What to Crochet for Beginners: 6 Fun Project Ideas to Try
Crocheting is a craft that invites beginners to explore the world of yarns and hooks with endless possibilities. It starts with learning a few basic techniques and gradually building upon them.
Aspiring crocheters can begin their journey by mastering simple stitches and patterns, which will serve as the foundation for more complex projects. Understanding the essentials of crochet lays down a path for a rewarding and creative experience.
For those just stepping into the art, it can be best to start with small, manageable projects. This provides a sense of accomplishment, motivates continued learning, and allows new crocheters to explore a variety of techniques and yarn so they can discover their own preferences more quickly.
Items like coasters, cowls, and easy shawls and blankets provide perfect practice without overwhelming the novice. As skills develop, individuals can try more complex techniques and intricate projects.
Resources such as video tutorials and books are widely available, offering step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to support the learning process.
Key Takeaways
- Crochet begins with basic stitches and simple projects.
- Starting with small projects encourages skill development and confidence.
- Crocheters can then move on to more complex techniques.
6 Fun Crochet Projects for Beginners
When starting on your crochet journey, it’s best to start off with straightforward crochet projects to build foundational skills. Crochet is a craft with many variations and techniques, and each crocheter will have their own preferences in terms of project types, techniques, stitches, and yarns that they like to use. By trying out a variety of basic techniques with some quick, fun projects to start, you’ll be able to explore the craft of crochet, discover your crochet preferences, and set off on your own unique journey with this exciting and rewarding craft.
The projects below have been selected for several reasons, including:
- They are quick to complete
- They use basic stitches and techniques that, once mastered, will set you up well to tackle more complex projects
- They use medium-weight yarns that are easy for a beginner to handle
- They involve a variety of basic stitches and techniques, allowing you to explore the fundamentals of crochet and discover your own preferences
The list of projects is of course by no means exhaustive and you could try the projects in any order you like. However, if you are unsure exactly where to start on your crochet journey, they provide some excellent suggestions of what to try first. The more projects you work on, the more you will discover what types of projects you enjoy the most, and this will undoubtedly lead you down a wonderful, winding, and branching path of crochet projects.
One final point before we look at the projects is that if at any point you decide a project is not for you, that’s absolutely fine. Don’t feel compelled to finish a project just because you have started it. You will have learnt something in the process of starting a project, whether that be a new stitch, a new technique , or simply that that kind of project or the yarn you are using is not for you. If you’re not enjoying a project, it’s perfectly OK to stop, frog (undo) your work, and try something else. Crocheting is very forgiving and quick to undo in this way!
1. A Quick and Simple Cowl
A simple cowl is a great way to practise basic crochet stitches. Shorter than a scarf, you can whip one up very quickly and have a stylish new accessory to wear or gift.
Cowls can be made either in the round (like the Cross Country Cowl) or flat, back-and-forth in rows, like the Oritha Cowl shown below. Working in the round and back-and-forth in rows are both key crochet techniques to master and simple cowls are a great way to practise these methods. Plus, with only a few basic skills you can create a really professional-looking item.
Both the Cross Country Cowl and the Oritha Cowl are made with relatively thick yarn. This makes it easy for beginners to work with and see the structure of their stitches as they progress with their project.
2. The Iconic Granny Square
Making a granny square is probably a rite of passage for anyone new to crochet and you’d be hard pressed to find a crocheter who hasn’t made one at some point. The project could simply be a single granny square, which you could use as a coaster or even a key ring or bag charm. However, granny squares can also be joined in a myriad of different ways to create bags, scarves, blankets, cushions and even cardigans or sweaters.
Granny squares are also perfect for using up small scraps of yarn and trying out new and quirky color combinations.
Read this post for the instructions for making a classic granny square as well as some fun variations.
And for inspiration of projects to create with your squares, and how to join them, check out this post.
3. A Simple Shawl
Shawls are another crochet staple and, when made with a DK yarn and simple stitches, they are a quick and fun accessory to work up.
The Ashbury Shawl uses the classic granny square technique but in a triangle to create this fun retro design.
The Foxtrot Shawl uses a simple combination of basic stitches to create this lovely and very wearable piece. It’s finished off with a pretty edging which looks great in a contrasting color.
4. Trinket Baskets for your Home
Baskets are a great way to learn the technique of crocheting in the round, perhaps before moving on to a more challenging amigurumi project. They are also always useful about the house and can be made in a wide range of sizes.
There are many great crochet basket patterns available in a wide range of styles and sizes. This is a good simple one to start with, especially if you want to use up some leftover scraps.
5. Cute and Cozy Baby Blankets
If you fancy making a blanket but are not quite ready to embark on a full-sized throw, then a baby blanket is a great option. You can explore new stitches, yarns and color combinations with the satisfaction at the end of creating a wonderful gift that will be cherished for years to come.
The Cosy Stripe Blanket is a great one for beginner crocheters to try as the step-by-step instructions with photos are incredibly clear and easy to follow.
Another idea is the Twinkle Twinkle Baby Blanket. Made with aran weight yarn, this one works up quickly and provides the enjoyment of learning a new but easy crochet technique: filet crochet.
