This free Yarny Bee crochet pattern is a simple amigurumi bee design that’s quick to make, great for using leftover yarn, and perfect for handmade gifts or craft fairs. They make sweet bag charms. They… More
Top Selling Crochet Items for Spring Markets
Best-Selling Crochet Items That Shoppers Actually Buy
this post contains affiliate links, which means i may earn a small commission if you purchase via them, at no extra cost to yourself. This helps to support this blog.
Spring craft markets are some of the loveliest to prepare for — lighter yarns, softer colours, and shoppers who are ready to browse, linger, and treat themselves after winter.
But if you’ve ever sat staring at your yarn stash wondering what on earth should I make, you’re not alone.
When time, yarn, and energy are limited, the goal isn’t to make everything — it’s to make the right things. Items that are quick to produce, easy to price, and genuinely appealing to spring market shoppers.
This guide shares tried-and-tested crochet items that consistently sell well at spring craft fairs. There are also practical tips to help you present, price and stock your table without burning out.
I’ve organised this post into easy sections. These include small giftable makes, baby items, and spring home décor. Other sections cover light wearables, taking orders using samples, and pricing crochet fairly. I also discuss how to help customers understand the value of your work without over-explaining, as well as tips on stocking your table. I have also included a FREE Mini Market Bundle printable. It comes with an order form and handmade labels, look for the sage coloured box below to download. Feel free to skip straight to the parts most helpful for you.
Small, Giftable Crochet Items (Your Spring Staples)
Small crochet items are often the quiet heroes of a market stall.
They’re affordable, easy to gift, and perfect for shoppers who want “just one little thing” — which often turns into two or three.
Popular spring sellers include:
Why they work so well
- Low price point
- Fast to make
- Ideal for Mother’s Day gifting, thoughtful thank-yous, and meaningful handmade purchases that don’t need a big decision.
Market tip: Bundle items into small sets (for example, a face cloth + scrubbie) to increase value without much extra work.
Baby & Children’s Crochet (Always in Demand)
Spring is peak season for baby showers, Christenings, and thoughtful handmade gifts — and crochet shines here.
Best-selling baby makes include:
Choose cotton or bamboo blends in gentle spring colours and keep designs simple and practical.
Why these sell
- Handmade feels extra special for babies
- Parents appreciate natural fibres
- Coordinated sets make beautiful gifts
Spring Home Décor That’s Quick to Make
As the days get brighter, shoppers start refreshing their homes — and small crochet décor pieces fit beautifully into that mindset.
Spring-friendly décor ideas:
Why they sell
- Lightweight and fit naturally into a Spring refresh mindset
- Decorative but practical
- Seasonal colour without commitment
Light Spring Wearables Shoppers Love to Try On
Heavy winter accessories tend to slow down in spring, but light, one-size wearables continue to sell well.
Popular options include:
Why they work
- Easy to try on at the stall
- One-size designs reduce sizing stress
Using Sample Pieces to Take Orders (Without Overloading Your Stock)
One of the smartest ways to prepare for a spring craft market is to use sample pieces and take orders, rather than trying to pre-make every size or colour.
Instead of filling your table with multiples, you can display:
- One finished sample
- Clear colour options (small swatches or photos)
- A sign stating that the item is made to order
This approach works especially well for:
- Baby blankets
- Cardigans or jumpers
- Larger plushies
- Home décor items in custom colours
Take payment at the time of order
Taking full payment when the order is placed keeps things clear and professional for both you and the customer. It confirms commitment, avoids awkward follow-ups, and ensures you’re not left out of pocket for yarn or time.
Be clear about:
- What the customer is ordering
- Their chosen colour or variation
- Your estimated turnaround time
Get you FREE Market Prep Mini Pack below and stay professional and organised on the day
Decide how orders will be delivered
Before the market, decide how you’ll deliver finished orders and make this clear at the point of sale.
Common options include:
- Postal delivery (build postage into the price or charge separately)
- Local collection if appropriate
If offering local collection, always put personal safety first.
Choose public, well-lit locations, bring someone with you where possible, and never feel pressured to share private details. It’s absolutely fine to limit collections or offer postal delivery only.
