Looking for quick crochet projects that are fun, easy and don’t take forever to finish? This collection of free crochet patterns is packed with smaller projects that are perfect when you want to make something without starting a huge crochet project.
Whether you have an afternoon to crochet, want to use up some yarn from your stash, need a small handmade gift, or simply enjoy projects that come together quickly, you’ll find plenty of ideas below.
All of the projects featured in this collection have a free written crochet pattern available on MummaJ Crochet, and many also include a step-by-step video tutorial.
You’ll find cute amigurumi, small crochet toys, appliqués, decorations and other easy projects. Simply choose one you like and follow the link to the complete free pattern.
What Are Some Quick Things to Crochet?
Small crochet projects are great when you want the satisfaction of actually finishing something without committing to a blanket, large toy or other time-consuming project.
Some of my favourite quick crochet project ideas include:
- Crochet appliqués
- Small amigurumi
- Cat toys
- Crochet fruit
- Mini mushrooms
- Christmas ornaments
- Small decorations
- Simple handmade gifts
They’re also useful for using smaller amounts of yarn you already have at home.
If that’s specifically what you’re looking for, you can also check out my Scrap Yarn Crochet Patterns collection for even more ideas for using leftover yarn.
Free Quick Crochet Projects
1. Crochet Heart Appliqué
A small crochet heart appliqué is a lovely little project when you want something simple to crochet.
The finished hearts can be used to decorate other crochet projects, handmade cards, bags, blankets and gifts, or simply kept as cute little crochet decorations.
This is also a handy pattern to keep bookmarked because you can make hearts in different colours whenever you need a small embellishment.
→ Get the Free Crochet Heart Appliqué Pattern
2. Crochet Butterfly Appliqué
Make a cute crochet butterfly appliqué with this free pattern.
Butterflies are perfect for adding a little extra decoration to blankets, bags, hats and other crochet projects. You can experiment with different yarn colours to make each butterfly look completely different.
Because it’s a small project, it’s also a great option when you don’t feel like starting another large crochet pattern.
→ Get the Free Crochet Butterfly Appliqué Pattern
3. Crochet Cloud Appliqué
This adorable crochet cloud appliqué is another small crochet project you can add to all sorts of handmade creations.
Use your finished cloud as an embellishment for baby projects, blankets, bags or other crochet pieces, or combine it with other appliqués to create your own design.
→ Get the Free Crochet Cloud Appliqué Pattern
4. Mini Crochet Mushroom
If you love amigurumi, try making this cute mini crochet mushroom.
It’s one of the smaller mushrooms in my crochet mushroom collection and is a fun project when you want to make a little amigurumi without committing to a much larger toy.
You could make several in different colours to create a little mushroom collection.
→ Get the Free Mini Crochet Mushroom Pattern
5. Crochet Cat Toy Ball
Have a cat to crochet for? This crochet cat toy ball is a small practical project that’s made specifically for our feline friends.
Make one for your own cat or add it to a handmade gift for a cat lover. You can also make several cat toys and put them together as a little crochet cat-toy set.
→ Get the Free Crochet Cat Ball Pattern
Quick Crochet Projects – Part 2
6. Crochet Mouse Cat Toy
This cute crochet mouse cat toy is another small project that’s fun to make for your cat.
The little mouse makes a great handmade cat toy, and you can make several in different colours. You can also add catnip if you want to make the finished toy even more exciting for your cat.
If you enjoy making projects for pets, have a look at my Free Crochet Cat Toy Patterns collection for more ideas.
→ Get the Free Crochet Mouse Cat Toy Pattern
7. Crochet Catnip Fish Toy
Turn a small amount of yarn into a fun crochet catnip fish toy.
This little fish is designed as a handmade toy for cats and is another useful project when you’re looking for something smaller to crochet.
Make one for your own cat, or combine it with some of my other crochet cat toys to create a handmade gift for a cat-loving friend.
→ Get the Free Crochet Catnip Fish Pattern
8. Crochet Carrot Cat Toy
This adorable crochet carrot cat toy is a fun alternative to the usual mouse or ball.
It’s a small amigurumi-style project designed especially for cats, and you can add catnip to the finished carrot if you choose.
It’s also a cute project to make around Easter, especially if you’re putting together a little gift for someone’s cat.
→ Get the Free Crochet Carrot Cat Toy Pattern
9. Crochet Apple
If you’d rather crochet something for decoration or play, try this cute crochet apple pattern.
Crochet fruit is fun to make and can be used for pretend play, displays, decorations or as part of a larger collection of handmade fruit and vegetables.
You could also use different shades of red, green or yellow yarn to create your own collection of crochet apples.
→ Get the Free Crochet Apple Pattern
10. Crochet Plum
Add another piece of handmade fruit to your collection with this crochet plum pattern.
The finished plum is a cute little amigurumi project and works well alongside other crochet fruit. It’s also one of those projects you can make in different colours if you have suitable yarn sitting in your stash.
