This waffle stitch crochet dishcloth is a cozy, practical, and beautiful kitchen project. The thick textured fabric gives it a lovely handmade look while also making it useful for everyday cleaning, drying, and gifting.
The raised waffle texture is the star of this pattern. It creates little square pockets across the fabric, giving the dishcloth a plush, absorbent feel. Make a full set in charcoal, cream, denim blue, and soft gray for a modern farmhouse kitchen style.
Description
This crochet dishcloth is worked in rows using the classic waffle stitch texture. The stitch pattern creates raised vertical and horizontal ridges that look like tiny waffles across the surface. The finished cloth is thick, flexible, and sturdy, with a simple single crochet border to keep the edges neat. It works beautifully as a kitchen dishcloth, washcloth, spa cloth, reusable cleaning cloth, or handmade housewarming gift.
Materials
- Worsted weight cotton yarn in charcoal, cream, denim blue, or soft gray
- 5.0 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Stitch markers, optional
- Measuring tape
Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- fpdc = front post double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st = stitch
- sts = stitches
- rep = repeat
Pattern Notes
- This pattern uses US crochet terms.
- Cotton yarn is best for dishcloths because it is absorbent and washable.
- The waffle stitch is created by alternating regular double crochet and front post double crochet.
- The starting chain should be a multiple of 3, then add 2 extra chains.
- Ch 2 at the beginning of each row does not count as a stitch.
- The border is optional, but it gives the dishcloth a cleaner finished edge.
- Finished size is easy to adjust by changing the starting chain and number of rows.
Finished Size
Approximate finished size: 8 x 8 inches.
For a larger dishcloth, start with a longer chain in the same stitch multiple.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Foundation Chain
Ch 32.
This is a multiple of 3 plus 2.
Row 1
Dc in the 3rd ch from hook.
Dc in each ch across.
Ch 2, turn.
You should have 30 dc.
Row 2
Dc in the first st.
Fpdc around the next st.
Dc in each of the next 2 sts.
Rep from fpdc around next st, dc in each of next 2 sts across.
Ch 2, turn.
Row 3
Fpdc around the first st.
Dc in each of the next 2 sts.
Rep from fpdc around next st, dc in each of next 2 sts across.
Ch 2, turn.
Row 4
Dc in the first st.
Fpdc around each of the next 2 sts.
Rep from dc in next st, fpdc around each of next 2 sts across.
Ch 2, turn.
Main Waffle Stitch Repeat
Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until your dishcloth is close to a square shape.
For an 8-inch dishcloth, work about 18–20 rows total, depending on your tension and yarn.
End after completing either Row 3 or Row 4.
Do not fasten off if you want to add the border.
Simple Border
Ch 1.
Work sc evenly around all 4 sides of the dishcloth.
Place 3 sc in each corner.
Along the row edges, place your stitches evenly so the border does not pull or wave.
Join with sl st to the first sc.
Border Round 2
Ch 1.
Sc in each st around.
Work 3 sc in the middle stitch of each corner.
Join with sl st to the first sc.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Optional Hanging Loop
If you want to hang the dishcloth:
At the final corner of Border Round 2, ch 10.
Sl st back into the same corner stitch.
Continue or fasten off.
This creates a small loop for hanging near the sink.
Finishing
Weave in all yarn tails securely.
Lay the dishcloth flat and shape it with your hands.
If desired, lightly block it so the corners sit neatly.
Wash before first use if you want a softer, more absorbent cloth.
Color Set Idea
Make a modern kitchen set using:
- 1 charcoal waffle stitch dishcloth
- 1 cream waffle stitch dishcloth
- 1 denim blue waffle stitch dishcloth
- 1 soft gray waffle stitch dishcloth
Tie the finished set with twine or cotton yarn for a simple handmade gift.
Tips & Variations
Use 100% cotton yarn for the best absorbency.
Use a slightly smaller hook if you want a firmer scrubby texture.
Use a larger hook if you want the cloth softer and drapier.
Keep your tension even so the waffle texture stays square and neat.
If the dishcloth curls, add the border and block it lightly.
For a spa washcloth, use soft cotton in cream, blush, sage, or light gray.
For a farmhouse kitchen look, use neutral colors like charcoal, oatmeal, white, and slate blue.
FAQ
Is waffle stitch good for dishcloths?
Yes. Waffle stitch creates a thick, textured fabric that is great for dishcloths, washcloths, and reusable cleaning cloths.
What yarn should I use?
Cotton yarn is best because it absorbs water well and holds up to washing.
Can beginners make this dishcloth?
Yes, confident beginners can make it. You only need to know double crochet, single crochet, and front post double crochet.
Can I make it bigger?
Yes. Start with a longer chain using a multiple of 3, then add 2 extra chains. Continue the row repeat until the cloth is your preferred size.
Conclusion
This waffle stitch crochet dishcloth is simple, useful, and beautiful enough to gift. The thick texture makes it practical for the kitchen, while the clean square shape and modern colors give it a polished handmade look.
Make one to practice the stitch, then create a full set in your favorite kitchen colors.
It will be helpful if you can do a video.
Hi,
I tried to recreate the pattern. Unfortunately, my vertical stitches don’t look like the ones in the picture. So, I would like to ask how they are knitted.
Thank you in advance.
It is crocheted not knitted. Good luck.
There are 30 stitches. However, row 2 would require 31 stitches, because of the first dc, then the ten repeats of 3 stitches.