FaveCrafts

1000s of free craft projects, home decor ideas and DIY tips

7 Absurdly Easy Afghans for Beginners

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So you’ve just learned to crochet or knit. That’s fantastic! Great beginner patterns include knit or crocheted dishcloths and scarves. Once you’ve mastered some of these basic patterns, it’s time to graduate to afghans!

7 Absurdly Easy Afghans for Beginners

Beginner Knit Afghan Patterns

Homespun Country Cousins Knit Baby Blanket

Homespun Country Cousins Knit Baby Blanket, by the designers from Lion Brand Yarn

Okay, so I recently unearthed the Homespun Country Cousins Knit Baby Blanket pattern on FaveCrafts and I love it so much! It is probably the easiest knit afghan pattern we have. Whip up squares of garter stitch and seam the squares together with a contrasting yarn for that country look. You can make this blanket bigger by just working up more squares, too!

Chunky Funky One Day Blanket

Chunky Funky One Day Blanket, by Lynn Spencer from nourishandnestle.com

This Chunky Funky One Day Blanket features a basic stockinette stitch. Beginner knitters should be reasonably comfortable with this stitch because this pattern features oversized needles and yarn to complete it. The results are so worth it!

Easy Chunky Knit Blanket

Easy Chunky Knit Blanket, by the designers of Bernat Yarns

This pattern will make you pay attention, but it’s still so easy for beginners! Get the effect of those unique textured bars with this Easy Chunky Knit Blanket pattern. It looks great with a variegated yarn or a solid! A solid will help draw attention to the texture even more.

Find more of our favorite knit afghans in our collection of 33 Free Knit Afghan Patterns.

Beginner Crochet Afghan Patterns

Under 6 Hours Crochet Throw Pattern

Under 6 Hours Crochet Throw Pattern, by the designers of Lion Brand Yarn

This fast pattern is wildly easy. The Under 6 Hours Crochet Throw Pattern features the V stitch—one of my favorite beginner stitches ever!—and you hold three strands of yarn together so it works up ultra quickly.

Red Crochet Afghan

Red Crochet Afghan, by the designers of Bernat

The name says it all. This Red Crochet Afghan just has a few pattern steps that repeat. The combinations of chain stitches, single, and double crochets give this pattern a lovely texture.

If you’re looking for a new throw, explore your options! Check out our collection of 21 Gorgeous Free Crochet Throw Patterns.

Stashbuster Granny Stripe Afghan

Stashbuster Granny Stripe Afghan, by Amy Ramnarine from thestitchinmommy.com

Master the basic granny stitch, which is essentially clusters of double crochet, and you can complete this Stashbuster Granny Stripe Afghan pattern. Some very easy color changing along with a fundamental stitch are all you need to know.

Colourful Granny Rainbow Crochet Baby Blanket

Colourful Granny Rainbow Crochet Baby Blanket, by Kirsten Ballering from haakmaarraak.nl

This Colourful Granny Rainbow Crochet Baby Blanket may look complicated, but it’s much easier than you think. Beginners who’ve mastered the granny square can pull off this pattern with just a bit of basic color changing and joins.

If you adored these afghans for beginners, be sure to check out our complete collection of 51 Free Crochet Blanket Patterns for Beginners.

What are your favorite blankets to work up? Do you have a go-to pattern for gift-giving, etc?

Get Cozy with This Free Knitted Shawl Pattern

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We had our first snow this past week. Our cool fall weather dipped below freezing, and we were hit with 6.4″ of heaping snow in one afternoon. With the temperature staying close to the freezing point each day since, that snow is here to stay. Now that winter has finally arrived, it’s time to bust out our favorite seasonal items. We’ll get that fireplace crackling and that hot cocoa made. We’ll bake some delicious cookies and rest on the couch while our favorite winter movies play. For the next few months, we’ll be hibernating indoors, which gives us plenty of time to whip up this fantastic free knitted shawl pattern.

