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17 Free Mermaid Projects | Knit, Crochet, Craft!

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Mermaids are for all ages! It's true! A friend told me that even in her late twenties she watched the Disney movie about a young mermaid every single weekend for a whole year! You have to admit the music is amazing, right? But, I digress. People have had a fascination with women of the water for generations. That's why we gathered this collection of free mermaid projects for you. Once you see these cute, mermaidy knit and crochet patterns, you'll be grabbing your hooks, needles, and more.

You might want to make mermaid dolls or doll outfits, full costumes, mermaid tail snuggle sacks, or mermaid-themed accessories. I'm sure that right here, you'll find the perfect project just for you, your friends, or your kids. So, download these free mermaid projects and get started today!

17 Free Mermaid Projects | Knit, Crochet, Craft

Free Mermaid Blanket and Snuggle Sack Patterns

Mermaid Amigurumi Patterns

Free Mermaid Costume Patterns

Mermaid Accessory Patterns

Free mermaid project - knit mermaid snuggle sack

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of mermaid knit and crochet projects are there?

The ocean of options is deep and magical! Mermaid tail blankets (those gorgeous cocoon-style blankets that make you look like you have a mermaid tail) are hugely popular. Mermaid amigurumi dolls. Mermaid-tail photo props for babies. Mermaid hair accessories… sea-inspired headbands and hair clips. Mermaid colorwork patterns for garments and accessories. Mermaid-scale texture stitches for bags and blankets. Fin-adorned accessories. And some wonderfully creative items like mermaid doll outfits and mermaid-themed home decor. The 17 patterns in this collection showcase this range.

How do mermaid tail blankets work?

A mermaid tail blanket is a cocoon-style blanket worked in the round (or as a tube) that widens toward the top for the waist and narrows toward the bottom to form the “fin” shape. You slip your legs inside and the closed bottom keeps your feet warm while the open top lets you sit up. They're typically made in chunky or super bulky yarn to work up quickly and provide maximum coziness. The fin at the bottom is shaped through decreases to create that iconic mermaid silhouette. They're beloved by kids and adults alike… because who doesn't want to feel like a mermaid?

What colors make the most magical mermaid projects?

The mermaid color palette is gorgeous and somewhat flexible! Classic mermaid colors are aqua, teal, seafoam, and blue-greens that evoke ocean water. Gradient and self-striping yarns in these colors create beautiful natural color transitions. Purple is a popular addition for a more mystical look. Metallic or iridescent yarn adds the shimmering quality that mermaid scales should have! For mermaid amigurumi, combining a green-toned body with a lighter underbelly and purple or pink fins creates the most recognizable mermaid figure. Pearlescent or slightly glossy yarns take any mermaid project up a notch.

What skill level do mermaid projects require?

It varies! A simple mermaid tail blanket in bulky yarn is accessible to confident beginners… it's essentially a tube with decreases for the fin. Mermaid amigurumi are intermediate. Scale-textured stitch patterns (like the shell stitch or bobble stitch used to suggest scales) are accessible for advanced beginners. Colorwork mermaid motifs for garments are intermediate to advanced. The 17 patterns span this range so you can find something appropriate for your current skill level while having more ambitious patterns to aspire to as you grow.

Are mermaid projects popular for birthday and gift occasions beyond Halloween?

Mermaid projects are genuinely year-round! Mermaid is a perennial theme for young girls' birthdays, bedrooms, and parties. Mermaid tail blankets are popular Christmas and birthday gifts year-round… there's never a “wrong” time to give someone a way to feel like a mermaid. Beach vacations and summer birthday parties are natural occasions. Mermaid-themed baby showers. And for the growing adults who love the mermaid aesthetic (it's a whole vibe!), mermaid accessories and home decor aren't seasonal at all. Make them whenever the mood strikes!

How to Knit Mittens, Part One (BiCrafty Bootcamp Lesson 15)

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We hope you had a nice little break last week from BiCrafty Bootcamp even though it was unplanned. Our apologies for that last-minute change. Marly was off being in charge of more than half a dozen teenagers. And we might have still pulled it together but Kathryn got super sick with a summer cold that totally knocked her out. So, as you likely saw via email or social media, we gave you the week off. Did you use it to catch up on past lessons? Did you practice some new stitches? Maybe you returned to crochet? Or perhaps you just gave your hands a rest? Whatever your process, here we are again, back to BiCrafty Bootcamp. And now we're going to learn how to knit mittens.

