Learning to crochet is exciting! Mastering how to hold your hook and yarn, getting your chain right and perfecting your tension all comes down to practice. The more you crochet, the more natural that it all feels. We all know though, that it can be daunting to only crochet meaningless swatches while practicing. Working on a project that will lead to an actual, usable, item is much more exciting. If you’re just starting out on your crochet journey, back and forth items are a great choice. Here are my favorite project recommendations!
Pot holders
Pot holders were my very first projects. I mean, I whipped up pot holders like there was no tomorrow and I still use those pot holders to this day. So, they are perfect for beginner projects but will also be very useful for years to come – even if they are a bit lop-sided! Check out this potholder pattern.
Placemats
A placemat is something that you can make as simple, or as intricate as you’d like. The possibilities are endless. For beginner’s sake- this seaside placemat is just gorgeous and so easy to make!
table runners
Table runners are attention grabbers! And having a gorgeous crochet table runner will be the talk of your next get-together. But they don’t have to be limited to your dining room table: coffee tables, patio tables, dressers, islands, and night stands all could benefit from your new-found craftiness. Here is a super cute and simple table runner that I think you will love!
 dish cloths
Dish cloths are another really useful item for your kitchen that you can make multiple of in very little time. Here is the perfect crochet dish cloth pattern for you!
cup cozies
Cup cozies are one of those things that you probably never thought about until one day, in efforts to save the environment, your favorite coffee shop decided to not give you a sleeve for your cup and so you spend the next 30 minutes sipping piping hot coffee and trying to hold the cup as loosely as possible to avoid first degree burns on your hands.. sorry, personal experience. Anyways, I don’t have that problem any more- and you won’t either because you hold the skills to make your own cup cozy to keep in your bag, your car, or at home to keep your hand perfectly burn-free, while also being eco-friendly. Here is a super simple pattern for you.
 hot pads
And here we are again with the burning thing except, this time you’re saving your counters from being burned. Super simple to make, in my opinion, they’re over-sized pot holders! Click here for pattern.
 hair scarves
Hair scarves are another perfect accessory. I wear these a whole lot and they save me from terrible hair days. Make them in just a few minutes! Click here for pattern!
headband/ ear warmers
Headbands and ear warmers are perfect gifts and fashion accessories. How cool is it to be able to make your own fashion pieces?! Here is the pattern for these wild-west ear warmers that are sure to be your favorite winter wears.
scarves
Scarves are a must-have winter item, and they make excellent gifts for Christmas or winter birthdays. You can make tons of scarves with just back and forth single, half double, double, or treble crochets! Here is a the perfect beginner scarf pattern!
 baby blankets
Baby blankets are such a sweet gift for a new baby. They’re great to crochet as a beginner because they are a bigger finished project, but the pattern is back and forth, easy peasy! Single crochet baby blanket pattern here!
And that’s it, you guys. I hope you make some of these and tag me in your photos- I’d love to see them. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest @Homesweetsimpson! Until next time, happy crocheting!
The tools I use in all of my projects come from this kit that you can find on Amazon, I highly recommend!