If you've learned a few of the basic crochet stitches and are ready to move on to your first proper project, welcome to a whole world of crochet fun! There are so many different patterns out there, but it can be tricky to know where to start when looking for beginner crochet projects. So we've made it easy for you, and found 40 easy crochet patterns that are perfect for newbies.
We've split the patterns into sections, so whether you're looking for free crochet patterns for complete beginners, or want to try your hand at some new stitches, you'll easily find a pattern to suit your skills.
We've included loads of free easy crochet patterns. We've also included plenty of affordable crochet patterns if you want to create something amazing for your first project.
If this is your first attempt, then you'll find out how to read a crochet pattern guide useful. And if you need any extra help, be sure to check out our crochet for beginners guide.
We've split our favourite patterns to suit different abilities. Read through at your own leisure or use these quick links to jump to each part.
Easy beginner crochet projects
Easy crochet patterns with crocheting in the round
Easy crochet patterns to learn new stitches
Easy amigurumi crochet patterns
New crochet patterns every month!
Looking for fresh crochet inspiration delivered to your door every month? Then subscribe to Simply Crochet magazine. Each issue contains a mix of patterns suited to a wide range of crochet abilities, as well as inspiring articles and new crochet techniques!
Beginner crochet projects
Free rainbow flag pencil topper crochet pattern
Searching for your very first easy crochet pattern? We think this free rainbow flag pencil topper is the perfect project. You'll only need to know how to crochet chains and double crochet stitches to make it. So even complete novices can give this quick and easy pattern a go!
- You can find this free rainbow flag pencil topper crochet pattern right here on Gathered.
Free mood scarf crochet pattern
When it comes to easy crochet patterns for beginners, you can't get much simpler than a classic scarf!
This free design from Caron uses funky stripes and simple stitches to create a fun-to-hook scarf. But if you haven't quite got to colour changes yet, why not grab some self-striping yarn and try this free self-striping scarf pattern instead - it's easy peasy!
- Master crochet stripes with this free mood scarf crochet pattern from Yarnspirations.
Free sunglasses case crochet pattern
Perhaps you've learned how to crochet during the summer and it's way too warm to be thinking about making woolly scarves...
Well, not to worry, here's an easy crochet pattern for beginners to try on even the hottest of days. Our free crochet sunglasses case is a really simple make, being made up completely of double crochet stitches.
Once you've got the hang of it, you can use the same principles to make a crochet phone case. Just make sure the width and height are suitable for your device - you want it to be snug so that it doesn't slip out too easily.
- Give our free crochet sunglasses case pattern a try today!
Quick crochet
If you're on the lookout for even more projects that you can hook up in no time at all, you can find even more quick makes in our list of small crochet projects. What will you make this evening?
Free crochet bow pattern
Here's a super-easy accessory that beginners can easily make in under an hour. You might think making a crochet bow is going to be a bit fiddly, but actually it's surprisingly simple and is made up of just two flat pieces of crochet.
Our free pattern shows you how to make a sweet bow tie for kids, but you can easily get creative and turn it into a headband, hair clip or brooch.
- Take a look at our free crochet bow pattern here.
How to crochet a triangle
Now you've got your basic stitches and want to move on to the next step, mastering increases and decreases will open up a whole new world of crochet patterns for you.
The simplest way to get started is with simple triangles, and we've even got a handy video to help you with this superb shape!
- Find out how to make them in our how to crochet a triangle tutorial.
How to make crochet envelopes
Once you've given triangles a try and know how to do crochet increases, then you've already got all the skills you need to hook up these cute crochet envelopes. They're perfect for keeping your bits and bobs safe!
- Find out how to make them in our how to make crochet envelopes tutorial.
How to make a crochet potholder
A potholder may be an item you don't come across often, but it's very popular in the crochet world and is really handy to have in the kitchen. You can use it to protect your hands when picking up hot saucepan lids, or like a trivet underneath hot pans or teapots.
This free potholder pattern is particularly well suited for beginners who want to progress their skills. You'll be crocheting in the back loops to create a ribbed texture, as well as working edging around your final square.
- Find out how to make a crochet potholder with Gathered.
Free rainbow crochet pattern
Everybody loves a rainbow, and this free crochet pattern will help you get to grips with crochet increases to give shape to your crochet.
We've used this motif to embellish a kids' top, but it would look equally fab attached to a bag or sewn onto a hoodie.
- Give our free rainbow crochet pattern a try!
Twisted ear warmer headband crochet pattern
Fancying a small but elegant accessory to hook? This pattern may look pretty tricky, but it's easier than you think!
This twisted headband crochet pattern also comes with a handy video tutorial to guide you through the twisty bit!
