5 Easy Crochet Hand Towel Patterns for Beginners

A good crochet hand towel is one of the best small wins: quick project, practical gift, and it proves you can make something that gets used daily instead of languishing on a shelf. These five patterns — Harbor, Trevi, Zigzag, Farmhouse Striped Keyhole, and Catherine — are written for beginners but with clean, useful finishes (hanging loops / keyholes / tidy edges). Each sample is sized for an adult/teen bathroom hand towel and is easy to scale.

Universal notes (read this — do it)

Abbreviations (US): ch = chain, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, dc = double crochet, tr = treble, sl st = slip stitch, st(s) = stitch(es), inc = 2 sc in same st, dec = sc2tog, BLO/FLO = back/front loop only, sk = skip, RS = right side, WS = wrong side.

Materials (baseline for samples):

• Yarn: 100% cotton worsted (#4) — absorbs well and washes like a grownup. You can use cotton-blend for softer towels but cotton wins for durability.
• Hook: 4.0 mm (G) or 4.5 mm (H) depending on your tension — I’ll note where to swap.
• Notions: tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure, blocking mats/pins (optional).
• Extras for kitchen/bath: cotton twill tape or a button for keyhole towels; a small length of ribbon for hanging loops if preferred.

Sample gauge I’ll use for all math examples: 16 sc = 4.0″ → that is 4 sts/in. Row gauge ~ 16 rows = 4.0″ → 4 rows/in.
If your swatch is different, use your own numbers in the simple formula:

• Stitches needed across = (desired finished width in inches) × (sts per inch).
• Rows needed = (desired finished length in inches) × (rows per inch).

Sample finished size used in instructions: A comfortable hand towel: Width = 16.0″ (side to side) and Length = 24.0″ (top to bottom, excluding hanging loop). You can change these.

Math example (so you see how I compute):
Desired width 16.0″ × 4 sts/in = 64 stitches. (16 × 4 = 64.)
Desired length 24.0″ × 4 rows/in = 96 rows. (24 × 4 = 96.)

Construction tips (use these always):

• Work a gauge swatch in the main stitch for 4″ × 4″. Block it the way you’ll treat the towel. Count stitches/in. Plug numbers into formulas above.
• Keep edges tidy: if your stitch pattern is lacy or open, finish with 2–3 rounds of sc around to stabilize.
• For hanging: attach a small crochet loop (chain + sc or sc tube) securely in the top center, or make a keyhole opening (instructions below). Reinforce with a couple extra stitches through lining or a small fabric patch if the towel will hang on a hook with weight.
• Wash and dry a test towel to check shrinkage before making sets.

1. Crochet Harbor Hand Towel Pattern

Simple textured stitches that hide water marks and look clean in any bathroom. Think subtle ridges and good drape.

Skill level: Confident Beginner
Finished sample: Width 16.0″ × Length 24.0″ (excluding hanging loop).
Materials: cotton worsted #4, 4.0 mm hook, tapestry needle, measuring tape. Approx yarn ≈ 300–350 yds.
Stitch pattern: Alternating rows of hdc and front-post hdc ribbing for vertical texture.

Sample math (work from this or plug your gauge)

• Width → 16.0″ × 4 sts/in = 64 sts foundation.
• Length → 24.0″ × 4 rows/in = 96 rows.

Abbreviations used in this pattern

FPhdc = front-post half double crochet. Hdc = half double crochet.

Pattern — foundation & body

1. Foundation chain: ch 65 (to produce 64 working stitches). (ch = 65 because we’ll skip first turning chain; if you prefer ch64 + turning ch method, adjust.)
2. Row 1 (setup row): hdc in 2nd ch from hook and across — 64 hdc. Turn.
3. Row 2 (rib row): ch2 (counts as hdc), FPhdc around next st, hdc in next st repeat across, end with hdc in top of turning ch. Turn.
4. Row 3: ch2, hdc in next st, FPhdc around next st — this alternates the rib to keep texture stable. Turn.
5. Repeat Rows 2–3 until piece measures 24.0″ (or your target length). For the sample: do 96 rows total. Make sure to count your rows: 96 rows = 24″ at sample gauge. Fasten off.

