I had several requests for the ruffled crochet dishcloth pattern seen in this post. We were driving off for the day to fetch Mr. Pibb and I wanted something to keep me occupied on the long drive. Something that was easy and wouldn’t require lugging around a lot of stuff. A project that could be completed with one ball of yarn sounded good, and knitting was out since that’s so hard and I wasn’t in the mood for hard.
This is a very simple project that can be completed in a couple of hours with one not very big ball of yarn. I made two of them on the way there and back from Virginia. I crocheted the first one in solid blue and the second in a variegated yarn.
I like the solid better because you can see the pattern. (Using light to medium colors also show pattern more.)
It’s a very pretty pattern, kinda looks like little flowers. It would look nice, I think, to do the edging in a different color of yarn, though. Just for fun.
This dishcloth is based on a pattern in one of those “how to” oversize pamphlets you can find on the racks wherever they sell yarn. The original project is made entirely in single crochet and has no ruffle. I made the center square smaller and expanded the edging, adding the ruffle. If you want to make this just like the original pattern, use an H hook and add a few more chains to the starter row (chain 33 instead of 27), finishing off with the two rows of single crochet around to make a 9-inch square dishcloth (which would lay entirely flat).
I just couldn’t live without the fluffy ruffle.
I also didn’t use an H hook. I used an F hook instead for a closer stitch. (Just be sure to not make your stitches too tight.) That’s one of the things I like about crochet–I feel confident enough about it to go my own way. If I did that when I was knitting, something would blow up.
You can make this dishcloth smaller, or larger, by adding or removing from the starter chains. Just be sure to chain an odd number and single crochet across your first row in an even number and go from there. You could even add additional edging rows in single or half double crochet before doing the final double crochet ruffle. You can go your own way with this project, too! It’s an easy pattern to adapt.
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How to make a Ruffled Crochet Dishcloth:
Finished Size:
Approximately 9-inch square
Materials:
*100% cotton worsted weight yarn (2 ounces)
*Crochet hook, size F
Directions:
Row 1. Make a slip knot and chain 27. Single crochet (sc) in back ridge of second chain from hook and in each chain across. You should have 26 sc.
Row 2. Chain 1, turn; skip first sc, 2 sc in next sc, *skip next sc, 2 sc in next sc; repeat from * across. 26 sc in each row.
Repeat until work measures to an approximate 6 1/4- to 6 1/2-inch square.
Round 1. (Do not turn work from this point forward.) Chain 1 and crochet evenly around all four sides in sc. (Stop periodically to make sure you are crocheting evenly so that work stays flat.) Make 3 sc in each corner and join last corner with a slip stitch.
Round 2. Chain 1, sc in each sc all the way around, making 3 sc in the middle sc of each corner. Join with a slip stitch.
Round 3. Chain 2 and half double crochet (hdc) in each sc all the way around, making 3 hdc in middle sc of each corner. Join with a slip stitch.
Round 4. The ruffly round! Chain 3. Make four double crochet (dc) in every other hdc stitch as you go around–except in the corners. In each corner, in the first hdc of the corner, make three dc. Chain 3. Skip the second corner hdc and make three dc in the third hdc of the corner. (After making each corner, skip one hdc stitch then carry on with making four dc in every other hdc stitch.) Join with a slip stitch at the last corner and finish off.
Note: I can’t guarantee that I did or didn’t have to skip a half double crochet stitch to make the final double crochet ruffle round work out right. (I had long since diverted from the original pattern, so I was leaping into the mist there.) Ruffles are very forgiving, so don’t worry about it. Just make it work as you go around. Ruffles hide many sins. Some of them chocolate.
If I can make this, a monkey can, so go get some yarn! I think this pattern would make cute placemats, too. If you want to make placemats, just be sure to chain an odd number for the starter chain then single crochet across an even number of stitches and the pattern will work to make whatever size rectangular placemat you want, and finish off with the ruffly edge. A placemat would probably take about two and a half times the yarn quantity, depending on the size. I also think this pattern would make great jar cozies, sized to pint and half-pint jars and whip-stitched together to make a seam, with a round base whip-stitched on at the bottom, and a ribbon slipped through the ruffles at the top to tie in a bow. (Anyone interested in a jam cozy pattern if I try that?)
