The Single Cluster Crochet Washcloth pattern is worked with a textured stitch motif, creating the perfect surface for scrubbing anything you need in the bath and kitchen!
This washcloth is worked in rows using chains and single crochet cluster stitches, so be sure to use stitch markers to mark the top of the first stitch in each row to keep track (and to keep your edges straight).
Cluster stitches are quick and easy to work up, and approachable by all levels of crochet skill; whether you’re an experienced crocheter looking to try an interesting new stitch or a beginner ready to learn different stitch variations.
You can easily customize the single cluster stitch repeat in multiples of 2 (+1 for the turning chain) and then working any multiple of rows.
Grab your hook and favorite cotton yarn and let’s crochet a washcloth that you’ll be excited to make and use!
The Single Cluster Crochet Washcloth pattern is a fantastic project to work up because:
- Washcloths are fun projects to learn new crochet stitches (especially when you follow the crochet chart and written instructions)!
- You can use these in the bath or kitchen (plus, they make great gifts)!
- This crochet washcloth works great with cotton yarns (use just one skein or less)!
- You’ll get to practice a lot of crochet skills: rows, stitch tension, stitch counting and recognition, single crochet cluster (sc2tog), borders, gauge & size, finishing techniques & more!
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Table of contents
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Introduction
What can I do with a crochet washcloth?
Crochet washcloths or dishcloths are versatile and practical items that can be used in so many different ways! Here are a few of my favorites:
- Cleaning: When made with cotton yarn, these are great for washing dishes, wiping surfaces, and cleaning up spills!
- Decoration: Cloths are useful, and beautiful. And so, keeping a stack of these folded up next to your sink can be a really charming touch.
- Potholders: If the fabric is thick enough, these crochet cloths can be used as pot holders or trivets to protect surfaces from hot dishes.
- Bathing: The softness of natural fibers like cotton are gentle on the skin, and perfect for washing the face and both.
- Gifts: Crochet can be such a unique and thoughtful present, especially if a set is created in colors that match the decor of a kitchen or bath. That’s probably why these typically sell so well at craft fairs!
- Learning: To build up your skills, crochet washcloths are a simple and quick project that will help you to practice new stitches and techniques.
The possibilities are as limited as your imagination, especially when you experiment with different weights, textures, and colors of yarn.
What is a single crochet cluster stitch?
A single crochet cluster is a type of specialty stitch that uses variations and combinations of basic stitches that you probably already know: chain, single.
In crochet, a cluster is also known as a type of decreasing stitch because all stitches involved in the cluster have a different base but are joined at the top.
The cluster can be worked with any stitch (like the single, half double, double, triple), and can be worked with any number of stitches (2, 3, 4, 5, 6…).
Because there are so many different variations of this specialty stitch, a pattern should always clearly specify exactly how a cluster is used, instead of simple saying “decrease”, or “cluster”.
For example, you may see:
- “sc2tog” to indicate that you’ll “single crochet two stitches together”
- “dc3tog” to indicate that you’ll “double crochet three stitches together”
To work the Single Crochet Cluster stitch in this pattern, you’ll decrease two single crochet stitches together, joining two stitches together into just one.
You can learn more about the cluster crochet stitch, and watch out video tutorial, right here: https://americancrochetassociation.blog/how-to-crochet-bobble-cluster-popcorn-puff-stitches
Selecting the perfect yarn
What yarn should I use for a crochet washcloth?
Because crochet cloths will most likely be used in the kitchen or bath, it is important to consider the texture and absorbency of yarn you choose.
For example, cotton yarn is the most popular choice for crochet cloths because of the naturally absorbent, soft, and durable properties.
That is why Peaches and Cream Stripey yarn is my favorite choice for this project; it is a smooth yarn that is soft, made of 100% cotton, comes in a variety of great colors, and is economically priced.
Other important characteristics to consider when choosing the best yarn for crochet washcloths are:
- Colorfast Yarn: These are treated to prevent color bleeding when washing.
- Organic Cotton: Made from pesticide-free and environmentally sustainable cotton crops.
- Softness: While cotton is generally soft, some brands offer yarns that are stiff and scratchy, so be sure to feel yarns to determine their best use.
Finally, washcloths are meant to be practical, so choose characteristics that will make these projects functional and durable.
How can I choose a yarn substitute?
Cotton is a natural fiber, so it is the most recommended for a washcloth and typically available anywhere yarn is sold.
Size and gauge for this project is not something you’ll have to match exactly, but you should be able to create a standard washcloth size by using a yarn in the weight 4 category.
To find other natural fibers, or other brands that carry cotton yarn, I suggest looking on yarnsub.com and comparing the Peaches and Cream yarn used to write this pattern.
You can also learn more helpful tips about substituting yarn right here: Understanding Yarn Substitution – An Easy Reference For Crocheters
If you’re looking to find a close match to Peaches and Cream yarn, here are some I recommend you review first:
Sizing Options
How many sizes are included in this pattern?
