Have you noticed people searching for holiday ideas earlier than ever? Christmas in July has become a beloved tradition among crafters for good reason! Starting your festive crochet projects during summer ensures you'll have beautiful handmade gifts and decorations ready without the last-minute holiday rush. This collection of easy Christmas in July crochet projects is perfect for beginners and those looking for quick, satisfying makes to get ahead on holiday crafting.
Why Start Your Christmas Crochet Projects in July?
As experienced crafters know, crochet isn't a speed sport! Starting your holiday projects in the middle of summer gives you plenty of time to work at a relaxed pace. You'll avoid the stress of rushing to finish gifts in December when your schedule is already packed with festivities.
Beginning your Christmas crochet projects in July also allows you to:
- Take advantage of summer yarn sales and discounts
- Test new patterns without holiday pressure
- Make multiple versions of successful projects
- Enjoy the festive spirit twice a year
- Have time to fix mistakes or make adjustments
Ready to hook up some holiday cheer? Let's explore 15 beginner-friendly projects perfect for your Christmas in July crafting session!
Quick and Easy Christmas Ornaments (1-2 Hours Each)
Ornaments are the perfect starting point for your Christmas in July crochet projects. They work up quickly, use minimal yarn, and make wonderful gifts or decorations for your own tree.
1. Mini Crochet Wreath Ornament
Difficulty level: Beginner
Time commitment: 1-2 hours
- Materials needed:
- Size E (3.5mm) crochet hook
- Small amount of green worsted weight yarn
- Red thin ribbon for bow
- Small wooden ring (1-2 inches diameter)
- Yarn needle
This adorable mini wreath works up in just an hour and uses simple stitches. Perfect for beginners, these wreaths can be customized with different colored ribbons or tiny crocheted berries.
2. Simple Star Ornaments
Difficulty level: Beginner
Time commitment: 1 hour
- Materials needed:
- Size G (4.0mm) crochet hook
- Worsted weight yarn in white, red, or green
- Yarn needle
- Ribbon or yarn for hanging loop
Stars are classic Christmas decorations that work up quickly. Make a batch in different colors to hang on your tree or give as gifts. These use basic stitches and are perfect for practicing your tension.
3. Miniature Crochet Stockings
Difficulty level: Beginner
Time commitment: 1-2 hours
- Materials needed:
- Size F (3.75mm) crochet hook
- Small amounts of red and white worsted weight yarn
- Yarn needle
- Thin ribbon for hanging loop
These tiny stockings make adorable tree decorations or gift toppers. They work up quickly and use basic stitches, making them perfect for beginners looking to practice shaping.
Festive Home Decor Projects (2-5 Hours Each)
4. Christmas Table Runner
Difficulty level: Beginner-Intermediate
Time commitment: 4-5 hours
- Materials needed:
- Size H (5.0mm) crochet hook
- Worsted weight yarn in red, green, or white
- Yarn needle
A festive table runner adds instant holiday cheer to your dining area. This simple pattern uses basic stitches in rows, making it perfect for beginners who want to practice maintaining even tension across a larger project.
5. Festive Candle Cozies
Difficulty level: Beginner
Time commitment: 2-3 hours
- Materials needed:
- Size G (4.0mm) crochet hook
- Worsted weight yarn in holiday colors
- Yarn needle
- Battery-operated LED candles (never use with real flames!)
These decorative cozies transform plain LED candles into festive decorations. They're worked in the round, providing great practice for beginners learning circular crochet techniques.
6. Holiday Mug Cozy
Difficulty level: Beginner
Time commitment: 2 hours
- Materials needed:
- Size G (4.0mm) crochet hook
- Worsted weight yarn in holiday colors
- Decorative button
- Yarn needle
Perfect for gifting with a mug and some hot cocoa mix, these cozies work up quickly and use basic stitches. They're great for practicing button attachments and simple color changes.
Quick Gift Ideas (3-8 Hours Each)
7. Simple Christmas Hat
Difficulty level: Beginner
Time commitment: 3-4 hours
- Materials needed:
- Size I (5.5mm) crochet hook
- Worsted weight yarn in red or green
- White yarn for brim
- Yarn needle
- Optional: pom-pom maker or pre-made pom-pom
Hats make perfect gifts and stocking stuffers! This simple design works in the round from the top down and uses basic stitches. Add a pom-pom for extra festive flair.
