Crochet 101 - 20 Easy Crochet Patterns (that aren’t dishcloths.)

Feb 4

Now that you have your hooks and yarn, it’s time go and start crochetting! To continue the series, we begin to talk about some projects that you can do, that aren’t just dishcloths. Dishcloths can be a great way to learn but they can also be quite boring after a while. And the plus side?! They are all FREE!!

We will be splitting these into 3 categories: Toys, Wearables, and Home

Lets get started!

Toys

One thing I love about crochet amigurumi is that it uses mostly Single Crochet with variations. So, it’s perfect for most beginners. two things to watch out for: keeping the right tension (you can always go down a hook size), learn invisible decreae (life changer!), and keeping track of your stitches (always use a stitch marker!)

I will do a post later on with more tips and tricks for amigurumi, but for now, here are some of my favourite beginner friendly patterns:

The Dumpling Kitty by Sarah Sloyer

I’ve made this patter myself for a friend. I used velvet yarn and it became such a cute squishy thing! This pattern is super easy to follow and the beauty is that you get a FREE downloadable PDF pattern!

Crochet Jellyfish by ChiWei

This pattern is adorable! I can picture it hanging in the bedroom window for all to see. There are a lot of good photos and the pattern is very well written

Ivan the Octopus by The Weaving Witch (aka ME!)

I’m not very good about talking about myself but I do think that this pattern is a cute addition to the beginner friendly group. You can make a small version using worsted weight yarn, or an extra large version using blanket yarn! the world is at your fingertips! get creative!

Pocket Fox by Jillian Hewitt

Now, if you think your ready for some simple colourwork, this fox is a keeper! I love the little facial expressions. Also, I think if you were to use this with a thicker yarn, it could make a small fox pillow!

Little Crochet Bunny by Vira

This free pattern has so many photos! This makes it perfect for any beginner! I love how simple and cute these are

Hollow Knight Plushie by The Weaving Witch (Hey look! it’s me again!)

I wanted to add an easy pattern here for the gamers. If you haven’t played it, you’re missing out on some cute and creepy goodness! I’m not even much of a gamer, but this cutie got me hooked and I HAD to make him

Cactus by Stitch-Em

Last but certaintly not least in the toy section we have this adorable cactus! What a simple addition to any home. Need a housewarming gift for you friend who can’t seem to keep anything alive? I think we have a WINNER!

Wearables

Clothing can be quite scary for some people. There’s shaping, sizing, and crazy stitch patterns! But, it can be a lot easier than you realize! And honestly, sometimes you have to make a few bad items before you make a good one. So we patient with yourself, ALWAYS (and I mean ALWAYS) do a gauge swatch, double check your measurements, and read the stitch guide!

Square-neck Ribbed Crop Top by For the Frills

This top comes in Xs-5Xl and has a TON of stretch to it. It looks so cozy and simple. It could easily be dressed up or dressed down. I think this would be a great first project for any beginner!

Casablanca Summer Poncho by Mama in a Stitch

I love the style and drape of this design. So simple, versatile and elegant! It would be perfect as a cover up at the beach, walking your dog through the bush, or going to a summer stroll around your local neighbourhood.

Froggy Bucket Hat by The Weaving Witch (hi!)

So we all know bucket hats and frogs are ALL the rage right now? This is a quick 1 hour project that I love! It may not be for everyone, but I thought it deserved its place here because of how quick and easy it is. This could be great for a festival, for halloween, or just for every day if you’re brave enough!

The Creeping Willow Crop by The Weaving Witch (is it getting old yet?)

This was actually one of my first designs. It is a very simple pattern and probably one of my most worn pieces. I wear it with a long sleeve underneath during colder months or with just a bralette when it gets a bit warmer. It adds a nice and simple style to any woredrobe

Rhea Cowl by The Weaving Witch (this is the last one by me!)

Here is an easy wearable that is also most versatile. You’ll learn some new stitches with this one as well!

Easiest Crochet Hat by Yay for Yarn!

The name is not wrong. It is actually the easiest! You could easily whip up a bunch of these for the whole family! Plus it’s a great stash buster!

Easy Crochet Raglan Sweater by Lady Jay Crochet

Want a gorgeous sweater with no seaming?! Try a raglan! Now, this may be the most daunting and ambitious design. But, the pattern is so well laid out and easy to follow I thought it would still be great to add here as a beginner friendly pattern.

Home

Finally, we are at our home decor section! Now, there is a wide variety of things you can make but I thought I give you some basic starters. I love a lot of these patterns because you don’t have to worry to much about sizing or tension. The hardest thing will be picking out your colours! But a lot of these items can make great gifts for friends and family as well.

Quick and Simple Blanket by Daisy Cottage Designs

This is a super sleek and simple blanket design. It uses Double Crochet and gives plenty of room for different colour combos.

Crochet Storage Basket by Krista Cagle

How great is it that your hobby can create things that help better organize the hobby! Its for your yarn and its made out of yarn! This is a big piece that is surprisingly quick and simple to make.

Mason Jar Crochet Cozy by Rebecca Langford

This is a fantastic versatile pattern! Use it to hold flowers, candles, or an LED for a cozy nightlight! I want to make one for every room!

Easy Market Tote by Loops and Love

Where I am from, they have recently gotten rid of pastic bags at all shops (thank goodness). This pattern is a great option for shopping at your local market or grocery store. Or maybe you can out a book and a blanket in there for an afternoon at the park.

Beginner Crochet Pillow Cover by Lindsay

Well, we need something to go with our new blanket and basket that we just made. So here is a super easy pillow pattern! the thick yarn allows for a quick make and you’ll be lying your head on your new handmade pillow in no time!

Simple Fringed Wall Hanging by Alex

And last but not least, a simple and pretty wall hanging! This is such a perfect piece for any beginner to have on their wall and continually be inspired!

I hope you enjoyed some of these patterns and I really hope you give a few a try! Let me know if you made any of these in the comment section below!

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