A simple sign such as “Sample shown — available to order in your chosen colour” reassures shoppers. It opens the conversation naturally.
Pricing Crochet Fairly at Spring Craft Markets
Crochet takes time, skill, and physical effort — and it deserves to be priced accordingly.
While it can be tempting to lower prices to “compete,” consistently under-pricing handmade work benefits no one. Fair pricing protects your time, your body, and the long-term sustainability of your craft.
Rather than focusing on being cheap, focus on being well-made, intentional, and clearly valued.
A more realistic pricing framework (UK)
These are starting points, not limits — and your prices should always reflect your materials, time, and experience.
- Small crochet items (hair accessories, keyrings):
£6–£10 - Bundled gift sets (2–3 coordinated items):
£12–£25 - Baby items & thoughtful gifts (bibs, bonnets, loveys):
£15–£35 - Home décor & accessories (plant hangers, coasters, baskets):
£18–£40 - Wearables & made-to-order pieces:
£25–£60+
If those numbers feel uncomfortable at first, that’s often a sign we’ve been conditioned to underprice. It doesn’t mean they’re unreasonable.
Why higher pricing often works better
Shoppers at craft markets expect to pay more for handmade
Fewer sales at a fair price can be better than many sales at burnout prices
Clear pricing signals confidence and professionalism
Your work stands out as considered, not rushed
A Gentle but Important Word on Pricing & Experience
If you’re a newer crocheter, it’s completely normal for your work to still be finding its rhythm. Your tension may be uneven. Amigurumi stitches might be a little holey. Or, baskets may not yet hold their shape as intended. We’ve all been there.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t sell your work. However, it does mean pricing realistically. Set prices that are appropriate for your current skill level.
Pricing beginner-level pieces at the same price as highly refined, professional-quality crochet can lead to disappointment. Customers may feel let down, and you could experience frustration. Craft market shoppers may not have the technical language for what they’re noticing. However, they can usually sense differences in finish. They can also detect variations in structure and polish.
Being realistic protects everyone involved.
If you’re just starting out:
- Price accessibly while you build confidence and consistency
- Choose simpler designs that showcase neatness rather than complexity
- Treat markets as valuable experience, not just income
As your skills grow — and they will — your pricing should grow with you.
Equally important:
Don’t let being a beginner stop you from taking part.
Selling your work, receiving feedback, and building confidence are all part of becoming a skilled maker. Every experienced crocheter started exactly where you are now. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress, honesty, and pride in what you’re offering.
Help customers understand the value (without over-explaining)
Simple cues make a big difference:
- “Handmade using natural fibres”
- “Designed and crocheted locally”
- “Made slowly and with care”
These statements quietly reinforce value without apology.
Important reminder:
You are not pricing for everyone. You are pricing for the customer who values handmade, thoughtful work — and those customers do exist.
Stocking Tips for Spring Markets
Stock smarter
- Focus on variety rather than volume
- Repeat your top three sellers
- Use samples to test higher-value items without over-committing
Seasonal pieces, such as Easter makes, are best produced in limited quantities. Having a few special items creates interest. This avoids the risk of leftover stock that’s hard to resell later. A calm, well-curated table almost always outperforms an overcrowded one.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Enjoyable
Spring craft markets should feel exciting, not exhausting.
Choose crochet items that:
- You enjoy making
- You can repeat comfortably
- Fit your time, energy, and schedule
Simple, well-made crochet always finds the right home — especially when it’s made with care.
If you’re preparing for spring markets this year, I hope this guide helps you feel confident, organised, and inspired. If you’re planning spring markets, you might like to save this post on Pinterest. That way, it’s easy to come back to when you’re preparing your stock.
Happy hooking,
Niki
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Ways to Keep Your Yarn Stash Tidy (Without Killing Your Crochet Mojo
If your yarn stash has slowly (or suddenly) taken over cupboards, baskets, drawers and possibly the dining room table… you’re not alone. Most crocheters don’t set out to create chaos — it just happens one skein at a time!
The good news? You don’t need a full craft room or expensive storage to get your yarn under control. You just need a system that works for how you actually crochet.
