Easy Half-Double Crochet Dish or Washcloth Pattern for Beginners

by Janice Jones, Last updated July 30, 2026

If you've mastered the half-double crochet stitch, you're ready for your next finished project. Even if you have not learned how to make the half-double crochet stitch, you can learn by creating this absolute beginner pattern.

This easy half-double crochet washcloth uses only chain stitches, half double crochet stitches and single crochet stitches if you want to add a border, making it an ideal confidence-building project for beginners. Mine measures approximately 10 inches square but you can easily make yours larger or smaller if desired.

A folded washcloth and background washcloth shown with a bar of soap

Crochet Milestone #3:

This is Crochet Milestone #3 in my beginner crochet series. After practicing single crochet, this washcloth helps you learn half double crochet, turning chains, row height, and optional borders. Please visit my page on the series of crochet milestones that encourage you to learn crochet skill by skill.

What you'll learn

By finishing this washcloth you'll practice:

  • keeping even tension
  • turning your work
  • counting stitches
  • counting rows
  • recognizing the first and last stitch
  • fastening off
  • weaving in ends

Skills to Practice

How to make a slip knot and crochet chain

How to make the single crochet stitch

How to make the half-double crochet stitch

How to hold your crochet hook

How to weave in ends

Blocking Crochet (optional)

Crochet Washcloth at a Glance

Skill Level:  Basic

Finished Size:  10 inch square

Lays Flat: Yes (Blocking is optional)

Reversible:  Yes

Note:  Because everyone crochets with slightly different tension, your washcloth may be a little narrower or wider than mine. That's perfectly normal.  Don't worry if your washcloth is slightly larger or smaller. This project is designed for practice rather than exact sizing.

Supplies Needed

  • Yarn:  I recommend a worsted-weight cotton yarn or whatever you have on hand
  • Hook:  I used a 4.5 mm crochet hook, But an H (5.0 mm hook works well).
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Before You Begin

  • The chain 2 turning chain does not count as a stitch.
  • Always work the first HDC into the first real stitch of the row.
  • Count 36 stitches at the end of each row.
  • Your square may not be perfect, and that’s okay.

Instructions

Make a slip knot leaving about 6 inches of yarn from knot.  Chain 38 stitches.  Turn. 

Row 1: Work 1 half double crochet into the third chain from the hook and in each chain across. You should have 36 half double crochet stitches. Make two chains and turn your work.  The turning chains help bring your yarn to the correct height for the next row. It does not count as a stitch in this pattern.

Row 2:  Make one half-double crochet into the top two loops of each half-double crochet across row.  Chain 2 and turn.

Rows 3 and beyond:   Continue working Row 2 until your bookmark measures about 10 inches, or until it is the size you desire.

Add an optional border (see below) or fasten off after last stitch by inserting your hook into the last stitch and pulling tight.  Cut the yarn leaving about 6 inches of yarn.

Weave in ends both the beginning and ending ends.  Clip the left over yarn close to the fabric. Weaving in the yarn tails keeps your bookmark from unraveling during use.

Optional:  Add a single crochet border.

Optional Border

Many dishcloths and washcloths are finished off with a border to give it a nice polished look.  A simple crochet border is the easiest way to add that finishing touch to your washcloth.  

To add a border, do not fasten off after the last row of half-double crochet stitches. 

How to crochet into the top and bottom of the square washcloth

The border will be worked by adding a single crochet stitch to each half-double crochet stitch on the two end rows, top and bottom.  

How to crochet into the sides of the square washcloth

Since half double crochets are slightly taller than single crochets, working exactly one stitch per row will cause the edges to pucker or pull inward. 

  1. Work 2 single crochet stitches into the side of the first HDC row.
  2. Work 1 single crochet into the side of the next HDC row.
  3. Repeat this pattern 

How to crochet into the corners of the washcloth

There is a couple ways to work the corners so your washcloth does not curl.

  1. Work 3 single crochets into the very corner stitch.
  2. Work 1 single crochet, chain 1, and then 1 single crochet stitch all into the corner stitch. 

Common Beginner Mistakes

Why is my washcloth getting wider?

You accidentally added stitches at the ends of rows.

Why is my washcloth getting narrower?

You skipped the first or last stitch.

Why are my edges uneven?

Your turning chain may be inconsistent, or you accidentally worked into it.

Care Instructions

Hand wash or machine wash according to your yarn label and lay flat to dry. If you use cotton or acrylic you can use your washing machine and dryer to clean your washcloth.

Congratulations—You've Finished Your Crochet Project!

You have now completed your third task on my crochet milestones page.