A Guide to Crocheting Washcloths and Dishcloths (plus 9 free crochet patterns)

In this blogpost, you will find everything you need to know to crochet your first washcloth. From what yarn to use, pattern ideas, and cleaning instructions.

I adore crochet washcloths. I use them in the morning and the evening to wash my face. I find them to be more gentle on my face than store bought washcloths (the key is the yarn!) and it is so rewarding to use something that I made with my own hands! Lately, I have been receiving many questions regarding what yarn to use for washcloths, what patterns I use, and care instructions. I thought this would be a great place to compile all of my advice regarding crocheting washcloths!

Yarn

The most frequent question I receive (and arguably the most important!), what yarn should I use for washcloths? This one is pretty simple and that’s 100% cotton yarn! (And yes, the 100% is KEY. I have made washcloths with cotton blends and they just don’t work as well). You will want to avoid manufactured fibers like acrylic and polyester because these materials simply don’t retain water well. As for natural fibers like wool or alpaca, these fibers will not be gentle for face contact and will most likely cause irritation.

So what is my favorite yarn for washcloths? Without hesitating, it would definitely be WeCrochet Dishie! I adore this yarn for washcloths and I have never had a negative experience!

This yarn is extremely gentle on your face and it has held up well after hundreds of times through the wash. The softness doesn’t sacrifice durability. I still use washcloths that I made years ago and they have held up incredibly well.

I genuinely don’t have any other recommendations, because I haven’t used other yarn for washcloths in years, and that I have used in the past, do not compare to Dishie!

Patterns

You almost can’t go wrong with any pattern that you use for your washcloths and dishcloths. However, I will share my personal opinion on what I have learned about using different stitches and patterns over the years for patterns. I have learned that you will want to avoid extremely tight fabrics. This is a combination of three things: stitch+hook+tension. Through washing my washcloths on a weekly basis over the course of several years, I have learned a few things.

Based on the stitches and overall washcloth pattern used, the fabric will stiffen over time, meanwhile a loose fabric will maintain it’s flexibility a little bit more. The best way to achieve this is to be aware of your tension and the drape/flexibility of the washcloth prior to use. This may mean avoiding smaller stitches such as single crochets or adapting the hook size to create a looser tension.

Care Instructions

First and foremost, check the label on your yarn! Your label will have the best instructions for the specific yarn that you are using.

But how I clean my washcloths is pretty easy and straightforward. I always wash my yarn in cold water on the normal setting and then I throw them into the dryer! It’s that simple!

I have never had any issues with the washcloths unraveling or ends coming undone, but just make sure those ends are secure and woven in well!