Hanging loop (two options)

Option A — center loop:

• At the last row center point, chain 15–18 (for approx 3–4″ hanging loop) and sl st back into same spot to make a loop. Fasten off and weave in ends. Reinforce loop by sewing with tapestry needle through base of loop 6–8 times.

Option B — keyhole (for hooks): see pattern 4 for full keyhole instructions.

Edging

6. Work 1 round sc evenly around (work 2 sc in corners to avoid curling). Work a second round of sc in BLO if you want a slightly nicer ribbed edge. Fasten off and weave ends.

Finishing & care

• Block lightly by spritzing the towel and shaping.
• Wash on gentle, tumble low or air-dry flat. Cotton shrinks a little the first wash — if perfect size matters, wash one sample first.

Variations

• Make a narrower guest towel: use 40 sts across for ~10″ width.
• Use a color stripe every 12 rows for a harbor-stripe look.

2. Crochet The Trevi Hand Towel Pattern

A lacy-but-sturdy towel with an openwork border and a denser center for absorbency. Looks elegant but holds up.

Skill level: Confident Beginner → Intermediate (counting lace repeats)
Finished sample: 16.0″ × 24.0″ (excluding loop).
Materials: cotton worsted #4, 4.0 mm hook, approx 350–400 yds.
Stitch pattern: dc/shell body with a sturdy 6-row textured center panel and lace edging.

Math (sample)

• Foundation width = 64 sts (16.0″ × 4 sts/in).

Abbreviations used

Shell = (2 dc, ch2, 2 dc) in same stitch or space. V-st = (dc, ch1, dc) into same st.

Pattern — center absorbent panel (work flat, then add lace borders)

1. Ch 65 for 64 base sts. R1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (64 sc). Turn.
2. R2–R9 (textured absorbent body): Row pattern for 8 rows: ch1, [hdc in each stitch] across. These dense hdc rows create the main absorbent body (8 rows ≈ 2″ at sample gauge). Repeat this 8-row block across the entire length until you have reached about 20″ of body length (sample uses 20″, leaving room for lacy top/bottom borders). So compute rows: 20.0″ × 4 rows/in = 80 rows. So work the 8-row block 10 times to get 80 rows. Yes, arithmetic: 8×10 = 80.
3. After hitting body height, start lace edging top & bottom (do bottom first before you make final length if you find it easier to match). Work 4–6 rows of shell lace for a delicate border. Example for one shell border: Shell in every 4th st across — R1 of lace: ch3, dc in same st, skip 2, shell in next st repeat.

Simple lace edge (example)

• R1 (lace start): ch3 (counts as dc), skip next 2 sts, (2 dc, ch2, 2 dc) in next st repeat across, end dc, turn.
• R2: ch1, sc across shells anchoring in ch2 spaces as needed. Repeat aside for 2–3 rounds for a pretty finished edge.

Hanging loop

• Add a chain-loop centered at one short edge: mark center, ch16, sl st into base, reinforce with sewing. Or add a narrow tab: ch8, work sc back into chain to create a 2″ tab, sew base closed leaving loop.

Finishing

• Block lace to open shells; press lightly with cloth if needed. Machine wash gentle, reshape and dry flat.

Variations

• Make two narrow lace borders top and bottom for symmetry.
• Use color contrast for lace only to make the Trevi towel scream “I read Interiors magazines.”

3. Crochet Zigzag Hand Towel Pattern

Bold chevron stripes are quick and forgiving — great for stash-busting and eye-catching towels.

Skill level: Confident Beginner
Finished sample: 16.0″ × 24.0″.
Materials: cotton worsted #4 in main and contrast color(s), 4.0–4.5 mm hook, approx 350–450 yds depending on number of colors.

Pattern math — stitch multiple & foundation

Chevron (classic V chevron using dc clusters) uses a multiple of 14 + 1 for an attractive peak depth. We want approx 64 stitches for 16″ width. 14 × 4 = 56; 14 × 5 = 70. For better-looking peaks across 16″ width, choose 70 stitches foundation (this gives sharper, larger chevrons). To reach 70 stitches we must calculate width change: 70 ÷ 4 sts/in = 17.5″ finished width — slightly wider than our sample. You have two choices:

• Option A: keep 64 sts for strict 16″ width but chevrons will be narrower (multiple of 14+1 not perfect).
• Option B: accept 17.5″ width for dramatic chevrons. I’ll provide pattern for 64 sts foundation and show how to center chevrons — easier for beginners.

