Easy Crochet Border for Dish & Hand Towels (Sew-On + Fast Gift!)
If you’re looking for a quick, elegant and budget-friendly crochet gift you can whip up in one sitting… this is it. Today I’m sharing the prettiest easy crochet border for dish and hand towels, and here’s the best part —
- You crochet it separately and simply sew it onto the towel!
- No poking through fabric.
- No uneven edges.
- Just quick, clean, modern perfection.
- Make it in different colors to match color schemes.
Easy Crochet Border for Dish & Hand Towels
A crochet border you make separately (yes, really!) and sew onto any towel. Quick. Chic. Giftable. Free pattern on the blog.
The finished look adds great texture and the perfect finishing touch to your good crochet dishcloth. This tiny detail completely changed my plain towel — and I’m obsessed with the result.
Giftstravaganza 2025
I’m thrilled to share that this pattern is my contribution to 2025 Giftstravaganza, hosted by Marie of Underground Crafter. The blog hop is filled with fast, thoughtful handmade gifts — and I’m chuffed to add this beauty to the collection.
Be sure to:
- Visit the main blog hop post to get to know all the crochet designers, each with their unique crochet skills.
- Most patterns in this blog hop are forever free on the blog of each designer.
- Scroll down to get a download link, valid for 24 hours, to download my featured pattern as a PDF for free. Just a hint – mine is set for longer to give every time zone enough time.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crochet Dishcloth Pattern Border
This free crochet pattern:
- Works for dish towels, hand towels, bath towels, and guest towels.
- Crocheted separately → MUCH faster & easier.
- Uses very little yarn.
- Beginner-friendly.
- Makes a simple towel look “boutique.”
- Perfect last-minute gifting.
- Looks stunning in contrasting colours.
Roll the towel, tie it with ribbon… and you have a heartfelt handmade gift in minutes. And the real beauty is that it is a useful gift….I mean, who doesn’t want a special handmade kitchen towel?
Materials You’ll Need
- DK favorite cotton yarn (I used black for contrast)
- US Size Hook G-6, UK – Size 8 and 4.00 mm crochet hook
- Dish towel, hand towel, or bath towel
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Pins or clips
This post contains affiliate links, which may earn me a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my creative work.
Basic Stitches Used (US Terms)
- Chain (ch)
- Double Crochet (dc)
- Single Crochet (sc) for edging
- Slip Stitch (sl st)
ABBREVIATIONS
ch: chain stitch
dc: double crochet (US)
sc: single crochet
sl st: slip stitch
ss: slip stitch
st: stitch
sts: stitches
tr: treble crochet (UK)
yo: yarn over
Skill Level
If you can chain and make a double crochet stitch, you will be able to crochet the border.
An absolute beginner can master this new stitch with extra effort (and more time). But, you can do it!
Pattern Instructions for A Crochet Border Pattern
Written Pattern Instructions using US crochet terminology
Notes about the Pattern:
- You can adjust the starting chain to fit the width of any towel.
- The pattern repeats every 5 stitches, plus 3ch.
- If you measure your chains to the towel and it is too long whilst crocheting your first row, just unpick the extra chains.
- If you prefer a basis on top, you can crochet your first row in single crochet stitch.
- Cream towel in image measures 50cm x 70 cm – approximately 20″ × 28″ – 75 chains +3 and 15 repeats.
- Black and cream towel measures 45 cm x 63cm (18″ x 25″) – 65 chains + 3, 13 repeats.
- To ensure your border is the right size, just calculate the repeats + 3ch.
- The entire project won’t take more than an hour to complete.
Row 1
Chain to reach your towel’s width.
For cream towel chain 75 + 3.
Row 2
dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc in same st, ch 3, and 3dc into next ch. *Skip 3ch sts, 3dc into next ch, 3ch, 3dc into next ch*.
Repeat from * to * until 2ch sts are left, dc into last ch, turn.
Row 3
Ch 3, *into 3ch-sp work [3dc, 3ch, 3dc]*.
Repeat from * to * to end, dc into 3rd ch of Row 1, turn.
Row 4
Repeat Row 3 until the work is the desired length.
Finishing Row
When the piece reached the desired length, I began working a row to neaten the edges.
Along the first short side:
Work 3 slip stitches into each chain-space opening, then 1 slip stitch into the chain between the openings.
Repeat this sequence (3 sl st in the opening, 1 sl st in the chain) all the way to the top of the border.
Single Crochet Border Across the top edge:
Work 3 single crochet stitches into the first chain-space opening, then 2 single crochet stitches in the space between the two sets of stitches.
Continue this repeat across the top.
Down the second short side:
Mirror the first side by working slip stitches evenly down the edge to create a clean, polished finish.
How to Sew the Border Onto the Towel
This is where the magic happens — and why this method is so much easier than crocheting directly into fabric.
- Lightly block the border (optional but lovely).
- Pin the border neatly to the bottom edge of your towel.
- Using matching yarn or thread, whipstitch or running stitch the border to the towel.
- Secure and weave in ends.
- Use the same pattern to crochet a rectangular piece, fold it, add a button, and attach it to one of these wooden rings to hang your own crochet dishcloth in the kitchen.
Your towel now looks like something from a boutique craft store!
Gift Ideas & Variations
Use this crochet border on:
- Dish towels
- Hand towels
- Guest towels
- Bath towels
- Face cloths
- Baby burp cloths
- Handmade spa sets
Perfect for:
- Teachers
- Neighbours
- Bridal parties
- Housewarmings
- Christmas gifting
- Hostess gifts
Stash-busting + fancy-looking = the BEST combo.
Get the Printable PDF
A printable PDF of this pattern is available here (Ravelry):
👉 Go to Ravelry to Download the pdf of the DISH AND HAND TOWEL BORDER
(You do not need a coupon code for the pattern as it has been added automatically. Complete your details in Ravelry, and the pattern will be made available.)
More Quick & Easy Crochet Patterns
Here are more free patterns for handmade gifts on the blog:
In Conclusion
If you love quick wins, this crochet border is the gift that keeps giving. Just remember to decorate your own towels too!
The easiest way for a beautiful transformation, such a small piece of the easiest border.
Please tag me with your makes on social media — I LOVE seeing your beautiful creations.
And don’t forget to save this on Pinterest for your next last-minute gift!
Whatever you do – HAPPY CROCHETING!
Save This Pattern (Pinterest-Friendly!)
FAQs
Can beginners make this?
Absolutely — it’s a very forgiving pattern.
What yarn works best?
Cotton DK or light worsted gives the best stitch definition.
Can I adjust the width?
Yes! Just add or subtract chains from the foundation row.
What if my towel is wider?
Make a longer chain. So simple.