Cartoon bird knitting mittens in a colorful chair; title banner reads "Lesson 15: How to Knit Mittens.

Mittens to Complement Your Hat and Cowl Projects

We thought that learning how to knit mittens would be a great way to wrap up a full set of accessories. Throughout May, you made your first knit cowl in the round. (Remember all lessons are here.) Then you were able to make a matchy-matchy hat for it, if you wanted. Furthermore, you spent June making a complementary knit hat. Therefore, you were able to build upon your new knitting skills to create a matching accessories set. We think adding mittens to that set will really round things out. You'll add even more new skills. Plus you'll end up with a set you can truly take pride in.

Crocheter's Edge

Crocheters Tips to Learn Knitting

The biggest edge that you have at this point, honestly, is that you're bicrafty now. You're not just a crocheter; you also know how to knit. You know how to knit dishcloths, mug rugs, coffee cup sleeves, cowls, and hats. And pretty soon, you're going to know how to knit mittens.

But here's what we think you should remember as a crocheter as you continue building your knitting skills:

  • There's always more to learn in either craft.
  • However, you can choose very simple projects with basic stitches any time that you want.
  • Crochet and knitting both have healing properties. Work them into your daily self-care routine.
  • When you lose your crojo, try a knitting project. And vice versa.
  • Crochet and knitting are both tough on the hands and the posture. Therefore, make sure to take breaks and do exercises.

How to Knit Mittens in Three Steps

To give you an overview of what we're going to do as we wrap up BiCrafty Bootcamp:

  • This week we're going to start to learn how to knit mittens. We'll begin with the cuff.
  • Next week we're going to add a Latvian braid details. After all, so many of you loved learning that knitting technique. We'll also learn how to pick up stitches and create the thumb gusset.
  • Finally, in week three of this project, we'll learn shaping to complete the mittens. We'll learn duplicate stitch. Moreover, we'll learn kitchener stitch.

This project will really round out your beginner knitting skills. Plus, you'll have better experience with DPNs once you complete this project. And guess what that means? Even though BiCrafty Bootcamp is almost over, you'll be in the perfect position to transition to the upcoming sock knitalong!

BiCrafty Community Mittens

MEASUREMENTS

To Fit Size

Adult Medium Women (Adult Large Women, Adult Large Men)

Hand Circumference: 7-8 (8-9, 9-10) inches [18-20.5 (20.5-23, 23-25.4) cm]

Finished Measurements

Finished Hand Circumference approx: 7 (8, 9) inches [18 (20.5, 23) cm]

Hand Length (not including cuff) approx: 6 (7, 8) inches [15 (18, 20.5) cm]

Gauge 

24 stitches and 30 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch in the round

MATERIALS

Yarn

Red Heart, Chic Sheep by Marly Bird™ (100% washable merino wool; 186 yds [170m], 3.5 oz [100 g]): 2 ball MC, 1 ball CC (optional for Latvian braid).

Needle

US 7 (4.5 mm) set of 5 double pointed needles — or size required for gauge

Hook

US H (5mm) for provisional cast on. 

>> Use Code: MARLYKNITS and get 10% off your order of Signature Needle Arts <<

Notions 

Scrap yarn for holding stitches, stitch markers, tapestry needle

ABBREVIATIONS

BO – Bind Off

CO – Cast On

DPN – Double Pointed Needle

K – Knit

LHN – Left Hand Needle

M1 – Make 1 (1 increase) 

P – Purl

RHN – Right Hand Needle

Skp – slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over knit st

Sk2togp – slip 1 knitwise, k2tog, pass slipped st over knit st

Sl – Slip

SSK – slip, slip, knit

St st – Stockinette Stitch (see pattern stitches)

st(s) – stitches

SPECIAL STITCHES

k2tog: Knit 2 stitches together (1 st decreased).

