Fast crochet projects are perfect for making last-minute gifts, craft fair accessories, and using up leftover yarn. Get some quick wins with these small patterns that can be finished in as little as an hour. They’re instant gratification for the crafty soul.
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Fast Crochet Projects
Nothing beats the satisfaction of finishing a project faster than you can say “yarn over.” So, what makes these projects a swift success? It’s all about the chunky yarn, petite patterns, and easy-peasy stitches.
- Thick yarn, like bulky, super bulky, and jumbo, requires fewer stitches and quickly builds fabric. Plus, the cozy, cuddle-me vibe they add to projects is unmatched.
- Size does matter - in the best way! Typically, the smaller a crochet project, the faster it will be to make.
- Simple stitches and construction methods make these patterns quick to comprehend and even quicker to finish.
Techniques to Know For Fast-Paced Patterns
If you’re new to crochet, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the following techniques before beginning your pattern.
Most of the fast, free crochet patterns we’ve included in this collection are beginner-friendly. They include step-by-step instructions to guide you in mastering these techniques and much more!
The Best Quick Crochet Projects
We’ve collated a list of the fastest patterns for crafters in the mood to hook, line, and sink-er a project. These quick crochet projects take anywhere from a single hour to a leisurely weekend to complete.
1 Hour Crochet Patterns
For small ideas that take less time to finish than choosing a movie with friends, take a look at these free patterns.
Ribbed Hat With Pom Pom
This beanie pattern is quick and easy, ideal for beginners or as a last-minute gift for teachers, coaches, tutors, and neighbors. Forget complex rounds, counting, and increasing/decreasing; this pattern keeps it simple.
You’ll turn basic stitches and a simple rectangle into a unisex hat in just over an hour. With a handy sizing chart, you can make this winter hat for kids and adults of any age.
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Related: 35 More Chunky Hats and Beanies
Easiest Baby Beanie (Sizes Premie-Adult)
Make a baby hat with the most simple stitches in an hour or two. This method eliminates the need for tricky counting and shaping. It uses basic crochet techniques to create a ribbed, slouchy shape. There’s even a fluffy pom pom for added cuteness.
Available in seven sizes for babies, kids, and adults, this pattern is perfect for crafting matching beanies for the whole family.
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Chunky Child’s Crochet Hat
Create a beanie for boys and girls with this beginner-friendly, lightning-fast pattern. You’ll make a basic rectangle of double crochet stitches and quickly seam it into a beanie shape.
While the toddler size can be completed in an hour, the child and adult sizes require a little more time.
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Halloween Pumpkin Hat
Finish a pumpkin beanie in just an hour and a half. This beginner beanie pattern is easy to follow, requiring no complicated counting or shaping.
Whether for Halloween or a fall fashion statement, this pattern works for all ages, from infants to adults.
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Pumpkin Fall Decoration
While you’re in the fall state of mind, whip up a handmade pumpkin in less than 30 minutes. If you know how to single crochet and create a flat rectangle, you already know how to make a pumpkin.
You can choose any yarn weight to make a pumpkin of any size, making this a great stash-busting project. These pretty pumpkins are perfect as fall mantel decor or for selling at markets.
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Speedy and Small Crochet Patterns
Check out our selection of small projects that range from 5 minutes to a few hours to complete. These bite-sized patterns are satisfying and swift to make.
Leather and Crochet Coasters
Giving a bottle of scotch or wine this Christmas? This DIY gift can be made with kitchen twine and leather scraps for a quick handmade upgrade to your liquid gift! The yarn edging creates a delicate yet masculine finish in less than an hour. Pair with a bag of your hubby's favorite arabica coffee beans (or something stronger) and five minutes of peace from the little ones for Father’s Day.
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2-Hour Super Bulky Slippers
These custom slippers can be made with one skein of yarn in just a couple of hours. Follow the pattern to craft two rectangles and turn them into funky foot cozies. These speedy slippers can be made from any bulky yarn, which is brilliant for burning through stash yarn.
With sizes for toddlers, kids, women, and men, these toe-tally awesome slippers are a great gift idea.
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3-Hour Waistcoat Stitch Mittens
These classic chunky mittens can be worked up in about three hours. Follow our video tutorial to learn the crochet “knit” stitch to create a texture that looks like stockinette. Add a leather tag for an elegant finish.Perfect for gifting to teachers, babysitters, and anyone else who lends a "helping hand" throughout the year.
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Related: Pair your mittens with this Waistcoat Stitch Knit-Look Hat
Fringe Statement Earrings
Craft bold, dangly earrings with this free crochet pattern in no time. Adjust the size and color combinations to suit your style.
