Top 10 Crochet Projects I Made in 2025 (With Tips & Favorites)

Top 10 Crochet Projects I Made in 2025 (With Tips & Favorites)

If you’re a crochet lover who enjoys a good crochet projects recap as much as I do, you’re in the right place. In 2025 I went a bit wild and made about 43 different projects, drawing inspiration from Christmas crochet patterns. Out of all of those, these 10 in my holiday collection stood out, not just because they look cute, but because they solved real problems for me: wobbly edges, tricky shaping, weird necklines, you name it.

In this post I’m walking through each project, what I fixed or figured out, and the little tips that made a big difference. You’ll find ideas for blankets, wearables, holiday decor, and easy wins for beginners, plus some links to patterns and tutorials so you can try similar festive yarn crafts yourself.

Discover My Crochet Highlights from the Secret Yarnery

I’m Christa, and I spend most of my days surrounded by yarn, hooks, and half-finished ideas that eventually turn into finished favorites.

I Crocheted 43 Projects Last Year

Last year I completed 43 projects, from blankets and shawls to hats and home decor. Some were experiments, some were requests, and some were me finally tackling ideas that had been sitting in my head for years.

What Makes These Top 10 Special

These 10 were my standouts because they either:

• Solved a long-time crochet problem I’d been fighting with
• Turned into patterns that are simple, repeatable, and fun to work on
• Gave me that “oh wow, this actually works” feeling

Many of them are beginner friendly, but they still feel polished and clever, which is my favorite combo.

My Top 10 Crochet Projects of 2025

#1: Christmas Tree Crochet Pattern With Perfect Straight Edges

This Christmas tree crochet pattern is at the top of my list because it fixed something that had annoyed me for years. I’d made skirts before, but the edges always wanted to wave, ripple, or pull in.

This time I finally cracked straight edges on a circular tree skirt. The shaping is balanced so the skirt lies flat on the floor and the outer edge stays smooth, not frilly by accident.

Why I love this project:

• The shape stays flat under the tree, even with gifts piled on top.
• The edge is neat enough that I feel confident explaining it step by step.
• I came away feeling like, “OK, I can design any tree skirt I want now.”

If you’ve ever made a round project and ended up with a wobbly border, you know how satisfying it is when the math finally behaves. This skirt gave me that feeling and made me excited to design more Christmas crochet patterns with reliable shaping. It's perfect holiday decor that elevates your seasonal setup.

#2: Wandering Granny Blanket

Next up is my wandering granny blanket, which felt like wrapping myself in a soft river of stitches. I used a yarn called Cake Splash, but honestly, you can use almost any self-striping or solid yarn you love. These beginner-friendly patterns make it accessible for all skill levels.

The stitch pattern is what makes this blanket special. It travels up the hill and down the valley, so you’re gently changing height across the row. It’s not a straight granny stripe, it has a bit of a wave, which keeps it interesting without being hard.

What I enjoy about this blanket:

• The stitch repeat is easy to remember, so it’s great TV crochet.
• There’s a big shell border that finishes it beautifully without feeling fussy.
• The fabric has movement instead of being stiff or board-like.

My favorite tip from this project is about softness. If your blanket feels stiff, it’s often not the yarn, it’s the hook size. I like to go up to around a 7 mm hook for blankets. It lets the yarn relax so the blanket feels squishy and drapey instead of crunchy.

If you like building your skills with simple projects, you might also enjoy scrolling through some easy crochet patterns for beginners to pick your next blanket idea.

#3: Emotional Support Bouquet Shawl

This one makes me smile every time I pick it up. My emotional support bouquet shawl is pretty, cozy, and a little bit dramatic in the best way. It's ideal for handmade gifts that show real care.

The neckline is a big deal here. I wanted a perfect neck that sits nicely without choking you or sliding off your shoulders. The shawl has “wings” that come around the body, so you can overlap it in front and still move your arms easily.

Why this shawl is one of my favorites:

• The drape is generous, not skimpy. It actually hugs your upper body.
• The border is decorative without being over the top, and it frames the whole piece.
• When you flip it over your arm, the flowers curl and bunch together so it looks like a bouquet you’re holding.

When I’m not wearing it as a shawl, I throw it over one shoulder, and it instantly becomes my emotional support bouquet. It is part comfort item, part wearable art, and it absolutely lifts my mood.

If you want to make your own, you can follow the full Crochet Emotional Support Bouquet Shawl Pattern, part of my easy crochet tutorials, which walks through the shawl body, leaves, and flowers step by step.

#4: C2C Crochet Tote Bag Cover

This project might be the most practical one on the list. I love the look of a crochet tote bag, but I do not love when the handles stretch or the bottom sags.