Provisional Cast-on: Using a crochet hook and scrap yarn, chain desired number of stitches. Fasten off. Using knitting needle, pick up and knit 1 st in each chain, using the back-bump, or spine, of the chain. After piece is completed, you can unravel the crochet chain to reveal, and work from, live stitches at CO edge. Here's a video to show you how you'll do this part:

NOTES

  • Sizes are written for the smallest size. If changes are necessary for larger sizes the instructions will be written thus ( ).
  • Mittens are worked in the round from cuff to fingers.

VIDEO TUTORIALS

BICRAFTY COMMUNITY MITTENS PATTERN

CUFF

Using Provisional Cast-on and MC, chain 30 stitches. Skip the first 5 chains, and pick up and knit 21 stitches along the back bump of the chain, leave remaining chains unworked. 

Continue to work the Lacy Arrow stitch along the 21 stitches as follows (or see chart below). 

Chart for Lacy Arrow Stitch 

Row 1 (RS): K3, yo, k2tog, p2, yo, skp, k3, k2tog, yo, p2, k1, yo, k2tog, k2.

Rows 2, 4, 6: K3, yo, skp, k2, p7, k3, yo, skp, k2.

Row 3: K3, yo, k2tog, p2, k1, yo, skp, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, p2, k1, yo, k2tog, k2.

Row 5: K3, yo, k2tog, p2, k2, yo, sk2togp, yo, k2, p2, k1, yo, k2tog, k2.

Repeat rows 1-6 until cuff measures comfortably around wrist or until it measures approx. 7 (8, 9)” [18 (20.5, 23) cm] long ending after a row 6.  

Do not bind off. Place live stitches from cuff on scrap yarn. 

Cut tail leaving at least 24” [61 cm] of length for seaming. 

Position the completed cuff with RS facing, starting at the right corner of the cuff and working along the long edge, pick up and knit 42 (46, 54) stitches evenly spaced with 4 double pointed needles. 

Divide the stitches as evenly as possible across the 4 dpn's.

Needles #1 and #4 hold the palm stitches, and needles #2 and #3 hold the back of the hand stitches.

Join to work in the round.

Latvian Braid

TIP: You might want to add a lifeline after you complete the Latvian Braid.

Note that the Latvian Braid is an optional decorative detail. It ties this together with the BiCrafty Community Cowl and Hat patterns made during BiCrafty Bootcamp.

Round 1: *K1 MC, K1 CC; rep from * around.

This round forms the “base” of your braid. It isn’t visible from the bottom of the braid, but it is the horizontal line of stitches you see in between each round of twists you’re about to create. Traditionally you work the same color on Round 1 as it is worked on Round 2, (MC over MC, CC over CC, etc). Bring both yarns to the front of the work.

Round 2: *P1 MC. Bring CC under MC (twisting yarns), P1 CC. Bring MC under CC (twisting yarns); repeat from * around.

Reminder: Do not take the time here to untwist the yarns. They will become untwisted on Round 3 when you switch the direction of twist.

Round 3: *P1 MC, bring CC over MC (twisting yarns), P1 CC, bring CC over MC (twisting yarns); rep from * around.

If done correctly, once you have worked every stitch in the round, your two yarns will become totally untwisted, ready to work in whatever patterning is called for on subsequent rounds. 

Cut CC. Continue with MC.Next Round: Knit around.

How to Knit Mittens: Video

Additional Patterns and Videos

At this stage of BiCrafty Bootcamp, some of the things that you might to check out include:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these mittens to match my hat and cowl?

Yes! This mitten pattern is designed to perfectly complement the cowl and hat patterns you made earlier in the BiCrafty Bootcamp. It's a wonderful way to create a full, matching set of accessories that you can really take pride in. Plus, you'll learn even more new skills along the way!

I'm a crocheter, is this knitting pattern going to be super hard?

Honestly… no! The biggest edge you have right now is that you're already bicrafty. You know how to knit dishcloths, cowls, and hats… so mittens are just the next fun step! Remember that there's always more to learn, but you can totally choose simpler projects. Plus, knitting can be super healing when you need a break from crochet… or vice versa!

How long will it take to knit these mittens?

