70+ Free & Easy Crochet Patterns for Beginners

Free Easy Crochet Patterns

If you are looking for free and easy crochet patterns for beginners, you have come to the right place! Here you will find over 70 simple, beginner-friendly patterns to make while you are learning how to crochet. Each of these free easy crochet patterns include step by step instructions and use the basic crochet stitches so you can learn how to crochet while making beautiful items that you will be proud to give as a gift or keep for yourself.

Beginner vs Basic vs Easy Crochet Patterns

As you start looking for patterns, you’ll notice that some have a skill level of “beginner”, some have a skill level as “basic” and some have a skill level of “easy.”

What’s the difference between basic/beginner and easy level crochet patterns?

There is a Craft Yarn Council that has recommended project levels. The Craft Yarn Council actually doesn’t have a beginner level. Their recommended project levels start with Basic.

Here are the project levels as recommended by the Craft Yarn Council:

Basic: “Projects using basic stitches. May include basic increases and decreases.”

Easy: “Projects may include simple stitch patterns, color work, and/or shaping.”

However, the skill level that a pattern is ultimately given is entirely up to the designer and varies significantly. Some designers use the word Beginner rather than Basic. Some designers will just use “easy” for any pattern that is beginner-friendly. And, what some designers call easy may not be beginner-friendly.

Because there are so many variations between basic, beginner and easy, it can be difficult to know if the pattern will be simple enough to follow for a beginner. My advice? Try it! There are endless amount of tutorials out there so if you get stuck on something, Google and YouTube can come to the rescue.

Keep scrolling down for these free easy crochet patterns (and lots more)!

Crochet Patterns for Beginners

When learning how to crochet, you’ll want to start with basic, beginner and easy level crochet patterns. The best crochet patterns for beginners use only the basic stitches and have step by step instructions.

If you are looking for your first baby blanket pattern, here’s How to Crochet a Baby Blanket for Beginners. It’s a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know to make a crochet baby blanket from start to finish and includes a step-by-step video tutorial.

Or make your first crochet throw blanket! The Beginner Throw Blanket Crochet Pattern (pictured below) will teach you step-by-step (with photos and videos) how to make this beautiful, cozy full-size blanket.

Before we get to more free patterns for beginners (listed below), here are a few stress-saving crochet tips to help you on your crochet journey (you can read about my journey into this wonderful world on my post: 10 Crochet Tips for Beginners).

Best Yarn and Crochet Hook for Beginners

I recommend using a bright colored yarn when you are working on your first few crochet patterns. Colors like pink, green and light blue are good for beginners. Stay away from black and white as those can be harder to see.

Worsted weight (size 4) 100% acrylic yarn is a good yarn to start with. It works up quickly, has some stretch to it and you can easily see your stitches as well as undo any mistakes.

For a crochet hook, size H/8 (5.00 mm) or I/9 (5.50 mm) are both good to start with. They work well with worsted weight (size 4) yarn.

Need help with hooks or yarn? Check out my Crochet Hook Sizes Chart and Yarn Weights & Types Chart.

Basic Crochet Stitches

Before getting to the basic stitches, it is important to note that when reading a pattern, pay close attention to what terminology the stitches are listed in. For example, on all my crochet patterns, I state: “this pattern is written in US terminology.”

There is US terminology and UK terminology. As an example, the single crochet stitch in US terms is called a double crochet stitch in UK terms. This can be very confusing and result in you making the pattern completely wrong.

The easiest thing to do is learn everything in one terminology (I learned in US so all my patterns and references are using US terms) and then if you come across a pattern written in a different terminology, reference this US to UK Crochet Terms Conversion Chart.

Note: All stitches listed below are in US terminology.

Slip Knot

The first thing you will need to know how to do is make a slip knot. A slip knot begins almost every crochet project (if your pattern is worked in the round, it may start with a magic ring). The thing that is confusing to a lot of beginners is that patterns don’t tell you to start with a slip knot. They say to make a chain row but what starts the chain row is a slip knot.

