If you have ever needed a little reminder of the magic that the world has to offer while you are cleaning up after a days worth of dishes, the Shell crochet dishcloth pattern is one way to get that in. For instance, shells remind me of the beach, family, laughter, waves, sand in your toes, and the warmth of sunshine. Sometimes, just knowing that magic like that exists is enough to get me through an overflowing pile of dishes.
No time right now? So, save this easy dishcloth crochet pattern for later on Pinterest!
*This post contains affiliate links (only for products I love, use and spend my own money on obviously). This means I earn some yarn money if you make a purchase through one of these links (of course at no extra cost for you!), which I promise to use to create more awesome patterns like this one. All opinions are my own. See my full disclosure here.
The Shell Dishcloth crochet pattern would make such a wonderful addition to your kitchen when you want to add a bit of the beach or a seasonal touch. In fact, I would venture to guess that your friends and family could use some of that, too! Crochet dishcloths make perfect crochet gifts. Now, explore the free pattern below!
Best Yarn for Crochet Dishcloths
Crochet dishcloths come in all sizes and shapes. Some prefer bigger ones, other smaller ones. For me, it depends on what I’m going to use it for. That’s why I’ve included 2 sizes for this crochet dishcloth pattern!
But, one thing most people can agree on is that cotton is the best material for dishcloths. It’s affordable, soaks up any water or liquid (ideal to clean up the kitchen) and doesn’t shrink.
Dishie is WeCrochet’s super affordable (and surprisingly soft!) worsted-weight cotton yarn. The name already tells you, it’s been developed with dishcloths, towels, and other kitchen items in mind.
Classics Dishcloth Series
The Basketweave Dishcloth crochet pattern is part of a set of 5 modern takes on classic dishcloth crochet patterns. These dishcloths to crochet make PERFECT crochet gifts and are wildly simple. Crochet for beginners doesn’t always mean long drawn out projects with little purpose. This dishcloth pattern + the 4 others are THE crochet ideas for your next project!
All 5 patterns feature a stitch based on front post / back post double crochet stitches giving these dishcloths amazing texture.
Find the other dishcloths patterns here:
Downloadable PDF Crochet Dishcloth Pattern Set
The Basketweave crochet dishcloth pattern is one of the Classic Dishcloth Set, a set of 5 dishcloth patterns featuring classic textured crochet stitches for the perfect farmhouse crochet dishcloth set.
All 5 patterns feature a stitch based on front post / back post double crochet stitches giving these dishcloths amazing texture.
The other dishcloth patterns will be released on the blog soon but you can already grab the convenient printable PDF with all 5 crochet dishcloth patterns.
Grab the printable PDF set of crochet dishcloths patterns now in my Etsy shop or on Ravelry.
The Dishcloth Crochet Pattern Stitch Tutorial
The post and shell crochet stitch is a great way to add a fun nod to the beach or add in some visual interest. So, watch the stitch tutorial below and then, explore the pattern below!
Before you Begin the Shell Dishcloth Crochet Pattern
Materials
- WeCrochet Dishie (worsted weight, 100% cotton, 174m/190yd, 100g/3.5oz):
- 1 skein in coral color
Gauge
The gauge for this pattern is 19 st by 12 rows in stitch pattern for a 10 cm by 10 cm square (4” by 4”).
The gauge is not crucial for this pattern.
Size
The dishcloth crochet pattern is available in 2 sizes; small and big:
- The small size is about 16 cm / 5” square.
- The big size is about 20 cm / 7.75” square.
Sizes are written small (big) throughout the pattern.
You can easily adapt the size to your desired project size. Stitch repeats are given below.
Abbreviations
This pattern uses US notations.
- st = stitch
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- fpdc = front post double crochet
- bpdc = back post double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
Notes
Work instructions between [] the indicated number of times or until the end of the row/round. Instructions between () are worked in the same stitch/space.
The final number of stitches is indicated at the end of the row/round between < >. The turning ch 1, ch 2 don’t count as stitches throughout the pattern except if mentioned. The pattern is written in crochet shorthand. For example:
- “sc 1” means to single crochet in the next stitch,
- “sc 2” means to single crochet in each of the next 2 stitches,
- and “2 sc” means to single crochet twice in the next st.
Stitch Multiple
The shells and post stitch needs a multiple of 6 + 3 number of stitches; your starting chain will be a multiple of 6 + 4 for an extra turning chain.
Special Stitches
• Front post double crochet (fpdc):
o Yarn over, insert hook from front to back to front behind the double crochet post below (in this case the double crochet is 2 rows below), yarn over, and pull up a long loop (3 loops on hook).
o Yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over, and pull through the remaining loops.
• Back post double crochet (bpdc):
o Yarn over, insert hook from back to front to back behind the double crochet post below, yarn over, and pull up a long loop (3 loops on hook).
o Yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over, and pull through the remaining loops.
The Actual Crochet Dishcloth Pattern
With your 5 mm / US H – 8 hook, ch 27 (33) + 1.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across, turn. <27 (33) st>
Row 2: Ch 2, dc 2, [skip 2, 5 dc in next st, skip 2, dc] until last st, dc in last st, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, hdc, [bpdc, ch 2, skip 2, sc in middle dc of the shell below, ch 2, skip 2] until last 2 st, bpdc, hdc, turn.
Row 4: Ch 2, hdc, [fpdc around dc post below, 5dc in sc below] until last 2 st, fpdc around dc post below, hdc, turn.
Repeat Row 3 and 4 until you reach 13.5 (17) cm / finishing with a Row 4.
Border
Starting in the corner where you ended, work around the outer edge of your dishcloth.
Round 1: Ch 1, hdc in each stitch*, 2 hdc in each corner, join with a sl st in the first st.
*On the sides, make 1 stitch in row 3 ends and 2 stitches in row 4 ends.
Round 2: Ch 1, hdc around, 2 hdc in each of the 2 corner stitches you made in the previous round, join with a sl st in the first st.
Bind off and weave in the ends.
Blocking
You’re done with the crocheting part, make sure to weave in all the ends.
To make your stitch pattern even prettier and help straighten your edges block your project.
Don’t skip this step as it can make a huge difference.
Read my detailed tutorial on why block, how-to, and all my tips and tricks if you need help.
