Half Double Crochet Dishcloth Pattern for Beginners

If you are looking for an easy crochet dishcloth pattern for beginners then you are in the right place!

This pattern is perfect if you are brand new to crochet; you’ll get plenty of practice with half double crochet stitches, including working through different loops to create a stunning but simple texture.

And if you are a more experienced crocheter, then it is a perfect “couch project”, ideal for those times when you just want to crochet without having to concentrate too hard 🙂.

What You’ll Need to Make This Dishcloth

This pattern is written for two sizes – dishcloth and tea towel – and it also includes handy instructions for altering the stitch pattern to make any size that you like. The amount of yarn that you will need will of course depend on the size that you are making.

Yarn

The key to a good dishcloth is using the right yarn. For this project, you will need a worsted weight cotton yarn, ideally 100% cotton or a blend with a high cotton percentage.

Cotton is durable, washable and easily holds its shape and color even after lots of use. Cotton yarn is generally pretty inexpensive too, so that’s another reason to love dishcloth projects if you are a beginner!

For my dishcloth, I used Drops Paris which is a worsted weight, 100% cotton yarn. However, if you’re looking for alternatives, here’s a list of suitable yarns that will work just as well:

• 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

For this pattern, you will need a 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook.

While gauge is not critical for this project, if you are a newer crocheter, you might want to take some time to practice getting your tension right. This will make your dishcloth not only look better but also more uniform and professional.

Other supplies

You’ll also need a scissors and tapestry needle for weaving in 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
• hdc = half double crochet
• blo = back loop only
• flo = front loop only
• 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.
• The stitch count for each round 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.
The amounts given here are for Drops Paris in Spray Blue Recycled Denim (102) (82yds/75m per 50g skein; #4/Worsted/Medium; 100% Cotton).

Project	Yds/m	Skein(s)
Dishcloth	75yds / 69m	1
Tea Towel	325yds / 297m	4

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

5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook

Other Items

• Yarn needle

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Finished Measurements

Dishcloth: 8″ x 8″ / 20.5cm x 20.5cm

Tea Towel: 14.5″ x 22″ / 37cm x 56cm

Note: you can also add an optional single crochet border around the edge of your project which will add approximately 0.5” / 1.25cm to the width and length.

Please see Adjustments section below for information on using the stitch pattern to make a different size.

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Gauge

15 sts x 8 rows = 4″ x 4″ / 10 cm x 10 cm measured over alternating hdc blo and flo.

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 below.

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Written Pattern

Dishcloth: ch 31

Tea Towel: ch 55.

Row 1: Hdc in second ch from hook and each ch across, turn. [Dishcloth: 30, Tea Towel: 54]

Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a st, here and throughout), hdc (both loops) in first st, *hdc blo in next st, hdc flo in next st; repeat from * until 1 st rem, hdc (both loops) in last st, turn.

Dishcloth: repeat Row 2 for a total of 16 rows, or until work measures approx. 8″/ 20.5cm in length.

Tea Towel: repeat Row 2 for a total of 44 rows, or until work measures approx. 22″/ 56cm 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