Introduction: Crochet a Gradient Washcloth With Cotton Yarn

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This is a great project for using up single skeins of cotton yarn and for making gifts for family and friends.

It's also a great way of learning new crochet stitch combinations and creating new textures.

If you want to make it using self-dyed gradient yarn, like in the example, check out the tutorial for that project here.

For this simple pattern, you need to know the following crochet stitches (US terms):

  • Ch - chain
  • Dc - double crochet
  • Sc - single crochet
  • Sk - skip stitch
  • Sl St - slip stitch

The yarn should be enough for you to make the washcloth, the loop and the edges.

If you feel like the resulting fabric is too loose, use a smaller hook. If you feel like it is too stiff, go up a hook size.

You want a fabric that is compact (there are no gaping holes), but not stiff (it is malleable).

Supplies

You will need:

  • Basic cotton yarn in sport weight (12 wpi) - one 50 g or 1.76 ounce ball (about 115 meters or 126 yards)
  • Crochet hook - 4 mm
  • Tapestry needle
  • Scissors

Step 1: Foundation Chain

Make a slip knot and Ch40.

Step 2: Row 1

R1. In second Ch from hook, make a Sc. Dc in the next St. [Dc, Sc] to the end of the chain, turn.

Step 3: Row 2

R2. Ch2 (does not count as Dc), Dc in first St, Sc in next St, [Dc, Sc] to the last St, Dc in the last St, turn.

Step 4: Row 3 and Beyond

R3. Ch1, Sc in first St, [Dc, Sc] to the last St, turn.

Continue repeating rows 2 and 3 until you make a square, for about 34 or 35 total rows.

Step 5: Finishing Off the Body of the Washcloth

Ch14 to make a loop, then Sl St back into the top of the stitch where you began the loop.

Step 6: Finishing Off the Loop

Do not turn.

Sl St across the four sides to finish them up and to give them structure. Try to make about 39 or 40 Sl St on each side. When you return to the loop, put 30 Sc in the loop, then bind off and weave in the ends.

For weaving in the ends, pass the remaining yarn through the eye of the tapestry needle and go through the fabric (not around it) back and forth three times in the same direction over at least 5 cm or 2 inches (moving slightly to the sides so there is no resulting bulk).

Do not pull tightly, but make sure that the yarn is pulled through completely for every pass. After the third run, cut off the yarn. This bind should make sure that the washcloth will be in excellent shape for years to come.

Now that your washcloth is ready, you should wash it and block it (set it in a square shape while it is drying) and then you can use it or gift it to family or friends.

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