Crochet christmas gifts for beginners can be simple, useful and genuinely lovely, even if you only learned to hold a hook a few weeks ago. In this UK guide we show you which presents you can make with just four stitches: chain, double crochet, half treble and treble.
Quick answer: Easy crochet Christmas gifts for beginners include a cotton coaster, a dishcloth and a simple scarf, all using basic stitches. Use DK cotton and a 4mm hook (US G-6) for the small gifts, and aran or chunky yarn with a 5mm or 6mm hook (US H-8 or J-10) for the scarf. A coaster takes about 30 minutes and the scarf up to 10 hours. All patterns are in UK terms with US conversions.
We have organised these crochet christmas gifts for beginners by skill step. You start with first-week gifts that use only chain and double crochet, then add one new stitch at a time. Along the way you get three easy, original patterns, a beginner kit list, a skill-by-gift table, common mistakes and fixes, and our favourite gift-wrapping tips.
Everything is written in UK terms. If you usually follow American patterns, UK double crochet (dc) is the same as US single crochet (sc), half treble (htr) is US half double crochet (hdc) and treble (tr) is US double crochet (dc).
Why crochet christmas gifts for beginners work so well
Small, flat projects are the best way to build confidence. A dishcloth, a coaster or a scarf is worked back and forth in rows or in a few short rounds, so you can see your progress quickly and spot mistakes before they grow.
They are also forgiving. A wobbly edge on a dishcloth does not matter once it is in use. That makes crochet christmas gifts for beginners far less stressful than a fitted jumper or a detailed toy.
Best of all, each gift teaches you something: reading patterns, counting stitches, changing colour and weaving in ends.
The four stitches you need
You only need four stitches for all the crochet christmas gifts for beginners in this guide. Here they are with their US names. Our UK vs US crochet terms guide has the full list.
| UK name | UK abbreviation | US name | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain | ch | Chain (ch) | Foundation and turning |
| Double crochet | dc | Single crochet (sc) | Short and dense |
| Half treble | htr | Half double crochet (hdc) | Medium |
| Treble | tr | Double crochet (dc) | Tall and open |
You will also use a slip stitch (ss) to join rounds and move across stitches. It is not really a stitch for building fabric, so we have not counted it as a skill step. If you would like a refresher, see our slip stitch crochet guide.
When you feel ready for something taller, our double treble crochet tutorial is the natural next stitch, but you do not need it for any project here.
Beginner kit list for crochet christmas gifts for beginners
You do not need much to start making crochet christmas gifts for beginners. Look for these generic items. Our crochet kit guide goes into more detail.
- A 4mm crochet hook for the dishcloth and coasters, and a 5mm or 6mm hook for the scarf. A hook with a comfortable handle is kind to your hands. See our crochet hooks guide for sizes.
- 100% cotton DK yarn for dishcloths and coasters. Cotton is absorbent, washes well and shows stitches clearly.
- Soft aran or chunky yarn for the scarf, in two or three colours. A smooth, light-coloured yarn is easiest to see.
- A blunt yarn needle (sometimes called a tapestry needle) for weaving in ends.
- Small, sharp scissors.
- Stitch markers, or short lengths of contrast yarn, to mark the first stitch of a row or round.
- A tape measure to check sizes as you go.
Not sure which yarn thickness is which? The Craft Yarn Council has a clear yarn weight system chart, and our crochet yarn guide explains the UK names such as DK and aran.
Step 1: first-week gifts with chain and double crochet
If you can make a slip knot, a chain and a double crochet, you can already make useful presents. These first-week crochet christmas gifts for beginners are small, quick and practical.
- A dishcloth or face cloth in cotton yarn. Our pattern is below.
- A simple bookmark: a narrow strip of dc rows with a tassel. Our crochet bookmark post has more ideas.
- Chain gift ties: long chains in red, green or white make pretty ribbons for wrapping other presents.
- A dc mug mat: work the dishcloth pattern below on 18 chains and stop when it is square.
Pattern 1: double crochet dishcloth
This is one of the most useful crochet christmas gifts for beginners because it teaches you to count stitches and keep your edges straight. The finished cloth is roughly 18 to 20cm square, depending on your tension.
You need: 100% cotton DK yarn (about 40 to 50g), a 4mm hook, a yarn needle and scissors.
Notes: UK terms. The ch 1 at the start of each row is a turning chain and does not count as a stitch.
- Foundation: Ch 31.
- Row 1: Dc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (30 dc)
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Dc in each st across. (30 dc)
- Rows 3 onwards: Repeat Row 2 until the piece is square. Fold one corner across to the opposite edge: if it makes a neat triangle, you are there. This is usually around 34 to 38 rows.