If your yarn stash feels overwhelming, I’ve created a free printable Yarn Stash Tidy Checklist to help. You’ll find the link further down in this post.
Here are practical, realistic ways to keep your yarn stash tidy — without over-organising the joy right out of it.
This post includes affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support my blog.
1. Sort First, Store Second (This Is the Game Changer)
Before buying storage, take everything out and sort your yarn into simple groups:
- By fibre (acrylic, cotton, wool, blends)
- By weight (DK, aran, chunky, etc.)
- By project (active WIPs vs “one day” yarn)
This step alone often cuts visual clutter in half.
Top Tip
Keep your current project yarn in a dedicated project bag or basket to make it easy to pick up and put down without losing momentum.
2. Use Clear Storage So You Can See What You Own
Out of sight = forgotten yarn.
Clear boxes, open baskets, or shelving lets you see colours and quantities at a glance — which helps prevent buying duplicates (because we’ve all done that!).
Look for:
- Stackable clear boxes
- Open-front storage cubes
- Breathable baskets for natural fibres
3. Store Yarn by How You Use It (Not How Social Media Says)
Instead of “pretty” systems, choose functional ones:
- Colour lovers: store by colour family
- Pattern makers: store by weight
- Gift crocheters: store by project type (baby, blankets, toys)
There’s no wrong way — the right way is the one that makes you want to crochet
4. Keep Yarn Labels (Future You Will Thank You)
Yarn without a label is mystery yarn.
Simple solutions:
- Slip labels into the centre of the skein
- Store labels in a small envelope or pouch
- Take a quick photo of the yarn + label
This is especially helpful where you may want to re-order the same yarn later.
5. Create a “Yarn In / Yarn Out” Rule
To stop stash creep:
- Try to finish one project before starting another
- Match new yarn purchases to a planned project
- Do a quick stash check before shopping
This doesn’t mean no new yarn — just more intentional yarn.
Yes, yarn shopping is still totally justifiable!
6. Protect Yarn From Dust, Pets & Sunlight
- Keep yarn away from direct sunlight
- Use lids or fabric covers if stored openly
- Avoid damp areas (lofts and garages are risky)
Natural fibres especially benefit from breathable, enclosed storage.
A tidy stash is also a protected stash.
One of my favourite stash-tidying tricks is turning leftover yarn into the solution. Keep reading for more on this.
7. Do a Mini Stash Reset Every Season
Instead of one massive de-clutter, do a quick seasonal tidy:
- Donate yarn you no longer love – do not let yarn guilt trip you!
- Pull out yarn perfect for the season
- Plan 1–2 projects using what you already have
This keeps your stash inspiring instead of overwhelming.
Top Tip
Use Your Stash to Make Storage (Yes, Really!)
If you have partial balls or yarn you’re not quite sure what to do with, consider crocheting your own yarn storage baskets. Not only does this help reduce stash guilt, but it also creates practical storage that’s perfectly sized for your space.
I’ve designed a simple crochet basket pattern that works beautifully for:
- Holding mini yarn balls and leftover yarn you’re not quite ready to let go of
- Keeping smaller WIPs contained
- Organising hooks, notions, and other crochet accessories
LoveCrafts also has a great selection of yarn storage patterns, including crochet baskets and project bags, designed specifically with crafters and yarn organisation in mind.
Using your yarn to make storage for your yarn might sound a little meta — but it’s incredibly satisfying and keeps everything feeling intentional rather than cluttered.
A Tidy Stash = More Crochet Joy
You don’t need perfection — you need ease.
When your yarn is tidy:
- You start projects faster
- You waste less money
- You crochet more joyfully
And that’s the whole point, really.
Once your yarn stash feels calmer and more intentional, it’s often helpful to think about how you’ll keep that feeling going.
Get a FREE handy checklist and get organised- it pulls everything together into one simple place.And if, once your yarn feels calmer, you’d like a way to keep projects and ideas organised as you go, my Crochet Project Planner is there to support that next stage, helping turn tidy yarn into finished pieces.
If this post was helpful, feel free to pin it for later so you can come back to it when your yarn stash needs a little reset.
