Crochet cotton dishcloths are a great alternative to using paper towels and sponges for cleaning up spills or washing dishes. And if you are looking for a quick crochet project that is also practical, these crochet dishcloth patterns might be just what you need!
Frequently Asked Questions about Crochet Dishcloths
If you aren’t yet sure if crocheted dishcloths and washcloths are for you, let us answer some questions to help convince you.
Why Crochet a Dishcloth?
Crochet dishcloths are one of the most practical projects you can make. What’s more, they are fun, quick, and easy. They’re the perfect project for beginners and experienced crocheters alike.
Here are a few reasons to add making crochet dishcloths to your stitching repertoire:
- Crochet dishcloths are a great way to practice crochet stitches. Since they are typically small squares, they can be a perfect training ground for you to learn new stitches.
- Crochet dishcloths are perfect gifts. They are both practical and beautiful, and everyone needs dish cloths. Pair them with a nice bottle of hand soap or dish soap and a candle for a perfect quick gift.
- Crochet dishcloths are quick to make. You can create a bunch in a day, which is great if you want a quick project or need to mass-produce items for a sale.
- Crochet dishcloths are effective for cleaning. When you use the right yarn, crochet dishcloths are packed absorbent, and strong, and they wear well even with machine washing.
Speaking of playing with stitches, if you want to try some different stitches on your crocheted washcloths beyond the options here, our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library has 45 stitch options for you to try on washcloths or anything else you like.
Can Beginners Crochet Dishcloths?
Yes, beginners can crochet dishcloths. Just because you are new to crocheting doesn’t mean you can’t make any of the fun and cute dishcloths shared here. These crochet dishcloth patterns are great for beginner crocheters who want to try new skills or get more comfortable with different techniques.
Are Crochet Dishcloths Hard to Make?
Generally, no, crochet dishcloths aren’t hard to crochet. Depending on the pattern, crochet dishcloths are easy to make. In fact, most dishcloth patterns are suitable for beginners.
How Do You Make a Crochet Dishcloth?
Dishcloths can be made with virtually any crochet stitch worked to a square or rectangular shape. If you’re designing your own dishcloth, be aware that some stitch patterns require a particular number of chains to make the repeat work, which will constrain slightly the sizes you can make.
How Long Does Crocheting a Dishcloth Take?
A simple dishcloth can take as little as 30 minutes to crochet, while more complex ones might take a couple of hours. The time it takes you to crochet a dishcloth will depend on the size of the cloth and the yarn used, the complexity of the stitches, and your skill at crochet.
Do Crochet Dishcloths Work Well?
Yes, they work very well. Dishcloths are an essential tool for any kitchen, and a crocheted dishcloth is the best option out there. Dishcloths made from crochet make cleaning a breeze and are a reusable and absorbent alternative to paper towels.
What Is the Standard Size for a Dishcloth?
A regular-sized dishcloth measures about 8 inches square but don’t feel like you should be bound by this size. You can make your crochet dishcloth in whatever size suits you best. The beauty of making your own is you can customize it for your needs as well.
Are There Any Tips to Consider When Making Crochet Dishcloths?
Crochet dishcloths are simple projects to make, but here are a few tips to make them even better:
- Use yarn made of cotton. Cotton is absorbent and can hold up well through many washes.
- Use a textured crochet stitch. By using a textured stitch on your dishcloth it’ll be easier to scrub with to effectively clean the dishes or other messes.
What Stitches are Best for Making Crochet Dishcloths?
Crochet dishcloths can be made from any crochet stitch, and they often use a single stitch repeated throughout the cloth, which makes them even easier.
If you’re new to crochet, making dishcloths and washcloths is a great way to practice basic stitches like single crochet and double crochet.
Adding a little scrubbing texture with a simple stitch like moss stitch is also a great idea.
But of course, you can use any stitch you want to mix and match what works best for you, and if you want to learn more and expand your crochet stitch knowledge check out our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library to help you in choosing the best stitch for your project.
