I have a road trip coming up and I always like to take a project (crochet or knit) with me. I like for it to be small and easy so I can finish it quickly! So I was inspired to look for new project ideas to share with you!
Weekend crochet projects are characterized by their small size, quick progress time, and entertainment value. Essentially, a project you can finish in a short amount of time and enjoy immediately. The list of crochet projects includes: bags, socks, jewelry, crop tops, pillows and baskets.
Follow along to discover 30 patterns to choose from! Or you can watch the full video on my YouTube channel and get the same information. And don’t forget to let me know which projects are your favorites!
Project Category #1: Bags / Purses
You can never have too many bags. They vary in size, material and shape, meaning you can have one for every occasion! They are great weekend projects for various reasons. First, material doesn’t matter, so you can use up the yarn that is already in your inventory. Second, depending on the size, you can see quick progress and have a functional bag by the end of the weekend. And, they make great gifts, or I wouldn’t blame you if you kept it for yourself.
Let’s see what patterns I was inspired by!
The Mary Jane Series by Sew Homey
Here’s my shameless plug for my own patterns… The Mary Jane Series is a collection of 3 summer inspired crochet patterns for different size bags. They are all small, have a fun squeeze frame closure, and work up quickly. Also, fun fact, you can get all 3 bags out of 1 skein of Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend yarn.
Find the patterns here or watch the tutorials here.
- Cotton blend yarn
- Written + Photo + Video Resources
- Easy skill level
Caroline Tapestry Crochet Bag by The Story of a Mulberry
This bag caught my eye with the gorgeous design and color combination. It uses the tapestry crochet technique, where you carry the yarn strands throughout the project, which makes for easy color changes. It seems simple, but I have not actually tried this technique just yet.
Check out this beautiful pattern from The Story of a Mulberry Etsy shop.
- Cotton yarn used
- Chart included in written pattern
- Intermediate skill level
Silver Moon Trail Crochet Bag by Northern Lights Trail
Don’t you think this purse has such a fun shape?! It’s a really neat design. I love how the yarn is really thick because it will work up quickly and help hold the bag shape. And you can get creative with this design. I saw one maker add a chain to the bag for a longer strap.
Check out this pattern from the Northern Lights Trail Etsy shop.
- Polyester rope
- Written + Photo + Chart + Video
- Easy skill level
The Whimsey Satchel by Rachel Misner
This simple design looks good. It’s crocheted in a unique way too. Never seen anything like it. The entire bag is worked flat in one piece, including the straps.
Check out the pattern on the blog Evelyn and Peter.
- Bulky yarn
- Written + Photo
- Easy skill level
Bobbles Notions Bag by Claire Goodale
This bag is just the cutest! It makes me think of a pencil bag for grade school. I would have loved to have one of these! But it’s also the perfect size for all your notions, as the pattern name suggests.
The bobbles give the bag so much character and texture. Not to mention, the color choice is on point! This pattern is crocheted using the tapestry technique which makes it quite sturdy. Then the entire thing is sewn together and a zipper is added. Don’t worry, she walks you through it all.
Find this pattern on the E’Claire Makery blog.
- Worsted weight cotton yarn
- Written + Photo + Video
- Easy to intermediate
Project Category #2: Socks
Everybody needs socks. Some prefer to buy them from the store, while others like myself enjoy making socks. I’ve knit many socks in the last year (I finally learned how to!) and thought it would be fun to try out crocheting socks. These are all of the patterns that inspired me, hope you like!
Pixel Socks by Svetlana Kochkina
Wow, is all I can muster. This pair of socks is so beautiful! I had no idea crochet could look like that. This design uses a few advanced techniques like short rows and extended rows and a few more common techniques like increasing and decreasing. I haven’t purchased this pattern yet, but it looks fantastic.
Grab a copy of this pattern by visiting Svetlana’s Ravelry page here.
- Fingering weight sock yarn
- Written + Photo + Video + Diagram
- Intermediate skill level
Ribbon Socks by Svetlana Kochkina
If I wasn’t looking closely, I would think these were knit! This is a stunning design, I am a sucker for ribbing. I’m curious how to actually crochet socks, I’m going to have to purchase this pattern!
Find the Ribbon Socks for purchase on Ravelry here.
- Fingering weight sock yarn
- Written + Photo + Video + Diagrams
- Easy skill level
Knitlook Socks by Polina Kuts
This sock looks like a classic knit ribbed sock, except it is crochet! So cool when you can mimic knit stitches. The detailing comes from the stitch pattern called front post half double crochet. Check out the pattern here on Ravelry.
