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Start your next project with this easy striped crochet washcloth pattern!
This free dishcloth pattern is really straightforward, making it a perfect match for beginners and a relaxing project for more experienced crocheters.
All you will need to know is your basic stitches – chains, single crochet, and double crochet – and you will be good to go 😄.
In terms of colors, this design is really versatile. You can choose to work it in 3 colors as I have done or opt for a solid color – the choice is all yours.
If you do opt for the stripes, then please don’t worry that you will have to deal with numerous yarn ends to weave in. This pattern uses a neat trick where you “float” the yarn up the side of your work as you switch colors, allowing you to easily crochet over these floats later with a border for a clean finish.
The pattern below is written for 2 sizes – dishcloth and tea towel – but it also includes instructions for modifying the stitch pattern to make any size that you like.
Join my 2024 Dishcloth Crochet Along!
This pattern is part of a series of dishcloth patterns that I am releasing bit by bit over the course of 2024.
Click the button below to find out more and join us for a fun and relaxed year-long crochet journey.
Check out the Crochet Dishcloth Series here
How to get this pattern:
Option 1: Scroll on down to get this pattern for free!
Option 2: Purchase the easy-to-read, print-friendly PDF:
What you’ll need to crochet this wavy washcloth
Yarn
For my “Spring Meadows Washcloth,” I used Drops Paris which is a worsted weight 100% cotton yarn. Cotton is perfect for washcloths because it is absorbent, durable and most importantly easy to wash!
I love the effect that I got from using 3 colors but this pattern looks really great in a single shade too.
Some other cotton yarns that I love for washcloths include:
- WeCrochet Dishie (190 yds/174m per 100g skein; 100% Cotton)
- Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran (93 yds / 85m per 50g skein; 100% Cotton)
- Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (186 yds/170m per 100g skein; 100% Cotton)
- Lily Sugar ‘n’ Cream (94yds / 86m per 50g skein; 100% Cotton)
- Rico Creative Cotton Aran(93 yds / 85m per 50g skein; 100% Cotton)
Hook
I used a 5mm (H-8) crochet hook for my washcloth. This size is perfect for worsted weight yarn, allowing for stitches that are snug enough for durability but loose enough for a gentle feel.
Gauge is not critical for this pattern but just note that if your gauge is slightly different to mine your project may turn out a different size and you might use more/less yarn.
Additional Tools
You’ll also need scissors and tapestry needle for weaving in those ends.
SPRING MEADOWS WASHCLOTH
Video Tutorial
SPRING MEADOWS WASHCLOTH
Crochet Pattern
Pattern Notes
Please read through the entire pattern before beginning.
Skill Level
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch = chain
- ch-1 sp = chain 1 space
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sk = skip
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- rem = remaining
- beg = beginning
- C1 = Color 1
- C2 = Color 2
- C3 = Color 3
Construction
- This project is worked in rows from the bottom up.
- The sample is pictured in three colors, but the pattern also looks great in a solid color.
General Pattern Notes
- Ch 1 at the start of a single crochet row does not count as a stitch.
- Ch 3 at the start of a double crochet row counts as one double crochet.
- Stitch count for each row is given in square brackets [ ] at the end of the row. If no stitch count is given then the count is the same as the previous row.
- Stitch count includes chain spaces within the row (but not the starting ch-1).
Materials
Yarn
Any #4/Worsted/Medium weight yarn in a cotton or cotton blend. The amounts given here are for Drops Paris in Wasabi (39), Light Mint Green (21) and Off White (17) (82yds/75m per 50g skein; #4/Worsted/Medium; 100% Cotton).