Materials and Supplies You Need to Make Crochet Dishcloths
Best Yarn for Crochet Dishcloths
As mentioned earlier, cotton yarns and blends that are mostly cotton are a great choice for durability and absorption. Most crochet dishcloth patterns use either (3) DK or (4) worsted weight yarn.
To help you out here is a list of some of our favorite yarns for crochet dishcloths:
(3) DK
(4) Worsted
Most crochet dishcloth patterns require less than one skein, making them perfect projects to use up any extra cotton yarn you have lying around.
Crochet Hook
The size of crochet hook you will need will be indicated in the pattern you want to stitch. If you’re not working from a pattern, choose a hook size suggested on the label of the yarn you want to use.
In general, if working with a (3) DK weight yarn you will want a hook in the 3.5mm to 5mm range, while you will choose one from 4mm to 6mm for working with (4) worsted weight yarns.
We recommend having a good set of crochet hooks on hand such as the Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set so that you always have whatever size you need on hand.
Other Notions and Supplies
It’s always a good idea to have a small pair of scissors handy for cutting yarn ends, as well as a tapestry needle to weave in ends when your project is done.
If you need a little help keeping the sides of your project straight, marking the last stitch of each row with a stitch marker is a great idea. If your project has a repeat that last several rows, you might also want to invest in a row counter to help you keep track.
Free Crochet Dishcloth Patterns for Beginners
Each of these easy crochet dishcloth patterns is a great one for a new crocheter. They are all squares or rectangles made using basic stitches you’ll use over and over again in your stitching career.
Easy Dishcloth
Designer: Bernat Design Studio
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Handicrafter
Practice your skills and yarn tension with a useful household companion, perfect for any beginner. It’s worked with single crochets and chain stitches.
Modern Stripe Dishcloth
Designer: Melissa Fisher
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie
Elevate your kitchen with a modern classic in this striped dishcloth. The pattern combines classic ribbing and easy stripes to add a cool and modern look to your kitchen decor.
Winter Waffle Dishcloth
Designer: Avriel Jackson, via Crochet.com
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie
Add great scrubbing power to your dishcloth using a mixture of the double crochet stitch and the front post double crochet stitch, aka waffle stitch. This washcloth is perfect as a quick gift for your friends.
Waffle Stitch Dishcloth
Designer: Stitchcraft & Wizardry, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks CotLin
Here’s another version of the waffle stitch dishcloth, which has a wonderfully rough texture that can give that extra help when scrubbing through a tough surface. Alter the size by adding or removing chains at the beginning to have a dishcloth that is fit for your cleaning needs.
Seeing Squares Dishcloth
Designer: Petals to Picots
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie
Here’s a great way to practice a magic circle start and increase stitches regularly to make a flat square from the center out. It uses single crochet stitches so it’s still easy to stitch.
Ava Crochet Dishcloth
Designer: The Loopy Lamb
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie
Classy and simple, you can whip up this functional dishcloth project within the day. If you are a beginner this pattern is perfect because it includes a step-by-step video tutorial to help you out.
Dishcloth Washcloth
Designer: Andrea Leek, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks CotLin
Straightforward and useful, this simple dishcloth pattern is perfect for beginners to make. Whether you make it in a solid color or multi-color yarn the unique textured pattern will pop out. Note the pattern uses UK terms.
Granny’s Rainbow Dishcloth
Designer: Beth Major
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks CotLin
If you are looking for a simple and quick crochet dishcloth then the granny’s rainbow dishcloth is for you. This is a great way to learn how to make granny squares! Whether you use a solid color or go with a fun rainbow color, you’ll have an entire set in less than two hours.
Colorful Solid Granny Square Dishcloth
Designer: Dabbles and Babbles
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Handicrafter
This pretty, basic granny square uses double crochet stitches but makes a more solid cloth than a traditional granny square. It works up quickly and is great to give as a gift to teachers or as a thank-you gift.
