Soft yarn and a generously shaped crown give this crochet beret its relaxed, floppy look, with a brim that sits comfortably around the head. The fabric has a little structure while still draping softly, so the finished hat feels cozy without looking stiff. Beginners who know the basic crochet stitches can enjoy watching the crown take shape, and gift makers can adjust the color to suit someone’s wardrobe. Makers who love handmade details around the home may also enjoy the slow, satisfying rhythm of working each round. You’ll learn how increases build the beret’s roomy top and how to keep your stitches even as the shape grows. The project offers a useful chance to practice crochet in the round, with a wearable result you can finish, try on, and personalize.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

A firm square of cotton yarn makes a useful dishcloth for wiping counters, washing dishes, or keeping beside the sink. This pattern uses single crochet throughout, so you can focus on even tension and straight edges rather than learning several stitch patterns.

The repeated rows are easy to pick up after a break, and one cloth uses about 100 yards of worsted cotton. That makes it a practical project for a partial skein, though a fresh ball gives you a consistent color. The finished 8-inch square is also a handy size for a quick handmade gift.

The rows were simple to keep track of, and the cotton made a sturdy cloth that softened after washing. I liked having a useful project I could finish in an afternoon.

— Mara, home crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner. You need to chain, single crochet, and turn your work.
Approximate Time: 2–3 hours, depending on your pace and tension.
Construction: A flat square worked in rows from the bottom edge upward. The cloth has no separate border or seams.
Finished Dimensions & Sizing: About 8 × 8 inches (20 × 20 cm) after washing and drying flat. Gauge is 5 single crochet stitches and 5 rows per inch (2.5 cm).

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: About 100 yards (91 m) of worsted-weight cotton yarn, weight #4. Choose one color or use a small amount of a second color for the last few rows.
Hook Size: 5.0 mm / H-8 crochet hook. Change hook size if needed to match gauge, while keeping the fabric firm but flexible.
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in the starting and ending tails, scissors, and a ruler or tape measure. A stitch marker is optional for marking the first row.
Substitutions: A cotton-linen blend can work, but the cloth may feel less soft and may shrink differently. Avoid acrylic if you want a cloth that absorbs water well. A different yarn weight or hook will change the finished size and may change the amount of yarn needed.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch: Chain. Yarn over and pull through the loop on the hook.
sc: Single crochet. Insert the hook in the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.
st / sts: Stitch / stitches.
turn: Rotate the work to begin the next row. The turning chain in this pattern does not count as a stitch.

Work into the top loops of each stitch unless the instructions say otherwise. Keep the turning chain loose enough to reach the height of a single crochet, but do not work into it at the end of the next row.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Dishcloth

Foundation: Ch 41. This chain includes 1 turning chain and 40 chains for the stitches.
Row 1: Sc in the second ch from the hook and in each ch across. Turn. (40 sts)
Rows 2–40: Ch 1, sc in each st across, then turn. The ch 1 does not count as a stitch. Repeat this row 39 times, keeping 40 sc in every row. (40 sts each row)
Fasten off: After Row 40, cut the yarn, leaving a tail long enough to weave in. Pull the tail through the final loop to secure it.
Finish: Thread each yarn tail onto a tapestry needle. Weave the tails through several stitches on the wrong side, changing direction once so they are less likely to work loose. Trim the ends close without cutting into the fabric.

Count the stitches as you work, especially at the row ends. The first and last single crochet can be easy to miss, which may make the cloth narrower a few rows at a time. If the edges curl slightly before washing, smooth the square gently with your hands rather than stretching it out of shape.

Care & Washing Instructions

Wash cotton in warm water, up to 40°C (104°F), with like colors; use a cooler cycle for dark or hand-dyed yarn.
Dry flat or tumble dry on low if the yarn label allows it. High heat can shrink cotton.
While damp, smooth the cloth back to an 8-inch square and let it dry flat; follow the yarn label if it gives different care directions.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Keep your tension steady: Cotton has little stretch, so very tight stitches can make the cloth stiff. If your hand starts to tense, pause and let the hook move freely through each loop.
Count the first and last stitches: Check that every row has 40 sc before turning. A removable marker in the first stitch can help you spot the row edge, especially when the turning chain sits close to it.
Hide tails securely: Weave each end through the back of several stitches, then change direction before trimming. A short tail woven in only one direction can come loose with repeated washing.
Adjust size with a gauge check: To make a wider cloth, add chains in multiples of 1 and work the same number of sc across; add rows for extra length. More stitches and rows use more yarn, so allow extra yardage for a larger square.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different yarn weight for this dishcloth?

Yes, but the fabric and measurements will change. Lighter yarn makes a smaller, thinner cloth, while bulky yarn makes a larger, thicker one. Choose a hook that gives you a washable fabric with enough space between stitches to absorb water, and check the yarn label before washing.

How can I make the dishcloth smaller or larger?

For a smaller cloth, start with fewer chains and work fewer rows. For a larger cloth, add chains and rows. Measure your work as you go, since the final size depends on your yarn, hook, and personal tension; extra stitches and rows also require more yarn.

Is this pattern suitable for a first crochet project?

Yes. It uses only chains and single crochet, with the same stitch repeated in each row. Take care to work the first and last stitches, and count each row so the sides remain straight.

Can I sell dishcloths made from this pattern?

You can sell items you make by hand if the designer’s pattern terms allow it. Check those terms before listing finished cloths, and write your own product description and photos rather than presenting the pattern as your own.

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Your finished beret has a relaxed crown and a soft drape that make it easy to wear on a cool day, and it’s satisfying to see that shape emerge round by round. For a simple variation, make yours in a deep rust or moss green instead of a neutral shade, keeping the same yarn weight so the fit stays consistent. Take a photo of the finished hat in natural light and share it on Pinterest or your favorite social media page; a side view shows off the floppy shape especially well. If you enjoyed this project, explore more free crochet patterns on the blog for your next handmade gift or weekend make.