Needlecrafts
Crochet
Beginner Crochet
By
Kathryn Vercillo
Kathryn Vercillo
Kathryn Vercillo is an award-winning crochet expert who has designed patterns and written about the craft of crochet for over a decade. Kathryn has authored three books, "Crochet Saved My Life," "Hook to Heal," and "Mandalas for Marinke," and she is a columnist for the digital crochet site Happily Hooked.
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Updated on 04/27/20
Even if you're a beginner, you can make beautiful, functional items with easy patterns for crochet. You only need to learn a few crochet basics to be able to make a wide variety of designs.
Crochet scarves, blankets, and some shawls are all simple rectangle shapes. They don't require you to know advanced beginner crochet skills like increasing and decreasing. Even if you're an advanced crocheter, starter patterns are perfect for relaxation and instant gratification when it comes to crafting.
Here are 23 beginner crochet patterns to get you started.
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Single Crochet Washcloth Free Pattern
Start with the basics—single crochet. Work it in rows in the right size and you'll have a washcloth in no time. Use worsted-weight acrylic yarn so you can toss your washcloth in the washing machine after use without it shrinking or shedding.
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Crochet Washcloth Set Free Pattern
Here is another option for a crochet washcloth. This one is worked with both single crochet and double crochet stitches. This duo makes a special gift, especially when paired with some lovely homemade soaps.
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Crochet Hand Towel Free Pattern
Using the same techniques needed for washcloths or dishcloths, you can easily create a crochet kitchen hand towel with a hanging loop. This hand towel introduces a new stitch called the pique stitch, which creates a pretty texture.
Crochet Hand Towel Pattern from The Spruce
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Crochet Coffee Cozy Free Pattern
This practical coffee cozy is designed for beginners. Once you get the hang of it, you should be able to craft one in about 10 to 15 minutes. These trendy little cup sweaters make a great alternative to a recyclable coffee cozy, plus it's a terrific gift idea when paired with a gift card to a favorite takeout coffee shop.
Crochet Coffee Cozy from Domestic Bliss Squared, Ravelry
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Crochet Face Scrubby Free Pattern
Use a simple crochet circle to create a cotton face scrubby to remove makeup and wash your face. A set of scrubbies makes a great gift, especially if you add a special or handcrafted soap to the present. This easy crochet pattern uses single crochet and half double crochet stitches.
Crochet Scrubbies from The Spruce
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Crochet Tablet Cozy Pattern
Gadget cozies, including cell phone cozies and tablet cozies like this one, are basic rectangles. Work them in simple crochet stitches, seam up the sides to keep your gadget safe, and you have a beautiful, functional finished project.
Crochet Tablet Cozy, $5.32, NomadKnitting, Etsy
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Crochet Heart Free Pattern
Learn how to crochet a simple heart. This is a three-round project that works up quickly. Rounds one and three are just single crochet stitches. The heart shape comes from the strategic combination of half double crochet and double crochet stitches in the middle round. Use crochet hearts as an applique to add to other projects. They also make cute ornaments, card decorations, and patches.
Crochet Hearts from The Spruce
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Crochet Purse Free Pattern
This crochet purse pattern isn't all that different from a simple gadget cozy pattern. The difference is that it uses ribbon yarn to give it a bit of a smoother texture. Add a strap and you've got the perfect crochet accessory.
Crochet Purse from Hobbii
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Crochet Baby Blanket Free Pattern
Create a beautiful lacy crochet blanket, even as a beginner. This free pattern is designed using only single crochet and chain stitch. It has a soft texture in part because of the use of softer light worsted yarn.
Crochet Baby Blanket from The Spruce
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Crochet Infinity Scarf Free Pattern
Infinity scarves get their name because they're loops that go around and around without end. This one is easy to make, worked with single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet stitches. Chain spaces create a mesh-like openwork design and you can adjust the size of the finished scarf.