C2C Color Fade Dishcloth
Designer: Sarah Naiarlez, via Crochet.com
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Shine Sport
C2C or corner-to-corner is a favorite for crocheters wanting to make colorwork designs in a grid form. But working directly with those projects can be a little difficult for beginners. This dishcloth is a great way to learn the technique without having to focus on a complex pattern.
Scalloped Edge Dishcloth
Designer: Codi Hudnall, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
Make yourself a crochet dishcloth with just the basic stitches, including chain stitch, slip stitch, single crochet stitch, and double crochet stitch. Better yet the pattern includes a step-by-step video tutorial to give you a guided experience in making the scalloped edge dishcloth.
Orange Berry Dishcloth
Designer: A More Crafty Life
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
This berry stitch dishcloth crochet pattern is a great project to try for beginners. It’s really attractive with the edging worked in a contrasting color if you have a little leftover yarn from another project, or you can stitch it all in one color.
Quick & Cute Dishcloth
Designer: Ambar Crochet, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
Easy and beginner friendly, this beautiful dishcloth works up super quickly and looks great in your kitchen. Simple yet functional, it’s also a fun introduction to bobbles on the edges, while the rest of the cloth is single crochet.
Crochet Dishcloth Patterns for Intermediate Crocheters
These fun crochet dishcloth patterns use slightly more complicated stitch patterns or techniques that might not be best for absolute beginners but are fun for those with a few projects under their belts.
Dishcloth in (Less Than) a Day
Designer: Red Mitten Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Handicrafter
If you are looking for a quick crochet project, then this dishcloth is for you. As the name suggests you can work on this design in less than a day, actually in about an hour or so.
Crochet Log Cabin Dishcloth
Designer: Tian Connaughton
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks CotLin
Use up your scrap yarn with this fun crochet log cabin dishcloth. Each dishcloth can have a unique colorway when you mix and match the yarn colors you have.
Crochet Celtic Weave Dishcloth
Designer: Tian Connaughton
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie Multi
Learn how to crochet a woven look with this cheerful project. The end result of the crochet Celtic weave dishcloth is a beautiful and sturdy dishcloth that will last through many washes.
Hipacious Houndstooth Dishcloth
Designer: Jennifer Pionk
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie
Put a hip spin on your crochet dishcloth with the classy houndstooth crochet stitch washcloth. This project shows you that you can do a classic design in different colors and still have it come out looking great.
The Jerrica Dishcloth
Designer: Jenny Konopinski
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Shine Sport
Add an embroidered touch to your simple dishcloths with the Jerrica Dishcloth. It is a fun and quick project that can hold a punch of absorbent cleaning power.
Wavy Chevron Crochet Dishcloth
Designer: Jenny Konopinski
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie
The Wavy Chevron crochet dishcloth is a classic pattern that is worked up quickly and is easy to memorize. Learning the chevron stitch also builds up the skills of any beginner crocheter in using the double crochet stitch, increases, and decreases.
Cobble Stitch Dishcloth
Designer: Crafting Happiness
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pima Cotton
The bumpy, unique texture of the cobble stitch is perfect for making dishcloths. Learn a new crochet stitch and create a useful kitchen tool with beginner-friendly Cobble Stitch Dishcloth pattern!
Mosaic Dishcloth
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
Make a graphically appealing crochet cloth with this Mosaic Dishcloth. Hone your skills in using multiple crochet yarn colors and carrying them across the project.
Creamsicle Dishcloth
Designer: Sarah Naiarlez, via Crochet.com
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie
Textured stitches are always the best option for dishcloths because of their scrubbing power. Use the crochet puff stitch to give your dishcloths a checkerboard look and create a uniquely visually appealing look!
Sailor's Knot Dishcloth
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
Add a nautical flair to your kitchen décor with this classic sailor knot-inspired dishcloth. It may seem complicated but it is actually really easy to do!
