Stop Motion of Crochet Yogi and Cindy Bear

If there is one Halloween crochet project that gives you a ridiculous amount of decorating impact for very little yarn, it has to be a crochet spider web.

This free crochet spider web pattern uses basic chains and double crochet stitches to create an open, lacy web that can be made in practically any size. Make a small one for a Halloween wreath, stretch a larger web across a window, hang several from the mantel, or make an oversized version for a spooky porch display.

Best of all, this is one of those Halloween crochet projects that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

If you can chain, double crochet and slip stitch, you can make this web.

And if yours looks a little bit like a crumpled fishing net when it first comes off the hook, don’t panic. Blocking is where the magic happens.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Crochet Spider Web

This is a particularly good project if you want:

• an easy Halloween crochet pattern
• a quick handmade Halloween decoration
• a scrap yarn crochet project
• a beginner-friendly crochet spider web
• inexpensive DIY Halloween decorations
• a crochet project that can be made in different sizes
• Halloween decor you can reuse year after year

The web is worked from the centre outward in joined rounds. Eight double crochet stitches create the main spokes of the web, while increasingly larger chain spaces form the open sections between them.

Once you understand the repeat, it becomes wonderfully mindless crochet.

If Halloween has already snuck up on you, have a look at our free Halloween crochet patterns you can make in a day too. There are plenty of quick projects in there for those of us who apparently believe October has twice as many days as it actually does.

Crochet Spider Web Pattern Details

Skill level: Easy / confident beginner

Crochet terms: US terminology

Finished size: Approximately 15 inches or 38 cm across after blocking when worked through Round 10.

Your finished size will vary depending on the yarn, hook, crochet tension and how firmly you stretch the web during blocking.

Construction: Worked in joined rounds from the centre outward.

What Yarn Is Best for a Crochet Spider Web?

Worsted weight or Weight 4 yarn is a nice choice for a medium-sized Halloween spider web because it creates a web sturdy enough to hang while still keeping those lovely open spaces.

White is the obvious classic choice, but don’t stop there.

Try:

• Black for a dramatic Halloween web
• Grey for an old dusty-web effect
• Cream for vintage Halloween decor
• Purple for a more playful Halloween colour scheme
• Neon green for children’s Halloween decorations
• Sparkly yarn for a slightly glamorous haunted house
• Glow-in-the-dark yarn if you happen to have some lurking in the stash

Cotton can give you particularly crisp stitch definition, while acrylic is inexpensive and readily available.

And yes, this is absolutely permission to go digging through the yarn leftovers before buying another skein.

Materials

• Approximately 40 to 50 yards of worsted weight / Weight 4 yarn
• 6 mm crochet hook
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle
• Blocking mat or other pinnable surface
• Rust-proof blocking pins

You can substitute another yarn weight if you want to change the size of the finished spider web.

A thinner yarn and smaller hook will produce a delicate web.

A chunky yarn and larger hook will create a much bigger Halloween decoration very quickly.

Crochet Abbreviations

ch = chain
dc = double crochet
MC = magic circle
RS = right side
sl st = slip stitch
sp = space
st / sts = stitch / stitches

Important Pattern Notes

There are 8 spokes in the spider web throughout the pattern.

The beginning chain on each round counts as the first double crochet plus the first chain space.

For example, on Round 2 the beginning ch-6 represents:

• the first dc, using the first 3 chains
• the first ch-3 space, using the remaining 3 chains

From Round 2 onward, work the new double crochets into the 7 remaining double crochet stitches from the previous round.

Do not add an extra double crochet into the joining stitch.

You should always finish each round with 8 double crochet spokes and 8 chain spaces.

That little stitch count matters. Accidentally adding a ninth spoke is one of the easiest ways to end up wondering why your spider web suddenly looks more like a very confused doily.

Free Crochet Spider Web Pattern

Begin with a magic circle.

Round 1

Ch 4. This counts as the first dc and ch 1.

Work:

(1 dc, ch 1) 7 times into the magic circle.

Join with a sl st into the third chain of the beginning ch-4.

Pull the magic circle closed.

Stitch count: 8 dc and 8 ch-1 spaces.

Round 2

Ch 6. This counts as the first dc and ch 3.

Work:

(1 dc in the next dc, ch 3) 7 times.

Join with a sl st into the third chain of the beginning ch-6.

Stitch count: 8 dc and 8 ch-3 spaces.

Round 3

Ch 8. This counts as the first dc and ch 5.

Work:

(1 dc in the next dc, ch 5) 7 times.

Join with a sl st into the third chain of the beginning ch-8.

Stitch count: 8 dc and 8 ch-5 spaces.

Round 4

Ch 10. This counts as the first dc and ch 7.

Work:

(1 dc in the next dc, ch 7) 7 times.

Join with a sl st into the third chain of the beginning ch-10.

Stitch count: 8 dc and 8 ch-7 spaces.

