Simple Single Crochet Washcloth Pattern for Beginners

Overview

This beginner washcloth uses one simple stitch for the main fabric, making it a practical first project for learning tension, turning rows, and keeping edges straight.

Materials

• 100% cotton worsted weight yarn, or DK cotton if preferred
• 5 mm crochet hook, or a hook size that matches your yarn
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Finished size

About 7 inches square without the border, or about 8 inches square with the border.

Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• st = stitch
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• sl st = slip stitch

Pattern notes

• The main cloth is a one-row repeat.
• Ch 1 at the beginning of a row is a turning chain and does not count as a stitch.
• To change the size, chain more or fewer stitches until the foundation chain reaches your desired width.
• If you want to add the open border, begin with an odd number of foundation chains.

Step-by-step pattern instructions

Step 1: Make the foundation chain

Chain 27, or chain until the foundation measures about 8 inches wide.

Step 2: Work Row 1

Work 1 sc in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. You should have 26 stitches if you started with 27 chains.

Step 3: Repeat the single crochet row

Ch 1 and turn. Work 1 sc in the first stitch and in each stitch across. Repeat this row until you have 32 rows total, or until the cloth is square. Keep the same stitch count on every row.

Step 4: Finish here for the simplest version

If you want a very plain beginner cloth, fasten off after the final row and weave in the ends.

Step 5: Optional open border

Ch 3 and turn. Skip the first stitch, work 1 dc in the next stitch, then repeat: ch 1, skip 1 stitch, dc in the next stitch across. At each corner, work dc, ch 3, dc in the corner space. Continue around the cloth, working into every second row along the sides. Join with a slip stitch, fasten off, and weave in the ends.

Beginner tips

• Count stitches often so the sides do not lean inward or flare outward.
• Use cotton for absorbency and durability.
• Block lightly if the corners curl after finishing.

Source pattern: This tutorial was adapted and rewritten from Single Crochet Dishcloth Pattern by My Crochet Space.