Soft cotton stitches give this pie plate cozy a flexible, textured feel, with a different side ready to show when you turn it over. It adds a handmade touch to a pie plate for carrying a cooled pie to a gathering or setting it out at home. The pattern suits beginners who want practice keeping their stitches even, as well as gift makers and anyone who enjoys useful crochet for the kitchen. Working the cozy is satisfying because the fabric grows steadily, and simple stitches make it easy to see your progress. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how the reversible design comes together and how to crochet neat, even fabric that fits your plate. You can follow the basic approach as written, then adjust the colors to suit your kitchen or the person receiving it.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This square cotton dishcloth uses simple single crochet rows, so you can work it while learning to keep an even edge. The fabric is sturdy and absorbent, and the plain stitch pattern makes it easy to count without watching a complicated repeat. One cloth takes about 100 yards of worsted cotton, making it a useful project for a small leftover skein. It also makes a practical handmade gift that can be machine-washed and used every day.

The rows were easy to follow, and the cotton made a firm cloth that feels good in my hand. I finished mine in an afternoon.

— Maya, sample crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner. You need to chain, single crochet, turn, and count stitches.
Approximate Time: 2–3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to check the stitch count.
Construction: Crochet a flat square in turned rows of single crochet, then weave in the starting and finishing tails. There is no seam or separate border.
Finished Dimensions & Sizing: About 8 × 8 inches after washing and drying flat, using the gauge below. Small differences are normal with handmade cotton fabric.

Gauge: 16 single crochet stitches and 18 rows measure 4 inches square after gently smoothing the swatch. Gauge affects the finished size, so check it before starting if you want your cloth close to 8 inches.

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: About 100 yards of worsted-weight (#4) 100% cotton yarn in one color. Cotton handles frequent washing and makes a textured, absorbent cloth. A single 100-yard skein is enough for most makers.
Hook: 5.0 mm / H-8 crochet hook. If your stitches are very tight, try a 5.5 mm / I-9 hook; a larger hook will make the cloth looser and may increase its size.
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in the ends, scissors, and a ruler or tape measure for checking gauge. A stitch marker is optional and can mark the first stitch of each row.
Substitutions: A similar-weight cotton or cotton-linen yarn is a suitable substitute. A thinner yarn makes a smaller, finer cloth, while a thicker yarn makes a larger, heavier one and uses more yardage. Acrylic yarn can be used, but it may feel less absorbent and have a different texture.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch: Chain, made by yarning over and pulling the yarn 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.
turn: Rotate the work to crochet back across the previous row.

The turning chain does not count as a stitch in this pattern. Work the first single crochet into the first stitch of each row, not into the turning chain. The even single crochet fabric is a good choice for a dishcloth because it creates a firm surface without open holes.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Dishcloth

Make a starting chain that is loose enough to stretch slightly. If your chain is much tighter than your single crochet rows, use a larger hook just for the chain or work it more loosely. The starting chain has 33 chains; the first 32 become stitches in Row 1, and the last chain provides turning height.

Row 1: Ch 33. Sc in the second ch from the hook and in each ch across. Turn. (32 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1. Sc in each st across. Turn. (32 sts)
Rows 3–36: Repeat Row 2, working one sc in every stitch. Turn at the end of each row. (32 sts per row)

After Row 36, check that the piece is close to square and measure about 8 inches on each side. If your row gauge is slightly different, the fabric may be a little taller or shorter; the stitch count should remain 32 on every row. Fasten off, leaving a tail about 6 inches long.

Finishing

Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle. Weave it through the backs of several stitches along the edge, change direction, and pass through a few more stitches to secure it. Repeat with the starting tail. Trim the ends close to the fabric without cutting into the stitches. Wash the cloth before use to remove handling residue and let it dry flat.

Care & Washing Instructions

Wash cotton in a machine on a warm cycle, around 40°C / 104°F, or follow the yarn label if it gives different directions.
Dry the cloth flat when possible; reshape the corners while it is damp to help it keep a square outline.
If the edges curl, gently smooth and block the damp cloth flat, then let it dry fully before storing.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Keep your tension steady, especially on the foundation chain. A tight chain can pull the bottom edge inward even when the rows above it are even.
Count the stitches at the end of every few rows. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of a row if it is easy to miss the edge stitch; each row must have 32 sc.
Weave in each end through the back of the fabric and change direction once. Avoid pulling the yarn so tightly that the edge puckers, and do not leave a short tail that may work loose in the wash.
For a wider cloth, add chains before Row 1, then work into all but the last chain. For extra length, add rows. Both changes increase yarn use; a larger hook also makes a looser, potentially larger cloth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different fiber instead of cotton?

Yes. Cotton-linen yarn is a close alternative and usually keeps a firm feel. Wool may shrink or felt with hot washing, and acrylic can be less absorbent. Check the yarn label and make a small swatch if you are unsure how the substitute will behave.

How can I make the dishcloth larger or smaller?

Change the foundation chain to adjust the width, keeping one fewer single crochet than the number of chains. Add or remove rows to change the height. Measure as you work, since yarn thickness and personal tension affect the final dimensions and yardage.

Is this pattern suitable for a first crochet project?

Yes, if you are comfortable making a chain and single crochet. The main challenge is working the first and last stitch of each row consistently. Count 32 stitches across each row so the sides stay straight.

May I sell dishcloths made from this pattern?

Check the pattern designer’s terms before selling finished items, and follow any credit or listing requirements. If you sell the cloth, describe the fiber accurately and include its care instructions so buyers know how to wash it.

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Your finished cozy brings a soft, handmade layer to a pie plate, and its reversible sides give you two looks from one project. For a simple variation, use a different cotton color on each side so you can flip between a quiet neutral and a brighter shade. Check the fit against your own plate before finishing, since small differences in yarn and tension can change the final dimensions. When yours is ready, share a photo on Pinterest or your favorite social platform; it’s always nice to see how another maker chooses their colors. Then browse the blog for more free crochet patterns, including practical projects you can make with a few quiet hours and a ball of cotton yarn.