This free knitted shawl pattern is a great project for keeping warm this winter. The yarn is so irresistibly soft and comfortable that you’ll want to drape it around you whenever you can. It’s perfect for reading, watching movies, or curling up with a mug of cocoa on the couch. Even better, this free knitted shawl pattern is easy to make, so you’ll have your new favorite winter craft done up in no time!

Get Cozy with This Free Knitted Shawl Pattern

You’ll Love This Free Knitted Shawl Pattern

By Christine Chen for redheart.com

 

MATERIALS

  • RED HEART® Strata™: 7 balls 2405 grey bulky yarn
  • Susan Bates® Knitting Needles: 8mm [US 11]
  • Yarn needle

 

GAUGE: 13 sts = 4″ [10 cm]; 16 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in Stockinette stitch.

Finished Size: Shawl measures 17″ [43 cm] wide x 72″ [183 cm] long.

 

DIRECTIONS

Note: Slip first st purlwise and knit last st through back loop of every row for a more finished looking edge.

Cast on 58 sts. Knit 5 rows.

Row 1 (Right Side): Knit.

Row 2: Purl.

Rows 3-12: Repeat rows 1-2.

Row 13: Knit.

Row 14: [K1, slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back] to last 2 sts, k2.

Row 15: Knit.

Row 16: K2, [slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back, k1] to end of row.

Rows 17-40: Repeat rows 13-16. Repeat rows 1-40 for nine more times, then rows 1-12 once. Knit 6 rows. Bind off.

 

FINISHING

Weave in ends.

 

ABBREVIATIONS

cm = centimeters; k = knit; mm = millimeters; st(s) = stitch(es); [ ] = work directions in brackets the number of times specified.

Looking for more amazing knitting patterns that will keep you cozy this winter? Check out this Extra Chunky Gratitude Blanket.

What are some of your favorite knitting patterns for winter?

14 Free Scarf Knitting Patterns That Will Steal Your Heart

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When the winter winds become so bitterly cold that you can’t bear to be outside, what do you do? Hiding under the blankets and staying in your bed until spring is certainly an appealing option, but not a very realistic one.

Here at FaveCrafts, we say fight the cold with needles! Knitting needles, that is. There’s nothing better to protect yourself from the cold than a lovely, warm, knitted accessory. This week, we’re really excited about all the warm and adorable free scarf knitting patterns that we’ve found. Who can say no to such cute and comfy pieces?

Free Scarf Knitting Patterns That Will Steal Your Heart

This collection of free scarf knitting patterns has every type of scarf under the sun. From cable knits and cowls to openweave scarves and winter sets, we’ve got you covered. We’ve even gone so far as to find the right scarves for everyone in your life. Whether you’re knitting for yourself, for your husband, or for the kids, we’ve got just the pattern for you. So pick up those needles and get to work!

 

Knit Scarf Patterns for Women
Knit 2 Hours or Less Scarf

Stay warm and stylish with these free scarf knitting patterns!

Knit Two Hours or Less Scarf (shown)

Vanilla Meringue Cowl

Glitter Openweave Scarf

Sunset Scarf Knitting Pattern

Mountain Mist Scarf

 

Find more knit scarf patterns for women here!

 

Knit Scarf Patterns for Men Men's Winter Scarf and Hat

Keep the men in your life all warm and cozy with these free scarf knitting patterns!

Men’s Winter Scarf and Hat (shown)

Luxurious Alpaca Scarf

Chevron Scarf

Gray Knit Scarf Set

 

Find more knit scarf patterns for men here!

 

 

Knit Scarf Patterns for Kids Diagonal Hat and Scarf Knitting Pattern

Keep your kiddies all bundled up with these cute free scarf knitting patterns!

Diagonal Hat and Scarf Knitting Pattern (shown)

Ribbed Hat and Scarf

Colorful Winter Set

Bobble Scarf and Hat

30 Minute Arm Knitted Scarf

 

Find more knit scarf patterns for kids here!

 

Comment below and let us know, what type of scarf will you be knitting?

