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This collection of simple mosaic crochet washcloth patterns features five square inset mosaic dishcloth patterns, all designed to be worked in 100% cotton for everyday use in the kitchen or bathroom.
If you’ve been searching for mosaic dishcloth patterns that are absorbent, easy to care for and satisfying to crochet, this free collection of crochet washcloth patterns gives you five coordinated designs to choose from — all worked flat, square and perfect for gifting or everyday use.
Pattern Overview: Crochet Washcloth Patterns
Pattern for: 5 mosaic crochet washcloth patterns
Yarn used: worsted weight cotton
Difficulty level: Intermediate – but once you get the hang of inset mosaic crochet, it’s a breeze!
Stitches used: single crochet and Mosaic double crochet in the inset mosaic crochet technique
Hannah’s Notes: These mosaic crochet washcloth patterns use the inset mosaic technique, meaning you only work with one colour at a time and change colours every two rows. That makes them much simpler than they look and ideal for confident beginners who want to try colour work without carrying yarn. The result is a beautifully textured, durable washcloth that’s both decorative and functional.
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Table of Contents
You’ll find below links to 5 inset mosaic crochet blogposts. Each includes full instructions for working the mosaic section of the washcloth first, followed by full instructions on how to start and finish off your washcloth.
If you love the patterns you see here, I’ve also made them into a free mosaic crochet blanket pattern.
What is Inset Mosaic Crochet?
The technique for inset mosaic crochet used in these crochet dishcloths may look quite complicated and fiddly but I promise it isn’t once you get the hang of it!
In this version you work two rows of crochet in one colour leaving spaces wherever stated in the mosaic chart or pattern and then work a further two rows in another colour.
This second colour allows you to ‘fill in’ the spaces you left using a Mosaic Double Crochet to create the design whilst then also leaving new spaces for subsequent rows.
With inset mosaic crochet, rows are worked as a pair e.g. Row 1a, Row 1b, Row 2a, Row 2b etc.
A row “a” will be on the right side of your work, a Row “b” will be on the wrong side.
You will always change colour after working a pair, and all rows start and end with a single crochet (sc).
This means that you do not need to cut the yarn between pairs. You can simply float the new yarn up as required for each colour change. Be sure to watch the video tutorial for how to do this.
Inset Mosaic Crochet Video Tutorial
Come along as I give you an introduction on how to crochet inset mosaic crochet and see just how easy it is in our step-by-step video tutorial.
Crochet Washcloth Patterns Materials
- A 3.5mm(G) crochet hook or hook needed to meet gauge
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
Along with the above you will need the following yarn for your crochet dishcloths:
Cottage Cotton Yarn, 60% Cotton, 40% Acrylic, 207yds/189m/100g, category 4, worsted weight yarn in 2 colours.
To make each wash cloth you will need approx 85yds of yarn A and 25yds of yarn B.
Check our handy yarn weight chart and guide to find out more about yarn weights and categories.
Yarn Substitutes
You can use any yarn that you like bearing in mind that you need to make sure you meet the gauge. Some other great options are:
- Dishie by WeCrochet, 100% cotton, 190yds/174m/100g
- Twister Solid XL, 55% Cotton, 45% Acrylic, 218yds/200m/100g
Size
The finished crochet wash cloths measure 10.5″ by 10.5″
Washcloth Construction
- The wash cloths are made in turned rows.
- Each section of Mosaic Crochet is preceded by a number of rows of single crochet, then more afterwards.
- To complete, the contrast yarn colour (used for the Mosaic Section) is used to add a border to the top and bottom of the wash cloth.
Gauge
19 sts and 24 rows = 4″ by 4″
How to Crochet a Gauge Swatch
Making a crochet gauge swatch is particularly important when crocheting projects (and even more so for garments) to ensure that it ends up the desired size. It will help you practice your stitches and make sure your drape is perfect too.
Adjust your hook size to get your swatch as close to the gauge measurements as you can.
Glossary and Abbreviations
- ch(s) – chain(s) (crochet chain stitch tutorial)
- ch-sp(s) – chain space(s)
- rep – repeat
- RS – right side
- sp – space
- ss/sl st – slip stitch
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- WS – wrong side
If you like these patterns, you might also like overlay mosaic crochet. Why not try this mosaic crochet poncho pattern.
Stitches
The pattern is written in standard US terms and uses the following crochet stitches:
sc – single crochet (how to single crochet)
Mdc – Mosaic double crochet (mosaic double crochet tutorial)
Special Stitches
Mdc – Mosaic Double Crochet
Mosaic stitches are used throughout the pattern and create the pattern on the right side of the blanket. They are worked into the empty stitches that you leave 3 rows below when working the inset mosaic crochet technique.
