Learn how to crochet a textured crochet washcloth in 7 sizes with this free pattern and video tutorial. The amazing texture makes this the perfect washcloth for exfoliating with in the shower and the perfect dishcloth for the kitchen.
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Find the free crochet pattern instructions below, or purchase a printer-friendly, ad-free PDF on Ravelry by clicking here.
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It’s time for the 2nd worsted weight washcloth from the Mystery Washcloth Crochet a Long, the Little Pebbles Washcloth, which is a fun textured crochet washcloth worked in a combination of single crochets and treble crochets to create an amazing texture that makes this the perfect washcloth for exfoliating with in the shower and the perfect dishcloth for the kitchen.
While an 8″ square is the most common size for washcloths, there are 7 sizes available in this pattern so you can make it in the perfect size for you and what you will use it for!
Handmade washcloths are great for washing dishes with, and also feel fantastic against the skin in the shower.
If you’re looking for a gift, work up a set of three, and wrap with a bow. Place in a kitchen themed gift basket with some coasters, which are perfect for cups but also double as mini washcloths, or place in a spa themed gift basket with some facial scrubbies!
This pattern was initially designed for The Stitchin’ Mommy, and first appeared there as a contributor post in June 2016 worked in Lily Sugar n Cream and available in 2 sizes. I brought this design over here to EyeLoveKnots in March of 2019. Fast forward to September of 2024, and this design is joining the 2024 Mystery Washcloth Crochet a Long and getting a full update: working in a new yarn, adding multiple sizes to have my new range of sizes from 4″ up to 10″, adding a video tutorial, and the free PDF for blog subscribers.
One size that has been really popular over the years has been 8″ wide by 10″ tall. I decided to take out the instructions for this size specifically, but you can easily make any size washcloth a rectangle by continuing to work rows until you reach the size that you want, or follow the row counts for the length desired.
I just love the texture of this stitch pattern that I once discovered in a dress many moons ago. That dress used a crochet stitch called the Even Berry Stitch, but I found that in working the little berry stitches up, they did not hold their textured shape that well with some of them caving inward or flattening out, so I modified this stitch pattern by alternating single crochets and treble crochets to get the same exact look of the Even Berry crochet stitch, but with better stitch definition long term.
I am running an Earwarmer Crochet a Long at the same time as this Washcloth Crochet a Long, and the stitches are the same on both sides. If you are interested, make sure to check out my Little Pebbles Earwarmer.
Easy Textured Crochet Patterns:
Little Pebbles is a fun texture line that features a combination of single crochets and treble crochets to create an amazing texture that keeps it’s shape well and is not too bulky. These projects have a simple two row repeat making them great projects to pair with watching your favorite TV show or movie, and for projects like this washcloth, you don’t have to even count rows if you don’t want you – you can use a soft tape measure to measure as you go, and stop at the length desired.
You’ll love these matching pieces for your home!
Sport Weight Little Pebbles Washcloths
Find more Little Pebbles accessory and home decor crochet patterns here on EyeLoveKnots, and Little Pebbles accessory and wearables crochet patterns on Cre8tion Crochet.
If you like making washcloths as much as I do, you’ll love these:
How do you make an easy textured crochet washcloth?
To make a textured crochet washcloth following this modified berry stitch crochet pattern, you’ll start with a chain that is of an even number so you end up with an odd number of stitches.
Next, single crochet into the 2nd chain from the hook. The repeat begins now with treble crochet into the next stitch followed by a single crochet into the next stitch alternated all the way down the row.
For the next row, chain 1 and turn, and then work single crochets into each stitch across. The following row is a textured row again. You’ll begin with a single crochet into the first stitch, then the repeat begins here with treble crochet into the next stitch followed by a single crochet into the next stitch alternated all the way down the row.
You’ll continue alternating these two rows working as many rows as you want ending with a textured row. When you finish that last single crochet from the textured row, you’ll notice you’re looking at the flat back side, which is the wrong side, and you’ll be in the perfect spot to then chain 1, turn and begin a border from the front side, or right side.
With the texture being worked right into the beginning chain, I really do recommend putting a border on, but if you do not want to, I would recommend starting and ending with a row of single crochet first, which would end up being the wrong side of the fabric so the textured side can be face up.
For my border, I went with single crochets working a single crochet, chain 1, single crochet in each corner, and I added a hanging loop to one of them.
Where Do You Use a Washcloth?
