Patterns, projects and techniques
SO, HERE THE FIRST QUESTION FOR JANUARY, 2010. If you don’t know how the blogtest works, please refer to my blog post of January 2, 2010 for all the rules.
WHAT IS YOUR CROCHET GOAL FOR 2010?
Be sure to post an answer ON THIS BLOG IN THE COMMENTS BELOW. Do not send an email to me or respond elsewhere if you want to be counted as an entry.
And, oh, yeah. The first prize is this sweet little book:
What a sweet little deal!
If you’re new to crochet and wondering where to start, scarves and cowls are one of the nicest entry points. They feel useful right away, they don’t come with the stress of tricky sizing, and they let you settle into the rhythm of stitching without needing to think too hard about shaping or assembly. That is a big win when you’re still getting comfortable holding the yarn, counting stitches, and figuring out where your row actually ends.
Let’s be honest, a lot of beginners want a project that looks good before they want a project that teaches them patience.
That’s exactly why scarves and cowls work so well. They’re practical, cozy, and giftable, and they often use the same few stitches over and over again. You get to build confidence while making something you can actually wear, wrap up for a friend, or stash away for cooler weather. It feels like real progress, not just practice.
I also love that this category has a nice mix of super simple wins and slightly more textured designs. If you want a one-skein cowl you can finish over a weekend, there are plenty of those. If you want a chunky scarf with a bit more visual interest, you can find that too. It’s a very forgiving place to begin, and for a lot of crocheters it’s the category that turns “I’m trying crochet” into “I think I’m properly into crochet now.”
If you’re building out your beginner pattern stash, you might also want to bookmark our roundup of Easy Butterfly Crochet Patterns for Beginners and this sweet Free Crochet Pattern – Emotional Support Chicken. For readers who want fast finishes, Free Patterns – Quick Crochet Projects is another handy one to keep open in a tab.
Beginner-Friendly Crochet Scarves and Cowls
Free Pattern – Moss Stitch Crochet Cowl
This is exactly the sort of project I love to recommend to newer crocheters. Moss stitch has that neat, slightly textured look that feels polished, but it’s still repetitive enough that you can relax into it once you get going. If you want a cowl that looks a little elevated without becoming fiddly, this is a lovely place to start.
One-skein projects always feel approachable, especially when you’re not ready to commit to something huge. This cowl is a great fit for beginners who want something warm, quick, and satisfying. It also has that nice “I made this in a weekend” energy, which is very motivating when you’re just starting out.
Free Crochet Pattern – Lindsay Cowl
This one feels giftable from the moment you see it. It’s simple, adaptable, and easy to picture in different yarn colors, which makes it a fun pattern if you’re starting to think beyond just “can I make this?” and into “who could I make this for?” I always think those are the projects that keep beginners coming back for more.
Crochet a Colorful Braided Scarf Using Broomstick or Cardboard
This is a fun twist on the usual beginner scarf. It has a more decorative finish without feeling out of reach, and it’s a nice choice if you want something that looks a bit different from a standard straight scarf. It’s also a good reminder that beginner crochet doesn’t have to mean boring crochet.
Chunky Crochet Teal Scarf With Fringe
Chunky yarn and fringe are such a good combination when you want quick payoff. This kind of scarf works up faster, feels cozy almost immediately, and gives beginners that very important feeling of visible progress. And honestly, fringe covers a lot of sins if your edges aren’t perfect yet.
This Lion Brand collection is worth bookmarking if you want to browse beyond a single pattern. It’s useful for readers who like having options in one place, especially when they’re still figuring out what shape and style they prefer. A roundup like this always benefits from one broad resource page readers can keep exploring.
Same idea here, but for scarves. If someone finishes one beginner project and immediately wants another, this kind of resource page is handy. It gives you room to keep the momentum going without having to hunt around from scratch.