Round 5

Ch 12. This counts as the first dc and ch 9.

Work:

(1 dc in the next dc, ch 9) 7 times.

Join with a sl st into the third chain of the beginning ch-12.

Stitch count: 8 dc and 8 ch-9 spaces.

Round 6

Ch 14. This counts as the first dc and ch 11.

Work:

(1 dc in the next dc, ch 11) 7 times.

Join with a sl st into the third chain of the beginning ch-14.

Stitch count: 8 dc and 8 ch-11 spaces.

Round 7

Ch 16. This counts as the first dc and ch 13.

Work:

(1 dc in the next dc, ch 13) 7 times.

Join with a sl st into the third chain of the beginning ch-16.

Stitch count: 8 dc and 8 ch-13 spaces.

Round 8

Ch 18. This counts as the first dc and ch 15.

Work:

(1 dc in the next dc, ch 15) 7 times.

Join with a sl st into the third chain of the beginning ch-18.

Stitch count: 8 dc and 8 ch-15 spaces.

Round 9

Ch 20. This counts as the first dc and ch 17.

Work:

(1 dc in the next dc, ch 17) 7 times.

Join with a sl st into the third chain of the beginning ch-20.

Stitch count: 8 dc and 8 ch-17 spaces.

Round 10

Ch 22. This counts as the first dc and ch 19.

Work:

(1 dc in the next dc, ch 19) 7 times.

Join with a sl st into the third chain of the beginning ch-22.

Stitch count: 8 dc and 8 ch-19 spaces.

Fasten off and weave in the yarn ends.

Crochet Spider Web Chain-Space Cheat Sheet

Once you see the progression, the pattern becomes much easier to remember.

You are simply increasing each chain space by 2 chains per round.

How to Make a Larger Crochet Spider Web

This is one of the best things about this pattern.

You do not have to stop at Round 10.

Continue increasing the chain space by 2 chains on every round while maintaining the same eight double crochet spokes.

Round 11

Ch 24, which counts as the first dc and ch 21.

Work:

(1 dc in next dc, ch 21) 7 times.

Join in the third chain of the beginning chain.

Round 12

Ch 26, which counts as the first dc and ch 23.

Work:

(1 dc in next dc, ch 23) 7 times.

Join as before.

Continue following the same progression until the web is the size you want.

For a giant Halloween spider web, you can also experiment with chunky or super bulky yarn and a larger crochet hook.

Can I Make a Smaller Spider Web?

Absolutely.

For a small crochet spider web ornament, stop after Round 4, 5 or 6.

These smaller webs are especially useful for:

• Halloween garlands
• wreath embellishments
• gift toppers
• party decorations
• hanging ornaments
• Halloween table settings
• decorating trick-or-treat bags

You could make several small webs from leftover yarn and join them onto a length of black ribbon or yarn for simple Halloween bunting.

If you enjoy the creepy-crawly side of Halloween crochet, our collection of 14 spider-themed Halloween crochet patterns has everything from spiders to spiderweb accessories.

Why Does My Crochet Spider Web Look Crumpled?

This is probably the most important thing to know before starting.

Your spider web may not look particularly impressive straight off the hook.

The long chain spaces are very flexible, so the finished piece can curl, twist or collapse in on itself.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve made a mistake.

Blocking stretches those chain spaces open and separates the eight spokes, transforming the floppy crochet circle into a recognisable web.

How to Block a Crochet Spider Web

Blocking is strongly recommended for this project.

First, gently wet the finished web using a method suitable for your yarn.

Squeeze out excess water without twisting or wringing.

Place the web onto a blocking mat.

Start by pinning the centre.

Next, identify the eight double crochet spokes.

Gently pull each spoke outward and pin the outside edge, working around the web so the eight sections are evenly spaced.

Once the basic shape is established, adjust the chain spaces so they sit neatly between the spokes.

Allow the web to dry completely before removing the pins.

For acrylic yarn, avoid pressing it directly with a hot iron. Too much heat can permanently flatten or damage acrylic fibres.

If your web is going onto a wall, window or wreath and you want it to remain particularly crisp, you can also lightly stiffen it after blocking.

Troubleshooting Your Crochet Spider Web

My spider web has nine spokes

You have probably accidentally worked a double crochet into the joining stitch or repeated the Round 2 instructions eight times after making the beginning chain.

Remember that the beginning chain already creates the first spoke.

After that, work into the remaining 7 double crochet stitches.

You should have eight spokes altogether.

My web is curling

Some curling before blocking is normal.

If the web is severely cupping, however, check that you increased the chain space by 2 chains on each round.

My web is ruffling

Ruffling usually means there is too much fabric around the circumference.

Count the double crochets first.

You should have exactly eight.

If your stitch count is correct, compare the chain lengths with the pattern to make sure an extra chain increase has not crept in somewhere.