- Fingering weight sock yarn
- Written + Photo + Video + Diagrams
- Intermediate to difficult skill level
Bucheron Socks by Sylvie Damey
Classic knit looking sock with the contrasting heel, toe and cuff. This pattern is unique because you crochet the sock in a tube and apply the afterthought heel method. I’ve only ever done this once on a pair of knit socks. It’s a neat technique. And I think this crochet version would work up much faster than a classic knit sock.
Find the pattern on Ravelry here.
- Fingering yarn
- Written + Photo
- Easy to intermediate skill level
Magdalen Socks by Vicki Brown
One more knit looking sock. It looks great as a solid color or with the contrasting colors like in the photograph. It’s a top down sock, crocheted in the round with a heel flap and gusset style sock.
Find this pattern on Ravelry here.
- Fingering yarn
- Written
- Easy to intermediate skill level
Project Category #3: Jewelry
If you want a fast and easy crochet project, jewelry is definitely the thing to try! You have to handle small yarn and small hook sizes, but the end result is so worth it! You can generally finish these up in a few hours time and have a new piece of jewelry ready to show off. Don’t be surprised though if friends and family commission you for their own handmade piece of jewelry!
Crochet Fan Earrings by Creative Endeavors
Elegant, dangly, dainty, are a few words I would use to describe these earrings. They seem very simple to make. It is composed of simple, basic crochet stitches. Plus she added a chart to make it even easier to follow along.
Be sure to go to her website and check out this gorgeous pattern here.
- Crochet thread
- Written + Chart
- Easy skill level
Understatement Necklace by Knot Cha Cha
The beads + cotton string are on fire in this pattern. I’ve never seen a crochet necklace look like this before. The look comes from crocheting beads with the string. This design is so simple, yet it is stunning how it looks so elegant.
Check out the free, very detailed pattern on the Knot Cha Cha website.
- Cotton string
- Written + Photo
- Easy skill level
Granny Square Earrings by Leigh Manson-Brown
Had no idea granny squares could look so cool! Not usually interested in granny squares, but this is a whole new take on them and I am here for it. Love this simple design. These are made by crocheting wire, so it may be a little tougher to get used to, but I think the finished earrings are worth it.
Find the free pattern from Ravelry here.
- Wire
- Written
- Easy skill level
Pearl Ring by Poppy Shop
I was searching for something other than earrings and found this pattern for a pearl ring. It is so pretty and comes with several sizes included in the pattern. This is probably the quickest pattern to work up on this list, so you might give it a go!
Check out this pattern on the Poppy Shop Etsy shop.
- Metallic yarn + pearl bead
- Written + Photo + Video
- Intermediate skill level
Dreamstate Crochet Bracelet by Poppy Shop
This is the most unique piece of crochet jewelry I have found yet. You cut out a piece of leather (or synthetic leather) in the shape of the bracelet, then you crochet the details with metallic yarn and finish it off by attaching a clasp. So cool!
Poppy Shop has another great design that you can grab from their Etsy shop here.
- Metallic yarn + leather
- Written + Photo + Video
- Easy skill level
Project Category #4: Crop Tops
It’s summer time and crop tops are super popular at the moment. They are much faster than crocheting a full length shirt or sweater. And the best part is you get to wear it as soon as it is done! Also, these make great layering pieces, so you’re not restricted to only wearing it in the summer!
Desert Stroll Tank by Janine Myska
I have been eyeing this pattern ever since it released. The shape of it is flattering, cropped, and a perfect summer tank. All of Janine’s patterns are gorgeous, but she outdid herself with this one. Can you believe it is FREE?! Find it here on her blog.
- We Crochet
- Written + Diagram
- Easy skill level
Eden Crop Top by Crochet with Carrie
The v-neck on this crochet tank stood out to me. It’s classic and simple. The ribbing along the body is a great addition to this design as well. I think it is flattering for this style tank.
This pattern is free on her website here or, watch the tutorial for how to make it on her YouTube channel below.
- DK weight yarn
- Written + Video
- Easy skill level
Rising Sun Tank by Wild Sapling
Just look at the detailing on the back to understand the name of this pattern. This design is taken from a plain and simple v-neck crop top to a work of art with the strap details.
Find this pattern from the Wild Sapling Etsy shop.
- Fingering weight yarn
- Written + Photo
- Intermediate to advanced skill level
Crop Top Diamond by Green Bird
This top has a similar shape to the first pattern on the list. But it takes a plain stitch and makes it interesting with the diamond shapes. The back even has an interesting look since it is all held together with buttons. Simple additions to the top that make them stand out.
