Broken Rib Crochet Washcloth

Broken Rib Crochet Washcloth by Jessie Rayot

Project Overview

The Broken Rib Crochet Washcloth is a downloadable crochet pattern designed by Jessie Rayot that creates a practical, textured dishcloth perfect for everyday kitchen use. This finished project measures 10 inches square, making it an ideal size for washing dishes, cleaning counters, or general household tasks. The pattern combines classic crochet techniques with a visually interesting broken rib texture that adds both aesthetic appeal and functional durability to a simple washcloth design.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern uses Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK, a 100% cotton yarn in DK weight (size 3). The design features a two-color colorway: Duck Egg Blue 436 for accent details (12 grams / 35 yards) and Vanilla Cream 788 for the main body (38 grams / 105 yards). The total yardage required is approximately 140 yards. Cotton yarn is an excellent choice for washcloths as it is absorbent, durable, and becomes softer with washing. Crocheters will need a US-7 (4.5mm) crochet hook and a yarn needle for finishing.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The Broken Rib Crochet Washcloth employs several fundamental crochet stitches to create its distinctive textured appearance. The pattern utilizes the following stitches:

• Chain (ch) – the foundation stitch used to begin the project
• Single Crochet (sc) – a basic short stitch that creates a tight, dense fabric
• Half Double Crochet (hdc) – a medium-height stitch that provides structure and drape
• Double Crochet (dc) – a taller stitch that adds height and openness to the fabric
• Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc) – a post stitch worked around the post of the stitch from the previous row, creating texture on the front of the fabric
• Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc) – a post stitch worked around the back post, creating texture on the reverse side
• Slip Stitch (sl st) – used to join rounds or move yarn across stitches without adding height

The combination of front post and back post double crochet stitches creates the "broken rib" texture that gives this washcloth its name and visual interest. Post stitches are worked by inserting the hook around the vertical post of a stitch rather than into the top loops, resulting in raised, ribbed sections that add dimension and tactile appeal to the finished piece.

Skill Level and Gauge

While the product attributes indicate a beginner difficulty level, the PDF itself lists this pattern as intermediate skill level. This is appropriate given the use of post stitches (fpdc and bpdc), which require more advanced technique than basic stitches. Crocheters should have solid foundational skills before attempting this pattern. The gauge is 22 stitches by 11 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in pattern, worked with the US-7 hook. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished washcloth measures the intended 10-inch square.

Pattern Format and Content

This is a downloadable PDF pattern designed by Jessie Rayot and available through her website. The PDF includes a full-color front page with photography, followed by an ad-free, text-only pattern printed in black ink for easy reference while crocheting. Additional photos appear on the final page. The pattern is formatted for convenient printing, with the option to skip the first and last pages if ink conservation is desired.