Blue Stripe Dishcloth Duo: Free Crochet Pattern

Blue Stripe Dishcloth Duo: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This pair of navy and white striped dishcloths is the perfect first project for anyone who has just learned single and half double crochet. Worked flat in simple back-and-forth rows, each cloth builds up quickly into a crisp 8-inch square with a clean Scandinavian look. The alternating rows of single and half double crochet create a subtly ridged fabric that feels sturdy in the hand and scrubs beautifully. With a small hanging loop at the corner and a neat white border, these cloths are as pretty on a hook by the sink as they are useful in the wash.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) cotton yarn, approximately 120 yards total: 60 yards navy and 60 yards white (enough for both cloths).
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a measuring tape.
• Finished size: 8 inches x 8 inches (20 cm x 20 cm) per cloth.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• hdc – half double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops.
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• st(s) – stitch(es).

Gauge

14 sts and 16 rows = 4 inches in half double crochet. To check, work a small swatch in hdc and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.

Tips Before You Start

• Cotton yarn has little stretch, so keep your tension relaxed and even to avoid a stiff, tight fabric.
• Change colors on the last yarn-over of the final stitch of a row so the new color starts cleanly at the beginning of the next row.
• Count your stitches at the end of every row — each row should have 29 stitches.
• Work the edging evenly, spacing stitches so the border lies flat without ruffling or pulling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cloth (make 2)

With navy, ch 30.

Row 1: hdc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (29 sts).

Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (29 sts).

Row 3: ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across (29 sts).

Rows 4-5: repeat Rows 2-3 (29 sts).

Change to white.

Rows 6-9: repeat Rows 2-3 twice (29 sts).

Change to navy.

Rows 10-13: repeat Rows 2-3 twice (29 sts).

Change to white.

Rows 14-17: repeat Rows 2-3 twice (29 sts).

Change to navy.

Rows 18-21: repeat Rows 2-3 twice (29 sts).

Change to white.

Rows 22-25: repeat Rows 2-3 twice (29 sts).

Change to navy.

Rows 26-29: repeat Rows 2-3 twice (29 sts). Do not fasten off.

Hanging Loop

Loop: ch 10, sl st in same st as last hdc, fasten off.

Edging

With right side facing, join white in any corner, ch 1, sc evenly around entire cloth, working 3 sc in each corner, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Each cloth is worked in one piece, so no seaming is required. Weave in all ends neatly on the wrong side, threading the tails through several stitches to secure them. Block each cloth by misting lightly with water and pinning to an 8-inch square, then let dry completely to even out the stripes and border.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the navy and white for any two contrasting cotton colors to match your kitchen.
• Add a second round of sc in a third color for a bolder border.
• Make a larger cloth by chaining more stitches in multiples that keep the 29-stitch row rhythm, adjusting yarn amounts as needed.