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Organize Your Crochet: The Ultimate Project Planner
If you crochet regularly, chances are you have more than one project on the go. A half-finished blanket tucked into a basket, an amigurumi waiting for stuffing, a cardigan that only needs one sleeve… sound familiar?
Crochet is creative, calming, and deeply satisfying — but without a little organisation, it can also become overwhelming. That’s where a crochet project planner can make a real difference.
The hidden problem with unfinished projects
Most crocheters don’t abandon projects because they lose interest. They stop because:
- Yarn details get forgotten
- Hook sizes aren’t written down
- Pattern notes are scattered across notebooks or phones
- Life gets busy and projects lose momentum
A planner isn’t about being rigid or overly structured. It’s about gently supporting your creativity so you can actually enjoy the making process — and finish what you start.
What a crochet project planner helps you do
A good crochet planner brings everything together in one calm, intentional place. Instead of searching through notes or trying to remember what you did last time, you can sit down and pick up right where you left off.
With dedicated project planning pages, you can:
- Record pattern names, designers, and difficulty levels
- Note yarn brands, colours, and quantities
- Track hook sizes and gauge
- Jot down adjustments, ideas, and reminders
This small habit saves time, reduces frustration, and keeps crochet relaxing rather than stressful.
Keeping track of WIPs without guilt
Work-in-progress projects (WIPs) are a natural part of crocheting. A planner doesn’t judge how many you have — it simply helps you keep track of them.
When each project has its own page, WIPs feel intentional instead of chaotic. You can see what’s active, what’s paused, and what’s ready to be finished when the mood strikes.
The value of built-in crochet reference pages
One of the most useful parts of a crochet planner is having reference information close at hand. Instead of opening multiple tabs or searching online mid-project, you can quickly check:
- UK and US stitch conversions
- Yarn weight and hook size guides
- Standard blanket and hat sizes
- Common crochet abbreviations and slang
Having these pages printed and nearby keeps your creative flow uninterrupted.
Why printables work so well for crocheters
Printable planners are flexible and practical. You can:
- Print only the pages you need
- Reprint favourites as often as you like
- Use them in a binder, folder, or clipboard
- Adjust your setup as your projects change
Whether you prefer a minimal system or a cosy, creative workspace, a printable planner adapts to you.
Crochet should feel calm, not chaotic
At its heart, crochet is about slowing down and making something with your hands. A project planner doesn’t take away from that — it supports it.
By keeping your projects organised, your ideas clear, and your notes in one place, you give yourself permission to enjoy crochet fully, without the mental clutter.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by unfinished projects or forgotten details, a crochet project planner might be the gentle tool you didn’t know you needed.
Happy hooking
Ready to Get Organised?
If you’re looking for a calm, practical way to keep your crochet projects organised, my Printable Crochet Project Planner is designed to gently support your making. It will do so without pressure or overwhelm.
It includes project planning pages, notes and ideas sheets, crochet reference charts, all in a soft, cosy aesthetic. I have included some bonus printable crochet care labels to help you level up your gifting. There are also some fun savings sheets to help you buy more yarn! You can print only the pages you need and reuse them as often as you like.
👉 You can find the full Crochet Project Planner in my Etsy shop.
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DIY Christmas Crochet Basket Tutorial
This free crochet basket pattern is a practical, step-by-step tutorial you can enjoy all year round, whether you’re making festive baskets for Christmas gifts and décor or creating useful storage for yarn, home organisation, and everyday handmade gifts. These handy crochet baskets are super versatile and perfect for keeping small items tidy or adding a simple handmade touch to your home.
These baskets are super versatile. You can swap the colours to suit your own style and add whatever decorations you choose, here I have chosen to add a sweet wooden snowflake, but labels, ribbons, bows and bells would look just as good. The best bit about these baskets is the wooden base.
The wooden base makes this a super quick make and means the basket has a great shape and is sturdy…all good elements for a useful basket to have. You will find bases in all sorts of shapes and sizes on lots of different shopping sites. I got mine from Etsy, as I like to support small business owners when I can. Take a look here to get started
I would just like to talk about your choice of yarn or cord for a moment also. I purchased several versions before I settled on one I was happy with. Some were too splitty, or dull, or just didn’t crochet well. I highly recommend using this 5mm braided recycled cotton cord because it is economical, comes in a great colour range and is easy to work with.
