Beginner Crochet Washcloth Pattern with Video

This free crochet washcloth pattern is the perfect project for those who want to learn and practice some basic crochet stitches.  Make this easy washcloth pattern in different colours or make in cotton which is great for crochet dishcloths.  

Now let me say right up front I made this ‘crochet washcloth’ out of acrylic yarn (read on for more details about that) but to summarize here a worsted weight cotton yarn or cotton blend is the best yarn to be used for dishcloths.  

Either of these make for great gifts – this free crochet pattern is a great texture that will blend beautifully with any decor making it the perfect housewarming gift too!

In this tutorial I have chosen to use acrylic yarn.  Now, if you check out my YouTube comments you will find many are against using acrylic for a washcloth – you can watch and decide for yourselves.  However, I believe most of you are beginner crocheters.  

Therefore, I have chosen acrylic yarn because it glides beautifully along your crochet hook and doesn’t tend to fray or strand as many 100% cottons which makes it difficult to work with.  I wanted to keep this an easy project in every way I could.  But you of course make the decision 

Keep this in mind – this is a  crochet ‘washcloth’ not crochet ‘dishcloth’. You are welcome to choose any type of yarn you like but for me I LOVE acrylic for my face scrubs and washcloths. They stay soft, keep their shape, don’t fade and really don’t stain.

HOWEVER, this being said I DO NOT recommend acrylic in the kitchen. As pointed out by a lovely lady on my youtube channel some acrylics are made from fibres which will melt when exposed to heat. So unless it is for dishes only – skip the acrylic in the kitchen.

Caring for Your Crochet Washcloth

The good news about caring for your crochet washcloth is that it can withstand being tossed in the washing machine, but it’s best to use a gentle cycle to prevent excessive wear.   Using a mild detergent will also help to keep the colours of the yarn bright and softness of the yarn. A great way to protect your delicate washcloths is to place it in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from snagging.

After washing, reshape the washcloth by gently stretching and smoothing it into its original form. Avoid wringing or twisting, as this can distort the stitches and compromise the structure of the cloth. Air-drying is the preferred method to prevent shrinkage, fading, and potential damage from high heat. Lay the washcloth flat on a towel, reshaping it as needed, and let it air-dry completely.

Single Crochet Washcloth

This easy crochet washcloth pattern is made from entirely single crochet stitches!  So it is a great way to practice two of the most basic crochet stitches.  if you can single crochet and chain you can do this even as a beginner.  My best advise it to use a stitch marker at the beginning and end of the row – this will keep your edges straight and take the guesswork out of finding the stitches that can be challenging for beginner crocheters.

This is a simple pattern but a great project for craft fairs, and makes the perfect gift.  The single crochet stitch pattern is an easy stitch but looks timeless and classic.  So don’t forget to indulge and make your own washcloths – and enjoy with a bar of handmade soap – treating yourself is always fun!

Construction of the Washcloth

Scroll down for Free Crochet Washcloth Pattern

This easy pattern has such a simple construction it is perfect for both beginners and experienced crafters. Start with a beginning chain and then single crochet (sc) in the second chain from the hook and each chain stitch across.  At the end of the row Chain 1 and turn your work. 

For the rest rows, single crochet in the first stitch and in each single crochet across, and turn at the end of each row. 

Repeat this pattern, following Row 2, until your washcloth measures 8 inches or reaches 33 rows, adjusting for variations in gauge. Gauge differences may cause variations in size, so it’s advisable to measure your piece until the length matches the width. Once you reach the desired size, fasten off, and neatly weave in the loose ends to complete your single crochet washcloth. 

How to Crochet a Washcloth Video Tutorial

The crochet patterns below include STITCH BY STITCH video tutorials especially for absolute beginners – learn the stitches as you go!

If you are a beginner be sure to watch the video all the way through once then go ahead and follow along.

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Beginner Crochet Washcloth – Free Pattern

SKILL LEVEL: Beginner

MATERIALS: (affiliate links below)

• Worsted weight yarn – cotton,acrylic
• 6.5 mm crochet hook
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle (used to weave in ends)
• Measuring Tape or Ruler

ABBREVIATIONS: 

• Ch – Chain
• Sc – Single Crochet

SINGLE CROCHET WASHCLOTH INSTRUCTIONS:

Note:  Turning chain does not count as a stitch.

Ch 25

Row 1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook and each chain stitch across (24) Ch 1, turn.

Row 2: Sc in 1st and each sc across (24) Ch 1, turn.

Repeat row 2 until piece measures 8″ or 33 rows.  

Note: Depending on your gauge (how tight your work your stitches) your piece may not measure the same as mine.  In this case simply measure your piece until the length equals the width. 

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Thanks for trying out my Beginner Crochet Washcloth Pattern! xo