Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

WIN SOME NEEDLES – AND A HOOK TOO!

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I ran across these in my stash recently.  Don’t recall where they came from.  But, I don’t need them.  If you knit or want to learn, then add a comment below.  I’ll wait til May 5 (some fun for Cinco de Mayo) and draw a name for the winner.  I’ll throw in at least one crochet hook too – maybe not a new one, but a good one.

CHIAOGOO SINGLE POINT KNIT NEEDLES SIZE 3, 14 INCH

CHIAOGOO SINGLE POINT KNIT NEEDLES SIZE 3, 14 INCH

The hooks I’m offering are in slightly different packaging.  They’re size 3 and are 14 inches long.  Needles made in China from “Chinese Moso Bamboo, one of the largest and strongest bamboo species in the world.”

Leave me a comment – and Good Luck!

Comments

  2. All right, all right…I’ll take those needles off your hands for you! Thanks for the giveaway!

  3. I have arthritis in my hands and have heard they are easy on the hands More giving. That is my reason for wantingthese needles

  5. Hi, I would love to get the needles, I am learning to knit, self taught, and love all kinds of hooks & needles. Hugs, Mary

  7. I love crocheting but never worked with bamboo hooks before but I heard they are nice to work with.I would really appreciate winning them but if I dont it was fun entering anyway.Happy Crocheting everyone

  8. I just taught myself to knit and am now teaching my 8 year old, so these would come in very handy. Plus my birthday is in early May, so it would make a nice present to me!

  14. I truly enjoy working with bamboo hooks and needles, actually just about any wood hooks, like rosewood, bamboo, and a few others, but my all time favorite are bamboo and rosewood. I also teach crochet to friends, and besides the hooks and needles I have, which I don’t want to part with, they are having a hard time finding wood hooks in stores. I am trying to convince them wood is better.

  15. We can never have too many knitting needles. And bamboo to boot. I could use size 3! Thanks for this giveaway.

  16. They are really beautiful knitting needles and I would LOVE to win them. I knit a scarf this winter and would really like to try needles made from bamboo, they are beautiful!!
    thank you, Lynne

  18. I’m reposting this as my first attempt is still awaiting moderation (first one made according to time stamp.. lol.. go figger)

    Would love to win some needles and a hook (or two?). Maybe it would inspire me to learn to knit. Like I need another passion.. lol. Even if I didn’t learn, I do have family members who knit and these would make great gifts.

  20. I saw your contest on crochetpartners. I simply adore bamboo tools of any kind, especially for threadcrafting, so I woulod be very happy to give a home to and love some bamboo needles. I also want to comment on your query about what I want in a crochet book. I want to see unusual techniques, not the run of the mill same ol same ol and I want to see fresh ideas with old ways of making. Twist it up, you know what I mean?

  22. I’m retiring the 10th of May. Those needles would be wonderful to start retirement with!

  23. I bought my first set of bamboo needles last summer only because the lys only had bamboo for the size I needed.I had never used them before. I fell in love and am slowly replacing all my metal needles with bamboo. Any help in accomplishing this would be greatly appreciated.

  24. I totally want to learn to crochet! I tried knitting; I’m not so good at it. But maybe these will motivate me x3

  25. I would absolutely treasure a bamboo crochet hook! I cant get decent ones here…
    Please put my name in!!! 😉

  26. I would LOVE to acquire some more needles!! I have just started to learn to knit and my “stash” of needles of course is not built yet…lol

  28. I love to crochet and I love to knit – do about 50 – 50. The few bamboo needles that I have I love – they are smooth to knit with.

    have a good day, mary ann

  29. if you are willing to give them, i am willing

    to take them. i have been thinking about

    learning; maybe these would be my incentive if

    i was lucky to win.

    thank you, bev

  30. I think it’s great that you do these prize blogs! Really generous of you, especially with the economy the way it is right now!
    Jennifer

  31. I have crocheted for quite some time but I feel it’s time to expand my horizons…I’d be much appreciative if you sent anything my way…thanks!

  33. I don’t know how to knit so this would be a great reason to learn! I do crochet and just recently tried plastic canvas. I love your blog and have signed up and receive emails about Craftgossip so I look daily for updates to your blog. You do a great job. Keep it up please!

  36. My mom love to knit, and me love to crochet. It would be a great gift to my mom for mother’s day! I do have a bamboo crochet hook, but i seldom use it as the yarn size is not suitable. But i guess it would be more environmental friendly to use wooden / bamboo hook instead of plastic ones.Thanks

  37. I’d love to have a chance to win. I would love to learn how to knit, since everyone ask me if i do when they see me crocheting.

  38. I babysit for some kids that want to learn to knit. I figuired couldn’t hurt to enter.And you can never have too many crochet hooks either.
    Thanks for the chance to win.
    Karen

  39. I’m a long time crocheter, and thought I would learn how to knit just because i’ve read so much about it. Also, i’ve seen so many pretty things that have been knitted. So…when you start a new habit, everyone knows you have to stock up….I would love to have bamboo needles to add to my new collection.

  40. I’m a self taught knitter & crocheter…newer to knitting than crochet & I’d love to get my hands on some new needles!

  41. I had to move and lost all my knitting needles and steel hooks. Bamboo sounds interesting and would love to try them.
    You have a very nice and informative blog.
    Thank you.

  42. Hi JD!
    I love to crochet. I have been wanting to learn to knit for some time, just can never bring myself to buy needles. If I won some it would give me a push to see what I can do with knitting! I recently crocheted an afghan for my grandson (due any day!),it is a star, and is backed with flannel. I would love to send pictures. Just tell me where I can e-mail them!
    God Bless…..Ruby

  44. After becoming disabled at a young age, I taught myself to crochet and have enjoyed it a lot. Now I’ve learned to knit and am enjoying it too. There are things that look so much nicer knitted versus crocheted and vice versa. My knitting supplies are sparse and I’ve never used bamboo needles but would love to! I’ve heard such positive feedback on bamboo that I’d love to add them to my supplies! Thanks!

  45. Ooooh I love bamboo needles and would love to have them in my knitting bag. I am new to knitting but am enjoying it a lot. Even with the simple errors that I make.
    *crossing fingers that my name gets drawn*
    Cheers.

    PS Happy Cinco de Mayo

  46. I thought I’d already sent one but, didn’t see it on the list. I knitted years ago and thought I would stick with crochet. Gave all my knitting goodies away. DUH!! Now I’m back into making a few things and only have a few needles. I love bamboo but can’t find them here. Winning these would be lovely. Love your site jd!

  47. love the kneedle idea. I also have never used bamboo kneedles but, would be very interested in trying them out. I do alot of crocheting but, I have become more interested in doing some knitting. I like to learn the continential knitting it seems so much easier to do. I am in the beginning stages of learning. I check out your site from to time. I find some useful information. Thank you.

  48. I’d like to be entered in the drawing for the needles. My d-i-l wants to learn to knit. I’d love to present her with her own startup kit :O) Thanks!

  49. E-mail is a wond’rous thing
    Across the seas my messages wing
    From me to you
    O’er miles of blue
    I ‘ld gladly accept those needles too!

  50. I’d like to be entered also. I love to knit and I’m crazy about bamboo needles. Thanks for the contest.

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.