This project is broken down into three parts over three weeks. This week we start with the cuff, next week we'll add details like a thumb gusset, and the third week we'll focus on shaping to finish them off. So, you'll learn how to knit mittens in about three weeks of BiCrafty Bootcamp lessons!

What yarn do you recommend for these mittens?

The pattern calls for Red Heart Chic Sheep by Marly Bird yarn. You'll need two balls of the main color (MC) and one ball of a contrasting color (CC) if you want to add the optional Latvian braid detail. It's a lovely 100% washable merino wool that comes in lots of pretty colors!

What's a Latvian braid and do I have to do it?

The Latvian braid is an optional decorative detail that ties this mitten pattern in with the cowl and hat patterns you might have already made. It's a fun way to add some extra flair! There are video tutorials to help you learn it, but if it's not your style, you can definitely skip it and just continue with your main color.

Crochet Octopus Pattern? 10 Worthy Reasons!

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The crochet octopus pattern is trending. Honestly, this has been a hot trend for a while now. However, even trends go in ebbs and flows. And this one seems to be taking off again right now. So, we thought we'd share our top ten reasons to make a crochet octopus. Plus, we'll link you up to all of the best crochet octopus patterns out there.

crochet octopus for preemies

#1 Reason to Make a Crochet Octopus

If you don't know why the crochet octopus is a hot trend, then you need to learn about crochet octopi for preemie babies. In recent years, many hospitals have begun to accept these unique donations. Preemie babies struggle a lot in the hospital. They're so young that really they're biologically supposed to still be in the womb. They're scared and overwhelmed. Hooked up to many monitors, they often try to pull out their tubes. However, research indicates that cuddling with a colorful crochet octopus can significantly help these tiny babies.

Why Crochet Octopus for Preemies

Here are some of the reasons that researchers and hospital staff believe that the crochet octopus pattern, in particular, helps preemie babies:

  • The soft tentacles remind the babies of the umbilical cord. Their bodies remember the comfort of the womb. Therefore, the toys help reduce their stress, induce calm, and thus aid in healing.
  • Playing with the octopus toy keeps the baby's hands busy. Therefore, they're less likely to pull out their tubes.
  • They fit safely inside incubators, keeping babies company when they can't have a lot of physical human contact.
  • Overall, the babies are calmer. As a result, their heartbeat and breathing are regulated. This is critical for their health improvements since these are two of the biggest issues for preemie babies.

9 Other Reasons to Crochet Octopi

So, the best reason to work from a crochet octopus pattern is because you can donate the finished item to a preemie baby. But here are nine other reasons to crochet octopi:

  1. It's a unique project. Obviously, it's always fun to make something you've never made before.
  2. Creating the tentacles in different ways can invigorate your creativity.
  3. They're a terrific gift for children of any age. They're comforting for more than just babies.
  4. In fact, adults might like a crochet octopus as well. The film, “My Octopus Teacher,” has ignited people's passion for this fantastic animal. You might even feel inspired by putting a small one on your desk.
  5. If you have a themed party to plan, the octopus fits perfectly for ocean/summer events.
  6. You can make them in any color. And depending on the recipient, you can make them in any yarn. Therefore, the crochet octopus pattern is an ideal stashbuster.
  7. It'll stop the scroll. If you share your finished crochet octopus on social media, you'll likely get good engagement on those posts. They're just too cute to resist.
  8. Many of these projects work up quickly. It's always satisfying to start and finish a project on the same day.
  9. It's cute! Really, how could you be sad making a crochet octopus? It'll brighten your day!

Best Crochet Octopus Patterns

Okay, so you're sold. Now, where do you get a crochet octopus pattern to work with? First, head over to our roundup of 44 free ocean animal crochet and knit patterns. You'll find more than half a dozen octopus patterns on the list.

Octopus for a Preemie is a UK organization that accepts donations for hospitals. They have patterns available on their site.

Octo Project on Ravelry is a worldwide project to donate crochet octopi to preemie babies in the NICU. They link to two patterns and a video tutorial.

Knitting for Charity has additional information about crochet octopus patterns for donation.

Or, if you want some good roundups for octopus crochet patterns, then check out DIY Craftsy, Derpy Monster, and The Spruce Crafts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are crochet octopuses so popular right now?

