Looking for a quick, beginner-friendly crochet project? This wide hdc crochet washcloth is smooth, reversible, and super easy to customize!
Scroll down for the free written pattern, or purchase the ad-free, print-friendly PDF here.
In This Post
Where To Get This Pattern
Option 1: Scroll on down to get this pattern for free!
Option 2: Purchase the easy-to-read, print-friendly PDF:
Why I Love This Washcloth Pattern
This washcloth pattern features the “wide hdc crochet stitch” and is perfect whether you are a beginner or a more experienced crocheter looking for a quick and easy project. If you can make a chain and a hdc then you can make this washcloth!
What is the wide hdc stitch?
The wide hdc is a variation on the standard half double crochet. Instead of inserting your hook into the top of the next stitch, you work between the posts of the next 2 stitches from the previous row.
This stitch pattern creates a smooth, reversible fabric so it’s great for any project where you want the back and the front to look the same.
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Easy to customize
I have written this pattern for two sizes: a smaller washcloth and a larger tea towel. Both are great for everyday use, gifting, or even adding a handmade touch to your home. Plus, the wide hdc stitch gives it a lovely texture that feels great on the skin or when used for cleaning up around the kitchen.
One of my favorite things about washcloths is that they offer a perfect opportunity to try out new crochet stitches, without needing a lot of time or yarn!
OK, Let’s Make This Washcloth!
1. Gather Your Materials
Yarn
For this pattern, I recommend using worsted-weight cotton yarn. I used Drops Paris, but there are many great alternatives that work well for this project (I’ve listed lots of suitable alternatives in the pattern). Cotton is ideal because it’s durable, absorbent, and washable—perfect for dishcloths and tea towels!
Hook
You’ll need a 5.5mm (I-9) crochet hook for this pattern. This size works well with the yarn to create a fabric that’s firm enough to scrub with but soft to the touch.
2. Grab Your Pattern
Before you dive into crocheting, I recommend giving the pattern a quick read-through. This pattern is written for two sizes – a washcloth and a tea towel – but it also includes simple instructions for adjusting it to any size you need.
Scroll down for the free written pattern, or purchase the ad-free, print-friendly PDF here.
Here’s an overview of what you’ll be doing:
- Foundation Chain: You’ll start by making a foundation chain, which determines the width of your washcloth or tea towel.
- Main Pattern: After the set up row, the pattern is an easy one-row repeat; just keep going until your project is as long as you need!
- Finishing: Once you reach your desired length, simply fasten off and weave in the ends. This stitch pattern gives quite a neat edge, but I still like to add a final single crochet border round for an even neater finish.
3. Tips & Tricks for Success!
Gauge
Gauge isn’t critical for this pattern, but if you’re aiming for a specific size or making a matching set of washcloths, it’s worth checking.
Customizations
This pattern is super flexible! You can easily adjust the size by increasing or decreasing the foundation chain to suit your needs. Want to try something different? Experiment with color changes or even use this stitch pattern to make placemats, coasters, or hand towels!
Border
If you find it a little tricky to keep your border even, try switching to a smaller hook (even just going down one hook size or 0.5mm can make all the difference).
Wide Half Double Crochet Washcloth – Written Pattern
Pattern Notes
Please read through the entire pattern before beginning.
Skill Level
Easy
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- beg = beginning
- ch = chain
- ch-# sp = chain space, # denotes number of chains
- rem = remaining
- hdc = half double crochet
- sc = single crochet
- sk = skip
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- tch = turning chain
General Pattern Notes
- Ch 2 at the start of a row counts as one hdc.
- 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.
Materials
Yarn
Any #4/Worsted/Medium weight yarn in a cotton or cotton blend. The amounts given here are for Drops Paris in Rust (65) (82yds/ 75m per 50g skein; #4/ Worsted/ Medium; 100% Cotton).
| Project | Total yds/m |
| Washcloth | 87yds / 80m |
| Tea Towel | 374yds / 342m |
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
Other Items
- Yarn needle
Finished Measurements
Washcloth: 8.25″ x 8.25″ / 21cm x 21cm
Tea Towel: 14″ x 22.25″ / 35.5cm x 56.5cm
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
12 sts x 11 rows = 4″ x 4″ / 10 cm x 10 cm measured over wide hdc (see Special Stitches).
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.
Special Stitches
Wide half double crochet (wide hdc)
The wide half double crochet is worked between the next two stitches, rather than into the top of the next stitch.
Step 1: Yarn over and insert hook between the posts of the next 2 sts.
Step 2: Yarn over and pull up a loop. [3 loops on hook]
Step 3: Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops to complete the half double crochet as normal.
Adjustments
Stitch multiple: any
Starting chain multiple: any
- To adjust the width of your project, simply chain any number 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 26.
Tea Towel: Ch 43.
Row 1: Hdc in third ch from hook (skipped 2 ch count as one hdc), hdc and each ch across, turn. [Washcloth: 25; Tea Towel: 42]
Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as one hdc, here and throughout), hdc in space between first and second sts, *hdc in space between next 2 sts, repeat from * across, ending with hdc in tch-2 sp, turn.
Washcloth: Repeat Row 2 for a total of 23 rows, or until work measures approx. 8.25″/ 21cm in length.
Tea Towel: Repeat Row 2 for a total of 61 rows, or until work measures approx. 22.25″/ 56.5cm 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