Learn to Crochet In Under An Hour With A Simple Dishcloth Pattern
Have you always wanted to learn how to crochet? This ‘old-school’ dishcloth pattern is the perfect place to start. It’s simple, sturdy, and a classic staple for any kitchen.
I started crocheting as a young adult, and it has been incredibly rewarding. While I’ve enjoyed making everything from cozy afghans to handmade scarves, I began with basic projects just like this one.
Recently, as I’ve been recovering from chemotherapy and major surgery, I’ve been drawn back to the rhythmic, soothing nature of this craft. It’s more than just a hobby; it’s a wonderful way to reduce stress and find peace. I wanted to share that love of crocheting with you today.
I’ve included step-by-step instructions, plus a full video tutorial below to walk you through every stitch. Let’s grab a hook and get started!
Product Overview
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Time To Complete: Under an hour
- Learn These Basic Stitches: Chain (ch), Single Crochet (sc), and Double Crochet (dc).
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Why Learn To Crochet?
Did you know that crocheting is now referred to as the “new yoga” or “fiber therapy”? Yes, it’s a very beneficial craft because it induces a physiological state of relaxation that mirrors meditation.
How Does Crocheting Reduce Stress?
- The rhythmic, repetitive nature of making stitches triggers the parasympathetic nervous system. What is referred to as “the relaxation response”. So what happens when the relaxation response is triggered?
- Your heart rate and blood pressure will drop.
- You’ll feel your breathing patterns even out.
- Cortisol levels (the stress hormone) can decrease by up to 30%.
2. Crocheting helps you to achieve a psychological state where you are so immersed in an activity that time seems to disappear. Helping you to reach the key components in stress reduction.
- Mindfulness
- Constructive Distraction
3. You will also benefit from cognitive “Cross-Training”! Because crocheting involves the coordinated use of both hands simultaneously, it forces the brain to work across its midline. This heavy “brainwork” makes it harder for the mind to dwell on stressful thoughts or intrusive worries—essentially, your brain becomes too busy to be stressed. Yay! Let’s get crocheting.
Today’s Dishcloth Crochet Pattern
There are many crochet patterns for dishcloths, but today’s version is simple and perfect for beginners. It will help you perfect your chain (c) and single-stitch (sc). In addition, you can begin to experiment with double crochet (dc).
First, if you are a beginner, it’s okay to make mistakes. You can easily unravel and start over. However, once you get the hang of it, you will love this easy craft. Below is the finished dishcloth in basic single crochet.
Note: If you are a seasoned crocheter, you may only need the basic instructions and can skip to the “how to”.
However, I know once you’ve perfected the single stitch, you will be ready for the next step and can finish your dishcloth with this decorative edge. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it step by step.
Supply List
Step 1 – The Chain Stitch
You will always begin every crochet pattern with a chain stitch, and it’s super easy.
- First, attach the yarn to the needle by wrapping it around the needle to form a loop, then use the hook to pull the yarn through the loop.
- Pull the yarn taut to the needle.
- Holding the loose end of the yarn, wrap the other end over the needle.
- Pull taut, then use the hook to draw the wrapped yarn back through the original loop on the needle. You just made your first chain.
Now continue to chain stitch…
- Hold your chain and wrap yarn over the needle.
- Use the hook on the needle to pull the yarn through the loop on the needle.
- Holding everything taut, pull the yarn through the loop.
- This is what your chain stitch looks like.
For this dishcloth pattern, chain 30. If you want it larger, just add more chains. If you have 30 chains, chain 1 more before you turn your chain.
Note: The finished size of the dishcloths can vary depending on whether you crochet with a tight or loose stitch.
Step 2 – Single Crochet (sc)
Now you are ready to start your dishcloth pattern. When you have 30 chains, chain 1, then turn the chain over and insert the needle into the chain closest to the needle.
- Push the needle through the first chain with two loops on top.
- You can see a close-up of the needle and yarn position after completing step 1.
- Wrap the yarn over the needle and use the hook to pull the yarn through the loops on the needle.
- Repeat to make a single stitch (sc) in each chain until you reach the end. You should have 30 (sc) upon completion. If not, be sure you didn’t skip a stitch. You can unravel to correct if needed.
Step 3 – Continue Single Crochet Stitch (sc)
When you reach the end of the first row, ensure you still have 30 stitches, chain 1, then turn the piece so you are working back along the back side of the dishcloth.
