The Best Beginner Easy Crochet Washcloth Pattern

byKrista Updated:

Are you looking for a simple crochet project like an easy crochet washcloth pattern? If so, this beginner-friendly washcloth design is just that.

This easy crochet pattern uses basic crochet stitches, works up fast and creates a textured washcloth pattern that is great for showers as well as using as a dishcloth to clean dishes!

easy to crochet washcloth pattern
Get the free textured washcloth pattern below!

I promise, even if you are newer to crocheting, you can make this easy washcloth! Ready to make this simple design?

Find the free crochet washcloth pattern below to get started crocheting today on your 1st crochet project!

Related: How to Crochet a Hot Pad

How to Crochet a Washcloth

Crocheting a washcloth is easy! I promise!

Typically, crochet washcloths are designed in a square shape, but other shapes can be found from time to time. For example, I designed a crochet bunny washcloth pattern in the shape of the Easter bunny, which was fun to make for kids during the holiday.

The size of a washcloth can vary, but they are usually crocheted back and forth to create a small square. You will find that most washcloth patterns are easy enough to crochet, but can range from beginner level to more advanced.

Don’t get discouraged with the more advanced dish rag patterns quite yet because since dishcloths are such a small crochet project, they are often doable for any skill level.

I love crocheting washcloths, and they are my kid’s favorite to use at shower time, and I even use them for my dogs when I am giving them a bath. Yep! They are great for canine family members too!

Since we all like to use these washcloths, it means I am typically crocheting these a couple of times a year to keep up with the daily use of them with three kids and my dogs.

Like I mentioned earlier, this wash cloth pattern is easy, and is great for beginners and works up fast. Before we get start looking over the pattern, let’s discuss the crochet stitches you’ll need to know and the yarn you’ll want to use.

Crochet Washcloth Pattern using simple stitches

Crochet Stitches for a Washcloth

Crochet home projects like this are so fun when they use easy stitches! And this easy crochet washcloth uses only two easy crochet stitches to create a bumpy texture which is perfect for a shower or bath.

First, you will need to know how to single crochet. The single crochet stitch or sc abbreviated is usually the first stitch that a beginner-crocheter learns when they are first starting.

Secondly, you must know how to half double crochet to make this washcloth. The half double crochet stitch or (hdc) is another easy stitch that is simple to master.

Learn more about each crochet stitch below, so you can make your new favorite crochet washcloth pattern!

The Stitches in this Washcloth

Single Crochet (sc):

  • Insert a hook from front to back in the second chain from the hook or designated stitch
  • Bring the yarn over (YO) the hook and pull the yarn back through the chain from back to front  (2 loops on hook).
  • YO and pull through both loops on the hook.

Single Crochet

Single Crochet Crochet Stitch

Abbreviation: sc
Difficulty Level: Easy
Learn this stitch →

Patterns Using This Stitch →

Half Double Crochet (hdc):

  • YO (yarn over) Insert hook from front to back of the designated stitch, YO the hook and pick up a loop. 
  • YO the hook and pull back through all three loops on the hook.

Half Double Crochet

Half Double Crochet Crochet Stitch

Abbreviation: hdc
Difficulty Level: Easy
Learn this stitch →

Patterns Using This Stitch →

I crocheted my washcloth with a starting chain of 26, and crocheted 27 rows to make about a six-inch by six-inch square. You can change the size of your washcloth by using a starting chain in any even number and crocheting any number of rows.

If you make it bigger you will not need any extra yarn because the size shown uses less than a skein, so you could probably get two to three washcloths out of one ball of yarn no matter the size.

Scroll on down to learn more about the yarn you’ll want to use to make this beginner washcloth pattern!

free washcloth crochet pattern that is great for new crocheters

The Best Yarn For This Washcloth

For me, the best type of yarn to use when crocheting an easy crochet dishcloth is cotton yarn. Cotton is durable, cleans easily and will last for many years.

For this design, I used Premier Home, which is an 85% cotton, 15% polyester blend in the color Pastel Blue.

Premier Home Cotton in Pastel Blue

If you’d prefer a different color, Premier Home yarn has many colors to choose from, which means you can make a washcloth that is unique to you in one or many colors of your choice. Or you can create a fun color palette for the person you are making them for.

If you are eager to learn more, then check out the cotton blend yarn below, so you can be on your way to making a cotton crochet washcloth!

Now that you know what stitches you’ll need to know, all about the yarn and the basics of what we’ll be crocheting, you can get started on this textured crochet washcloth pattern!

Remember, take your time, read the pattern thoroughly and practice as much as you can.

I hope you enjoy this handmade washcloth pattern! Have fun!

Basic Beginner Easy Crochet Washcloth Pattern

Skill Level: Basic

Materials

  • Size J 6 mm crochet hook (or any hook size to get the correct size)
  • Premier Home Yarn less than 40 yards or any four weight cotton or cotton blend yarn
  • Yarn needle
  • Scissors

Finished Size

  • Approximately a 6 × 6 inch square

Notes

  • This pattern is written in standard US terms.
  • Gauge is not critical in this washcloth pattern.
  • If you’d like to change the size of these wash rags, chain any even number.

