Beautiful crochet washcloths – 4 free patterns, US terms

Make four unique and beautiful crochet washcloths using DK weight cotton yarn and these simple patterns.

The gift season is approaching fast and you want to be ready for it. 

That’s why I prepared a set of four easy patterns for crochet washcloths that you can make ahead of time and gift to family and friends.

Make them some of these textured crochet washcloths and wait for their reactions when they unpack them.

Why gift handmade washcloths?

Handmade gifts show that you care about the person more than about the occasion. They require patience, finding the right materials, a lot of skill and a lot of love to make. 

The gift is even more special when you make it with someone and if you personalize the yarn. 

For example, you can dye yarn in a gradient using batik dyes. I have a separate article all about it. It’s a perfect craft that you can do with your little ones, to make this gift even more special.

Who should receive your beautiful crochet washcloths?

If you know someone who uses paper towels in excess, you can give these as a little reminder that we have a choice in every little part of our lives. These can be a great conversation starter and a perfect moment to share your knowledge.

Or if you have someone in your family who loves home décor, you can find their favorite colors and make a set with those colors, so they have customized kitchen towels that they wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else.

This is great too if you make custom commissions. Ask for a photo of your client’s kitchen furniture or appliances and make them color-matching washcloths. The possibilities with this are endless.

Instructions written in US terms

Four patterns in one

These three patterns all have something in common.

They all:

• are easy to make;
• use up around the same type and amount of yarn;
• are square;
• have the most gorgeous texture;
• will teach you pretty stitch combinations;
• are finished in the same way.

So it’s obvious that they should be published together.

Notions

You will need:

• Basic cotton yarn in sport weight (12 wpi) – one 50 g or 1.76 ounce ball (about 115 meters or 126 yards)
• Crochet hook – 4 mm
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors

Abbreviations

For these simple patterns, you need to know the following crochet stitches (US terms):

• Ch – chain
• Dc – double crochet
• HDc – half double crochet
• Sc – single crochet
• Sk – skip stitch
• Sl St – slip stitch

The yarn should be enough for you to make the washcloth, the loop and the edges.

If you feel like the resulting fabric is too loose, use a smaller hook. If you feel like it is too stiff, go up a hook size.

You want a fabric that is compact (there are no gaping holes), but not stiff (it is malleable).

Washcloth 1

Do not cut the yarn, but go to the “Finishing off section” below and continue using those instructions.

This one comes with a fully edited video, so have fun following along.

Click on the photo to the right to enlarge it.

Washcloth 2

Do not cut the yarn, but go to the “Finishing off section” below and continue using those instructions.

Click on the photo to the right to enlarge it.

Washcloth 3

Do not cut the yarn, but go to the “Finishing off section” below and continue using those instructions.

Click on the photo to enlarge it.

Washcloth 4

Do not cut the yarn, but go to the “Finishing off section” below and continue using those instructions.

Click on the photo to the right to enlarge it.

Finishing off

Ch14 to make a loop, then Sl St back into the top of the stitch where you began the loop.

Do not turn.

Sl St across the four sides to finish them up and to give them structure. Try to make about 40 Sl St on each side. Put 2 Sl St in each corner. When you return to the loop, put 30 Sc in the loop, then bind off and weave in the ends.

For weaving in the ends, pass the remaining yarn through the eye of the tapestry needle and go through the fabric (not around it) back and forth three times in the same direction over at least 5 cm or 2 inches (moving slightly to the sides so there is no resulting bulk).

Do not pull tightly, but make sure that the yarn is pulled through completely for every pass. After the third run, cut off the yarn. This bind should make sure that the washcloth will be in excellent shape for years to come.

Final thoughts

Now that your washcloth is ready, you should wash it and block it (set it in a square shape while it is drying) and then you can use it or gift it to family or friends.

I hope you enjoy these four patterns and make many pretty washcloths. I know they don’t seem like a “wow” project, but they are perfect for meditative crochet and not everything in this life needs to impress someone. 

I think that, in the case of these washcloths, the beauty of the yarn and the textured stitches are enough to make something that you or others will enjoy having around and using in the kitchen every day. 

I know I enjoy even just looking at them from time to time. I get lost in the stitches and that’s a lot of fun for my autistic brain.

If you want to try out more patterns for small things you can make around the house or as gifts, check out the special category I created for them:

Which one was your favorite? Let me know in the comments.

As always, many hugs and I’ll see you soon,

Andrea