Crochet Infinity Scarf from The Spruce
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Crochet Headband Free Pattern
This simple, practical, and comfortable crochet headband works up fast and makes a perfect last-minute gift. The pattern calls for a variation of half double crochet. Gift it with a scarf crocheted in a matching color.
Crochet Headband from The Spruce
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Crochet Fingerless Gloves Free Pattern
Once you learn how to treble crochet, you can make these warm and cozy fingerless gloves. It calls for crocheting a rectangle using a basic stitch. Then sew it up into the shape of a glove, leaving room for a thumb hole. It's easy peasy and soft to wear indoors or outdoors.
Crochet Fingerless Gloves from The Spruce
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Crochet Men's Scarf Free Pattern
This crochet scarf, a unisex design created with guys in mind, uses simple stitches. The pattern teaches you a unique use of the slip stitch; it's worked across entire rows for a knit-like style. Since slip stitch isn't often used that way, beginners might have to experiment a little bit to get it right. However, the instructions are clear, and with a little practice, an advanced beginner can tackle this project.
Crochet Men's Scarf from The Spruce
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Beginner Hygge Sweater Pattern
If you're new to crochet, you might think it'll be quite some time before you're ready to tackle a sweater project. However, some sweaters have a simple construction that beginner crocheters can easily make, like this soft and cozy pullover—no sewing necessary.
Crochet Sweater, $6, Eva Pack, Ravelry
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Crochet Ribbed Boot Cuffs Free Pattern
Boot cuffs are trendy, but it's also a perfect beginner crochet project. They're made with a simple single crochet stitch, but they have a ribbed look because they're worked in the back loop only, a technique you'll learn with this pattern. Boot cuffs make welcome holiday stocking stuffers, especially with a matching scarf.
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Crochet Leg Warmers Free Pattern
Take boot cuffs to the next level and make crochet leg warmers. These beauties are made with double crochet stitches and the color scheme comes from color-changing yarn which keeps the pattern uncomplicated.
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Crochet Infinity Scarf Free Pattern
This is a super simple crochet scarf worked in half double crochet. Thick yarn and a large hook mean that it works up fast. A quick color change for the edging elevates the style to the next level.
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Crochet Ear Warmer Free Pattern
An ear warmer looks wonderful whether your hair is piled high or flowing in the wind. Though there are a few advanced beginner techniques in this project, such as working in the third loop of half double crochet, you can tackle this as a new crocheter. All sizes are available, even for toddlers, so you can keep everyone on your list fashionable, warm, and happy.
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Crochet Basket Free Pattern
Learn to add texture to your home with baskets crocheted in the round. It's a perfect project to add a personalized touch to your home. This basket is large enough to hold toys or magazines. Make it larger to hold towels. The key to this basket's lushness is in the type of yarn used, which is Peruvian highland wool.
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Crochet Bunting Free Pattern
Oftentimes crochet bunting uses triangles and other motifs that require knowledge of shaping. However, this one is made using rectangles, so it's a beginner-friendly project for parties and seasonal garland decor for both indoors and outdoors.
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Color Block Crochet Tote Free Pattern
Why not show off your creativity by carrying this elegant color block tote on your arm? This stitch pattern looks advanced, however, it's made with simple single crochet and double crochet stitches, placed strategically to achieve the design. It's an easy repeating pattern. The color blocking makes the tote contemporary and fun.
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Crochet Pillow Free Pattern
The texture on this crochet 18-inch double-side pillow covering looks knitted, but it comes from the front post double crochet stitches. Although the stitch is slightly advanced, beginners can feel confident in taking on this project because it is designed for new crocheters looking for a slight challenge.
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Easy Crochet Coasters Free Pattern
Start easy with crochet coasters, also known as mug rugs. These little mug rugs are made just using single crochet. Thick yarn and a large crochet hook give them a nice cushioned texture. Add some fringe and optional beads for cute coasters. It's a practical way to use up scrap yarn from other projects.
