Crochet Patterns: 7 Easy Projects for Beginners

These seven beginner crochet projects use simple shapes and core stitches, from a square dishcloth and round coaster to a headband, cowl, scarf, granny square, and rectangle beanie. Compare the stated measurements and stitches before choosing a first project.

Every one of these uses the same core toolkit: a hook you’re comfortable holding and a yarn needle for weaving in ends once you’re done.

Beginner crochet projects to explore

1. Beginner Crochet Dishcloth

Louise Bollanos’ dishcloth is a plain single crochet square that finishes at 9.5 by 9.5 inches with a 4 mm (US G-6) hook, with a double crochet border and scalloped shell edging. The page calls it a good practice piece for even tension and stitch definition, and says you need less than one skein of cotton yarn, so it is a very low-cost first project. Because it is a flat square, you can focus on making your rows even before trying anything with shaping. View the pattern

2. Easy Crochet Coasters

Debbie Chapman’s coasters are made from cotton yarn with a 5 mm hook, starting from a magic ring, using double crochet increases and a scalloped edge that looks like a flower. They finish just over 4 inches across, and a step-by-step video tutorial is included. Working in the round teaches you how to control increases, and because you only need a small amount of yarn per coaster, it is easy to make a matching set. An ad-free PDF is available for purchase. View the pattern

3. Madeleine Headband Ear Warmer

Rhondda Mol’s Madeleine headband is part of the Furls blog hop, using one ball of Furls Wander medium weight yarn (100% acrylic) and an H/5 mm hook. It is worked widthwise in flat rows, so you can adjust it to any size by measuring your head, then the ends are whipstitched together to make a loop. That makes it a good first wearable, since the fit comes from your own measurements rather than a size chart. View the pattern

4. Herringbone Crochet Cowl

Sarah Stearns’ herringbone cowl is made from one skein of chunky yarn (Lion Brand Color Made Easy in the sample, or any similar bulky yarn) with an L/8 mm hook. The whole cowl uses just the herringbone single crochet stitch, which gives a knit-like texture. She recommends a smooth bulky (CYC 5) yarn and a hook slightly larger than the label suggests. It finishes at 24 inches around and 10 inches tall, worked flat and mattress stitched at the short ends. View the pattern

5. Beginner Crochet Scarf

Sarah Stearns’ beginner scarf uses two skeins of super bulky yarn and an N/M (9 mm) hook for an adult scarf of 66 by 6 inches. The body is half double crochet in the back loops only, a ribbing stitch that only changes where you insert the hook. She says the chunky yarn and ribbing make it warm, and it is easy to customize with fringe, or by doubling it up. If playing yarn chicken stresses you out, she suggests buying a third skein. View the pattern

6. Classic Granny Square

Sarah Stearns’ granny square uses worsted weight yarn with an H (5 mm) hook. The page walks through a single-color and a multi-color square and includes abbreviated instructions. Using 3 chain stitches in the corners creates clean, sharp corners that are easier to sew together, and the work is turned after each round. She uses Lion Brand Basic Stitch acrylic and suggests a smooth, lighter-colored yarn so you can see your stitches. It is a good way to use up scraps. View the pattern

7. Easy Beanie Crochet Pattern

KnotToYarn labels this rectangle beanie Total Beginner, with an adult medium size that fits a 54 to 58 cm head. It starts as a back loop only half double crochet rectangle – seam the short ends, then cinch one long edge for the crown – avoiding crown decreases entirely, so the only finishing decisions are seam placement and how tightly to gather the top, which makes it a low risk first hat.