- You can find the twisted ear warmer headband crochet pattern on Etsy.
Free colourblock top crochet pattern
Maybe you've tried some smaller projects already, and want to start on your first garment. It can be a bit of a daunting prospect!
Does this sound like you? Well, this free colourblock top crochet pattern from Patons is a super-simple make. With easy stitches and minimal shaping, it's a great first garment for beginners.
- You can download this free colourblock top crochet pattern from Yarnspirations.
Books for beginners
It can be useful to have a book that shows you some crochet basics and includes some great crochet projects for beginners. As well as showing you 100 stitch techniques, How to crochet with Mollie Makes also includes 20 stylish and fabulous crochet patterns for your home!
Easy crochet patterns with crocheting in the round
When you've learned how to crochet back and forth in rows, your next step will be learning how to crochet in the round. Once you know how to do this essential crochet technique, there's so many more patterns that become available to you - from circles to granny squares!
We've picked 10 easy crochet projects that use this technique. But once you've mastered it you might also be interested in our top beginner amigurumi patterns, which you'll find further down this article.
How to crochet a pincushion
A pincushion is a practical crafty project that you can crochet easily once you've learned how to crochet in the round. In our crochet pincushion tutorial you'll find handy step-by-step instructions on how to crochet the circular shapes, as well as how to sew a stuffed inner lining to keep all those pins in place!
- Give it a try with our how to crochet a pincushion tutorial.
Free citrus slice coaster crochet pattern
Crochet circles make great drinks coasters, and why not give yours a fruity twist? There's also a handy video tutorial to help you with this fab free crochet pattern.
- Get this free citrus slice coaster crochet pattern from Yarnspirations.
How to crochet a heart
It's not just circles that you can make once you've mastered how to crochet in the round. There's a whole host of easy crochet patterns and shapes that use this essential technique.
Crochet hearts are a fine example of this, as they start with a simple circular round, and then the heart shape is created on the second round.
- Find out how to make them with our how to crochet a heart tutorial.
Free crochet star garland pattern
Stars are another fun shape that starts off with a simple circle, and this cool garland is a great way of trying them out.
Some larger patterns that use star shapes can get a bit complicated, however these ones are made up of just two rounds so crochet newbies can give it a go and will enjoy the interesting shape construction. They even feature some little tassels too!
- Hook our free crochet star garland pattern.
Make reusable cotton pads
Can puff stitches save the planet? OK, maybe not alone, but they can help you cut down on waste thanks to these reusable crochet cotton pads.
The puff stitch creates a lovely spongy texture, and as they're made in cotton, once you've used them a couple of times you can simply pop them in the wash and they'll be as good as new! Much better than conventional cotton wool pads going into landfill!
- Try out our how to make reusable cotton pads tutorial.
Hook a crochet rug!
Fancy making some super-size crochet? This epic crochet rug uses crochet in the round and simple stitches to create a thick and hardwearing rug to use in any room of your house.
It's also a great way to reuse and recycle, as it uses super-thick T-shirt yarn. You can either buy this pre-made or you can check out our how to make T-shirt yarn tutorial and raid your wardrobe for old T-shirts to turn into yarn!
- Grab a big hook and check out our easy crochet rug pattern.
Free bobble hat crochet pattern
When it comes to iconic and easy crochet patterns that use crochet in the round, making a hat is a project that almost every crocheter will try at some point.
This free bobble hat is an easy crochet pattern that most beginners will be able to handle. And with those funky stripes and giant pom pom, you'll certainly have fun making it!
- Start yours today with our how to crochet a hat pattern.
Free granny square baby blanket pattern
When looking for an easy crochet pattern, it's always better to start small rather than going straight into a huge project. So instead of trying to tackle a huge blanket, why not try hooking up this beautiful blanket made from granny square motifs?
Granny squares are super-easy to make once you know how, and the repetitive nature of them means that once you've got the hang of them you can easily hook them up one at a time while watching tv! And if you really get into the groove, you can easily keep going and make it into a bigger blanket. But, be warned, granny squares are incredibly addictive!
- Take a closer look at our free granny square baby blanket pattern.
Free granny square slippers crochet pattern
Maybe you fancy trying granny squares, but a blanket seems a bit too much to start with? Then how about these quirky slippers? They're a simple make that only requires 6 squares for each slipper. We're certain your feet will thank you!
- Wow your friends and family with our free granny square slippers crochet pattern.
Free kids' crochet slipper socks pattern
Crochet socks can be quite tricky, so we wouldn't recommend them to a complete beginner. But, if you've had a bit of practice, and are comfortable with crocheting in the round, this free kids' slipper socks pattern is a great starting point for understanding how crochet socks are made. There are no fancy stitches in this pattern, so you can really get stuck into it and focus on the construction techniques.