These cute and colorful accessories brighten any outfit and add cool boho vibes.
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Coffee Cup Cozy
Sip in style with these nifty travel mug sleeves. You’ll practice the herringbone half double crochet stitch and work in joined, unturned rounds.
This modern pattern is ideal for making quick and easy gifts for friends, family, and coworkers on the go.
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Casita Double Thick Potholder
This free pot holder pattern uses the dense thermal stitch to create a luxurious hot pad that’s chic and highly protective. Follow the photo or video tutorial to make this popular pot holder in four easy steps. Pair a couple of these practical hot pads with the matching Casita hand towel (also included in this collection) for a kitchen set that’s an ideal housewarming present.
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Modern Rope Trivet
This trendy trivet pattern uses a rope clothesline to craft a modern, West-Elm-worthy DIY hostess gift. You’ll practice slip stitching through the back loops to produce a distinctive texture. The thrifted leather tag adds a professional touch.
Make a batch quickly and easily as a last-minute stocking stuffer for the cooks in your life. Or keep them to yourself to hold your tea or coffee pot.
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Dried Lavender Sachets
Keep your laundry smelling fresh with these crocheted pouches. This pattern only uses single crochet, so it’s great for beginners looking for a quick project. In this pattern, it’s important to choose the correct hook size for a tight weave to keep the lavender buds in place. Add accent embroidery for a delicate finish.
Grab those lavender buds from your garden, or get them from the store. Toss the sachets in the dryer or place them in a drawer for sweet-smelling clothes.
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Sunburst (Sunflower) Granny Square
Follow this tutorial and written pattern for a modern twist on the classic granny square. Use yellow, orange, and brown yarn to create a circular motif that looks like a sunflower. Or try scraps to make a sunburst of any color. You’ll complete four rounds for the center before squaring off the design.
This stunning sunburst pattern is perfect for blankets, bags, sweaters, and cardigans.
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Related: Revival Granny Square Cardigan
Fast and Free Coaster Patterns
Mug rugs can be the ultimate small project to use up leftover yarn in a variety of weights and colors. Hexagons, squares, circles – we’ve collected the best crochet coasters for every skill level.
Each project is small and doesn't take much time, so you can craft a whole set of coasters to match your home decor in just a few hours.
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Cherry Blossoms, Sunflowers, Daisies and More
Flowers are quick to make and super customizable. You can use them to decorate scarves, sweaters, hats, and blankets. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to make an easy flower in just a few minutes.
Once you’ve mastered the basics of making a flower, there are 33 more patterns for you to choose from. Try making one small bloom a day until you can create a whole bouquet!
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Related: DIY Felt Flowers
DIY Pot Scrubbers
Work up pretty pot scrubbies to keep dishes clean and reduce waste. This simple eco-friendly pattern works up quickly. Just use cotton yarn and a mesh produce bag, and you'll be scrubbing pots in no time! (Or gift it to someone else so they can have the pleasure!)
This upcycled craft idea is the perfect Earth Day activity you can use year-round.
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Easy 5-Minute Scrunchies
Create velvet scrunchies in 5 minutes using this beginner-friendly video tutorial. These elastic hair bands are simple, cute, and practical. Plus, they're fantastic market accessories because they're quick to work up.
Make a batch in every color to sell or customize your spring-summer wardrobe.
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Baby Bird No-Sew Amigurumi Pattern
These adorable crochet toys are a great stash-busting project. You’ll use super bulky yarn to make the round, chubby body in just 10 minutes! Use different yarn colors for other birds, such as a chick, dove, or penguin. Attach a keyring to turn it into a mini keychain.
Whip up a whole flock as an end-of-year class present. Or make a pocket pal for your kiddo to use as a fun fidget toy.
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Suzette Stitch Bookmark
Read in luxury with this elegant page marker. You’ll master the suzette stitch to create a rich, dense texture that looks delicate. There’s also the option to add a trendy tassel.
Pop your bespoke bookmark in greeting cards for family and friends.
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Cute, Fast Patterns
Many of these easy crochet projects are worked in the round from a magic circle, making them fast to finish. From adorable amigurumi to sweet stuffies, these quick patterns ooze cuteness.
Easy Koala Lovey
Make a lovey of your favorite little marsupial. This koala is the perfect combo of cute, cuddly, and quick. The pattern only uses one skein and some scrap yarn. You'll make the lovey in seven parts (head, arms, nose, eyes, ears, blanket, bow). Then, you’ll sew everything together, which is easier than it sounds. (Promise!)This fast crochet pattern can be made in a couple of evenings, making it a great baby shower gift for a premie. Or give it to your little one to bring them comfort and security as they sleep.