Washcloths, sometimes called a washrag, are just a miniature bath towel, and designed to be absorbent, soft and easy to use being hand held. Washcloths can be used as a small hand towel to dry off after washing hands, as well as in the shower with soap to clean and exfoliate. Crocheted cotton washcloths feel amazing against the skin, and are better for you than loofahs, as loofahs can harbor bacteria more.
How Often Should I Clean and Change a Washcloth?
For hand drying, a washcloth should be washed about once a week.
For use in the shower, I’ve heard a washcloth should be changed out a couple times a week for washing with good rinsing between uses to get rid of as many dead skin cells and bacteria as possible, but a washcloth should really be used once, and than washed as it harbors bacteria, and possible mold growth is it doesn’t dry out properly, and can hold onto debris.
How Do I Dry a Crocheted Washcloth?
After using, rinse the washcloth to remove as much debris and bacteria as possible, roll up and press excess water out (do not wring out a crocheted washcloth), and lay flat to dry. It’s not recommended to hang crocheted washcloths as they can stretch, especially if wet because they’re heavier.
What is the difference between a Crocheted Washcloth and Dishcloth?
A crocheted washcloth and a dishcloth are practically one in the same with the biggest difference being how you use it.
What size should a crocheted washcloth or dishcloth be?
The most common washcloth size I come across is 8″ by 8″, but I know everybody has their size preferences so I aim to have square sizes from 5″ to 10″.
One size that has been really popular over the years has been 8″ wide by 10″ tall. I decided to take out the instructions for this size specifically, but you can easily make any size washcloth a rectangle by continuing to work rows until you reach the size that you want, or follow the row counts for the length desired.
What is the Best Yarn to Use for a Crocheted Washcloth?
There are many fibers that make nice crocheted washcloths, though cotton yarns are used the most and are very durable for repeated use and washing. Worsted weight is the most common weight of cotton yarn used for crocheted washcloths, but there are also several nice lightweight yarns as well.
In the past, my preferred yarn for washcloths has been WeCrochet Dishie Yarn because it’s colorfast as compared to Lily Sugar n Cream, Bernat Handicrafter and Crafters Secret Cotton where with one wash, the colors fade a lot, and some colors, like greens and blues, bleed if laid down on a surface while wet.
With these textured crochet washcloths, I’ve been testing a new to me yarn called Queensland Coastal Cotton, which is available in both solid colors and variegated colors and offered in my Yarn Crafts and Coffee Shop both online and in person. It’s a 100% cotton and the colors are colorfast. The yarn works up somewhere in between the thickness of WeCrochet Dishie and Lily Sugar n Cream, and it’s a soft cotton yarn.
I’ve heard that I Love This Cotton Yarn is also colorfast, and seems to be the choice for many crocheters that do markets as it’s also softer.
Cotton blends work well for washcloths, and the synthetic fiber they’re combined with, such as acrylic or polyester, will often add a bit more durability, however, they lack the absorbency so they do need the plant based fiber.
Linen also makes for a really lovely washcloth. It gets strong when wet, and gets softer and nicer with each wash. Linen blends often combine with cotton or bamboo to add softness.
Bamboo yarns have a high absorbency – even more than cotton – however, bamboo is weaker when wet, and more prone to developing mold so if bamboo is a fiber you want to use, I definitely recommend going with a blend of linen and/or cotton.
Do I need to add a border to my washcloth?
With the texture being worked right into the beginning chain, I really do recommend putting a border on, but if you do not want to, I would recommend starting and ending with a row of single crochet first, which would end up being the wrong side of the fabric so the textured side can be face up.
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What Materials Do I Need to Crochet a Textured Washcloth or Dishcloth?
- 30 (40, 55, 70, 90, 105, 130) Yards of Worsted Weight Yarn – I used Queensland Cotton Coastal in the Porcelain and Malachite [Green] and colorways
- H8/5mm Crochet Hook
- Tapestry Needle
- Optional, Jewelry Pliers
Material Notes:
Originally, I used Lily Sugar n Cream Yarn in Ecru and Solid Blue Jean.
My samples are the 6″ and 7″ sizes. The rest of the size yardages are estimated based on my sample.
The tan color is my Sportweight Little Pebbles Washcloth crochet pattern worked in a #2 weight yarn.
Yarn Alternative: WeCrochet Dishie Yarn
If you wanted to use this as an afghan square instead, use your favorite worsted weight yarn paired with an I9/5.5mm crochet hook (because cotton yarn is more relaxed than say an acrylic or wool).
