If you crochet regularly, you probably have a collection of leftover yarn that seems to grow after every project. This free crochet washcloth pattern gives some of those smaller amounts of yarn a new purpose while creating something you can actually use around your home.
You know the yarn I am talking about. There is a partial skein left from a baby blanket, another from a kitchen project, and that pretty cotton-blend yarn you couldn’t bring yourself to throw away because there was still enough left to make something.
This washcloth can be that something.
When I started thinking about my contribution to the Holiday Stashdown Crochet Along, I wanted to design a project that truly worked for stash busting. I didn’t want you to need several new skeins of yarn or spend days learning a complicated stitch pattern. Instead, I wanted something simple, useful, and quick enough that you might decide to make more than one.
The result is this colorful crochet washcloth pattern.
The washcloth uses a simple one-row repeat, so once you get started, the pattern is easy to remember. The fun comes from changing yarn colors after every row. Those frequent color changes create an interesting striped effect without requiring a complicated stitch pattern.
And this is where your yarn stash gets to come out and play.
Pair a light color with a darker shade for contrast. Pull out traditional Christmas colors for holiday washcloths. Choose colors that match your kitchen or bathroom. You could even make several in different color combinations and create a handmade washcloth set.
The cotton-blend yarn gives the finished washcloth the softness and practicality needed for everyday use. These washcloths can be used in the kitchen or bathroom, made for your own home, or added to your handmade Christmas gift list.
Holiday Stashdown Crochet Along with CAL Central
This stash-busting crochet project is part of the Holiday Stashdown Crochet Along with CAL Central, which began at the end of September 2026 and continues through mid-December. Two new crochet patterns are released each week, giving you more opportunities to turn yarn you already have into useful handmade projects.
So go ahead and pull out that basket of leftover yarn. Pair two colors you might not have thought of using together and see what happens. Sometimes a small amount of leftover yarn is all you need for your next favorite project.
Here are other Dishcloth/Washcloth you might like:
Crochet Washcloth Pattern – Sage
Crochet Washcloth Pattern – Kiwi
Easy Crochet Washcloth Pattern
How To Join the 2026 Holiday Stashdown CAL
- Sign up for Crochet Along updates and the Underground Crafter newsletter to get regular updates, including links to new CAL patterns as they are released. When you sign up, you’ll also get access to my subscriber vault which includes exclusive free PDF patterns, a coupon code for your choice of any crochet or knitting pattern or ebook from my Ravelry shop, and coupon codes from other indie designers and crafts businesses.
- You can join in by crocheting the patterns as you have time.
- Share your progress and post pictures of your finished projects. Tag your projects and posts #CALCentralCrochet and #HolidayStashdownCAL on all social media.
- If you’d like to chat with other crocheters, join the Underground Crafters Community, the CAL Central Crochet Facebook group, or visit this thread in the CAL Central Crochet Ravelry group.
- By the end of the CAL, you’ll have up to 24 gifts and decorations for the winter holidays.
Share the CAL!
The event has a sharing button you can use on your Ravelry project pages or social media. Visit the official CAL page to find it. Right-click the graphic on desktop, or tap and hold on mobile, to save it.
Skill Level
Easy
Materials
Big Twist Cotton 85% Cotton 15% Polyester 131 yds (120 m), 2.65 oz (75 g) in Beige; 80 yds (73 m).
Premier Just Cotton 85% Cotton 15% Polyester 104 yds (96 m), 2.1 oz (60 g) in Lavender; 68 yds (62 m).
Weight 4 (Worsted Weight)
Hook 4 mm (US G) or size needed to obtain gauge
Tape measure
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Gauge
15 sts x 10 rows = 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm) (including border)
Finished Measurements
9” x 9.5”
Abbreviations
ch – chain
st – stitch
hdc – half double crochet
hdc2tog – half double crochet 2 together
ch-sp – chain space
rep – repeat
Notes
Rep – repeat
- The pattern is written in US Standard Terms
- Ch 3 at the beginning of the row counts as a st.
- The final measurements include finishing the border
- Ch 1 and ch 2 at the beginning of the row do not count as a st
Free Crochet Washcloth Pattern Instructions
Ch 39 using Color A
Row 1: hdc in 3rd ch and each ch to end, turn (37)
Row 2: ch 2, hdc2tog, ch 1, rep from * to last st, hdc in last st, do not turn. Go back to the beginning of the previous row and attach Color B.
Row 3: Using Color B, ch 2, hdc2tog working the sts in the ch-sp, ch 1, rep from * to last st, hdc in last st, pick up Color A.
Row 4: Using Color A, ch 2, hdc2tog working the sts in the ch-sp,, ch 1, rep from * to last st, hdc in last st, do not turn. Go back to the beginning of the previous row and attach Color B.
Rows 5 – 22: Alternating color as above continue with the pattern
Row 23: ch 2, hdc in ch-sp, hdc in next st, rep from * to last st, 3 hdc in last st, do not turn, continue with hdc evenly on the side to end.
Fasten off and attach yarn to the opposite side of the side jist made (remaining side without hdc), hdc evenly. Fasten off
Border
Attach Color B to any of the four corner, sc in first st, hdc in sc jus made, sk 1, sc in next st, rep from * till you have made the border LL round the washcloth.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