22 Easy Knitting Patterns for Beginners

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Learning to knit can be tough, so it’s best to start out with some easy knitting projects. All the better if those easy projects work up super quickly so that you don’t get bored or frustrated with your current project and stop knitting altogether! These free knitting patterns are some of our quickest and easiest knitting patterns, so they’re ideal for anyone who is just learning to knit or anyone who is a more advanced knitter but wants a quick, mindless pattern.

Easy Scarf Knitting Patterns

Cozy Ribbed CowlScarf knitting patterns are a great place to start if you are new to knitting because they work up relatively quickly and are simple to make. These scarf, cowl, and infinity scarf patterns are all perfect for beginners, casual knitters, or anyone who is just looking for a quick knit.

  1. Cozy Ribbed Cowl
  2. A Green Lace Scarf
  3. Cozy Weekend Infinity Knit Scarf Pattern
  4. Chain Stitch Scarf Knitting Pattern
  5. Beginner Montgomery Scarf
  6. Easy Cozy Cowl
  7. Garter Scrap Cowl
  8. The Altimeter Red Knit Scarf
  9. Lightning Fast Mistake Rib Scarf
  10. Eiffel Beginner Knit Cowl Pattern
  11. Two Hours or Less Scarf

Easy Hat Knitting Patterns

Pink Quick-Knit BeanieAny beginning knitter needs a quick and easy hat knitting pattern in their arsenal. These hats are all super simple to make and won’t eat up a lot of your time, so you can be wearing a super stylish hat in no time!

  1. Pink Quick-Knit Beanie
  2. Basic Blue Striped Beanie
  3. Basic Adults Knitted Beanie
  4. Everyday Knit Hat Pattern
  5. Lime Slouchy Hat Pattern
  6. Sunset Beanie
  7. Fairy Lights Hat

Miscellaneous Free Knitting Patterns

Easiest Baby Booties PatternAlthough scarves and hats can be lots of fun to make, every knitter knows that there’s only so many scarves and hats one can have in their wardrobe. Once you’ve got a ridiculous amount of scarves and hats, to the point where you could never even possibly wear them all in a winter, you know it’s time to venture into other arenas of knitting. Here are some of our favorite easy knitting patterns that cover everything from baby booties to washcloths. These patterns are all still super easy and lightning fast.

  1. Easiest Baby Booties Pattern
  2. One-Hour Arm Knit Blanket
  3. Daisy Stitch Washcloth Knitting Pattern
  4. Two-Hour Fingerless Gloves

What’s your favorite type of project to knit?

“Cowl” us Crazy! 12 Knit and Crochet Patterns

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Just “cowl” us crazy! It’s that time to start making your winter accessories. It’s never too early to start because you want to be prepared for the cold winter weather with all the cozy accessories to keep you warm. One of our favorite cold weather accessories is a warm cowl. Whether you knit or crochet (or both!), these are the latest free patterns you have to see.

“Cowl” us Crazy! 12 Knit and Crochet Patterns

Browse this collection of cowl patterns, and you might discover a new favorite crochet cowl pattern or knitting pattern. Long story short, after you make yourself one of these beautiful patterns, you’ll be wanting to make some more! Stitch up any of these patterns as the perfect DIY gifts for the holidays. They’re so much more special and unique than what you can buy in stores and everyone can always use a new cowl.

In the fall, pair these cowls with your favorite top or light sweater to fight off the chill. Then, when winter comes along, pair them with your most cozy sweater and stay warm all season long. Create one of these knit or easy crochet patterns in the color of the season: marsala. Whether it’s a rich plum or deep burgundy hue, it’s sure to make a statement!

 

“Cowl” us Crazy! 12 Knit and Crochet Patterns

 

Woodland Nightfall Knit SnoodFree Knitting Patterns

Winter Seeds Cowl

Woodland Nightfall Knit Snood

Lilac Dream Knit Cowl

Sparkle Lacy Knit Cowl

 

Back to Scotland Crochet CowlFree Crochet Patterns

Kiss Me At Midnight Cowl

Back to Scotland Crochet Cowl

Diamond Crochet Cowl

All Grown Up Crochet Cowl

 

Plum Easy Crochet CowlOne Skein Wonders

Purple Passion Knit Cowl Pattern

Crooked Creek Cowl

Plum Easy Crochet Cowl

Chunky Crochet Cowl

 

What color yarn will you use to make your cowl?

