How to Crochet Spider Stitch Dishcloth: Free Pattern

Learn how to crochet the spider stitch (also known as the “single crochet v stitch”) with this free crochet pattern and video tutorial!

This stitch pattern uses just 2 basic crochet stitches – chains and single crochets – so it is pretty accessible no matter your crochet level. The stitch placement can be a little bit tricky when you are starting out but the video tutorial will help a lot with that. 

I am a big fan of stitch markers whenever I might be unsure of stitch placement, and this pattern offers the perfect opportunity to get out those markers!

The spider stitch pattern creates quite a dense and thick fabric, so it is perfect for dishcloths like the one pictured here. The pattern below is written for two sizes – Dishcloth and Tea Towel – and also includes instructions for adjusting the stitch pattern to make any size that you like.

Another thing that I love about this stitch pattern is that it is completely reversible so it’s great for any project where you need the back and the front to look identical.

What You’ll Need to Make this Spider Stitch Dishcloth

Yarn

A worsted weight cotton yarn is my top choice for washcloth projects. Cotton fibres are strong and durable, easy to wash and hold their shape and colour really well. This washcloth project is the perfect opportunity to use up any bits and bobs of cotton yarn that you have lying around!

For my dishcloth, I opted for Drops Paris yarn in the bright and summery “Vanilla” colorway, but I think this pattern would actually look really great in a colour-block design.

Some other cotton yarns that I can recommend for dishcloths 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). As the spider stitch is quite a dense stitch pattern, opting for a slightly larger hook size will make it a little easier to crochet as well as preventing the finished fabric from becoming too stiff.

While gauge isn’t critical for this pattern, be aware that variations in gauge may affect the final size of your project and the amount of yarn used.

Additional Tools

You’ll also need a pair of scissors and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, as well as those all important stitch markers to ensure perfect stitch placement!

So, without further ado, let’s get crocheting.

---

---

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
• beg = beginning
• rem = remaining

Construction

• This project is worked in rows from the bottom up.
• The sample is pictured in a single colour, but feel free to use any number of colours that you wish. (I think this project would be great in a colour-block design!)

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. Stitch count includes chains within the row, but does not include the turning ch 1 at the start of a row.
• If no stitch count is given then the count is the same as the previous row.
• From Row 2 onwards, it can be a little tricky to find the “ch-1” space that you need to work into. For the first few rows, you might find it helpful to use stitch markers to mark these spaces before beginning the row.

---

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

Project	Yds/m	Skein(s)
Washcloth	105yds / 96m	2
Tea Towel	445yds / 405m	6

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
• Stitch markers (optional)

---

Finished Measurements

Washcloth: 8.5″ x 8.5″ / 21.5cm x 21.5cm

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 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.

---

Gauge

13 sc x 14 rows = 4″ x 4″ / 10 cm x 10 cm measured over patt.

Note:

• The count of 13 sc in the gauge measurement above is for single crochet (sc) stitches only, and does not include the “ch-1” spaces within the pattern.
• 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.

---

Adjustments

Stitch multiple: 3 + 2

Starting chain multiple: 3 + 3

• To adjust the width of your project, simply chain any multiple of 3 + 3 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 42. 
Tea Towel: Ch 72.

Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook, sk next ch, (sc, ch 1, sc) in next ch, *sk next 2 chs, (sc, ch 1, sc) in next ch; repeat from * until 2 chs rem, sk next ch, sc in last ch, turn. [Washcloth: 28 sc, 13 ch; Tea Towel: 48 sc, 23 ch]

Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a st, here and throughout), sc in first st, sk next st, (sc, ch 1, sc) in next ch-1 sp, *sk next 2 sts, (sc, ch 1, sc) in next ch-1 sp; repeat from * until 2 sts rem, sk next st, sc in last st, turn.

Washcloth: Repeat Row 2 for a total of 29 rows, or until work measures approx. 8.5″/ 21.5cm in length.

Tea Towel: Repeat Row 2 for a total of 76 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!

---

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