Spill the Beans Washcloth
The bean stitch gives this crochet washcloth pattern a wonderful squish factor! Just what you want in a washcloth! And you wouldn’t think a bean stitch would create a feminine flair, but something about those diagonal lines when crocheted in a square! It turned out quite delicate and pretty.
This washcloth would make a perfect addition to any spa or bathroom and it’s so soft to the touch when you use a nice, quality cotton yarn! Make a matching set as a gift, or just for yourself!
The Origin of This Crochet Pattern
This crochet washcloth pattern is actually the sister pattern to several other “Spill the beans” patterns here on my blog! Once you see them all you’ll figure out a little secret of mine… when I find a stitch pattern I like, I love to see how many different projects I can use it in!
If you love this stitch pattern as much as I do, then you’ll need to check out the Spill the Beans Throw Pillow and the Spill the Beans Baby Blanket as well!
The Yarn for This Crochet Pattern
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This was my first time using Lion Brand Pima Cotton yarn. I initially picked it up because the colors were so pretty. However, it is also VERY soft and smooth, making it the perfect choice for an item that will be used on your skin. The best of both worlds.
It is 100% cotton, so it should be absorbent, though I haven’t tried it out myself as of yet! Anyone else have a hard time actually using such a pretty washcloth?!
The Pattern
If you would like to purchase an inexpensive, ad-free printable pdf version of this crochet washcloth pattern, you can find it here at my Etsy shop.
Add this crochet washcloth pattern to your Ravelry favorites HERE.
Materials:
- 57 Yards Size 4 Yarn (I used Lion Brand Pima Cotton in Peppercorn and Rose Taupe)
- US I/ 5.5 mm Crochet Hook
- Yarn Needle
- Scissors
Gauge:
4” square = approximately 5 rounds of pattern as instructed
Finished Size:
7” x 7” square
Stitches Used:
(ch) chain
(sl st) slip stitch
(sc) single crochet
Special stitch: Bean Stitch
Special stitch: Crab Stitch (or Reverse Single Crochet)
How To Crochet The Bean Stitch:
Insert hook. Yo and pull through the stitch. Yo. Insert hook in the same stitch. Yo and pull up a loop. You will have 4 loops on your hook. Yo. Insert hook in the same stitch. Yo and pull up a loop. You will have 6 loops on your hook. Yo and pull through all 6 loops on your hook. Chain 1 to finish off the stitch.
Pattern Notes:
Beginning chain of each round does not count as a stitch.
I tend to crochet tightly. So be sure to check your gauge and if you are crocheting more loosely you can move to a smaller hook (or larger if you crochet even more tightly). Some people find they even need to go down two hook sizes to meet my gauge. Gauge is not terribly important for this pattern since it is not a wearable item. The more important factors may be whether you are achieving your preferred drape and if you want to achieve the same finished size as stated in the pattern.
When the pattern calls for a bean stitch, that includes the final chain 1 to finish off. Any chains after the bean stitch are in addition to that chain.
It may be helpful to use a stitch marker at the beginning of each row/ round so you know where to join each round.
Pattern:
Round 1: Ch 2. In the 2nd chain from the hook, place a bean stitch. Ch 2. *In the same chain (the same chain you placed the first bean stitch in), place another bean stitch. Ch 2.* Repeat from * to * 2 more times. Join with a sl st to the eye of the first bean. (4 bean stitches with 2 chains between each)
Round 2: Turn. Pull the yarn loop up slightly, just to create enough flexibility to create the bean stitch. *In the chain space, place a [bean stitch, ch 2, bean stitch]. Ch 1.* Repeat from * to * 3 more times. Join with a sl st to the eye of the first bean stitch of the round. (8 bean stitches. Each pair is separated by 2 chains, these will be the corners. Each pair is separated by 1 chain).
Note: You can start the round with a chain 1 if you find that easier. I just preferred to jump right into the bean stitch.
Round 3: Turn. Pull the yarn loop up slightly. *1 bean stitch in the chain sp. Ch 1. In the next ch sp place a [bean stitch, ch 2, bean stitch]. Ch 1*. Repeat from * to * 2 more times. Join with a sl st to the eye of the first bean stitch. (12 bean stitches.)
Rounds 4 – 8: You can see a pattern forming. For each round you will start with a turn. In the next chain space you will place a bean stitch. In each chain space around you will place a bean stitch, with one chain between each. The exception is on the corners. On the corner chain space, you will place two bean stitches, separated by 2 chains. At the end of each round join with a sl st to the eye of the first bean stitch.
At 8 rounds my washcloth was approximately 6” x 6” and 32 bean stitches total (8 each side).
Round 9: Ch 1 (do not turn). Sc in the same stitch. Place one sc in each chain space and one sc in the eye of each bean stitch around. Place 4 sc in each corner chain space. After the last chain space, join with a sl st to the first sc. (76)
Round 10: Ch 1 (do not turn). Place a crab stitch (see instructions below) in each sc around (moving to the right). Join with a sl st just below the first crab stitch of the row. (76)
How to Crochet the Crab Stitch
Insert hook (from front to back) into the next stitch to your right. Yo. Pull the loop through the stitch. Yo. Pull through both loops on your hook.
Finish off and weave in ends.
Note: Feel free to sell finished products made with this pattern. If finished products are posted online, please include a reference/credit to this pattern, including a link. Do not distribute or claim the pattern as your own, or alter and use my photos to market your finished products.
More Cotton Patterns You Might Like:
Hi!
I’m curious why I can’t continuously work this pattern? Why do I have to turn after every round?
Hi Emily, Most granny square patterns will begin to lean a little to one direction when worked continuously. One way to avoid this is to turn on each row. This is especially pronounced with the bean stitch because it also has a natural slant in one direction. Hope that helps!
How do you not have a huge hole in the center when this is not worked from a magic circle?
I suppose perhaps my chains are pretty tight. But if I find the hole is bigger than I like, I usually use the starting tail and a yarn needle and put the needle through the first round (around the hole) and cinch it tight. Essentially getting the same function as the magic circle 🙂
Okay, I thought the beginning chain was where my error hegan but I am at a loss. R3 begins to round the work and continuing the work cups. I should be missing a stitch. Is the pattern supposed to look round snd have to be done loosely to prevent cupping?
All the rounds are working around. If it’s just a little cupping and it flattens out after another few rounds it’s fine. If it is cupping a lot I would make sure you are adding enough chains. When the pattern says chain 1 after a bean stitch remember that ch 1 is in addition to the ch 1 to finish the bean stitch (so make sure you’re not counting the ch 1 in the bean stitch as a separate stitch). If that is not the issue and you have the correct number of stitches, you might try going up a hook size.