How to Crochet Interlocking Block Stitch (Plaid Stitch)

The interlocking block stitch (also called the crochet plaid stitch) is one of those stitch patterns that looks complex and intricate but is actually deceptively easy!

This stitch pattern uses just basic stitches—chains and double crochet—but in a way that weaves magic. With three different colors at play, this stitch creates a stunning, almost woven fabric that looks far more complicated than it actually is. 

I have used this stitch pattern to make a bright and summery dishcloth in three gorgeous shades of yellow. In addition to the written instructions below, there is also a video tutorial to take you through this fabulous stitch pattern step by step.

Three Color Crochet Plaid Stitch

For this stitch pattern you will need three different colors. I have gone for different shades of the same color (a monochromatic color scheme) but this stitch pattern would look equally great worked in complementary or contrasting colors. 

For lots more information on choosing colors for your crochet project, you might like to check out the wonderful “Using Color in Crochet” course by Hannah from HanJan Crochet.

By changing color on each row, you end up with a vibrant, textured pattern that doesn’t leave you drowning in yarn ends. On each color change, we will “float” the yarn up the side of our work, neatly hiding it away with a single crochet border for a clean finish.

What you’ll need to crochet a plaid dishcloth

Yarn

I have used the interlocking block stitch to create a gorgeous, summer themed washcloth. For this project, I used Drops Paris which is a worsted weight 100% cotton yarn. Cotton is perfect for washcloths because it is absorbent, durable and most importantly easy to wash!

Some other cotton yarns that I love 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

I used a 4.5mm (G-7) crochet hook for my washcloth. I went for a slightly smaller hook than the one recommended on the yarn label to keep my stitches nice and snug and the gaps minimal. 

You can choose any suitable hook that allows you to maintain a consistent tension with your chosen yarn.

Additional Tools

You’ll also need a 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(s) = chain(s)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• sk = skip
• sl st = slip stitch
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• rem = remaining
• beg = beginning
• tch = turning chain
• C1 = Color 1
• C2 = Color 2
• C3 = Color 3

General Pattern Notes

• This project is worked in rows from the bottom up.
• Ch 3 at the start of Row 3 and all subsequent odd numbered rows counts as one 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 chains within the row.
• To create the “plaid” effect you will need three different colors. I have chosen a monochromatic color scheme by using different shades of yellow, but the pattern would look equally great worked in complementary or contrasting colors.

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 Vanilla (35), Light Yellow (19) and White (16) (82yds/75m per 50g skein; #4/Worsted/Medium; 100% Cotton).

Project	Total Yds/m	Each color yds/m
Washcloth	110yds / 101 m	approx. 36yds / 33m (plus extra for the border color)
Tea Towel	495yds / 453m	approx. 165yds / 151m (plus extra for the border color)

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

4.5mm (G-7) crochet hook

Other Items

• Yarn needle

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Finished Measurements

Washcloth: 8.25″ x 8″ / 21cm x 20.5cm

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

16 sts x 11 rows = 4″ x 4″ / 10 cm x 10 cm measured over patt.

Note:

• The gauge measurement above includes both dc and chs within a row.
• 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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Adjustments

Stitch multiple: 6 + 3
Starting chain multiple: 6 + 5

• To adjust the width of your project, simply chain any multiple of 6 + 5 to start.
• To adjust the length, simply repeat Row 3-4 until you reach your desired length. End on a Row 3 repeat and then work the Last Row as per the pattern.

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

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Written Pattern

Washcloth: With C1, ch 35. 
Tea Towel: With C1, ch 59.

Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook (skipped 3 chs count as 1 dc), dc in next ch, *ch 3, sk next 3 chs, dc in each of next 3 chs; repeat from * across, turn. [Washcloth: 18 dc, 15 ch; Tea Towel: 30 dc, 27 ch]

Change to C2.

Row 2: *Ch 3, sk 3 dc, (working over next 3 chs) dc in each of next 3 chs two rows below; repeat from * until 3 dc rem, ch 2, sl st to join to top of tch-3, turn. [Washcloth: 18 dc, 14 ch, 1 sl st; Tea Towel: 30 dc, 26 ch, 1 sl st]

Change to C3.

Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc, here and throughout), (working over next 2 chs) dc in each of next 2 dc two rows below, *ch 3, sk 3 dc, (working over next 3 chs) dc in each of next 3 dc two rows below; repeat from * across, turn. [Washcloth: 18 dc, 15 ch; Tea Towel: 30 dc, 27 ch]

Change to C1.

Row 4: *Ch 3, sk 3 dc, (working over next 3 chs) dc in each of next 3 sts two rows below; repeat from * until 3 dc rem, ch 2, sl st to join to top of tch-3, turn. [Washcloth: 18 dc, 14 ch, 1 sl st; Tea Towel: 30 dc, 26 ch, 1 sl st]

Washcloth: Repeat Rows 3-4 for a total of 21 rows, or until work measures approx. 8″/ 20.5cm in length and then go to “Last Row”.

Tea Towel: Repeat Rows 3-4 for a total of 61 rows, or until work measures approx. 22.5″/ 57cm in length and then go to “Last Row”.

Notes: 

• End on a Row 3 repeat.
• 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. 

Last Row: Ch 1 (does not count as a st), *hdc in each of next 3 sts, (working over next 3 chs) dc in each of next 3 chs two rows below; repeat from * until 3 sts rem, hdc in each of rem 3 sts (ending with final hdc in top of tch-3). [Washcloth: 18 dc, 15 hdc; Tea Towel: 30 dc, 27 hdc]

BORDER (optional)

For the border, you can continue on with the last color worked, or change to the next color in the sequence.

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