Create Whimsy

Inspring makers and sharing their stories

Crochet

Category: <span>Crochet</span>

Get hooked on how fun and creative crochet can be! With a crochet hook, some yarn and a few basic stitches, you can make everything from cozy hats and colorful granny squares to playful toys and one-of-a-kind fiber art.

Whether you are picking up a crochet hook for the first time or looking for a new project to try, you’ll find crochet tutorials, techniques, project ideas, and inspiration here on Create Whimsy. Start with the basics, learn how to make a granny square, practice a new stitch, or find a project that makes you want to grab your yarn.

Crochet is more than just a craft for making blankets. Explore the work and stories of crochet designers and artists, discover new ways to use this versatile technique, and find plenty of ideas to inspire your own creative journey.

Ready to get started? Pick up your hook and explore our crochet projects and tutorials below.

Crochet Inspiration

Susie Nicholson has found her superpower, and she summons it with a crochet hook. An avid yarnbomber, Susie brings color and whimsy to her Los Angeles neighborhood. Meanwhile, her alter-ego,...

With a desire to encourage children to smile and hug, Emma Varnam designs crocheted soft toys and cuddly critters that invite interactive play. Her animal patterns will inspire you to...

Crochet Artists

Will Chatlosh proves that a crochet hook can do much more than make blankets and stuffed animals. His colorful freeform crochet portraits are full of personality, showing just how expressive...

Ruth Tabancay’s creative journey is anything but ordinary—what began with sewing clothes in childhood eventually led her from a career in medicine to a life immersed in art. In this...

Erik Speer started making macrame wall hangings to make a little extra money. Self-taught from YouTube and Pinterest, he explored and experimented with a variety of fiber art techniques. He...

Crochet Basics

Learn how to do the half double crochet in this step-by-step tutorial. This is one of the basic stitches for crochet and is perfect for beginners, both simple and durable....

Crochet for Beginners

If you are new to crochet, start with the basics. You don’t need a basket full of specialty tools or years of experience to get started. A crochet hook, some yarn, and a little patience are enough to begin.

Learn how to hold your hook and yarn, make basic stitches, work in the round, and read the terminology used in crochet patterns. Once you learn a few basic stitches, you can combine them in all kinds of ways to create your own projects.

Our beginner-friendly crochet tutorials are written with new crocheters in mind, with step-by-step instructions and photos to help you see what each stitch should look like along the way.

Learn the Basics of Crochet

A few basic techniques can take you a long way. Learn how to make a magic circle for projects worked in the round, practice basic stitches such as single crochet and half double crochet, and then put those skills to work in a project.

One of the best ways to learn crochet is to make something while you are learning. A granny square is a wonderful place to start because you can practice stitches, counting and working in rounds while creating something useful at the same time.

How to Crochet a Granny Square
How to Make a Magic Circle
Half Double Crochet

Crochet Projects to Try

Once you know a few basic stitches, the possibilities open up. Crochet can become a hat, a wearable, a toy, a bag, a home accessory, or a colorful collection of granny squares.

Choose a project based on your skill level and the time you have available. A small project can be a satisfying afternoon of making, while larger projects give you the chance to experiment with color, texture, and pattern.

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Sometimes the best crochet project is the one that teaches you a technique you haven’t tried before.

Meet Crochet Artists and Designers

Crochet is not limited to traditional patterns and projects. Artists and designers are using yarn and hooks in surprising ways, from colorful wearables and playful amigurumi to freeform crochet and textile art.

Explore our interviews with crochet artists and designers to learn how they discovered crochet, where they find inspiration and how they use this familiar craft in their own creative work.

Their stories are a reminder that there is no single way to crochet. Your hook can be a tool for making something useful, something beautiful, or simply something that makes you smile.

Keep Exploring

Looking for more ways to work with yarn and fiber? Explore Create Whimsy’s other fiber arts categories for ideas in knitting, embroidery, weaving, quilting and more. You may discover a new technique that finds its way into your next crochet project.

