Easy Sampler Blanket Construction: Free Crochet Guide

Raised stitches and a mix of square textures give this sampler blanket a soft, tactile finish that looks at home folded over a sofa or spread across a bed. Week 7 focuses on bringing the squares together, turning a collection of individual motifs into one joined blanket. It suits crocheters who have completed earlier CAL squares, and patient beginners can use the construction tips to keep edges aligned and seams tidy. The work is satisfying because the growing fabric makes the final design easier to see with every join. You’ll learn how to plan the square layout, match edges, and join the pieces evenly, with practical advice for checking the blanket as it takes shape.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

A firm cotton dishcloth is useful at the sink, easy to wash, and simple to make with single crochet. This beginner pattern uses straight rows rather than shaping, so you can focus on keeping your edges even and your stitch count steady. The dense fabric holds up to regular use, and one skein usually makes more than one cloth, depending on its yardage.

The repeated stitch makes the project easy to pick up between other tasks, and the finished square is practical for a housewarming gift or a kitchen drawer. Use smooth, washable cotton so the cloth absorbs water and can handle frequent laundering.

The simple rows were easy to follow, and my cotton cloth came out thick enough for everyday washing.

— Sample maker, illustrative review

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

• Skill Level: Beginner. You need to chain, single crochet, turn, and weave in ends.
• Approximate Time: About 2–3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you pause to check the edges.
• Construction: Worked flat in back-and-forth rows, with no seams or separate pieces.
• Finished Dimensions & Sizing: Approximately 9 × 9 in (23 × 23 cm) after washing and drying, using the gauge listed below.

Gauge is 4.5 single crochet stitches and 4.5 rows per 1 in (2.5 cm), measured in the main fabric. Gauge affects the finished size and yarn use. If your swatch is wider or taller than the measurement, try a smaller hook; if it is smaller, try a larger hook.

Materials & Supplies Needed

• Yarn: About 100–120 yd (91–110 m) of worsted-weight cotton, also called medium or #4 weight. Choose one color, or use a washable cotton blend that is suitable for kitchen use.
• Hook: 4.5 mm / US 7. Check your gauge and change hook size if needed.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in the yarn ends, scissors, and a ruler or tape measure for checking gauge.
• Substitutions: A cotton-linen blend can make a slightly softer cloth. A washable cotton-acrylic blend may feel less absorbent. Keep the same yarn weight and check gauge; a thicker yarn or larger hook makes a larger, looser cloth and may use more yarn.

Acrylic yarn is easy to find, but it can be less absorbent than cotton. For a cloth meant to wipe counters or wash dishes, cotton is the most practical choice. Smooth yarn also makes it easier to see and count each stitch.

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 pull through both loops on the hook.
• st: Stitch.
• sts: Stitches.

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 and the row count consistent.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Dishcloth

1. Foundation: Ch 41. Keep the chain relaxed so the bottom edge does not pull in.
2. Row 1: Sc in the second ch from the hook and in each ch across. Turn. (40 sts)
3. Rows 2–40: Ch 1, sc in each st across, then turn. The ch 1 does not count as a stitch. (40 sts in each row)

After Row 40, fasten off, leaving a tail long enough to weave in. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle and weave it through several stitches on the wrong side. Change direction once before trimming the remaining yarn close to the fabric. Weave in the starting tail the same way.

Lay the cloth flat and measure it. With the stated gauge, it should be close to 9 in (23 cm) square. Small differences are normal with cotton, especially before the first wash. The fabric should feel firm but still bend easily in your hands.

Care & Washing Instructions

• Wash cotton in a machine or by hand with mild detergent at up to 40°C (104°F); follow the yarn label if it gives a lower limit.
• Dry flat when possible, smoothing the edges while the cloth is damp.
• Reshape the square gently after washing; light blocking is optional, and the yarn label takes precedence if the fiber content is unknown.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Keep your tension even: Cotton has little stretch, so tight foundation chains can make the bottom edge narrower than the rest. If that edge draws in, remake the chain with a looser hand or use a hook one size larger just for the foundation chain.
• Count as you work: Check for 40 stitches at the end of each row. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch if you tend to miss it after turning; move the marker up as you finish each row.
• Hide the ends securely: Weave each tail through the back of several stitches, then change direction before trimming. A short tail worked through only one row can loosen after repeated washing.
• Adjust size with a plan: For a wider cloth, chain the number of desired stitches plus one extra chain for the turning chain. Add or remove rows to change the length. A larger cloth uses more yarn, while a smaller one uses less; recheck gauge because hook and yarn changes can also alter the fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different yarn fiber?

Yes. Cotton is absorbent and handles frequent washing well. A cotton-linen blend is also suitable, though it may feel softer or drape differently. Acrylic blends can be less absorbent, so check the yarn label and expect a change in texture.

How can I make the dishcloth smaller or larger?

Use your gauge to plan the stitch count: at 4.5 stitches per inch, about 40 stitches make a 9-inch width. Add or subtract chains to change the width, remembering to add one chain for the turning chain, and work fewer or more rows to adjust the length. A larger cloth needs more yarn.

Is this pattern suitable for a first crochet project?

Yes, if you are comfortable making a chain and single crochet. The row edges are the main point to watch. Count 40 stitches after each row and make sure the first and last stitches are worked into the fabric rather than the turning chain.

May I sell dishcloths made from this pattern?

Check the designer’s terms before selling finished items, and follow any credit or usage requirements. If you sell them, describe the fiber honestly and include care information so buyers know how to wash the cloth.

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Once the last square is joined, you’ll have a textured blanket with a clear sampler pattern and the satisfying weight of a finished, usable project. If you want a different look, repeat one favorite color through the squares to tie the design together, or use a contrasting shade for the joining. Take a photo of your blanket in its new spot and share it on Pinterest or your social media page so other crocheters can see how your squares came together. Keep your notes about yarn and layout with the project, especially if you plan to make a larger version later. When you’re ready for another project, explore more free crochet patterns on the blog.