How to Crochet a Washcloth

How to Crochet a Washcloth

The Spruce Crafts/Mollie Johanson

Crocheting a washcloth is quick, easy, and a great way to try out new stitch patterns. Not only is this a good beginner project, but it's also fun to customize as you learn more. This tutorial tells you how to create your own basic washcloth pattern, including either a plain or picot edging.

Handmade, reusable washcloths are a great choice for face washing and bathing. You can ditch disposable cotton rounds and plastic loofahs forever!

Once you know a few basic crochet stitches, you're ready to tackle this project.

Picking the Right Yarn and Hook

Similar to crocheting a dishcloth, cotton yarn is best for crocheting a washcloth. Look for yarn that is soft so that it's not rough on your skin. A single skein will usually make more than one washcloth, but this will vary based on the size you make, the stitch pattern you use, and the amount in the skein.

Choose a crochet hook based on what's recommended on the label of the yarn you use. For worsted weight, which is common for cotton yarns designed for dishcloths or washcloths, a size H/8 or 5mm hook is good.

It's also helpful to have a yarn needle to weave in the ends.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Crochet hook
  • Yard needle (optional)

Materials

  • 1 skein soft cotton yarn

Instructions

  1. Pick Your Stitch

    There are lots of options to choose from when deciding what crochet stitch to use for your washcloth. It's best to go for something that's fairly solid so it holds soap and water well and doesn't stretch too much.

    The sample you see here uses Suzette stitch. This easy stitch is fully reversible and creates an interesting pattern. Other good stitches are moss stitch, mesh stitch, or lemon peel stitch.

    Of course, this really can be the perfect time to try out some stitch patterns that you like and have been unsure where to use them. If you like the finished texture and it feels like a solid cloth, give it a try!

    Suzette Stitch Crochet Pattern Swatch

    The Spruce Crafts/Mollie Johanson

  2. Crochet the Washcloth

    Start your washcloth so that the starting chain and first row of stitches are a little smaller than you want the finished washcloth. Be sure to use the correct number of chains for whatever stitch pattern you chose.

    Repeat the Stitch Pattern and End With a Single Crochet

    The Spruce Crafts/Mollie Johanson

    Repeat the stitch pattern until you have a square (or the length you want, if you're making it rectangular).

    If you plan on making more than one matching washcloth, keep track of how many rows you worked so you can always crochet the same number and keep the washcloths consistent.

    Crochet a Square in Suzette Stitch

    The Spruce Crafts/Mollie Johanson

  3. Add a Border

    You can leave your washcloth as a simple square of crochet, but adding a border will give it more structure and help it look more finished.

    To work the border, first, chain 1 for a turning chain. Turn your work and single crochet in every stitch across the last row. At the end of the row, single crochet 3 in the last stitch so you can round the corner.

    Single Crochet 3 Stitches in the Corners

    The Spruce Crafts/Mollie Johanson

    Single crochet around the remaining three sides. Remember to work three stitches at the corners.

    Working the stitches into the left and right sides is a little trickier than the top and bottom, but try to work the same number of stitches on all sides.

    Slip stitch to join the round of stitches, then chain 1 to start the next round.

    Single Crochet Around All Sides

    The Spruce Crafts/Mollie Johanson

    If you want to keep your border simple, work another round of single crochet on all the sides. For a frilly picot border, continue the steps below.

    Single crochet in the first stitch, then chain 4.

    Single Crochet and Chain 4

    The Spruce Crafts/Mollie Johanson

    Slip stitch in the first chain that you just made. This forms the picot.

    Single crochet in the next stitch.

    Repeat these two steps for the picot border: Single crochet, chain 4, slip stitch in the first chain, single crochet.

    Slip Stitch to Secure Picot and Single Crochet

    The Spruce Crafts/Mollie Johanson

    Work your way around the entire washcloth, then slip stitch to join the round.

    Trim the yarn, leaving a tail that's about 4 inches long. Secure your yarn by pulling the end through the loop on your hook, then weave the tails in with a yarn needle.

    Make Picots Around All the Sides

    The Spruce Crafts/Mollie Johanson

Tips and Ideas

Frilly-Edge Crocheted Washcloth With Bar of Soap

The Spruce Crafts/Mollie Johanson

  • When laundering your washcloths, consider placing them in a delicates bag to prolong their life.
  • All yarns wash and dry differently, so you may want to make one and fully launder it before making more.
  • Adjust the size based on how much your yarn shrinks.
  • Adding the border in the same yarn reduces how many ends you need to weave, but these would also look great with contrasting borders.
  • Want to easily hang your washcloth? Add a loop of chain stitches in the last corner before ending your project.
  • Make a set of washcloths and pair them with handmade soap for a sweet gift!