I just started crocheting again and I’M ALREADY OUT OF CONTROL.
ScreamingSardine says:
That was all Greek to me, but the crochet pattern is so pretty, I’m going to have to bug one of my friends to teach me to crochet. I had no idea crochet could look so pretty. To me, crochet meant those ugly vests kids wore back in the 70s. *shudder*
On January 6, 2010 at 1:30 am
princessvanessa says:
“If I can make this, a monkey can, so go get some yarn!”
You are just too funny. You are so nice to embed a printer-friendly instruction sheet, I just sent it to the printer–which means my tortie cat, Sissy, is now sitting on top of the printer with her head hanging over the edge and watching the paper emerge.
I am going to get on these right away.
Have a terrific day!
On January 6, 2010 at 1:32 am
B. Ruth says:
Suzanne,
Guess I’ve been monkeying around tonight!..LOL
I’m up late, just finished a scrubbie and towel topper in the “faded jean” cotton yarn…while dh watched the Orange Bowl…I rarely follow a pattern, it confuses me…so I just ck what the stitch looks like, and then proceed…
I must say I love the little fluffy ruffle on your dishcloth….will put that on my next ones…too cute and farm house kitchen looking…I love the blue varigated yarn tooooo!
On January 6, 2010 at 1:52 am
callista says:
yay!!! thank you thank you 🙂 sometimes i have to take a break from sewing and this is going to be what i make today. thanks for posting it! *huggs*
On January 6, 2010 at 5:23 am
JOJO says:
:snowman: :woof: :snowman:
These dish cloths are so pretty, and the color is perfect for my kitchen, so if you do a blue crocheted dish cloth drawing–consider me in! lol
I love needlework of any kind, I have never been good at it, but I respect the time and care that someone puts into making something by hand. T think it would be very relaxing. I can do a chain of single crochet, but that is about it, I envey you gals that can do this!
JO
On January 6, 2010 at 6:09 am
CindyP says:
😆 ScreaminSardine! 😆 There’s so many different yarns available, things DON’T look like those vests anymore! But I remember what you mean!
Love the ruffle…….I’ve tried them, just didn’t go far enough! I had a ruffle, but it didn’t fit right.
Jar cozies would be cute and could be done with so many different yarns!!!! Oh, the possibilities of those!
You’re going to have me pulling the hook and yarn out again, and I have so many things that have to be done first! But maybe I need another “me” day that doesn’t involve the computer, heehee….
On January 6, 2010 at 6:57 am
pam says:
I’ve printed this off! I love to start projects, and this looks like one I might actually finish! Love the ruffle!
On January 6, 2010 at 7:25 am
Sue says:
Do these really get your dishes clean? Do you just toss them in the washer like store bought dish cloths? Just having a hard time picturing how well they would work.
On January 6, 2010 at 7:51 am
Melinda says:
I had to laugh when I read about your trip to get the newest member of the family and your crocheting of the dishcloth. I was crocheting a new dishcloth at the same time! My grandmother taught me to crochet as a child (I am sure to keep me quiet and entertained) and I love it. Very good for keeping your hands busy and is very calming. I have forgotten more than I care to think about, but can still manage to churn out a few cute things.
On January 6, 2010 at 8:03 am
Oklahoma Granny says:
Thank you so much for the pattern. When I read about the ones you made I hoped you post the pattern. Ooohhh! A jar cozy pattern would be wonderful too!
On January 6, 2010 at 8:29 am
Townie Farm Girl says:
I am an avid “hooker” as well and I also make crocheted dishcloths. However, I make my cloths out of size 10 crochet thread and do double crochets back and forth which make a ribbed style dishcloth. They are very good at washing dishes and launder up great. I am also enjoying crocheting vintage-style potholders out of crochet thread and have just started making my own crocheted trim. Fun stuff and it keeps me out of trouble!
On January 6, 2010 at 8:30 am
Joycee says:
These are my favorite dish cloths! We are expecting another cold blast from the North Pole today so it’s off to town I go to get my cotton yarn! I made up several of the Hamburger Helper mixes yesterday for EZ meals. Suzanne, you are saving me $$$…
On January 6, 2010 at 9:21 am
Betty Ireland says:
Ok, I am not a country girl, although I am an 8th. generation West Virginian. BUT, I don’t see how you can use this crocheted dish cloth in real life. Does it really wipe dishes, sink, counter-tops, etc.?
