This post includes affiliate links.
These 25+ quick and easy free crochet patterns can be made in under 30 minutes. They are beginner friendly crochet patterns, great if you need a break from a challenging project, using mainly basic crochet stitches.
My friend hit a rock hidden under a pile of snow and tumbled down the ski slope. The chilling sound of a breaking bone could be heard far and wide.The helicopter landed on the nearest flat surface lifting a thin mist of snow up into the air and swirling it around. She was airlifted to the nearest hospital. The doctor on the shift held up an x-ray image of her right leg and showed her a double broken bone.
After spending two weeks in the hospital she was finally free to go home. Feeling frustrated, tired, and angry she was confused by all the different feelings that were new to her. Stuck in bed day after day she read all the books and watched all the TV series she could possibly watch.
The doorbell announced the arrival of today’s mail and a big brown box. She recognized my handwriting and was excited to open it smiling for the first time in the last three weeks.
Table of Contents
Exploring beginner crochet patterns for self-care time
It was a care package I’ve carefully put together and sent her. She pulled out all the treats, gossip mags, vanilla candle, and at the bottom of the box was a ball of yarn and a crochet hook. She has always admired my ability to create beautiful handmade pieces using just a crochet hook and a ball of yarn. Never having enough time to learn before, she went on to search for easy beginner crochet patterns she could use to learn a new craft.
These 25+ 30minute crochet projectsalso make great firstcrochet projectsas they are fairly easy and most even come with avideo tutorial. These are greatstashbuster patterns as some of these free crochet patterns are small crochet projects you can make for a family member, friend or to sell on Etsy.
Get 8 Secret Crochet Tips sent to your email inbox
Sign up to receive email newsletters from Nicki's Homemade Crafts to be notified of new free crochet patterns, tutorials and get access to the 8 tips immediately.
5 of the 25+ Quick Beginner Crochet Patterns You Can Make In Under 30 Minutes – Video
These super easy crochet patterns are a great way to make a project in under 30 minutes.I highlighted 5 of the 25+30minute crochet projectsforbeginnersin this video. Since then I added a bunch of extra ones below.
Subscribe to my Youtube Channel here:
25+ Quick & Easy 30 Minute Crochet Projects for Beginners – Free Patterns
1. Crochet Washcloth or Hot Pad
Washcloths are a great project you can use to practice new stitches before using them for bigger projects. There are many stitch resources around, check out my website full of crochet stitch tutorials or videos on Nicki’s Homemade CraftsYouTube channel. I would recommend picking a more dense stitch rather than an open lacy one to make more durable fabric.
Washcloths
Washcloths can be any shape and size but traditionally, washcloths are square or rectangle that is between 7-10 inches big. They can be used both in the kitchen as a dishcloth or in the bathroom as a personal washcloth, just don’t mix them up! It’s best to use cotton or linen yarn for washcloths.
They can also be a perfect last-minute gift because they work up super fast! Check out my Cute Reindeer Washcloth Gift Tutorial which shows you how to fold the washcloth with a soap bar inside for a special gift. I know it is not strictly a reindeer season but you can always use this idea and make it into a cute Easter bunny!
Hot Pads or Potholders
If you decide to crochet a hot pad or potholders you need to pick a really dense crochet stitch that creates a thick fabric. This is especially important to protect your worktops or kitchen table. My personal favorite is the thermal stitch. It lasts longer, doesn’t have many holes, and doesn’t stretch out of shape.
Whichever project you choose, I recommend using 100% cotton yarn only. This is especially important as cotton is one of the only yarns that can be washed at very high temperatures to clean your clothes and hot pads thoroughly. I always choose Dishie yarn from WeCrochet. It is such a lovely yarn to work with and super durable when it comes to crocheting items that need to be washed over and over.
Granny Square
If you love traditional granny squares, then you will love these solid granny squares too, cause they can make the perfect washcloth or coaster, depending how big you crochet them.
Find the solid Granny Square Pattern here
5 Potholder Patterns
Sometimes we just need more ideas. If the above hot pads and potholder crochet patterns are not enough for you, check out this collection which has 5 more crochet potholder patterns and extra video tutorials to make quick crochet projects that make ideal last minute gifts.
Get 5 Quick and Easy Crochet Potholder Patterns here
2. Beginner crochet hat patterns made with bulky yarn
I know we are currently heading into a warmer weather season, but I personally think it’s never the wrong time to make a hat! You can make a few for the winter season that is certainly coming later on in the year. Crochet hats also make great gifts or items to sell on craft stalls!
