Little Washcloths – Free Crochet Pattern in 3 sizes
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I often wonder why facecloths ( washcloths ) are so big! Maybe I just have little hands 😉 I decided to make some smaller sized washcloths for myself and my children to use – to see if we would like them better than the larger versions we buy at the store.
I am happy to say – Yes! We do like the smaller versions much better! They are much easier to hold onto and to use.
Here is a quick and easy pattern for you to try for little washcloths in three different sizes. This pattern produces a lovely textured facecloth / washcloth.
These would also make perfect baby shower gifts – they are very similar in size to the baby wash cloths I received at Darla’s Baby Shower – only they are MUCH softer using the cotton yarn (and less expensive!).
Supplies
- Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn – Medium Worsted Weight [4] Yarn
- Hook: 5 mm (H) Orange Osage Hook
- Scissors, Yarn Needle, Stitch Marker (optional)
Difficulty Level
Beginner
Finished Size
See sizes in the pattern instructions below.
Gauge
approximately 3.5 sc in 1 inch
approximately 3 rows in 1 inches
You can substitute any yarn and hook for this stitch pattern – just remember when you substitute if your gauge is different, the finished size of your project will also be different.
Abbreviations
US Terminology used
BL – back loop
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
FL – front loop
Fsc – foundation single crochet
R – row
rem – remaining
rep – repeat
sk – skip
st/sts – stitch/stitches
* – Repeat the instructions between the asterisks the number of times indicated. This repeat will contain of multiple instructions.
() – Repeat the instructions between the parentheses the number of times indicated.
[] – at the end of the row – the total number of stitches
Helpful Tutorials
Helpful Video Tutorials
Notes
- If you do not want to use the Fsc, please chain a multiple of 2 stitches, plus 1 for the turning chain. If you are familiar with the back bump of the chain stitch if you work *1 sc in the BL of the next ch, 1 sc in the Back Bump of the next ch**, across it will give you a very similar appearance to the rest of the square. To begin and work the following:
- R1: Beg in the 2nd ch from the hook, 1 sc in each ch across. Ch 1, turn.
- R2: 1 sc in the FL of the first st, 1 sc in the BL of the next st. *1 sc in the FL of the next st, 1 sc in the BL of the next st**. Rep from * to ** across. Ch 1, turn.
- The sc edging adds approximately half an inch to each side of the washcloths.
4 Inch Square Little Washcloths Pattern

Note: to use a chain row to begin instead please chain 15 stitches, beg in the 2nd ch from the hook and work 1 sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. Then, begin R2.
R1: 12 Fsc, ch 1, turn [14]
R2: [(1 sc in the FL of the 1st st) (1 sc in the BL of the next st)] repeat across, ch 1, turn [14]
R3-R12: repeat R2
Edging: 1 sc in each st (and row end) around the circumference of the cloth. I placed 2 sc in each corner.
Finish off and weave in ends.
6 Inch Square Little Washcloths Pattern
Note: to use a chain row to begin instead please chain 21 stitches, beg in the 2nd ch from the hook and work 1 sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. Then, begin R2.
R1: 20 Fsc, ch 1, turn [20]
R2: [(1 sc in the FL of the 1st st) (1 sc in the BL of the next st)] repeat across, ch 1, turn [20]
R3: repeat R2 until you reach a total length of 5.5″
Edging: 1 sc in each st (and row end) around the circumference of the cloth. I placed 2 sc in each corner.
Finish off and weave in ends.
7 Inch Square Little Washcloths Pattern
Note: to use a chain row to begin instead please chain 25 stitches, beg in the 2nd ch from the hook and work 1 sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. Then, begin R2.
R1: 24 Fsc, ch 1, turn [24]
R2: [(1 sc in the FL of the 1st st) (1 sc in the BL of the next st)] repeat across, ch 1, turn [24]
R3: repeat R2 until you reach a total length of 6.5″
Edging: 1 sc in each st (and in each row end) around the circumference of the cloth. I placed 2 sc in each corner.
Finish off and weave in ends.

Happy crocheting!

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You are so welcome Lynne! I’m happy you like them and I’m not the only one who prefers smaller cloths 😉 Have a lovely weekend, Rhondda
Thank you so much for this pattern , it is my “go to” for dishcloths .. they are just the right size, and love the texture of them.
Love these pretty little facecloths – I made them and love the look. Thank you for sharing your patterns and your talent. Love all the lovely designs you have – you are very talented. Have a question for you: Near the very top you suggest that the back bump and BL method can be used instead of the Fsc – now, my question: is this method for this pattern only b/c of the design or can this method be used all the time for the Fsc?? Thank you!
You are very welcome Sandeleh. They are easier for me to read too – I tried a few styles I liked the look of but when you put them on a webpage they don’t always look as good as you think – so I went with an oldy but goody 🙂
All the best, Rhondda
And thank you SO MUCH for making the fonts on your page easy to read for us old folks with vision problems! I really appreciate it!
Hi Leslie 🙂 Congratulations on your new great niece! I’m happy you found these free patterns to try – if you have any questions, please feel free to email me 🙂 Rhondda
Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful designs with us. I have a gorgeous, new great niece and your little face cloths and bibs will make gifts her Mom will love and baby Dorothy can use them for a long time instead of something she’ll outgrow quickly.