Pattern notes
The pattern that follows can be adapted to any size or shape base. The pattern uses English crochet terminology, but you can find US crochet terminology in brackets just below.
I strongly advise that you mark the 1st chain 1 of each round with a stitch marker. Repeats are marked by *
What you will need
5mm braided cotton cord in colour of your choice
wooden base(s)
scissors
hooks – see below
stitch marker
decorations of your choice – bows / bells / small tree ornaments
Stitches used
DC – double crochet ( SC – single crochet)
slst – slip stitch
Ch – chain stitch
Dc: Insert hook into chain or under both loops of stitch, yarn over and pull through so there are 2 loops on hook, yarn over again and pull through both loops on hook.
Hooks used
5mm and 8mm
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To start
Start by holding cord underneath the base. Using smaller hook pull up a loop through the first hole in the base.
Yarn over and pull through loop on your hook.
*Pull up next loop from the underside of base through next hole and complete DC* Repeat around base to last hole. Slst in 1st st.
Now turn work so outside of the basket is facing you.
Round 2: Using larger hook. Ch1 (counts as a st) place marker. DC in next stitch and in each st around.
Round 3: ch 1, continue to place DC in each st for desired height of basket, placing marker in ch1 of each round. Change colours as desired.
eg/ large basket pictured had a base with 37 holes / 17cm diameter. I completed rounds 1 – 8 in candy red and rounds 9 – 11 in natural. Final round in natural also. My basket measures 14cms tall.
Final round: Do not ch1, slst in each st around. Fasten off.
With smaller hook weave in loose ends. Weave starting tail at base so that it fills in the gap.
Now decorate your basket as desired.
More cosy crochet ideas for your home
If you enjoy adding handmade touches around your home, you might also love my crochet bunting pattern — a simple project that’s perfect for seasonal décor, celebrations, or using up leftover yarn.
Next steps
If you have enjoyed this pattern you can help support what I do by
• Pin the image below for later on your Pinterest board
• leave me a like or a comment below
• tag me in your makes using @yarnyrobin
• Join me here and hit follow so you don’t miss new free patterns and all the crochet goodness I share along the way.
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Five Easter / Spring crochet patterns to make and gift…
Spring is upon us, although I’m bracing for the Spring showers, which seem to have started early here! Whether you’re looking for a quick Easter make, for that last minute gift or Easter basket filler, I’ve got some patterns to tempt you…and most of them are FREE… Hurrah!
Spring Bunny Lovey – FREE crochet pattern
How about this as a sweet Easter basket filler for baby. Using Oeko Tex standard 100 approved 100% cotton in a 4ply; these lovey’s are soft to snuggle and safe to chew on…and are sure to become baby’s best friend.
Floppy Bunny Ears – FREE crochet pattern
Make these sweet bunny ears to add to hats or headbands. Either way, this pattern is sure to add a bit of bunny magic this Spring.
Face scrubbies and Face cloth crochet pattern
This luxurious set of reusable soft textured facecloths and squishy scrubbies would make the perfect Easter gift for baby, Mom’s-to-be, or just that special girl in your life. They are quick and easy to make, so are perfect to add that handmade touch to gift baskets.
Angelece Blanket – FREE crochet pattern
Why not hook this beautiful baby blanket, ideal for the spring / summer. A beginner’s introduction to filet crochet, the pattern is free and gives instructions on how to size up for a bigger blanket too!
Grandma Dot Tea Cosy – FREE crochet pattern
The simplicity and sweetness of this beautiful Spring tea cosy, makes it quick to make. Suitable for a beginner with a little experience of working in the round, this tea cosy is sure to keep your Easter cup of tea as warm as your freshly toasted hot cross bun!
Don’t forget to pop over to my socials to say hi…I would love to see what’s on your hook. @yarnyrobin
Happy Hooking!
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Crochet Hexagons Made Easy…
Master the Craft: Crochet Hexagon Made Easy is your ultimate guide to creating beautiful, vintage crochet motifs. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this comprehensive video tutorial is your step by step guide to help you crochet the perfect hexagon.
