A soft donut shape, a red Santa hat, and tiny stitched details give this crochet ornament a cheerful place on a holiday tree. The finished piece is small enough to tuck into a gift bag, yet its rounded, lightly stuffed form has the cozy feel of a handmade keepsake. Beginners can practice working in the round and shaping a simple amigurumi, while experienced crocheters can finish one in an evening and make a few for friends. This pattern also gives you a chance to work neatly around curves, join or sew the pieces securely, and add the finishing touches that make Santa recognizable. Choose smooth yarn so the stitches stay clear, and stuff the ring gradually for an even shape.

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Why Crocheters Love It

Worsted cotton makes this simple dishcloth sturdy, absorbent, and easy to rinse out after use. The pattern uses only single crochet stitches, so it is a useful first project for practicing even tension and counting rows.

The small rectangle is portable and usually takes two to three hours, depending on your pace. A single skein can make one cloth, and leftover cotton from other projects works well as long as the yarn has a similar thickness.

Its plain fabric is practical for everyday washing and is easy to care for. The finished cloth measures about 7.5 by 6.75 inches, a handy size for dishes, counters, or a small cleaning task.

The rows were easy to keep track of, and the cotton cloth came out firm without feeling stiff. I added a marker to the first stitch of each row, which helped me keep the edges straight.

— Maya, sample review

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner. You need to know how to chain and single crochet.
Approximate Time: Two to three hours.
Construction: A flat rectangle worked back and forth in rows, with no shaping or separate pieces.
Finished Dimensions & Sizing: About 7.5 inches wide by 6.75 inches tall after washing and drying flat. Gauge is 16 single crochet stitches and 18 rows per 4 inches.

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: About 90–110 yards of worsted-weight cotton yarn, weight #4. Choose one color, or use a small amount of a second color for a contrasting starting tail or finishing knot.
Hook Size: 5.0 mm / H-8 crochet hook. If your fabric is loose and holey, try a 4.5 mm hook; if it feels rigid, try 5.5 mm and check your gauge again.
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in the ends, scissors, and a locking stitch marker to mark the first stitch of a row.
Substitutions: Cotton or a cotton-dominant yarn is a good choice because it absorbs water and tolerates frequent washing. A cotton-linen blend can feel firmer and may drape less. Avoid delicate fibers such as alpaca or wool for a frequently wet dishcloth. A different yarn weight changes the finished size and may also change how much yarn you need.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch: Chain.
sc: Single crochet. Insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over again, then draw through both loops on the hook.
st: Stitch.
sts: Stitches.
rep: Repeat.

The turning chain at the start of a row does not count as a stitch. Work the first single crochet into the first stitch of the row, not into the turning chain. This keeps the side edges straight.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Dishcloth

Make a slip knot and leave a tail long enough to weave in securely. Chain 31. Keep the chain relaxed; if it is much tighter than your working stitches, the lower edge may pull in. The 30 stitches made in the first row set the cloth’s width.

Row 1: Sc in the second ch from the hook and in each ch across. Turn. (30 sts)
Rows 2–30: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. Repeat for each row through Row 30. (30 sts per row)

After Row 30, fasten off, leaving a tail of about 6 inches. 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. Weave in the starting tail the same way.

Check that the cloth has 30 stitches across and 30 rows. If the sides lean or the stitch count changes, correct the count before continuing; a missed first or last stitch is the most common cause of a slanted edge. The pattern has no separate border, so the finished edges are the row edges.

Wash and dry the cloth before measuring it. Cotton can relax after its first wash, and a gentle adjustment while damp can help the corners lie flat.

Care & Washing Instructions

Wash cotton cloths in warm water, up to 40°C (104°F), with like colors; use the yarn label’s lower limit if it specifies one.
Dry flat or tumble dry on low if the yarn label permits; reshape the corners while the cloth is damp.
Block by smoothing the damp cloth flat and easing the edges square. Follow the yarn label if the fiber is a blend or is unknown.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Keep a relaxed, consistent tension. If the starting chain is tight, use a hook one size larger just for the chain, then return to the pattern hook for Row 1.
Count the stitches at the end of every row. Place a marker in the first stitch of the row if you tend to miss the last stitch or work into the turning chain by mistake.
Weave in each end on the wrong side through several stitches, then change direction. Do not trim the tail right beside the fabric; leave a small amount inside the stitches to reduce the chance of it slipping out.
For a wider cloth, add chains to the foundation and work one fewer single crochet than the number of chains. For a longer cloth, work more rows. Both changes use more yarn, and extra width or length changes the finished dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton?

You can, but acrylic is generally less absorbent and may feel different when wet. The fabric may also stretch more. Use the same weight and check the finished measurements before relying on the cloth for kitchen use.

How can I make the dishcloth larger or smaller?

For a width change, adjust the foundation chain and work one fewer single crochet than the number of chains. For a height change, add or remove rows. A larger cloth needs more yarn; a smaller one needs less.

Is this pattern suitable for a first crochet project?

Yes. It uses chains and single crochet in straight rows, with no shaping or joining. Practice counting to 30 stitches as you work so the sides stay even.

May I sell dishcloths made from this pattern?

Check the designer’s terms before selling finished items, and follow any conditions they set. If you sell your work, describe the yarn and care instructions accurately, and do not claim authorship of a pattern you did not write.

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Once the final details are in place, this little Santa donut has a soft, rounded shape that looks right at home among the lights and branches of a Christmas tree. For a simple variation, swap the classic red hat for green yarn, or use a slightly finer yarn and smaller hook to make a smaller ornament. Check that the hanging loop is firmly attached before placing it on the tree, especially if it will be handled often. I’d love to see how your version turns out, so share a photo on Pinterest or social media. When you’re ready for another small seasonal project, explore more free crochet patterns on the blog.