Crochet Coasters from Twisted ArrowDesigns,Ravelry
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I am an expert in crochet with a deep knowledge of the craft. I have designed patterns and written about crochet for over a decade. I have authored three books on crochet and have been recognized for my expertise in the field. I am familiar with various crochet techniques, patterns, and projects, and I can provide guidance and information on a wide range of topics related to crochet.
Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in this article.
Crochet Basics for Beginners
Crochet is a versatile craft that allows you to create beautiful and functional items using just a few basic stitches. Even as a beginner, you can make a wide variety of designs. Some simple rectangle shapes, such as scarves, blankets, and shawls, don't require advanced crochet skills like increasing and decreasing. These starter patterns are perfect for relaxation and instant gratification when it comes to crafting.
Beginner Crochet Patterns
This article features 23 beginner crochet patterns to get you started. Here are some of the patterns mentioned:
- Single Crochet Washcloth: This pattern teaches you the basics of single crochet and allows you to create a washcloth. [[1]]
- Crochet Washcloth Set: This pattern combines single crochet and double crochet stitches to create a set of washcloths. [[2]]
- Crochet Hand Towel: Using techniques similar to washcloths, this pattern introduces the pique stitch to create a textured hand towel. [[3]]
- Crochet Coffee Cozy: This practical pattern is designed for beginners and allows you to create a coffee cozy in just 10 to 15 minutes. [[4]]
- Crochet Face Scrubby: This pattern uses simple crochet stitches to create a cotton face scrubby. [[5]]
- Crochet Tablet Cozy: Learn to create gadget cozies, like this tablet cozy, using basic crochet stitches. [[6]]
- Crochet Heart: This pattern teaches you how to crochet a simple heart using single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet stitches. [[7]]
- Crochet Purse: Similar to a gadget cozy, this crochet purse pattern uses ribbon yarn for a smoother texture. [[8]]
- Crochet Baby Blanket: Create a beautiful lacy crochet blanket using only single crochet and chain stitches. [[9]]
- Crochet Infinity Scarf: This easy-to-make scarf uses single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet stitches to create a mesh-like openwork design. [[10]]
- Crochet Headband: This simple and practical headband works up fast and makes a perfect last-minute gift. [[11]]
- Crochet Fingerless Gloves: Once you learn how to treble crochet, you can make these warm and cozy fingerless gloves. [[12]]
- Crochet Men's Scarf: This unisex scarf uses simple stitches and slip stitch for a knit-like style. [[13]]
- Beginner Hygge Sweater: This soft and cozy pullover has a simple construction that beginner crocheters can easily make. [[14]]
- Crochet Ribbed Boot Cuffs: These trendy boot cuffs are made with a simple single crochet stitch and have a ribbed look. [[15]]
- Crochet Leg Warmers: Take boot cuffs to the next level and make crochet leg warmers using double crochet stitches and color-changing yarn. [[16]]
- Crochet Infinity Scarf: This super simple scarf is worked in half double crochet and works up fast. [[17]]
- Crochet Ear Warmer: This fashionable ear warmer is made with a few advanced beginner techniques, such as working in the third loop of half double crochet. [[18]]
- Crochet Basket: Learn to crochet baskets in the round to add texture to your home. [[19]]
- Crochet Bunting: This beginner-friendly bunting is made using rectangles and is perfect for parties and seasonal decor. [[20]]
- Color Block Crochet Tote: Show off your creativity with this elegant color block tote made with simple single crochet and double crochet stitches. [[21]]
- Crochet Pillow: This crochet pillow cover looks knitted but is made with front post double crochet stitches. It's designed for new crocheters looking for a slight challenge. [[22]]
- Easy Crochet Coasters: Start easy with crochet coasters made using single crochet stitches. They're a practical way to use up scrap yarn. [[23]]
These patterns cover a range of items, from washcloths and scarves to purses and blankets. Each pattern introduces different stitches and techniques, allowing beginners to expand their crochet skills while creating beautiful projects.
I hope this information helps you get started with crochet and explore the wonderful world of this craft. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!