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 · Updated · 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
Yarn Kit & Substitution Options
This pattern calls for 100 yards of weight #4 yarn. Select a suggested yarn to see required skeins and estimated cost:
Caron Simply Soft · 100% Acrylic
315 yds per skein · High-yield yardage, silky no-scratch texture
1 skeins required
approx. $$5.49 total
Abbreviations (US terms)
- chain
- single crochet
- skip
- chain space
- repeat
- slip stitch
- stitch
- row
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.
Row progress: 0 of 6 done (0%)
Body
0 of 5 done- Ch 34.Mark row complete
- 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)Mark row complete
- 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)Mark row complete
- 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)Mark row complete
- Rows 4–37: Rep Rows 2–3. Piece measures about 7.5 in (19 cm). Do not fasten off.Mark row complete
Border
0 of 1 done- 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.Mark row complete
Working on:
Ch 34.
Finishing
- Fasten off and weave in ends securely — cotton ends loosen in the wash.
- Machine wash warm and lay flat to dry.
Errata
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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.







