A little green crochet tree with a firm shape and a loop for a key ring makes a cheerful extra for keys, backpacks, or a holiday gift bag. This Christmas tree keychain is small enough to finish in a relaxed evening, and the finished piece has a soft, handworked texture that feels nice to hold. Beginners can use it to practise basic stitches and keep an eye on even tension, while experienced crocheters can make a handful in different colors for quick gifts. The pattern explains how to shape the tree with simple crochet techniques and attach a hanging loop or key ring. You will also find practical notes for keeping the edges neat and making the finished charm sturdy enough for everyday use.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This crochet dishcloth is made in straight rows of single crochet, so the fabric is dense enough for everyday kitchen use and easy to follow while you work. The simple rectangle is a good first project for practicing even tension and counting stitches without managing increases or decreases.

One cloth takes about 100 yards of worsted cotton, which makes the pattern useful for partial skeins. Make a stack in one color for a matching set, or use separate colors to keep cleaning cloths distinct from dishcloths.

The rows were easy to keep track of, and the finished cloth feels sturdy without being stiff. I used it for a few dishes, washed it, and it kept its shape.

— Mara, sample crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner. You need to know how to chain and make a single crochet.
Approximate Time: 2–3 hours, depending on your pace and tension.
Construction: Work a flat rectangle in rows, then fasten off and weave in the ends. There is no seam or separate border.
Finished Dimensions & Sizing: About 10 × 10 inches when blocked, using the gauge below. Small differences are normal for a handmade cloth.

Gauge: 16 single crochet stitches and 18 rows measure about 4 inches in an unblocked swatch. Gauge matters less for a dishcloth than for a fitted item, but matching it helps you reach the stated size and use the estimated yarn amount. If your swatch is larger, try a smaller hook; if it is smaller, try a larger hook.

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: About 100–120 yards of worsted-weight cotton yarn, also called medium weight or #4. A smooth, absorbent 100% cotton is a practical choice. One color is enough; a partial skein works if it contains the required yardage.
Hook: 5.0 mm / H-8 crochet hook. Change hook size if needed to match gauge.
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in the two yarn ends, scissors, ruler or tape measure, and a small amount of contrasting yarn or a removable marker to mark the first row if useful.
Substitutions: A cotton-linen blend can make a firm cloth with a slightly textured feel. A cotton-acrylic blend may feel less absorbent, so check the yarn label before using it for dishes. Keep the same weight and choose a hook that gives a close fabric. Thicker yarn or a larger hook makes a larger, looser cloth and uses more yarn; thinner yarn or a 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 / sts: Stitch / stitches.
rep: Repeat.
yo: Yarn over, or wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front.

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 each row at 40 stitches and helps the sides stay straight.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Dishcloth

Foundation: With the 5.0 mm hook, ch 41. Keep the chain relaxed so the first row does not pull in.
Row 1: Sc in the second ch from the hook and in each ch across. Turn. (40 sts)
Rows 2–45: Ch 1, sc in each st across, then turn. Repeat this row through Row 45. Each row has (40 sts).

After Row 45, measure the cloth. It should be close to 10 inches square at the stated gauge. If you want to check while working, measure the height after every 10 rows; at gauge, 18 rows measure about 4 inches. Do not add stitches to make the cloth wider, since that changes the shape. For a longer cloth, add complete rows and note that the finished dimensions and yarn use will increase.

Finishing

Fasten off, leaving a tail long enough to weave in, and pull the yarn through the final loop. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle. Weave it through several stitches along the edge, change direction once, and trim the remaining end close without cutting the fabric. Weave in the starting tail the same way. If the edges curl slightly, wash and reshape the cloth according to the yarn label before judging its final shape.

Care & Washing Instructions

For 100% cotton, machine wash with similar colors in cool or warm water, up to 40°C (104°F), unless the yarn label gives different directions.
Lay the cloth flat to dry, or tumble dry on low only if the yarn label allows it; high heat can shrink cotton.
While damp, smooth the edges and reshape the rectangle by hand. Follow the yarn label for any blocking method, especially for blends.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Keep your foundation chain loose. If it is much tighter than your single crochet rows, the bottom edge will draw inward. A hook one size larger for the chain can help; switch back to the 5.0 mm hook for Row 1.
Count the stitches at the end of every row, especially the first few. The turning chain does not count, and working into it by mistake can add an unwanted stitch at the edge.
Weave each tail through the fabric rather than tying a knot at the edge. Change direction through a few stitches so the end is less likely to work loose during washing.
To adjust the width, chain more or fewer stitches, remembering that the starting chain should be one stitch longer than the intended stitch count. More width or extra rows use more yarn; allow additional yardage rather than assuming a small size change will fit the original estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different yarn fiber?

Yes, but cotton is generally a useful choice for a dishcloth because it absorbs water and tolerates frequent washing. A linen blend may feel firmer, while acrylic-heavy yarn may absorb less. Check the care label and make a small swatch before starting the full cloth.

How can I make the dishcloth wider or narrower?

Change the foundation chain while keeping one more chain than the number of stitches you want in Row 1. For example, a foundation of 36 chains gives 35 single crochet stitches. Work as many rows as needed for the length, and expect the finished size and yarn use to change.

Is this pattern suitable for a first crochet project?

Yes. It uses only chains and single crochet in flat rows, with no shaping or joining. Work slowly on the first row and count all 40 stitches before turning so the rectangle stays even.

May I sell dishcloths made from this pattern?

Check the pattern designer’s terms before selling finished items, and follow any requirements for credit or small-scale sales. If you share photos or list the cloth for sale, describe it as handmade and do not present the pattern itself as your own.

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Your little evergreen is ready to add a handmade touch to a set of keys, a stocking, or a wrapped present, and finishing one gives you a quick project you can enjoy from the first stitches to the last woven end. For a simple variation, swap the green yarn for white or red, or add a small contrasting detail to suggest lights. If you make one, share a photo on Pinterest or your favorite social media platform so others can see your color choices. Then browse the blog for more free crochet patterns, including small projects that use leftover yarn and make thoughtful gifts.