How to Crochet a Dishcloth
The following article may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase from these links, I may receive affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend yarns which I believe are sustainable and suitable for the pattern.
Crocheting dishcloths was one of the first zero waste swaps I made and I still make my own today, six years later and I don’t think I will ever stop. I love using them knowing that no micro plastics are being shed into the water system and when the time comes to dispose of them, I can just put them into my compost and no harm is being done to the environment.
In this post I’m going to show you how to crochet a really easy dishcloth, using lace weight hemp yarn, that you can use for washing dishes and wiping down your kitchen surfaces. Making a dishcloth with lace yarn might seem a bit daunting but, I promise you, it won’t take long to make because of the stitch we will be using and I believe it creates a better dishcloth that is softer and more flexible. Of course you can also use any weight of yarn or hook you like. There’s no right or wrong here.
If you are looking for a thicker dishcloth with more of a textured pattern then head to my other free dishcloth pattern.
I not only use these dishcloths for cleaning the dishes but a hemp dishcloth with a bit of bicarb can do wonders for cleaning sinks, pans, showers, anything really, that needs a bit of elbow grease.
Read more about hemp and why I use it to crochet zero waste items. I have also listed some alternative yarn suggestions below in the pattern if hemp is not available to you.
The pattern assumes you know some crochet basics like how to hold yarn when crocheting and how to crochet a foundation chain. If you are an absolute beginner then head to my “How to Crochet Step by Step” post that will guide you through some of the basics.
Let’s get to it!
Measurements
This specific pattern will make a dishcloth that is 15.5cm x 16.5cm (6” x 6.5”) but the great thing about it is that you can make it as wide or as long as you like. It’s completely up to you.
What You Will Need
Hook: 2.5mm - Metric | 12 - UK & Canada | B-1 - US | 4/0 - Japan
Stitch Markers: You can use proper stitch markers or I often use paper clips that work just as well.
Yarn: Roughly 15g of lace weight hemp yarn
Alternative Yarn Suggestions
Lion Brand, Linen Cone (100% Linen)
LoveCrafts, Katia Lino (100% Linen)
Abbreviations
Some words will be abbreviated in the pattern as follows:
ch = Chain
st(s) = Stitch(es)
yo = Yarn over
pt = Pull through
prev. = Previous
(50) = The number of stitches you should have at the end of the row
Stitches
For this pattern we will only need to use the Treble Crochet or in U.S. terms the Double Crochet. It will be abbreviated with the letters tr throughout the pattern.
Dc = Double Crochet (U.K. Treble Crochet)
How to do it: Yo insert your hook, yo again and pt (you should have 3 loops on your hook). Yo and pt the first 2 loops on the hook (you should have 2 loops on your hook). Yo again and pt the remaining 2 loops on the hook.
The Pattern
Ch 40. Mark the last st with your st marker.
Row 1: Ch 2. Dc into the marked st. Dc into each st along the foundation ch. Turn your work. (40)
Row 2: Ch 2. Dc into the last st of the prev row. Dc into each st of the prev row. Turn. (40)
Row 3 - 20: Repeat row 2. (4)
Cut the yarn, knot the end, so it doesn’t come loose, and weave your ends in.
That’s it!
A really easy dishcloth pattern that you can come back to when you need. Head to the following link for more free crochet patterns.