Frequently asked questions

Is crochet easy to learn?

Yes! Crochet can be surprisingly approachable for beginners. You only need a few basic supplies to get started, and learning a handful of basic stitches gives you the foundation for many different projects. Starting with a simple project, such as a granny square, can help you practice while making something you can actually use.

What do I need to start crocheting?

To get started, you need yarn, a crochet hook that works with your yarn, a small pair of scissors and a yarn needle for weaving in the ends. You may also want a measuring tape, stitch markers and a few other tools as you take on more projects.

What crochet stitches should a beginner learn first?

Chain stitch, single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet are useful stitches to learn first. Once you are comfortable with these basic stitches, you can begin combining them to make more interesting patterns and textures.

What is a granny square?

A granny square is a small crocheted motif that is usually worked in rounds from the center outward. Traditional granny squares use clusters of stitches and can be made in one color or several colors. Make individual squares for small projects or join many together to create blankets, bags, garments and other larger projects.

What is a magic circle in crochet?

A magic circle, also called a magic ring or magic loop, is a way to begin a crochet project worked in the round. It creates an adjustable center that can be pulled closed, making it especially useful for projects such as granny squares, hats and amigurumi.

Is crochet different from knitting?

Yes. Crochet is worked with a single hook, while knitting generally uses two needles. The stitches and construction methods are different, although both crafts use yarn to create fabric. Many makers enjoy both because each technique produces a different look and feel.

What is the best crochet project for a beginner?

A small, straightforward project is usually a good place to start. Granny squares are a popular beginner project because they let you practice basic stitches and working in rounds without committing to a large project. A simple hat can also be a good next step once you are comfortable with a few basic stitches.

Can crochet be used to make art?

Absolutely. Crochet can be used for much more than traditional blankets and accessories. Contemporary crochet artists and designers use yarn to create sculpture, portraits, installations, clothing, soft sculpture and other forms of fiber art. Explore the crochet artist spotlights on Create Whimsy for inspiration.

More Crochet

Because I Say So fiber art chair front by Evelyn Politzer

Spotlight: Evelyn Politzer, Visual Artist

Evelyn Politzer creates visual art using a variety of techniques to transform materials into her works, including knitting, embroidery, crochet, and weaving - all of which have long histories and…
Crochet pineapple by Kate Jenkins

Spotlight: Kate Jenkins, Fiber Artist

Kate Jenkins wanted to gain attention for her new business and crocheted a small exhibit of her favorite British foods. She now creates realistic-looking food with knitting, crochet, beading, embroidery…
A Blessing for the Bees by Noreen Crone-Findlay

Spotlight: Noreen Crone-Findlay, Fiber Artist

Noreen Crone-Findlay has been a fiber artist since a young age. She knits, crochets, weaves, sews, and more. She creates one-of-a-kind dolls and is now teaming with her family to…
Crochet rabbit by Lauren Lewis

Spotlight: Lauren Lewis, Fiber Artist

Lauren Lewis was exposed to fiber arts as a child. She explored acting before crochet found her. Inspired by the world around her, Lauren creates mystical creatures and wearable art…
Cameroceras Nautilus Amigurumi by Jen Starbird

Spotlight: Jen Starbird, Amigurumi Designer

Jen Starbird creates amigurumi crochet patterns inspired by unknown, unusual, threatened, and extinct creatures. Her goal is to educate people about the amazing diversity and gorgeous complexity of the natural…
Submerged Sea Serpent crocheted by Megan Lapp

Spotlight: Megan Lapp, Fiber Artist

Megan Lapp has been creative her entire life. She experimented with a variety of media until she discovered crochet. Her creations come to life in her head and then she…
Skull with mushroom and flowers fiber art by Janis Ledwell-Hunt

Spotlight: Janis Ledwell-Hunt, Fiber Artist

Janis Ledwell-Hunt creates innovative sculptural pieces using macrame knots in her own unique way. She explores life and death through her pieces that are worked on custom welded scaffolding transcending…