Interlocking Shell Stitch Crochet Pattern: Washcloth and Tea Towel

This crochet washcloth pattern features a gorgeous interlocking shell stitch that creates a wavy texture, perfect for a stylish and functional washcloth or tea towel.

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 Interlocking Shell Stitch Crochet Pattern

There’s something about a washcloth that’s both practical and fun to make, especially when it’s as beautiful as this one. 

I designed this pattern using the interlocking shell stitch, which creates an eye-catching, wavy texture that’s perfect for adding a little extra flair to your daily routine. Whether you’re making a classic washcloth or expanding the design to a tea towel, this pattern is easy to adapt and looks fabulous in any color combination.

Plus, this washcloth makes a thoughtful handmade gift, or you can use it to brighten up your own bathroom or kitchen.

Skill Level

This pattern uses basic crochet stitches like single crochet and double crochet, making it accessible to advanced beginners. But it also offers a fun opportunity to learn something new! 

The wave effect is created using a double crochet 5 together (dc5tog) stitch, which sounds like a mouthful but is actually quite simple once you get the hang of it! You’ll be switching colors every two rows, adding a gorgeous depth to the interlocking shell design.

In this pattern, you’ll also learn how to use a stacked double crochet, which gives a much neater start to your double crochet rows than the traditional “turning chain 3.”

Video tutorial → How to Work a Stacked Double Crochet

OK, Let’s Make This Washcloth!

1. Gather Your Materials

Yarn

For this project, I recommend using a #4 worsted-weight cotton yarn or cotton blend. I used Drops Paris in Purple (31) and Off-White (17). Cotton is perfect for washcloths because it’s soft, absorbent, and durable. The interlocking shell stitch also holds up well, even after many washes.

I love the effect you get from using 2 colors, but I actually think it would work great in 3 or more colors too (you might just have a few extra ends to weave in!).

Hook

I used a 4.5mm (G-7) crochet hook for this pattern. The slightly smaller hook size creates tighter, neater stitches, reducing gaps and helping to define the wavy shell pattern.

Gauge isn’t crucial for this pattern, but keep in mind that if your tension is tighter or looser than mine, your finished project may vary in size and use more or less yarn.

Additional Tools

You’ll also need a scissors and tapestry needle for weaving in those ends.

2. Grab Your Pattern

Before you dive in, it’s always a good idea to read through the pattern first. This washcloth pattern is easy to follow, but reviewing the color changes and shell stitch construction will help you feel confident as you crochet.

The pattern below is written for two sizes: a standard washcloth and a tea towel. You can easily adjust the size by following the included instructions on stitch multiples.

• Finishing: Weave in ends and block your washcloth for the best shape.
• Foundation Chain: Start by chaining any multiple of 6 + 4, depending on the size you’re making.
• Main Pattern: The main pattern is a 2-row repeat, so once you make it to Row 3 it’s plain sailing after that! Change colors every 2 rows for a lovely undulating wave pattern.

3. Tips & Tricks for Success!

Customizations

Want to make something larger? This stitch pattern can easily be turned into a blanket or scarf! The wavy texture is striking in larger projects, and you can get creative with color combinations.

To adjust the size, simply increase or decrease the number of chains in your starting chain, making sure it’s a multiple of 6 + 4. You can also add more rows to create a longer piece.

Color Changes

The best part about changing colors every 2 rows is having fewer ends to weave in! For a clean color transition, I finish the row as usual, then pull up a loop in the new color by floating it up the side of my work. A gentle tug on the previous color helps slide the loop into place, and you’re all set to continue with the new color!

Stacked Double Crochet

Instead of the typical “ch 3” to start your double crochet rows, I recommend using a stacked double crochet. This technique provides a cleaner edge and eliminates the slight gap that can occur with a turning chain. It’s an easy alternative that makes a big difference in the overall look of your finished project!

Interlocking Shells Washcloth – Free Crochet Pattern

Pattern Notes

Please read through the entire pattern before beginning.

Skill Level

Easy

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• beg = beginning
• C1 = Color 1
• C2 = Color 2
• ch = chain
• dc = double crochet
• dc5tog = double crochet 5 together
• rem = remaining
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• sk = skip
• sc = single crochet
• sl st = slip stitch
• tch = turning chain

General Pattern Notes

• Ch 1 at the start of a row does not count as a stitch.
• For Row 3 (and any Row 3 repeats), you have two options to begin the row:
  • Ch 3: counts as one double crochet
  • Use a stacked double crochet to eliminate gaps
• 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 chain spaces within the row..
• The sample is pictured in two colors, but feel free to use any number of colors that you wish. If using more than 2 colors, you may need to cut yarn between color changes.

Color Changes

Change colors every 2 rows 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 Purple (31) and OffWhite (17) (82yds/75m per 50g skein; #4/Worsted/Medium; 100% Cotton).

Project	Total yds/m	C1 (Purple) yds/m	C2 (OffWhite) yds/m
Washcloth	98yds / 90m	approx. 49yds / 45m	approx. 49yds / 45m
Tea Towel	396yds / 362m	approx. 198yds / 181m	approx. 198yds / 181m

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: 8.75″ x 8.5″ / 22cm x 21.5cm

Tea Towel: 14.25″ x 22.5″ / 36cm x 57cm

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.

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Gauge

17 sts x 8 rows = 4″ x 3.75″ / 10 cm x 10 cm measured over interlocking shells pattern.

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

Double Crochet 5 Together (dc5tog)

Step 1: Yarn over, insert hook into indicated st and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops. [2 loops on hook]

Step 2: [Yarn over, insert hook into next st and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops] four more times. [6 loops on hook]

Step 3: Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops.

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Adjustments

Stitch multiple: 6 + 1

Starting chain multiple: 6 + 4

• To adjust the width of your project, simply chain any multiple of 6 + 4 to start.
• To adjust the length, simply repeat Rows 2 and 3 until you reach your desired length. End on a Row 2 repeat.

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

Written Pattern

Washcloth: Ch 40. 
Tea Towel: Ch 64. 

Row 1: With C1, 2 dc in fourth ch from hook (counts as 3 dc), sk 2 ch, sc in next ch, *sk 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch, sk 2 ch, sc in next ch; repeat from * until 3 ch rem, sk 2 ch, 3 dc in last ch, turn. [Washcloth: 37; Tea Towel: 61]

Change to C2.

BORDER (optional)

Video Tutorial → How to Single Crochet A Border

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