25 Easy Crochet Patterns for Beginners

Updated on 04/27/20

Illustration of corchet projects — Illustration: The Spruce / Ellen Lindner

One of the best things about crochet is that even if you're a beginner, you can make beautiful, functional items. 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.

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Single Crochet Washcloth Free Pattern

Mama in a Stitch

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.

Crochet Washcloth from Mama in a Stitch
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Crochet Washcloth Set Free Pattern

Cream of the Crop Crochet

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 lovely homemade body wash.

Crochet Washcloth Set from Cream of the Crop Crochet
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Crochet Hand Towel Free Pattern

The Spruce / Mollie Johanson

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

Jessica James

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 Jessica James

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Crochet Face Scrubby Free Pattern

The Spruce / Mollie Johanson

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

NomadKnitting / Etsy

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, $5.27, NomadKnitting, Etsy
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Crochet Heart Free Pattern

The Spruce / Mollie Johanson

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

Hobbii

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

The Spruce / Mollie Johanson

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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Oversized Blanket Scarf Free Pattern

Creating in the Mitten

Thick double crochet stitches result in a cozy, oversized blanket scarf. Adding the detail of fringe makes this scarf extra special. Keep it one color or this project could be a great opportunity to learn how to crochet while changing colors. The trick to keeping this scarf plush is in the super bulky yarn.

Oversized Crochet Blanket Scarf from Creating in the Mitten
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Crochet Infinity Scarf Free Pattern

The Spruce / Mollie Johanson

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

The Spruce / Mollie Johanson

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

The Spruce / Mollie Johanson

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

The Spruce / Mollie Johanson

This crochet scarf, a unisex design created with guys in mind, uses simple stitches. The pattern teaches you a unique implementation 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

Eva Pack / Ravelry

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 beginners 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

Okie Girl Bling 'n' Things

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.

Crochet Boot Cuffs from Okie Girl Bling 'n' Things

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Crochet Leg Warmers Free Pattern

B.hooked Crochet

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.

Crochet Leg Warmers from B.Hooked Crochet
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Crimson Forest Cowl Crochet Pattern

Roving Nomad

Though this cowl scarf looks like it's knitted, it actually combines bulky yarn with a large size Q crochet hook and a slip stitch to achieve this easy and quick-to-make cowl. It's one of the toastiest creations you'll crochet, so make one in every color in your wardrobe for winter comfort.

Cromson Forest Cowl from Roving Nomad
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Crochet Infinity Scarf Free Pattern

YarnHookNeedles

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.

Infinity Crochet Scarf from YarnHookNeedles
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Crochet Ear Warmer Free Pattern

Yarn and Chai

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.

Crochet Ear Warmer from Yarn and Chai

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Crochet Basket Free Pattern

Blue Sky Fibers

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.

Crochet Basket from Blue Sky Fibers
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Crochet Bunting Free Pattern

CAAB Crochet

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.

Crochet Bunting Pattern from CAAB Crochet
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Color Block Crochet Tote Free Pattern

Dabbles and Babbles

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.

Crochet Tote Bag from Dabbles and Babbles
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Crochet Pillow Free Pattern

Gleeful Things

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.

Crochet Pillow from Gleeful Things

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Easy Crochet Coasters Free Pattern

Twisted Arrow Designs / Ravelry

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 Arrow Designs, Ravelry

Crimson Forest Cowl Crochet Pattern