Easy Primrose & Proper Dishcloth {Free Crochet Pattern} | Kirsten Holloway Designs

Crochet an easy dishcloth or spa cloth for your home using cotton yarn. This free pattern is a beautiful, functional, and unique addition to any kitchen or bath. Wash dishes or clean up messy faces in style! The Primrose and Proper dishcloth uses simple crochet stitches and works up very quickly. Find the free crochet pattern instructions below, or purchase a print-optimized, ad-free PDF by clicking here.

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Sometimes patterns come together, and are happy surprises! The lacy Primrose & Proper Dishcloth started out as a swatch I stitched up to demo the edging for the Primrose & Proper Super Scarf CAL that was going on a few years ago. It was such a cute little square that I had to turn it into something usable, especially since Mother’s Day is this weekend, and we all know cleaning cloths are something moms use-a lot!

Not only can it be used as a dishcloth, it could also be used for a spa day set, or as a pad to set hot dishes on (but not to get them out of the oven–there are too many holes for that). I’ve even put in stitch counts in the “Additional Notes” section for turning this into a placemat. I just can’t stop! 🤭

Happy Mother’s Day! 💕

Want to crochet a different spa cloth for mom? Try this Zinnia flower pattern.

How to Crochet an Easy Dishcloth

I recommend Lily Sugar ‘n Cream cotton yarn for crocheting your dishcloths with. There are so many colors to choose from, I know that you’ll find something beautiful to fit your decorating tastes.

This particular washcloth design requires only about 75 yards of cotton yarn so it’s perfect for stash-busting! The crochet pattern is worked in multiples of 3+3 so you can adjust the size of your dishcloth pattern up or down. Using stitch markers at the ends of your rows will remind you not to miss the first or last stitch and help keep your edges straight.

This washcloth design is worked back and forth in rows. It uses a combination of the Primrose stitch and half double crochet in the 3rd loop to create the texture. I rewrote the design to be a little different than the other Primrose and Proper designs that use this stitch pattern, so if this looks a little different than what you’ve been used to that’s why. The changes are minor: 2 additional stitches per row which gives a more clearly defined side edge. If this stitch pattern is easier for you to work then you are welcome to crochet the other designs with these minor modifications.

Let’s get started with this quick crochet project already!

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Difficulty:
Easy

Materials needed:
4.5 mm hook, or hook needed to obtain measurements.
75 yards of Lily Sugar’n Cream in “Rose Pink”, “Ecru”, or the color of your choice
Yarn needle
Scissors
A mother you know, and love (mother figures also count)
(Optional) pretty, hand-crafted rose-scented soaps <–these are the beauties I used in some of the pictures

Stitches used: 
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
st/sts = stitch/stitches
sp/sps = space/spaces
prev = previous

Additional terms:
Working in the 3^rd Loop of hdc – Instructions: Look at the top of the stitch, and locate the sideways “V”, bend the stitch to look at the back and you should see another “V” made by the “yarn over”. You’ll be working into the back loop of that “V”. This is called the 3^rd loop. When you are working in rows, this 3^rd loop will be facing you after you turn! Go here for a detailed picture tutorial showing how to work this stitch if you are stuck.

Gauge:
Not especially important for these. These dishcloths are gauged in love. 😉
Measurements:
9″ x 9″

Additional Notes:
-Ch 2, does not count as first stitch of row in this particular version of the pattern.
-Want even more options? (That’s a silly question–of course you do!) Try chaining 51 for a placemat, and repeat rows 3-6 4 or 5 more times, before adding the boarder. You’re welcome. 😉
-This dishcloth is worked in multiples of 3+3.

Primrose and Proper Easy Cotton Dishcloth Crochet Pattern (US Terms):

Ch 30,

Row 1: hdc in 2nd ch from hook (skipped chain does not count as a stitch) hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (29)
Row 2: hdc in first st, working in 3rd loop of hdc, hdc in next 27 sts across, hdc in final st of row, ch 1, turn. (29)
Row 3: sc in first st, sk st, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next st, [sk 2 sts, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next st] 9 times, sk st, sc in final st of row, ch 2, (does not count as a st) turn. (9 ch-2 sps, 20 sc)
Row 4:  dc in first st, [3 dc in ch-2 sp] 9 times, dc in final st of row, ch 1, turn. (29)
Row 5: hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (29)
Row 6: hdc in first st, working in 3rd loop of hdc, hdc in next 27 sts, hdc in final st, ch 1, turn. (29)

Repeat rows 3-6 3 more times, then move to the edging:

Washcloth Edging round:
After finishing row 6 repeat, *repeat row 3 to end of row, instead of working a single sc in the final stitch of the row work (sc, ch 2, sc) instead, and continue around corner working *(sc, ch-2, sc), sk 2 sts* evenly along raw edge (on my washcloth I had 10 bumps along each raw edge); repeat this sequence for the bottom edge and other raw side, (sc, ch 2) in same st as your edging round began in, join with sl st to first sc.

Fasten off, and weave in ends.

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PATTERN TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

You are welcome to share the link to this pattern, using one image of your choice, on your site, but please do not share the written patterns themselves, this includes my Ravelry downloads or translations of these patterns, or use additional images. You do not have permission to use my images by themselves to create pinnable graphics for Pinterest, however they may be included in a roundup pin if there are 4 or more other patterns. If you sell finished items online, please do not use my pictures for your listings. I’m positive that your work is of high enough quality for you to sell the finished piece. Have confidence in your abilities! <3 Thank you!

This pattern was made to be used by individuals, and small business crocheters alike. Selling your finished pieces in boutiques, at farmer’s markets, craft shows, and other local events is encouraged! The only thing I require is that this pattern not be used commercially to produce hundreds of thousands of copies.

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