8. Holiday Gift Bags
Difficulty level: Beginner
Time commitment: 2-3 hours
- Materials needed:
- Size H (5.0mm) crochet hook
- Worsted weight yarn in holiday colors
- Yarn needle
- Ribbon or cord for drawstring
These reusable gift bags are eco-friendly alternatives to wrapping paper. They work up quickly and can be used year after year, making them gifts that keep on giving!
9. Festive Dishcloths
Difficulty level: Beginner
Time commitment: 2 hours each
- Materials needed:
- Size G (4.0mm) crochet hook
- Cotton yarn in holiday colors
- Yarn needle
Practical and pretty, dishcloths make wonderful gifts. Bundle three in different holiday patterns for a thoughtful kitchen gift set. They're perfect for practicing new stitch patterns on a small scale.
Quick-Start Patterns: Get Hooking Today!
Step-by-step crochet pattern for a simple Christmas ornament
Ready to start right now? Here are three abbreviated patterns to get your hooks moving immediately!
10. Mini Christmas Tree Ornament
- Ch 20 (chain 20)
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (19 sc)
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in each st to last 2 sts, sc2tog (17 sc)
- Row 3-9: Repeat Row 2, decreasing 2 sts each row
- Fasten off, leaving long tail for hanging loop
- Add small buttons or beads as ornaments
Skill level: Beginner
Time commitment: 1 hour
Materials: Size G hook, green worsted weight yarn, small buttons or beads
11. Simple Snowflake
- Ch 6, join with sl st to form ring
- Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc in ring, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (12 dc)
- Round 2: *Ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, skip next dc on Round 1, sl st in next dc; repeat from * 5 more times
- Fasten off, weave in ends
- Block to shape
Skill level: Beginner-Intermediate
Time commitment: 1-2 hours
Materials: Size E hook, white yarn (cotton or acrylic), blocking pins
12. Quick Gift Card Holder
- Ch 21
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (20 sc)
- Rows 2-20: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across (20 sc)
- Fold in thirds (bottom third up, top third down)
- Seam sides with sl st
- Add button and chain loop closure
Skill level: Beginner
Time commitment: 2 hours
Materials: Size G hook, holiday-colored yarn, decorative button
Larger Projects to Start Now (10+ Hours)
Crocheted Christmas stocking and tree skirt in progress
13. Christmas Stocking
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Time commitment: 10-12 hours
- Materials needed:
- Size H (5.0mm) crochet hook
- Worsted weight yarn in main color and contrast color
- Yarn needle
- Optional: bells, buttons, or other embellishments
A Christmas stocking is a wonderful heirloom project that can be passed down through generations. Starting in July gives you plenty of time to complete this larger project without rushing. This pattern uses basic stitches but requires some shaping knowledge.
14. Simple Tree Skirt
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Time commitment: 15-20 hours
- Materials needed:
- Size J (6.0mm) crochet hook
- Bulky weight yarn in holiday colors
- Yarn needle
- Buttons or ties for closure
A tree skirt is a substantial project that makes a big impact in your holiday decor. This pattern works in rounds from the center out, making it perfect for practicing increasing in circular projects.
15. Holiday Throw Blanket
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Time commitment: 25-30 hours
- Materials needed:
- Size K (6.5mm) crochet hook
- Bulky weight yarn in holiday colors
- Yarn needle
A holiday throw is the perfect project to work on throughout summer and fall. This simple pattern uses a repetitive stitch pattern that's easy to memorize, making it great for relaxing evening crochet sessions.
Organizing Your Christmas in July Crochet Marathon
Organized crochet supplies for Christmas projects with planning materials
Want to make the most of your summer crafting time? Here's how to organize a productive Christmas in July crochet session:
Planning Your Projects
- Make a list of recipients and project ideas
- Prioritize projects by complexity and time requirements
- Create a realistic timeline working backward from December
- Start with small, quick projects to build momentum
- Schedule regular crafting sessions on your calendar
Gathering Supplies
- Inventory your yarn stash before shopping
- Look for summer yarn sales and Christmas color clearances
- Organize supplies by project in separate bags
- Print or save patterns before starting
- Stock up on any needed notions (buttons, beads, etc.)