We’ll use foundation ch 65 (64 sts). Small gatherings at edges will make zigzag less deep but still neat.

Abbreviations special

Ch-sp = chain space.

Zigzag pattern (DC chevron — flat)

1. Ch 65. R1: dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as dc + ch2?), but simpler: ch3 (counts as dc), dc in next 2 ch, skip 2, (dc3) in next ch, skip 2, dc in next 3 ch repeat across ending with dc in last ch to maintain edges. The skip2 creates the valley; the 3-dc cluster creates the peak. This classic chevron is forgiving.
2. R2+: ch3, turn, dc3 in same space (if peak), dc across slopes, make valley by dc decrease: dc2tog across valley space, continue — chevron patterns have many small variant instruction sets. For a beginner-friendly concrete version use this easy pattern:
   • Row 1: ch65. Row1: dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next 6 ch, 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 6 ch, skip 2 ch repeat, finish last 3 dc to edge. (This is approximate — adjust so peaks/valleys line across.)
   • Row 2+: ch3, turn, dc across placing 3-dc clusters directly above the 3-dc clusters of the row below and making dc2tog (dc decrease) over the two skipped stitches below to form the valley. Continue for ~96 rows or until length hit.
3. Work until piece measures 24.0″ (about 96 rows at sample gauge — chevron rows can be taller; measure as you go).

Edging & hanging loop

• For chevrons, a neat border is 1 round sc around, working 2 sc in corners to avoid cupping. Add hanging loop by crocheting a small strap in same color and sewing to center top.

Finishing

• Block if needed to straighten chevrons. Machine wash gentle and dry flat; some cotton chevrons may relax in the first wash.

Variations

• Use three colors alternating each repeat for bold stripes.
• Use a smaller hook for a tighter, more absorbent chevron.

4. Crochet Farmhouse Striped Keyhole Hand Towel Pattern

The keyhole towel is the practical star: it slips over a bar or hook and stays put. This pattern uses stripes for farmhouse charm plus a reinforced keyhole opening.

Skill level: Confident Beginner (one small shaping step)
Finished sample: Width 16.0″ × Length 24.0″ plus keyhole tab (3–4″ drop).
Materials: cotton worsted #4 in two or three colors, 4.0 mm hook, small button (optional), twill tape or a short strip of fabric for reinforcement, approx 350–400 yds.

Math & strategy

• Foundation width = 64 sts (16.0″ sample).
• Length = 24.0″ (96 rows). The keyhole is created near the top: create a slit in the top center by crocheting the towel in two sections for the top few rows or by working a short row band and then joining.

Abbreviations & notes

K-hole = keyhole. When you make the keyhole opening, you’ll work the top row as two separate halves leaving a gap for the bar.

Pattern — striped body + keyhole

1. Ch 65 (64 sts). Row1: sc across 64 sc. Turn. (Work tight sc to make absorbent panel, or hdc if you want slightly looser fabric.)
2. Work alternating stripes: e.g., 6 rows color A, 6 rows color B repeat until you reach the row where you will make keyhole. For farmhouse look choose muted neutrals with one accent stripe (e.g., cream + slate + mustard accent).
3. Keyhole placement: Work until towel length = approx 21.0″ (so you’ll have ~3″ from top to insert). 21.0″ × 4 rows/in = 84 rows. On row 85 we make the keyhole.
4. Row 85 (make the slit): sc across to center — compute center: 64 sts ÷ 2 = 32. Work sc 1..sc 15 (left half), then ch 10 (this creates the keyhole opening width; adjust width if your hook is loose: 10 chains ≈ 2.5″ at 4 sts/in), then skip 10 sts on base row and resume sc on remaining 15 sts to the end. Turn. (Note: you are splitting the row into left and right halves leaving a ch gap.)
5. Row 86: sc in each st across, work into the chain loops across the ch10 gap to create the top of the slit. Continue working even (sc) for 6–8 rows to build a neat reinforced strip. For extra durability, fold the keyhole edges and whipstitch small twill tape behind the gap on the wrong side and stitch in place so the bar doesn’t rub yarn raw.
6. Continue remaining rows until total length = 24.0″. Finish with 2–3 rows of sc in a single color as a neat border.

