.
How long does a crochet dishcloth take?
About an hour for a basic single crochet cloth.
How many dishcloths does one ball make for you? 🧽
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