My Favorite Crochet Ideas: 17+ Projects I Keep Coming Back To Again and Again
Crochet has been one of those hobbies that I picked up “just for fun” and then accidentally fell head-over-hook for. What started as a small creative outlet quickly became my go-to way to unwind at night, keep my hands busy while watching TV, or make a handmade gift that feels a little bit like a hug.
Over the years, I’ve tried dozens of projects—some successful, some “never speak of this again”—but there are certain ideas I always circle back to because they’re relaxing, satisfying, and honestly, just plain fun.
So today I’m sharing my favorite crochet ideas in one big cozy list. These are the projects I’ve made for my kids, for friends, for baby showers, for Christmas gifts, and for myself when I needed a happy little project to escape into. I’ll weave in some stories along the way, because every crochet project seems to carry a memory with it.
Grab your yarn, your hook, your tea, and let’s dive into the projects that have kept my heart (and hands) warm over the years.
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01. Cozy Crochet Blankets
One winter I decided—very confidently—that I was going to make a blanket for everyone in my family for Christmas. Halfway through blanket number two, I remembered that I, in fact, have a life and cannot crochet nonstop for 18 hours a day. But those two blankets turned out beautifully and became treasured family pieces.
Blankets are classic, comforting, and perfect for beginners or advanced crocheters, depending on the stitch you choose. I love a simple granny stripe or moss stitch for a mindless, rhythmic project.
Perfect for: gifts, movie-night snuggles, and pretending you’re the kind of person who finishes things early.
02. Granny Squares (Forever and Always)
I don’t know what it is about granny squares, but there’s something almost therapeutic about them. Whenever I feel creatively stuck, I make a few granny squares with no plan at all. Sometimes they become a pillow, sometimes a scarf, once they became a weird vest situation that never saw daylight—but they always spark inspiration.
The best part is mixing colors and seeing how each combination feels different.
Try: turning them into a bag, cardigan, pillow cover, or wall hanging.
03. Dishcloths and Washcloths
If crochet ever had a “gateway project,” dishcloths would be it. My first successful crochet project was a wonky little sage-green washcloth that lives under my bathroom sink to this day. It’s not pretty, but it reminds me of how proud I felt figuring out my tension.
Dishcloths are quick, satisfying, and incredibly practical. Plus, they make wonderful little gifts—pair one with a homemade sugar scrub or a cute bar of soap and it’s instantly thoughtful.
04. Crochet Coasters
Coasters are little bursts of creativity. I love making sets with different designs but matching colors—kind of like a family of coasters that all look related.
One Christmas I made a set of oversized boho-style coasters for a friend, and she still texts me photos when they show up in the background of her coffee pictures. It just makes my heart happy.
Try round ones, square ones, floral ones… the possibilities are endless.
05. Tote Bags and Market Bags
One summer I became deeply committed to being “the kind of person who brings reusable produce bags to the farmer’s market.” Crochet made that happen. A simple mesh produce bag or a sturdy tote is surprisingly quick to make.
My favorite is a granny-square tote—I made one in fall colors that instantly makes me feel like an autumnal Pinterest board everywhere I go.
06. Crochet Pillows
Pillows are one of the fastest ways to add cozy vibes to your home. One weekend I impulsively crocheted two pillow covers for my living room, and suddenly the whole space felt warmer.
You can do simple textured stitches, granny squares, or even tapestry crochet for patterns. And the best part: no one sees the back, so it doesn’t have to be perfect.
07. Amigurumi (Cute Crochet Plushies)
I resisted amigurumi for years because it looked complicated… and then I made one tiny bunny for a baby shower and became instantly addicted. There is something ridiculously cute about a soft, squishy little creature that fits in your hand.
My kids used to request “mama-made stuffies” for their birthdays. One year I made a sleepy dinosaur that looked slightly confused—but they loved it anyway.
08. Crochet Bookmarks
When I need a super quick win (like a project I can finish in an hour), bookmarks are my go-to. A simple flat pattern works, or you can make adorable corner bookmarks that hug the page.
I once made a set of crochet flower bookmarks and tied them to the top of books I gave as gifts. It added such a sweet handmade touch.
09. Beanies and Hats
Crochet hats make me feel like a magician. You start with a tiny circle and BOOM—suddenly you have something wearable. I love bulky yarn hats for quick gifts and soft cotton yarn for spring beanies.
One year I made matching hats for my kids, and even though they didn’t wear them long (kids have opinions), the photos are priceless.