Chain (ch)

After you’ve made a slip knot, most patterns will tell you to make a number of starting chains. It may say ch: 50 for example. The chain stitch is also often used throughout the pattern in various stitches and when starting a new row. Here’s how to start a crochet chain.

Single Crochet Stitch (sc)

With your newfound expertise in making a slip knot and chains, you’ll want to master the single crochet stitch. This stitch should be learned before you learn a half double crochet or double crochet stitches. It is one of the simplest stitches and is used extensively in crochet. Here’s how to single crochet.

Half Double Crochet Stitch (hdc)

Next, you should learn how to make a half double crochet stitch. This stitch is in between a single crochet and double crochet stitch.

Double Crochet Stitch (dc)

Then learn how to make a double crochet stitch.

Triple / Treble Crochet Stitch (tr)

And finally, learn how to make a triple (sometimes called treble) crochet stitch. Here’s how to make a triple crochet stitch.

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A tip: there are tons of videos online for all of these stitches. If you are just learning, I recommend watching a number of different videos, not just one person’s as everyone’s techniques are a little different. While you watch the videos, pay close attention to how the person in the video holds the yarn and hook. Try out different ways that feel the most comfortable.

These crochet patterns for beginners are listed below!

How to Read a Crochet Pattern

With your basic stitches mastered, you’re almost ready to start following patterns. A few tips to help ensure you can follow along:

• The Craft Yarn Council has a great overview of getting started on their “How to Read a Crochet Pattern” page, I highly recommend this as a starting point.
• Many patterns have any abbreviations used listed at the start of the pattern (i.e. sc = single crochet). If they don’t, you can refer to this Crochet Abbreviations Chart.
• You will see “Gauge” listed on the pattern. This is a whole other topic that I recommend learning right from the start. Here is a Complete Guide to Crochet Gauge.

Things to Crochet for Beginners

With all the millions of crochet patterns out there, what are good things to crochet for beginners? Here are some good easy crochet projects.

Crochet Blankets

Crochet blankets (especially baby blankets) are definitely the most popular things to make and are great first projects for beginners as long as you pick an easy pattern. You’ll see lots of easy baby blanket patterns listed below such as my Simple Baby Blanket, which I’ve heard from hundreds of people that this was their very first project and loved making it.

Crochet Scarves

Another good starting project is making a crochet scarf. Easy scarf patterns such as my Simple Scarf Pattern include a simple repeat so you can practice basic stitches while still making a beautiful practical item. More easy scarf patterns are included below.

Crochet Dishcloths

Dischloths are a wonderful way to practice as they are small so if you make a mistake, it’s really easy to start again. Plus, when you are finished, they are super useful and great for the environment! One of the easiest crochet dishcloth patterns is my Double Crochet Dishcloth.

Crochet Pillows

An easy pillow pattern is another great thing to crochet for beginners. In my How to Crochet a Pillow for Beginners tutorial, you’ll learn how to make a simple crochet pillow that has a lovely textured stitch and includes a full video tutorial.

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70+ Free Easy Crochet Patterns for Beginners

Now let’s get to the fun part, picking out your next pattern! I’ve scoured the internet for the best easy crochet patterns that are perfect for beginners. These patterns all have a skill level of basic, beginner or easy. They also make really incredible crochet projects that you will be so happy to gift or show off.

