One of my favorite quick projects is a dishcloth or washcloth. They work up quickly and I like how I can pick my own colors and pattern. Plus I think they are thicker and hold up much better than the store bought variety.
Because I like a lot of texture in my dishcloths and washcloths, the grit stitch is one of my go-to stitches. It's a really simple stitch that a beginner will have no problem mastering. There are only two stitches in the pattern, single crochet and double crochet. The foundation chain is done in sets of 2. This means as long as you have an even number of foundation chain stitches you can make your project as wide or narrow as you like.
How to Crochet Single Crochet Foundation Chain Stitches
Speaking of foundation chains, I don't like to just a chain. I prefer to use foundation chain stitches. Foundation chain stitches create a nice loose and springy foundation for your project that doesn't pull or warp it. Many times a chain will be tight and the bottom of your dishcloth is tighter and narrower than the top. Using foundation chain stitches solves that problem.
For this project I used single crochet foundation chains. Chain 2, insert the hook into the first chain, yarn over and pull through the stitch. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the first loop on the hook. This creates the chain stitch you'll need to begin the next stitch. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the two loops on the hook to complete the stitch.
Begin the next stitch by inserting the hook under the chain stitch created in the previous stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. Yarn over and pull through the first loop on the hook. This is the chain stitch you'll need for the next stitch. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the two loops on the hook to complete the stitch. Continue until you have the correct number of stitches.
At the last stitch turn the chain so that the hook and yarn are on top of the stitches and continue just like you would with a traditional foundation chain.
When you're crocheting foundation chain stitches, it is sometimes easier to think of crocheting them sideways or vertically instead of across or horizontally.
Grit Stitch Crochet Dishcloth Pattern
You will need a small amount of cotton or cotton blend yarn. I used Premier Home cotton./polyester yarn in Purple (Color A) and Grape Splash (Color B). You'll also need a size J/10 (6.00mm) crochet hook and a tapestry needle.
With Color A crochet 20 single crochet foundation stitches
Row 1: ch3 *sc into next st, dc into next st* rep across ending with a sc into the last st, turn
Row 2: ch3 *sc into the next st, dc into the next st* rep across ending with a sc into the 3rd turning chain, turn
Repeat Row 2 until the desired length, fasten off Color A and weave in the tails.
On all rows you will be working a single crochet into a double crochet, and a double crochet into a single crochet.
Edging
Round 1: Join Color B in any corner and ch1. Single crochet evenly around the washcloth working 3 single crochet into each corner. Work 2 single crochet into the last corner and join into the chain 1
Round 2: ch1, sc into each st around working 3 single crochet into each corner, join into the chain 1
For the loop chain 8 and slip stitch into the base of the beginning of the chain 8, turn your work and work 8 single crochet around the loop, slip stitch into the stitch to the left of the base of the chain, fasten off and weave in tails.
You're all done!
As with all my patterns please feel free to sell any items you make with them, just please give me credit as the designer. If you'd like to share this pattern, please share the link to this blog or the link off my Raverly account.
I have tried to make my patterns error free, but if you find any errors or have any questions, please ask me in the comments. I'd love to hear from my readers. Until next time, take care and keep on hooking!