So, what are you waiting for? Start your crochet hexagon journey right here!
Crochet hexagon Tutorial – click here
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Flash sale on all patterns
If your stuck for any last minute homemade gifts, I’ve got you! There’s 15% off all patterns in my Etsy shop until Christmas Eve and there’s lots of Christmassy patterns that can be made in an evening, so don’t sweat it! Just use code JINGLEBELLS at the checkout!
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Christmas Bib Set | Crochet Pattern
I am really thrilled to introduce you to my latest baby pattern
Christmas Bib Set
They are just the sweetest festive accessory for a little one this Season; with a pretty scalloped edge and whimsical festive foliage. These bibs are not only perfect for Christmas photo’s they are practical too. Made from 100% cotton, these bibs are super absorbent making them ideal for dribblers!
I have really enjoyed designing this bib set and I hope that you love them just as much as I do. The pattern is available for download in both UK and US crochet terminology, so there is no need for any pesky converting and is suitable for intermediate crochet with each bib using less than 50g of Cotton.
I have used DMC Natura Just Cotton which is a 4 ply yarn as I just adored the colour range they offered and felt the colours gave the vintage vibe I was hoping for. Not only is this cotton absorbent, but it is Oeko Tex standard 100 approved; which means the cotton has been certified to be free of harmful chemicals and is safe for human use, as well as being verified as both safe and non irritating to human skin. This element of the design was very important to me as baby will most likely chew on the bib, so this certification gives me peace of mind.
I think these bibs would make ideal festive themed baby gifts or stocking fillers and what’s more you can easily make a bib in an evening, so if you are a last minute gifted these bibs are ideal.
Why not couple them with my FREE teething ring pattern to make the perfect festive handmade gift for that special little someone in your life.
If you like this post, please leave me a like and comment below as this is a great way to support me and don’t forget to tag me in your makes using
#Christmasbibset @yarnyrobin
as I love to see your takes on my makes. Each Month I share a photo that I’m tagged in and that person will win a FREE pattern.
Here are some more festive patterns you may like also
Simple Crochet Basket – FREE pattern
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10 best tips for stress-free Christmas Crochet
If you are anything like me you will have a crochet to-do list as long as your arm and with Christmas fast approaching you will probably have had several thoughts of what to hand make and gift this December. I can remember more than several occasions, sitting up into the small, wee hours desperately hooking and that deadline looming and it kind of stole the joy.
With that in mind I have put together my top 10 best tips for keeping your crafting time and gifting this Season, super organised and efficient and most importantly stress-free! Leaving you feeling in control and calm in the festive run-up and bossing the hand-made gifting, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the festivities.
What’s more I have put together a FREE editable 10 page Christmas Crochet organiser, so you can keep track of your progress and pattern notes and conquer your hand-made gifting this year. Simply sign up to get your Christmas Crochet Organiser delivered straight to your inbox (offer available until 30th November 2023) Already subscribed? Then check your inbox now (please check your spam folder if you cannot find your email)
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1. Plan Ahead
I can’t state this enough! I am guilty of thinking I can get a project done more quickly than I actually can and this leads to trouble and tears…trust me! It is really worthwhile writing a list of who you are going to make for and what you want to make for them. Sign up for my 10 page Crochet Christmas Organiser to help you plan ahead, you will find the links above and below.
If your list is looking too long, you may have to re-think. Work within your own capacity is the golden rule here. Make a plan and keep track of it for those festive wins. Once you have got your crochet plans finalised get your patterns sorted and order your yarn; making sure you’ve got enough…you don’t want to be losing a game of yarn chicken on Christmas Eve!
2. Start Early
By early, I mean start as early in the year as you can. It is not a great idea to start a blanket for that special someone at the beginning of December, if you are also working full time, running the home and entertaining relatives who have come to visit. On the other hand, if you can dedicate large chunks of time each day, this might work. If you want to make something like a blanket, start well in advance and this is why planning ahead really works.
3. Keep projects small and simple
This is one of my favourite tips. By keeping projects small you will be able to gift hand-made to more people. Keeping projects small also keeps the cost of each gift down and that has to be a win. You will also get that finished feeling buzz and, with smaller projects that bell will get rung more often. Meaning you can tick off that to do list more quickly; giving you that sense of satisfaction and achievement.
