20 easy things to crochet for beginners, in the order to try them

The hardest part of learning to crochet is often choosing what to make next. Pick something too easy and you get bored; too hard and you give up. This list is sorted by the new skill each project teaches, so working down it takes you from your first row to your first garment.

You don't need to make all of them. Pick one or two from each stage, then move on.

#Stage 1: Rows of one stitch

These are flat, small and forgiving. They teach tension and straight edges.

1. Bookmark. Chain 31 and work a few rows of single crochet. Teaches counting and turning.
2. Dishcloth. A 7 in square of single crochet in cotton. Teaches keeping edges straight.
3. Simple scarf. Rows of half double crochet in a chunky yarn. Teaches rhythm over a longer piece.
4. Moss stitch swatch. Our moss stitch blanket repeat, made small. Teaches working into chain spaces.

#Stage 2: Working in the round

Almost everything 3D starts here. Learn the magic ring first.

5. Coasters. A flat circle that teaches increases. Try our cotton coasters.
6. Classic granny square. Clusters and corners. Follow the granny square pattern.
7. Amigurumi ball. Increases, decreases and stuffing. The amigurumi ball is the shape behind every toy.
8. Mandala. Colour changes in the round. See our mandala pattern.
9. Storage basket. A base, then straight sides. Try the chunky basket.

#Stage 3: Things to wear

Now gauge starts to matter, because these need to fit.

10. Top-down beanie. Try it on as you go. Our easy hat pattern has three sizes.
11. Ribbed beanie. Back-loop ribbing worked flat. See the chunky ribbed beanie.
12. Fingerless gloves. A small seamed rectangle with a thumb hole.
13. Cowl. A long rectangle joined into a loop.
14. Bandana. A triangle with steady increases at each edge.

#Stage 4: Bigger projects

These take weeks, not evenings, but use only skills you already have.

15. Granny square bag. Joining squares into something useful.
16. Baby blanket. A repeat you can memorise.
17. Ripple blanket. Increases and decreases in the same row.
18. Amigurumi animal. Several small pieces sewn together.
19. Poncho. Two rectangles and one clever seam.
20. First sweater. Four rectangles, joined. Our beginner sweater walks you through it.

#How to choose

If a project feels too hard, drop back one stage and make one more thing from there. Every project on this list uses the same few stitches from our basic stitches guide, just in a new arrangement.