Free Crochet Pattern for a Full Bloom Dishcloth Square

Materials Needed

• Yarn: 4 skeins (approx 800 yards total) of Lion Brand “Heartland” in “Great Smoky Mountains” (worsted weight, 100% acrylic, 251 yds/5 oz per skein). This creates a subtle, heathered neutral. For a different look, any worsted weight #4 yarn will work.


• Crochet Hook: Size H/8 (5.0 mm)


• Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers (optional, for counting rows/chains), measuring tape.


• Finished Size: Approximately 50 inches long x 35 inches wide (a generous throw size, suitable for a couch or twin bed).

Gauge

In the pattern stitch (Half Double Crochet in the Third Loop), 14 stitches x 10 rows = 4 inches square. Accurate gauge is not crucial for this project, but matching it will ensure your finished blanket matches the stated size. If your gauge is off, adjust your hook size accordingly.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain


• st(s) – stitch(es)


• sl st – slip stitch


• sc – single crochet


• hdc – half double crochet


• hdc3tog – half double crochet 3 together (decrease)


• yo – yarn over


• rep – repeat


• sk – skip


• RS – right side


• WS – wrong side

Pattern Instructions

Special Stitch Explanation: HDC in the Third Loop

This pattern uses the “third loop” of the half double crochet stitch. When you look at a standard hdc from the front, you will see a “V” at the top (the front loop and back loop). Directly below the “V,” on the front of the stitch (the side facing you), there is a horizontal bar—this is the third loop. You will insert your hook into this bar from top to bottom (or from right to left, depending on your tension). Working into this loop creates a beautiful, woven, knit-like texture. Note: The first row of the blanket is worked into the foundation chain. All subsequent rows are worked into the third loop of the hdc from the row below.

Foundation Row

Ch 122 loosely. (Add or subtract multiples of 2 for width adjustments. Example: 120 ch = approx 34.5” wide, 124 ch = approx 35.5” wide.)

Row 1 (WS): Hdc in the 3rd ch from hook (the skipped 2 ch count as the first hdc). Hdc in each ch across. Turn. (120 hdc total, including the turning ch.)

Main Body

Row 2 (RS): Ch 2 (counts as first hdc here and throughout). Do not work into the first st. Hdc in the third loop of the next st (the second st from the hook). Hdc in the third loop of each st across. When you reach the last st, hdc into the top of the turning ch from the previous row (the ch-2 space). Turn.

Row 3 (WS): Ch 2. Hdc in the third loop of the next st. Hdc in the third loop of each st across. Hdc in the top of the turning ch. Turn.

Repeat Row 3 (working into the third loop of every hdc, and into the top of the turning ch at the end of each row) until your blanket measures approximately 48 inches from the foundation chain, ending after a WS row. Tip: Count your stitches every few rows. You should always have 120 hdc. If you miss the last stitch, your count will decrease, and the edges will slant.

Creating the Fringe (Optional, but Recommended)

Before finishing the final row, decide if you want a fringed edge. If yes, proceed to the fringe instructions below before cutting the yarn at the end. If no fringe, simply fasten off after the last row.

To add fringe to the starting edge (after finishing the blanket):

Cut 240 strands of yarn, each 14 inches long (120 strands per side, 2 strands per fringe). Fold 2 strands together in half. Insert hook from the back to the front through the base of a chain on the foundation row, pull the loop through, then pull the ends through the loop and tighten. Repeat across every other chain space (or every chain for a denser fringe). Do the same along the final row’s edge, attaching fringe into the top of the hdc stitches.

Final Row (No Fringe Version)

If not adding fringe, work Row 3 one more time, then fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail. Weave in the tail.

Border (Alternative to Fringe)

For a clean, modern finish, add a simple border instead of fringe.

Round 1: With RS facing, join yarn with a sl st in any corner. Ch 1. Sc evenly around the entire blanket, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off.

Round 2: Join yarn in any corner sc. Ch 1. Sc in same st. *Ch 3, sk 1 st, sc in next st.* Rep from * to * around, working (sc, ch 3, sc) in each corner sc to turn the corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Finishing

1. Weave in Ends: Using a yarn needle, weave in all loose ends along the side edges, working them back and forth through the “third loop” bumps for several inches to secure them. Trim excess yarn close to the work.


2. Blocking (Optional but Recommended): For a professional finish, soak the blanket in cool water with a small amount of wool wash (if using wool/acrylic blend) or just cold water for 15 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay the blanket flat on a clean towel or blocking mats. Gently stretch it to the desired dimensions (50” x 35”). Pin the edges if necessary, especially the corners, to ensure they are square. Allow to dry completely (24-48 hours). This will even out the stitches and soften the fabric.


3. Fringe Care: If you added fringe, give it a gentle tug to ensure all knots are tight. Trim the fringe ends evenly to your desired length (usually about 6 inches from the blanket edge).

Tips

1. Master the Third Loop Early: The first row of the third loop (Row 2) can be tricky. Use a bright light and a stitch marker. After you insert your hook into the third loop, you will notice the “V” of the stitch is pushed forward. If you accidentally work into the front loop only, the fabric will look like standard hdc rows. Practice on a small swatch until the woven texture appears consistently.


2. Maintain Even Tension: This stitch pattern is very “forgiving” but tension matters at the edges. Keep your turning chain (ch 2) tight, but not so tight that it pulls the edge inward. A loose ch 2 will create a flared edge. Aim for a ch 2 that is approximately the same height as your hdc stitches.


3. Customize the Size Easily: This pattern is a simple multiple of 2. For a larger king-size blanket, chain 200+ sts. For a baby blanket, chain 80 sts. Just remember your stitch count will always be (foundation ch - 2). The length is determined by the number of rows you work, so you can stop at any point. Keep a measuring tape handy to check progress.