Crossed Half Double Crochet Washcloth: Free Pattern

This easy crochet washcloth pattern features the lovely crossed half double crochet stitch, creating a unique, undulating texture that’s perfect for 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 Washcloth Pattern

The Snow Drift Washcloth is one of my favorite quick and easy crochet projects. 

The stitch pattern creates a subtle, undulating texture that feels great to the touch and works well for scrubbing, making it an ideal choice for a washcloth or dishcloth. 

I designed the pattern in two sizes, but you can easily customize it by chaining any even number of stitches. Whether you’re using this for your kitchen or bathroom, the solid color design will look fabulous anywhere! 

One of my favorite things about washcloths is that they offer a perfect opportunity to try out new crochet stitches, without needing a lot of time or yarn!

Skill Level

This pattern is perfect for confident beginners who are comfortable with basic stitches like single crochet and half double crochet. The crossed half double crochet stitch adds a fun twist, but it’s easy to pick up with a little practice. 

Since the pattern uses a simple, one-row repeat, you’ll quickly get the hang of it – it makes a great couch project that doesn’t require too much concentration!

OK, Let’s Make This Dishcloth!

1. Gather Your Materials

Yarn

For this pattern, I recommend using worsted-weight cotton yarn. 

Cotton yarn is always my go-to for washcloths because of its softness and durability. It’s absorbent, easy to care for, and can be washed and reused many times, making it perfect for a project like this. You’ll need about 1-2 skeins depending on the size you make. 

I used Drops Paris, but there are many great alternatives that work well for this project (I’ve listed lots of suitable alternatives in the pattern).

Hook

I used a 5.5mm (I-9) crochet hook for this pattern, which gives the fabric just the right amount of drape and structure without being too tight.

I tend to crochet a little tightly, especially when working the “smaller” stitches like single crochet and half double crochet so going up a hook size is often the answer!

2. Grab Your Pattern

Before you begin, I always recommend reading through the pattern to get familiar with the stitches, especially if you’re new to the crossed half double crochet. 

The pattern includes instructions for two sizes, but it’s easy to customize by chaining any even number to start.

Here are the steps for making this washcloth:

• Starting Chain: Chain an even number of stitches based on the size of the washcloth or dishcloth you’re making.
• Main Pattern: This pattern uses a simple, one-row repeat of single crochet and crossed half double crochet stitches to create a beautiful, textured fabric.
• Finishing: Once you reach your desired length, simply fasten off and weave in the ends. This stitch pattern gives quite a neat edge, but I still like to add a final single crochet border round for an even neater finish.

3. Tips & Tricks for Success!

Customizations

This pattern is easy to adjust if you want to make a larger or smaller piece. To customize the size, just chain any even number of stitches for your starting chain. You can also keep adding rows if you want to extend the length or create a matching tea towel.

You could even use this stitch pattern to make a lovely blanket or scarf – the crossed half double crochet creates a beautiful texture in larger projects too!

Make Friends with Stitch Markers!

The crossed half double crochet stitch is the real star of this pattern. It’s a simple variation of the standard half double crochet but with a twist – literally! 

To make the stitch placement easier, especially if you’re new to this technique, I recommend using stitch markers to mark where your next stitch should go. It’s a great way to ensure your crosses are consistent.

Border

If you find it a little tricky to keep your border even, try switching to a smaller hook (even just going down 1 hook size or 0.5mm can make all the difference.)

Video Tutorial → How to Single Crochet A Border

Pattern Notes

Please read through the entire pattern before beginning.

Skill Level

Easy

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• beg = beginning
• ch = chain
• rem = remaining
• hdc = half double crochet
• sc = single crochet
• sk = skip
• st(s) = stitch(es)

General Pattern Notes

• Ch 1 at the start of a row does not count as a stitch.
• When working the “crossed hdc”, work over the sc just made i.e. the sc is enclosed in the hdc.
• Before working the single crochet in the stitch pattern, you may find it helpful to use a stitch marker to mark the skipped chain/stitch. This will help with stitch placement for the crossed hdc.
• 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.

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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 Dark Purple (8) (82yds/75m per 50g skein; #4/Worsted/Medium; 100% Cotton).

Project	Total yds/m
Washcloth	102yds / 93m*
Tea Towel	405yds / 370m*

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: 8.75″ x 8.75″ / 22cm x 22cm

Tea Towel: 14.25″ x 22.25″ / 36cm x 56.5cm

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 11 rows = 4″ x 4″ / 10 cm x 10 cm measured over crossed sc/hdc.

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 Row 2 until you reach your desired length. ​​

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

Written Pattern

Washcloth: Ch 36. 
Tea Towel: Ch 58. 

Row 1: Sc in third ch from hook, (working back over sc just made) hdc in second ch from hook, *sk next ch, sc in next ch, (working back over sc just made) hdc in skipped ch; repeat from * until 1 ch rem, hdc in last ch, turn. [Washcloth: 35; Tea Towel: 57]

BORDER (optional)

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.

Video Tutorial → How to Single Crochet A Border

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