How to Crochet a Simple Dishcloth with Double Crochet Stitch

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Create the foundation chain

Begin by placing the hook into the yarn and leaving a tail long enough to weave in later. Yarn over (wrap the yarn from back to front around the hook), insert the hook into the yarn again, and pull through a loop. Repeat this 25 times to create a foundation chain of 25 stitches. The 25-chain length gives a good dishcloth width — airy scrubby yarn works up slightly larger than standard cotton, so the finished cloth should be a practical kitchen size. Keep your chain tension relaxed and even; a tight foundation chain makes the first row of double crochets harder to work into and can draw the bottom edge inward. Count your chains before starting row 1.

Step 2 — Work the first double crochet row

Insert the hook into the fourth chain from the hook — the first three chains count as your turning chain and first double crochet stitch. Yarn over, pull up a loop through the chain (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops, yarn over once more and pull through the remaining 2 loops to complete the double crochet. Continue working one double crochet into each of the remaining chains across the foundation row. At the end of the row turn the work. You should have a clean row of double crochet stitches sitting evenly across the foundation chain, with the three turning chains forming the first dc at the right-hand edge.

Step 3 — Repeat rows to build height

For each new row, chain 3 to turn (this counts as your first double crochet), then work one double crochet into each stitch across until you reach the end of the row. Turn and repeat. Continue working rows of double crochet until the cloth reaches your desired height — for a square dishcloth, keep going until the height matches the width. The double crochet stitch works up quickly, so a square cloth generally takes fewer rows than you might expect. Measure regularly as you go and stop when the length matches the width rather than counting to a fixed row number, since yarn thickness and personal tension both affect the row height.

Step 4 — Join the border yarn

Once the main cloth is the size you want, join your contrasting border yarn at one corner. Insert the hook between the last stitch and the second-to-last stitch at the corner of the cloth, catch the new yarn, and pull up a loop. Chain 2 to create a turning chain for the border. Using a contrasting colour adds a visual frame that makes the dishcloth look finished and deliberate — but if you prefer a single-colour cloth, you can work the border in the same yarn. Either way, the border technique is identical. Make sure the joining point sits securely before beginning to work along the edge.

Step 5 — Work the border edges

Work along each edge of the cloth, placing one double crochet into the long vertical side of each stitch and one double crochet into the top of each stitch as you travel along a row edge. The extra dc into the side of each stitch — rather than just the top — prevents the border from pulling or puckering along the sides where the row ends sit. Keep the border stitches snug but not tight; a border that is too tight will cause the cloth to cup inward, while one that is too loose will ruffle. Work all the way around all four sides, handling each corner as described in the next step.

Step 6 — Work the corner turns

At each corner, insert the hook three times in sequence: first between the last stitch and the second-to-last stitch, then into the top of the last stitch, and finally into the top of the first stitch of the next row. Work a triple crochet stitch across all three insertion points. This three-point triple crochet creates a smooth, square corner that lies completely flat without bunching or pulling. At the final corner, the same technique applies — aim for three stitches at each corner so all four corners are even and symmetrical. Complete one full round of border stitches all the way around the cloth, working corners as you reach each one.

Step 7 — Finish and weave in ends

Once the border is complete and you have worked back to the starting corner, close off the project with a slip stitch: insert the hook into the final loop of the last row, yarn over, and pull through the loop on the hook. Repeat until all remaining loops from the final chain are drawn together and the border is fully joined. Cut the yarn leaving a tail of around 15cm, then weave the tail through several stitches along the edge of the cloth in two directions to secure it. Weave in the starting tail and any other loose ends in the same way. Trim all tails close to the fabric. Rinse the cloth before first use if desired — the scrubby yarn softens slightly with washing and becomes even more effective for cleaning.

Frequently asked questions

What materials do I need to crochet a double crochet dishcloth?
You will need airy scrubby yarn for the main cloth, contrasting yarn for the border (optional), a size H/5mm or I/5.5mm crochet hook, and scissors.

Can I adjust the size of my double crochet dishcloth?
Yes — adjust the width by changing the number of starting chains, and adjust the height by working more or fewer rows of double crochet. The foundation chain of 25 stitches worked to a matching height gives a roughly square dishcloth, but you can easily scale it up or down to suit your needs.

How do I handle corner turns when adding a border to the dishcloth?
At each corner, insert your hook three times: once between the last stitch and the second-to-last stitch, once in the top of the last stitch, and once in the top of the first stitch of the next row. Work a triple crochet stitch across all three insertion points — this creates a smooth, square corner that lies flat rather than pulling or bunching.

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