Free crochet pattern
Easy moss stitch crochet dishcloth
This cotton dishcloth uses moss stitch, also called linen stitch, which alternates single crochet and chain-1 spaces for a firm, textured fabric that scrubs well. It needs only one skein of worsted cotton, a 5 mm hook and about an hour, finishing at roughly 8 inches square with a border.
By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Reviewed · Editorial policy
By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Reviewed September 13, 2026 under our editorial policy · pattern testing in progress
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Skill level | Beginner |
| Yarn weight | Medium (#4) |
| Yardage | 80–100 yd (73–91 m) |
| Hook | 5 mm |
| Gauge | 18 sts (sc and ch) and 20 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in moss stitch. |
| Finished size | 8 × 8 in (20 × 20 cm) including border |
| Time | about 1 hours |
Materials
- Worsted weight (#4) 100% cotton yarn, about 90 yd / 82 m
- 5 mm (US H-8) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
Abbreviations (US terms)
Notes before you start
- Turning ch-1 does not count as a stitch.
- Counts in parentheses give single crochet, then chain-1 spaces.
- Cotton does not stretch much; check gauge so the cloth lies flat.
Body
- Ch 34.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *ch 1, sk next ch, sc in next ch; rep from * to end, turn. (17 sc, 16 ch-1 sps)
- Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last sc, sc in last sc, turn. (18 sc, 15 ch-1 sps)
- Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 2 sc, ch 1, sk next sc, sc in last sc, turn. (17 sc, 16 ch-1 sps)
- Rows 4–37: Rep Rows 2–3. Piece measures about 7.5 in (19 cm). Do not fasten off.
Border
- Rnd 1: Ch 1, working around all four edges, sc evenly along each side (1 sc in each st or ch-sp across top and bottom, 1 sc in each row end along the sides), working 3 sc in each corner; sl st in first sc.
Finishing
- Fasten off and weave in ends securely — cotton ends loosen in the wash.
- Machine wash warm and lay flat to dry.
Errata
No corrections have been published for this pattern. Found a mistake? Tell us and we will log the fix here with a date.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use acrylic yarn for a dishcloth?
Acrylic does not absorb water well and can melt near heat. Use 100% cotton or a cotton-linen blend.
How do I make the dishcloth larger?
Chain any even number. The foundation chain plus rows set the size; add 2 chains for every extra 0.45 in (1.1 cm) of width.
