Yay! You’ve learnt to crochet…but now you might be wondering: what beginner crochet project should I make next? Don’t panic – I’m here to help you choose the perfect next make!
Keep It Simple
My first piece of advice is to keep it simple. If you’ve learnt to crochet with me, or using one of my Learn to Crochet Kits, and you’ve crocheted a scarf or cowl, then crochet another one in a different coloured yarn. This is a great way of consolidating the stitch that you’ve learnt…and you know what they say: practise makes perfect! My good friend Victoria who owns Pins & Needles in Devizes is a genius when it comes to helping you decide what yarn to choose so please go and visit her when you’re ready to make another cowl or scarf!
Beginner Crochet Projects: Start Your First Blanket
A lot of new crocheters tell me their dream project is a blanket.
Good news – it’s easier than you think!
One of the simplest beginner crochet projects is a basic stitch blanket. Here’s how:
- Crochet a long chain to the width you’d like your blanket.
- If you’re using double crochet (dc), start in the second chain from the hook.
- If you’ve learnt treble crochet (tr), start in the third or fourth chain.
- Work the same stitch into each chain across.
- At the end of each row, chain 1 (for dc) or 2–3 (for tr), turn your work, and head back across.
Tip: If your edges are looking a bit wobbly (it happens!), check out my tips on keeping your edges straight.
Another great blanket for crochet newbies is a granny square blanket. These can be made by crocheting small squares that you crochet together or making one huge granny square and only stopping when it is big enough to cover you! A granny square workshop appears on my workshop list regularly throughout the year but if you’ve missed it, you can download the Granny Squares Video Tutorial for it instead and learn how to crochet granny squares from the comfort of your own sofa.
Find Crochet Patterns Designed for Beginners
Most patterns and kits out there will say whether they are suitable for someone who has just learnt to crochet, and most will tell you what stitches are required to make the item. The patterns that I write come with a stitch guide included which explains the stitch in written terms and with a short video clip too. I’ve noticed that the patterns and kits which are popular with people who have just learnt to crochet are the Bobbly Dazzler Hat and the Cosy Cowl. Although they don’t use the stitch that I have taught in the Learn to Crochet session, they only use ONE stitch which is explained with a video at the start of the pattern.
Build Your Skills With a Beginner Crochet Workshop
Sometimes, you might be put off by a pattern that includes lots of different stitches and it may seem a little daunting. Another workshop that appears regularly on my timetable is the Confidence in Crochet workshop. In this session, we learn some basic crochet stitches and how to change colour. Once we’ve had a practise at the new stitches, we crochet a flower, a heart and a star. If you’ve missed this workshop, or can’t make the date, it’s also available as a Confidence in Crochet Video Tutorial which means you can pause it when you’ve had enough of me for one day!
Bigger Projects for Beginner Crocheters
Knowing these basic crochet stitches means the crochet world is your oyster now! You’ll be filled with confidence and ready to embark on a slightly bigger project. The Stars & Stripes Blanket has been really popular with crochet beginners as the first part of the blanket involves crocheting rows and rows of one colour and then changing colour before crocheting row and rows of another colour. This is perfect for multi tasking with a good series on Netflix! The stars on the blanket might be a little tricky to begin with, but once you’ve mastered one with the video links, you’ll be well away and the blanket will be finished in no time at all. Perfect to keep for yourself or as a gift to someone special.
Another larger project, which may well take you a year to crochet, is the Calendar Blanket Kit. Don’t be put off by the size or complexity of this project; each tile is crocheted separately so in the first instance you can treat it as 12 small projects! If you’re going away on holiday, you’ll only need to take a few of the balls of yarn away with you rather than the complete kit. And there are LOADS of supporting videos to go with this blanket; there’s even videos to help you crochet your rectangles together.
And you don’t have to take my word for it either. Here’s what Cathy said, “Well, who would have thought that 2 months after I learnt to crochet I would make this, and a year later be able to finish it? It’s by no means perfect but I’m pretty chuffed all the same. All thanks to Nicola’s teaching skills and fantastic ideas.”
Ready to Start Your Next Beginner Crochet Project?
If you’re still wondering ‘what shall I crochet next?!’ then head over to my crochet shop for more patterns and kits to inspire your next crochet project.