My chain spaces look uneven

Long chains naturally vary if your tension changes.

Try not to tighten your chains as you work.

Blocking will correct a surprising amount of unevenness, which is one of the reasons I wouldn’t judge this project until it has been pinned out.

My centre hole is too large

Make sure you pull the magic circle firmly closed before weaving in the beginning tail.

For decorations that will be handled repeatedly, weave that centre tail back and forth securely through several stitches.

What Can You Do With a Crochet Spider Web?

Once you make one, you start spotting places to put them everywhere.

Make a Halloween Window Decoration

Block the web firmly and hang it in a window using clear thread or removable hooks.

Several webs in different sizes look particularly effective together.

Add One to a Halloween Wreath

A crochet spider web stretched across the centre of a wreath makes a fantastic base for crocheted spiders, skulls, bats or tiny pumpkins.

Make Halloween Bunting

Crochet several small webs and join them along a chain or length of ribbon.

Mix white, grey, black and purple webs for a slightly mismatched handmade look.

Decorate a Halloween Table

A larger web can sit underneath a bowl, vase or Halloween centrepiece.

For something even creepier beside the coffee cups, make a set of our free crochet spider coasters.

Add Crochet Spiders

Of course, a spider web is crying out for a spider.

Make one large spider for the centre or scatter several little crocheted spiders around the edges.

And because Halloween apparently has no acceptable limit on skulls, you could pair your webs with this free spooky skull granny square crochet pattern on CraftBits for bunting, cushions or a whole Halloween crochet display.

Use It as a Photo Prop

Stretch a large white web against a black backdrop for Halloween photos, party tables or handmade product displays.

The open crochet texture photographs beautifully once blocked.

Crochet Spider Web Colour Ideas

White on black is the classic combination, but changing the yarn colour can completely change the look.

For traditional Halloween, use white, black, orange and purple.

For gothic Halloween decor, try black, charcoal, burgundy or deep plum.

For vintage Halloween, use cream, faded orange, mustard and brown.

For children’s Halloween decorations, try bright purple, lime green, orange and white.

For subtle autumn decor, cream or natural cotton can look surprisingly elegant.

You could even crochet several webs in graduated sizes and colours and layer them across a wall.

Is This Crochet Spider Web Beginner Friendly?

I would rate this as easy or confident beginner rather than a first-ever crochet project.

The actual stitches are very basic. You only need chains, double crochet stitches and slip stitches.

The only slightly tricky part is recognising which double crochet belongs to each spoke once the chain spaces become long.

If you’re unsure, use stitch markers.

Pop one into each double crochet as you complete a round and you’ll never have to go hunting through all those chains trying to work out where the next stitch went.

It is a tiny extra step that can save a surprising amount of muttering at your yarn.

More Halloween Crochet Ideas

Once the Halloween yarn comes out, it rarely stops at one project.

Our free Halloween crochet patterns you can make in a day are ideal if you want pumpkins, ghosts, bats, spiders and other quick seasonal makes.

For a larger project, browse these Halloween crochet projects you can finish in a weekend.

You could make one large spider web for the front door, a few smaller ones for the windows and then tell yourself you’re finished decorating.

Whether any of us actually stop there is another matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much yarn do I need to crochet a spider web?

A 15-inch web made from medium Weight 4 yarn uses only a relatively small amount of yarn. Allow approximately 40 to 50 yards so you have plenty for the complete web and weaving in the ends.

What crochet hook should I use?

A 6 mm crochet hook works well with medium Weight 4 yarn.

You can change the hook size to suit your chosen yarn.

Does a crochet spider web need to be blocked?

Technically no, but I strongly recommend it.

Blocking opens the long chain spaces and makes the eight spokes much more defined.

Can I use cotton yarn?

Yes.

Cotton gives excellent stitch definition and can produce a beautifully crisp spider web.

Can I use acrylic yarn?

Yes.

Acrylic is affordable, lightweight and perfectly suitable for hanging Halloween decorations.

How do I make the spider web bigger?

Continue adding rounds and increase each chain space by 2 chains per round.

Keep the number of double crochet spokes at eight.

Can I make this into a giant crochet spider web?

Yes.

Either continue adding rounds or switch to chunky yarn and an appropriately larger crochet hook.

A giant crochet spider web would be fantastic stretched across a porch, doorway or large Halloween wreath.

A Quick Halloween Project Worth Saving

This is exactly the sort of seasonal crochet pattern I like keeping bookmarked because it can be pulled out year after year and adapted to whatever Halloween decorating idea I have talked myself into.

It uses simple stitches, doesn’t demand an enormous yarn purchase, and you can stop after a few rounds or keep going until you’ve created something large enough to frighten the neighbours.

Most importantly, don’t decide whether you like it while it’s still sitting crumpled beside your crochet hook.

Block it first.

That slightly floppy circle of chains really does turn into a rather fabulous spider web once those eight points are pinned into place.