Beautiful Riverbed Blanket: Free Beginner Crochet Pattern

1. Foundation: Ch 26. Do not count the loop on the hook as a chain.
2. Row 1: Sc in the second ch from the hook and in each ch across. Turn. (25 sts)
3. Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
4. Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
5. Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
6. Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
7. Row 6: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
8. Row 7: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
9. Row 8: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
10. Row 9: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
11. Row 10: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
12. Row 11: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
13. Row 12: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
14. Row 13: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
15. Row 14: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
16. Row 15: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
17. Row 16: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
18. Row 17: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
19. Row 18: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
20. Row 19: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
21. Row 20: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
22. Row 21: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
23. Row 22: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
24. Row 23: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
25. Row 24: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
26. Row 25: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
27. Row 26: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sts)
28. Row 27: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Do not turn. (25 sts)

Finishing

Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 in (15 cm), then pull the tail through the loop on your hook to fasten off. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle and weave it through several stitches on the wrong side. Change direction once so the end is less likely to work loose. Weave in the starting tail the same way. Do not pull the woven ends tight enough to pucker the fabric.

Care & Washing Instructions

• Wash cotton in cool or warm water, up to 40°C (104°F), with similar colors; follow the yarn label if it gives different instructions.
• Dry flat to help the square keep its shape. If machine drying, use a low setting only if the yarn label allows it.
• While damp, smooth the edges and corners by hand, then let the cloth dry flat; block lightly if the rows have curled.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Keep a relaxed, even tension. Tight chains can make the bottom edge narrower than the rest, so work the foundation chain loosely or use a hook one size larger just for the chain.
• Count the stitches across every few rows. A stitch marker in the first stitch can help you spot the edge, but move it up as you work so it does not end up trapped in the fabric.
• Weave in the ends on the wrong side, following the paths of several stitches. A short tail worked through only one row can loosen with repeated washing.
• For a larger cloth, add an even number of chains and work more rows until the height is close to the width. Extra stitches and rows use more yarn; make sure you have enough before extending the cloth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different yarn weight?

Yes, but the finished dimensions and feel will change. A thinner yarn makes a smaller, lighter cloth, while a heavier yarn makes a larger, thicker one. Use a hook suited to the yarn and make a gauge swatch before committing to the full piece.

How can I make the dishcloth smaller or larger?

For a narrower cloth, begin with fewer chains while keeping one chain for the turning space. For a wider cloth, add chains. To keep the result roughly square, work until the row height is close to the width. Changes in size affect yarn use, so allow extra yardage for a larger cloth.

Is this pattern suitable for a first crochet project?

Yes. It uses only chains and single crochet, and every row has the same stitch count. The main challenge is finding the first and last stitch consistently; counting each row helps you catch missed or added stitches early.

May I sell dishcloths made from this pattern?

Check the designer’s terms before selling finished items, and follow any credit or small-business requirements they give. Since no source pattern was provided for this example, use the terms attached to the pattern you choose to follow.

Pin for later!

Once the final row is complete, you’ll have a cozy blanket with flowing texture and the unmistakable charm of something made by hand. For a simple variation, work the pattern in two colors and change shades every few rows to create gentle bands. Take a photo draped over a chair or folded at the foot of a bed, then share it on Pinterest or your favorite social media account. Your finished colors and yarn choices may give another crocheter an idea for their own version. When you’re ready to pick up your hook again, explore more free crochet patterns on the blog for your next relaxed project.

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