Perhaps someone can sell me one of these, so I can see what it really does? (Note: I do not knit or crochet: patience is not one of my long suits.)
Or is it just that the making of the cloth is what matters, and the finished product’s usefulness is secondary to the outcome?
Sorry to be so dense here.
On January 6, 2010 at 9:33 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Yes, you can actually use them! They work well for scrubbing dishes or just wiping off the countertop or table. They wash up in the laundry. Helps save on paper towels. (And they’re pretty!)
On January 6, 2010 at 9:44 am
Donna says:
Reply to Sue and Betty Ireland: yes, and yes… these kinds of dishcloths are great! Been using them for years…. absorbent (be sure to use cotton yarn, other types don’t soak up as much), and wash well. Note Suzanne’s comment that the stitches shouldn’t be real tight – I have a couple old ones my mom made years ago that are real ‘loose’, and those may look a little dumpy, but they work the best, I think.
Thanks for the pattern, Suzanne – it inspires me to get my hooks & yarn out and have some busywork away from the computer a while! It makes for a great snowy-day project in front of the wood stove…
Donna :clover:
On January 6, 2010 at 9:49 am
debbie says:
I’ve been trying since before Christmas to crochet a “puffy slouchy hat” from another blog. It doesn’t seem to “slouch” enough and I used the floppier version. I know, I pull the stitches too tight. But if I don’t, it just doesn’t feel like I’m actually “making” anything.
Anyway, once I redo that, I’ll need something “funner” to work on. I’ve never made a dishcloth before. It might help with my stitching gauge.
Sue, I’ve never made them but my MIL did. They are great for scrubbing dishes. They wear out if you use them on burnt cast iron though. But the fry pan did come clean.
Screamin’ Sardine, (Gosh, I want a cool handle like that…too many Debbie’s here 🙂 Anyway, if I made a ’70’s vest like that (my era by the way…ssshhhh!) my daughter would so wear one. She’s such a throwback.
Suzanne, tried to vote last night, I am so non-technical I’ll have to wait for my kids to show me how. Now they and my husband all have different e-mail addresses than I do. Can they nominate you, also (and some of their favorites, I won’t be too pushy)?
On January 6, 2010 at 9:50 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Debbie, yes, please get your friends and family to nominate, too! Thank you!!!
On January 6, 2010 at 9:54 am
Donna says:
P.S. – Townie Farm Girl’s post reminds me that if you DO make the stitches tight on these, I think this is about the same pattern that my mom and grandma used to use to make potholders as well (gotta have a matching set with the dishcloth, you know!) – something to experiment on… :clover:
On January 6, 2010 at 9:53 am
Lisa says:
I love love love a pretty ruffle. Never thought of one on a dishcloth, so now I have to try it! Of course mine must be in PINK!
Also a big LOL on the “something will blow up” comment. I know what you mean about knitting. I have knitted two scarves, both a little “wooonkie”. Crochet in much more relaxing, but there is just something romantic about knitting huh?
On January 6, 2010 at 10:00 am
Liz in Wis says:
I nominated CITR, for Photography, Food, Humorous, Writing, Topical (country living) AND Weblog of the Year, catagories. BUT, first I had to find two other nominees; so, I went to bloggers.com. I found a weblog for the music catagory and a weblog for the entertainment (movies) category.
On January 6, 2010 at 10:13 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Thank you!!!!
On January 6, 2010 at 10:19 am
Liz in Wis says:
NO, NO, NO, I went to blogged.com For two more nominees.
On January 6, 2010 at 10:28 am
Nancy says:
Yikes! I guess I’m dumber than a monkey! My mother had 5 daughters…all that knitted and crocheted but me! I don’t know that I couldn’t learn as much as the fact that I didn’t want to learn. I regret it now. You’ve (once again) given me the inspiration to try again! Do you think I can learn on my own? I love yarn-I think it’s just beautiful! I make scarves that are knotted but not stitched just so I have an excuse to buy it!
