Merci Cloth

Merci Cloth Crochet Pattern by TL Yarn Crafts

Project Overview

The Merci Cloth is a beginner-friendly crochet pattern designed by Toni Lipsey of TL Yarn Crafts. This downloadable PDF includes instructions for creating both a washcloth and a towel using Tunisian crochet techniques. The pattern offers versatility, allowing crafters to choose between a smaller washcloth project or a larger towel, making it suitable for both quick projects and more substantial creations.

What Is Being Made

This pattern provides instructions for two related projects: a crochet washcloth and a crochet towel. Both items are functional textiles designed for everyday use, with the towel being the larger variation. The pattern is written with the washcloth as the primary project, with towel modifications noted in parentheses throughout the instructions.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Merci Cloth pattern incorporates Tunisian crochet, a hybrid technique that combines elements of crochet and knitting. This method creates a dense, fabric-like texture that is particularly well-suited for dishcloths and towels. The pattern also features smock stitch work, which adds decorative texture and visual interest to the finished piece. A tutorial video for the smock stitch is referenced in the pattern, providing additional guidance for crafters learning this technique.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern employs several specialized stitches and techniques:

• Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS): The foundational stitch used throughout the pattern, created by inserting the hook under vertical bars and pulling loops through in a specific manner
• Last Tunisian Stitch (LTS): A variation used for edge stitches, worked by inserting the hook under both vertical bars of the final stitch
• Return Pass (RetP): A fundamental component of Tunisian crochet, executed by chaining one and then pulling yarn over and through loops until only one loop remains on the hook
• Tunisian Simple Stitch 2 Together (tss2tog): A decrease technique that combines two stitches by inserting the hook under the front vertical bar of two consecutive stitches
• Yarn Under (YU): A textural variation that brings yarn to the front of the hook, similar to a Tunisian purl stitch, creating different stitch appearances
• Smock Stitch: A decorative stitch technique that adds dimensional texture to the cloth

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Merci Cloth pattern calls for worsted weight yarn, specifically WeCrochet Dishie in 100% cotton. This yarn choice is ideal for dishcloths and towels, as cotton provides durability, absorbency, and easy care. The yardage requirements vary by project size: the washcloth requires approximately 75 yards (one ball), while the towel requires approximately 30 yards. A standard crochet hook appropriate for worsted weight yarn is used, though the specific hook size is referenced within the full pattern instructions.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly, making it accessible to crocheters who are new to Tunisian techniques. While the pattern introduces special stitches and Tunisian methods, the straightforward construction and clear stitch definitions support learners in developing their skills with these techniques.