Alternating Spike Stitch Crochet Dishcloth: Free Pattern

This alternating spike stitch crochet dishcloth features a dense, textured fabric that looks almost woven when worked in multiple colors!

Scroll down for the free written pattern, or purchase the ad-free, print-friendly PDF here.

Where To Get This Pattern

Why I Love This Washcloth Pattern

The alternating spike stitch creates such a striking texture that I couldn’t wait to turn it into a dishcloth! 

This simple pattern alternates between single crochet and a spiked single crochet (SPsc), making a fabric that’s thick, durable, and just beautiful when worked with multiple colors. It’s a fun stitch to learn, and the dense texture is ideal for making scrubbing cloths or kitchen towels.

What is the spiked single crochet stitch?

The spiked single crochet (SPsc) is a variation of the regular single crochet where, instead of working into the top loops of the previous row, you insert your hook into a stitch one or more rows below, creating a “spike” effect that adds texture to the fabric.

Skill Level

This dishcloth is great for advanced beginners. The alternating spike stitch is a one-row repeat, so once you get through a couple of setup rows, you’ll quickly find your rhythm. 

The spiked single crochet may take a bit of practice as it requires inserting the hook into a lower row, but after a few rows, it becomes second nature!

OK, Let’s Make This Washcloth!

1. Gather Your Materials

Yarn

For this pattern, I recommend using worsted weight cotton yarn. Cotton yarn works great for dishcloths because it’s sturdy, absorbent, and can handle frequent washing.

I used Drops Paris in three different colors with an autumnal vibe, but feel free to play with your favorite shades depending on the season and your own style! The stitch pattern also looks great worked in a single color if you prefer.

The pattern below includes links to a variety of cotton yarns that are perfect for dishcloths.

Hook

You will need a 5.5mm I/9 crochet hook for this project (or whichever hook size allows you to crochet with an even tension). The stitch pattern creates quite a dense fabric so you might find it a little tricky if you choose a very small hook.

2. Grab Your Pattern

Before you begin, I always recommend reading through the pattern to familiarize yourself with the instructions, especially if it’s your first time working with the alternating spike stitch. This pattern provides stitch and row counts for two sizes – washcloth and tea towel – but you can easily customize it to any size you like.

Here’s a quick look at the steps you’ll follow:

• Starting chain: Start with an odd-numbered chain – this will determine the width of your dishcloth or tea towel. 
• Main Pattern: Work 2 setup rows as per the pattern. From Row 3, you will alternate between single crochet stitches and spiked single crochets (SPsc), which are worked into stitches from lower rows, creating that unique textured look. Then simply repeat Row 3 for as long as you need to!
• Finishing: Once you’ve reached your desired length, simply fasten off, weave in the ends, and work a single crochet border (recommended) for a neat finish.

3. Tips & Tricks for Success!

Gauge

Gauge isn’t critical for this pattern, but if you’re aiming for a specific size or making a matching set of washcloths, it’s worth checking.

Customizations

This stitch pattern is really easy to adjust to make any size project that you like. Simply chain any odd number to start and then keep crocheting until you’re happy with the length!

Border

As each row in this pattern is a single crochet row, the working a border is quite easy – just work one border stitch for each row along the side edges. You might like to check out this video for how to work a single crochet border.

Alternating Spike Stitch Washcloth – Free Crochet Pattern

Pattern Notes

Please read through the entire pattern before beginning.

Skill Level

Easy

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• beg = beginning
• C1 = Color 1
• C2 = Color 2
• C3 = Color 3
• ch = chain
• ch-# sp = chain space, # denotes number of chains
• rem = remaining
• sc = single crochet
• sk = skip
• SPsc = Spiked single crochet (see Special Stitches)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• tch = turning chain

General Pattern Notes

• Ch 1 at the start of a row counts as one sc.
• 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.
• The sample is pictured in three colors, but the pattern also looks great in a solid color. If working in three colors, change color as per the instructions below. Do not cut yarn in between color changes, simply float the next color up the side of your work.

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.

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Materials

Yarn

Any #4/Worsted/Medium weight yarn in a cotton or cotton blend. The amounts given here are for Drops Paris in Rust (65) (82yds/ 75m per 50g skein; #4/ Worsted/ Medium; 100% Cotton).

	yds/m
	Total	Each color (using 3 colors)
Washcloth	108yds / 99m*	approx. 36yds / 33m*
Tea Towel	462yds / 422m*	approx. 154yds / 141m*

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

5.5mm (I-9) crochet hook

Other Items

• Yarn needle

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Finished Measurements

Washcloth: 8.5″ x 8.5″ / 21.5cm x 21.5cm

Tea Towel: 14.25″ x 22.5″ / 36cm x 57cm

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.

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Gauge

13 sts x 16 rows = 4″ x 4″ / 10 cm x 10 cm measured over alternating spike stitch pattern.

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.

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Special Stitches

Spike single crochet (SPsc)

A spiked single crochet is a simple variation on the regular single crochet stitch. Instead of inserting your hook through the top of the next stitch, you will instead drop down to work into one of the previous rows. In this pattern, the SPsc is always worked 2 rows below.

Step 1: Insert hook into next st 2 rows below.

Step 2: Working around the entire stitch, yarn over and pull up a long loop to the height of the current row. [2 loops on hook]

Step 3: Yarn over and pull through both loops to complete the single crochet as normal.

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Adjustments

Stitch multiple: 2
Starting chain multiple: 2 + 1

• To adjust the width of your project, simply chain any multiple of 2 + 1 to start.
• To adjust the length, simply repeat Row 3 until you reach your desired length.

Note: adjusting the size of your project will impact the amount of yarn required.

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Written Pattern

Washcloth: With C1, ch 29.
Tea Towel: With C1, ch 47. 

Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook and each ch across, turn. [Washcloth: 28; Tea Towel: 46]

Change to C2.

Row 3: Ch 1, sk first st, sc in next st; *SPsc in next st 2 rows below, sc in next st; repeat from * across, ending with last sc in tch-1 sp, turn.

Washcloth: Repeat Row 3 for a total of 34 rows, or until work measures approx. 8.5″/ 21.5cm in length.

Tea Towel: Repeat 3 for a total of 90 rows, or until work measures approx. 22.5″/ 57cm in length.

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.

BORDER

Video Tutorial → How to Single Crochet A Border

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