On January 6, 2010 at 10:34 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Nancy, crochet is SO EASY, you can learn on your own! I’m sure there are resources online but I don’t know where (maybe somebody will stop in here today and tell us one), but if you just go to any store that sells yarn (including Wal-Mart) and look in the racks in the yarn aisle, get a book called 10-20-30 Minutes Learn to Crochet. (They have it everywhere, Michael’s, Wal-Mart, etc) It has step-by-step pictures from making the slip knot and chaining to all the crochet stitches. Crochet stitches are very very easy to do from pictures! (I may do a post sometime with the basics.)
On January 6, 2010 at 10:40 am
Gini says:
A jam cozy project sounds ADORABLE!! I’ve been practicing crocheting every night, so hopefully by the time I make jam for gifts again next Christmas, I’ll be good enough to make a cozy to go with each.
On January 6, 2010 at 11:01 am
Liz in Wis says:
try you tube: how to crochet
On January 6, 2010 at 11:26 am
Angela Pierce says:
:happyflower: The dishcloth is beautiful, wish I could crochet. I can knit, but not crochet!
So thats how the vote thingy works, I couldnt figure out how to nominate others, thanks for the suggestion Liz in Wi…so you have to nominate others too? Im so slow about this. I dont want CITR to miss out or others to miss out on CITR! Its by far the best of all!
On January 6, 2010 at 11:45 am
Sharee says:
Okay I will have to say this is the first time that I have read your blog and not understood a word! LOL My mother has tried to teach me but I have always preferred crosstich over a majority of sewing arts. I love the pictures you can create with them and its soooooo easy to do. The patterns are what throw ya. I love the dish clothes. I got some potholders for christmas and they are such a pretty color I use them all the time. Thanks for the pictures and I will be asking my mom to translate this post for me later!
Have a great day!
On January 6, 2010 at 12:20 pm
CMay says:
Thank you , thank you, thank you! I can not wait to get started…if only I wasn’t stuck at work. Just kiddding. I love my job but it does interfer with my Chickens In The Road times!!! I would love to learn how to make a jam cozy next. 🙂 Keep up the great job, I love this site!!! :happyflower:
On January 6, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Ruth - north CA says:
Potholders! If I decided to do solid single crochet it would become a pretty potholder, hanging from a loop on the frig, waiting to be used. Or a hotpad for an oven-hot dish. Plunging my handiwork into dishwater in chase of a dirty dish makes me twitchy! That’s what inexpensive washcloths are for, drying out of sight under the sink when not in use as they become more stained and abused, poor things! And then, oh horror, you would eventually have to gently throw it away when it begins to fray ….
I love the crochet ruffles! But would want to show it off, monkeyshines and all!
On January 6, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Janessa says:
Any thoughts on where a left-hander could go to learn to do this??
On January 6, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
The 10-20-30 Minutes to Learn to Crochet book has both right-handed and left-handed instructions and pictures showing how to do each stitch. You can find it in the racks at any store that sells yarn (such as Wal-Mart, Michael’s, etc). It’s not expensive–it’s one of those oversize pamphlet type books. You might be able to order it online, too, I’m not sure.
On January 6, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Janessa says:
Thanks Suzanne, I’ll check the next time I’m out at the store…won’t be today – it’s snowing AGAIN. 🙂
On January 6, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Randy says:
There you are! I was voting for your blog for something because someone told me to. But I never came across your blog…that is until today. I saw a link for it on “Over Good Ground”. So I stopped in to see what’s up and to say hello! So…Hello! Have a good day!
~Randy
On January 6, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Susan at Charm of the Carolines says:
I have all the respect in the world for those that can crochet. I just don’t get it really. What boggles the mind is the first person to create the art and to actually figure out how to make a pattern that is beautiful and can be recreated. My brain hurts just thinking about it!!
Send more pics of the new snow. We should be getting 2-4 inches here tonight in middle Tennessee. Can’t wait!!!
On January 6, 2010 at 2:48 pm
Liz in Wis says:
You are welcome Angela (#27). Yes, CITR is the best, I found that out when I had to look for two other nominees, (used blogged.com). As I stated earlier,(#20&22),I put CITR into 6 different categories, I added one blogger to the music category and another blogger to the entertainment category. The email confirmation came through, so I must have done everything o.k. GOOD LUCK!!!
On January 6, 2010 at 2:54 pm
catslady says:
I tend to go overboard on things and then continue on and go overboard on something else lol. Right now it’s computer games lol. Maybe some day I’ll get back to it!