- Border round: Do not turn. Ch 1, then work dc evenly down the side, along the foundation edge, up the other side and along the top, working 3 dc into each corner. Aim for about 1 dc per row end along the sides. Ss to the first dc to join.
- Hanging loop (optional): Ch 10, ss into the same st to make a loop. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Count your stitches at the end of every row for the first few rows. If you have 29 or 31, you have missed or added a stitch at the start or end, which is the most common beginner slip.
Step 2: add half treble for softer, quicker gifts
Half treble is a little taller than double crochet, so your fabric grows faster and feels softer. It is perfect for wearable gifts. If you have not tried it yet, our half treble crochet tutorial walks you through it step by step.
Crochet christmas gifts for beginners that add this one new skill include a striped scarf, our second pattern below, and a simple headband: a strip of htr rows long enough to fit around the head, joined at the short ends.
Pattern 2: striped half treble scarf
A scarf is a classic choice among crochet christmas gifts for beginners because it is just straight rows. Stripes keep it interesting and teach you how to change colour neatly. The finished scarf is about 14 to 16cm wide.
You need: soft aran or chunky yarn in two or three colours (about 200 to 300g in total), a hook to match the yarn (5mm for aran, 6mm for chunky), a yarn needle and scissors.
Notes: UK terms. The ch 2 at the start of each row is a turning chain and does not count as a stitch. Work the first htr of each row into the very first stitch.
- Foundation: With colour A, ch 22.
- Row 1: Htr in the 3rd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (20 htr)
- Row 2: Ch 2, turn. Htr in each st across. (20 htr)
- Rows 3 to 6: Repeat Row 2. (20 htr)
- Colour change: On the last htr of Row 6, work until you have 3 loops on the hook, then pull colour B through all 3 loops. Cut colour A, leaving a 10cm tail.
- Stripes: Continue repeating Row 2, changing colour every 6 rows in your chosen order.
- Length: Stop when the scarf is about 150 to 160cm long, or as long as you like. Fasten off.
To finish, weave each tail into a stripe of the same colour. For tassels, cut lengths of yarn about 25cm long, fold a bundle of three in half, pull the fold through an edge stitch with your hook and pull the ends through the loop. Trim them level. For a longer, more detailed design, see our full crochet scarf pattern.
Step 3: add treble for granny-style gifts
Treble is the tallest of our four stitches and the one that opens up granny squares, motifs and lacy shapes. Our treble crochet guide shows how to work it. You will also meet the magic ring here, which gives you a neat, closed centre. If it feels tricky, practise with our crochet magic ring tutorial, or start with ch 4 and ss into the first ch to make a small ring instead.
Crochet christmas gifts for beginners that use treble include:
- A set of coasters, our third pattern below.
- A pot holder: make two larger granny squares and join them with a round of dc.
Pattern 3: flat granny-style coaster
Coasters are wonderful crochet christmas gifts for beginners because a set of four looks impressive but each one takes well under an hour. The finished coaster is about 10cm square in DK cotton.
You need: 100% cotton DK yarn in one or two colours, a 4mm hook, a yarn needle and scissors.
Notes: UK terms. The ch 3 at the start of each round counts as 1 tr. A “group” means 3 tr worked into the same space. Work with the right side facing you; do not turn.
- Round 1: Make a magic ring. Ch 3, 2 tr into the ring, ch 2. *3 tr into the ring, ch 2; repeat from * 2 more times. Pull the ring closed and ss into the top of the first ch 3. (4 groups, 4 ch-2 corner spaces)
- Round 2: Ss into the next 2 tr and into the ch-2 corner space. Ch 3, (2 tr, ch 2, 3 tr) in the same space, ch 1. *(3 tr, ch 2, 3 tr) in the next ch-2 space, ch 1; repeat from * 2 more times. Ss into the top of the first ch 3. (8 groups)
- Round 3: Ss into the next 2 tr and into the ch-2 corner space. Ch 3, (2 tr, ch 2, 3 tr) in the same space, ch 1, 3 tr in the next ch-1 space, ch 1. *(3 tr, ch 2, 3 tr) in the next ch-2 space, ch 1, 3 tr in the next ch-1 space, ch 1; repeat from * 2 more times. Ss into the top of the first ch 3. (12 groups)
- Round 4 (border): Ch 1. Dc in each tr and in each ch-1 space around, working 3 dc into each ch-2 corner space. Ss into the first dc. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
For a two-colour coaster, work Rounds 1 and 2 in one colour and Rounds 3 and 4 in another. Join the new colour with a ss in a corner space. You will find more designs, including a round one in htr, in our crochet coasters post.