→ Get the Free Crochet Plum Pattern
11. Crochet Strawberry
This crochet strawberry pattern is another cute choice for anyone who enjoys making crochet food.
Make a single strawberry or crochet several to add to a handmade fruit collection. Crochet food can be used for decoration or pretend play, and smaller pieces like this are a nice change from working on large projects.
→ Get the Free Crochet Strawberry Pattern
12. Crochet Peach
Make a cute piece of amigurumi fruit with this crochet peach pattern.
It’s another project you can combine with the apple, plum and strawberry to build your own collection of crochet fruit.
These smaller crochet food patterns are also a fun way to experiment with different yarn colours without starting a huge new project.
→ Get the Free Crochet Peach Pattern
More Free Crochet Patterns
If you’re enjoying these quick crochet projects, don’t forget that you can mix and match ideas from different collections on MummaJ Crochet.
You might also like:
→ Scrap Yarn Crochet Patterns – Free Projects for Leftover Yarn
→ Free Crochet Cat Toy Patterns
→ Free Crochet Mushroom Patterns
These collections are particularly useful when you want to find several related projects without searching through the patterns one at a time.
Quick Crochet Projects – Part 3
More Quick & Easy Crochet Projects
Here are a few more smaller projects to finish off the collection.
13. Crochet Bunny Appliqué
This cute crochet bunny appliqué is a small project that’s perfect for Easter, baby projects or adding a handmade decoration to another crochet creation.
Try making your bunny in different colours to match whatever you’re decorating.
→ Get the Free Crochet Bunny Appliqué Pattern
14. Crochet Candy Cane Ornament
Add something handmade to your Christmas tree with this crochet candy cane ornament.
This is a small seasonal crochet project that you can make in traditional red and white or experiment with different colours for something a little different.
Make one for your own tree or crochet several to give as little handmade Christmas gifts.
→ Get the Free Crochet Candy Cane Pattern
15. Mini Crochet Santa Hat
This mini crochet Santa hat is a cute little Christmas project that can be used as a decoration or ornament.
It’s a fun project to make when you’re in the mood for some Christmas crochet without committing to a large Christmas pattern.
→ Get the Free Mini Crochet Santa Hat Pattern
16. Crochet Icicle Ornament
Make a handmade decoration for your Christmas tree with this crochet icicle pattern.
You can make several icicles for your own tree or add them to handmade gifts and Christmas decorations.
→ Get the Free Crochet Icicle Ornament Pattern
How to Choose a Quick Crochet Project
The best quick crochet project depends on what you enjoy making and how much time and yarn you have available.
If you want something particularly small, an appliqué or ornament can be a good place to start.
If you prefer amigurumi, try one of the mini mushrooms, crochet fruit or small cat toys featured above.
You can also look through your yarn stash before choosing a pattern. A smaller project may be a useful way to use yarn remaining from another crochet project.
If using up leftover yarn is your main goal, visit my Free Scrap Yarn Crochet Patterns collection for more ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quick Crochet Projects
What are some quick things to crochet?
Smaller projects such as crochet appliqués, ornaments, small amigurumi, cat toys and decorations can all be good choices when you want a project that doesn’t require the commitment of a blanket or large toy.
The actual time required will depend on the pattern and your crochet experience.
What can I crochet with a small amount of yarn?
Depending on how much yarn you have, you could make an appliqué, small ornament, mini amigurumi, crochet fruit or cat toy.
Always check the materials for the individual pattern before starting to make sure you have enough yarn.
Are small crochet projects good for beginners?
They can be, but small doesn’t always mean easy.
Some small amigurumi projects require techniques such as working in the round, increasing, decreasing, sewing pieces together or working with small stitches.
Choose a pattern that uses stitches and techniques you’re comfortable with, or use the accompanying tutorial to learn something new.
What can I crochet when I’m bored?
If you want something fun without starting a huge project, try a small amigurumi, appliqué, cat toy, ornament or crochet fruit.
Having a collection of smaller free patterns bookmarked can make it easier to find something whenever you’re in the mood to crochet.
Can I use leftover yarn for quick crochet projects?
Absolutely. Many smaller crochet projects can be useful for using yarn left over from other projects.
However, the amount needed varies between patterns, so make sure you have enough of the correct yarn before you begin.
For more ideas specifically designed around this purpose, see my Free Scrap Yarn Crochet Patterns – Quick & Easy Projects collection.
Find Your Next Quick Crochet Project
I hope this collection of quick crochet projects has helped you find something fun to make.
Whether you choose a little appliqué, crochet fruit, cat toy, mini mushroom or Christmas ornament, there are plenty of smaller projects to try when you don’t want to start something huge.
Choose your favourite project above and follow the link to the complete free written crochet pattern.
And if you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, browse all of my free crochet patterns with step-by-step tutorials to find your next project.
→ Browse All Free Crochet Patterns