Glorious Gingham Dishcloth
Designer: Crochet 365 Knit Too
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
Beautiful and easy to do! Learn how to use multiple yarn colors in your work with the Glorious Gingham Dishcloth and take your dishwashing to a whole new level.
Simply Square Log Cabin Dishcloth
Designer: Neatly Tangled, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
If you want to use up some of your odd scraps of yarn, this log cabin dishcloth is the perfect project for you! This pattern creates a mesh-like, flexible, and light cloth that is perfect for washing dishes.
Gingham Dishcloth
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
The gingham pattern is always a popular choice and having this design for your crochet dishcloth is a great way to add some warmth and a country kitchen feels to your home. Choose harmonious colors to go with your kitchen decor for a unique look.
Full Bloom Dishcloth
Designer: Premier Yarns Design Team
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Premier Home Cotton
Pretty and powerful, the full-bloom dishcloth pattern will add that personal touch to your kitchen chores. It is so pretty that you might not even use it as a dishcloth and have it as decoration for your home instead.
Connect the Dots Dishcloth
Designer: Fiber Flux
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pima Cotton
Have fun playing around and create unique looks with this classic granny square topped with fun colorful polka dots. Super easy to make and a great way for you to practice your sewing skills.
C2C Lemon Peel Dishcloth
Designer: Loops and Love Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie
Classic stripes combined with a fun crochet stitch, the C2C lemon peel dishcloth is fun to do and a great way to learn the corner-to-corner technique. Watch the step-by-step video tutorial and ace the C2C stitch!
Sweet Heart Dishcloth
Designer: Krissy’s Over the Mountain Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
Add a sweet touch of small crochet hearts to your kitchen with this cute and functional dishcloth pattern. The sweet heart dishcloth is fun to give as a gift and a great decoration item as well.
Tropical Punch Dishcloth
Designer: Fiber Flux
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
The Tropical Punch Crochet Dishcloth is a bright, fun, and perfect accessory for a summertime-themed kitchen. It’s a fun, easy, and quick crochet project too!
Tulip Stitch Dishcloth
Designer: Handmade by Raine
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
Did you ever think that making the tulip stitch would be this easy? Learn how to crochet with three different colors and create this spring-themed tulip stitch dishcloth pattern!
Shaped Dishcloth Crochet Patterns
Of course, dishcloths don’t have to be square, so here we’ve collected some circular crochet dishcloth patterns and washcloths of different shapes to add a little fun to your chores.
The Sun’s Out! Dishcloth
Designer: Jennifer Pionk
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie Multi
Bring some sunshine to your kitchen with this sunny dishcloth! Learn how to create a decorative crochet border in order to create the sun ray look.
Orbital Crochet Dishcloth
Designer: Stacey Winklepleck
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie
If you are looking for a classic-looking dishcloth for your kitchen, then this pretty circular dishcloth is what you are looking for. Whether you choose just one color or switch it up and go for a striped look this dishcloth will make a great gift.
Sunburst Rounds Dishcloth
Designer: Willow Design, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
Great as dishcloths, potholders, coasters, or even decorations, the sunburst round dishcloth can bring a bright ray of sunshine into your kitchen. The pattern is perfect for those looking for a bit of a challenge as it uses the magic ring, front post stitches, and crab stitch.
Flower Power Dishcloth
Designer: Whiskers & Wool
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
Add a pretty and nostalgic touch to your kitchen with the flower power dishcloth! The finished size is about 9 inches across so it has lots of cleaning power.
Tunisian Shaker Dishcloth
Designer: Staci Perry, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Comfy
This fun circular dishcloth is a great way to learn Tunisian crochet, and you don’t even need a special hook to do it! You can make these round washcloths in a solid color or add fun stripes to suit your decor.
Back-to-School Dishcloth
Designer: Adriana R Baiocco, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo
Add some personality to your kitchen with these crochet apple slices. The back-to-school dishcloth is a great way to practice your skills in using multiple colors of yarn and stitching all the pieces together.