The secret to crocheting a hat quickly is bulky or super bulky yarn! I have designed two super easy and quick crochet beanie patterns.
30 Minute Crochet Beanie using Finger Crochet
Take a look at 30 Minute Crochet Beanie I have crocheted with just my fingers! That’s right, you don’t even need a crochet hook to crochet and make a quick hat! It is a real fun new technique you can use and practice something new.
30 Minute Crochet Cowl made with Finger Crochet
I have also designed a matching 30 Minute Hand Crochet Cowl using this technique. I think the set would make a lovely gift!
Chunky Beanie
This Cute Beginner Chunky Crochet Beanie pattern works up even quicker. The secret is super bulky yarn, easy and quick crochet stitches and working the beanie top down.
3. Easy Measuring Tape Cover
Simple Measuring Tape Cover
I simply love these cute measuring tape covers! They are super fun and easy beginner crochet patterns or when you need to take a break from a large project.
I bought around 10 measuring tapes online that were reasonably priced. Because these cover are so quick to make and don’t require a lot of yarn either, they would be a great product to sell on Etsy or at a craft stall.
My Easy Measuring Tape Cover uses 2 circles worked in the easiest stitch – single crochet. All you need to do is sew the 2 circles together leaving a small gap for the tape to come through. I have a handy video tutorial taking you through this easy pattern step by step.
Textured Measuring Tape Cover
This beautiful measuring tape cover uses double crochet stitches to create a lovely texture. Instead of working into the stitch, we are working around the post of the stitches. This sounds way more complicated than it really is! Check out the free Textured Measuring Tape Cover pattern that is supported with a handy video tutorial too!
Lacy Measuring Tape Cover
This is by far the quickest out of the three measuring tape covers. It is very different as it uses lacy crochet stitch and looks like a beautiful flower. I used a matching yarn to the measuring tape but it would look lovely to use a contrast color to really make it pop! The Lacy Measuring Tape Cover uses basic stitches – chain, single and double crochet.
4. Home Decor and Toy Crochet Patterns
Tiny Butterfly
This tiny crochet butterfly pattern not only uses only one skein of variegated yarn, but it also is super fast and easy to make.
Will you get try this beginner-friendly crochet pattern which I made in less than 30 minutes?
Find this quick butterfly crochet pattern here
Tiny Teddy Bear
If you have kids or grandkids or simply love teddy bears, then this pattern is for you. It is super simple that anyone can crochet one. Even beginner crocheters will have a fun and successful time crocheting this quick pattern in under 30 minutes. So if you have a little girl, she will be very happy with this tiny teddy bear as she can play with it with her dolls and friends.
See the Teddy Bear Pattern for free here
Maple Leaf Crochet Pattern
I absolutely love seeing fall colors everyone in autumn. These colorful maple leaves are perfect and are truly crocheted in less than 30 minutes. I even finished at a restaurant while waiting for our dinner. LOL
Find the Maple Leaf Crochet Pattern free here
Quick Hummingbird Crochet Pattern
Using worsted weight yarn and only a few colors, you can crochet this hummingbird quickly. It uses mainly single crochet stitches with a few increases and decreases.
Find the Free Crochet Hummingbird Pattern here
Flower Coaster
Have you tried Tunisian Crochet before? Well, whether you have or not, this beginner-friendly crochet coaster pattern is easily made using a written pattern and video tutorial. It makes the perfect home decor project under 30 minutes.
So crochet a bunch of cute coasters for your home or for a friend. Crochet coasters are special and unique after all.
Find the Tunisian Crochet Flower Coaster here
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
If you are anything like me then you love strawberries, especially with chocolate on them. Well, how about crocheting them, so you can enjoy them year-round without adding any calories to your diet? LOL
These crochet chocolate covered strawberries are easy and fast crocheted right here
5. Crochet Accessories Under 30 Minutes
Gift Earrings
Sometimes all we need a quick project that allows you to stand out in the crowd. Well, this pattern does that for sure. Plus it also makes a great quick gift for someone else. You may not even have to wrap it.
Find the Crochet Gift Box Earrings Pattern free here
Quick Pumpkin Earrings
These Pumpkin Earrings are perfect as a quick accessory for Halloween or Thanksgiving. No need to dress up big if you simply can up style your face with beautiful earrings like these pumpkin ones.
