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Deep emerald yarn gives this mermaid gown a rich, jewel-like color, while the diamond lattice creates an airy texture across the fitted silhouette. The skirt widens toward the hem for that familiar mermaid shape, making the finished piece feel special without relying on extra trim. Crocheters who have mastered basic stitches can enjoy building the repeating openwork, and a confident beginner can take it on by working carefully through the shaping and checking gauge as they go. It also gives gift makers a memorable handmade project, especially when they can confirm the wearer’s measurements first. If you usually crochet home decor, the lace-like stitch pattern offers a chance to try a wearable design. This pattern guide covers the lattice technique, shaping, sizing, and practical ways to keep the fabric even as the gown grows.
Pin for later!Why You’ll Love This Pattern
A square cotton dishcloth is useful at the sink, quick to make, and easy to wash between uses. This pattern uses simple single crochet rows, so you can focus on keeping the edges straight rather than learning a complicated stitch repeat. The firm fabric is absorbent and holds up to regular kitchen use.
One ball of worsted cotton is usually enough, and the plain texture works well with leftover yarn if you have a partial skein. It is also a practical handmade gift: pair a finished cloth with a bar of soap or a kitchen towel, and include the yarn care instructions.
The rows are repetitive without requiring constant attention. A beginner can pause at the end of any row, mark the next row, and pick up the work later. Keep a measuring tape nearby so you can stop when the cloth reaches your preferred size.
I made this during a quiet evening and had a sturdy cloth ready for the kitchen the next morning. The row count made it easy to keep track.
— Lena, home crocheter
Pattern Overview & Skill Level
- Skill Level: Beginner. You need to chain and make single crochet stitches.
- Approximate Time: 2–3 hours, depending on your pace and tension.
- Construction: Crochet a flat square in rows, working back and forth from the starting chain. There is no seaming or separate border.
- Finished Dimensions & Sizing: About 7.5 × 7.5 inches (19 × 19 cm) when blocked, using the stated gauge. Small differences in tension can change the finished size.
Materials & Supplies Needed
- Yarn: About 90 yards (82 m) of worsted-weight cotton yarn, category #4. Use one color, or change colors at the end of a row. Cotton is absorbent and handles frequent washing well.
- Hook: 5.0 mm / H-8 crochet hook. Use a hook that gives you a firm fabric without making your hand uncomfortable.
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in the starting and ending tails, scissors, measuring tape, and an optional stitch marker or row counter.
- Gauge: 16 single crochet stitches and 16 rows measure 4 inches (10 cm) in the flat fabric. Make a small swatch if you want the finished cloth to match the stated dimensions closely.
- Substitutions: A different 100% cotton yarn in a similar worsted weight is the closest substitute. Cotton blends may feel softer or dry differently. A thicker yarn or larger hook makes a larger, looser cloth and uses more yarn; a thinner yarn or smaller hook makes a smaller, denser cloth.
Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch: Chain. Yarn over and pull through the loop on the hook.
- sc: Single crochet. Insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.
- st: Stitch.
- sts: Stitches.
- rep: Repeat.
The turning chain at the start of each 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 stitch count at 30 and helps prevent the sides from narrowing.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
Use the 5.0 mm / H-8 hook and worsted cotton. Chain 31 without pulling the loops tight. The foundation chain should bend easily; if it is much tighter than your later rows, remake it with a slightly looser hand.
Dishcloth
- Row 1: Sc in the second ch from the hook and in each ch across. (30 sts)
- Rows 2–30: Ch 1 and turn. Sc in each st across. Count the turning chain as neither a stitch nor part of the row. (30 sts per row)
