Bring a little holiday cheer to your kitchen with this candy-cane-inspired dishcloth!

Worked in the blanket stitch with crisp red and white stripes, it’s beginner-friendly, quick to make, and perfect for gifting.

candy cane crochet dishcloth free pattern

Before You Get Started

A few quick notes:

This project uses US crochet terms.
Cotton yarn is ideal for dishcloths — it absorbs well and washes beautifully.
The blanket stitch grows quickly and creates a soft, nubby texture.
Gauge isn’t fussy here; measure as you go to hit the size.

Tools/Materials Needed

Yarn: Worsted/Aran weight 100% cotton — ~30–35 g Red + ~30–35 g White
Hook: 4 mm (G/6) or 5 mm (H/8)
Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, ruler or tape measure,
Other: Blocking pins/mat (optional)

Candy Cane Stripe Crochet Dishcloth Free Printable

Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch = chain
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
sk = skip
st(s) = stitch(es)

Pattern Notes

Finished size: 10″ × 10″ (25.5 × 25.5 cm) after blocking
Stripe plan: 1 row Red / 1 row White, repeat
The “blanket stitch” repeat is (sc, 2 dc) in the same stitch, sk 2 sts across, ending with sc in the last stitch.
Gauge target: ~18 sts × 24 rows = 4″/10 cm (not critical)

Candy Cane Dishcloth – Pattern Instructions

Foundation

Ch 35 (multiple of 3 + 2 → 33 + 2).
This gives ~10″ wide before the border at the stated gauge.

Body

Row 1 (Red): Sc in 2nd ch from hook, 2 dc in same st; sk 2 ch, (sc, 2 dc) in next ch; repeat to last 3 ch, sk 2, sc in last ch. Turn.

Row 2 (White): Ch 1, (sc, 2 dc) in first sc; sk next 2 dc, (sc, 2 dc) in next sc; repeat across, sc in last sc. Turn.

Repeat Row 2, following the stripe plan (1 row Red / 1 row White).

When the piece measures around 8″ × 8″, finish the last row with a sl st, fasten off, and weave in the color-change ends neatly down the sides.

Border (to reach ~10″)

Round 1 (Red): Join anywhere. Ch 1, sc evenly around, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st.
Round 2 (Optional, White or Red): Ch 1, sc evenly around, 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st. Fasten off.
Weave in all ends.

Block to size (10″ × 10″) for that crisp candy-cane look.

Variations

Chunky stripes: Work 2 rows Red / 2 rows White.
I-cord hanger: Add a small chain loop in one corner before fastening off.
Scrappy version: Use leftover cottons for rainbow “peppermint” stripes.

FAQs & Tips

Is there a video tutorial?

There is a video tutorial on my YouTube channel showing you how to do the blanket stitch here.

Do I have to match gauge?

No — as long as you get the width with your foundation chain and work to the listed height, you’re good.

Why cotton?

It’s absorbent, durable, and machine-washable — perfect for kitchen use.

How do I keep tidy color changes?

Carry the unused color up the edge and cover it with the border, or fasten off each stripe and weave ends as you go.

Care instructions?

Machine wash cold, gentle cycle.

Lay flat to dry for best shape (or tumble low).

Free Printable

Want to keep this tutorial handy while you crochet? Grab the free printable version of the pattern below!

Whether you’re curled up on the couch or crafting on the go, this easy-to-follow card makes it simple to work through each round at your own pace.

Yield: Crochet Dishcloth

Candy Cane Dishcloth Crochet Pattern

Whip up a festive 10" × 10" dishcloth in cozy cotton using the beginner-friendly blanket stitch.

Worked in easy one-row red/white stripes, it’s quick, absorbent, and perfect for gifting.

Includes simple stitch repeat, tidy border, and a free printable pattern—ideal for last-minute holiday makes.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Active Time 1 hour

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Difficulty Basic/Beginner

Estimated Cost $10

Materials

Yarn: Worsted/Aran weight 100% cotton — ~30–35 g Red + ~30–35 g White

Tools

Hook: 4 mm (G/6) or 5 mm (H/8)
Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, ruler or tape measure,
Other: Blocking pins/mat (optional)