On January 6, 2010 at 3:36 pm
Debnfla3 says:
I love making things like this.
They are very pretty and work really good on scrubbing the top of my smooth top stove without scratching it a bit!
I also love making those dishrags with a crocheted tops with a button closer for the “loop”. I love hanging those from the fridge door and a couple on my stove handle.
I have crocheted for over 46 years and I have never gotten tired of sitting and crocheting. I have made the prettiest oval pineapple tablecloth I think I have ever seen. It is really hard to find a pineapple oval pattern for a table!
Deb
On January 6, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Pattie says:
Very nice! I LOVE crocheting too! It’s very relaxing!
On January 6, 2010 at 5:45 pm
Runningtrails says:
I crochet my dishcloths too. I love them. They do such a good job of cleaning. Must use 100% cotton yarn. I do most with single crochet, sometimes I use a granny square too, whatever I feel like at the time. They are so fast and easy!
On January 6, 2010 at 5:47 pm
SharonBinWA says:
Suzanne – Love the crocheted dishcloth. I’ll try the ruffle next time. I agree, they’re perfect to take along on a car trip. Since you are a crocheter, have you started making scrubbies yet? They’re wonderful to use around the house and barn and are crocheted using strips of nylon netting. I used to buy this stuff by the bolt, then I had to cut the strips and tie them together. A big bother. Now, I order pre-cut bolts of nylon net from a very nice lady in NY that sells lots of colors. If you do a Google search, Knits and Bits by Linda, you’ll find her online store. I can usually get 3 good size scrubbies from one bolt. I’d be happy to send you a fiinished one or at least email you the directions I use. Linda usually sends an instruction sheet with the order, but I like using one I found on a free crochet pattern site. I never sell them, only give them away to family and friends. Love your blog by the way…and I did nominate you under several categories. Best of luck.
On January 6, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
Thank you, Sharon! I’d love to hear more about the scrubbies!
On January 6, 2010 at 7:11 pm
Athena says:
My grandma gives these out as gifts, they work wonderfully!
I need to ask her to show me sometime just to hangout with her…
Anyways nominated you for the bloggies in several categories along with my other two favs. Cake Wrecks and Alice and Kev. :clover:
On January 6, 2010 at 11:49 pm
lisab says:
Those turned out beautiful
On January 7, 2010 at 2:14 pm
callista says:
just finished my first one!!! its a great way to use a small ball of yarn that was leftover from another project. i had never followed a pattern before and only worked in single crochet making scarves. this was super easy to make. i’m totally making a stack of these to give out as gifts throughout the year. 🙂 imagine a little gift basket with some homemade apple jelly, a loaf of bread, a homemade lotion bar and a set of ruffled dishcloths 🙂
*huggs* thanks suzanne!
On January 8, 2010 at 7:43 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Yay, Callista! I’m so glad it worked out good. I’ve never written a crochet pattern before for anyone else to follow!
On January 8, 2010 at 7:47 am
Rituparna says:
You are an inspiration ….
I had tried crocheting when I was in college and left it almost instantly.
But, after having seen your rose I just couldn’t stop myself from trying again. And I loved it.
Now I am going out od control myself.
Next project Dish cloth ……….
On January 26, 2010 at 10:01 am
Shirley Corwin says:
OK, you made me do it. I went to Joann Fabrics yesterday and got knitting and crocheting supplies. I used to knit a lot when I was young and I was surprised that it came right back to me after watching a little tutorial on YouTube. But the crocheting is another thing. I’ve never done it before and it just isn’t coming easily. I think I’m doing it too tight! Everyone says it’s easier and faster than knitting but I’m not convinced yet : ))
On February 14, 2010 at 12:13 pm
JenW!~ says:
I love making knitted or crocheted wash clothes and my friends and family love receiving them. I have a favorite pattern I always use but I like you pattern too. I
On June 13, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Lisa Q says:
Can’t wait to make this!! I am addicted to crocheting also. Thanks for the pattern.
On January 17, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Susan E says:
Thank you! I found you by googling washcloths and made my first one. I made my second one today instead of cleaning the bathroom! How can I send picture? :happyflower:
On March 7, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Tonja Hube says:
I would be interested in the jam cozies
On March 15, 2011 at 11:03 am