Insert the needle into the first (sc) and begin single crocheting back across the length of the dishcloth. Insert the needle just like you did on the first row with two loops at the top of the needle. This is easier to see on the second row.
Continue to repeat this (sc) stitch, ensuring that you still have 30 stitches at the end of each row. Once your dishcloth is square, stop. This will be approximately 30 rows, but it can vary depending on how tight your stitches are.
Step 4 – Finish Edges of Crochet Dishcloth
Now you will need to finish the edges of the crochet dishcloth. When you have finished the last row, chain 1 and start working along the other edge of the dishcloth with a (sc). Continue around the entire outside edge of the dishcloth, adding 1 chain at each corner to keep the pattern square. When you reach the end, tie off the yarn to secure the stitches. NOTE: Don’t tie off yarn if you plan to add the decorative edge
You can see the finished single crochet dishcloth below.
Continue to learn more about adding a decorative edge. NOTE: Don’t tie off yarn if you plan to add the decorative edge
Step 5 – Adding a Decorative Edge to a Dishcloth
To add a decorative edge to the dishcloth, you will need to learn another stitch, the double crochet. Here are the steps.
- Here is the key difference: you will wrap the yarn over the needle before inserting the needle into the next stitch.
- Your needle will have 3 loops instead of two, like a (sc). Wrap the yarn over the needle again and pull through only the first two loops.
- Wrap the needle for a third time and pull through the two remaining loops.
- This is what the double crochet (dc) looks like.
Note: You may want to practice this stitch for a while before adding the scallop edge.
How To Add A Scalloped Edge to the Dishcloth Pattern
If you want to add the scalloped edge, you still need to add (sc) around all pattern edges first.
- When you have completed the (sc) round, you should be at a corner. Chain 2, then turn the corner; add 1 (sc) in each of the first 2 stitches.
- Then add two double crochet stitches in the next stitch. You heard me right, you will (dc) twice in the same stitch.
- Then add a (sc) in the next two stitches.
- 2 double crochets in the next stitch
- 1 (sc) in each of the next 2 stitches
- 2 (dc) in the next stitch
- Continue repeating this pattern until you turn the next corner and begin the next side, starting at step one again.
What Can You Do With A Crocheted Dishcloth
These crocheted dishcloths are ideal for handwashing dishes and last forever. They are soft and easy to use. They also make great gifts for all occasions. Who doesn’t need a dishcloth, am I right?
For a thoughtful and useful gift, wrap the dishcloth around specialty soaps or dish detergent and tie a bow.
I hope you enjoyed this “old school” craft. It really takes me back to make these sweet dishcloths. I was just setting up house when I learned to make these, and I was so proud to accomplish this pattern. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Easy Crochet Dishcloth Pattern
Equipment
- 1 Size J/10 6.00MM Crochet Hook
- 1 skein 100% cotton yarn
Instructions
- 1 – chain (c) 30 plus 1 – turn
- 2 – Single stitch 30 – chain 1 – turn
- 3 – Continue step 2 until you have a square (approximately 30 rows)
- 4 – At the last row, chain 2 and begin to (sc) around the edges of the dishcloth with a chain 2 at each corner. If you are done, tie off the yarn.
- If you'd like to add the scallop edge to the dishcloth, continue crocheting.
- 5 – Chain 1 and then (sc) in each of the next two stitches.
- 6 – Add 2 double crochets (dc) in the next stitch
- 7 – Add a (sc) in the next 2 stitches
- 8 – Add 2 (dc) in the next stitchContinue repeating this pattern: single crochet, single crochet, 2 double crochets, and repeat. Tie off the yarn and enjoy your new dishcloth
Video Tutorial
This is awesome, Rachel! I haven’t crocheted in about four decades, so your instructions are a great refresher. I want to head out to the garage cabinets and find the bin with my crochet needles. Who knows. I just might be able to master it again. 🙂
Melanie,
I’m so glad this has sparked you to try again. I hope you’ll let me know what you make. Enjoy!
I’m so glad you shared this cute and simple crochet project. I taught myself to crochet when I was going through chemo and gave away lots of skull caps and regular knit hats. I love the process and also the fact that crochet & knitting are kind of a dying art. Another dying art is cross-stitch, which became my passion just a few years ago. It does this aging heart good to see younger people, like yourself, sharing these talents.
Carol
Carol,
Thank you for your input. I also love reintroducing the forgotten crafts that I’ve picked back up because of chemo. I plan to add more old school crafts in the coming weeks. So stay tuned.