 

 

Link Love: Easy Shawl Patterns

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Calling this season “summer” would not suffice. Monsoon season is a lot more accurate. After the intense downpour this morning, the wet mornings, and wet nights for the past two months, I’m ready for some sun. But in the meantime, sweatshirts, coats, and homemade shawls are a must for those summer nights. It’s cool enough out that you need something to keep warm, but then again, it’s warm enough that you don’t want to pull out the fleece. Shawls are the perfect solution. They can be light-weight enough that you won’t feel suffocated; at the same time, they are warm enough to protect you from a cool breeze. Knit and crochet shawl patterns are a warm and fashionable way to achieve both warmth and lightness.

 Link Love: Easy Shawl Patterns

 

Shawls

 

These easy shawl patterns are some great ways to get creative with your shawl. Whether you like to crochet or to knit, there is no competition as to which is better for these free crochet and free knitting patterns. Now, don’t you start thinking that you are “too-young” for a shawl or you “can’t use them anywhere else.” This is where you are very deceived! Instead of using a thick yarn, you can use a thinner yarn to make a lace-looking pattern and you can wear it out to a nice dinner or event to cover your shoulders. Use a wool yarn to make a thick, giant shawl for cozy winter evenings or as a holiday gift.

 

Free Crochet Shawl Patterns

A Crochet Shawl

Simple One Skein Wrap

Downton Abbey Shawl

Goddess Shawl

Summer Wrap

Breezy Shawl

Elegant Crochet Flower Shawl

Free Knit Shawl Patterns

Chunky Long Wrap

Knotted Lace Triangle Shawl

Circular Lace Shawl

Soft Shoulder Shawl

Stella Luna Lace Shawl

Silky Alpaca Lace Wrap

Easy Lace Shawl

 What else do you use shawls for?

35 Of the Cutest Miniature Craft Ideas … Ever!

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Okay, prepare yourself. Are you ready to see some of the teeny tiniest, most adorable craft projects on the planet? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We’re bringing you some of the cutest mini craft projects FaveCrafts has to offer. In fact, we think some of the best crafts come in the tiniest packages.

If you love to knit, sew or create your own home decor, you’ll find fun and easy projects to get your creative juices flowing. If you don’t fit into any of those categories, don’t worry! We’ve included a few extra projects that are sure to inspire you. Mini crafts make great gifts, so consider saving a few and giving them to the ones you love. No matter what, be sure to try your hand at a few of these projects – they don’t take up much space and are a breeze to complete.

 

Mini DIY Christmas Crafts

The holiday season is just around the corner, so now is the time to start crafting. If you’re not in the mood to take on a big project, these mini DIY Christmas crafts will work for you. They’re quick to make and super easy – no need to spend a ton of time and money at the craft store. Use these designs to decorate your desk or kitchen table – homemade Christmas crafts can really boost your mood, especially during the cold, dark winter months.

 

Mini Button Wreath

Mini Beaded Christmas Trees

Mini Button Canvas Trees

 

 

 

Tiny DIY Sewing Projects

Grab that needle and thread or pull up to your sewing machine – these projects are perfect for sewers. Whether you have a ton of experience or want to try something new, mini projects will keep you on your toes. These DIY sewing projects are cute and whimsical, making them ideal for creative people like you. Carry your favorite lipstick and a wad of cash in your teeny tiny tote bag or keep your pins close at hand with a homemade pincushion. Once you make one miniature craft project, you might become addicted!

