Choose what you want to make, then plan the yarn and size before you begin. This library brings together our baby crochet pattern selections and practical planning guides.
Our curated selections link to the original designers for the complete pattern. Other articles explain planning or techniques; a guide is not automatically an independently tested pattern. See our editorial approach for how we make that distinction.
Baby blankets
Choose between plain rows, open granny fabric and deeper texture. Start with six free baby blanket patterns, then read the waffle blanket planning guide if you want a raised stitch.
- How many chains for a baby blanket?
- How much yarn will a baby blanket need?
- Plan a personalised name blanket
Baby booties
Fit starts with the sole. Compare four free baby bootie patterns and choose a design with a measurement checkpoint you can follow. Make the two soles first so you can compare them before adding the uppers.
Baby hats and mittens
A hat introduces measuring and finishing without a blanket-sized time commitment. See the one-skein hat guide for the difference between one ball needed and one ball used.
For mittens, begin with choosing a newborn mitten pattern. Our beginner mitten checklist explains how to organise a matching pair.
Start as a beginner
Use the four beginner starting points to pick one new skill at a time. A small washcloth is a useful practice piece even if your eventual goal is a blanket.
Yarn, cost and technique
- Choose yarn by fibre, weight and care
- Calculate the cost of whole balls
- Compare low-price yarn by usable length
- Read a crochet pattern
Before making a baby gift
Ask about washing preferences and intended use. Keep the yarn label, include care instructions, and avoid assuming that a pretty project is suitable for every age or situation.
Learn crochet, one skill at a time
Start with chains and single crochet, then choose the skill your next project needs. These guides include practice examples, counting checks and help with common mistakes.
Your first stitches
- Crochet Chain Stitch: Start With a Foundation You Can Work Into
- How to Single Crochet: A Small Swatch With Straight Edges
- Half Double Crochet: Find All Three Loops and Finish Cleanly
- How to Double Crochet Without Adding Stitches at the Edges
- Treble Crochet: A Clear Guide to the Taller Stitch
- Slip Stitch Crochet: Joining, Moving and Keeping the Edge Loose
Rounds, motifs and texture
- Magic Ring Crochet: Close the Center Without the Struggle
- How to Crochet a Granny Square: Understand the Corners First
- Moss Stitch Crochet: Find the Chain Spaces and Keep the Edges Even
- Crochet Increase and Decrease: Understand the Stitch Count
Read the fabric and choose materials
- Crochet Abbreviations: A Practical US and UK Reference
- How to Count Crochet Stitches, Rows and Rounds
- Yarn Weight Chart: Understand the Numbers Before Buying Yarn
- Crochet vs Knitting: Which One Fits the Project You Want to Make?
- Crochet Tension: Get More Even Stitches Without Gripping Harder
Color, finishing and blanket fixes
- How to Change Colors in Crochet Without a Loose First Stitch
- How to Weave In Crochet Ends So the Finish Stays Neat
- How to Block Crochet: Choose a Method That Suits the Yarn
- Why Is My Crochet Blanket Curling? Check the Shape Before Fixing It
- Crochet Borders for Beginners: Start With an Edge That Lies Flat
Crochet guides for UK readers
Use UK stitch terminology, metric measurements and costs in pounds. Choose a yarn, try a small project or learn the next technique with these practical guides.
Yarn labels and buying in the UK
- DK Yarn for Crochet: A UK Guide to Choosing Your First Ball
- Aran Yarn for Crochet: How It Compares with DK and Worsted
- 4-Ply Yarn for Crochet: Read the UK Label Before You Start
- Chunky Yarn for Crochet: Plan the Weight, Length and Finish
- Substituting Yarn for Crochet: A UK Metreage Checklist
Tools, dimensions and pounds
- Crochet Hook Sizes UK: Read Millimetres Before Letters
- Crochet Kits for Beginners UK: What Should Be in the Box?
- Crochet Blanket Sizes in cm: Plan a UK Sofa or Bed Throw
- Crochet Yarn Costs UK: Work Out the Whole Basket in Pounds
- Crochet Blanket Colour Combinations: Plan the Palette and the Yarn
Small projects and textured stitches
- Crochet a Dishcloth in UK Terms: A Simple Square Project
- Crochet Coasters in UK Terms: Make a Neat Matching Set
- Granny Stripe Crochet UK: Understand the Alternating Edges
- V-Stitch Crochet UK: Keep Every Pair in the Right Space
- Shell Stitch Crochet UK: Find the Centre of Every Fan
Shaping, joins and raised fabric
- Crochet Ribbing in UK Terms: Work the Back Loop Consistently
- How to Join Granny Squares: A UK Guide to Seams and Layout
- Crochet in the Round UK: Choose a Spiral or a Joined Round
- Corner-to-Corner Crochet UK: Count Tiles, Not Individual Stitches
- Waffle Stitch Crochet UK: Follow the Posts, Then the Grid
More crochet techniques and projects
Explore the crochet learning library for 90 guides to pattern charts, colourwork, textured stitches, adult accessories, fitting and finishing. Each guide explains its terminology and links to the next useful skill.