Cozy Autumn Gym Towel: Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This cozy autumn gym towel is the perfect first "big" project for a beginner who has already mastered the basic stitches. It is made from a simple grid of solid granny squares in undyed t-shirt yarn, so the fabric is thick, absorbent, and soft against the skin. The natural cream color keeps it looking calm and streetwear-simple, while six tiny red strawberries along the short ends add a playful, handmade touch. Worked in chunky yarn with a large hook, it comes together quickly and feels sturdy enough for the gym, the beach, or a cozy spot on the sofa.
Materials Needed
- Yarn (towel): T-shirt yarn, approximately 5–7 mm wide, undyed natural cotton, 200–250 yards total.
- Yarn (strawberries): A small amount of red cotton yarn, worsted weight (about 10–15 yards).
- Yarn (leaves): A small amount of green cotton yarn, worsted weight, for embroidery.
- Hook (towel): 8 mm (US L-11).
- Hook (strawberries): 4 mm (US G-6).
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker, small amount of polyester fiberfill for stuffing the berries.
- Finished size: Approx. 16" x 24" (40 cm x 60 cm).
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- inc – increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec – decrease (work 2 sc together into 1 stitch)
- MR – magic ring
- sp – space
- rep – repeat
- sts – stitches
Gauge
One solid granny square = 4" x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) using the 8 mm hook. To check, work one complete square and measure it flat; adjust your hook size if it is noticeably larger or smaller.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your tension relaxed with t-shirt yarn; tight stitches make the fabric stiff and harder to join.
- Work all 24 squares first, then lay them out in 4 rows of 6 before joining so you can balance any slight size differences.
- Count your 3-dc groups at the end of each round — each square should always have 4 corner spaces.
- Stuff the strawberries lightly so they stay small and flat against the towel edge.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Towel Base: Solid Granny Squares (make 24)
With the 8 mm hook and t-shirt yarn:
Set-up: Ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, [ch 2, 3 dc] 3 times, ch 2, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).
Rnd 2: Sl st to next ch-2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp, *3 dc in next sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp; rep from * around, join (24 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).
Rnd 3: Sl st to next ch-2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp, *3 dc in each of next 2 sps, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp; rep from * around, join (36 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).
Fasten off. Square measures 4" x 4". Repeat to make 24 squares.
Assembly
Arrange the 24 squares in 4 rows of 6. With right sides facing, whipstitch or sc the squares together through the back loops to form the 16" x 24" rectangle.
Border
With the 8 mm hook, join yarn at any corner.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire perimeter, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
Strawberries (make 6)
With the 4 mm hook and red yarn:
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts).
Rnd 2: Inc x6 (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
Rnd 4: Sc in each st (18 sts).
Rnd 5: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).
Stuff lightly.
Rnd 6: Dec x6 (6 sts). Close the opening. With green yarn, embroider small leaves at the top of each berry.
Assembly and Finishing
Attach 3 strawberries to each short end of the towel, evenly spaced, using red yarn and a tapestry needle. Weave in all ends securely. Block the towel lightly by misting with water and laying it flat to dry, shaping the rectangle and corners as it dries.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Use a contrasting border color for a bolder streetwear look.
- Swap the strawberries for small crocheted leaves or acorns to match the autumn theme.
- Make a larger version by adding more squares in rows of 6 to create a bath-size towel.
