Easy Granny Stitch Washcloth Crochet Pattern (Multiple Sizes)
Picture a stack of soft, textured washcloths. Each one is square and sturdy. Each one scrubs well and dries fast. They look handmade in the best way.
That stack starts with a single cloth. That cloth starts with one row of granny clusters. And that row starts with a simple chain.
Sounds doable? It definitely is.
You can finish your first one in about an hour. Grab your cotton and hook and let’s get started.
EASY CROCHET DISHCLOTH AT A GLANCE
- This granny stitch washcloth uses 4-ply cotton weight yarn and a 3.0 to 3.25mm crochet hook, and the small washcloth finishes at about 7.5 inches square.
- You only need to master three crochet stitches: chain, double crochet, and single crochet (for the border).
- Your starting chain must be in multiples of 3.
- Repeat row 1, 19 more times, or until the cloth is square (total of 20 rows).
- One 170-yard ball of cotton makes about two to three washcloths.
Love this stitch? See a full tutorial with a different pattern to crochet the straight granny stitch.
Pattern Overview
The granny stitch washcloth is a square cloth worked flat in rows of three double crochet clusters. Each new cluster sits in the gap between two clusters from the row below. This creates a textured, slightly open fabric that grips grime and rinses clean.
The pattern alternates between two row types:
- Row A starts with a single dc (3ch) and ends with a cluster.
- Row B starts with a single dc and ends with a cluster.
Swapping between them keeps the sides straight. A single crochet border frames the square and firms up the edges.
Skill Level
Easy (beginner-friendly).
You are ready for this pattern if you can:
- Make a foundation chain
- Work a double crochet
- Identify the space between two stitch groups
- Make an edging with sc’s
The only real challenge is spotting where clusters go in the first two rows. Once the pattern is set, your hands find the rhythm quickly.
Materials & Yarn
| Supply | Details |
|---|---|
| Yarn | 4-ply 100% cotton, about 55 to 65 yards |
| Suggested brands | Lily Sugar’n Cream, Peaches & Creme, Bernat Handicrafter Cotton |
| Hook | 3.0 mm (US and UK size 11 or close to B-1/C-2) |
| Notions | Tapestry needle, scissors |
Why cotton? Cotton absorbs water, holds up to hot washes, and tolerates scrubbing. Acrylic repels water and can melt near heat, so it makes a poor washcloth.
QUICK HANDMADE GIFT IDEAS
Washcloths can be whipped up in less than an hour and make ideal gifts for:
- Christmas
- Teacher Appreciation Gifts
- Neighbour or Colleague Handmade Gift Ideas
- Birthday presents for men and women
- Hostess gifts or great as party favors.
HOW TO PRESENT WASHCLOTH CROCHET PROJECTS AS GIFTS
Looking for an inexpensive gift idea? You hit the jackpot! Present your washcloths in the following manner:
- Paired with a nice soap or shower gel
- Rolled up in a tube and wrapped with a ribbon
- As stocking stuffers
- For Dad, give a washcloth with a soap on the rope (do you still get it?)
Gauge
27 sts worked over 12 rows of the crochet washcloth pattern equals 4″ with the recommended supplies.
Exact gauge matters little for a washcloth. It matters more when you want a set of cloths that match in size.
Project Adjustments
The stitch pattern must be a multiple of 3. Each added group of 3 chains widens the cloth by roughly half an inch. Add extra rows for length.
| Size | Starting Chain and Rows | |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Washcloth (7.5″) | Ch 36, work 20 rows | |
| Standard washcloth (8.5 in) | Ch 45, work 24 rows | |
| Large washcloth (10 in) | Ch 51, work 32 rows | |
Abbreviations
All terms use US crochet terminology.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| dc | double crochet |
| sc | single crochet |
| sk | skip |
| sp | space |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| cluster | 3 dc worked into the same space |
| half cluster | 2 dc worked into the same stitch |
Pattern Notes
Turning chains count. The ch 3 at the start of each row counts as your first dc.
Clusters go in spaces. From Row 2 onward, every cluster lands in the gap between clusters below, never into the top of a stitch.
The last stitch goes into the turning chain. Missing the top of the ch 3 is the main reason granny pieces get narrower.
Weave ends into clusters. Run tails through the solid dc posts so they stay hidden on both sides.
Easy Crochet Washcloth Pattern Instructions
Directions are for the 7.5- inch standard washcloth.
Foundation: Ch 36.
Row 1 (Row A): Dc in 4th ch from hook (skipped ch count as first dc, forming a half cluster), 2dc into same ch. Sk 2 ch, 3 dc in next ch. Repeat from * to last 3 ch, Sk 2 ch, 3 dc in last ch. Turn. (11 clusters plus 1 dc)
Row 2 (Row B): Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in first st, 3 dc in each sp across, 11 times total. Make the last dc on top of the turning ch. Turn. (11 clusters plus 1 dcd)
Repeat Row 2 until your work forms a square. Do not fasten off.
Border Round: Ch 1. Turn the cloth to work down the side. Work 3 sc evenly around all four edges, working 3 sc around each row end post and 3 sc in each space between a cluster and dc.
In each corner: 2sc, ch, 2 sc. Join with a slip st to the first sc.
Making the loop (optional): ch20 and sc in each ch towards the washcloth, secure with 3sc into the last st.
Finishing: Fasten off. Weave in all ends. Wash and lay flat to dry.
Tips
- Use a slightly loose foundation chain, or chain with a hook one size larger, so the bottom edge does not pucker.
- Change colors at the end of every second row for granny stripes.
- Mark the right side with a stitch marker so you can tell Row A from Row B at a glance. Another old trick is to leave your starting end visible, which will always be at the bottom left.
FAQs
What is the granny stitch in crochet? The granny stitch is a group of three double crochets (aka a ‘cluster’) worked into one space, with each new group placed in the gap between groups from the row before. It is the same stitch used in the classic granny square.
Why is my granny washcloth getting narrower? A narrowing cloth almost always means the last stitch of each row was skipped. Always finish with a dc in the top of the turning chain from the row below.
How long does it take to crochet a granny stitch washcloth? Most crocheters finish a standard 7.5 – 8 inch cloth in 45 to 75 minutes, including the border.
Can I make this washcloth with acrylic yarn? It is not recommended. Acrylic works for decorative pieces, while cotton or a cotton blend suits washing and dish duty.
How do I wash a crochet washcloth? Machine wash warm or hot and tumble dry on low or lay flat. Wash new cloths separately the first time, since bright cotton may release dye.
Can I sell washcloths made from this pattern? You are very welcome.
More Dishcloth Patterns
Once the granny stitch feels easy, try a new texture for your next cloth:
- Easy textured dishcloth:Great for heavy scrubbing.
Similar Posts
Readers who enjoy this washcloth pattern are often looking for more free crochet patterns:
Back to the Stack
Remember the stack of washcloths from the start? You can now build it. One chain of 36 becomes a row of clusters. One simple rows repeat into a square. A border pulls it all together.
Make one for your kitchen. Make three in matching colors for a gift basket. Before long, that soft, textured stack sits on your shelf, and every cloth in it came from your own hook.
Happy Crocheting!