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Stylish Baby Headband (Sizes Newborn-Adult)
This knit-look ear warmer can be crocheted in about an hour - faster than your baby can outgrow it! This headband project is such a quickie that it’s got “last-minute DIY gift” written all over it.Follow the instructions to adjust the pattern and make an ear warmer to fit any head size. Make one for yourself and match your trendy tot.
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Related: 35 Fast and Free Crochet Headbands
Easy Amigurumi Bunny
Turn a basic rectangle into a cute rabbit. This beginner-friendly bunny can be completed in just a few hours. With simple single crochet stitches and basic seaming, this handmade toy is a fun project for practicing your skills.
Use leftover yarn in any weight and experiment with different colors for bunnies of all sizes.
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Related: 30+ Animal Amigurumi Patterns
Santa's Helper Elf Hat (Sizes Newborn-Adult)
This quirky elf hat is a must-have for each member of your festive family. You’ll work in the round using double crochet stitches and attach the elf ears to finish. Bonus: you won’t even have to cut your yarn for color changes! Admire your completed design in just a few hours. Since the pattern comes in all sizes for babies, kids, teens and adults, you can make holiday hats for the whole family for very memorable Christmas photos.
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Classic Santa Hat
Spread some Christmas spirit with this cheerful Santa Claus hat. Some of the skills you’ll practice in this pattern include working in the round, dc, increasing, and making fluffy pom poms (optional). Crocheted from the top down, this festive hat comes together quickly and requires little finishing work. The body of the hat can be made with any worsted-weight category 4 yarn. The pattern also uses a faux fur yarn for the brim, which can be tricky to work with if you’re a beginner. Substitute this for a non-fur category 6 yarn, such as Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick.With sizes ranging from newborns to adults, you can make a Santa hat for the whole family this winter.
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Easiest Amigurumi for Beginners
Build your crochet skills and learn basic amigurumi techniques with these easy patterns. You’ll encounter skills like making a magic ring, increasing and decreasing, single crochet, and slip stitch (sl st).
Explore this collection and make adorable animals, delightful dolls, and silly stuffies. Plus, many of these designs can be turned into cute keychains for quick gifts.
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Flower Bookmarks
These lavender and cherry blossom page markers are the perfect handmade presents for Mother’s Day, Teacher Appreciation Day, and birthdays. They’re quick and straightforward to make and use very little yarn.
Embellish your bookmarks with craft buttons of ladybugs, butterflies, and bees.
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Bulky Bee Stuffies
Speaking of bees, try making one (or many) of these beautiful bee toys. These sweet stuffies work up quickly, thanks to the bulky yarn. You’ll work in the round for the body and make the wings separately. Sew everything together and add safety eyes.Play with different color combinations to make a set of bright bees, classic bees, or even Christmas bees!
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Done In A Day Crochet Ideas
Take a look at our handpicked collection of one-day makes, perfect for a rainy day. Practice new stitches and add optional embellishments with these unique projects.
Unisex Slipper Socks
These simple crochet socks for adults can be personalized to fit men and women of all sizes. The chunky yarn gives them plenty of squishy warmth and allows you to make a pair in 3 to 4 hours.Add leather soles to the bottom to make your fuzzy socks non-slip. Follow the pattern to create a contrasting ankle and toe, or go rogue and complete a one-color design.
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4.5 Hour Super Bulky Afghan
Work up a plush, textured throw while binge-watching a few episodes of your favorite TV show. The chunky yarn and double crochet stitches combine to create an easy afghan pattern that’s faster to make than most scarves!Finish your beautiful blanket with some playful pom pom tassels.
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Related: 40+ Blankets and Afghans
One Day Crochet Blanket
Designed for crafters at any skill level, this afghan pattern can be completed in just a few hours. It has a repetitive stitch pattern that’s easy to memorize and turns this into a quick and enjoyable project. You’ll use single and half double crochet to produce a bulky blanket with gorgeous stitch definition.
This pattern is perfect for both new crocheters wanting to practice their skills and experienced crafters seeking a relaxing project.
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Related: 35 Baby Blanket Patterns
Chunky Crochet Scarf
Learn to make a super squishy scarf in around five hours. With five colors of bulky yarn, you can whip up this stylish accessory without too much focus.
This is the perfect pattern for beginners looking to move beyond basic projects. It’s also fab for gifts, craft fairs, or for yourself.
