Beginner's Knitting and Crochet Projects

Creating Items Using Squares and Rectangles - Free Patterns

For the beginner at knitting and crochet, many projects can be completed using squares and rectangles. Whether you can do a garter stitch or a single crochet, the new crafter can create the half dozen projects here, using the skills that they've already developed. Go beyond your first scarf with a hat or even an afghan.

Counting Stitches in Knitting and Crochet Projects

Look at the skein of yarn to learn how many stitches you should get in an inch while using a set size hook or needle. Determine how many inches you need for a project and multiply by the number on the skein to figure out how many stitches to chain or cast onto knitting needles.

Beginners Knit or Crochet Purse

Make a rectangle that you will fold roughly in thirds. Sew the bottom flap to the middle section of the rectangle. If desired, sew a button to the bottom flap (now the front of the purse) and add a loop of doubled yarn to the edge of the top flap to shut the purse.

Braid six strands of yarn together for the handle (cut yarn at least three times longer than the desired length for the handle). You can also knit or crochet an inch wide handle. Sew to the sides of the purse, leaving the top flap free to open and close.

Beginners Knit or Crochet Afghan

Make extra long scarves using the stitch of your choice. The scarves should be as long as you'd like your afghan to be. Keep making scarves and sewing them together lengthwise until the afghan is the desired size.

This is a great way to practice and perfect new stitches, not to mention adding texture interest to the finished afghan.

Beginners Knit or Crochet Pillow

You can work either two large squares or several short rectangles that you sew together. Like the afghan, this pillow can be a showcase for an interesting color scheme or a variety of stitch patterns.

Beginners Knit or Crochet Shawl

Get a pair of the largest knitting needles or the largest crochet hook that you can comfortable handle. Make a swatch to determine how many stitches you'll need by working with twelve stitches for approximately four inches. Ignore the first and last stitch and measure how many inches you made with ten stitches.