Honestly, this has been a hot trend for a while now, but it seems to be taking off again! The biggest reason is actually for preemie babies in hospitals. The colorful octopuses can really help calm them and reduce stress…

How do crochet octopuses help preemie babies?

So here's the thing… the tentacles remind the babies of the umbilical cord, which is super comforting since they're supposed to be in the womb. It keeps their hands busy so they don't pull out tubes, and it helps regulate their breathing and heartbeat…

Can I donate crochet octopuses to hospitals?

Yes! That's actually the number one reason to make one. Many hospitals accept these unique donations for preemie babies. There are even organizations like Octopus for a Preemie and the Octo Project that help connect crafters with places to donate…

Are there specific patterns for preemie octopuses?

Absolutely! Organizations like Octopus for a Preemie have patterns right on their sites. Plus, the Octo Project links to a couple of patterns and even a video tutorial. You can find more rounded-up lists on sites like DIY Craftsy and The Spruce Crafts too…

Besides donating, why else should I crochet an octopus?

Well, they're just plain fun and unique projects to make! You can get creative with the tentacles, they make super cute gifts for anyone (babies, kids, even adults!), and they're fantastic stashbusters since you can use any color or yarn… Plus, they work up pretty quickly!

Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables Knitting…

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We are so lucky to have so many wonderful sponsors for BiCrafty Bootcamp! We reached out and asked for the knitting needles that we really wanted to share with you and some great companies responded. In the past month, the Marly Bird team began working with Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables. Team Marly member Cryssi especially loved these needles, which we mentioned briefly in yesterday's Month Three Learning to Knit Thoughts from the team.

Tape Measure On Your Knitting Needle

Cryssi's favorite thing about the Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables is one of their most unique features: they're a knitting needle and tape measure in one. The needles as well as the cords have marking at 1″ intervals. Therefore, you can use the needles / cords to measure your work as you go. You don't need to carry a separate measuring tape with you. It's so simple and yet so genius. This is one of those things that knitters create when they want to solve a problem that a non-knitter might not even realize is a problem.

Jimmy Beans Wool Is a Special Company

Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables

We love working with small businesses and Jimmy Beans Wool really stands out. Laura Zander launched the company with her husband in 2002. They steadily, strategically added to the business and now employee about 75 people.

In addition to their own yarn and products, they've acquired Madelinetosh, della Q, and Namaste. As a fun fact, Laura was (and is) friends with all of their original owners. This is truly a family business even as it grows. Meet the team here.

They offer the Beans for Brains scholarship. This is a college scholarship for creative, artistic individuals.

They have a Broken Needle Exchange Program. In other words, in the unlikely even that you break one of their knitting needles – they will replace it for you at no charge.

And they support all kinds of great causes and beliefs.

Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables + More

SmartStix Interchangeables knitting needles review

So you already know that Jimmy Beans Wool works with cool people to create interesting products. Laura Zander was on a trip to India with general manager Shannon Flores when she realized that she had forgotten her tape measure. They solved the problem by marking the needles every inch. Realizing the genius of this, they partnered together and SmartStix was born.

Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables

Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables

SmartStix is a line of products. It's more than just the Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables that we used here at the Marly Bird team. But let's start by talking about those. The full set is color coded with 9 sizes of alluminum needles: 4 – 11 plus one 10.5 size.

Additionally, there are four cable cords: 1 20″, 2 24″ and 1 32″. Therefore, you could mix and match to have 24″ size 5 needles, 20″ size 10 needles, 32″ size 4 needles, etc.

In addition, the full Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables set comes with cord keys and end stoppers. They're all corralled neatly into a terrific fabric case that keeps everything really well organized. Kathryn, in particular, appreciated how easily so many materials stayed organized.

Other SmartStix Products

First of all, you don't have to buy the SmartStix Interchangeables as a set. You can buy the needle sizes that you need and the cords that you want separately. The needles come in sizes 2.5 – 11. The cords come as aforementioned plus they have additional sizes. Finally, in addition to the aluminum needles that we used here at Marly Bird, they have wooden SmartStix Interchangeables.

Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables wooden

You'll also discover that there are SmartStix DPNs. They offer 5″ and 8″ DPNs in sets of five each. They range from US O (2 mm) to US 9 (5.5 mm).

Moreover, there are even SmartStix crochet hooks! That's right, you can measure your crochet work as you go, too. They have 5″ and 6″ crochet hooks. Each come in four sizes ranging from about B-D. See our crochet hooks chart here.

All in all, we think these are a really smart product. They work well. They store easily. And they're truly made to solve a simple problem for knitters (and crocheters alike).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's so special about the Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix needles?

Oh, honestly… the coolest thing is that they're a knitting needle AND a tape measure all in one! The needles and cords have markings at 1-inch intervals, so you can measure your work as you go without grabbing a separate tape. It's such a simple but genius idea…

Can I buy the SmartStix needles and cords separately, or do I have to get the whole set?

Yes! You totally don't have to buy the whole set if you don't want to. You can get just the needle sizes you need and the cords you want on their own. Plus, they have extra cord sizes you can snag too…

What kind of needles does the SmartStix interchangeable set come with?

So, the full set comes with 9 sizes of aluminum needles, from size 4 all the way up to 11, and even a size 10.5. They're all color-coded too, which makes finding the size you need super easy…

Does Jimmy Beans Wool offer other types of SmartStix besides the interchangeable needles?

You bet! They have wooden SmartStix interchangeable needles, and even SmartStix DPNs in both 5-inch and 8-inch lengths. And get this… they even have SmartStix crochet hooks so you can measure your crochet projects as you work on them!

I love that Jimmy Beans Wool is a small business… tell me more about them!

Me too! They're such a special company. Laura Zander started it with her husband back in 2002, and now they employ about 75 people! They've even acquired other great companies like Madelinetosh. Plus, they have a scholarship program and a Broken Needle Exchange Program where they'll replace broken needles for free…

Learning to Knit Thoughts: Month Three Reflections on…

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Have you been following along with BiCrafty Bootcamp: Knitting Lessons for Crocheters? If so, then you know that Marly Bird team members Cryssi and Kathryn are learning to knit alongside everyone else. Every month, we try to share our learning to knit thoughts with you. We want to be honest about the ups, the downs, and the process. So, here we are with our month three reflections.

Learning How to Knit Thoughts From Team Marly Bird

Recap: Learning to Knit Thoughts So Far

Just in case you want to catch up, here was our:

As you can see, we wrapped up month two learning how to knit a cowl in the round. Kathryn was struggling a lot by that point, although she was enjoying the process of learning how to knit. Cryssi struggled some, too, in the beginning. However, by the end of the month, she had completed her first knit cowl. And she loved it! She incorporated a lot of colorwork and was eager to begin month three.

BiCrafty Bootcamp: Month 3 Lessons

In the first week of June, we finished our first knit cowl.

Then we moved on to creating hats to match and/or complement that cowl. If you wanted to repeat the stitches you learned in the knit cowl pattern, then you were invited to make the matchy-matchy knit hat.

As a group, we went on to create a complementary knit hat. This allowed you to learn new skills while creating a hat that still goes well with your cowl. Those lessons were:

Wow, what a lot to learn in a month. Here over on the Marly Bird team we started our hats on Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables. We'll have a full review for this awesome sponsor up on the blog tomorrow.

Month Three: Kathryn's Learning to Knit Thoughts

Kathryn had some moments of peace with knitting in month three. She also had a lot of frustrations. She hasn't been able to catch up with the group's lessons. Therefore, she's finally resigned herself to returning to the lessons at her own pace in the future, when the timing is better for her. However, she's still here … she's reading every pattern, she's there for as many of the live videos as possible, and she goes back and watches the videos over and over again. She knows that even though her hands aren't doing the work, yet, she's still picking up a lot by watching Marly knit.

Moreover, she really connected with a lot of your bootcampers in a recent live video when she shared her struggles. Many of you came out of the woodwork to say that you, too, are very far behind even though you're still showing up for the lessons. You're working on your garter stitch or your stockinette. Or maybe you're reworking your cowl. And what we can all take away from this is, once again: there are no knitting police. There's no wrong way to do this or right pace to take it on. You're already knitting. The rest is gravy.

