If you found your way to this blog post, we can imagine that you’re A) A complete crochet newbie who wants to try crocheting for the first time or B) An avid knitter or maybe a sewist looking to expand your crafting skills. No matter which alternative resonates best with you, we’re here to deliver 15 easy beginner crochet projects to satisfy your needs. In this article, we’ll explore a range of fun and simple beginner projects that will help you build your confidence and skills, step by step.
Don’t worry if you’ve never touched a piece of yarn before; we’ll cover the basics: from choosing the right yarn and hook to understanding simple stitches.
What Do I Need To Know Before I Start Crocheting?
There’s no crocheting without the essential ingredients: a skein of yarn and a hook. However, it’s not the best idea to pick up the first yarn in sight or grab whatever hook you find. If you’re a beginner, the right yarn and hook can make all the difference between a frustrating experience, and a fun, relaxing new hobby. Crochet hooks come in various sizes, usually measured in millimeters. As a beginner, it’s best to start with a medium-sized hook. You can read everything about this in our guide to understanding crochet hook sizes. Next, choosing the right yarn is crucial. Cotton or acrylic medium-weight (worsted) yarn, in a solid neutral color is a good start. It’s also a great idea to practice your first stitches with cheap yarn – preferably some leftover yarn from friends or family. You can also outsource yarn from strangers via flea markets, garage sales, and second-hand shops! Read all about the best yarn for crochet beginners here.
Understanding Simple Crochet Stitches
How To Single Crochet (SC)
Here’s a quick guide on how to crochet a single stitch. This stitch looks like a “v”.
- Insert the hook into the stitch
- Yarn over, grab the yarn and pull the yarn out through the loop. You now have two loops on the hook.
- Yarn over again and pull the yarn through both loops on the hook. You’ve made your first single stitch!
How to Work the Chain Stitch (CH) in Crochet
A quick guide on how to double crochet.
- Yarn over, insert hook into the stitch, yarn over, through the loop
- Yarn over, pull through the first two loops on the hook
- Yarn over, and pull through the next two loops on the hook.
How to Do a Half Double Crochet Stitch (HDC)
A quick guide on how to do a half double crochet stitch.
- Yarn over, insert hook into stitch
- Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the stitch to draw up a loop.
- Yarn over again and pull the yarn through all three loops on the hook. You now have your first half double crochet stitch.
What Are The Signs of The Best Beginner Crochet Projects?
Good, beginner-friendly crochet projects use basic stitches, like chain stitch, single crochet, and double crochet stitch. They should also have quite clear instructions with pictures or videos and are fairly small and quick to finish. Fast and easy projects will motivate you by providing a sense of accomplishment! They also often have a straightforward shape, like a rectangle or square.
But what separates the good beginner projects from the best beginner crochet projects? Well, the best ones will not only teach you the basics, but gradually introduce new things you can learn. For example, a simple rectangle scarf might start with basic stitches, but you’ll eventually have the possibility to incorporate easy pattern changes like stripes or basic lace. Another sign of a great beginner crochet project is that it turns into something useful or wearable, so you can proudly wear them, or give them as away gifts. Let’s grab your medium-sized hooks, pick out some brightly colored worsted yarn, and dive into the best beginner crochet projects!
Quick Beginner-Friendly Crochet Projects You Can Give Away as Gifts
Let’s start with some beginner-friendly crochet projects that make perfect gifts. We want repetition, repetition, repetition, and also practice, practice, practice! But the project shouldn’t be too big – we want to chase a feeling of accomplishment fast! And it also sure feels motivating and good to brighten up someone else’s day. These beginner-friendly crochet projects are super gifts for Christmas or housewarming gifts.
Potholders
Let’s protect hands and surfaces from hot dishes. Crocheted potholders are the perfect gift for the foodie!
Washcloths
Washcloths can be used in the kitchen or bathroom. A practical gift for adding a handmade charm to everyday routines.
Coasters
Leave this thoughtful housewarming gift instead of a coffee table stain after your first visit to the new home.
Easy Beginner Crochet Projects You Can Wear
Now that you’ve mastered the classic beginner projects, let’s pivot to something bigger. Easy beginner crochet projects that are wearable, such as scarves, hats, scrunchies, and tote bags are perfect for learning. The patterns allow you to continue to get comfortable with maintaining consistent tension and stitch uniformity, while introducing other elements, like increasing and decreasing stitches. Here are some easy beginner projects you can proudly wear and use!
Scarf
Keep your muscle memory going and your neck warm with this beginner scarf pattern.
Hat
This hat introduces beginners to working in the round – a fundamental crochet skill that will come in handy for more advanced projects.
Scrucnhie
A quick and easy beginner crochet project that brings instant gratification! And of course, a new accessory you can wear all year round.
Are you hooked on crocheting yet? Check out our Knit&Note blog. Here you’ll find loads of inspiration, tips and other helpful articles. You can also explore heaps of fun crochet patterns, inspiration and a great community in our app!
Small Beginner Crochet Projects For Practicing Different Stitches
Small beginner crochet projects like bookmarks, hearts, and cat toys are charming little projects that often contain more than the basic single crochet stitch. Hone your skills and experiment with different yarn types.
Bookmark
A small crochet beginner project for the bookworm!
Cat Toy
Make a cat happy and stuff your crocheted cat toy with catnip and some leftover fabric scraps for volume.
You can also read more about making crochet stuffed animals here!
Small heart
A small beginner crochet project with an iconic shape. Leave them in your loved ones’ jacket pocket and let them think of you.
Simple Beginner Crochet Projects You Can Bring On Vacation
Bigger, but still simple beginner crochet projects, are a perfect vacation companion when you want to relax. Enjoy some calming stitches while sitting through a long train ride or cozy up with your project by the fireplace in a cabin. You can even take your crochet project outside to a picnic blanket surrounded by summery flower fields.
Baby Blanket
A baby blanket is a simple beginner crochet project you can work on for the upcoming baby shower.
Big Shawl
A big shawl is an ideal long-term crochet project for a leisurely vacation, whether you’re sitting on a sunny patio, or lounging in a hammock.
Granny Squares
Granny squares are the ultimate portable crochet project. The small squares are quick enough for you to pick up and finish in small bursts of crochet time. Make as many as you want, and assemble them later to whatever your heart desires. Why not stitch them together into an airy top, pillowcase, or a pair of slippers?
Fun Beginner Crochet Projects For The Seasoned
If you’re a knitter transitioning into crocheting, you probably have handy knowledge that can be translated into crocheting success. Seasoned crafters might be more familiar with reading patterns, and picking up pattern terminology and how they’re structured. Here are some fun beginner crochet projects for the more seasoned.
Socks
Handmade socks are the epitome of knitting, but try these crocheted socks for a new twist!
Chevron Baby Blanket
A Chevron baby blanket for your baby or perhaps…your fur baby? This pattern adds a dynamic element to your crochet project with easy-to-follow instructions.
Take Knit&Note With You On Your Beginner Crochet Adventures
Learning a new hobby is both exciting and rewarding, especially when you’re starting out with the right beginner projects. Potholders and washcloths make thoughtful gifts, and wearable items like scarves and scrunchies can easily be modified to suit your favorite color. Pick a project that you think looks nice – we have tons of different crochet patterns to choose from in our Knit&Note app! No matter where you start, remember practice is key. Those first wonky pieces will soon become polished creations as you gradually hone your skills.
