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Beginner Crochet Patterns

Amigurumi hens, cacti, plush cats, egg holders and more — all available as downloadable PDF crochet patterns.

New to crochet? This section is designed to help you build confidence as you learn. You’ll find a free beginner’s guide to crochet, along with a selection of free patterns and beginner-friendly projects to help you practise the basics.

Many of my beginner patterns include the instructions in two different versions. The first is written out in full, or “longhand”, so you can clearly see exactly what each step means. The second uses standard crochet abbreviations and terminology.

This means you can compare the two versions as you work, gradually becoming familiar with crochet terms while still having the full instructions there for reassurance.

It’s a simple way to learn as you go, practise at your own pace, and move from fully written instructions to reading standard crochet patterns with confidence.

Amigurumi saguaro cactus in green yarn with a little beige basket with an orange flower
Amigurumi saguaro cactus in green yarn with a little beige basket with an orange flower
Amigurumi barrel cactus in green yarn with a little beige basket with a pink flower
Amigurumi barrel cactus in green yarn with a little beige basket with a pink flower
A collection of amigurumi cats in various colours, pattern for beginners
A collection of amigurumi cats in various colours, pattern for beginners
Amigurumi prickly pear cactus in green yarn with a little beige basket with an orange flower
Amigurumi prickly pear cactus in green yarn with a little beige basket with an orange flower
A small handmade crochet chicken amigurumi plush toy with white and grey yarn, a red comb, and orange legs.
A small handmade crochet chicken amigurumi plush toy with white and grey yarn, a red comb, and orange legs.
Handmade crochet chicken plush toy with colorful granny square patterns sitting on a rustic wooden slice base.
Handmade crochet chicken plush toy with colorful granny square patterns sitting on a rustic wooden slice base.
Handmade crochet hens in white, grey, and brown yarn sitting on a decorative wooden log slice for rustic home decor.
Handmade crochet hens in white, grey, and brown yarn sitting on a decorative wooden log slice for rustic home decor.
A small yellow handmade crochet bird amigurumi with orange feathers and a black eye sits on a wooden surface.
A small yellow handmade crochet bird amigurumi with orange feathers and a black eye sits on a wooden surface.
Amigurumi string of pearls succulent in green yarn with a little beige basket us
Amigurumi string of pearls succulent in green yarn with a little beige basket us
Soft cuddly crochet chicken with a hidden squashy ball inside that pops out like an egg when squeeze
Soft cuddly crochet chicken with a hidden squashy ball inside that pops out like an egg when squeeze
Handmade crochet plush pink hen and white rooster amigurumi sitting on wooden slices with a pink heart background.
Handmade crochet plush pink hen and white rooster amigurumi sitting on wooden slices with a pink heart background.
Handmade crochet chicken keychains in white and brown yarn resting on a wood slice with pine needles and pinecones.
Handmade crochet chicken keychains in white and brown yarn resting on a wood slice with pine needles and pinecones.

Saguaro Cactus A cheerful crochet cactus with its classic arms, ideal for beginners learning simple shaping and assembly.

Prickly Pear Cactus A fun beginner-friendly cactus made from simple crochet shapes, with plenty of scope to play with colours and details.

Rubber Ducks A cute and simple crochet duck pattern, perfect for beginners wanting a fun first project.

Valentine Chicken A sweet little chicken with a Valentine theme, ideal for practising simple crochet shapes and assembly.

Rosie the One Piece Chicken
A cheerful granny-square-style chicken crochet pattern, ideal for colourful stash-busting projects and handmade gifts.

Ginger the One Piece Chicken
A cheerful granny-square-style chicken crochet pattern, ideal for colourful stash-busting projects and handmade gifts.

Frog with Squish Ball A fun plush crochet frog with a hidden squish ball inside, making him extra satisfying to squeeze.

Gummy Worms Quick, colourful and fun crochet worms that are perfect for using up small amounts of yarn.

Clara Mini Chicken
A cute little crochet chicken pattern, ideal for quick makes, gifts, decorations and using up small amounts of yarn.

Chubby Chick Granny Square Cheepers
A cheerful granny-square-style chick crochet pattern, ideal for markets, colourful stash-busting projects and handmade gifts.

Positive Pickles Fun little crochet pickles with cheerful personalities, quick to make and perfect for beginners or as small handmade gifts.

Cat Family A charming family of crochet cats designed with beginners in mind and perfect for making in different colours.

Jenny Plush Chicken
A soft and cuddly crochet chicken with a hidden squish-ball egg, combining a fun surprise with a lovable plush design.

Gingerbread Chicken Keyring
Wonderful little beginners pattern to make a lovely little chicken keyring.

Barrel Cactus A cute and simple crochet cactus pattern, perfect for beginners wanting to practise basic shaping without any watering required.

Rainbow Parrot A bright and colourful crochet parrot, perfect for beginners who want to practise simple shaping while having fun with lots of colours.

Plush Dove A soft and simple crochet dove, ideal for beginners who want to try making a small plush toy.

Octopus A sweet little crochet octopus with simple shaping and curly tentacles, making it a fun beginner-friendly amigurumi project.

Bee A sweet little crochet bee with simple shaping and easy details, making it a fun and cheerful project for beginners.

Betty, Bertha & Boo Chickens Three cheerful crochet chicken patterns, designed with simple shapes and beginner-friendly construction.

String of Pearls Succulent A pretty trailing crochet succulent made from simple repeated stitches, perfect for beginners and lovely as a decorative plant.

More Crochet Patterns

Once you have mastered the basics you might like to progress to the next level.

See the main patterns page for more choices

Browse All Crochet Patterns

Trianimal Chickens Fun little triangle-shaped chickens with simple construction, perfect for beginners and great for using up small amounts of yarn.

Trianimal Mouse & Frog Two cute triangle-shaped animal patterns that are quick to make and ideal for practising basic crochet stitches.

Snuggle Slugs Soft and cuddly crochet slugs with simple shaping, making them a fun and easy beginner project.

Beginner Patterns

Easy African Flower
African Flower Birds
African Flower Animals