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Crochet Iris Stitch – Tutorial and Free Washcloth Pattern

CROCHET TUTORIALS, FREE PATTERNS, HOME AND FAMILY PATTERNS

The crochet iris stitch is a beautiful and versatile stitch. Use it in everything from baby blankets to washcloths and accessories.

The stitch has a lacy look that is easy to make. For visual learners, this post will take you through how to make the stitch in a step by step photo tutorial. You will find a video tutorial as well.

To explore the stitch further, try out the free crochet iris stitch washcloth pattern. This is quick crochet project that makes a lovely gift.

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two in progress photos and text reading how to crochet the iris stitch

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If you know basic stitches, you can make the crochet iris stitch. The easy stitch is created through a combination of double crochet stitches and chain stitches.

The beginner-friendly stitch is perfect for crocheters who want to try combining basic stitches to make a lacy fabric with a beautiful drape. After the first row to set things up, the stitch has a one-row repeat that is easy to master and makes for relaxing projects.

Follow along through the blog post or jump to your favorite part.

Video Tutorial

Press the photo below to go to the video tutorial.

two hands ready to crochet

Step by Step Photo Tutorial

1) Start with the Base Chain

Make a base chain in a multiple of 4 + 3. Learn more about crochet multiples here. For this tutorial, I am making a foundation chain of 23 stitches with a size H/8 5.00 mm crochet hook. The needle is marking where the next stitches will be worked throughout the tutorial.

beginning chain with hook and needle marking a stitch

2) Work an Iris Stitch Cluster in the 5th Chain from the Hook

Work two double crochets, chain one, and two more double crochets all in the 5th chain from the hook. This is abbreviated as follows: (2 dc, ch 1, 2dc) in 5th st from hook. The chains that you have skipped will count as a double crochet.

first iris stitch made and needle marking next stitch

3) Skip Three Stitches and Work the Next Iris Stitch Cluster

Skip three stitches. Then work two double crochets, chain one, and two more double crochets all in the next stitch.

two iris stitches made and needle marking next stitch

4) Repeat the Pattern Across the Row

Keep repeating this pattern across the row until two stitches remain.

first row almost completed

5) End the Row With a Double Crochet

Skip a stitch and double crochet in the last stitch. You will also turn at the end of the row.

completed first row

6) Start the Row with a Chain 3

After turning, chain three which will count as a double crochet.

chain three at beginning or row two and next stitch marked with needle

7) Skip Two Stitches and Work the Next Iris Stitch Cluster

Skip two stitches. Then, work two double crochets, chain one, two double crochets in the chain one space.

first iris stitch made in row 2

8) Skip Four Stitches and Work the Next Iris Stitch Cluster

Skip four stitches. Then, work two double crochets, chain one, two double crochets in the chain one space.

9) Repeat the Pattern Across the Row

Keep repeating this pattern across the row until three stitches remain.

row two almost completed

10) End the Row With a Double Crochet

Skip two stitches, Double crochet in the last stitch. You will also turn at the end of the row. Keep repeating this pattern from steps 6 – 10 until your project is the desired length.

completed row 2

Pattern Options for the Iris Stitch Washcloth

The Iris Stitch Washcloth is a free pattern for a crochet washcloth in worsted weight yarn in US crochet terminology. A free version of this pattern is included in full on the blog below.

PDF Pattern Downloads: You can also purchase a printable PDF of this pattern in my Etsy Shop and Ravelry Shop.

washcloth and yarn ball with text reading iris stitch washcloth crochet pattern free pattern

Winter Washcloth Series and Bundle

This pattern was featured on January 9, 2023, as part of the Winter Washcloth Series hosted by Two Brothers Blankets. The blog hop event has ended.

If you like the patterns, you can still get them all in the Winter Washcloth Bundle. The bundle includes all 31 patterns.

Check it out using the button below.

button reading purchase the pattern bundle here

About the Inspiration for the Iris Stitch Washcloth

I designed the Iris Stitch Washcloth for the Winter Washcloth event hosted by Two Brothers Blankets. I chose the stitch because the iris clusters create a lacy pattern.

I thought the flower-like look would make for the kind of washcloth you might want to put together with soaps for a spa gift.

The pretty stitch also gives the washcloth excellent drape. This makes the finished product fun to hold and use.

washcloth ball of yarn and hook

About the Yarn

KnitPicks/WeCrochet Dishie is one of my favorite worsted weight cotton yarn. It comes in a wide range of colors. Plus it’s super soft and absorbent. The yarn has a tight spin that makes it easy to use.

You don’t have to worry about the yarn splitting when you use Dishie. Some different cotton yarns you could try include other worsted yarn weight cottons like Lily Sugar ‘n Cream and Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton.

Iris Stitch Washcloth Pattern

Crochet Supplies

Yarn:  Worsted weight (#4) cotton in color of choice. Approximately 90 yards.

Shown: KnitPicks/WeCrochet Dishie (100% cotton), 190yd [174m]/3.5oz [240g]: #26668 (Blush) 1/2 skein.

Hook: Size H/8 (5.00 mm) or size need to obtain gauge. (these are my favorite crochet hooks).

Notions: Tapestry needle, tape measure, 2 optional stitch markers.

Sizing and Gauge

Finished Measurements:  Approximately 9.25” x 9.25” with border

Gauge: 7 pattern rows x 16 sts = 4” x 4” (10cm x 10cm)

folded washcloth ball of yarn and hook

Pattern Notes 

  • Work the base chain loosely. 
  • Placing markers on the edge stitches is recommended. Move these markers up as you go along. 
  • Each row contains 8 sets of (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) plus the edge sts.
  • When working the single crochet stitches across the top of the border, sk the ch-1 sps.
  • Sample washcloth uses 1 sc in each corner for the border. Depending on personal preference, you can work one, two, or three sc sts in corners.
  • Video for how to crochet iris stitch HERE.

Standard Stitch Abbreviations (U.S. Crochet Terminology):

ch(s) = chain(s)

ch-1 sp = chain one space

dc = double crochet

rep = repeat

sk = skip

st(s) = stitch(es)

( ): work a group of stitches all in the same stitch or space

washcloth with ball of yarn on top

Iris Stitch Washcloth Pattern

Multiple: 4 + 3

Base Chain: Ch 35.

Row 1: (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in 5th st from hook (skipped chs count as a dc), *sk 3 sts, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next st; rep from * until 2 sts remain, sk st, dc in last st, turn.

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), sk 2 sts, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in ch-1 sp, *sk 4 sts, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in ch-1 sp; rep from * until 3 sts remain, sk 2 sts, dc in last st, turn.

Rows 3 – 16: Rep row 2.

Border: Ch 1, sc approximately 34 sts per side around the entire washcloth, join to first sc, and fasten off. For an invisible-looking join, use the invisible join method. Find a tutorial for the invisible join method HERE. The invisible join will give your project a nice finishing touch.

Finishing: Weave in ends. Block if desired.

For more free crochet tutorials, check out my crochet tutorial page.