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Ribbed Bun Beanie
This free bun beanie pattern (AKA ponytail hat) uses single crochet and chain stitches to produce a “cabled” look. The entire hat is worked in rows to form a rectangle. You’ll then add buttons to form the beanie shape. One size fits female teens and adults, allowing you to dress up even the messiest of messy buns!
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Pom Pom Hat (Sizes Newborn-Adult)
Follow the photo tutorial to stitch this simple, speedy hat pattern. The entire hat is crocheted in a circle and then sewn together at the top. Make the cozy ear flaps and add some playful pom poms.This is a fast pattern that you can crochet in a day and have ready for a newborn baby photoshoot.
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Ankle Slipper Socks
These snuggly slipper socks can be made in a day or two and are easily adjusted to fit most adult feet. Opt for a solid color or two-tone design using worsted-weight yarn.I have no doubt these will become your new go-to slippers for year-round lounging.
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Slouchy French Beret
Create a modern beret with this easy pattern, perfect for a one-day make. Customize the size for an ideal fit in a traditional French style or a slouchy look. The Chainette yarn and puff stitches add a stylish texture suitable for fall and winter. Try a cotton yarn for a warm-weather festival hat.
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Newsboy Hat With Brim
Use super bulky yarn to craft a stylish newsboy hat with a slightly slouchy design and a brim in just three hours. Newsboy hats saw a revival a few years ago, thanks to Taylor Swift's Red Album.
Master puff stitches and slip stitch ribbing to create the rich texture or this unique hat style.
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Hands-Free Bottle Bag
This chic water bottle holder will help keep you hands-free and hydrated! The pattern is designed so your bottle is snug and doesn’t slide around or fall out. Although the open lace design looks delicate, it’s sturdy and helps to build the fabric quickly.
Use this practical project on your next adventure, whether hiking, climbing over rocks, or building sand castles.
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Granny Triangle Bandana
Follow the video tutorial to discover how to make this gorgeous bandana. You’ll use fine yarn for a lightweight finish that drapes beautifully. Finish your new go-to hair accessory with pretty picot edging.
This easy-to-follow pattern is ideal for beginners and can be completed in just a couple of hours!
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Hexagon Eyeglass Case
Make an eyeglass holder with hexagons featuring flower motifs. You’ll begin by making five hexagons before whipstitching them together. Super easy and super fast! This free crochet pattern includes two closure options: buttons or a yarn strap closure.
You can also use this cool case as a crochet hook case. Or add a strap to turn it into a small carrying pouch for your cell phone.
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Granny Square Fingerless Mitts
These fingerless gloves are made by joining granny squares and adding a simple cuff. This free pattern is quick to make and can be easily adjusted to fit hands of any size. Play around with different color options for endless customization.
There’s also a matching boot cuff pattern to make a cute winter set.
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Set of Book Sleeves
Check out this collection of stunning sleeves for your favorite books. Choose one of the three pretty protector designs: one with a button closure and two with different tie options.
Because you can customize this project so easily, they’re ideal for gifting to teachers, youth group leaders, pastors, and tutors.
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Done In A Weekend Crochet Projects
While these patterns might take longer than our one-hour wonders, these projects are still speedy enough to wrap up over a lazy weekend.
The Weekender Sweater
Complete this fashionable sweater pattern in just one weekend! The jumper's chunky, knit-like appearance is designed to be slightly oversized with a high/low hem.
If cropped sweaters aren’t your thing, this beginner-friendly pattern offers the option to adjust the length to your liking. Its versatile design pairs well with skinny jeans, maxi skirts, or leggings, making it well worth a couple days of effort to make.
Designed by Cactus and Lace Designs.
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Drapey Contemporary Cowl
Cloak yourself in layers of soft snuggles with this modern cowl. This fast pattern uses a simple, drapey stitch and chunky yarn to make a show-stopping, oversized scarf. The skills needed to whip up this easy project are appropriate for a confident beginner, including hdc, dc, decreasing, and working in the round.Wear your new statement piece to dress up simple leggings and a long shirt or to soften a more professional look.
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Casita Tea Towel
Follow the step-by-step photo tutorial to make a contemporary hand towel this weekend. You’ll practice a special technique to change colors without cutting the yarn. This means there are no extra ends to weave in - yay! Combining traditional stripes and modern boxed block stitches creates a flexible yet solid fabric. Hang your towel in a bathroom or kitchen for classic farmhouse vibes.
