Love that waffle-weave Anthropologie look? This free Waffle Stitch Crochet Dishcloth pattern gives you the same texture as those popular Market Dishcloths, using just basic double crochet and front-post stitches.
Why You'll Love This Pattern
As I was browsing Anthropologie, looking at all of their amazing kitchen items, I saw a set of waffle weave dishcloths, and I thought,"I want those." There's just something about that waffle texture.
And after that thought, my next thought came to me. Are you ready? Yep..."I Can Crochet That."
I've been wanting to come up with a crochet pattern that would make a great gift. Whether it's for a housewarming, a dorm gift, or Mother's Day, these dishcloths are the perfect gift.
I love giving crochet washcloths as gifts and then mixing them in with a few other items, such as nice soaps and a soap tray or, for the kitchen, a wood pedestal and dish soap dispenser.
Just stitch them up, put them in a pretty container, and they're ready to gift; no wrapping necessary.
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Supplies / Gauge / Skill Level / Overview
🧶 Yarn & Hook: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, weight 4, ~186 yds; 5mm (H-8) hook
📏 Gauge/Size: 16 sts × 9 rows (4"×4"); finished size 12" × 12"
🎓 Skill Level: Confident Beginner
⏱️ Time: About 1–1.5 hours once you're comfortable with fpdc
The Crochet Waffle Stitch Video Tutorial
These dishcloths are whipped up using basic stitches: double crochet, front post double crochet, and single crochet for the edging.
Once you master the front post double crochet stitches, these will only take you about an hour to an hour and a half to make. They are so easy!
I love a pattern whipped up with simple, regular double crochet because it's so satisfying to watch your project grow quickly.
The Colors + The Yarn
Update: Loops & Threads Creme Cotton yarn has been discontinued. I made new dishcloths using Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton.
You can purchase Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton at your local craft store, on Amazon.com here or LionBrand.com here.
The Waffle Stitch Crochet Dishcloth Pattern
Quickly crochet a waffle dishcloth for yourself or to give as a gift. They absorb great and are perfect for washing dishes, drying hands, or waffle stitch washcloths in the bathroom.
They launder well and look fantastic on your kitchen or bathroom counter.
Pattern Materials
Details
Method Crochet
Skill Level Beginner
HOOK(S)
5 mm • US size H-8
YARN
Weight 4 • 186 yards for one dishcloth
Colors: Ecru, Denim, Charcoal, Silver
Shop supplies in our Amazon storefront HERE - I've added alternative yarns for this dishcloth, such as Dishie and Lily 'N Cream.
NOTIONS
Scissors
Tapestry needle
GAUGE (4 x 4")
16 sts x 9 rows in pattern
FINAL SIZE
12" x 12"
Pattern Notes
- Chain 2 does count as a stitch
- Finished size measures 12" x 12"
- Number between ( ) are the number of stitches you should have in that row
- To change the dishcloth size, the multiple for the starting chain is 3 + 2
Abbreviations
ch chain
st(s) stitch(es)
dc double crochet
fpdc front post double crochet
* or ** repeat whatever follows the * or **
Special Stitches
fpdc (front post double crochet)
Yo, insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the next stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru 2 loops on your hook, yo, pull thru remaining two loops on your hook.
The Pattern Instructions
Begin Chain 47, Dc in 3rd chain from hook and across all chains until end of row, ch 2, turn (46 sts)
{Remember, chain 2 does count as a stitch from here on out. Watch the video tutorial HERE or look at the photo tutorials on the next few pages.}
Row 1 fpdc into the second stitch, fpdc in next stitch, *dc in next stitch, fpdc, fpdc* repeat from * to * across row until last stitch, dc in the top of the ch 2 from previous row, ch 2, turn (46 sts)
Row 2 dc in second stitch, dc in next stitch, *fpdc into next stitch, dc, dc* repeat from * to * across row until last stitch, fpdc around ch 2 from row below, ch 2, turn (46 sts)
Rows 3 - 28
Repeat rows 1 & 2
If you do not want to do a border, fasten off and weave in all ends.
If you do want to do a border, do not fasten off.
If you do not want to do a border, fasten off and weave in all ends.
If you do want to do a border, do not fasten off but follow the instructions below.
Top of dishcloth: work 2 sc in corner, sc across until next corner; work 3 sc in corner
Along the side: work *2 sc , 1 sc* down along the side, finishing with 3 sc in corner
Bottom: work sc across to corner, work 3 sc in corner
Along other side: work *2 sc , 1 sc* up along the side, finishing with 1 sc in corner; slip stitch to first sc in corner of dishcloth
Fasten off.
Weave in all ends.
Crochet Waffle Stitch Photo Tutorial
A Chain multiples of 3 + 2
B dc in 3rd chain from hook
C dc across to last chain
D ch 2, turn
E fpdc in next two stitches
F - H dc in next stitch; *fpdc, fpdc, dc* across to last stitch
I Last stitch goes into top of beginning ch 2 from previous row
J chain 2; turn
K dc in first two stitches
L fpdc in next stitch
M - N *dc, dc, fpdc* across to last stitch
O - R fpdc around beginning ch 2 from previous row, chain 2, turn
And that's it!
To give as a gift, either roll these up and place them in a decorative container or fold them in fourths and tie them with a ribbon.
FAQs
Can I make this bigger, like a kitchen towel?
Yes! In fact, that's how a lot of people end up using theirs. The stitch pattern is a multiple of 3 + 2, so you can adjust your starting chain to whatever size you want.
Just make sure your chain count fits that multiple (plus the turning chain) before you start Row 1.
What yarn works best if I can't find 24/7 Cotton?
24/7 Cotton was my go-to for these because it was a brand I was used to, but Dishie has actually become my favorite cotton yarn.
Lily Sugar 'N Cream cotton yarn is another option. I've got both linked in my Amazon storefront.
Any worsted weight (weight 4) 100% cotton yarn should work well here; just double check your gauge before diving in.
Does it hold up to regular washing?
It really does. I put one through the wringer on purpose. Washed dishes with it, wiped down counters and the stove, then ran it through a full wash-and-dry cycle.
It shrunk just a little, which actually pulled the stitches closer together and made it work even better than before. So yes, these hold up great to regular use and washing; no special care is required.
What does front post double crochet (fpdc) feel like the first time?
A little awkward at first, honestly. You're working around the post of the stitch instead of into the top, so it can feel stiff or unfamiliar for the first few. That's totally normal!
It clicks fast, usually within the first row or two. If you want to see exactly what it should look like, the video tutorial walks through the fpdc stitch step by step. That visual really helps it make sense.
Can I use this stitch for a blanket?
Absolutely! This is the exact same stitch and technique I used for my Crochet Waffle Stitch Blanket with Fringe.
If you love how this dishcloth turned out, that pattern is a great next project: same waffle texture, just sized up and finished with fringe instead of a border.
If You Loved This Pattern…
Crochet Waffle Stitch Blanket with Fringe — same stitch, scaled up
Free Textured Washcloth Pattern - Learn the Mixed Loop Stitch!
Beginner-Friendly Crochet Tea Towel Pattern
Easy Crochet Dish Towel Pattern
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Julie says
I love the look of these. I’m excited to try them!
Julie says
Thank you! These are the perfect weekend project. Happy crocheting! 🙂
Christopher says
If sized up, would this work well for a kitchen towel? Thanks! I'm eager to try a few of your patterns for the kitchen. 🙂
Julie says
Hey Christopher! This would make a great kitchen towel. In fact, that's pretty much how I use mine. I keep them in a basket in the kitchen and use them while cooking. Let me know how it turns out! 🙂