Beginner Crochet Dishcloth Pattern (Easy & Fun for Beginners)

🧶 Beginner Crochet Dishcloth Pattern: Simple, Practical, and So Rewarding

This beginner crochet dishcloth pattern is one of my favorites to share because it’s simple, practical, and full of that cozy handmade charm. When I first started crocheting, my grandma told me, “Start with something simple and straight. If it doesn’t turn out right, it’s still right—because you made it.” This little dishcloth is exactly that kind of project — easy, relaxing, and perfect for beginners who just want to practice stitches and see real progress.

If you made the Double-Thick Hot Pad from my beginner series, this dishcloth is the perfect next step. It uses many of the same stitches and skills but gives you a chance to work at your own pace, square by square.

🪡 Step-by-Step Beginner Crochet Dishcloth Pattern

Let’s put those stitches to work! This simple dishcloth is the perfect first project for anyone learning to crochet. You’ll practice your chain, single crochet, half double crochet, and slip stitch — all while creating something useful and fun.

🧵 Materials Needed

• Worsted weight cotton yarn (a small skein is plenty – I like Lily Sugar’n Cream 100% cotton)
• Size 9 (I/5.5 mm) crochet hook for your starting chain
• Size 7 (4.5 mm) crochet hook for the main pattern
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Measuring Tape to measure the dishcloth as you go to ensure you are sizing it correctly.

Finished Size: Approximately 8” x 8” (adjust as needed)

📋 Notes

Work at your own pace — there’s no rush here.

Keep your tension consistent for even rows.

Mistakes are normal — just unravel and try again if you need to.

🧵 Need a quick refresher?

You can learn the single crochet, half double crochet, and slip stitch with clear videos and step-by-step photos at Yarnspirations Stitch Tutorials.

💡 Pro Tip for Beginners

Many beginners make the foundation chain too tight, which can make the rest of the project tricky to work into. Use a larger hook for the chain (size 9) to give it a little stretch, then switch to your regular hook for the rest of the dishcloth. It’ll keep your first row even and stress-free.

💛 If you’re just getting started with crochet, you might enjoy my post Learn to Crochet – Easy Project and Essential Tools for Beginners. It walks through the basic stitches, beginner tools, and that first cozy project that helped me fall in love with crochet.

DISCLAIMER: This page contains affiliate links. Purchases made through such links will reward me a small commission at no extra cost for you. I always have my readers’ best interest at heart.  Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  See our Disclosure Policy. 

🪴 Step-by-Step Beginner Crochet Dishcloth Pattern

Foundation Chain:

Using your size 9 crochet hook, chain 29 loosely.
Switch to your size 7 hook.

Row 1 – Single Crochet (sc):

Start in the second chain from the hook and make 1 single crochet in each chain across.
(27 stitches)
Chain 2 and turn.

Row 2 – Half Double Crochet (hdc):

Work 1 hdc in each stitch across.
Chain 2 and turn.

Row 3 – Repeat:

Continue working rows of half double crochet until your dishcloth measures about 8 x 8 inches (approximately 17 rows).

At the end of your final row, chain 1 to secure and fasten off.
Weave in all ends neatly with a tapestry needle.

✅ Finished Size: Around 8” x 8” — perfectly practical and slightly textured.

💛 You Did It!

Congratulations — you’ve just finished one of the best beginner crochet projects out there!
This dishcloth helps you master basic stitches and build confidence — and the best part? It’s actually useful. Whether it’s for your own kitchen or a handmade gift, it’s a small reminder that progress in crochet is all about patience and practice.

I hope this beginner crochet dishcloth pattern inspires you to keep practicing and creating.

✂️ Get the Printable Version

You can print the pattern right from the blog, but if you’d like a clean, ad-free PDF to tuck into your crochet binder, you can download it below.

Grab the Free Printable PDF Pattern

Download a clean, easy-to-print version of this dishcloth pattern — completely free!
Perfect for keeping in your project notebook or gifting with a handmade dishcloth.

💌Love this pattern? I share even more beginner-friendly crochet projects, cozy tips, and updates from my Learning to Crochet with Grandma series in my newsletter. If you’d like a little creative inspiration in your inbox, I’d love to have you join our cozy crochet community. 💛

DISCLAIMER: This page contains affiliate links. Purchases made through such links will reward me a small commission at no extra cost for you. I always have my readers’ best interest at heart.  Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  See our Disclosure Policy. 

🧰 Tools I Use

If you loved how this project turned out, here are a few of my favorite crochet tools and yarns that make these projects easier and more enjoyable:

• Clover 1046/7 Blue Amour Crochet Hook, Size 7, 4.5mm
• Clover 1048/I Green Amour Crochet Hook, Size I, 5.5mm
• Lily Sugar and Cream Cotton Yarn
• Yarn Darning Tapestry Large Sewing Big Eye Weaving Crochet Wool Blunt Needles Needle
• Sewing scissors sharp scissors Embroidery Scissors Crafting Threading Scissors with Leather Scissors Cover for Needlework Craft Art Work Manual Sewing Handicraft DIY Tool Black Flower
• 3 Pack Tape Measures Retractable Measuring Tape for Body, 60-Inch 1.5 Meter Dual Sided Flexible Ruler for Craft Fabric Cloth Sewing Tailor Weight Loss Body Measuring Tape (Macaron Blue, Pink, Green)

✂️ About Scissors

Any small, sharp pair of scissors will work for this project — I just prefer the compact ones made for yarn and thread because they travel easily and make clean cuts. If you use scissors for yarn, keep them just for yarn. The same goes for fabric or kitchen scissors — mixing them can dull the blades quickly. It really does make a difference over time!

📏 About Measuring Tapes

I don’t know about you, but I somehow manage to lose my measuring tapes just when I need them most. That’s why I buy them in bulk — it’s cheaper, and I always have a spare handy. Keeping one in my yarn bag, another near my worktable, and one tucked away in a drawer saves me from those “where did I put it this time?” moments.

(You can find the 3-pack I use here – 3-Pack Tape Measure Retractable Measuring Tape for Hand Crafts.)

🧶 Next in the Series

This dishcloth is part of my Beginner Crochet Series — a cozy collection of easy projects inspired by the lessons my grandma taught me.
Next up: the Matching Hot Pad Pattern — coming soon! (I’ll add the link here once it’s live.)

About the Author

Hi, I’m Mary Ann — the hands (and heart) behind My Tasteful Threads. I learned to crochet sitting beside my grandma, watching her turn simple yarn into something beautiful and useful. These days, I love sharing that same joy through easy projects, cozy recipes, and little handmade moments that make home feel warmer.

Thanks for stopping by, and happy stitching! 🧶

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