Soft yarn worked into a gently pointed crown gives a hedge witch hat its woodland shape, while the brim frames the face and adds a little drama. This crochet project suits makers who enjoy a wearable accessory with a touch of storybook character, and it can be a thoughtful handmade gift for someone who loves autumn walks, costumes, or nature-inspired style. The shaping makes the hat satisfying to watch as it grows, without requiring complicated stitch patterns. You’ll learn how increases and decreases build the crown, then how the brim gives the finished piece its outline. Clear stitch counting helps keep the point centered, and checking the fit as you work lets you adjust the hat before finishing. Choose a color that feels earthy or playful, and you’ll have a distinctive handmade hat to wear when the weather turns cool.

Pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Pattern

A firm cotton crochet dishcloth is handy at the sink, and this square is worked in plain single crochet rows. The even texture gives you a useful surface for wiping counters, while the simple stitch makes it easy to see where each row begins and ends.

This is a good first project for practicing steady tension and counting stitches. It uses one ball of cotton yarn, so it can also be made from leftovers as long as you have enough yardage. The rows are repetitive without being complicated, which makes the cloth a practical project to work on in short sessions.

The finished cloth is about 7.5 inches wide and 6.7 inches tall at the stated gauge. You can use it as written for a compact dishcloth or adjust its width and length by changing the starting chain or number of rows.

The flat rows were easy to keep even, and the cotton makes a useful cloth that feels sturdy after washing.

— Maya, illustrative sample crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner. You need to chain, single crochet, and turn your work.
Approximate Time: About 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you pause to check your stitches.
Construction: One flat rectangle worked back and forth in rows. The turning chain does not count as a stitch, and there are no seams or separate pieces.
Finished Dimensions & Sizing: Approximately 7.5 inches wide by 6.7 inches tall, or 19 by 17 cm, at a gauge of 16 single crochet stitches and 18 rows per 4 inches.

Gauge affects the finished size and how much yarn you use. Make a small swatch if you want to compare your tension with the pattern before starting the full cloth.

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: About 80 to 100 yards of worsted-weight (#4) 100% cotton yarn. Use one color or change colors at the ends of rows. Cotton absorbs water and tolerates regular washing.
Hook: 5.0 mm / H-8 crochet hook. If your stitches are very tight, try a 5.5 mm / I-9 hook and check the swatch size.
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in the two yarn ends, scissors, and a ruler or measuring tape.
Substitutions: A cotton-linen blend can make a slightly drapier cloth. A cotton-acrylic blend may feel less absorbent, while acrylic alone is not the best choice for a dishcloth used to wipe wet surfaces. A different yarn weight or hook can change the size and texture, so check your gauge and expect the yardage to vary.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch = chain.
sc = single crochet. Insert the hook into the indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over again, then pull through both loops on the hook.
st / sts = stitch / stitches.
rep = repeat.
turn = rotate the work so you can crochet back across the row.

The turning chain is used to bring the yarn up to the next row. It does not count as a stitch in this pattern. Work the first single crochet into the first stitch, not into the turning chain.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Dishcloth

Foundation: Ch 31. Keep the chain loose enough to insert your hook easily.
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 3–10: Rep Row 2 for each row. Turn at the end of every row. (30 sts per row)
Rows 11–20: Rep Row 2 for each row. Turn at the end of every row. (30 sts per row)
Rows 21–30: Rep Row 2 for each row. Do not turn after Row 30. (30 sts per row)

Finishing

Cut the yarn, leaving a tail about 6 inches long. Pull the tail through the final loop to secure it. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle and weave it through several stitches on the wrong side, changing direction once so it is less likely to work loose. Repeat with the foundation tail.

Lay the cloth flat and measure it. At the stated gauge, it should be close to 7.5 by 6.7 inches. If your cloth is a little larger or smaller, that is fine for everyday use. Avoid stretching it sharply while measuring, since cotton can relax after washing.

Care & Washing Instructions

Wash the cotton cloth in warm water, up to 40°C / 104°F, with similar colors.
Tumble dry on low or air-dry flat; avoid high heat, which can shrink cotton.
While damp, smooth the cloth back into a square shape and let it dry flat.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Keep your starting chain and row stitches at an even tension. A tight foundation chain can pull the bottom edge inward, so use a slightly larger hook just for the chain if needed.
Count 30 stitches at the end of every row. If the count changes, look for a missed stitch at the edge or an extra stitch worked into the turning chain.
Weave in each tail on the wrong side, passing the needle through the backs of several stitches and changing direction before trimming. Do not cut the tail right beside the first pass.
To make the cloth wider, add an even number of chains to the foundation, then work one fewer single crochet than the total chain count. To make it taller, add rows. Either change uses more yarn, so allow extra yardage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different yarn instead of cotton?

Yes, but the cloth may absorb less water or feel different. A cotton-linen blend is a reasonable substitute. Check the care label and make a gauge swatch, since yarn weight and fiber can affect the finished size and washing instructions.

How can I make the dishcloth larger or smaller?

Change the foundation chain to adjust the width, then crochet fewer or more rows to adjust the height. Each foundation chain gives one single crochet across, except for the chain skipped at the start of Row 1. Changes to size also change yarn use.

Is this pattern suitable for a first crochet project?

Yes. It uses chains and single crochet worked in straight rows, with no shaping or sewing. Count the stitches at the end of each row and remember that the turning chain does not count as a stitch.

Can I sell dishcloths made from this pattern?

Check the designer’s terms before selling finished items, and follow any requirements about pattern credit. This tutorial does not grant permission to copy, repost, or sell the written pattern itself.

Pin for later!

A softly pointed crown and shaped brim make this hat a memorable finish, and seeing the silhouette take form is a rewarding part of the project. For a simple variation, try a deep forest green instead of a neutral shade, or use a different yarn color to give the same shape a new mood. Share a photo of your finished hat on Pinterest or your favorite social media account; it’s always lovely to see the colors and personal touches other makers choose. If you enjoyed this project, explore more free crochet patterns on the blog for your next cozy accessory or handmade gift.