So, Kathryn has been working on knitting a chunky garter stitch scarf on straight needles. That's what works for her right now. And she's marveled at all of you in the Facebook group and on Instagram that have soared through the lessons and done amazing work. She's here to say that she's proud of each of you – whether you're as behind as her or so far ahead you could almost teach the class. You're doing awesome!

Month Three: Cryssi's Learning to Knit Thoughts

Cryssi had some struggles getting her knit hat to work this month as well. We want to say that this isn't a reflection on the lessons themselves. The lessons make sense, and we get them. It's just that sometimes life gets in the way. We would love it if all we could do all day was knit but other things happen and sometimes it's hard to keep up with learning new things in the process.

The first thing Cryssi wants you to know is that she's loved working with the Jimmy Beans Wool needles that we started the knit hat on. (We'll have our full review for them here on the blog tomorrow.) She started the hat off slowly but felt good about it and was especially excited to learn the Latvian braid. She said about this, “I've even heard seasoned knitters exclaiming at how awesome that is and that it is a skill they haven't even learned! WE ARE MAKING SEASONED KNITTERS JEALOUS, Y'ALL! How awesome is that?!”

​From there, things fell off a little bit. Cryssi tried working on her hat when she was tired, and you know how that can go. Even as an experienced crocheter, you might find yourself making crochet mistakes when tired. So, she had to put her hat in time out for a bit, frog it and redo it. She's determined to finish it soon.

Cryssi's also been working at the challenge of learning to hold her yarn in her right hand instead of her left. She says, “Continental knitting has spoiled me and now throwing feels like I'm a baby giraffe learning to walk all over again! But 12 weeks ago, that's what continental felt like, so I'm learning and determined to work on this muscle memory to build up my skills!”

Month Four Goals for BiCrafty Bootcamp

As you'll see in tomorrow's post, we're going to learn how to knit mittens next! These will complement the hat and cowl that we've created.

Kathryn's only goal is to keep up with paying attention to the lessons. She might not knit along, but she's going to keep abreast of exactly what you're all doing so that she at least has some working knowledge of it. She'll continue working on her basic knitting skills as well.

Hopefully, Cryssi can wrap up her hat and jump right into those mittens. We're going to work with Signature's needles this month, and that's something she's been looking forward to throughout all of these lessons. We'll keep you posted! And we look forward to continue seeing your work in the Facebook group as well as on instagram with #bicraftybootcamp.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far along are Cryssi and Kathryn in the BiCrafty Bootcamp knitting lessons?

Honestly… they're reflecting on month three! They've both been learning to knit alongside everyone else, sharing their journey with the ups and downs. Cryssi actually finished her first knit cowl and is eager to keep going, while Kathryn is taking things a bit slower but still absorbing all the knowledge.

What kinds of new skills did the BiCrafty Bootcamp teach in month three?

So here's the thing… month three was packed with learning! They learned how to start a brim on smaller needles, then switch to larger ones. Plus, they dove into Latvian braids, stranded knitting in the round, knitting triangle lace, and even cables, finishing hats on DPNs!

Is it okay if I'm falling behind in the BiCrafty Bootcamp lessons?

Yes! The biggest takeaway is that there are no knitting police… there's no wrong way to knit or right pace to take it on. Kathryn has found comfort in knitting a simple scarf at her own pace and has seen so many others doing the same. Just keep knitting!

Did Cryssi have any challenges learning new knitting techniques?

Oh gosh, yes… Cryssi mentioned that learning to hold yarn in her right hand instead of her left felt like being a baby giraffe learning to walk all over again! Even as an experienced crocheter, she's found that sometimes life gets in the way and you might need to frog and redo things. But she's determined to build those muscle memory skills!

What's next for the BiCrafty Bootcamp participants in month four?

Exciting stuff! The next lesson is learning how to knit mittens, which will perfectly complement the hats and cowls everyone has made. Kathryn plans to keep paying attention to the lessons even if she's not knitting along, and Cryssi hopes to finish her hat and jump right into the mittens, especially since they'll be working with Signature's needles!

