Crochet Dishcloth

HOW TO CROCHET THE FARMHOUSE  DISHCLOTH

Finished size: approximately 9 inches square

YOU WILL NEED

Worsted-weight 100% cotton yarn in a main color

A small amount of a contrasting color for the ridges

5 mm (H) crochet hook

Yarn needle

Scissors

ABBREVIATIONS

ch = chain

sc = single crochet

dc = double crochet

hdc = half double crochet

BLO = back loop only

sl st = slip stitch

st = stitch

FOUNDATION

With your MAIN COLOR, ch 33.

ROW 1

Sc in the second ch from the hook.

Dc in the next ch.

Repeat *sc in next ch, dc in next ch* across.

You should have 32 stitches.

ROWS 2–5

Ch 1 and turn.

Sc in the first st and dc in the next st.

Repeat *sc, dc* across.

This alternating sc and dc pattern creates the lemon peel texture.

CHANGE TO CONTRASTING COLOR

On the final dc of Row 5, stop before completing the last yarn-over.

Drop the main color, yarn over with the contrasting color, and pull it through the remaining loops to finish the stitch.

Your new color is now ready for Row 6.

ROW 6 — CONTRASTING COLOR

Ch 1 and turn.

Hdc in every stitch across.

ROW 7 — CONTRASTING COLOR

Ch 1 and turn.

Hdc in the BLO of every stitch across.

Working into the back loops creates the raised ridge.

On the final hdc of Row 7, change back to the MAIN COLOR the same way: stop before the final yarn-over, pick up the main color, and use it to finish the stitch.

ROWS 8–11 — MAIN COLOR

Ch 1 and turn.

Repeat the lemon peel pattern:

Sc in the first st, dc in the next st.

Repeat *sc, dc* across.

At the end of Row 11, change to the CONTRASTING COLOR on the final stitch.

ROWS 12–13 — CONTRASTING COLOR

Row 12: Hdc in every stitch across.

Row 13: Hdc in the BLO of every stitch across.

Change back to the MAIN COLOR on the final stitch of Row 13.

ROWS 14–17 — MAIN COLOR

Repeat the lemon peel pattern:

Sc in the first st, dc in the next st.

Repeat *sc, dc* across.

At the end of Row 17, change to the CONTRASTING COLOR.

ROWS 18–19 — CONTRASTING COLOR

Row 18: Hdc in every stitch across.

Row 19: Hdc in the BLO of every stitch across.

Change back to the MAIN COLOR on the final stitch of Row 19.

ROWS 20–23 — MAIN COLOR

Repeat the lemon peel pattern:

Sc in the first st, dc in the next st.

Repeat *sc, dc* across.

BORDER

Continue with the main color.

Ch 1 and work sc evenly around all four sides.

Work 3 sc into each corner so the dishcloth lies flat.

Join with a sl st to the first sc and fasten off.

Weave in all yarn ends securely.

A NOTE ABOUT THE COLOR CHANGES

Because the contrasting sections are several rows apart, I prefer cutting the contrasting yarn after each ridge section and weaving in the ends rather than carrying a long strand up the side.

If you prefer a one-color dishcloth, simply ignore the color-change directions and work the entire pattern in the same yarn.

OPTIONAL HANGING LOOP

Before fastening off the border, ch 10 and sl st back into the same corner.

Fasten off securely.

This pattern is especially pretty in sage green with cream ridges, dusty blue with ivory, or any two cotton colors that suit your kitchen.