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Related: If you like this stitch, try our Boxed Block Stitch Blanket
Slippers With Leather Soles
These modern slippers make the perfect gift for the men (or women!) in your life. You only need to know single crochet to finish these in an evening or two. Add optional thrifted leather soles and simple embroidery to customize. Make a pair of these practical slippers for your dad, husband, brother, or boyfriend. The pattern also includes women’s sizes, so you can outfit everyone you know!
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Herringbone Chunky Cowl
Master the herringbone double crochet stitch over the weekend with this easy pattern. This stitch creates a deliciously squishy texture that’s both modern and classic at the same time!Dramatically change the look of your sumptuous scarf with your chosen buttons. Use wooden buttons for an earthy look or shiny ones for a sophisticated finish.
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Minimalist Women's Slippers
Thanks to this pattern's chunky yarn and simple skills, these modern slippers are quick to work up. You’ll practice working in the round, single crochet, and slip stitches. Use the template provided to add optional leather soles to make you feel like a fancy pants.Gift these minimalist house shoes to new moms, kids at college, and anyone else who needs wrapping up in a little bit of love.
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Ribbed Knit-Look Cowl
Make a unisex infinity scarf that looks just like knit. With hardly any counting, this is a great mindless Netflix project to enjoy over the weekend. You’ll learn a slight variation on basic crochet stitches to form the ribbed knit-look texture. The construction is simple: a long skinny rectangle that’s seamed into a circle scarf. This chunky cowl has the perfect flexibility and drape and is wearable with almost anything!
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Related: 25 Infinity Scarf Patterns
Granny Stitch Baby Blanket
Craft a gender-neutral baby blanket suitable for any child in just under a weekend! You’ll work almost entirely in double crochet to create the granny ripple stitch design. Once you’ve done the first ripple repeat, you won’t need to do any counting. The pattern requires little concentration, making it a relaxing and swift project.
Choose creative color combinations to make the ideal unisex baby shower gift.
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Double Crochet Triangle Scarf
Experience the ease of crafting a trendy triangle scarf with Caron Cakes yarn, which automatically switches colors for you. This pattern is a fast way to add style to your wardrobe. To make the triangle shape of this scarf, you’ll increase and decrease rows a bunch of times. (Don’t worry, there’s really not a lot to keep track of!)
Enjoy this budget-friendly project that only requires one skein to make a scarf for yourself or choose colors that reflect your friends' styles for a fun and personalized gift idea.
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Tips and Tricks For Faster Progress
Here are some handy tips for speeding up any crochet project.
- Find your ideal hook shape: In my experience, in-line hooks that grab the yarn too much can be slower to work with. So can too-slippery hooks that keep dropping loops. There’s no ideal version though, just what works best for you. Be choosy and keep trying different hook shapes until you find your favorite.
- Use bulky yarn: Bulky, super bulky, and jumbo yarns work up much quicker than thinner ones. They require less stitches to create a larger piece of fabric.
- Use variegated or self-striping yarn: If you want to save some time changing colors, this is the ticket! Using cake yarns like Lion Brand Mandala means you still get the desired multi-colored look without all the yarn tails to weave in.
- Save your scraps: Mini crochet projects make up many of these quick patterns and are an excellent way to use leftover yarn. So, keep saving all those pretty pieces of yarn and use them in your next quick project.
- Practice makes perfect: The more you crochet, the faster you’ll become. It’s as simple as that!
Essential Supplies
Most fast projects can be made with the usual materials. Wondering what’s essential and what you can skip? Check out our guide to crochet supplies for beginners.
- Yarn: Each pattern will include yarn recommendations and alternatives. If you’re using your own choice or yarn scraps, use the same weight in the pattern.
- Crochet hook: Use the size recommended on your yarn label.
- Tapestry needle/yarn needle: For weaving in ends and joining.
- Scissors
- Stitch markers: These are optional but can help track rows and rounds in more complex patterns.
- Embellishments: Some patterns require additional items, such as buttons, safety eyes, earring hooks, polyfil, etc.
More Fast Projects
Once you’ve worked through all of the 50-something projects above (ha - there should be an award if you do!), the fast fun isn’t over. Here are a few more types of small crochet projects to consider.
- Baby booties
- Bags/totes
- Baskets
- Boot cuffs
- Christmas ornaments
- Christmas stockings
- Coin purse
- Crochet dishcloths
- Cushion covers & pillows
- Doilies
- Earrings & jewelry
- Face scrubbies
- Mini amigurumi
- No-sew stuffed toys
- Sun hats
That was so fun! Now what?
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More Small Patterns
Next time you're bored and need something new to crochet, turn to one of these itty-bitty projects.
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