Happy Holidays! Are you looking for fun stay-at-home activities to keep your little one busy this winter? Then you’re in the right place! Here we have a few crochet projects that are not only great activities, but can also double as possible gifts for this holiday season. 

Today we’re highlighting Kids Learn to Crochet by Lucinda Guy and François Hall. This book is an excellent resource for parents looking to teach their children how to crochet. Not only is crochet an exercise in bonding between parent and child, but it can lead to so many fun projects. This book is already full of small projects perfect for beginners, but once you learn the basics you can really go wild! 

With the over-commercialization of the holidays, it might be nice to step away from big department stores and go homemade. Friends and family are sure to be delighted by a handmade gift from your little one, and your little one will experience a sense of accomplishment at making a gift themselves. Who knows? They might even learn to use these skills for the rest of their lives!

Here I have listed some of the projects I created following Lucinda’s original patterns and new projects I was inspired to make because of the book. If you complete any of the projects below, be sure to tag us on our social media!

Instagram: @nyplsnflkids

Twitter: @NYPLSNFL

Stripey Stu and Sweet Mousie 

Here is my version of Stripey Stu and Sweet Mousie from Lucinda Guy’s book. The instructions were very simple and the projects did not require much yarn/materials to complete. I simply used two medium sized balls of yarn leftover from previous projects.

Projects like these make great gifts for your little one to give to their friends and family as they are so cute and so easy to personalize! You can crochet your own version of the family cat or your little one’s favorite book cat. The possibilities are endless!

Note: I altered the original pattern for Stripey Stu by using double crochet stitches instead of the recommended single crochet. I used the same stitch count. I also used craft paper instead of felt for his ears, tail, feet, and whiskers. For Sweet Mousie, I used the single crochet circle pattern for her ears instead of felt. 

 

                                                                                    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scarves!

While there is no pattern specifically for scarves within Lucinda’s book, she does explain the basics of how to start rows, how to change colors, and the different types of stitches. The original pattern for Stripey Stu makes a good base for a scarf. The original pattern recommends stopping at Row 15, but if you continue crocheting you have the beginning of a scarf! 

You can make them as wide or as long as you want, and you can use whatever combination of colors you like. Yet another fun gift that you can personalize! 

Note: I made my scarf using double crochet stitches.

 

 

 

Crochet Snowman and Teddy-Bear Ornaments

In Lucinda’s book, children can learn the basics of crochet such as how to crochet a circle. This snowman was made by crocheting two circles while this teddy bear was easily assembled using three circles that were sewn into place. Once you have your circles sewn together, just add the little details and voila! you have your new creations.

If you add a bit of string to the back, you can send them as handmade ornaments for your friends and family. 

You can tape them to the front of a greeting card and use them as a fun decoration. You can also sew them onto a sweater, jacket, or bag as a fun appliqué.

 

 

 

Snowman and Teddy Bear Modified Pattern 

I modified the original pattern provided in Kids Learn to Crochet by using double crochet stitches instead of the recommended single crochet provided in the section on how to crochet circles. You can make your circles as big as you want, but here is the pattern I used. (It's literally just your standard double crochet circle pattern). 

Key:

Ch = chain

DC = double crochet

SC = Single Crochet 

Sl st = slip stitch

Sts = stitches 

Head/Ears

Row 1: Chain 4 (instead of 2), Dc into fourth chain from hook. 11 dc into that stitch. (12 sts total)

Sl st into top of first dc.

Row 2: Ch 3. Place 2 dcs into each stitch (24 sts). Sl st into top of ch. 3, cut yarn, and secure. 

 

For the body/face: 

Row 1-2: Exactly the same as for the head

Row 3:

• Ch. 3, 
• dc into the same st as the ch 3, 
• place one dc into the next st,
•  then place 2 dc into the next st for the rest of the row, 
• follow it with one dc into the next stitch (1-2-1-2-1). 
• Sl st into top of ch 3, cut yarn, and secure. (36 sts). 

Optional: For the teddy bear, I added an optional row 4 of single crochets in a different color just to give it a little pizzazz. Lucinda’s book explains how to change yarn color. Otherwise, here is the pattern for

Optional Row 4: Repeat Row 3 with scs instead of dcs. 

Details: 

Snowman: 

The scarf was made using a row of single crochet stitch, and the hat was made following the pattern for triangles. You can also use felt or construction paper in lieu of yarn. 

Teddy Bear:

I sewed the eyes and mouth using black yarn. You can also use buttons for its eyes and nose. 

 

 

Other Resources:

Looking for more crochet guides? Check out these other kid friendly options:

Cool Crocheting for Kids : A Fun and Creative Introduction to Fiber Art by Alex Kuskowski

Crochet: Fantastic Jewelry, Hats, Purses, Pillows & More by Jane Davis

Crochet Projects That Will Hook You by Karen Whooley

Complete Photo Guide to Crochet by Deborah Burger

Knit, Hook, and Spin: A Kid's Activity Guide to Fiber Arts and Crafts by Laurie Carlson

Stitch Camp: 18 Crafty Projects for Kids & Tweens by Nicole Blum and Catherine Newman

Kids Crochet by Kelli Ronci; photographs by John Gruen; illustrations by Lena Corwin

Crochet Kids' Toys & Treasures: Complete Instructions for 7 Projects by Sharon Mann