This will always be in the same colour of yarn you are currently working with.
To work a Mdc:
Yarn over and insert hook into empty stitch three rows below. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. Yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through remaining two loops on the hook.
Fsc – Foundation Single Crochet
Step 1: Ch2, insert hook into second ch from hook, yarn over and pull up a loop. [2 loops on hook]
Step 2: Yarn over and pull up another loop i.e. ch1. This creates the first “chain” in your foundation row. [still 2 loops on hook]
Step 3: Yarn over and pull through both loops to complete the first Fsc.
Step 4: Next stitch and subsequent stitches: Insert hook into “chain” created in Step 2, yarn over and pull up a loop. [2 loops on hook]
Step 5: Yarn over and pull up another loop i.e. ch1. This creates the next “chain” in your foundation row. [still 2 loops on hook]
Step 6: Yarn over and pull through both loops to complete the next Fsc.
Repeat Steps 4, 5 and 6 as required.
Before you jump into crocheting your mosaic dishcloth patterns, take a moment to read through the pattern notes—it’s a game-changer!
These handy insights will not only simplify your pattern-reading journey but also ensure a smoother crochet experience. You’ll find helpful tips on deciphering the sizing, customisation and more.
Trust me, a quick peek at these notes will set you up for crochet success!
- A ch1 at the beg does not count as a st.
- The pattern is worked in turned rows throughout.
- Read through the entire pattern before beginning.
- Before you start, go through the pattern and highlight/mark the stitch and row counts that correspond to the size you are making (this will make your life much easier!).
- Make sure that you are familiar with all of the stitches in the abbreviations list before you begin.
- You can either follow along using the written pattern or by using the Mosaic Charts. If using the charts, you will need to then add the correct number of rows of A before and after the Mosaic Sections as detailed.
- Colour changes are not in the written in each Mosaic Section to allow you to interchange colours as you like in the pattern.
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The 5 Crochet Washcloth Patterns
Washcloth 1: This easy mosaic crochet pattern is the perfect starting point for your inset mosaic crochet adventure.
Washcloth 2: This inset mosaic crochet pattern features beautiful arrows for an elegant minimalist design.
Washcloth 3: This free mosaic crochet pattern has a bold striking geometric design for your washcloth.
Washcloth 4: This simple mosaic crochet pattern combines diamonds and delicate colours for a subtle effect.
Washcloth 5: This mosaic crochet free pattern makes the most beautiful washcloth with a gorgeous square design.
Each washcloth comes with full written instructions, but if you upgrade to the ad-free pdf or the course, you’ll also get the mosaic crochet charts too!
Course!
join me for an adventure in inset mosaic crochet!
Upgrade to the course and get 2 stunning pattern eBooks, colour and layout planners, 11 videos and lifetime access!
How to Read a Mosaic Crochet Chart
If you would like to follow along with the written pattern then you’ll just need to make yourself familiar with the technique and know what a Mosaic Double Crochet stitch is. Other than that it will read just as a regular crochet pattern would.
Each of the mosaic sections have a short repeat of between 6 and 16 stitches that you will work across the washcloth.
If you have upgraded to the course or Ebooks then you will have access to all of the mosaic charts. People often love working from charts once they know how easy it is!
I remember learning and thinking just how overwhelming and tricky it seemed at first though so please don’t worry – I know how you feel! I’ve got a blogpost on how to read a mosaic crochet chart to help you out.
I’ve also put together a video tutorial to talk you through how to read a mosaic crochet chart so you can see how they work.
Materials and How to Read a Mosaic Crochet Chart Video Tutorial
Come along as I give you an introduction on how to read a mosaic crochet chart to see how easy it is in our step-by-step video tutorial.
Pattern Support
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Congratulations on crocheting your very own crochet washcloth patterns, whether you made one or a whole set! 🌟 Now that you’ve crafted this fun project, why stop here? Dive into my other mosaic crochet patterns each waiting to be transformed into your next crochet masterpiece.
Ready for your next crochet home decor pattern? Here are some other patterns you might like to try next:
- Easy Lacy Crochet Blanket – with easy repeats for a relaxing make
- Heart Crochet Coffee Cozy – using overlay mosaic crochet
- Beautiful Crochet Blanket for Spring – with mix and match crochet square
- Crochet Napkin Ring Pattern – Elegant and stylish
- If you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you might love this crocheted shamrock basket pattern too!