- Download the free kids crochet slipper socks pattern from Yarnspirations.
Stunning crochet shapes
Once you can crochet in the round there's a huge range of crochet shapes and motifs you can hook up! If you fancy giving all sorts of shapes a try, this book is for you: Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs.
Easy crochet patterns to learn new techniques
Perhaps you're ready to move on from simple stitches and super-easy crochet patterns, but still want something that's not too complicated. No problem! Here's 10 crochet patterns to help you learn some funky new stitches and techniques!
Free colourwork hook case crochet pattern
When it comes to crocheting with different coloured yarns, there's so much more that you can do than just simple stripes. Intarsia, Fair Isle and Tapestry crochet are all fun techniques that allow you to add some colour and create pictures with crochet. You can find out more in our how to do crochet colourwork tutorial, which includes step-by-step photos and a handy video tutorial for each of the different colourwork techniques.
- Give colourwork a go with our free colourwork hook case crochet pattern.
Crochet letter blocks pattern
If you like the look of crochet colourwork and want a fab project to try out your new technique, then maybe you'd like to try this letter blocks pattern. These adorable letter blocks are perfect for young children to play with and learn their alphabet, and you'll enjoy hooking up those colourwork letters too!
- You can get this crochet letter blocks pattern on Etsy.
Free wavy dishcloth crochet pattern
The more you crochet, the more you'll realise that many fancy stitch patterns are all about where you put your simple stitches.
Take this wavy dishcloth pattern for example. It's made from what we call peephole chevrons. But that's effectively just made of chains and treble stitches – it's all about how you arrange those stitches! Give it a go and you'll see what we mean!
- Create cool chevrons with our free wavy dishcloth crochet pattern.
Free crochet mittens pattern
We'll be honest. Trying to tackle crochet gloves is not an ideal project for a crochet beginner. All those individual fingers make it a bit too tricky. However, crochet mittens are far simpler!
This crochet mittens pattern is a simple enough project but still one that will be a bit of a challenge - and we love a challenge! You'll also find a handy video to help you with this pattern if you get stuck.
- Start making yours with this free crochet mittens pattern from Yarnspirations.
Fingerless crochet mitts pattern
If you want more proof of how arrangements of simple stitches can create stunning textures and effects, then check out this fingerless crochet mitts pattern by Hannah Cross! Amazingly it just uses only double crochet and half treble stitches. But with a bit of crochet magic Hannah's used these simple stitches to create these beautiful mitts.
If you fancy trying them but aren't quite ready to splash out on a pattern just yet, we've also got this free fingerless gloves pattern by Hannah Cross right here on Gathered.
- Find the fingerless crochet mitts pattern on Etsy.
Free crochet clutch bag tutorial
We love the soft spongy texture that puff stitches create – they look great and are surprisingly easy to make. If you want to give them a go, then our clutch bag tutorial is a great way to practise and you'll have a funky new fashion accessory too!
- Check out our free crochet clutch bag tutorial on Gathered.
Free smart phone or tablet cover crochet pattern
Once you're hooked on crochet, it won't be long before you're covering almost everything in crochet - including your tech! This cell phone/tablet cover crochet pattern uses funky tilted stitches, which although can be a bit tricky at first, will give an extra level of interest to your crochet fabrics.
- Get this free cell phone or tablet cover crochet pattern from Yarnspirations.
Free ribbed hat crochet pattern
When it comes to crochet garments and accessories, a huge amount of them include ribbing - a technique that not only looks visually interesting and add definition, but can also add stretching elements to your crochet projects.
Get your crochet ribbing perfect with this free crochet hat pattern, which includes different hat sizes so you can make one for every member of your family!
- Hook your hat with this free ribbed hat crochet pattern from Yarnspirations.
Simply Crochet hook 'n' learn blanket
If what you're really looking for is a big crochet project where you can learn tons of different crochet stitches, then you should check out the Simply Crochet hook 'n' learn blanket. Originally a part of a crochet-along in Simply Crochet magazine, this fabulous blanket is comprised of different sized panels all made in different stitches. You can buy the whole pattern on Ravelry, and you can find out more about the Hook 'n' Learn blanket (including helpful videos).
- You can buy the whole hook 'n' learn blanket pattern on Ravelry.
99 problems but a stitch ain't one!
Ever following a pattern and come across a stitch you're unfamiliar with? Simply head to our complete library of crochet stitches for all the help you need!
Easy amigurumi crochet patterns
After learning the basic crochet stitches and how to crochet in the round, you're ready to move onto the fun and exciting world of amigurumi! These super-cute soft toys are hugely popular with crocheters of all abilities, and can range from simple creations to incredibly complex characters.