Find the Little Pumpkin Earrings Pattern free here
Tiny Backpack AirPod Case
If you have AirPods or need a tiny backpack to store Aldi quarters, small lip balm, or tissues, then this tiny backpack is for you. It’s perfect for a school backpack or a purse as it is also a keychain. What will you pour in yours?
Find the Tiny Backpack Free Crochet Pattern here
Tiny Baseball Keychain
Where are the sports and baseball lovers at? Need last-minute crochet gifts with instant gratification? This tiny baseball not only looks realistic, but it also is easy and quick to make. A video tutorial is even included to make sure you can make this amazing keychain from beginning to end using acrylic yarn.
Find the quick baseball keychain crochet pattern free right here.
Cat Santa Hat
Cat hats are super cute and could also work for small dogs. This tiny Santa Cat Hat is easy and very very fast to crochet.
Try the free Santa Hat Crochet Pattern here
Elf Cat Hat
And if you have 2 cats and the Santa one is on one of your kitties already, then make another one but as an Elf. This Cat’s Elf Hat is just as easy and fast to crochet as the Santa one.
Find the Free Elf Hat Pattern for Cats or Small Dogs here
Witch Crochet Hat
Usually, when we hear cats and hats we think of a witch, don’t we? Well, maybe just me. But a witch typically has a cat, so let’s give the cat a hat to turn her into a witch. LOL
See the Cat’s Witch Crochet Pattern for free here
Bulky Keychain Cozy
The perfect last-minute gift, and also very popular in Europe, is a keychain cozy. You simply attach your keychain and pull them inside the cozy, so they are protected and your stuff in your purse is protected from the keys. No scratches.
Find the keychain cozy pattern here
Quick Keychain Cozy
If you prefer a less bulky version for your keys to be protected, then this elegant quick keychain cozy is for you. It uses the Suzette and Single Crochet stitch and makes the perfect project for a beginner as well as a perfect gift.
Find the elegant Keychain Cozy Pattern for free here
Apple Keychain Pouch
If you go to Aldi often, you always need a quarter with you. Well, why not store it in this cute little apple keychain pouch? It’s an easy beginner-friendly pattern made in under 30 minutes with a little bit of cotton yarn.
Find the Apple Keychain Pouch Pattern for free here
Scrunchie
Sometimes you simply need a quick crochet pattern that takes you back to the 90s popular poofy scrunchie time. This pattern will for sure do that. Plus it’s an easy pattern that includes a video tutorial.
Find this poofy scrunchie pattern here!
But if you want some different types of scrunchies, try out these ones: Tunisian Crochet Scrunchie and Two-Layered Scrunchie.
Face Scrubbies
I love giving kitchen and bathroom crochet projects as gifts. And this facial scrubbie and these cotton pads make the perfect spa gift box addition.
Find the Facial Scrub and Cotton Pad Patterns here
7. MORE Quick Crochet Projects For Beginners
This Holiday Season is very special! The Advent Calendar Mystery Crochet Along includes 24 free patterns. But there are actually 30 patterns. Each one comes with a video tutorial. But you don’t know which of the 24 patterns will be published for free.
It includes small items, projects for a gift card, fingerless gloves, ear warmers, and many patterns ideal even for a new crocheter using only simple stitches. You can add a personal touch to each simple pattern which will make thoughtful gifts and a simple project. The best part is that all of these patterns include a video tutorial. The perfect way to create afast project.
These were my top 25+ beginner crochet patterns you can make in under 30 minutes.
I asked you during my live video to share some of your ideas too. There were brilliant suggestions that it would be selfish not to share.
Making small swatches to practice crochet stitches was a popular idea. However, if you make all your swatches in the same yarn and roughly the same size you can join them together into a larger projects. Blankets, cushion covers, scarves and bags are amongst the most popular projects.
I was inspired to make a Crochet Patchwork Diamond Bag which uses small squares of different colors sewn together to create this amazing bag.
I really loved your eco friendly idea of making cotton circle face pads you can use as make up remover. This is a brilliant money saving idea as they can be washed over and over! Take a look at
I hope this blog post has given you some project ideas whether you are a beginner or are simply looking for a quick project.
I would love you to join me over in The Crochet Club– membership only club where I share lots more in depth crochet knowledge. You will also get access to all my patterns in PDF form.
Why not sign up to my crochet newsletter? I send out a weekly email that is bursting at the seams with crochet patterns and tutorials you wouldn’t want to miss.