The Winter Waffle Dishcloth is a textured, square cloth worked flat using a mix of double crochet and front post double crochet stitches.
Featuring a soft single crochet border, it’s a quick and practical project, perfect as a hostess gift or stocking stuffer for kitchen or bath use.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Yarn: Cotton worsted weight yarn
- Yarn Measurement: About 100 yards (90 meters) of worsted weight cotton yarn.
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, scissors
- Measurements: About 9″ x 9″ square
Stitches & Abbreviations Used:
- Ch: Chain
- DC: Double Crochet
- FPDC: Front Post Double Crochet
- SC: Single Crochet
- Sl st: Slip Stitch
- St(s): Stitch(es)
Stitching Instructions for Making the Winter Waffle Dishcloth Pattern:
The Winter Waffle Dishcloth is a beautifully textured, practical square cloth made with a combination of DC (Double Crochet) and FPDC (Front Post Double Crochet) stitches.
This pattern is worked flat, making it easy for beginners and experienced crocheters alike to follow.
The dishcloth is finished with a neat SC (Single Crochet) border that adds a soft and polished edge, perfect for kitchen or bath use or as a thoughtful gift.
Starting the Body
- Foundation Chain: Begin by making a Ch (Chain) of 31 stitches. This will form the base width of your dishcloth.
- Row 1 (RS – Right Side): Work DC in the 3rd ch from the hook (the first two chains count as turning chain and are not worked).
Then DC in each remaining ch across. You should have 29 DC stitches in total. Turn your work to begin Row 2.
Establishing the Waffle Stitch Pattern
The Waffle Stitch is created by alternating between FPDC and DC stitches, which add texture and depth to the fabric. It is worked in two rows that are repeated for the body of the dishcloth.
- Row 2 (WS – Wrong Side): Ch 2 (counts as first DC). Then, FPDC in the next st, DC in the following 2 sts; repeat from across the row. End the row with DC in the last stitch. Turn.
- Note: FPDC is worked by inserting your hook from front to back around the post of the stitch below, rather than into the top loops, which creates the raised texture.
- Row 3 (RS): Ch 2 (counts as first DC). Then, DC in the next st, FPDC in the following 2 sts; repeat from across the row. End with FPDC on the last stitch. Turn.
- Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until you complete a total of 16 rows (this includes the first DC row plus 15 rows of waffle stitch pattern). Ensure you end on a WS row.
Fastening Off
Once you complete the 16 rows, fasten off your yarn neatly. Leave a tail of about 6 inches for weaving in later.
Creating the Border
Adding a SC border gives the dishcloth a clean finish and helps prevent curling or stretching of the edges.
- Attach Yarn: Join your yarn about 5 stitches in from where you fastened off the body. Use a slip knot and pull up a loop to start.
- Round 1: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch here). Work SC evenly around all edges of the dishcloth. When you reach a corner, work 3 SC stitches into the corner stitch to help the border lay flat and maintain the square shape.
- Joining the Round: After completing the SC around all four sides, join with a Sl st to the first SC.
- Fasten Off: Cut the yarn and pull through the last loop to secure.
Finishing Touches
- Weave in all yarn ends with a yarn needle, making sure to secure the edges so the dishcloth doesn’t unravel after washing or use.
- Wash and block the dishcloth if desired to even out stitches and flatten the cloth.
- This dishcloth can be gifted as is or paired with other kitchen items for a thoughtful, handmade gift.
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