Soft yarn worked into a little tree shape brings a handmade touch to a Christmas branch, gift wrap, or mantel display. This crochet ornament is small enough to finish in a relaxed crafting session, and its simple stitches make it approachable for beginners who are learning to keep their tension even. Gift makers can crochet a few in different colors, while home decor lovers can use the same pattern for a coordinated tree. The fabric has a gently textured look, and the finished piece is light enough to hang without weighing down a twig. You’ll learn how basic crochet stitches and simple shaping create the tree silhouette, then add a hanging loop so it is ready for the holidays. It’s a satisfying project because each short section takes shape quickly, with little finishing to do at the end.

Pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This plain cotton dishcloth is worked in single crochet, so its dense fabric can handle everyday washing and wiping. A small rectangle is also a useful way to practise keeping row edges straight and counting stitches without juggling shaping or colour changes.

The pattern uses about 100 yards of worsted-weight cotton, making it a practical choice for a partial skein. One cloth takes roughly two to three hours, depending on your pace. The finished size is easy to fold beside the sink or tuck into a kitchen gift set.

Sample maker review: I made mine in an afternoon, and the simple rows helped me settle into an even rhythm. The cotton feels firm after washing, and the cloth is a handy size at the sink.

I made mine in an afternoon, and the simple rows helped me settle into an even rhythm. The cotton feels firm after washing, and the cloth is a handy size at the sink.

— Mara, sample maker

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner. You need to know how to chain and make single crochet stitches.
Approximate Time: Two to three hours, including weaving in the ends.
Construction: A flat rectangle worked in back-and-forth rows, with one single crochet in each stitch. There is no border or seaming.
Finished Dimensions & Sizing: About 8.5 × 8.5 in (22 × 22 cm), after washing and drying flat. The pattern has 30 stitches across and 30 rows when worked to gauge.
Gauge: 14 single crochet stitches and 14 rows measure 4 in (10 cm) in the main fabric. Gauge affects the finished size and how much yarn you use.

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: About 100 yd (91 m) of worsted-weight #4, 100% cotton yarn. One solid colour makes stitch counting easy; a small amount of leftover cotton can also work if it is the same weight.
Hook Size: 5.0 mm / H-8 crochet hook. Use the hook that lets you reach gauge; a different hook may change the cloth’s width, length, and drape.
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a ruler or tape measure. A locking stitch marker can mark the first stitch of a row if you tend to miss edge stitches.
Substitutions: A different worsted cotton is the closest substitute. Cotton blends may feel softer or stretchier, and a thicker or thinner yarn will change the size and absorbency. If you switch yarn, make a gauge swatch and check the care label before choosing a substitute for a kitchen cloth.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch = chain.
sc = single crochet. Insert the hook in the indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook.
st = stitch; sts = stitches.
rep = repeat.
turn = rotate the work to begin the next row.

The turning chain does not count as a stitch in this pattern. Work the first single crochet of each row into the first stitch after turning, and make the last one in the final stitch of the row.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Dishcloth

Foundation: Ch 31. The starting chain makes the width of the cloth. Keep it loose enough that the first row does not pull inward.
Row 1: Sc in the second ch from the hook and in each ch across. Turn. (30 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (30 sts)
Rows 3–30: Rep Row 2 for 28 more rows. (30 sts in each row)

Finishing

Fasten off, leaving a tail long enough to weave in comfortably. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle and pass it through several stitches on the back of the cloth. Change direction once, then trim the remaining yarn close without cutting into the fabric. Weave in the starting tail the same way.

Measure the cloth before washing. If it is close to 8.5 in square, wash according to the yarn label and dry it flat. If your gauge differs, the finished dimensions will differ too; keep the stitch count and row count unchanged for this first cloth so you have a useful reference for your next one.

Care & Washing Instructions

For 100% cotton yarn, wash in a machine with like colours using warm water, up to 40°C (104°F), unless the yarn label recommends a cooler setting.
Dry flat or tumble-dry on low if the yarn label allows it; high heat can shrink cotton or make it feel rougher.
While damp, smooth the edges and reshape the cloth to about 8.5 in square. Blocking is optional for a dishcloth.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Keep your first and last stitches easy to see. If the chain edge is tight, try a slightly larger hook just for the foundation chain, then switch back to the 5.0 mm hook for Row 1.
Count 30 stitches at the end of each row, especially during the first few rows. A locking stitch marker in the first stitch can help prevent accidentally skipping the final stitch at the opposite edge.
Weave in each end on the wrong side, passing through the backs of several stitches and changing direction once. A short tail woven through only one stitch can work loose after repeated washing.
For a larger cloth, add chains to the foundation and work more rows, keeping the same width and length in stitches if you want a square. More stitches and rows use more yarn, so have an extra skein available for a substantially larger size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton?

You can use it to practise the pattern, but acrylic may not absorb water as well as cotton and may behave differently with heat. For regular kitchen use, choose a sturdy cotton yarn and follow its care label.

How can I make the dishcloth smaller or larger?

For a narrower or wider cloth, change the starting chain, then single crochet into every chain to set the stitch count. For a shorter or longer cloth, work fewer or more rows. Measure as you go because yarn weight and gauge affect the finished dimensions.

Is this pattern suitable for a first crochet project?

Yes. It uses only chains and single crochet, with no increases, decreases, colour changes, or joining. Check the stitch count at the end of each row so an extra or missing stitch does not gradually change the edges.

May I sell dishcloths made from this pattern?

Check the pattern designer’s terms before selling finished items. If you do sell them, give an honest description of the yarn and finished size, and do not claim someone else’s pattern as your own.

Pin for later!

Your little crocheted tree is ready to bring a handmade touch to the holiday decorations, whether it hangs on a branch or tops a wrapped gift. For a simple variation, change the yarn color: try cream for a snowy look, or use two shades of green for a different finish. You can also add a small ribbon loop if you want a contrasting hanger. Take a photo of your finished ornament and share it on Pinterest or your favorite social media account; seeing the colors and details you chose can give other makers ideas. If you enjoyed this small project, browse the blog for more free crochet patterns to make for your home, your tree, or your gift basket.