Crochet Striped Dishcloth in 3 Colors: Free Pattern

This simple crochet striped dishcloth pattern uses basic stitches to create a striking texture, perfect for adding a colorful touch to your kitchen or bathroom.

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 Crochet Striped Dishcloth

I love how this dishcloth pattern combines simplicity with a gorgeous, smooth texture. It’s made with just basic stitches – single crochet, half double crochet, and chains – making it a perfect project if you are beginner, or if you are a more experienced crocheter looking for a quick and relaxing make.

Whether you’re making a last-minute gift or just want to stock up on practical, handmade dishcloths, this pattern is a fantastic option. Plus, it’s easy to whip up a few in different colors to match your kitchen or bathroom décor!

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.

Skill Level

This pattern is designed for confident beginners and uses only simple stitches: single crochet, half double crochet, and chains. 

Despite its simplicity, the stitch combination creates a smooth, stylish texture that looks far more complex than it is. 

You can also practice color changes by floating the yarn up the side of your work when using multiple colors, so there are very few ends to weave in at the end.

Color Options

In terms of colors, the design is really versatile. You can choose to work it in 3 colors as I have done or opt for a solid colour – the choice is all yours!

I crocheted two washcloths using this pattern: one in solid purple and another using three colors (purple, dark purple and off-white).

While the stitch pattern looks great in a single color, I think it really pops with three! You can even use this design to make a matching set by pairing the washcloth with a larger tea towel.

OK, Let’s Make This Dishcloth!

1. Gather Your Materials

Yarn

For this project, I used Drops Paris yarn, which is 100% cotton and works beautifully for washcloths. A #4 worsted-weight cotton yarn works up quickly and provides maximum durability, absorbency, and softness. 

I used three colors in my design – Purple (31), Dark Purple (8) and Off-White (17).

Hook

I used a 5mm (H-8) crochet hook for my dishcloths. 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.

2. Grab Your Pattern

Before diving into the pattern, it’s helpful to give it a quick read-through, especially if you’re using three colors.

Note that will not cut the yarn at the end of each row, you can simply float the new color up the side of your work at each color change – this means you only have a few ends to weave in at the end!

Here are the steps to crochet this washcloth:

• Foundation Chain: Start with a simple chain (any even number), adjusting the length based on the size of the dishcloth or tea towel you’re making.

• Main Pattern: You’ll work in a simple stitch pattern, alternating between rows of single crochet and half double crochet, and changing color every row if using multiple shades.

• Finishing: Weave in your ends (don’t worry, there won’t be many!) and give your dishcloth a quick block to set the stitches (optional).

3. Tips & Tricks for Success!

Customizations

If you’d like to size up this pattern, it’s super easy to adapt! The stitch pattern works beautifully for larger items like blankets or scarves, offering a great way to play around with different color combinations and textures. The smooth stitch design really stands out in bigger projects.

To adjust the size, just modify the number of chains in your starting chain – sure it’s an even number for the stitch pattern to work correctly. You can also keep adding rows to customize the length to your liking.

Color Changes

One of the great perks of changing colors every row is that it minimizes the number of ends to weave in! 

Here’s how I keep things tidy: at the end of the row, I switch to the new color by pulling up a loop, letting the yarn float up the side of my work. I then give a gentle pull on the previous color to snug everything into place, making the transition seamless and neat – then you’re ready to keep crocheting with your new color!

Lavender Fields Washcloth – Free Written Pattern

Pattern Notes

Please read through the entire pattern before beginning.

Skill Level

Easy

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• C1 = Color 1
• C2 = Color 2
• C3 = Color 3
• ch = chain
• ch-# sp = chain space, # denotes number of chains
• beg = beginning
• hdc = half double crochet
• rem = remaining
• sc = single crochet
• sk = skip
• sl st = slip stitch
• sp = space
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• tch = turning chain

General Pattern Notes

• Ch 1 at the start of a single crochet row does not count as a stitch.
• Ch 2 at the start of a half crochet row counts as one half 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 in single crochet rows).

Color Changes

If working in 3 colors, change color every row as follows:

• With working yarn, finish the row as normal.
• Keep working yarn to the back of your work, yarn over new color, and pull through.
• Pull gently on the 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 Purple (31), Dark Purple (8) and Off White (17) (82yds/75m per 50g skein; #4/Worsted/Medium; 100% Cotton).

Project	Total yds/m	Each color yds/m
Washcloth	102yds / 93m*	approx. 34yds / 31m*
Tea Towel	390yds / 357m*	approx. 130yds / 119m*

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

5mm (H-8) crochet hook

Other Items

• Yarn needle

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Finished Measurements

Washcloth: 8.75″ x 8.75″ / 22cm x 22cm

Tea Towel: 14.25″ x 22″ / 36cm x 56cm

Size 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

16 sts x 14 rows = 4″ x 4″ / 10 cm x 10 cm measured over 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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Adjustments

Stitch multiple: 2 + 1

Starting chain multiple: 2 + 2

• To adjust the width of your project, simply chain any multiple of 2 + 2 to start.
• To adjust the length, simply repeat Rows 2 and 3 until you reach your desired length. ​​It does not matter which row 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 58. 

Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook, *ch 1, sk next ch, sc in next ch; repeat from * across, turn. [Washcloth: 35; Tea Towel: 57]

Change to C2.

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