Always and Forever Washcloth – Free Crochet Pattern with Beautiful Texture
Welcome to another exciting crochet adventure! Today, we’re diving into a washcloth crochet pattern that’s not only functional but gorgeously textured too. The Always and Forever Washcloth is a free crochet pattern that builds on the stitch we explored in the Splash of Color Washcloth and adds a fabulous new layer of dimension and interest. If you love stitch texture, you’re in for a treat!
Using the staggered double crochet pairs (also known as the dc-cluster stitch) we introduced last week, we’re now combining them with front post stitches to create an eye-catching and beautifully tactile washcloth. This pattern walks the line between intermediate and advanced beginner, making it perfect for those wanting to stretch their skills while creating something useful.
Whether you’re crocheting gifts, creating a spa set, or just indulging in a relaxing crochet project for yourself, the Always and Forever Washcloth ticks all the boxes. And, I’ve got you covered with video tutorials for both right- and left-handed crocheters (linked below) to make this as easy and enjoyable as possible.
It is also the stitch combination used in the From Us to You Donation Challenge during April 2025. This Challenge sees 2 patterns released every month (one hat and one scarf), one from yours truely and one from SandraStitches. Each month features a particular stitch or stitch combination so that you can create some beautiful sets to donate throughout the year. The patterns will always be free on our blog posts, so you can join the challenge at any time!
A Note About the Fabric This Stitch Creates
One of my favorite things about this stitch combo is the fabric it creates. It’s light, airy, and slightly open, giving it that perfect blend of form and function. When worked up in heavier weight cotton yarns (4 weight and above), it has just the right amount of absorbency and structure to make a practical, pretty washcloth.
Because of the post stitches and the dc-cluster stitch combination, there is a right and wrong side to this pattern.
The fabric has a gentle texture that feels great on the skin, making it ideal for both everyday use and pampering. It’s the kind of pattern that turns a simple ball of yarn into something both beautiful and practical.
Looking to get creative? This stitch also shines in:
- Variegated yarns – for playful, blended color effects
- Solid yarns – for texture that truly pops
- Tweed yarns – for a rustic, timeless feel
- Cake yarns – for a gradient or striping look without changing yarns
Want to think outside the washcloth box? Try this stitch combo in a finer cotton yarn for an elegant edging to a lace blanket or a lightweight scarf for spring and summer.
Skill Level
I would rate this pattern as intermediate, primarily because it involves a few stitches that go beyond the basics:
- DC2Tog (double crochet 2 together) – used to create that staggered, clustered look
- Front post double crochet stitches – which give the pattern its dimensional pop
That said, this project is absolutely doable for a confident beginner ready to expand their stitch vocabulary. The video tutorials (below) I’ve created will walk you through the stitch pattern step-by-step, and the written instructions are clear and beginner-friendly.
Once you get into the flow of the stitches, you’ll find this pattern has a relaxing, therapeutic rhythm that makes it a joy to crochet.
Customisation Options
The Always and Forever Washcloth is perfect for experimenting with your yarn stash. You can:
- Use solid colors to highlight the beautiful texture
- Try variegated or self-striping yarns for a fun color story
- Mix and match yarns for a scrappy, eco-friendly project
This texture is very unisex and works just as well in soft pastels as it does in bold or earthy tones.
Want to make it larger or smaller? Simply adjust the starting chain in multiples of 2 to suit your needs.
Abbreviations Used
Here are the abbreviations used in this pattern (US terms):
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- SDCP – staggered double crochet pairs
- fpdc – front post double crochet
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- rep – repeat
- sk – skip
- RS – right side
- WS – wrong side
Video Tutorials
To make this pattern even more accessible, I’ve created video tutorials for both right- and left-handed crocheters.
These videos will walk you through the stitch repeat while creating the washcloth, how to work the DC2Tog and FPDC stitches, and how to get that beautiful textured result.
Always and Forever Washcloth – Free Crochet Pattern
Materials
- Approx. 50-70g of #4 weight cotton yarn (or any worsted/aran weight cotton)
- 5mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Gauge
Not essential for this project. You washcloth will be approx 8-9″ square.
Finished Size
Approx. 8”x8” (easily adjustable)
Special Stitches:
STAGGERED DOUBLE CROCHET PAIRS:
This stitch is more commonly referred to as double crochet 2 together but the placement of your ‘pairs’ keeps the stitch count correct without creating any decreases in stitch numbers which the double crochet 2 together is usually used for. To work this st: YO, insert hook into ch1 sp and pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 loops only, YO, insert hook into next ch1 sp and pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 loops, YO and pull through all remaining loops on the hook.
Note, after you have completed the first SDCP you will start the next st in the same ch1 sp that you finished the previous stitch in. The videos above show this process.
DOUBLE CROCHET 2 TOGETHER: ALSO KNOWN AS A DECREASE,
YO, insert hook into indicated stitch and pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 loops only, YO, insert hook into next st and pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 loops, YO and pull through all remaining loops on the hook.
Front Post Double crochet:
To work a fpdc you follow the usual instructions for the dc, but instead of inserting your hook into the next stitch you insert your hook around the post of the stitch below from the front to the back and then out of the front again.
You can see this in my fpdc video
Right handed – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmWe76Y4v08
Left handed – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biHxNSKo5Vw&t=2s
Pattern Instructions:
** This is a free pattern on the blog. Please do not copy and paste any part of it or print this pattern out. Please bookmark this page and use the website to work up your pattern. This helps my small business greatly as it provides a little bit of ad revenue which will in turn will allow me to continue to create free content for you!**
Foundation Row: Ch 30 (or a multiple of 2)
Row 1 (RS): Dc in 5th ch from hook (counts as Ch1, dc), ch1, *dc2tog over next 2 chs, ch 1; rep from * across to last 2 ch, dc in last ch. Turn.
Row 2 (WS): Ch4 (counts as dc, ch1), *FPdc around the next dc2tog, Ch1, sk ch1 sp* . Rep from * to * across to your turning ch. DC in top of turning ch. Turn.
Row 3 (RS): Ch4 (counts as dc, ch1), work dc2tog across next 2 ch1 ups, Ch1, *SDCP stitch across, ch1* Rep from * to * until you have no ch1 sps left to work, dc2tog across the last ch1 sp worked and the top of the turning ch from the previous row.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until your washcloth is square or your desired length.
Optional border:
If you would like to add a border I worked the following:
Round 1: instead of fastening off, simply turn your work so that you are working down the side of the washcloth and sc evenly until you reach the first corner: work [2sc, ch1, 2sc] in the corner stitch in the corner. Continue single crocheting around, placing [2sc, ch1, 2sc] in each corner SS to first sc made.
Round 2: Ch1, *hdc in each st across until you reach the ch 1 corner sp, [hdc, ch1, hdc] in the ch 1 sp, Rep from * until you have worked all of the way around your washcloth.
Fasten off, weave in ends, and block if desired.
Wrapping Up
The Always and Forever crochet Washcloth pattern is a textured, practical, and satisfying project that makes a great gift or addition to your own home. It builds beautifully on the Splash of Color Washcloth stitch tutorial and introduces you to the magic of combining dc-clusters with front post stitches.
Whether you’re making a single cloth or a whole stack for a gift basket or market prep, this pattern is sure to become a favorite. And since it’s a free washcloth crochet pattern, it’s easy to keep coming back to!
Don’t forget to check out the video tutorials, share your makes on social media, and tag me so I can cheer you on!
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Until next time, happy hooking ❤️