4. Choose quality yarn
If you can make your gifts with fabulous yarn, your gift will not only ooze quality and charm but it will give you much joy whilst you make. Think hand dyed yarns, local yarns, supporting small yarn traders and ethical companies when choosing your yarns and keep the recipient in mind when choosing too.
5. Be mindful of wool allergies
Talking of said recipient, be mindful that some folk have allergies to high content wool mixes. It would be highly disappointing if you poured all of your time, love and creativity into your gift if your recipient comes out in hives just unwrapping it!
6. Add brand labels / handmade labels
Where suitable add labels / logo’s or tags to your gifts with your brand name on or if this is not applicable then labels / buttons or tags which say something like ‘Handmade with Love’ or ‘made by…..’ It is really worth investing in these for your finished items as it really levels -up your work and makes it look more professional. There are numerous choices from buttons, leather, cork and metal tags and labels which can be personalised to suit your vibe. Check out Etsy.
7. Quality check your finished piece
It is really worth just inspecting your gift before you excitedly wrap it up and put it under the Christmas tree. Give it the once over for any rogue loose ends which may have been missed and if you have pets make sure it is pet hair / fur free too! If you have made a gift for a little person, just check everything is secure and fit for purpose.
8. Add care labels and wonderfully wrap
Now you can prepare for wrapping. It is a good idea to let your recipient know how to care for their hand-made gift, especially if it will be washed in the future. You could just include the yarn ball band with the washing instructions on or, you could add some pzazz with care labels which advise on how to look after the item. I recommend the latter which you can attach to the item with some pretty ribbon or string before you wrap. Check out my print at home care labels. Now you are almost there choose how you will present your gift. Will you box it or wrap it with pretty paper and a glorious big ribbon or maybe some brown paper and string and a sprig of holly??
9. Order yarn for your own project
With your Christmas gifts all made and wrapped, it’s time to dust yourself down and think about you. Choose something you would like to crochet for yourself, order your yarn and pop it in a project bag ready to pull out on Boxing Day and you can crochet happy between Christmas and New Year (we call this Twixmas here at the Nest). Alternatively, put the yarn on your Christmas List and let someone else splash the cash!
10. Enjoy Christmas
The great thing about crochet is that it is the perfect companion for a Christmas movie or 24, so whilst you are making your way through your handmade list, don’t forget to soak up Advent with the odd mince pie, some carols on the radio, your favourite Christmas movie and a Christmas hot chocolate or two.
So, there you have my best top 10 tips for stress-free Christmas crochet. Don’t forget if you would like my FREE fully editable 10 page Christmas crochet organiser sign up to my email list (offer valid until 30.11.2023)
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HAPPY CHRISTMAS CROCHET HOOKING!
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Free Pumpkin crochet pattern
If you’re looking for a free crochet pumpkin pattern that’s quick to make and perfect for cosy autumn decorating, this simple design is a lovely one-evening project. These crocheted pumpkins have a soft, textured finish and work beautifully styled on shelves, tables, or tucked into seasonal displays around the home.
I love creating autumn decor that feels handmade but effortless, and these pumpkins are ideal for using up scrap yarn while still looking intentional and timeless. They’re beginner-friendly, easy to customise in different sizes or colours, and make a relaxing crochet project as the evenings start to draw in.
Below you’ll find the free crochet pumpkin pattern, written in UK terms. If you’d prefer an ad-free printable PDF, or need the pattern in US crochet terms, both versions are also available and linked within the post for easy reference.
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These crochet pumpkins are designed with stash-busting in mind and are quick and inexpensive to make, making them ideal for gifting or selling. They can be made using any yarn weight, worked in a range of sizes, and the pattern is easy to adapt by adjusting the stitch or size to suit your project.
If you enjoy stash-busting projects like this, you might also like my post on 7 things you can make with yarn you already own, full of simple, practical crochet ideas.
You will need to gather some supplies before you start. I recommend having a hunt through your stash to see what you’ve forgotten about and start there. You will also need a hook suitable for the yarn you have selected.
