How to Crochet a Washcloth
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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
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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!
The Spruce Crafts/Mollie Johanson
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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.
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.
The Spruce Crafts/Mollie Johanson
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Spruce Crafts/Mollie Johanson
Tips and Ideas
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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!