Skill-by-gift table for crochet christmas gifts for beginners
Use this table to choose crochet christmas gifts for beginners that match the stitches you already know. Times are rough guides for a new crocheter and will drop quickly with practice.
| Gift | Stitches used | New skill it teaches | Yarn | Rough time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain gift ties | ch | Even tension | Any DK | Minutes |
| Dishcloth | ch, dc | Counting stitches, straight edges | Cotton DK | 2 to 3 hours |
| Bookmark | ch, dc | Narrow rows, tassels | Cotton DK or 4 ply | 1 hour |
| Mug mat | ch, dc | Squaring up a piece | Cotton DK | 1 hour |
| Striped scarf | ch, htr | Changing colour | Aran or chunky | 6 to 10 hours |
| Headband | ch, htr | Joining short ends | Aran | 1 to 2 hours |
| Granny-style coaster | ch, tr, ss, dc | Magic ring, working in spaces | Cotton DK | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Pot holder | ch, tr, ss, dc | Joining two pieces | Cotton DK | 2 to 3 hours |
A simple plan from October to December
Crochet christmas gifts for beginners are much more fun when you are not racing the clock on Christmas Eve. Here is a gentle plan.
- October: Practise chain and double crochet. Make one dishcloth for yourself, then one or two to give away.
- Early November: Learn half treble and start the scarf. Work a few stripes each evening.
- Late November: Learn treble and the magic ring. Make a test coaster, then a set of four.
- Early December: Weave in ends, block anything that needs it and add gift tags.
- Mid December: Wrap everything and enjoy a week off from deadlines.
If you are starting later, choose quicker crochet christmas gifts for beginners such as coasters, mug mats and chain gift ties, which can all be made in an evening or two.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
Every crocheter makes these mistakes when starting out on crochet christmas gifts for beginners, so do not worry. Here is how to spot and fix them.
- Edges that slant inwards: you are missing the last stitch of the row. The final stitch can hide under the turning chain, so look for it carefully. Count your stitches every row until it becomes a habit.
- Edges that flare outwards: you are adding a stitch, usually by working into the turning chain. Remember that in our dc and htr patterns the turning chain does not count, so do not work into it.
- A tight, curling foundation chain: your chains are tighter than your stitches. Try making the chain with a hook one size larger, then switch back for Row 1.
- A coaster that ruffles or cups: ruffling usually means extra stitches; cupping means too few or very tight tension. Check each round against the group count.
- A hole in the centre of the coaster: the magic ring was not pulled tight enough. Pull the tail firmly before you weave it in, then weave it around the ring once.
- Bumpy colour changes: finish the last stitch of the old colour with the new colour, as described in the scarf pattern, rather than starting the new colour on the next row.
- Ends that pop out: weave each tail in at least 5cm, then back the other way for a short distance before trimming.
If you are unsure, pull back to the last row you know is right. Crochet unravels easily.
Gift-wrapping tips for crochet christmas gifts for beginners
A little care with presentation makes crochet christmas gifts for beginners feel extra special. These ideas use simple, everyday materials.
- Bundle dishcloths by folding two or three together and tying them with a chain gift tie or a piece of twine. Tuck in a sprig of greenery for a festive touch.
- Stack coasters in a set of four and wrap them in tissue paper, or tie them with a ribbon that matches one of the colours.
- Roll the scarf rather than folding it, so the stripes show at the ends, and wrap it in brown paper with a yarn bow.
- Add a care label. Write the yarn fibre and simple washing advice on a gift tag, such as “cotton, machine wash at 30 degrees, reshape and dry flat”, following the yarn label.
Where to go next
Once you have made a few of these, you are ready for more. Browse our easy crochet gifts collection for further ideas, from baskets to small toys. Many of them use exactly the same four stitches you have just learned, so you can keep building on the confidence these crochet christmas gifts for beginners give you.
Frequently asked questions about crochet christmas gifts for beginners
What are the easiest crochet christmas gifts for beginners?
A double crochet dishcloth is the easiest of all crochet christmas gifts for beginners. It uses only chain and double crochet, worked in straight rows, and it is useful even if the edges are not perfect. It is a great first gift.
What yarn is best for beginner crochet gifts?
For crochet christmas gifts for beginners, smooth, light-coloured yarn is easiest because you can see each stitch. Choose 100% cotton DK for dishcloths and coasters, and a soft aran or chunky yarn for scarves. Avoid fluffy or very dark yarn for your first projects.
How long does it take to make a beginner crochet scarf?
Our striped half treble scarf usually takes a new crocheter around 6 to 10 hours in aran or chunky yarn. Thicker yarn and a larger hook make it quicker.
Are these patterns in UK or US terms?
All three patterns are in UK terms. UK double crochet is US single crochet, UK half treble is US half double crochet and UK treble is US double crochet. The stitch counts stay the same.
When should I start making crochet Christmas gifts?
Starting in October gives you plenty of time to learn each stitch and make several gifts without rushing. If you start in December, focus on quick makes such as coasters, mug mats and chain gift ties.
