Free Crochet Pattern: The Seedling 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 Seedling Dishcloth is worked in- you guessed it- the seed 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 Seedling Dishcloth, but you can get an inexpensive printable PDF from my Etsy and Ravelry shops that bundles both the Seedling Dishcloth and its companion, the Mossy Dishcloth.

The Good Stuff

You’ll need about 50 yards of worsted weight cotton yarn for this dishcloth. I ended up only using 45 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 Seedling 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 12 stitches and 11 rows to equal 4.” 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 Seedling Dishcloth will measure approximately 9″ wide at the longest row (row 15) 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.

You can use a stitch marker to help you find the first stitch of the previous row. It can be helpful while you decrease stitches especially so you don’t work into a slip stitch on accident. Slip stitches are not considered stitches in this pattern, and neither are the turning chains (either chain 1 or chain 2).

When you are decreasing on your Seedling Dishcloth, make sure your slip stitches and turning chains are loose enough for your dishcloth to lay flat. If they are too tight, your dishcloth will curl on the edges.

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

Seedling Dishcloth Pattern

Row 1: ch 3, turn, sc in second ch from hook, dc in last ch, turn (2)

Row 2: ch 1, [sc, dc] in first st, [sc, dc] in last st, turn (4)

Row 3: ch 1, [sc, sc] in first st, dc, sc, [dc, dc] in last st, turn (6)

Row 4: ch 1, [sc, dc] in first st, sc, dc, sc, dc, [sc, dc] in last st, turn (8)

Row 5: ch 1, [sc, sc] in first st, *dc, sc* repeat from * to * across until last st, [dc, dc] in last st, turn (10)

Row 6: ch 1, [sc, dc] in first st, *sc, dc* repeat from * to * across until last st, [sc, dc] in last st, turn (12)

Rows 7-14 (8 rows): Repeat rows 5-6 (28)

Row 15: ch 1, sc in first st, *dc, sc* repeat from * to * across until last st, dc in last st, turn (28)

In this next section, make sure your chs and sl sts are loose so that your edges stay straight and not curled.

Row 16: ch 1, sk first st, dc in next st, *sc, dc* repeat from * to * across until last st, sk last st, turn (26)

Row 17: ch 1, sk first st, sc in next st, *dc, sc* repeat from * to * across until last two sts, dc in next st, sl st in last st, turn (24)

Row 18: ch 1, sk sl st and first st, dc in next st, *sc, dc* repeat from * to * across until last two sts, sc in next st, sl st in last st, turn (22)

Row 19: ch 2, sk sl st and first st, sc in next st, *dc, sc* repeat from * to * across until last two sts, dc in next st, sl st in last st, turn (20)

Rows 20-27 (8 rows): Repeat rows 18-19 (4)

Row 28: ch 1, sk sl st and first st, dc in next st, sc in next st, fo (2)

Weave in ends.

There you have it! A simple, textured dishcloth to help you 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 Mossy Dishcloth, called the New Growth Dishcloth Set, in my Etsy and Ravelry shops. Please share with me your versions of the Seedling 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