If you've never heard of amigurumi before, then check out our what is amigurumi guide, or take a look at our how to crochet amigurumi guide for top tips and techniques! If you're ready to try your first amigurumi project, we've picked 10 easy crochet patterns for you to try.
Free crochet Easter eggs pattern
These crochet eggs are the perfect pattern for your first ever amigurumi project. These simple shapes will help you get to grips with increasing and decreasing in the round, plus you'll end up with some cute little Easter decorations too!
- Give our free crochet Easter eggs pattern a try.
Amigurumi bee crochet pattern
We love it when amigurumi is on the small scale. It just adds a whole extra level of cuteness! If you're like us, then you'll love this amigurumi bee. Why not hook up a load of them to give out as sweet little gifts?
- Find our free amigurumi bee crochet pattern here on Gathered.
Little whale amigurumi crochet pattern
Here's an amigurumi project that you'll have a whale of a time crocheting! These little whales by amigurumi designer Ilaria Caliri are a sweet little project that is both super-cute and super-quick to make too!
If you just can't get enough of these adorable ocean mammals, we've also got a larger free amigurumi whale crochet pattern for you to try right here on Gathered!
- Treat yourself to this little whale amigumi crochet pattern on Etsy.
Free amigurumi owl crochet pattern
When it comes to quick and easy crochet patterns, there's plenty of simplified crochet animals to try. This pair of amigumi owls are enjoying a romantic picnic together, and we think you'll enjoy making them just as much.
The owls themselves are made from very basic stitches and techniques, but you can also enjoy trying some more complicated amigurumi shapes with their hats, wine glasses and picnic basket!
- You can find this free owl crochet pattern here on Gathered.
Adorable animals
Looking to crochet your favourite critter? You'll find loads of sweet creatures in our pick of the best amigurumi animals crochet patterns.
Free amigurumi ice cream baby rattle crochet pattern
The wonderful thing about amigurumi is that you can take almost anything and turn it into a super-cute crochet creation! This ice cream baby rattle is another great beginner crochet pattern, as it's all about the shaping. And who could resist those sweet little smiles?
- Give little ones a treat with this free amigurumi ice cream baby rattle crochet pattern.
Free amigurumi crochet snowman pattern
OK, so we know it's a rather seasonal pattern, but this crochet snowman pattern is a must-stitch. It ticks all the cute boxes and is one of our easy crochet patterns that will really help you perfect your amigurumi skills.
- Try making our free amigurumi crochet snowman pattern today.
Free preemie crochet octopus pattern
If you're looking to make an amigurumi toy for a newborn, then this free preemie crochet octopus pattern is perfect. Specifically designed for premature babies, studies have shown that babies who cuddle a toy octopus in their incubator are less likely to pull at their monitors and tubes!
- Download the free preemie crochet octopus pattern from Yarnspirations.
Free amigurumi ghost crochet pattern
If Halloween is approaching, or you just have a soft spot for all things spooky, then our free amigurumi ghost pattern is a quick and easy crochet project to give you crochet chills!
There are no scary stitches involved though, just simple double crochet. And if you fancy hooking our little ghost a friend, we also have a matching free amigurumi bat crochet pattern too.
- Get all ghoulish with our free amigurumi ghost crochet pattern.
Free medusa doll crochet pattern
Although our medusa doll is technically another Halloween pattern, it's easy to customise this adorable crochet doll. If you want to make her much less spooky, just don't add those snakes in her hair!
- Try making our free medusa doll crochet pattern and add your own style.
Amigurumi mouse crochet pattern
Ready to take your crochet to next level sweetness? Then you've gotta try this amigurumi mouse pattern by Erinna Lee. While it may be a bit intricate for complete crochet beginners, if you've already learned the basic amigurumi techniques then this would make an entertaining and fulfilling project to get stuck into.
- Find this amigurumi mouse crochet pattern on Etsy.
Un-bear-ably cute!
It's not really an amigurumi project, but if you've fallen in love with all these charming crochet characters, then maybe you'll love our adorable free pom pom bear pattern.
Practice makes perfect with crochet patterns
It's great to study and research crochet techniques, but nothing beats practical learning. The easy crochet patterns included in this article cover many of the most common techniques used in a variety of patterns, so once you've made a few projects you can be confident in your skills and try tackling some more intermediate patterns.
Treat yourself to a crochet kit
Whether you're looking to start your first crochet project and don't have any yarn or hooks, or have tried a few basic patterns and are ready to move onto something a bit trickier, one of the best ways to learn is with a crochet kit! You'll find a range of kits to suit all abilities in Gathered's round-up of the best crochet kits. Good luck and above all, enjoy it!
