Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

HERE’S MY RETIREMENT PLAN

by

No, I’m not planning to retire any time soon.  But, maybe someday………..

So, how will I live out my days in retirement with no alarm clock to rattle me awake, no days spent dealing with crabby medical insurance clerks, and no employees to ‘manage’?  I plan to crochet a lot! I plan to organize all my pattens, hooks, and yarn (no, that’s actually a fantasy.  I’m as disorganized as a responsible, adult human can be!).  I plan to buy lots and lots of yummy yarns and attend many crochet conventions.

Could this be my DH crocheting??

I also plan to teach my husband to crochet!  I think it would be nice to have this hobby in common.  I think he would be great at it.  I think it would be awesome to face our rocking chairs west and spend each afternoon napping and crocheting.

Is he hiding behind a huge skein of yarn? Is he scared??

What does he think of this plan?  Well, he’s quite the diplomatic soul.  He hasn’t said NO!  It may be that he does not have a clear understanding of how much fun this could be!  We plan to travel – and crochet is very portable.  Also, yarn is available in a lot of countries around the world.  One big shopping expedition.  Mail it all home so we don’t have tote it around.

If money is no object (these, after all are plans but may really be more fantasies), we could enjoy crocheting on cruises, in hotel rooms, and in tents in the African outback on safari.  Right?

My husband is very indulgent.  He frequently points our yarn he thinks I need to buy.  That means he is either completely blind (as in he walks by mounds of yarn daily in our house) or he really, really likes me.  Can I leverage this to my advantage?  Wonder how long it would take him to learn.

So, who else plans to teach the spouse to crochet for future reference?  I can’t be the only one!

Note:  It’s scary how much the top image looks like me.  Not the hair or the face, but me, barefooted (like right now) surrounded by piles of yarn.

Further note:  In the spirit of full disclosure, I fell head over heels for this guy when he was standing in my apartment, showing me how to tie surgical knots with one hand, using sewing threads and the refrigerator handle.  So, if he can tie knots with one hand, he can surely learn to crochet, No?

Comments

  1. tie surgical know with 1 hand-yup you got a natural there-teach him now-it will keep his hands nimble!! (arthritis at bay) And he points out more yarn for you to buy!! What a dream!!

  3. I’m dedicated to try to teach my hubby crochet every decade until I die. I figure, somewhere along the line, he’ll either learn it, or stop being so darn diplomatic about the whole thing!!!

  4. Problem is I’m already retired but seems I’m busier now than when I was working and STILL very little time to crochet but do manage to squeeze it in there. And yup, just like you I’m as disorganized as an adult can be. Grand plans for getting organized but never get it done (NO ROOM!! LOL)

  5. Good thinking. I learned by many years of experience to UPS my yarn buys home way ahead of myself.

  6. Sounds great! Fortunately, my wife already crochets (a little) so the “teaching” will be for advanced techniques.

  7. I’m retired now almost 9 years…my stash has grown 9x over, my patterns in various binder books and on the floor, projects going in almost every room and the car, yarn,needles and patterns on the stairs up to the sudio….pure heaven!

  8. great to have dreams… I retired twice since 1976 and work harder now then i ever did getting a pay check…I know men who do crochet, loom and knit but I doubt if my hubby would…We camp a lot, he fishes and bike rides and walks the dogs while i stay inside the motorhome and do my charity work..I always take needles and hooks with me no matter where we are going..I wish you luck no matter whether you teach hubby or not…

  9. Need to know can you crochet on a plan – is it allowed. My husband no chance but he seems happy watching me.

  10. It varies by airline, security officer, and geography, but you’re likely to be okay with a plastic hook and no scissors. I’ve flown internationally with only plastic hooks and dental floss where I use the floss container’s serrated metal cutting edge for my yarn. Other crochet supplies are in my checked baggage. If you stick with plastic, you should be fine.
    jd

Have you read?

Beginner-Friendly Crochet Scarves and Cowls

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 Cowl

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.

Free Cowl Patterns

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.

Free Scarf Patterns

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.

Fast and Easy Cowl

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.

Simple Cowl Pattern

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.

Cardiff Cowl

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.

Free Ridgeway Cowl Pattern

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.