Absolute Beginner Patterns: Knit and Crochet

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Are you brand new to either knitting or crochet? Or maybe you have experience but you're looking for a super simple project – either for yourself or to teach the craft to someone else. Whatever the case, you might want to check out these Absolute Beginner Patterns. They are written so that you can easily learn every step as you go. Plus they have supporting video tutorials to make the lessons even clearer.

beginner knit and crochet patterns

Absolute Beginner Crochet Throw

Would you believe that you can crochet a blanket as your very first project? It's true. Throws don't require shaping. Therefore, you just need to know a basic stitch or two in order to make one. You'll find this to be true of the Absolute Beginner Crochet Throw Pattern. Use double crochet stitches and chunky yarn to quickly make this beautiful blanket. You'll definitely be proud after completing this first of the Absolute Beginner Patterns. And I've created both right-handed and left-handed crochet tutorials to take you through this project:

DIY Crochet EMOJI Keychain

Although not designed as one of my Absolute Beginner Patterns series, this keychain pattern does fit nicely into the set. It's a great starter project if you're new to crochet and want to begin with something small. You'll learn how to single crochet in a spiral. The video includes lots of tips for beginners.

Beginner Crochet Shells Blanket

Crochet shells look complicated. However, they're really easy. Once you learn basic stitches, you can create them. And once you can create them, you can make blankets of any size using them. If you combine the lessons in the written pattern with the video below and some strong ambition, you can tackle this as a beginner.

Absolute Beginner Patterns: Chunky Knit Hat

Newbie knitters can easily make this hat as a first project. It's the perfect bulky knit hat, which means that it's cozy and beautiful but it's also simple and works up super fast. Just like with my other Absolute Beginner Patterns, this one comes with full, detailed written instructions that help you work out exactly what to do at each step along the way. Plus, of course, there's a video tutorial:

Make Your First Knit Hat for a Preemie Baby

Preemie knit patterns are great for a lot of reasons. First, they're quick projects. You can tell right away if you're getting it right or wrong. That's really helpful as a beginner to any craft. Second, they're adorable. Therefore, you'll love seeing the work come to life in your hands. Finally, they're useful. You can donate preemie baby hats and other preemie projects to charity. So, you might want to check out the Absolute Beginner Preemie Baby Hat knit pattern if you're just getting started in knitting.

Make Yourself a Chunky Knit Scarf

My Absolute Beginner Patterns usually show you everything from how to read a yarn label through how to finish the project. That's definitely true of this chunky knit scarf pattern. It's a really great accessory. You'll feel fabulous crafting and wearing it.

BiCrafty Bootcamp: Knitting Lessons for Crocheters

If you're new to knitting (whether or not you're a crocheter) then you can definitely start with our BiCrafty Bootcamp projects. These are designed for absolute beginners to knitting. If you know how to crochet, you'll benefit from bonus tips that make learning knitting easier. First, if you complete lessons 1-5 then you'll end up knitting a dishcloth, mug rugs, and a coffee cup sleeve. If you choose to continue on with the lessons, then you'll also knit a matching cowl, hat, and mittens set.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really crochet a blanket as my first project?

Yes! Honestly, you totally can… The Absolute Beginner Crochet Throw is designed for brand new crafters. It doesn't require any shaping, so you just need to know a basic stitch or two. Plus, I have video tutorials to help you out!

I'm new to knitting… where should I start?

So here's the thing… if you're a total newbie to knitting, you should definitely check out the Chunky Knit Hat pattern. It's simple, works up fast, and I have video tutorials to walk you through every step.

Are there any smaller projects for crochet beginners?

Oh, for sure! If you want to start with something super small, the DIY Crochet Emoji Keychain is a great option. You'll learn how to single crochet in a spiral, and I share lots of tips for beginners in the video.

What if I know how to crochet but want to learn to knit?

Honestly… you'll love the BiCrafty Bootcamp projects! They're designed specifically for absolute beginners to knitting, and if you already crochet, you'll get extra tips to make learning even easier. You'll end up with a dishcloth, mug rugs, and a coffee cup sleeve!

Can I make a knit hat for a baby?

Yes! The Absolute Beginner Preemie Baby Hat knit pattern is perfect if you're just starting out. They're quick projects so you can see your progress right away, and they're also super adorable and useful for charity donations.