I love my ergonomic clay hooks from SiennasBowtique and BronzeShepherdStudio! They both have so many fun designs. I have several from each shop because they’re so darn cute and nice to hold onto! We also have lots of beautiful, handcrafted crochet hooks in our Yarn Crafts and Coffee Yarn Shop as well!
If you experience ruffling when working the border, this is caused from a change, especially seen on the sides. My quick fix is to simply go down a hook size to a G6/4.25mm. You can also continue with the same hook you’ve been working with, and just block the finished washcloth. Usually, I run into this issue, but with the Queensland Coastal Cotton, I did not so I kept the same hook throughout.
Jewelry pliers are a great tool to use to help weave in ends, as cotton yarn can be quite tough on the fingers when weaving in with just fingers and a tapestry needle. My experience with Queensland Coastal Cotton has been that it is really smooth, and easy to weave the yarn in and out of, but I did find it a little tougher with these washcloths.
How Long Does it Take to Crochet a Washcloth?
I worked up the 7″ washcloth in just under an hour.
Measurements with Border:
- 4″: 4″ Square
- 5″: 5 1/8″ by 5 1/4″
- 6″: 6 1/8″ by 5 7/8″
- 7″: 7 1/4″ by 7″
- 8″: 8 1/4″ by 8 1/8″
- 9″: 8 7/8″ Square
- 10″: 9 7/8″ by 10″
The bolded measurements are my goal size, and the following measurements are the actual ones from the project.
Gauge (Not Essential):
Measured in Pattern:
- With the flat, back facing, 15 SC = 4″ wide
- With the textured, front facing, 14 Rows = 4 1/8″
Note: If you are measuring a swatch that is only 15 stitches wide by 14 rows tall, the measurements will slightly vary. If working a swatch, I recommend working at least 21 stitches by 20 rows, but a swatch is not necessary for this project unless the finished size is essential to you.
When working the pattern, the border will add about 1/2″ to the width and height. After working about 4 – 6 rows, you can measure the width, add in the border, and you will know if the finished size will be where you want it to be. The height is even easier to see as you can measure as you go, and stop when you get close to your desired height making sure to figure in the border.
Abbreviations (US Terms):
- SC – Single Crochet (Photo Tutorial)
- TR – Treble Crochet aka Triple Crochet
- To Treble Crochet: yarn over 2 times so there are 3 loops on your hook, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull through (4 loops on hook), then (yarn over and pull through 2 loops) 3x.
Pattern Notes:
If you wanted to alter the width of the washcloth, work a chain that is of an even number so you end up with an odd number of stitches. If you want to alter the height of the washcloth, simply add or subtract rows ending on a textured row so the border can be worked from the right side, or textured side facing.
One size that has been really popular over the years has been 8″ wide by 10″ tall. I decided to take out the instructions for this size specifically, but you can easily make any size washcloth a rectangle by continuing to work rows until you reach the size that you want, or follow the row counts for the length desired.
Beginning chain 1 does not count as a stitch.
I finished my washcloths with a slip stitch join, but you could also finish your washcloth with an invisible join, which creates a clean, consistent look. Either way, this stitch will count as the final stitch for the border.
Textured Crochet Washcloth Video Tutorial | Easy Textured Crochet Dishcloth Video Tutorial:
Textured Crochet Washcloth Free Pattern | Easy Crochet Textured Dish Cloth Free Pattern:
Start with a chain, then SC into the 2nd chain from the hook. The repeat for the row begins here: (TR into the next chain, SC into the next chain) across, ending with just 1 less stitch than chains you started with.
4″: Chain 14 — 13 stitches
5″: Chain 18 — 17 stitches
6″: Chain 22 — 21 stitches
7″: Chain 26 — 25 stitches
8″: Chain 30 — 29 stitches
9″: Chain 32 — 31 stitches
10″: Chain 36 — 35 stitches
Or if it’s easier to read the traditional way:
Chain 14 (18, 22, 26, 30, 32, 36) then SC into the 2nd chain from the hook, (TR into the next chain, SC into the next chain) across. [13 (17, 21, 25, 29, 31, 35) stitches]
Row 2: Chain 1, turn. SC into the 1st stitch, and each stitch across, ending with the same number of stitches as you had in Row 1. [13 (17, 21, 25, 29, 31, 35) stitches]
Row 3: Chain 1, turn. SC into the first SC, then the repeat for the row begins here: (TR into the next chain, SC into the next chain) across, ending with the same number of stitches as before. [13 (17, 21, 25, 29, 31, 35) stitches]
Remaining Rows: Continue alternating a Row 2 followed by a Row 3:
4″: Rows 4 – 13
5″: Rows 4 – 17
6″: Rows 4 – 19
7″: Rows 4 – 23
8″: Rows 4 – 27
9″: Rows 4 – 29
10″: Rows 4 – 33
Border Notes:
With the texture being worked right into the beginning chain, I really do recommend putting a border on, but if you do not want to, I would recommend starting and ending with a row of single crochet first, which would end up being the wrong side of the fabric so the textured side can be face up.
