Free Easy Beginner Crochet Patterns For Those New to Crocheting

Easy Beginner Crochet Patterns   by Janice Jones     
|Last Updated 10-23-2023

Note:  All of my patterns on this page are written in US Terms

Wondering what to make with those new skills you are learning?  Here is a collection of what I believe are basic and beginner level projects.  The  Craft Yarn Council defines Basic projects as "Projects using basic stitches. May include basic increases and decreases" 

This normally means the easy stitches such as the half double crochet.  The next step up is the Easy Projects which include "simple stitch patterns, color work, and/or shaping." 

An example of this would be a dishcloth made with Puff Stitches.  But enough about those technicalities.  

Easy Beginner Crochet Patterns

All of the patterns with links below are entirely free for you to make.  They are copywrite protected so they cannot be published somewhere else without permission form this site.

Beginner-Friendly Granny Square Crochet Headband

Crocheted Granny Square Headband with link to the free pattern.

If you have mastered the basic granny square, or even if you haven't this is an easy pattern that works up fast.  Choose between simple granny squares or embellish it with a crocheted flower.

Check out the Free Beginner Friendly Granny Square Crochet Headband

Library of Easy Crochet Purses and Bag Patterns from our Readers

Free Crochet Patterns for Purses and Bags Link

If you are looking to improve your crochet, learn a new stitch, or just crochet a bag or purse for a friend, this is the page to check out.  It is a growing resources of free patterns that have been generously provided to Smart Knit Crocheting from our readers.  

Check out Free Crochet Patterns for Bags and Purses

Easy Pumpkin Dishcloth

Perfect for a hostess gift or to make for yourself, this autumn inspired dishcloth can be used as a dishcloth or as a doily under a bouquet of Fall Flowers. All you need to know is the double crochet stitch (UK Treble Stitch) and slip stitch for this super easy project.

Easy Scrubbies for Fall Entertaining

These easy scrubby dishcloths are worked up in the Crochet Grit Stitch which is just a variation of the single crochet stitch.  I love my set which launders easily and I haven't had to purchase any additional pads for scrubby my pots and pans.

Crochet V Stitch Wash Cloth

The Crochet V Stitch is a fun stitch to learn and works up quickly.  It's made using chains and double crochet stitches and as with all washcloth projects, you have the option of making a border.  Check out this easy beginner Crochet Pattern and practice that V stitch.

Easy Granny Square Slippers

This a retro pattern dating back to the 70s when Granny Square projects were all the rage.  It's still as warm today as it was 50 years ago.  If you have never made a Granny Square Project, check out these tips and tutorials.

Crochet Shell Stitch Dishcloth

Crochet Shell Stitch in white and Coral
Crochet shell stitch border on a double crochet stitch swatch.

The Crochet Shell Stitch is also an easy beginner stitch that is just a variation of the double crochet.  It has many uses as a stand alone stitch or as a scalloped border around another project.  The instructions for making this stitch along with these two projects can all be found on the Crochet Shell Stitch Page.

Crochet Wattle Stitch Face Cloth

I believe that the fastest way to learn how to crochet is to practice, but it's not so much fun just making swatches that can't be used.  This is a fast easy way to learn how to make the Wattle Stitch and give it a little extra interest by creating a picot edge.  All the instructions for making the stitch and the project can be found on the Crochet Wattle Stitch page.

Front Post Back Post Baby Blanket

This sounds like a scary name and a complicated stitch, but it really is not.  When working a double crochet stitch, for an example, you can insert your hook into the top two loops of the stitch in the previous row. 

That's the most common way but it's not the only way.  Post stitches are created by inserting your hook around the post of the stitch from the previous row.  

Easy Crochet Rib Stitch Headband

Here's another very easy beginner-friendly idea that will teach you how to make the crochet rib stitch and create a lovely wearable for those cold days.  The tutorial for learning the crochet rib stitch and the directions for making the headband are all on the same page.  If you can do the single crochet stitch, you can master this rib.  Visit the Easy Crochet Rib Stitch Headband for the free pattern.

Easy Twisted Headband in 100% Alpaca Wool

A twisted headband created with alpaca yarn is modeled with an Asian woman

This could be the softest headband you will every wear.  It's created in 100% alpaca wool and is truly beginner friendly. It's a simple twisted half-double crochet headband that is so warm that it makes a great ear warmer in the cold winter months.