This crochet spike stitch dishcloth pattern uses three Valentine-ready cotton colors: red, white, and pink, to create a bold, textured stitch pattern that looks almost heart-like as it builds.

The raised spikes add gentle scrub-ability, while the alternating colors create a fun colour work effect that gives a simple square instant visual interest.

If you’ve been looking for a crochet stitch tutorial that feels impressive but is still an easy repeat, this one’s a keeper, and the fabric is cute on both the right side and the reverse side, making it feel like a little reversible fabric treat for your kitchen.

Crochet Spike Stitch Dishcloth Free Printable Pattern

Before You Get Started

Skill Level: Advanced beginner
Choose 100% cotton yarn for dishcloths; cotton is absorbent, washable, and holds up well to daily use.
You’ll begin with a foundation chain, then make a foundation row of regular single crochet to set up the texture.
The spikes are made by working into stitches from previous rows (two rows below), creating long single crochets that pop forward while keeping the fabric sturdy.
After the first three rows, you won’t need to cut yarn for each colour change; each shade will be waiting at the end of the row. Just carry the unused yarn neatly up the side for an easy way to manage your strands.
Keep your tension firm but not stiff: for a dishcloth, you want a cloth that flexes and wipes well. If it’s too dense, try a slightly bigger hook size (the pattern uses a 4 mm crochet hook/US G/6), and if it’s too floppy, tighten your stitches.

Helpful tip: When you pull up the loop for the spike stitch, match the height of the new row so the texture sits evenly and your edges stay tidy.

Materials

Yarn: Any cotton yarn (100% cotton works best for absorbent cloths)
- Approx 30g / 51 meters / 55.8 yds of each color
Yarn A: Red
Yarn B: White
Yarn C: Pink
Hook: 4 mm crochet hook (US G/6), yes, your hook size matters for a sturdy finish; any similar mm hook is fine if you like the fabric
Scissors
Tape measure
Yarn needle

Size + Gauge

Finished size (approx): 8.5 x 8.5 in / 21.5 x 21.5 cm (depends on yarn + tension and your desired width)
Gauge: 18 sts / 24 rows in single crochet.
- In crochet terms, aim for a firm single crochet stitch texture that lies flat and feels sturdy for kitchen use.
Gauge isn’t critical here; focus on a dense square that doesn’t flop.

Abbreviations (US terms)

ch = chain
sc = single crochet
sl-st = slip stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)
RS = right side
WS = wrong side
rep = repeat (rep row/repeat row as instructed)

UK note: US single crochet (sc) = UK double crochet (dc).

Pattern Instructions

Multiple: an even number of stitches
This dishcloth starts with 34 chains.

Setup

With Yarn A, make your foundation chain: ch 34.

Row 1 (RS)

With Yarn A, ch 34, work 1 sc in 3rd chain from hook and in each ch across, turn.

That first row is your foundation row. At the end of the row, you should have an even stitch count.

Row 2 (WS)

With Yarn A, ch 1 (counts as one sc), skip first sc, *1 sc in next st, 1 sc in next st two rows below; rep from * to end, 1 sc in top of the stitch of the final sc, change to Yarn B, turn.

Notes for this row:

The spike is worked into the stitch two rows below (not the current row).
Insert your hook into that lower stitch, pull up a loop to the working row height, then complete the sc—these are your long single crochets.
Keep your tension even so the spikes don’t pucker.

Row 3

Repeat Row 2 with Yarn B. Change to Yarn C at the end.

Continue the stitch pattern

Keep working Row 2, work one row of each color in sequence; A, B, C, until your square measures about 8 inches, ending after a full color cycle so your carried yarns behave nicely at the side.

Color changes (no cutting!)

After the first three rows, the correct color will be waiting at the edge you need.
Don’t cut, just pick up the next yarn at the side and carry the others upward.
This is a tidy decorative technique for stripes without a million ends.

Finishing: Single crochet border (Yarn A)

With Yarn A, add a bold red border for a great border that hides the carried strands.

Ch 1, 1 sc in any corner, 2 sc in same corner space
sc around each edge, working 3 sc in each corner
Join with a sl-st in first ch
Weave in ends and block lightly for a neat shape and plain piece-to-polished transformation

Make sure the last corner feels secure and that you don’t miss the first stitch of each side (a sneaky spot!).

Finish on the last st cleanly, and if you’re counting, check you didn’t skip the last ch space at the corners.

crochet spike stitch using single crochet

FAQ

Is this too thick for a dishcloth?

Not at all. This stitch creates a textured cloth that’s great for wiping counters and for gentle scrubbing.

If you crochet tightly, it becomes more scrubby; if you loosen up (or go up a hook size), it behaves more like a classic dishcloth.

Where exactly do I insert my hook for the spike stitch?

On the spike step, you’ll work into the stitch two rows below (not the current row).

Insert your hook into that lower stitch, pull up a loop to the working height, then finish your single crochet.

Keeping the loop height consistent helps the spikes look clean.

How do I avoid losing stitches at the ends?

Watch the first stitch and last st of every row, those are the easiest to miss.

On the final stitch, make sure you’re working into the correct spot at the top of the stitch, and keep your turning chain consistent so your edges stay straight.

Do I have to cut the yarn when I change colors?

No, once your color sequence is established, the next yarn will be waiting at the side.

Just pick it up at the row end and carry the unused yarn up the edge.

What’s the best border for a dishcloth?

A simple single crochet edging is perfect: it firms up the sides and gives a clean finish that helps the cloth hold its shape after washing.

This pattern’s red edging also makes a great border that frames the design and hides carried yarn.

How should I wash and dry it?

Most cotton dishcloths can be machine-washed.

If you want the neatest shape long-term, lay flat to dry or tumble low (follow your yarn label).

A quick block after the first wash can also help.

Can I use this stitch for other projects?

Yes, this technique looks great in blankets and accessories too.

If you scale it up, it can work beautifully for a baby blanket or bigger kitchen cloth sets in different color themes.

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 spike stitch dishcloth or washcloth

Crochet Spike Stitch Dishcloth

A sweet, scrubby Valentine dishcloth you’ll actually use!

This crochet spike stitch pattern combines red, white, and pink cotton to create a textured, heart-like look with a clean single crochet border.

Best of all, you can carry the yarn up the side (no constant cutting) and repeat the simple rows until you’ve got the perfect square.

Happy crocheting!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Active Time 2 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes

Difficulty Advanced Beginner

Estimated Cost $10

Materials

Yarn: Any cotton yarn (100% cotton works best for absorbent cloths)
Approx 30g / 51 meters / 55.8 yds of each color
Yarn A: Red
Yarn B: White
Yarn C: Pink

Tools

Hook: 4 mm crochet hook (US G/6)
Tape measure
Yarn needle
Scissors