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.
Rhondda says
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
Lynne says
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.
Helen says
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!
Rhondda says
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
sandeleh francis says
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!
Rhondda says
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
Leslie says
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.
Rhondda says
Thank you 🙂
Basilia M P says
Lovely!
Rhondda says
Thanks Kate! I’m happy you like them 🙂 Have fun at the cottage!! Rhondda
Kate says
I’m taking these to the cottage to work on. I love them. Thanks for sharing.
Rhondda says
Hi Sharon 🙂 Thank you!! I’m very happy you like the pattern! Rhondda
Rhondda says
Thanks! and you are very welcome for the pattern 🙂
Sharon Klundt says
Hi Rhondda,
I love these they are so nice, anxious to do ans I am making some bath sets for Christmas.
Thank you!
Sharon
Rebecca says
Love them gonna make lots of these…Thank you
Rhondda says
Hi Diane, I’m not sure I understand? Were you looking for a link to my Facebook Page?
Thanks!
Rhondda
Diane DeMonja says
Would like to be included in this group. Thanks
Rhondda says
Hi Sue 🙂 The pattern is posted above for both sizes – and you can print or save a copy using the Printfriendly button. If you need help using the Printfriendly button you can read this post: https://oombawkadesigncrochet.com/how-do-i-print-your-free-patterns/ Thanks! Rhondda
Rhondda says
Thank you Beverly 🙂 I’m very happy you found my page!
Sue Edmunds says
would like the pattern for the little face cloths
Thank you
Sue Edmunds
Beverly Johnson says
These washcloths look adorable, I have two young granddaughters that are going to love them. Thank you, I am new to your page but will follow you on Facebook and look forward to see more of your lovely work.
Rhondda says
Very welcome Kathy 🙂 Thank you!!
Rhondda says
Thank you 🙂
Rhondda says
Thank you Julie 🙂
Kathy says
Thank you for your posts on Facebook. I follow you there and on Pinterest.
Cathie says
I had the chance to see these and I loved them. A great size to use. Easy for children to handle and adults. They were soft and I could imagine using them regularly. Love them Rhonddda
Julie Corbisiero says
Hi Rhonnda, your facecloths are so pretty and I love the yarn color you chose!