Crochet Tutorial: Bean Stitch Washcloth

Crochet Tutorial: Bean Stitch Washcloth

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Materials Needed
3. Step 1: Making a Slip Knot
4. Step 2: Chaining and Bean Stitch
5. Step 3: Continuing with the Bean Stitch
6. Step 4: Creating Rows and Checking for Squareness
7. Step 5: Adding Edging to the Washcloth
8. Conclusion

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will learn how to crochet the bean stitch and create a beautiful washcloth. The bean stitch is a unique crochet stitch that creates a textured pattern with a raised, bean-like appearance. It can be used to make a variety of projects, including washcloths, scarves, cowls, and hats. This tutorial will guide you through the process step by step, providing clear instructions and tips along the way. So grab your crochet hook and yarn, and let's get started!

Materials Needed

Before we begin, make sure you have the following materials:

1. Yarn: We recommend using peaches and cream stripey yarn for this project. It is a medium-weight cotton yarn that creates a soft and durable washcloth. You can find this yarn at your local Walmart.
2. Crochet Hook: You will need an H (5.0 mm) crochet hook for this project. This size hook works well with the peaches and cream yarn.
3. Scissors: A pair of scissors will be needed to cut the yarn.
4. Tape Measure: If you want to know the exact size of your washcloth, you may need a tape measure to measure its dimensions.
5. Tapestry Needle: You will need a tapestry needle to weave in the loose ends of your work.

Now that you have all the necessary materials, let's move on to the next step.

Step 1: Making a Slip Knot

To begin crocheting, we first need to make a slip knot. This will create a loop that can be easily adjusted and tightened. Follow these simple steps to make a slip knot:

1. Hold the end of the yarn in your hand and leave a tail of about 6 inches.
2. Create a loop with the yarn, crossing the long end over the short end.
3. Insert your crochet hook through the loop from front to back.
4. Hold the loop with your non-hook hand and grab the yarn with your hook.
5. Pull the yarn through the loop, creating a new loop on your hook.
6. Gently tighten the slip knot by pulling the tail and the yarn end simultaneously.

Congratulations! You have successfully created a slip knot. Now let's move on to the next step.

Step 2: Chaining and Bean Stitch

The bean stitch pattern requires an even number of chains. For this tutorial, we will chain 22 stitches to create a washcloth that measures approximately 8 inches in width. Follow these steps to chain:

1. Hold the slip knot in your non-hook hand, with the working yarn draped over your index finger and the tail extending towards your palm.
2. With your hook, yarn over by bringing the hook under the working yarn and pulling it towards you.
3. Insert the hook into the slip knot loop from front to back.
4. Hold the slip knot with your non-hook hand and pull the working yarn through the slip knot, creating a new loop on your hook.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 (yarn over, insert the hook, pull through) until you have reached the desired number of chains. In this case, chain 22 stitches.
6. Once you have finished chaining, you will have a row of chains on your hook.

Now that we have our foundation chain, we can start working on the bean stitch. The bean stitch consists of several loops on the hook, which are then pulled through to create a textured stitch. Follow these steps to create the bean stitch:

1. Skip the first chain from the hook (this will be the edge of your work).
2. Insert your hook into the next chain stitch.
3. Yarn over by bringing the hook under the working yarn and pulling it towards you.
4. Pull the yarn through the chain stitch, creating two loops on your hook.
5. Yarn over once more and insert your hook back into the same chain stitch.
6. Pull the yarn through the chain stitch, creating four loops on your hook.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 two more times, until you have a total of six loops on your hook.
8. Yarn over and pull the yarn through all six loops on your hook.
9. Chain one to secure the bean stitch.

Congratulations! You have successfully created your first bean stitch. Remember to skip a chain and repeat the bean stitch in the next chain. Continue this pattern for the entire row.

Step 3: Continuing with the Bean Stitch

Continue working the bean stitch pattern for the rest of the row. Here's a quick recap of the steps:

1. Skip one chain stitch.
2. Insert your hook into the next chain stitch.
3. Yarn over and pull the yarn through, creating two loops on your hook.
4. Yarn over and insert your hook back into the same chain stitch.
5. Yarn over and pull the yarn through, creating four loops on your hook.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 two more times, until you have a total of six loops on your hook.
7. Yarn over and pull the yarn through all six loops on your hook.
8. Chain one to secure the bean stitch.

Repeat these steps until you reach the end of the row. Remember to always skip a chain before starting a new bean stitch. This will ensure that the stitches are evenly spaced and create a neat pattern.

Step 4: Creating Rows and Checking for Squareness