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Crocheted Gifts Even Beginners Can Make

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If you're just getting started with Crocheting this is the list for you. I'll include helpful videos on how to do different stitches, and easy patterns that make excellent gifts no matter the occasion. Happy hooking!
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Learning Different Stitches

I recommend mastering these chains before diving into a pattern if possible! Because I am left handed myself, I've included both left handed and right handed videos. The wonderful thing about crochet is you can practice, pull it all out, and do it ag... 

 
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Every crochet project starts with a chain. Practice this over and over and over again until you can see a consistent tension in your chains!
Step 1: Learn to Chain - Right Handed
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Single crochet is the baseline of all things crochet. After you master this, you'll notice everything else is building off the single crochet.
Step 2: Single Crochet - Right Handed
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The half double crochet is somewhere between a single crochet, and double crochet. A foundational stitch worth mastering.
Step 3: Half Double Crochet - Right Handed
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The double crochet is probably the most common stitch you will come across. This is important to master for any project you plan to make.
Step 4: Double Crochet - Right Handed
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As a lefty I sympathize with those looking to crochet but need to mentally swap everything around. It's tough at the start!
Step 1: Learn to Chain - Left Handed
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Single crochet is the baseline of all things crochet. After you master this, you'll notice everything else is building off the single crochet. this version is for my left handed fiber artists.
Step 2: Single Crochet - Left Handed
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The half double crochet is somewhere between a single crochet, and double crochet. A foundational stitch worth mastering. This video is for my lefties!
Step 3: Half Double Crochet - Left Handed
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The double crochet is probably the most common stitch you will come across. This is important to master for any project you plan to make. This video is for my left handed crowd!
Step 4: Double Crochet - Left Hand
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Beginner Ponchos and Shawls

A poncho or a shawl is a wonderful gift for anyone that is constantly cold. They're great to keep your shoulders warm even when you're in bed! So crochet up a nice poncho or shawl for the chronically cold people in your life! 

 
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I love making these ponchos for gifts. They are the perfect pattern to binge Netflix with. Accidentally dropping or adding stitches is really hard to do with this pattern which is why I like it for beginners. This is a wonderful very first project.
A Great Poncho To Learn Basic Crochet
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I loved this pattern because it's easy to make, and shows you great best practices for changing colors at the end of a skein of yarn. This is a perfect very first project.
THE Coziest Crochet Shawl That Makes the Perfect Gift
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This poncho is a great first step toward making blankets. It teaches you a V stitch and how to attach panels. It's a fantastic airy and lightweight poncho for transitional seasons.
The Perfect Poncho for Spring and Fall
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I love this pattern because even after years of experience it taught me a more effective way to start a new row. The pattern itself is very easy, but has amazing tips for even advanced crochet artists.
Master the Double Crochet and Perfect Edges
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You may want this to be your second project as it does introduce some new concepts like crocheting into a circle, and increasing to make a triangle shape. A beautiful pattern that gives both UK and US terminology.
A Beautiful Introduction to Crocheting Into a Circle
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This crochet pattern is much lighter using a “fingerling yarn” and triple crochet stitches. This is a great introduction to the triple crochet and using a slightly lighter yarn! I would make this a second project if you want to make ponchos and shawl...
An Amazing Boho Shawl Perfect For The Beach
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Beginner Baby Blankets

I finally hit the age where everyone I know is having babies, it's crazy. These blanket patterns make up great gifts that come from the heart. 

 
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Granny squares are a staple in crocheting and are super easy to work with. This blanket is an amazing pattern to work with because you can't accidentally add or drop stitches. Also you can make it as big as you want, it's not just for babies!
The Easiest Blanket Pattern for Brand New Crocheters
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This blanket looks fancy but I promise that it's incredibly simple and repetitive. Repetition of simple double and single crochets make this beautiful offset shell shape.
A Deceptively Easy Blanket Pattern
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We love a simple but pretty blanket. This is a great option to get started with a multi-row repeat pattern.
Simple is Beauty - An Easy Blanket Pattern With a Gorgeous Texture Pattern
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I would recommend this be a second blanket project as you will want to master your tension, and starting/ending rows. This blanket introduced crocheting stitches together to make your chevron pattern.
A Great Introduction to Double Crochet Together to Make a Beautiful Blanket
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The pattern is easy in that it is repetitive, but there's a good chance that you will learn a new stitch! I would make this a second or third project so you have a chance to master the basics first!
This Unique Pattern Will Teach You a New Stitch!
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This blanket is beautiful and simple with a little bit of extra flare at the end. The introduction to a scallop edge can help you level up any of your blanket projects moving forward!
A Beautiful Introduction to Scallop Edges!
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Other Beginner Friendly Patterns

Don't worry, you're not just limited to ponchos and blankets. Here are some other cute and beginner friendly patterns that you can try out! 

 
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This is hands down the easiest beanie you can make. Some assembly is required but well worth the effort. This is way better than anything you'll find in the store!
A Perfectly Cozy Beanie That Takes Only One Stitch!
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Scarves are quick and easy! They're just mini thin blankets. This pattern will give you a design that is not only cute, but warm too!
It's Never Too Early to Start Holiday Gifts and This Scarf is 🔥
 
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This is a quick pattern that will introduce you to the concepts you need to learn to make advanced hats, or even get into making stuffed animals (amigurumi). Plus coasters make a lovely housewarming gift!
Crochet Coasters Are A Great Intro To New Crochet Concepts
 
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These star coasters are super cute and super quick to make up. Try these out to learn new skills and use your own projects!
Star Coasters As a Cute Alternative To a Traditional Gift
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This is such a cute idea for any of the gamers in your life! Or just use it to hold your wires securely. This pattern is slightly more advanced and may be something to try after mastering blankets and shawls. The creator does a wonderful job explaini...
Such a Cute and Unique Gift Idea For Gamers
 
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This bag is such a creative use of folding to make a super cute bag with a simple rectangle. This is a gift that looks much more impressive than the work you put into it. A little recommendation, if you are a seamstress, it helps to weave in and sew ...
Your First Crochet Bag! Made Possible with Creative Folding and Minimal Sewing
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Don't let the word granny throw you off, these bags are cute for anyone!
Granny Square Bag For That Boho Feel.
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Tools You Will Need

These recommendations are your bare minimum for crochet projects. Buying yarn and using yarn are often separate hobbies, so I've made a few great starter options that are pretty, soft, and cost effective. But every crochet artist has a preferred bran... 

 
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These are not just for arthritic hands. I can promise that having a good set of ergonomic hooks will not only make crocheting more comfortable, but it's actually easier.
A GREAT Starter Crochet Hook Set
 
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Counting rows is tough. Stitch markers can help you mark your project whether you're counting rows, or marking the start of a round. They don't have to be expensive, but I generally recommend stay away from plastic.
Stitch Markers to Stay On Track
 
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There is minimal sewing involved in crochet, but there is some. But your traditional sewing kit isn't going to work. Darning needles are made to fit your much wider yarns.
Darning Needles for Yarn - a Must Have
 
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Worsted weight (or medium) yarn is the best place to start learning how to crochet. It gives you the best visibility and easy to handle. This specific brand offers beautiful colors that are soft, and machine washable.
Worsted Weight Yarn - A Must
 
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This blanket yarn is amazing for whipping up quick baby blankets. I would not use this for your very first project as it can be harder to see what you are doing.
Bernat Blanket Yarn - Chunky for Quick Projects
 
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Another staple in my house. Anytime I'm making a bigger project, my first order of business is “does super saver have the color I need?” It's cost effective, and great yarn.
Worsted Weight Yarn for BIG Projects