Washcloths are the perfect crochet accessory pattern for kitchen and bathroom use. Perfect for a DIY handmade housewarming or wedding gift for friends and family (include a luxurious handmade bar of soap or scented Epsom salts from a local maker!), or make up a few to have on hand for the next baby shower you are invited to. With a 2 row repeat, this Inlet Washcloth crochet pattern is full of texture, quick-to-make, and great for using up cotton yarn from your yarn stash. Keep reading to view the smaller washcloth pattern for FREE here on the blog!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on a link and make a purchase from that website, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, see my Disclosures page.
Inlet Washcloth Crochet Pattern Inspiration
I find washcloths the perfect project for learning new stitches. The yarn over slip stitch featured in this pattern (also called the half double crochet slip stitch) is a half double crochet variation that I think is fun to make. It gives a lovely texture, but unlike most stitches, the texture shows up on the back side of the stitch. I particularly like this for a washcloth/dish cloth pattern because it allows you to have extra scrubbing power on one side of the cloth from the texture, but a smoother feel on the back side. So whether you use this washcloth to scrub that stubborn spot on your countertop, or wash the delicate skin on your face at night, this crochet pattern has you covered.
So why the name “Inlet” for this pattern? The yarn over slip stitch always reminds me of something nautical, like rope on a ship or rolling waves in the ocean. Seeing them in rows as this pattern took shape reminded me of the inlet at one of my favorite local beaches. For those who don’t know, an inlet connects two bodies of water. In the case of my favorite beach, the man-made structure connects the bay to the ocean. The inlet is lined with big rocks on either side and often has lots of small waves as the boats go through, so it felt appropriate for the look of this cloth.
Check out the washcloths made by my testers!
Yarn Suggestions
When it comes to washcloths or dish cloths, cotton is king, and 100% cotton is best. Whether you are scrubbing kitchen counters or yourself, you want something that is nice and absorbent. My absolute favorite cotton is Dishie from WeCrochet. It’s soft, but sturdy, and comes in a variety of colors. However, if you have another 100% cotton yarn sitting in your yarn stash that you want to use up, go for it! It will still work.
(Follower exclusive: Shopping WeCrochet? Use code “AWCFROMNICOLE” for 15% off your order!).
Winter Washcloth Series Blog Hop & Bundle
This year I am participating in the Winter Washcloth Series Blog Hop & Bundle hosted by Michelle at Two Brothers Blankets! It is the third year she is hosting this series, full of fun washcloth patterns – perfect for learning new stitches and techniques!
January 22nd, 2025 is my featured day, so for this day only, you can get the Inlet Washcloth crochet pattern PDF for FREE! How do you get this deal? First, head over to the Two Brothers Blankets roundup page and scroll down to today’s date to get the code. Then, hop back over here and click on the button below that says “Download the Pattern Here” to go to the Ravelry listing. Add the pattern to your cart, enter the code, and voila, FREE pattern PDF!
Missed a few of the past patterns? Or maybe you can’t wait for the rest. If you decide you want all of the patterns, you can purchase all 31 patterns in one bundle for the low price of $15.50 until January 31st. That’s only $0.50 per pattern! After January 31st, the bundle will still be available, but the price goes up, so make sure to grab it now!
Prefer an ad-free printable PDF? Check out Etsy or Ravelry for purchase options! The printable PDF crochet pattern includes instructions for both a small (7 inch) and large (9 inch) washcloth, as well as directions for creating a simple single crochet border around the edges of your washcloth.
Free Inlet Washcloth Crochet Pattern
Pattern Difficulty
Advanced Beginner
Skills used: working in turned rows, basic stitches, yarn over slip stitch
Materials
Crochet Hook: 4.5 mm, or what is required to match gauge
Yarn: #4/worsted weight yarn
- Suggested fiber: Cotton yarn
- Suggested yarns: WeCrochet Dishie
Yarn needle for weaving in ends
Scissors
Measuring tape
Stitch markers (optional)
Abbreviations
st(s): stitch(es)
ch: chain
hdc: half double crochet
fhdc: foundation half double crochet (optional)
yo-slst: yarn over slip stitch (also known as a hdc slip stitch)
- To make a yo-slst: Yarn over, insert your hook in the designated st and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Do not yarn over. Pull the first loop through the remaining loops on the hook. The texture will show up on the back side of the stitch.
Size
The instructions provided here will make a washcloth approximately 7 inches (17.8 cm) square. For a larger size, see the downloadable PDF available for purchase on Etsy and Ravelry, which includes directions for both the 7 inch square described here, as well as a 9 inch (22.8 cm) square.
Gauge
Approximately 16 sts by 11 rows of stitch pattern = 4 inches x 3 inches (10 cm x 7.6 cm)
- NOTE: Gauge is not really important for washcloths unless you want your finished washcloth to be a specific size. Otherwise, use the hook size that works best with your yarn and gives you the look you want.
Notes
* This pattern is written using US terminology.
* The starting chain at the beginning of the row does NOT count as a stitch, so the first stitch will go in the same stitch as the starting chain.
* Numbers in ( ) at the end of the instruction refers to stitch count for that round. Stitch counts are only listed when they change. If no stitch count is listed, assume it is the same as the last listed stitch count.
Pattern
Row 1: To start, you can either fhdc 28 OR ch 30 and then hdc across starting in the 3rd ch from the hook. Crocheter’s choice. (28)
Row 2: ch 1, TURN, yo-slst in each st across
Row 3: ch 2, TURN, hdc in each st across
Rows 4-27: Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until you have reached the specified row number OR until your washcloth is approximately the same measurement tall as it is wide. In either case, make sure to end on a Row 3.
Fasten off and weave in your ends.
Want instructions for adding a single crochet border around the outside edge of your washcloth? Instructions are provided in the full downloadable pattern PDF!
When you make one, I want to see it! When posting on social media, be sure to tag @fromnicolescreations and use hashtags #inletwashcloth and #fromnicolescreations.
Happy stitching!