 

Felt Flower Mini Tote

Mini Cupcake Pin Cushions

Felted Mini Handbag

 

 

 

Itty Bitty DIY Home Decor

People usually associate home decor crafts with big, expensive materials. These projects pretty much turn that notion on its head and show that you don’t need a ton of time and money to make your space shine. Line up a few planters on your back porch or store important odds and ends in a pretty box – all you need is a little creativity. Don’t let your home turn into a gloomy space! Teeny tiny DIY home decor crafts like the ones shown here will put a smile on your face well after you’ve completed making them.

Pink Mini Storage Box

Mini Succulent Planters

Mini Bloom Organizer Box

Tiny Teacup Topiary

 

 

 

Mini Craft Project Ideas

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite mini craft projects to keep you busy when you have a few spare minutes. Readers love the tiny amigurumi seal project and the Tiny Apple Keychain is a hit during back to school season. Students will also appreciate the homemade clipboard and will want to throw paperclips and erasers in the leather pouch. Tiny projects don’t require much time, so you can make a bunch and save them for later. If you’ve never made a mini project or just want to create something adorable, start with this list. You’ll want to display your designs forever!

Tiny Apple Keychain

Mini Knitting Tote

Tiny Seal

Tiny Cupcake Clipboard

Tiny Leather Pouch

20 Mini Handmade Craft Ideas

 

 

What’s on your craft to-do list?

 

Stay Warm: Our Favorite Hat Patterns for Winter

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Take cover! With the end of fall comes the beginning of winter and you know what that means – hello, freezing temperatures! Don’t wait until it’s too late and (pardon the pun) get caught out in the cold. Instead, start working on one of these crochet or knit hat patterns now and use it all year long. Whether you prefer a hook or can’t live without a pair of needles, there are plenty of free patterns on FaveCrafts to satisfy your DIY craving. Don’t spend big money on a simple beanie you could easily create at home. Use that money on something else (a warm beverage perhaps?) and show off your considerable craft skills.

We’ve pulled together some of our favorite knit and crochet patterns to keep you busy all autumn long. Make a hat for yourself and a few for family or friends – this is a great Christmas gift option!

 

 

Hat Knitting Patterns

If you knit, you know it takes a while to complete a project. For this reason, it’s important start working on these hats today. That way, you’ll never have to leave home without a warm head covering. There are plenty of options for hat patterns and you can make one for everyone in your family. This year, give a handmade Christmas gift that people can actually use. It’s fair to say you might become a very popular gift giver, so prepare yourself for plenty of requests and compliments.

Little Boy’s Hat and Scarf Set

Snowboarder Hat

Chunky Cable Hat

Men’s Winter Hat

 

 

 

holiday-winter-hatsHis and Hers Winter Hats

Sugar Twist Knit Hat

Soft Cable Hat

Adam’s Rib Cap

Beginner’s Favorite Knitted Hat

 

Crochet Hat Patterns

Crochet patterns for winter hats may seem complicated, but that doesn’t always have to be the case. In fact, there are actually so many free and easy patterns that you can make. Why not test your skills and create a single-color beanie or hat? If you have a little more crochet experience under your belt, try your hand at a more complicated pattern like the Faux Trapper Hat. After all, who wouldn’t love to receive a big flouncy hat during the holiday season?

Scandinavian Hat

Grey Slouchie Beanie

Easy to Crochet Petite Brimmed Cap

Blue Slouchie Beanie

 

 

 

Faux Trapper Hat

Easy Bucket Hat

Midwesterner’s Crocheted Slouchie Beanie

Unbelievably Easy Crochet Baby Hat

 

 

 

What do you love about winter?

Get In Shape! Geometric Patterns for Summer

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When I sat down to review Simply Modern Christmas: Fresh Quilting Patterns for the Holidays, I was expecting 80 pages of red and green quilts. Instead, I was greeted by page after page of sewing projects that would look just as great in June as they would in December. The author, Cindy Lammon, is a designer and blogger known for her floral patterns. With the 14 tutorials in this book, Lammon balances tradition and innovation by using basic shapes and bold fabric. Geometric shapes allow each pattern to pop. Plus, they are easier for beginner and intermediate sewists to piece together. I decided to pull together some stand-out projects that rely on the beauty of simple shapes. Whether they use circles, squares, triangles, or a combination of all three, these projects are chic and summery.

