Project introduction
This article is a pattern overview of The Loopy Lamb’s Ava free crochet dish towel design, not a full tutorial with row-by-row instructions. The concept behind this project is a hanging hand towel rather than a crochet towel topper, so there is no need for a premade towel and nothing to sew. Because the finished towel has its own button and buttonhole, it can loop over an oven door handle and stay put.
The designer created the towel to coordinate with a matching Ava dishcloth, making the pair a thoughtful handmade gift set. Of course, it is equally lovely kept for your own kitchen. The design is worked in simple stitches and rated Easy, so a confident beginner who knows single and double crochet can give it a try. The original pattern is published free on the designer’s blog, and a printable ad-free PDF covering both the towel and the matching dishcloth is also offered through her Ravelry and Etsy shops.
To work from the full instructions, visit the Original designer’s pattern and instructions .
How Is The Ava Free Crochet Dish Towel Pattern Made?
The towel is worked flat in turned rows from the bottom up. The body of the piece uses the herringbone double crochet, a variation of the standard double crochet that produces a softly ridged texture with a pleasant drape. A band of crossed double crochet stitches worked in the contrasting color adds a pop of color near the bottom of the hanging towel and is spaced through the matching dishcloth as well.
The special stitches are simply variations of basic ones, so crocheters comfortable with single and double crochet should find the project accessible. The finished dish towel measures approximately 10.5” wide by 20” tall. The published gauge is 13 stitches by 10 rows for 4”; gauge is not critical for this project, though it may affect the finished size and how much yarn is used. The pattern uses U.S. crochet terminology and is written at an Easy skill level.
One of the nicest features of the design is how easily it adapts to different color schemes. The sample uses two colors, Inlet and Swan, but the project also looks great as a solid color by omitting the color changes. That flexibility makes it easy to coordinate with a kitchen palette or to use up leftover cotton yarn.
Ava Free Crochet Dish Towel Pattern Overview
Before starting, gather every item the source pattern calls for. Here is the complete checklist:
- I / 5.5 mm crochet hook, or the size needed to obtain gauge
- WeCrochet Dishie, 100% cotton, worsted weight (4), 190 yds/174 m per ball: Color A, Inlet (1 ball for the kitchen towel and 1 ball for the dishcloth); Color B, Swan (1 ball for both projects)
- Tapestry needle / yarn needle
- 1 1/2” button
- Sewing needle and thread
- Scissors
In general terms, the towel begins with a foundation chain and is worked upward in herringbone double crochet, with single crochet and crossed double crochet rows forming the contrasting color band. Color changes are worked using the last yarn over of the previous row. Near the top, a chain space forms the buttonhole, and a button is sewn to the opposite corner of the right side so the top can close around a handle. The piece finishes at roughly 19” before the top rows, and ends are woven in.
The pattern uses the following standard abbreviations: CH (chain), DC (double crochet), FO (finish off), HBDC (herringbone double crochet), RS (right side), SC (single crochet), SK (skip), SL ST (slip stitch), SP (space), ST (stitch), WS (wrong side), XDC (crossed double crochet) and YO (yarn over). The two special stitches, herringbone double crochet and crossed double crochet, are explained in the original pattern’s special stitches section, which readers should consult before beginning.
How to hang your dish towel
Hanging the finished towel takes only a moment. With the right side of the fabric facing you, drape the top portion, the part carrying the button and the buttonhole, over the oven door handle. Then bring the two corners with the button and buttonhole around to the front and fasten the button through the buttonhole over the top of the towel. The closed loop keeps the towel from slipping off while remaining easy to remove for washing.
Ready to make the matching dishcloth? Check out the free Ava Crochet Dishcloth pattern.
The dish towel was designed with a companion in mind: a matching Ava crochet dishcloth that uses the same yarn and stitch family. Working the two together makes a coordinated set that is quick to finish and practical every single day. The designer notes that both projects can be customized in stripes or solid color, so a whole set can be made in one sitting without repeating the same look.
For the full row-by-row instructions, the special stitch details and the matching dishcloth, the designer’s pattern page is the place to go. She also welcomes photos of finished projects shared with her tag on social media. Happy crocheting, and enjoy adding a handmade touch to your kitchen.
