Free Crochet Pattern for a Waffle Rainbow Dishcloth

Materials Needed

• Yarn: 100% Cotton Worsted Weight Yarn (e.g., Lily Sugar ‘n Cream, Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton, or Bernat Handicrafter Cotton). Approx. 340 yards (311 meters) total for the main color (MC) and 100 yards (91 meters) for a contrasting color (CC). This will yield a medium-sized dishcloth.


• Hook: Size H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge.


• Notions: Yarn needle for weaving ends, scissors, stitch markers (optional).

Gauge

4 inches x 4 inches = 14 half double crochet stitches (hdc) x 10 rows.

To achieve a dense, absorbent fabric, it is important to match this gauge. If your swatch is too loose, try a smaller hook (G/6). If too tight, try a larger hook (I/9).

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch – chain


• sc – single crochet


• hdc – half double crochet


• dc – double crochet


• sl st – slip stitch


• st(s) – stitch(es)


• sk – skip


• sp – space


• RS – right side


• WS – wrong side


• MC – main color (your primary yarn)


• CC – contrasting color (for stripes or edging)


• BLO – back loop only


• rep – repeat


• rem – remaining


• tog – together (decrease)

Pattern Instructions

Dishcloth Body (worked flat, back and forth)

Foundation Row (RS): With MC, ch 31.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (30 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (30 sc)

Note: This first two rows establish a clean, stable edge for the textured pattern.

Main Texture Pattern (using a woven-like stitch):

Row 3 (RS): Ch 2 (counts as first hdc here and throughout), turn. *Sk next st, dc in next st, working behind the dc just made, dc in the skipped st (this is a crossed double crochet).* Rep from * to * across until 1 st remains. Hdc in last st. (30 sts: 14 crossed pairs + 1 hdc at start + 1 hdc at end).

Row 4 (WS): Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (30 sc)

Row 5 (RS): Ch 2, turn. Hdc in first st. *Sk next st, dc in next st, working behind the dc just made, dc in the skipped st.* Rep from * to * until 1 st remains. Hdc in last st. (30 sts)

Row 6: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (30 sc)

Stripe Sequence (Optional):

If you wish to add a stripe, change to CC at the end of Row 6 (join CC with a sl st, then ch 1). Work Rows 3-6 two more times in CC, then return to MC. For a solid dishcloth, continue with MC throughout.

Repeat Rows 3-6 until your piece measures approximately 8 inches (20 cm) from the foundation edge, ending after completing a Row 6 (a WS sc row). You should have worked the pattern a total of 8-10 times (depending on your row gauge).

Final Border Row (RS): Do not fasten off. With MC (or CC for contrast), ch 1, turn. Sc evenly across the top edge. (30 sc)

Fasten off MC, weave in ends.

Edging (worked in the round around the entire dishcloth)

Round 1 (RS): With RS facing, join CC with a sl st in any corner of the dishcloth. Ch 1, work 3 sc in the same corner.

*Work sc evenly along the side edge (approximately 1 sc per row, or 2 sc per row for a ruffled edge; for a flat edge, use 1 sc per row). When you reach the next corner, work 3 sc in the corner. Rep from * for all four sides. At the end, sl st to the first sc of the round. (Total sts will vary based on side length, but corners will have 3 sc each).

Round 2 (picot edging): Ch 1, sc in same st. *Ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook (picot made), sk 1 st, sc in next st.* Rep from * to * around entire dishcloth, working (sc, picot, sc) in each corner st to keep the corner neat. At the end, sl st to the first sc of the round.

Round 3 (optional – for a more finished look): Ch 1, sc in each st and in each ch-3 picot space around. At corners, work 3 sc in the corner sc. Sl st to join.

Fasten off CC. Weave in all ends securely.

Finishing

• Weave Ends: Using a yarn needle, weave all yarn tails into the back of the work (the WS) for about 2 inches (5 cm). Trim excess close to the fabric.


• Blocking (Optional but Recommended): Soak the dishcloth in cool water for 10 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay flat on a towel, shape to the correct dimensions (9″ x 9″ or 23 cm x 23 cm), and pin edges if needed. Allow to air dry completely. This opens the crossed stitch pattern and flattens the edges.


• Final Check: Ensure all corners are square and the picot edging is evenly spaced. If any stitch feels loose, tighten it gently with the yarn needle.

Tips

• Stitch Tension: The crossed double crochet stitch (Row 3 and 5) can pull the fabric in slightly. To keep your dishcloth square, maintain a relaxed tension on the yarn when making the dc stitches. If the fabric curls, add an extra chain in the foundation row (ch 32 instead of 31) and adjust the final sc count accordingly.


• Color Changes: When changing colors, always complete the last yarn over of the final stitch with the new color. For example, on the last sc of Row 6, insert hook, pull up loop with MC, yarn over with CC, and pull through both loops. This creates a clean, invisible color transition.


• Customizing Size: To make a larger dishcloth (e.g., 10″ x 10″), start with a foundation chain that is a multiple of 2 + 1, plus 1 for the turning chain (e.g., ch 41 for 40 sc). Work the pattern rows until the piece is nearly square, then add the edging. For a smaller version (e.g., 7″ x 7″), use a smaller hook (G/6) and ch 25.