The Single Crochet Cluster Washcloth pattern is written in just one standard size: 7.25” wide x 7” tall.
The hook and yarn sizes you use, and your own personal stitch tension, may create larger or smaller sizes than the pattern indicates.
How can I use this stitch to create other projects?
Crocheting a washcloth is the perfect way to practice new stitches!
If you love the textured fabric of this crochet washcloth pattern, and you want to use it to create another crochet project, the stitch repeat for this pattern is really easy to adjust.
The single crochet cluster stitch is worked in multiples of 2, plus 1 for turning Ch (which does not count as a stitch), any any row multiple.
Try this cluster stitch in other yarn weights, types, and sizes that you have on hand when you follow these tips about working up a test swatch right here:
Helpful Resources
Project Inspiration
This crochet washcloth pattern has been worked up dozens of time, and you can view other completed projects for inspiration when you visit Ravelry.
Learn more crochet stitches
Learning new crochet stitches is a fun way to build your skills, and to try new techniques.
The American Crochet Association has dozens of crochet stitch tutorial videos you can watch for free, right here:
More crochet washcloth patterns
Now that you’re hooked on this Single Cluster Crochet washcloth, we have a few more patterns you can try!
Other super textured crochet washcloth patterns you can view for free on our website include:
Policy for Individual Use
This crochet pattern is designed by Salena Baca Crochet for the American Crochet Association.
Pattern instructions are protected by copyright laws.
Users must acknowledge and respect the intellectual property rights of pattern creators and designers as follows:
- This pattern is for personal use only. Pattern instructions may be accessed and used by individuals for personal, non-commercial purposes only. Users may create finished products based on the pattern instructions for personal use or gifting.
- Users may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works of pattern instructions without explicit permission from the copyright holder.
- Selling or commercially exploiting products made from pattern instructions will require additional permissions or licensing from the copyright holder.
- It is unlawful to share or distribute pattern instructions in any way, including but not limited to: print, digital, video.
- It is unlawful to create derivative works based on pattern instructions, including but not limited to translations, adaptations, or variations.
- Users should provide proper attribution when sharing or displaying finished products made using these pattern instructions, giving credit to the original pattern creator and source.
- Users are expected to conduct themselves in an ethical and respectful manner when using pattern instructions. Users should not engage in plagiarism, claim others’ work as their own, or misrepresent the origin of pattern instructions.
By accessing and using pattern instructions, individuals agree to abide by the usage policy herein.
Users may be held responsible for any damages or legal liabilities resulting from their non-compliance with this policy.
Purchase a PDF file on Ravelry
Click Here to purchase a downloadable PDF version of this pattern!
Making the Single Cluster Crochet Washcloth
Yarn
Peaches and Cream Stripey, Worsted #4 yarn (100% Cotton; 102 yds/93 m per 2 oz/56.7 g skein):
- Beach House (1 skein)
- Check for yarn substitutes!
Hook and other Materials
- US H/8 (5.00 mm) Hook
- Yarn needle
Gauge
- 16.5 pattern sts = 4”
- 14 pattern rows = 4”
Finished Size
- 7.25” wide (stitches)
- 7” tall (rows)
Stitch Key
- Ch(s) = chain(s)
- Sc = single crochet
- Sl St = slip stitch
- St(s) = stitch(es)
Specialty Stitches and Techniques
- Cluster (decrease; sc2tog) = [Insert hook into next St, yarn over, pull through St] 2 times, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops on hook.
Pattern Notes
- Stitch pattern is worked in multiples of 2 (+1 for turning Ch), and any row multiple.
- Either side of fabric can be right side. Border determines right side of project.
- Rows begin with a Ch-1 (not a St), and end with a Ch-1 (last St). Use a stitch marker to mark the top of the first St in each row.
Stitch Chart
This stitch chart is a visual representation of the individual stitches and their placement for the Single Cluster Washcloth crochet pattern.
This serves as a helpful guide to provide a clear and concise overview of the pattern that you can use as you follow the written instructions.
While written instructions are included and valuable for this pattern, a stitch chart is like a universal language that offers an easy-to-understand visual roadmap.
Instructions
Washcloth
Ch 31.
Row 1: Skip 1 Ch (not a St, here and throughout), [Cluster, Ch 1] across row – 30 Sts; 15 Cluster + 15 Ch-1
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, [Cluster, Ch 1] across row – 30 Sts; 15 Clusters + 15 Ch-1
Repeat row 2 until 25 rows are complete.
Border
Round 1 (Right Side): Rotate to work along left side, work 1 Sc around side of each St, rotate to work along row 1, work 1 Sc into each St, rotate to work along right side, work 1 Sc around side of each St, rotate to work along row 25, work 1 Sc into each St, Sl St into top of first Sc to join, fasten off – 110 Sc
Finishing
Sew in ends, trim excess.
Video Chat
For more details about this crochet washcloth pattern, watch my chat right here: https://youtu.be/JbNMKN-g2jY
Click Here to share your finished project in our community!
Peace + Love + Crochet
Salena