You will also need a pair of scissors, a darning needle, some polyester toy filling (fire safety satndard / EN71), some cinnamon sticks, a hot glue gun and some twiddly bits!
Twiddly bits are anything that you wish to decorate your pumpkin with. I used artificial leaves and berries, but you could use twine, ribbon or what ever else you fancy. Be creative and use what you already have. The cinnamon sticks make whimsical pumpkin stalks and they smell delicious too! Alternative stalks can be made from twigs from the garden to create a more rustic vibe.
This pattern is written using UK crochet terminology and the stitch abbreviations can be found below
Gauge is not important for this project. You will find instructions for a small, medium and large pumpkin.
This pattern can easily be adapted to make smaller or larger pumpkins by adding or decreasing the number of chains in the starting chain. You can even change the stitch for a different textured pumpkin
Stitch Abbreviations:
Ch- chain
St – stitch
Slst – slip stitch
Dc – double crochet
Htr – half treble
BLO – back loop only
Dc: Insert hook into chain or under both loops of stitch, yarn over and pull through so there are 2 loops on hook, yarn over again and pull through both loops on hook.
Htr: Yarn over before inserting hook into chain or under both loops of stitch, insert hook, yarn over and pull through so there are 3 loops on the hook, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook.
BLO: Work stitch as stated, but in back loop of stitch only.
working in blo tutorial
click the link above for a short video of working in the back loop
Small Pumpkin
Leave long tail, Ch17
Row 1: dc into 2nd ch from hook and each st along, turn (16dc)
Row 2 -19: in BLO, ch1, htr in next st and in each st along, turn (16htr)
Row 20: Ch1, dc in next st, and each st along (16dc) Fasten off leaving a long tail
Medium Pumpkin
Leave long tail, Ch22
Row 1: dc into 2nd ch from hook and each st along, turn (21dc)
Row 2 -24: in BLO, ch1, htr in next st and in each st along, turn (21htr)
Row 25: Ch1,dc in next st, and each st along (21dc) Fasten off leaving a long tail
Large Pumpkin
Leave long tail, Ch27
Row 1: dc into 2nd ch from hook and each st along, turn (26dc)
Row 2 -29: in BLO, ch1, htr in next st and in each st along, turn (26htr)
Row 30: Ch1,dc in next st, and each st along (26dc) Fasten off leaving a long tail
To assemble.
With ribs running vertically fold edges of pumpkin together and sew edges together using a simple running stitch or whip stitch to create a tube.
With darning needle, weave long tail in and out, around bottom of pumpkin (it does not matter which end this is)
Once completed pull long tail tightly to gather pumpkin and sew across middle in a zig zag to close neatly.
Fill pumpkin generously with toy stuffing.
Now with second long tail weave in and out along top edge and pull tight to gather top of pumpkin. Insert cinnamon stick towards the end of this process and pull the tail tightly. Wrap yarn a couple of times around base of cinnamon stick, take needle through the pumpkin and exit centrally at the bottom of pumpkin. Fasten off and weave in any loose ends.
To create the indentations in the side of the pumpkin you will take yarn through the middle of the pumpkin from top to bottom or vice versa. Always insert needle centrally at the top or the bottom of the pumpkin as indicated.
With new yarn, inset needle into bottom of pumpkin, leaving a tail at the bottom of the pumpkin and pull up through the middle of the pumpkin, so that your needle exits the top of the pumpkin, centrally. Take the yarn on the outside of the pumpkin and insert needle into the bottom of the pumpkin, back through the centre of the pumpkin and exit again at the top of the pumpkin and pull tight to create indentation in the side of the pumpkin.
Repeat this process taking the yarn on the opposite side of the 1st indentation to create a second indentation. Repeat around the pumpkin to create equal indentations all around. As a guide, segment the pumpkin into quarters and then in between each quarter.
Weave in any loose ends
Twiddly Bits
Now with a glue gun add your twiddly bits. If you do not have a glue gun consider tying or sewing twiddly bits into position.
When you make this project don’t forget to tag me in your social media as I would love to see your pumpkin creations Tag me using @yarnyrobin using #twiddlypumpkins
- Leave a comment below to let me know what you think of this pattern
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