Making It Fun
- Host a Christmas in July crochet party with friends
- Create a festive atmosphere with holiday music
- Set up a Christmas movie marathon while you crochet
- Take progress photos to stay motivated
- Reward yourself when you complete projects
Staying Organized
- Use a project journal to track progress
- Take notes on pattern modifications
- Label completed projects with care instructions
- Store finished items safely away from dust and pests
- Create a master gift list to avoid forgetting anyone
Ready to start your Christmas in July crochet journey?
Gather your hooks and yarn, pick a project from this list, and get started today! Remember, even just 30 minutes of crocheting a day adds up to hours of progress by December.
Get Hooking Now!Share Your Christmas in July Crochet Projects!
We'd love to see what you're creating! Share your works in progress or finished Christmas in July crochet projects on social media using the hashtag #ChristmasInJulyCrochet. Connecting with other crafters can provide inspiration, troubleshooting help, and motivation to keep going.
Start Your Christmas Crochet Journey Today
Christmas in July is the perfect opportunity to get a head start on your holiday crafting. Whether you choose quick ornaments or ambitious blankets, starting now means you'll have beautiful handmade items ready when the holiday season arrives. The joy of creating something special for loved ones is what makes handmade gifts so meaningful.
Remember, crochet is meant to be enjoyable! Work at your own pace, celebrate small victories, and don't worry about perfection. The most treasured handmade gifts are those made with love, regardless of whether every stitch is perfect.
Which easy Christmas in July crochet project will you start first? Grab your hook, find some festive yarn, and let's get crocheting!
Don't forget to share your projects!
Use the hashtag #ChristmasInJulyCrochet so we can all admire your beautiful work and inspire each other.
Start Crocheting Today!FAQs
1. What is Christmas in July?
Christmas in July is a fun, mid-year celebration where people embrace holiday crafts, décor, and traditions during the summer. It’s a great time to start handmade projects and enjoy festive cheer early.
2. Why make granny square projects for Christmas in July?
Working on granny squares is easy, relaxing, and perfect for beginners. You can build skills, get ahead on holiday gifts, and add handmade touches to your space without the December rush.
3. What is the best yarn for beginner granny squares?
Soft acrylic or cotton yarns in medium (worsted) weight work best. They’re easy to handle, affordable, and come in many colors perfect for festive projects.
4. How long does it take to make a granny square?
Most basic granny squares can be finished in 15–30 minutes, depending on size and your experience. Small projects like ornaments or coasters are quick wins.
5. Do I need special tools for these projects?
You only need a few basics: a medium-sized crochet hook (like 5mm or 5.5mm), scissors, a yarn needle, some stitch markers, and measuring tape.
6. Can I use leftover yarn for these projects?
Absolutely! Granny squares are perfect for scraps and leftover yarn. Mix colors and textures for unique results.
7. How do I join granny squares together?
You can use a slip stitch, single crochet, or needle and yarn to sew squares together. There are many tutorials online showing each method.
8. What can I make with finished granny squares?
Granny squares can be turned into ornaments, coasters, garlands, gift bags, pillow covers, blankets, and even simple toys or amigurumi.
9. Is Christmas in July crafting suitable for kids?
Yes! Many granny square projects are beginner-friendly and suitable for supervised kids. They help develop fine motor skills and creativity.
Christa Patel is a passionate crochet designer and educator known for her clear tutorials and easy-to-follow patterns, especially for beginners. As the creator behind Secret Yarnery, Christa shares practical tips, fun project ideas, and honest advice to help crafters of all skill levels enjoy every stitch. Her love for vibrant yarns and simple, joyful projects makes crochet accessible and stress-free. Christa’s work is featured across blogs, YouTube, and crochet communities around the world. When she’s not designing a new granny square, she’s inspiring others to find creativity and calm through crochet.