Creating the hanging tab (alternative, simpler)

• Instead of a keyhole, make a tab: at top center, ch 18, sc back to create a loop; sew the ends to RS to create a hanging loop that slips over rail. Use twill tape to reinforce if towel will hang on heavy rail.

Button + loop finish (optional)

• For narrow rails, make a fabric loop on top and a button or snap to close. Sew button through both layers and reinforce.

Finishing & care

• Use twill tape under keyhole for durability. Wash on gentle; remove twill tape if necessary before tumble drying to avoid heat-setting.

Variations

• Make wider stripes or a single-color neutral towel with a bold keyhole accent.
• Add a small pocket on the bottom corner to tuck a bar soap or a sponge (kitchen), but line it.

5. Crochet Catherine Hand Towel Pattern

Elegant, with a scalloped decorative border and a heathery texture body — the “Catherine” is an all-purpose towel that reads classic.

Skill level: Confident Beginner → Intermediate (scalloped border requires careful counting)
Finished sample: 16.0″ × 24.0″.
Materials: cotton worsted #4, 4.0 mm hook, approx 350 yds.

Stitch idea

• Body: moss stitch (also called linen or granite stitch) for a dense, absorbent texture: (sc, ch1) in alternating offset pattern.
• Border: scallop shell (5 dc in one st) for a refined edge.

Sample math (foundation)

• Foundation ch 65 for 64 sts across.

Pattern — moss stitch body

1. Ch 65. R1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, ch1, skip 1 ch, sc in next ch across. Turn.
2. R2: ch1, sc in first ch1 space (i.e., into the ch1 from previous row), ch1, sc in next ch1 space across. Turn.
3. Repeat R2 until towel measures 24.0″ (96 rows). Moss stitch creates a dense fabric with offset stitches; at sample gauge rows/in = 4 → 96 rows total.

Scalloped edge

4. When full length reached, work a neat frame: pick up stitches along the edge and work 1 round sc to even the edges. Then work scallops:
   • Skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, skip 2 sts, sl st in next st around (adjust spacing to make scallops even). If working around the whole towel, make sure to do 2 dc extra in corners to avoid puckering.

Hanging loop option

• Work a centered chain loop at top center: ch 20 (approx 5″ loop), sl st to base, secure with multiple passes.

Finishing & care

• Block to open scallops. Machine wash and dry; cotton scallops may soften edge slightly — reshape while damp.

Variations

• Add two rows of contrasting color before scallops for a pretty trim highlight.
• For kitchen use, switch to half-double crochet body for faster coverage and slightly fluffier texture.

Final finishing checklist (do this for every towel)

1. Weave in all ends neatly on the wrong side. Tie knots if you must, but hide them under stitches.
2. Test hang strength: tug the hanging loop/keyhole a few times — reinforce with extra little stitches or a fabric patch if it feels thin.
3. Block: Spritz and pin to exact rectangle on blocking mats. This evens edges and opens any lace cleanly.
4. Wash test: If you’re making a set to gift, wash one towel on gentle and dry to check shrinkage. Make note of final size in your pattern notes on the blog.
5. Label & care note: Add a tiny tag: “Cotton: machine wash gentle; reshape and dry flat / tumble low.”

Quick comparison & when to use each towel

• Harbor: everyday bathroom towel — textured and tidy.
• Trevi: decorative bathroom towel — lace + absorbent center; great for guest bathrooms.
• Zigzag: modern, bold, good for kitchens or colorful bathrooms.
• Farmhouse Striped Keyhole: practical & classy — hangs on oven handles or hooks.
• Catherine: classic, slightly dressy — scalloped edge for finishing touch.

Conclusion

Make one towel in a weekend: that’s the promise. The secret to a towel that lasts is not a fancy stitch — it’s cotton yarn, a tight-ish gauge, and a reinforced hanging solution. Swatch once, measure, and pick the pattern that suits the room: lace for guests, chevron for a kitchen mood, keyhole for a real, no-fuss towel that hangs where you want it.