The title alone makes this a good fit for beginners. Fast and easy is exactly what many newer crocheters are looking for, especially when they want to build skill without burning out. A project like this helps you focus on consistency and comfort rather than complicated construction.
Bulky yarn plus a simple shape is a very beginner-friendly combination. This is the sort of project that can make a new crocheter feel successful quickly, and that matters more than people realise. A good first finish can turn someone into a lifelong yarn hoarder. Learned that one the hard way.
This one feels like a nice next-step option. It still sits in the easy category, but it has a slightly more refined look, which makes it perfect for crocheters who’ve finished a basic beginner piece and are ready for something just a touch more styled. A roundup needs a few of those “you’re ready now” patterns.
Mary Maxim always gives you a nice practical read on a pattern, and this one feels like a strong wearable addition to the list. It’s the kind of cowl that looks useful, cozy, and realistic for everyday wear, which is exactly what many beginners want to make first.
Free Autumn Spice Cowl Pattern
This is a really good fit for an easy crochet roundup because chunky yarn and simple structure usually mean a faster finish. It has a cozy, seasonal feel to it too, which makes it ideal if your readers are already thinking ahead to cooler weather projects.
Why scarves and cowls are such good beginner crochet projects
Scarves and cowls let you focus on the part of crochet that matters most at the beginning: getting comfortable with the stitches. You’re not worrying about sleeve shaping, precise fit, or joining twenty awkward pieces together while muttering at your yarn. You’re mostly just crocheting, row by row or round by round, and that repetition is what helps the movements start to feel natural.
They also give you a finished item that feels useful.
That really matters.
A dishcloth is practical, yes, but a cozy scarf or cowl feels more exciting to a lot of people. It looks like a real handmade piece. It can become a gift, part of your winter wardrobe, or the thing that makes you think, “Actually, I can do this.”
If you’re choosing your first project, look for patterns that mention beginner, easy, one skein, chunky yarn, or fast finish. Those usually give you the most encouraging experience. The more success you have early on, the easier it is to keep going.
More easy crochet ideas to explore
If you enjoyed these scarf and cowl ideas, here are a few more beginner-friendly places to head next:
Free Patterns – Quick Crochet Projects
9 Quick & Easy Crochet Patterns
Easy Butterfly Crochet Patterns for Beginners
Beginner-Friendly Crochet Cardigan Idea
Buttoned Plaid Cowl Free Crochet Pattern
This is the kind of crochet category that quietly builds confidence stitch by stitch. Start with one simple cowl, then try a scarf with texture, then maybe a chunky wrap or hooded cowl once you feel brave. Before long, your yarn basket will be full and you’ll be calling it a “collection,” which is a very familiar craft-room trick.
I have just started to work on the crochet afghan i need to finish before next christmas. Along with that i’m working on designing a doily pattern.
My crochet goal for this year is to crochet my first afghan. It will be king size and made of eco-organic cotton. 🙂
My goal is to finish the afghan I have in progress, edge another finished afghan for granddaughter’s birthday in Feb, and see if I can figure out the pattern to restart a strip afghan that began probably 12 years ago. Sort of looks like I’m in ‘afghan mode’, huh? LOL
My crochet goal for this year is to do some more filet crochet. I finished a project for a Christmas present this past year, and was so pleased with the results, that I’m ready to tackle another project…I think they are so pretty when done…
I hope to learn how to crochet sweaters,My goal is to learn how to make the arm holes I always get confessed an then toss it SO I hope to accompish(sp) this as my main goal.Thank you for this contest
My goal for this year will be to finish the 50 projects I started last year! I have about 25 afghans, 6 baby outfits and bunches of other things like doll outfits,toys ect.
Happy New Year!
My goal is to finish all my current WIP. Not to say I won’t start new ones but some of my in proress afghans have been in progress for over a year. 🙂
My goal is to make a hat that actually fits and looks decent (hats are my crochet achilles heel)
My crochet goal for this year is to crochet a ripple blanket for my 4 years old son.