| Project | Total Yds/m | C1 (Wasabi) yds/m | C2 (Light Mint Green) yds/m | C3 (Off White) yds/m |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washcloth | 90yds / 82m | approx. 28yds / 26m | approx. 28yds / 26m | approx. 34yds / 31m |
| Tea Towel | 375yds / 343m | approx. 120yds / 110m | approx. 120yds / 110m | approx. 135yds / 123m |
Alternative yarn options:
- WeCrochet Dishie (190 yds/174m per 100g skein; 100% Cotton)
- Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran (93 yds / 85m per 50g skein; 100% Cotton)
- Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (186 yds/170m per 100g skein; 100% Cotton)
- Rico Creative Cotton Aran (93 yds / 85m per 50g skein; 100% Cotton)
- Lily Sugar ‘n’ Cream (94yds / 86m per 50g skein; 100% Cotton)
Hook
Other Items
- Yarn needle
Finished Measurements
Washcloth: 8.25″ x 8.25″ / 21cm x 21cm
Tea Towel: 14.5″ x 21.75″ / 37cm x 55cm
Note: you can also add an optional single crochet border around the edge of your project which will add approx 0.5” / 1.25cm to the width and length.
Please see Adjustments section below for information on making this project in a different size.
Gauge
16 sts x 12 rows = 4″ x 4″ / 10 cm x 10 cm measured over patt.
Note: gauge is not critical for this project. However, if your gauge does not match the one listed above then your project may turn out a little larger/smaller depending on how loosely/tightly you crochet, and you may use a different amount of yarn than what is listed above.
Color Changes
Change colors every row as follows:
- With working yarn, finish row as normal.
- Keeping working yarn to the back of your work, yarn over new color and pull through.
- Pull gently on previous color to pull the new color into the correct starting position for the next row.
- With the new color, work next row as per pattern.
Adjustments
Stitch multiple: 2 + 2
Starting chain multiple: 2 + 3
- To adjust the width of your project, simply chain any multiple of 2 + 3 to start.
- To adjust the length, simply repeat Rows 2-5 until you reach your desired length. It does not matter which row repeat you end on.
Note: adjusting the size of your project will impact the amount of yarn required.
Written Pattern
Washcloth: With C1, ch 36.
Tea Towel: With C1, ch 60.
Row 1: 2 dc in fourth ch from hook (skipped 3 ch count as 1 dc), *sk next ch, 2 dc in next ch; repeat from * until 1 ch rem, dc in last ch, turn. [Washcloth: 34, Tea Towel: 58]
Change to C2.
Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a st, here and throughout), sc in first st, *ch 1, sk next 2 dc, sc between last skipped dc and next dc; repeat from * across, ending with sc between last skipped dc and tch-3, turn.
Change to C3.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first st, sc in next ch-1 sp, *ch 1, sk next st, sc in next ch-1 sp; repeat from * until 1 st rem, sc in last st, turn.
Change to C1.
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first st, *ch 1, sk next st, sc in next ch-1 sp; repeat from * until 2 sts rem, ch 1, sk next st, sc in last st, turn.
Row 5: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc, here and throughout), *2 dc in next ch-1 sp; repeat from * until 1 st rem, dc in last st, turn.
Washcloth: Repeat Rows 2-5 for a total of 25 rows, or until work measures approx. 8.25″/ 21cm in length.
Tea Towel: Repeat Rows 2-5 for a total of 65 rows, or until work measures approx. 21.75″/ 55cm in length.
Notes:
- Continue to change color at the end of each row, following the color sequence “C1, C2, C3” throughout. Float the yarn loosely up the side of your work on each color change.
- It doesn’t matter which row you end on for this pattern, so don’t worry if your measurements do not match exactly with the row counts given above.
BORDER (optional)
For the border, you can continue on with the last color worked, or fasten off and join in your chosen border color.
Ch 1 (does not count as a st), sc evenly around the edge of your work, working 3 scs to turn each corner. Join to beg sc with a sl st or invisible join.
Fasten off.
Weave in ends. All done!
If you wish, you can purchase an inexpensive, ad-free PDF version of this pattern through Ravelry or Etsy.
I hope you have enjoyed this pattern, if you have questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact me. And be sure to tag your finished project on Instagram or Facebook using @nedandmimi or #nedandmimi!
Happy crocheting!
Sarah
