Are you tired of your dish towels that leave your dishes damp and streaky?
The tidiness of kitchen utensils is something we all value. When your dishes are spotless and gleaming, it’s almost therapeutic to spend time in the kitchen, all soaked up in the beauty and radiance.
You can achieve that level of cleanliness and the best part is that with the help of hook and yarn, you can create a crochet dishcloth that wipes it all down for you and is easily washable.
What is a Dishcloth?
A dishcloth is a small, square cloth used for washing dishes, cleaning surfaces, or wiping up spills. First, let’s go over the stitches and materials as well as the steps to create a crochet hand towel.
Stitches
- Single Crochet (sc)
- Chain (ch)
- Slip Knot
Materials
- Cotton Aran (any color) or any 100% cotton yarn (worsted weight) less than a skein.
- Crochet hook (size 4.50 mm)
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
Make a Slip Knot First
- To start any crochet project, you first need to create a slip knot on your hook. Begin by making a loop with a long tail, approximately 4 inches long.
- Next, insert the hook through the loop and grab the yarn from the tail with the hook.
- Pull the tail through the loop to form the slip knot on your hook. You can tighten the knot by pulling on the tail or loosen it by pulling on the loop.
Create a Crochet Chain
The first step to starting your crochet dishcloth is making a foundation chain. Don’t worry, it’s quick and easy! Everyone holds their yarn differently, so find what feels best for you.
Drape the yarn over the index finger and hold it lightly between your index and middle fingers. Then use your thumb and ring finger to steady the yarn’s loose end.
With your slip knot already on your hook, it’s time to make your first chain stitch. To do this, simply loop the yarn over the hook (called “yarn over”) and pull it through the loop on your hook.
For this beginner crochet dishcloth, you will need to make 32 chain stitches as the base.
Crocheting a Dishcloth Comes in Three Different Steps
It is important to learn three different stitches for your own ease. It isn’t complicated at all, so don’t worry about it; they are just stitches built upon each other and once you learn to do a single crochet, it will be easy for you to learn double or triple crochet.
How to Single Crochet
After chaining your 32 stitches, turn around your work and start working in the other direction. You will now be going into the single-crochet chain and you can also make an entire dishcloth from a single crochet chain but it gives a nice tight weave.
To single crochet, you simply insert the hook, with the loop on it, into the first chain after turning your work. Next, you hook the yarn and pull it through the chain; you will then have two loops on your hook. You then hook the yarn again and pull it through the two loops. You have completed a single crochet stitch.
For this simple crochet dishcloth, you will complete four rows of single crochet. Each time you turn in your work, you need to chain one between rows. Then, work into the first stitch.
How to Double Crochet
After completing four rows of single crochet, it’s time to make one row of double crochet. First, chain three and turn your work. Wrap the yarn around your hook once. Next, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over to grab the yarn, and pull it through.
You will have three loops on the hook. Yarn over again and pull through two of the loops. Yarn over one more time and pull through the last two loops. You have now finished a double crochet. Continue this across the entire row.
How to Triple Crochet
After completing your work, you will have four chains. Wrap the yarn around your hook twice, insert it into the next stitch, and pull the yarn through, resulting in four loops. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops (three loops left), yarn over again and pull through the next two (two loops left), then yarn over and pull through the last two. You’ve completed a triple crochet.
Work the triple crochet all the way to the end of the row. When you reach the end of the row, chain three and turn your work. You will now do another row of double crochet.
Free Dishcloth Pattern
Here is a quick and easy dishcloth pattern review that’s both practical and fun to make!
- Chain 32
- Turn work, skip the first two chains, and work a single crochet into the third chain
- Single crochet into each chain
- Mark your first stitch
- Chain one and turn your work
- Do three more rows of single crochet
- Chain three turn your work and do a row of double-crochet
- Chain four turn your work and do a row of treble crochet
- Chain three turn your work and do a row of double crochet
- Chain turn your work, and do four more rows of single crochet.
- Continue this pattern until you have a square. There will be four sections of single crochet and three sections of double treble double.
- Weave your tails into the dishcloth.
Does Handmade Dishcloth Clean Well?
YES! Everyone prefers handmade crochet dish cloth and it just feels good to wipe the dishes and the counters with something handmade, right?
It’s not just about cleaning; it’s about adding a touch of effort and care to your daily routine, knowing every stitch of this crochet kitchen towel was made with love!
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 easy crochet dishcloth pattern!
Remember, take your time, read the pattern thoroughly, and practice as much as you can. Now all that’s left to do is grab your crochet hook and yarn something unique for yourself or your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Dishcloth Questions
- Why make your own crochet dishcloths when you can just buy them?
Store bought crochet hand towels are great too, but there is an obvious beauty in dishcloths that are handmade and without the help of machines. You can even add a strand of scrubby yarn along with the cotton yarn to make an extra-thick crocheted dishcloth.
- How do I prevent my dishcloth from unraveling?
Avoid cutting the yarn too close to the knots, as this can cause it to unravel over time. Additionally, ensure your stitches are tight and consistent, especially around the edges, to keep the dishcloth durable during use and washing.
- How do you clean a dishcloth?
A crochet hand towel can be washed with the rest of your laundry. When in use, be sure to ring out the dishcloth really well to avoid any musty smell.
- Can I make dishcloths using scrap yarn?
Absolutely! Dishcloths are a perfect project for using up leftover yarn. Just make sure all the yarns used are of similar material (preferably cotton) to ensure consistent texture and durability.