Light Heart Dishcloth
Designer: Naztazia
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Hearts are always a favorite shape, and this heart is just the right size for dishcloths and coasters. Follow along with the step-by-step video tutorial for the dishcloth and you’ll find yourself with a kitchen full of hearts. While the pattern calls for acrylic yarn you can also use cotton to make it more useful as a dishcloth.
Scrubbing in the Round Dishcloth
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream Scrub Off
Have fun making this handy little helper with a uniquely scrubby yarn. The scrubbing in the round dishcloth uses front post stitches and popcorn stitch to give this dishcloth extra scrubbing power.
Pumpkin Dishcloth
Designer: Krissy’s Over the Mountain Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pima Cotton
How fun would it be to suds up this pumpkin dishcloth? Bring some whimsy to your kitchen chores and have fun washing the dishes clean.
Wiggle It Crochet Trivet and Dishcloth Set
Designer: Moogly
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
Create a uniquely textured dishcloth that can pack a punch with your cleaning. The wiggly design is a great way to use up leftovers, and if you make it bigger you can even make a plush rug in the exact same way.
Chrysanthemum Dishcloth
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Handicrafter
Add this lovely chrysanthemum dishcloth to your kitchen décor! You can make it in a solid color or with any colorway you want.
8-Point Round Dishcloth
Designer: Amelia Beebe, via Crochetville
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie
The star shape is a great basic shape to learn in crochet that you can use in different ways like holiday ornaments, garlands, or just fun dishcloths!
Spring Flower Dishcloth
Designer: Lily Sugar'n Cream, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
This dishcloth has a beautiful embroidered look and is shown in two fabulous color combinations, though you can use whatever colors you like. You can make it for yourself or as a gift.
Pencil Dishcloth
Designer: Lily Sugar'n Cream, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
Who says dishcloths should be just a regular shape? This fun and quirky pencil dishcloth is the perfect gift for the teacher in your life!
Pineapple Dishcloth Crochet Pattern
Designer: Lily Sugar'n Cream
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
Bring tropical vibes to your kitchen with this pineapple dishcloth pattern! Fun shapes may seem difficult for beginners, but this pattern isn’t too difficult and is a lot of fun to make.
Strawberry Basket Tunisian Dishcloth
Designer: Moogly
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream
If you are looking for a dishcloth pattern that is slightly bigger than most, the Strawberry Basket Tunisian Dishcloth is the pattern for you. Elevate your crochet skills and learn how to do Tunisian Crochet with this fun textured dishcloth.
Starburst Daisy Dishcloth
Designer: Lullaby Lodge
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pima Cotton
This pretty floral dishcloth is sure to brighten your days and make doing chores a little more fun. This one would be a great gift with some nice soap and a candle.
Star Dishcloth
Designer: CrochetDreamz
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks CotLin
Make the star dishcloth pattern in DK weight or worsted weight, either way, you’ll have a cute star-shaped dishcloth. It uses front post stitches to add texture for great scrubbing power.
Want to Learn More about What to Make with Crochet Rectangles?
Our Crochet Anything with Rectangles workshop shows you how versatile rectangles can be. Turn rectangles into everything from bags to garments. If you can crochet a dishcloth, you can crochet a sweater, blanket, shrug, tote, slippers, hat ….and so much more!
Are You a Beginner Who Needs More Help with the Basics?
Our Crochet Fundamentals workshop is a great way to learn the basics and boost your crochet confidence. This collection of quick-to-watch and implement videos covers all the basic stitches, techniques you need to know, and skill-building projects so you can tackle any project you want to make with ease.
If you enjoyed this free dishcloth crochet patterns, stop by my fantastic new curated pattern blog post:
35+ Free Crochet Dishcloth Patterns
Such nice patterns, thank you for sharing. I’ve crochet for many years and it’s always good to see old ideals in a new way.