 

Get In Shape! Geometric Patterns for Summer

 

Squares: DIY Jewelry, Handmade Wreaths, and Granny Squares

 

Knots and Nuts Bracelet

Knot and Nuts Bracelet – The light colored cord and gold hexnuts in this DIY bracelet contrast beautifully.

Thrifty Square Rose Wreath – Roses bloom in the summer, but you can keep these lovely buds on your door all year long with this handmade wreath.

Angel Heart Granny – Let your heart soar with this adorable granny square pattern.

 

CHRISTMAS BONUS: Snowflake Square Motif

 

Triangles: Handmade Baskets, Shawl Patterns, and DIY Necklaces

 

Wire Mesh BasketWire Mesh Basket – This pretty DIY basket is modern and elegant.

Knotted Lace Shawl – Get warmth without weight for that cool summer breeze.

Blue Triangle Necklace – For a night on the town, you can’t beat this handmade necklace.

 

CHRISTMAS BONUS: Knit Pillow with Aran Triangle

 

 

 

 

Circles: Handmade Wreaths, DIY Bookshelves, and Bracelet Patterns

 

Circle of Leaves Knit Wreath

Circle of Leaves Knit Wreath – Play with different colors of yarn to make this wreath green for summer or red for fall.

String of Circles Bookshelf – The perfect gift for the high school grad who’s heading for college.

Circles and Pearls Bracelet – This dainty DIY bracelet is a cinch to make.

 

CHRISTMAS BONUS: Circle Bell Ornaments

 

 

 

Hexagons: How to Make Your Own Bag and Crochet Rug Patterns

 

Drawstring Tote Bag

Drawstring Tote Bag – Great for little girls, we love the backpack-esque style of this purple and green bag.

Hexagonal Market Bag – Pick up your produce and store it in an eco-friendly bag.

Crochet Hexagon Rug – This hexagon rug pattern is small enough to fit in any room, but eye-catching enough to draw some attention.

CHRISTMAS BONUS: White Hibiscus Afghan

 

 

 

Simply Modern Christmas: Fresh Quilting Patterns for the HolidaysEnter for your chance to win a copy of Simply Modern Christmas: Fresh Quilting Patterns for the Holidays, a book of patterns for  quilts, table toppers, stockings, and more. Great for beginners and intermediate sewists alike, these patterns are universal, so a simple fabric swap makes them appropriate for any season. Read our full review here, and enter the giveaway here.

What geometric shapes do you like to use in your crafts?

 

 

 

 

 

14 Cozy and Comfy Knit Afghans

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The cold winter weather is no match for these warm and cozy knit afghans!  From the light and lacy to the thick and chunky, these knit afghans are sure to add a warm touch both to your decor and your freezing little toes!

We’ve joined forces with our friends over at All Free Knitting to bring you 14 of the best knit afghans we could find.  Personally, I’m a big fan of this In a Pinch Afghan.  With a lovely pattern that literally looks “pinched”, this afghan is a great project to work on during those cold winter nights that have you trapped in the house.

This Rainbow Stashbuster Afghan is another beautiful knit afghan pattern that I would love to have on display in my living room!  With a wide variety of colors and patterns, this afghan could be made to compliment almost any decor, and will instantly add color and style to any room in your home.

BONUS!  We’re giving away a set of Tipping Points Knitting Needles!  With 3 interchangeable tips, these knitting needles are great for almost all your knitting needs.  Scroll on down for all the necessary info!

14 Cozy and Comfy Knit Afghans

afghans

 

Want to win these awesome Tipping Points Knitting Needles?  With 3 interchangeable tips, these knitting needles are great for almost all your knitting needs.  Head on over to the giveaway page and register to win today.  You have until February 4th to enter, and you can enter to win once a day…so the more you return, the greater your chances of winning!  Head on over to the giveaway page now!

 

Like free stuff?  Check out our other weekly giveaways, going on now!

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