Find the free pattern from the Green Bird blog here. It is written in German, but also translated to English.
- Sport weight yarn
- Written + Chart
- Easy skill level
Skylar Crop Top by For the Frills
If you search YouTube to find a tutorial for how to crochet a crop top, this is one of the most popular patterns you’ll come across. It is simple, easy to follow and there are written instructions on her blog (find here) that walk you through the pattern as well. It’s made up of a rectangle with little straps attached.
- DK weight yarn
- Written + Video
- Easy skill level
Project Category #5: Pillows
Thought about calling this “Home Decor”, but pillows were what I was drawn to. They are fun, you get to choose the style, and they work up quickly. Most are crocheted in 2 separate panels then sewn together. I tried to gather a few different styles, so I hope you find a pattern you like!
The Labadee by Teresa Carter
The texture of this design is wonderful. The bobbles mixed with the basic crochet stitches in between provides a satisfying diamond pattern. This is one of her more popular pillow patterns, and you can find it on her website here.
- Worsted weight yarn
- Written
- Easy skill level
Modern Boho Crochet Pillow by Chain 8 Designs
This pillow also features bobbles, but the design gives it a totally different vibe. You get the diamond shapes as well from the bobbles and simple stitches. The back panel is all one texture though, just made with a plain half double crochet. The tassels are optional, but I think it makes it so adorable!
This pattern is available for free on the Chain 8 Designs website.
- Worsted weight yarn
- Written
- Easy skill level
Mudcloth Crochet Pillow by Make & Do Crew
Talk about a simple pattern. This pillow is crocheted in only single crochets. Then the details come from embroidering the design onto the fabric. All of that is covered in the pattern on their blog. Find the free pattern here.
- Worsted weight yarn held double
- Written + Photo
- Easy skill level
Triangles Geometric Pillow by Solveig
This is an ultimate stash busting project! It looks so entertaining since you crochet several triangles in different colors, then sew them altogether to make a pillow. I don’t think this pattern would be boring, plus it would get rid of some yarn you’ve been hoarding.
The pattern can be found for free from her website here.
- DK weight yarn
- Written + Photo
- Easy skill level
Modern Nordic Pillow by Easytocrochet
The 3D texture of this pillow is everything! I love the look of it so much. It’s modern, monochromatic, and textured. The perfect combination for a throw pillow.
Find this design from Etsy here.
- Sock yarn held double
- Written
- Easy skill level
Project Category #6: Containers
Containers or baskets are organizational pieces that I think are essential for every home. Many of these patterns are also decorative, so they serve as a dual purpose item. Sizes vary, as do the materials, so there should be a project applicable to your yarn stash.
Herringbone Square Basket by Yarn + Chai
Simple, yet handy. These baskets come in 2 sizes. And they are unique because the baskets are stabilized with plastic canvas. I like that the baskets are made with a bulky t-shirt yarn because this means they will work up very quickly.
Find the pattern for free from the Yarn + Chai website.
- Bulky weight yarn
- Written + Video
- Easy skill level
Bramble Basket by One Dog Woof
This pattern is a unique take on the popular hanging baskets. It reminds me of an oversized envelope. It’s decorative and looks simple to make. You can find this pattern for free from the One Dog Woof website.
- Super bulky yarn held double
- Written + Photo
- Easy skill level
Boho Book Nook by Chenoah Ramey
I have never seen anything like this pattern. It blew me away that you could improvise a shelf with yarn and a dowel rod. So cool! I love the look and the functionality of the whole thing.
This pattern is available on Ravelry here.
- Worsted weight yarn held double
- Written
- Skill level not mentioned
Slouchy Hanging Baskets by Alexandra Tavel
These baskets amaze me at how classy they look hanging on the wall. All you do is crochet a big bucket, add a handle at the top and hang it on the wall. So simple, yet it looks so great. I love how large these baskets. Hello storage + decoration!
To get this pattern, you can head over to Two of Wands!
- Worsted weight yarn
- Written
- Easy skill level
Sun Palm Plant Hanger by ChaliasCraft
Plant hangers have become all the rage in the past couple of years. This one stood out to me because I have never seen a crochet plant holder with a space for the pot to rest. All the others I had seen fit around the pot itself. This one looks totally different. I love that the beads were added for extra texture and aesthetic appeal.
Find this pattern on Ravelry through the link here.
- Cotton cord
- Written + Diagram
- Intermediate skill level