My goal is to use yarn on hand to finish a baby afghan, several scarfs and a scrap afghan.Organizing my supplies would also be a nice goal. Thanks!
My goal is to try some of the new patterns I’ve amassed this year. I’ve been busy making for other people–now I want to make some things for myself–wearables & afghans.
Ooh – I’ve wanted this book for awhile but haven’t yet purchased it. That would be perfect!
My crochet goal for the year is to make everything in my Amigurumi Two book (so cute!) and to give it all away via The Toy Society. Not only can I brighten someone’s day, I can whittle down my yarn stash in the process. Win-win!
My goal this year is to make 55 or more cancer and/or winter caps for kids. In August I will be 55 years old, born in 1955, so decided 55 was a good number!
I have two afghans that are on my new years resolutions list to finish! I’ve been working on the one for probably 5 years (ridiculous, I know!) and the other for about a year.
My crochet goal for 2010 is to start crocheting again. I did it for many years, and just stopped. Now I want to do some baby afghans for my new granddaughter and a few for my house, including a King size for my bed. not sure on patterns yet.
sandym204 @ gmail dot com
Quite a few! My closest goal to completion is a huge Super Mario for a friend as a belated christmas/birthday present. Then I get to teach myself how to really work in a round, make some amigurumi for another friend overseas, and a bunny doll for my daughter. Like Salihan, I’d like to make my first afghan, though not quite as large! I’m really looking forward to lots of projects and new stitches =]
Have a great week!
My goal is to crochet a queen size bedspread form my bed.
My crochet goal for the year is to finish working on a throw which will be a wedding present for my son & d-i-l to be.
Great question! My goal is to complete 20 different types of crochet projects in 2010.
Each year since the 2000 I’ve done a “top 20” resolution. I’ve tasted 20 different wines, seen 20 movies by one actor, read 20 different books on one topic, etc. This year’s 20 is the crochet goal.
I just learned to crochet a few months ago and think this goal is going to give me a great opportunity to work on a variety of different short-term and long-term projects. Wish me luck!
I want to complete a top for myself. I usually only crochet for others.
My crochet goal for this year is to crochet something for as many categories as I can for our county fair. Usually I just go to my stash to see what I have made, and then find a category for it to fit in. This year I want to make so different items.
my crochet goal for 2010…to finish my christmas gifts for 2010. I’ve got a list made of all the things I want to make for everyone (i.e., sweater for sis, cardigan for bil, afghans for nieces, etc). I’ve already started…went out and bought yarn for two of the sweaters yesterday. Now to get organized and started. 🙂
My crochet goal for this year is to keep crocheting even after my newborn arrives in mid-April! I have a couple of cute sweaters I want to crochet for her and am hoping to have time to make multiple sizes. Also, I want to make a beautiful ruffled capelet for myself.
I have two crochet goals this year: One is to put together some granny squares that my mom crocheted (she has since passed on) and the other is to learn how to make circular granny squares (if that makes any sense!!)
My first goal this year is matching yarn in my stash with patterns. The project plan is for crocheting hats, scarves, prayer shawls,soldiers beanies and premature infant caps for a variety of charities.
My crochet goal for this year is to attempt to crochet a wearable garment for myself. The past year I crocheted wearable things for my 1 year old granddaughter and everything fit!
I’m new to crochet. My goal for this year is to try progressively challenging projects. One thing I really shy away from is any item that calls for color changes. The next “scary” project is clothing, so since I have a new grand daughter to be born Feb. 1 I WILL make her a baby sweater, hat and booties.
My crochet goal is to design my own pattern!
My goal is crocheting for a new great niece or nephew and a wedding present for a dear friends daughter. I am thinking a very nice shawl for the wedding, have the pattern picked out need to shop for a very nice white yarn. Then for the baby a sweater set. I have always had problems with sweaters, so I have a pattern and I am going to do it if it takes all year. My niece does not want to know what the sex of the child is going to be until it happens so I have to work with green and yellow yarn. Will be shopping for that also. Can’t wait to get started.