10. Scarves and Infinity Scarves
If you’re ever in a crochet slump, start a scarf. Trust me. A good scarf pattern is like comfort food—it just feels good.
I crocheted my favorite infinity scarf during a particularly stressful season of life, and I swear each stitch felt like a deep breath. I still wear that scarf every winter and it reminds me that simple things truly do soothe the soul.
11. Fingerless Gloves
There’s something delightfully cozy about fingerless gloves, especially when I’m working from home with a hot cup of coffee next to me.
I made a pair using a simple ribbed stitch once and immediately had friends and family asking for sets of their own. They work up faster than you’d think and instantly add a handmade touch to your cold-weather wardrobe.
12. Crochet Baskets
A friend once asked where I got the cute beige basket sitting on my entry table. Saying “Oh, I made that” felt like the biggest brag but also the most satisfying feeling.
Crochet baskets are practical, sturdy, and easy to customize. You can make them for:
- toys
- craft supplies
- bathroom storage
- small plant pots
Use thick cotton yarn or even two strands held together for sturdiness.
13. Baby Booties
I have such a soft spot for baby booties because they were one of the first things I crocheted that made me feel like a “real” crocheter. There’s just something about tiny projects that melts me.
I made a set for a baby shower once, and the mom cried—and not because they were perfect, but because the idea of handmade baby items is just special.
They work up quickly and are perfect for gifting.
14. Crochet Headbands and Ear Warmers
If I had a dollar for every headband I’ve made “just to use up scrap yarn,” I could probably buy an entire yarn store. They’re quick, easy, and great for beginners working on tension.
One of my favorites is a wide ear-warmer style headband I made in a mustard yellow. Every time I wear it people ask where I bought it, which always makes me blush a little.
15. Seasonal Décor (Garlands, Pumpkins, Snowflakes, and More)
This might be my favorite category because I love decorating for the seasons. Crochet garlands look so charming draped across a bookshelf or mantel. Mini pumpkins in different colors are adorable in fall, and crochet snowflakes make the prettiest Christmas ornaments.
One year I made a tiny heart garland for Valentine’s Day and hung it across a shelf. My kids still ask where it went every February.
Seasonal crochet is tiny, fun, and instantly rewarding.
16. Crochet Shawls
A shawl is one of those “I can’t believe I made this” projects. They look complicated but many of them are just simple, repetitive stitches that create gorgeous drape.
I crocheted my first shawl during early fall, sipping pumpkin-spiced coffee while wrapped in a blanket, and it became this whole cozy memory I still revisit. Now I make one almost every year as the seasons shift.
17. Plant Hangers
Crochet plant hangers are one of the coolest little décor projects because they add so much personality to a room. I made one for my bathroom once and instantly felt like a boho Pinterest girl (even though the plant died shortly after—oops).
If you want something fast and stylish, plant hangers are perfect.
18. Mug Rugs
Think of these as the cuter, chubbier cousin of coasters. They’re rectangle-shaped, often with fringe, and somehow make your coffee cup look like it’s sitting on a mini rug. I made a set for my desk and they make me grin every morning.
They’re ideal for practicing stitches too.
19. Crochet Sweaters or Cardigans (Yes, You Can!)
I resisted making sweaters for a long time because they felt intimidating, but eventually I tried a beginner-friendly pattern and realized… I can totally do this. And so can you.
My first cardigan had sleeves that were slightly uneven, but I still wore it proudly. The feeling of putting on something you made from a ball of yarn is unmatched.
20. Scrunchies
Scrunchies are the perfect stash-buster. I went through a phase where I made about 20 of them in a week because they were so satisfying. Soft yarn works best, and you can customize the size depending on the elastic you use.
They’re great gifts for teens—or honestly, for yourself.
Final Thoughts: Crochet Brings Comfort Into My Life
Crochet has woven itself into my everyday routine in the most comforting way. It’s the thing I turn to when I need calm, when I feel creative, when I want to make something special for someone I love, or when I just need to keep my hands busy. Over the years, each project has become a tiny memory—some finished perfectly, others more “humble-looking,” but all made with intention and joy.
I hope these crochet ideas inspire your next project or spark a few new ones. Whether you’re crocheting a cozy blanket, stitching up a tiny pumpkin, or experimenting with amigurumi late at night like I do, I hope you fall even deeper in love with the magic of yarn and a hook.
If you want, I can turn this into a PDF, break it into smaller blog posts, add patterns or stitch suggestions, or help you create a Pinterest pin description set.
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