6. Increase your Stitch Repertoire with a Sampler Blanket
Once you’ve mastered a few basic stiches, a great way to increase your stitch repertoire dramatically, and to find which ones you really like, is by making a sampler blanket. This is a blanket that allows you to explore a wide range of different stitch patterns with each section being made with a different one.
A great example of this is the Spicier Life Blanket which contains a huge number of different stitches and patterns which, when combined, create something truly beautiful and exceedingly fun to make.
Getting Started with Crochet
This section covers some of the basics you will need to get to grips with when starting off as a beginner crocheter.
Choosing the Right Materials
When starting with crochet, you should choose your materials wisely to ensure ease of learning and comfort during the process.
For beginners, acrylic yarn is often recommended due to its smoothness, durability and affordability. Cotton yarn is also popular for its softness and is ideal for projects like dishcloths and summer wear.
The weight of the yarn is also important. As a novice, one might consider starting with a medium weight yarn (also known as worsted weight), as it is easier to handle. However, always bear in mind the item you are making as this will also affect the best yarn weight to use.
Selecting a crochet hook can sometimes seem daunting, but the pattern generally suggests the size. Yarn labels also have a recommended hook size noted on them, which can be a good place to start.
As a guide, a size H-8 (5mm) hook usually works well with medium weight yarns.
To complete your toolkit, include a yarn needle, for weaving in your ends, and scissors.
Understanding Crochet Patterns and Symbols
Crochet patterns serve as a blueprint for projects and can written using crochet abbreviations, symbols, or both.
It’s important to become familiar with these to follow instructions effectively.
Basic crochet abbreviations include “ch” for chain stitch, “sc” for single crochet, and “dc” for double crochet. Most patterns should include a list of the abbreviations used and their definitions. Less usual stitches are also often defined in the pattern.
Patterns will also indicate gauge, which is the number of stitches and rows per inch. If you are making an item where size is important, you will need to match the stated gauge to achieve the desired result. Crocheting a gauge swatch can help you to check this before you start a project.
Basic Crochet Stitches
Mastering a few basic crochet stitches forms the foundation for creating a variety of patterns and projects. Each stitch has its own technique and application.
Single Crochet Stitch
The single crochet stitch is one of the most fundamental crochet stitches. It’s short and dense, ideal for sturdy fabric creations.
Follow these steps to form a single crochet stitch:
- Insert the hook into the work.
- Yarn over the hook, then pull the yarn through the work. There should be two loops on the hook.
- Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook. One single crochet stitch is made and there is now one loop left on the hook.
Double Crochet Stitch
Double crochet offers height and a more open look compared to single crochet. It is great for creating a lighter texture.
To create a double crochet stitch, follow these steps:
- Yarn over and insert the hook into the work.
- Yarn over the hook, then pull the yarn through the work. There should be three loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook. There should now be two loops on the hook.
- Yarn over again and pull through both remaining loops on the hook. One double crochet stitch is made and there is now one loop left on the hook.
US and UK Crochet Terms
You should be aware that there are some small differences between US and UK crochet terms. For example, a double crochet (dc) stitch in US terms is referred to as a treble crochet (tr) stitch in UK terms.
This table provides an overview of the key differences:
| US Term | Corresponding UK Term |
|---|---|
| Single Crochet (sc) | Double Crochet (dc) |
| Double Crochet (dc) | Treble Crochet (tr) |
| Half Double Crochet (hdc) | Half Treble Crochet (htr) |
| Treble Crochet (tr) | Double Treble Crochet (dtr) |
| Double Treble Crochet (dtr) | Triple Treble Crochet (trtr) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Crocheting can be both a rewarding hobby and a useful skill. As a beginner, it’s helpful to start with easy projects and fundamental stitches. This section addresses common queries to get you started with basic patterns and resources.
What is the easiest project to start with for someone learning to crochet?
Scarves are often considered as one of the easiest projects for beginners. However, for a similar but slightly quicker option you could try a cowl (see above).
These projects allow new crocheters to practice their stitches and tension control without worrying about complex shaping or patterns.
Choose a simple pattern with a repetitive stitch to get comfortable with the technique.
Which basic crochet stitches should a beginner learn first?
A beginner should start with the slip knot and chain stitch, followed by the single crochet and double crochet stitches.
These foundational stitches are the building blocks for most crochet projects and will enable beginners to create a variety of items.
Can you recommend any quick crochet projects that take 30 minutes or less for novices?
For a quick project, beginners can crochet a coaster, a simple flower, or a headband.
These projects typically require just a small amount of yarn and basic stitches, and they can often be completed in less than 30 minutes, depending on the crocheter’s level of experience.
What are some simple crochet animals that a beginner can attempt to make?
Simple crochet animals for beginners include teddy bears, bunnies, or birds made from basic shapes like spheres and cylinders.
Patterns for these can often be found in children’s crochet books or online with a search for “simple crochet animals for beginners.”
Are there any good crochet tutorial channels for beginners on YouTube?
Yes, there are several YouTube channels dedicated to teaching crochet to beginners.
Some popular channels include “The Crochet Crowd,” “Bella Coco Crochet,” and “HappyBerry Crochet.”
These channels often feature tutorials that start with the basics and gradually introduce more complex techniques.
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Beautiful ideas!
Thank you! I’m pleased you like them!