This page shows the US terminology version. If you prefer to work in UK terminology then you'll want to go to this page instead.
The Cable Smocked Washcloth Free Crochet Pattern is a great fast make for those looking to try out crochet cables for the first time or wanting a sturdy, absorbent washcloth with a great scrubby texture and a decorative appearance. The edging is perfect for using up short lengths of leftover scrap yarn.
It was inspired by an article I wrote for Crochet Foundry Magazine's November 2024 issue, when I realised I didn't have a crochet design with integral cables to illustrate the article, so I came up with this simple design to show how effective they can be.
I was so pleased with the result and how well it works as a cloth, especially for spillages and dried on food, that I decided I should make this pattern available free on my website in both UK and US terminology so as many people as possible can make it.
Cable Smocked Washcloth: Free Crochet Pattern
Size: Body: 25 cm/10”square;
Tension: 15 sts x 10 rows = 10cm x 10cm / 4” x 4” measured over main patt rep using 4 mm hook, after blocking.
Working method: worked flat in turned rows, bottom up..
Requirements
Main Yarn: James C Brett Craft Cotton (100% cotton; 100g; 160m/175 yds or similar yarn. Sample in shade: Ecru
Trim Yarn: 5m/5 yds dk cotton yarn scraps for border
4mm (US G/6) hook
2 stitch markers or a cable needle
Yarn needle and scissors
Abbreviations, Charts, Key and Special Stitches
st/sts stitch/stitches
R row or round
RS/WS right/wrong side
ch chain
slst slip stitch
sc single crochet
(f)hdc (foundation) half double crochet
dc double crochet
tr treble
BP/FP work st around back/front post
3B3F cable: miss 3 sts (marking them with a cable needle or placing stitch markers either side), work 3FPdtr in next 3 sts. work 3FPdtr in 3 missed sts. Here's a video of the steps too:
Pattern Notes
Turning chains count as a st unless specified. If you prefer working foundation sts instead of a separate foundation ch and first row of sts, a row of 38 fhdc will work well.
I recommend that you read through the pattern before starting.
Method
Main Panel
Worked in rows, turning at end of each rows.
Work 39 chain in Main Yarn.
R1(RS): 1 hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc to end, turn. 38 sts
R2(WS): 3 ch (counts as st throughout), BPtr to last st, 1 dc, turn.
R3: 3 ch (counts as st throughout), [6 FPtr, 3B3F cable] three times, 1 dc, turn.
R4: Rep R2.
R5: 3 ch, FPtr to last st, 1 dc, turn.
R6: Rep R2.
R7: 3 ch (counts as st throughout), [3B3Fcable, 6 FPtr] three times, 1 dc, turn.
R8: Rep R2.
R9: 3 ch, FPtr to last st, 1 dc, turn.
R10-21: Rep R2-9 once more and R2-4 once more.
R22: 2 ch (counts as st) hdc to end.
Fasten off.
Edging
Worked in concentric rounds, always from RS.
With RS facing, join Trim Yarn in 1st st of final row.
R1:(RS): 1 ch (does not count as st), (1 sc, 1 ch, 1 sc) in same st, sc to last st, (1 sc, 1 ch, 1 sc) in last st, 2 sc in each end st of side including R1 and R22, (1 sc, 1 ch, 1 sc) in 1st st of foundation ch, sc to last st, (1 sc, 1 ch, 1 sc) in last st, 2 sc in each end st of side including R1 and R22, slst in 1st st of this round to join.
R2: 8 ch, slst in 8th ch from hook, slst in each st and ch of edging R1.
Fasten off.
Finishing
Weave in ends and at the same time add a stitch to tighten the join of the hanging loop if you wish. Block to size in Item description.
Make it your own
You could try this in different weights of yarn, always with a suitable size hook for the yarn, to get a different size of cloth.
You can omit the edging or make a larger border by substituting hdc for the sc.
Omit hanging loop or make it longer by adding more ch at start of edging R2.
Remember that some adaptations will require more yarn than stated in the requirements list.
How did it go?
I love to hear from anyone who uses one of my patterns to create a project. Any feedback you give about the pattern will help me develop future patterns that are easy to follow and it’s always exciting to see in-progress or finished projects created using my patterns. Use #cablesmockedcloth on Instagram and do tag me in your post or caption!
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