Free Crochet Pattern: Mossy Dishcloth

Are you looking for a quick and easy dishcloth pattern that goes beyond just a single crochet square (aka every crocheter’s first project)? Look no further! The Mossy Dishcloth is worked in- you guessed it- the moss stitch and is crocheted on the diagonal. You are actually making a diamond shape from one corner to the opposite side, which means you get to do simple shaping on every row to keep you engaged. Don’t get intimidated though, this stitch pattern is simple and mindless. You’ll be whipping up loads of these dishcloths in no time! In this post you’ll find the free pattern for the Mossy Dishcloth, but you can get an inexpensive printable PDF from my Etsy and Ravelry shops that bundles both the Mossy Dishcloth and its companion, the Seedling Dishcloth.

The Good Stuff

You’ll need about 45 yards of worsted weight cotton yarn for this dishcloth. I ended up only using 39-40 yards for each of mine, but make sure you have enough so that you don’t run out on the second to last row (loosing yarn chicken is no fun)! The Mossy Dishcloth measures approximately 7″ by 7.” I used a US J/ 6.00 mm crochet hook, though depending on your gauge you may need a larger or smaller hook.

Speaking of gauge…. when working in this stitch pattern, you should aim for 15 stitches and 14 rows to equal 4.” In the moss stitch (at least for this pattern), all chain 1 and single crochet stitches count as separate stitches. So “sc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st, sc in next st” will count as 3 stitches. While you could do a separate gauge swatch, I find it easier to just follow the pattern and measure as I go. That way, if my piece is measuring too big, I can just start decreasing on my dishcloth earlier than the pattern states. And if it’s measuring too small, I can continue the row repeat until my dishcloth reaches my desired size. Your Mossy Dishcloth will measure approximately 9″ wide at the longest row (row 18) if you meet gauge.

Abbreviations You Should Know

• ch(s)- chain(s)
• sc- single crochet
• dc- double crochet
• sk- skip
• st(s)- stitch(es)
• ch sp- chain space
• sl st(s)- slip stitch(es)
• fo- fasten off

Other Notes for Reading the Pattern

Stitch counts are included at the end of each row in parentheses. Anything marked * * is a stitch repeat whereas anything marked [ ] is supposed to be crocheted in the same stitch.

Are you ready for the pattern? Don’t forget, you can support me and get an inexpensive PDF of both this pattern and the Seedling Dishcloth, its companion pattern, in my Etsy and Ravelry shops.

You can use a stitch marker to help you find the turning chain of the previous row. It can be helpful while you get used to seeing that chain since you’ll be working into it. This chain 2 turning chain at the beginning of each row is considered a single crochet and a chain 1 stitch, which means it is equivalent to 2 stitches. As stated above all single crochet and chain 1 stitches are considered stitches for the purposes of this pattern.

Mossy Dishcloth Pattern

Row 1: ch 3, turn, sk 2 ch, sc in last ch, turn (3)

Row 2: ch 2, sk first st, sc in turning ch sp from previous row, ch 1, sc in same ch sp, turn (5)

Row 3: ch 2, sk first st, sc in first ch sp, ch 1, sk next st, sc in turning ch sp from previous row, ch 1, sc in same ch sp, turn (7)

Row 4: ch 2, sk first st, sc in first ch sp, *ch 1, sk next st, sc in next ch sp* repeat from * to * across until turning ch sp from previous row, [sc, ch 1, sc] in turning ch sp from previous row, turn (9)

Rows 5-18 (14 rows): Repeat row 4 (37)

Row 19: ch 2, sk first st, sc in first ch sp, *ch 1, sk next st, sc in next ch sp* repeat from * to * across until last ch 1 sp, sc in next ch sp, sc in turning ch sp from previous row, turn (36)

You will not have a ch 1 in between the last two sc of this row!

Row 20: ch 2, sk first two sts, sc in first ch sp, *ch 1, sk next st, sc in next ch sp* repeat from * to * across until last ch 1 sp, sc in next ch sp, sc in turning ch sp from previous row, turn (34)

Rows 21-34 (14 rows): Repeat row 20 (6)

Row 35: ch 2, sk first st, sc in ch 1 sp, sk next st, sc in turning ch sp from previous row, turn (4)

Row 36: ch 2, sk first st, sc in turning ch sp from previous row, fo (3)

Weave in ends.

There you have it! A simple, drapey dishcloth with a fun construction to meet all of your market making and gift giving needs.

If you love this pattern and want to support me, consider purchasing an inexpensive PDF of both this pattern and the Seedling Dishcloth, called the New Growth Dishcloth Set, in my Etsy and Ravelry shops. Please share with me your versions of the Mossy Dishcloth, part of the New Growth Dishcloth Set, by tagging me on Instagram @crowchetcreations and using the hashtags #crowchetcreations and #NewGrowthDishclothSet, I would love to see!

Happy making,

Emily