Free FPdc Crochet Dishcloth Pattern

This free crochet washcloth pattern features a stitch that creates gorgeous texture and depth – the Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc crochet stitch).

With this stitch, rather than working into the top of the next stitch, you’ll work around the body (i.e. the post) of the next stitch 2 rows down. While mastering the FPdc stitch might take a little bit of practice, I promise that the effort is well worth it!

If this stitch is brand new for you then don’t worry, there is also a video tutorial to show you exactly how to work it. And by the time you’re finished with this dishcloth you’ll be an absolute pro.

Textured stitch patterns like this one are great for washcloths because they create a surface that’s excellent for scrubbing without being too harsh on skin or dishes.

What you’ll need to make this washcloth

Yarn

Opt for a worsted weight cotton (or cotton blend) yarn for your handmade washcloths. The natural properties of cotton yarn – absorbency, durability, and ease of care – make it an ideal choice for projects like this one.

I used Drops Paris yarn in the “Light Mint Green” colorway for my washcloth; obviously feel free to choose any colors that compliment your home and style!

Some other great cotton yarns 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

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). This stitch pattern is a little dense so using a slightly larger hook stops it from getting too stiff.

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.

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Pattern Notes

Please read through the entire pattern before beginning.

Skill Level

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch = chain
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• sk = skip
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• FPdc = Front Post double crochet (see Special Stitches)
• beg = beginning
• rem = remaining

Construction

• This project is worked in rows from the bottom up.
• The sample is pictured in a single color, but feel free to use any number of colors that you wish.

General Pattern Notes

• Ch 1 at the start of a row does not count as a stitch.
• 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.
• When working Row 1, you might find it helpful to place a stitch marker around the second stitch in the row – this will make it easier when working your first FPdc stitch in Row 3.

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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 Light Mint Green (21) (82yds/75m per 50g skein; #4/Worsted/Medium; 100% Cotton).

Project	Yds/m	Skein(s)
Washcloth	90yds / 82m	1
Tea Towel	405yds / 370m	5

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: 8.25″ x 8″ / 21cm x 20.5cm

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.

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Gauge

13 sts x 15 rows = 4″ x 4″ / 10 cm x 10 cm measured 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.

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Special Stitches

Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc)

Step 1: Yarn over, insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop.

Step 2: [Yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook] twice.

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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 3-6 until you reach your desired length. Try to end on a single crochet row i.e. a Row 4 or Row 6 repeat, but don’t worry if you need to end on a different row to achieve your desired measurements.

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

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Written Pattern

Washcloth: Ch 28. 

Tea Towel: Ch 48.

Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. [Washcloth: 27, Tea Towel: 47]

Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a st, here and throughout), sc in each st across, turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first st, *FPdc in next st 2 rows below, sk st behind FPdc just made, sc in next st; repeat from * across, turn.

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn.

Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each of first 2 sts, *FPdc in next st 2 rows below, sk st behind FPdc just made, sc in next st; repeat from * until 1 st rem, sc in last st, turn.

Row 6: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn.

Washcloth: Repeat Rows 3-6 for a total of 30 rows, or until work measures approx. 8″/ 20.5cm in length.

Tea Towel: Repeat Rows 3-6 for a total of 82 rows, or until work measures approx. 21.75″/ 55cm in length.

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.

Fasten off. 

Weave in ends. All done!

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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