I am working a simple single crochet round, but you can change that stitch up to any that you like, or add additional rounds to the border.
I am working my corners as (SC, chain 1, SC), which will give me a more rounded corner. Another way you can do this is 3 SCs into the same stitch. If you like a more square corner, you can work a (SC, chain 2, SC) or (SC, HDC, SC) into the same stitch.
If you experience ruffling when working the border, this is caused from a change, especially seen on the sides. My quick fix is to simply go down a hook size to a G6/4.25mm. You can also continue with the same hook you’ve been working with, and just block the finished washcloth. Usually, I run into this issue, but with the Queensland Coastal Cotton, I did not so I kept the same hook throughout.
Border Without Hanging Loop:
Chain 1, turn. SC into the 1st stitch and into each remaining stitch across over to the last stitch, (SC, chain 1, SC) into the last stitch to form a corner, evenly SC (that’s 1 stitch per SC row) down the side of the washcloth to the last stitch, (SC, chain 1, SC) into the last stitch to form a corner, SC across the opposite side of the foundation chain over to the last stitch, (SC, chain 1, SC) into the last stitch to form a corner, evenly SC (that’s 1 stitch per SC row) up the side of the washcloth to the first stitch, SC into the same stitch as the first then slip stitch join to the 1st SC (which takes the place of the last chain).
Fasten off, and weave in ends.
Border With Hanging Loop:
Chain 6, then slip stitch join to the last SC of the washcloth to form a ring. Chain 1, turn. Work 10 SC into the ring. Skip the first stitch that slip stitch was made in. SC into the 2nd stitch, and each remaining stitch across over to the last stitch, (SC, chain 1, SC) into the last stitch to form a corner, evenly SC (that’s 1 stitch per SC row) down the side of the washcloth to the last stitch, (SC, chain 1, SC) into the last stitch to form a corner, SC across the opposite side of the foundation chain over to the last stitch, (SC, chain 1, SC) into the last stitch to form a corner, evenly SC (that’s 1 stitch per SC row) up the side of the washcloth skipping the very last stitch on the side, then slip stitch join to the 1st SC worked into the hanging loop (which takes the place of the last stitch).
Fasten off, and weave in ends.
Hanging Loop Photo Tutorial – Shown on my Haylee Washcloths:
Step 1: Pick your side. I like to work my border from the right side of the washcloth. With half double crochet, we turn with each row and both sides look the same so you can finish on either an odd or even row.
Step 2: Chain 6. We’re going to be slip stitching into the top of the last stitch.
Step 3: Swing your crochet hook over towards the left of the chain and insert into the top of the last stitch.
Step 4: Yarn over.
Step 5: Pull through the stitch and the loop on the crochet hook to complete a slip stitch.
Now we’ve formed a ring that we can work into to build our hanging loop.
Step 6: Chain 1.
Step 7: Turn your work over.
Step 8: Insert your crochet hook right into the center of the ring picking up the chains over top of your hook.
Step 9: Complete a single crochet.
Step 10: Continue working 9 more single crochets into the center ring. If you reach a point where you have run out of space for stitches, hold onto the remaining chains in your left hand and with your right hand, pull down on the single crochets and they will slide down the chain to make space.
Step 11: Skip the first stitch of the row, which is the same stitch you’ve slip stitched to, and begin single crocheting into the next stitch.
Step 12: Evenly single crochet around the washcloth working a (SC, chain 1, SC) into each of the 3 remaining corners and working 1 stitch per SC row along the sides. Once near the beginning, skip the very last stitch. We’re going to be joining to the very first stitch of the hanging loop.
Step 13: Insert your crochet hook into the 1st stitch of the hanging loop underneath both loops.
Step 14: Yarn over.
Step 15: Pull through that stitch and the loop that’s on your hook to complete a slip stitch.
And now we have a handy hanging loop for our washcloth. Fasten off and weave in ends.
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So pretty! Thank you for sharing the pattern at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned.
What great texture, I love the idea of the matching little scrubbies too.