I am planning on using up all my cotton crochet threads by crocheting kitchen washcloths for gifts. I also plan to use up some of my wool yarns by doing some crocheting, then felting and see what happens. I live in a warm climate so wool sweaters are not appropriate!
This is the year I plan to make my first full size afghan, and I’m finally going to make a prayer shawl for myself.
My crochet goal this year is to reduce my HUGE stash of yarn! I want to make a multi-colored medallion type afghan too!
My crochet goal for this year is to crochet one square of a white crochet (size 10 thread) bedspread every week. I think at this rate I can complete a queen size bedspread by years end.
12 crocheted blanket for Project Linus, 1 sweater for myself, finish UFO afghan for my parents and figure out crocheted cables (in regular and afghan stitiches)
My goal is to make an afghan for both my mother and my sister
I am working on my first afghan…25 blocks of crochet ribbing plus a border!
This is my year to finally start (well, restart) my crochet business. First, I am going to start a blog. I am working on crochet designs to post and to sell via Etsy. I also will make items to sell also via Etsy. This has always been my dream and, as I am nearing 50, it is time to make it come true.
My main goal is to use up my worsted stash to create afghans, lapghans, etc., and donate them to a local shelter for the homeless. It sure is cold outside! My personal crochet goal is to sew some new hook roll up bags in order to keep my dozens of needles straight!
I started crocheting socks as 2009 was ending. My goal for 2010 is to modify my current sock pattern into the PERFECT sock pattern for my feet. Once I’ve done that, I’ll have to make new edits (and write them down!!) for my important family members who are going to be getting socks.
My crochet goal this year is twofold – one, to try to crochet at least one day a week, and two, to follow a pattern that is more difficult than “beginner”. I really want to hone my skills and create some of the beautiful things that I am inpired by from this blog!
My crochet goal for 2010 is to finally crochet a pair of socks. Sweater? Did that in 2009. Afghan? Done and done and done. But socks? Those are intimidating to me. But I’m up for the challenge!
And thanks for the blogtest!
My crochet goal is to figure out how to crochet! I can do the basic stitches but have trouble keeping the stitches consistent. I suppose it just takes practice, huh?
My crotchet goal for this year is to perfect the basic techniques, learn to read patterns, and crotchet something a bit more difficult than a scarf or wash cloth!
For 2010, I want to finish more projects than I start :o) I also want to make more items for me. I am blessed with some loved ones who deeply appreciate hand-made gifts but I spend all my time crafting for them.
Most of all, 2010 I will fear NO project! I have the skills to crochet anything I want and darn it, I’m going to do it!
First and formost for 2010 is to finish up ufo’s from 2009. Then I want to make each of my children(3) new hats and scarves, and possibly mittens. I also have about 100 other projects that I would love to do, time and stash permiting.
To crochet some vintage doilies and a shawl.. there are some really great patterns out there that I really want to try. Since I also knit I want to fit in some socks and some knit lace as well. Gonna be a fun year!
My crochet goal is to use up all my old yarn so I can buy some nice new yarn!
My goal is to continue to use up my stash by making colorful ripple afghans, granny square afghans and hats. I am going to search charitable organizations to donate some of the items to and set some aside for Christmas presents. I am also determined to find a decent mitten pattern. Once my stash is gone, I am going to reward myself by making a soft afghan in colors that appeal to ME and I will wrap up in it and crochet some MORE!!!
My crochet goal for this year is to crochet each of my children an afghan.
My goal for the year 2010, is to expand my knowledge in crocheting. I want to tackle patterns that I want to do. I have never tried the ripple, and want to make an afghan using this pattern. I want to try to crochet amigurumi items. I have the Grim Reaper pattern and want to make it. This requires reading a chart. I want to be comfidant in my crocheting.
Thanks.