How to Make a Crocheted Dishcloth With Pretty Scalloped Edging

Dec 16, 2011
Melody Rhodes

Crocheted Dishcloth With Scalloped Edge - Photo: author

Pattern for a crocheted dishcloth worked in variegated kitchen cotton and trimmed with a scalloped edge.

Crocheted dishcloths are attractive looking, durable, and they do a great job of clean-up in kitchen areas. Crocheting your own dishcloths is also a snap because these can be created in record time, using a few crochet stitches.

Many people prefer to make their own dishcloths because they can be made in colors that match home decor. Handmade dishcloths can embellished with edgings and other decorative touches.

Because crocheted dishcloths do not take much material, scraps of left-over crochet cotton can be used to make them up or, a large skein of cotton can be purchased for making a number of dishcloths.

Using the Right Material When Making Crocheted Dishcloths

It is important to use the right material when crocheting dishcloths. Dishcloths should be made with kitchen cotton. Using regular yarn will not result in cloths that are suitable for washing dishes or wiping counters. Regular yarn is not absorbent so it will merely smear water over counter tops.

Kitchen cotton is about the same width as regular yarn, but is less fuzzy and resembles thread. Usually skeins of kitchen cotton will have pictures of dishcloths on the label, which helps when looking for it in the craft section.

How to Make a Crocheted Dishcloth With Scalloped Edging

These pretty looking dishcloths can be made in about one hour. For this sample, a variegated cotton has been used in a neutral shade.

Materials:

Size 5 hook
Variegated kitchen cotton

Stitch Key:

CH = chain stitch
SS = slip stitch
SC = single crochet (used for scalloped edge)
HDC = half double crochet (used for working rows)

Rows

Row 1: Ch 22 + 2 CH (forms first HDC)

Row 2: HDC in third chain from hook. Continue working HDC stitches in each chain loop until end of row. (23 stitches) CH 2, turn.

Rows 3-17: Start each row by working first HDC in stitch next to CH 2 which makes first stitch. Work each successive row by working HDC in each stitch underneath. CH 2 at ends, then turn dishcloth before working successive rows.

Scalloped Edging:

Near end of last row, do not work HDC in last stitch; instead, crochet 5 SC in corner loop, then continue along side working 4 SC in every other rib (see photo), leaving a space (rib) between scallops until you have 8 scallops (not counting the first scallop of 5 SC on the first corner). (Work in these same openings when reaching the opposite side of cloth.)
Along the next side, once past corner, skip two spaces and work each set of 4 SC in every third opening (see photo), until you have 8 scallops. (Do the same when you reach the opposite side.)
When edging has been worked all the way around dishcloth, finish by skipping two spaces and joining with a SS.

Finishing Dishcloth

Turn cloth to back side and use smaller size 4 hook to weave in stray cotton ends.

Attractive Crocheted Dishcloth Made From Simple Stitches

This is an easy-to-execute pattern using HDC stitches to make a square crocheted dishcloth and SC stitches to finish it with a pretty-looking scalloped edging.

Common Crochet Stitches--Nine Basic Stitches--learn commonly-used crochet stitches, such as half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet and more.