Learning to crochet can be a daunting task. There are so many different projects you can choose from, making the first pick overwhelming. When I first learned to crochet, I also struggled with this. On one hand I wanted something easy and not very time consuming, but on the other hand, I wanted something cool, elaborate, and useful. It was quite the predicament. But lucky for you, you have a handy dandy list of the top 5 best crochet projects for first time crocheters.
At the end I have linked examples of free patterns for all the project ideas.
- Coasters
Pros: Coasters are a fun project to start with. They are as simple as you want them to be, and they don’t take much time depending on how many you make. AND they are useful!
Cons: As a beginner, your tension may not always be consistent. This can prove to be a problem if your coasters end up being different sizes or if your coasters aren’t lying flat.
Skills Practiced: working in the round, special stitches depending on pattern, tension, possible color changes.
- Simple Amigurumi
Pros: Making your own stuffed animal amigurumi as a first project can be so exciting. You can pick any animal you want and likely find a free pattern to make it. These projects mainly consist of single crochets, making this a good project for beginners.
Cons: While the main stitch used is a single crochet, there are some more complex steps like counting increases and decreases, working in the round, and sewing together pieces. This can be intimidating for first time crocheters; however, it is easy to learn these things when making an amigurumi that isn’t very complex.
Skills Practiced: Working in the round, increases and decreases, counting stitches, marking stitches, single crochet, tension, possible color changes, sewing together pieces.
- Scarf
Pros: Crocheting a scarf for your first project allows you to simply practice the motion of crocheting. It’s a fairly repetitive project depending on the pattern you choose, so it can help you get the hang of crocheting. It is easily customizable and you can use it to keep you warm when you are done. This was actually one of my first projects, and it helped me with learning to keep a consistent tension.
Cons: Crocheting a scarf can take a while, so it may leave you discouraged. Also, the repetition can be boring to some when they are looking for more of an “eventful” project.
Skills Practiced: Working in rows, special stitches depending on pattern, tension, possible color changes.
- Pillowcase
Pros: This may seem like a strange idea but hear me out. Depending on the size of your pillow this can be a great first project. You can learn many new stitches and techniques that will help you on other projects, and you are left with a fun decorative pillow you can use to brighten up your room. This was also one of my first projects, and let me tell you, it was so satisfying to make because it will always be out on display instead of in a closet or something like that.
Cons: It may take a little while to make, but in the end, it is so worth it. For real.
Skills Practiced: Depends on chosen pattern. But a lot of them.
- Corner-to-Corner Blanket
Pros: This project is great for learning to crochet. It is only made with double crochets and chains, making it fairly simple for beginners. This project is something that beginners can come back to whenever to continue practicing things like tension and maybe speed.
Cons: Since this is a blanket, it will take a long time to make, however you can make it any size you want and come back to it at any convenient time. Also, this corner-to-corner style of crochet is really only used for blankets, so you may just be looking for something that will teach you more diverse skills.
Skills Practiced: Corner-to-corner crochet, double crochet, chains, increasing and decreasing, other basic stuff.
Links to Free Patterns/Tutorials:
SheLeftHooks 