How To Crochet a Dish Cloth: Step by Step For Beginners
Welcome to the Restful Stitch! Crocheted dish cloths are my favorite to use. They are great scrubbers. Let’s learn how to crochet one.
In this tutorial you will continue to build on skills learned in the How to Crochet series by creating a completed work. Through this step by step guide you will crochet a Dish cloth and learn how to finish off and weave in the ends of a project. It will also serve as an intro to reading patterns. You will need to know how to make a slip knot, foundation chain and half double crochet stitch in the back loop only (hdc-blo). Click on the links to visit my previous tutorials and learn these skills before beginning this pattern.
Materials
For this tutorial you will need:
Yarn – Worsted weight. Cotton or linen yarn are great options for dishcloths because they are absorbent and quick drying. For this tutorial, I used Knit Picks Dishie yarn.
Crochet hook – Use the size hook recommended on yarn label or size down if you’d like tighter stitches. I used a US G6/4.00mm hook
Scissors
Darning or tapestry needle – I prefer a steel needle, with a point to weave in ends. Plastic ones are often used as well. You will determine your own preference as you become more experienced.
Stitches/abbreviations
Patterns will usually include a list of stitches used and their abbreviations. Many will include instructions for unique stitches. If you are unsure how to crochet any of the stitches used here, I’ve linked them to my previous tutorials.
Stitch (St)
Slip stitch (ss) – insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.
Half Double Crochet in the Back Loop Only (HDC – blo)
How to Crochet a Dish Cloth
Now that we have materials and stitches covered, we are ready to begin. I will write the instructions as they might appear in a pattern In bold and then give more detailed instructions.
Pattern
Slip Knot, Ch 32
You are going to start with a slip knot and foundation chain of 32.
Row 1: HDC in 3rd chain from hook. HDC across. (30hdc)
For the first row, starting in the 3rd chain from the hook, place 1 HDC in each chain across. You should have 30 HDC stitches.
Row 2: Ch 2, turn. HDC-blo across. (30HDC-blo)
To begin row 2 you will make 2 chains and turn your work so that you can stitch back across. Begin working 1 HDC-blo in each hdc of row 1. You will have 30 hdc-blo at the end of row 2.
Rows 3-18: Repeat row 2. (30HDC-blo)
(When you feel comfortable and find your rhythm with rows 3-18, check out my post on nurturing your mind while crocheting for ideas on what to do with your heart and head while your hands are busy.)
After completing row 18 you can either add a loop or finish off and weave in ends.
To add the loop: Ch 7(or more for a longer loop), turn your work so chain 7 is on the right side of the dish cloth. Slip stitch back into the top of the last HDC-blo worked. Now finish off.
To finish off: Yarn over and pull through loop on hook. Cut the working yarn leaving a couple inches of tail. Pull the tail all the way through the loop and tighten.
Weave in ends
Thread the darning needle with the tail of yarn and weave through multiple stitches. I like to split the yarn with my needle occasionally to better secure the ends. Repeat with beginning tail.
Now admire the work of your hands! Don’t be afraid to use it. They are pretty tough and work so well.
I hope this tutorial was helpful and enjoyable. Please let me know your thoughts in the comments! Find The Restful Stitch on Facebook and Instagram and share your finished work. I’d love to see them! Happy stitching!
Also From The Restful Stitch
Thank you for visiting The Restful Stitch!
My name is Heather and I have been crocheting for over 20 years and making up my own patterns for almost as long. As a home school mother, heavily influenced by Charlotte Mason, I have a passion for mother culture – that is the continued self education of mothers. Through learning useful skills, creating art and reading great literature, all who so desire can continue to grow in wisdom and virtue. I believe that for mothers this is especially important as an example to our children and for the nourishing of our souls.
Through these free crochet tutorials and free crochet patterns I hope to share the joy and rest that I find in this art. In this space I pray to form a community of like minded woman, who are inspired to live up to their potential as whole people formed in the image of a wise, creative and good God.
-Heather