The Pattern

  • Ch 26
  • Row 1: In the second ch from the hook sc, sc into each ch across, turn. (25)
  • Row 2: Ch 1, in the first st hdc, sc into the next st, *hdc into the next, sc into the next st, rep from * across ending with 1 hdc in the last st, turn.
  • Row 3: Ch 1, in the first st sc, sc into every st across, turn.
  • Row 4 – 27: Rep rows 2 & 3
  • Finishing: Fasten off, weave in loose ends with a yarn needle! You are now done with your very own DIY washcloth! I hope you had fun if this was your very first crochet project.
easy crochet washcloth pattern for beginners

More Free Crochet Patterns for the Home

Use our free crochet pattern collections below to make even more free patterns like crochet kitchen patterns, crochet bathroom patterns, crochet doilies and more.

More Free Crochet Patterns for Beginners

If you are interested in more crochet for beginners patterns and guides, then check out our go-to list below!

Common Questions About Crochet Washcloths

Do Crochet Washcloths Make Good Gifts?

Yes, crochet washcloths make great gifts for all types of occasions. Gift washcloths as a housewarming gift with other household essentials. You can also gift these for the holidays and attach a holiday tag.

What Size is a Crochet Washcloth?

Crochet washcloths can be made in different sizes, but a common size of washcloths are 6 × 6 inches or 12 × 12 inches. Washcloths are a smaller bath towel option that are great for washing and/or drying your face and hands.

Size (inches)
Washcloth6″ × 6″ or 12″ × 12″ Square

I Love Crocheting Washcloths. Do you have more free washcloth crochet patterns for me?

Yes, I do. I have a collection of the top washcloth patterns from around the internet. These washcloth patterns are all free and easy, too. Browse through the collection of the top washcloth crochet patterns here on Easy Crochet.

I love crocheting, every dog I've ever seen, and working at home in comfy yoga pants. Grab a cup of coffee and lets get to work on your next project together!

26 Comments

  1. Love this washcloth pattern! As a beginner crocheter, I’m always looking for easy and satisfying projects. This one is perfect for practicing my stitches and will make a great addition to my bathroom. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  2. Pingback: 5 Easy Crochet Patterns for Beginners: Get Hooked on a New Hobby! - This is Crochet

  3. A friend gave me a crotchet facecloth as a gift. I love the feel of it, she bought it. In Australia I haven’t seen Premier Home brand and we also use ply not weight. Can you recommend a substitute please? Margaret

    Reply
  4. Pingback: 25 Free Crochet Washcloth Patterns - DIYnCrafty

  5. For a “FREE” pattern there is no way to download or print the pattern – just links to buy a PDF version

    Reply

    1. Hi Joe,

      All my patterns are free on my website to use. On many of our patterns, we do offer an ad-free alternative, which comes in a PDF and is usually had for less than a cup of coffee. This small cost helps keep the rest of this site free, as well as helps sustain our continued production of more free crochet patterns.

      Krista

      Reply
  6. Pingback: Best Crochet Kit For Beginners ( Free Crochet Patterns + Videos 2023
  7. Pingback: Amazing Stylish Crochet Washcloths - Pattern Center

  8. I really love that you answer and engage with your commenters. I see so many of these sites where the creators ignore their fan base and that can be frustrating when you’re looking for help from creators more advanced than them and can’t get even the most simplist of answers. It makes a lot of people turn from the craft and that’s always a sad thing. I will be joining your Facebook group and subscribing to your YouTube channel. Please continue to be engaging with your audience. The world needs more creators like you!!!

    Reply

  9. Beautiful and easy pattern. I made this with multicoloured cotton yarn and I love the way my pattern turned out!!

    Reply

  10. I’m so happy I found your site on Google! I’ve recently picked up the hobby again and would LOVE to reach your level!! I’m 52 now and I haven’t picked up a crochet hook since my teen years! Thankfully I still remembered how to stitch a chain! Haha! But I literally know nothing else! Do you have a YouTube channel??

    Reply

  12. Your patterns are simple, but beautiful. A dishcloth is the first thing I crocheted 10 years ago, and the project I’ve used to teach friends who were beginners. My drawers are full of hand made dishcloths because I like to do them to experiment with new yarns or patterns. If they don’t look quite right , I can use them anyway. I look forward to trying this simple pattern and maybe moving on to a baby blanket. Thanks!

    Reply

  13. Hi Krista, The textured washcloth pattern is beautiful, and I’d love to crochet a baby’s blanket using it. Do you have a pattern that I could follow using this stitch? Thanks!
    Susan

    Reply

  14. To change the size, you stated to chain any odd amount (in the beginning of the pattern) and them any even amount (at the end of the pattern). Please clarify which is correct. I am looking forward to making a larger size as I like my dish clothes around an 8 x 8 size but want to make sure I start it out correctly. Thanks!

    Reply

  15. does this pattern have a name? for example basketweave or c2c? just learning, so curious

    Reply

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