Thank you to all the designers for allowing me to feature their patterns in this list. Here are (in no particular order) 70+ Free Easy Crochet Patterns for Beginners:

1) Tweedy Pocket Scarf by The Loopy Lamb

2) Color Block Baby Blanket by Remington Lane Crochet

3) Zigzag Coaster by Cosy Rosie

4) Double Crochet Dishcloth by Jo to the World Creations

5) Easy Mug Rug by Fosbas Designs

6) Moss Stitch Baby Blanket by Jo to the World Creations

7) Beginner Beanie by Rich Textures Crochet

8) Baby Hat by Lisa Auch Crochet

9) Moss Stitch Mug Rug by Pine Tree Crochet

10) Easy Beginner Coffee Cup Cozy by Nana’s Crafty Home

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11) Diamond Bobble Twisted Headband by Keju crochet design 

12) Spiral Coaster by Hooked on Patterns

13) Harvest Throw by Rich Textures Crochet

14) Remote Holder by Jo to the World Creations

15) Easy Textured Beginner Earwarmer by Simply Hooked by Janet

16) Easy Crochet Blanket by Made by Gootie

17) Coasters by Stitching Together

18) Simple Shawl by Nana’s Crafty Home

19) Lisa Blanket by Remington Lane Crochet

20) Simple Pillow Crochet Pattern by Jo to the World Creations

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21) Single Crochet Dishcloth by My Crochet Space

22) Turquoise Fiesta Shawl by Knitter Knotter

23) Round Crochet Dishcloth by Jo to the World Creations

24) Round Scrubby by Desert Blossom Crafts

25) Simple Baby Blanket by Jo to the World Creations

26) Itty bitty crochet kitty by Thoresby Cottage

27) Journal Pen Pouch by Blackstone Designs

28) Quick and Easy Washcloth by Blue Star Crochet

29) Classic Baby Blanket by Jo to the World

30) Turquoise Canyon Super Bulky Scarf by High Desert Yarn

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31) Easy Cotton Scrunchie by Selina Veronique

32) Simple Scarf with Tassels by Jo to the World

33) Love Notes Valentine by Blackstone Designs

34) Crochet Mug Rug by Moogly

35) Reusable Cotton Face Pads by This Pixie Creates

36) Boho Romantic Headband by Selina Veronique

37) Unisex Baby Booties by Toyslab Creations

38) Crochet sponge by Thoresby Cottage

39) Block Blanket by Knitting with Chopsticks

40) Flower Freeze Pop Holder by Jo to the World

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41) Mandala Coasters by Hooked on Patterns

42) Corner to Corner Crochet Blanket by Nana’s Crafty Home

43) Easy Tunisian Mittens by Knitters Knotter

44) Ribbed Bathroom Washcloth by Crochet N Create

45) Summer Freeze Pop Holder by Simply Hooked by Janet

46) Cottage Blanket by Blue Star Crochet

47) Heart Coaster by Hooked on Patterns

48) Baby Boy Blanket by Loopy Lamb

49) Easy Crochet Face Scrubbies by Made by Gootie

50) Daisy Bookmark by This Pixie Creates

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51) Star Blanket by Jo to the World Creations

52) Caron Double Down Crochet Shawl by Yarnspirations

53) Hair Scarf Pattern by The Loopy Lamb

54) Easy Peasy Baby Blanket by Crochet n Create

55) Crochet Rectangle Thick Granny Blanket Pattern by The Crochet Crowd

56) Sunglasses Case by Pine Tree Crochet

57) Tuxedo Dog Bandana by Jo to the World Creations

58) Bernat Quick Pom Pom Hat by Yarnspirations

59) Crochet Basket by Fosbas

60) Bernat Placemat by Yarnspirations

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And finally, if you are looking for easy Christmas patterns, here are some very festive easy patterns:

61) Christmas Booties (make 1 for a candy cane holder!)

62) Christmas Tissue Box Cover

63) Christmas Mug Cozy

64) Christmas Cutlery Holder

65) Christmas Wine Glass Holder / Lanyard

66) Christmas Coasters

67) Christmas Dog Bandana

68) Christmas Wine Bottle Holder

69) Christmas Can Cozy

70) Christmas Pillow

71) Christmas Baby Booties – make 2 for baby’s first Christmas!

72) Christmas Toilet Paper Holder

View more free & easy Christmas patterns.

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I hope this helped you find some good easy crochet patterns for beginners!

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