So I made a C2C crochet tote bag cover that slips over a sturdy store-bought bag. The crochet is there for beauty, not for weight-bearing.

Why this is such a satisfying crochet project:

• The base is a strong store-bought bag, so the structure is already handled.
• The crochet panels are worked corner to corner, which is fun and very customizable.
• The finished result is as strong as the original bag, but looks like a handmade piece.

I tucked yarn scraps and swatches inside mine while I was working on it, which made it feel like a portable yarn bin. The bright colors I chose pushed me into making matching accessories, like a crochet mushroom purse, which you’ll see next.

If you want to try a similar makeover, I wrote a full guide in my C2C Crochet Tote Bag Cover Tutorial so you can turn a simple tote into something special.

#5: Crochet Bucket Hat With One-Row Sizing

After finishing the tote bag cover, I wanted something to match it, so the crochet bucket hat was born. I used the same colors, and suddenly I had a little set going, perfect alongside a customizable crochet mushroom purse.

The thing I’m proud of here is the sizing. Instead of a complicated chart, the size lives almost entirely in one round.

How the sizing works:

• In round 5, you decide how many increases to add.
• If you need a bigger hat, you add more increases in that round.
• If you want a smaller hat, you work fewer increases.

That is it. You don’t have to change the rest of the pattern, which keeps it beginner friendly but still very adjustable.

Because bucket hats are so popular right now, you can also look at something like this step-by-step crochet bucket hat guide for extra ideas on brim style and fit.

If you want a detailed written version of my approach, you might like my Beginner-friendly crochet bucket hat tutorial, which breaks the hat into simple, repeatable steps.

#6: Easy Poncho That Actually Stays On

Then came the poncho that matches the same color family as the tote and bucket hat. Technically it is a 1970s-style poncho layout, but with a few tweaks to fix what I never liked about old-school ponchos. It's designed for crocheters at any level.

The big change is the smaller neckline. I didn’t want a huge opening that slides off your shoulders all day. I also did not want a tight neck that feels like a turtleneck. This one sits comfortably, with enough room but not too much.

What I like about this poncho:

• You can wear it straight across, and it sits nicely on the shoulders.
• You can plan your own stripes so it never looks boring.
• The finishing is simple, so it’s friendly for newer crocheters.

The pattern also works well with a stripe planner approach, where you decide how much of each color you want and where the widest bands go. If you want a clear, photo-rich guide, my Easy Granny Stitch Poncho Tutorial walks through yarn choices, sizing, and color layout in more detail.

And if floral granny squares are more your style, you can try the Floral Granny Square Crochet Poncho pattern for a cropped, square-based version.

If ponchos feel intimidating, browsing some free crochet patterns for beginners can be a gentle way to build up your confidence before you jump in.

#7: Andy Warhol Inspired Mickey Mouse Granny Square Blanket

This blanket is my peak proud project of 2025. It is an Andy Warhol inspired Mickey Mouse granny square blanket, and it makes me so happy. These affordable patterns make granny square blankets like this one easy to create at home.

Think of those famous Marilyn Monroe pop art prints, but with Mickey heads laid out in bright blocks of color. Each square has a Mickey silhouette in the center, and all the colors together create that fun, art-gallery pop feel.

A few things that turned this into a favorite:

• The border is “just right”. It frames the center without stealing attention.
• The granny squares are truly square, with equal stitch counts on every side.
• You can turn each square any direction, and it still lines up perfectly.

I used 20 squares, and the only thing I regret is not making more. It would be amazing as a full bedspread or a long bed runner. Even at this size, it looks fantastic folded at the foot of a bed or draped over a sofa.

#8: Granny Stitch Scarf With Matching Ends

This one looks simple, but it absorbed a whole week of my life in the best way. I wanted a granny stitch scarf where both ends matched without having to cheat the last row or do anything different at the end.

That meant a lot of frogging. I ripped it out over and over until I found the right combination of starting point and stitch sequence so that the pattern naturally gave me identical ends.

Why this granny stitch scarf matters to me:

• The first and last rows look the same with no “special ending row.”
• It opened my eyes to how much you can do with granny stitch construction.
• It made me want to design more granny stitch items, from cowls to blankets.

If you love that classic granny look, this kind of project is great practice for understanding how repeats flow, which helps when you move on to more complex granny-style designs.

#9: Super Easy Beginner Hat in Half Double Crochet

This project has a special place in my heart because of who it helped. I designed a super easy crochet hat that two young boys made on their second day crocheting. It's perfect for crocheters at any level.

The hat uses only half double crochets, worked in a simple way:

• They learned single crochet first.
• Then they learned how to yarn over to make a half double crochet.
• There was no joining every round, no complicated decrease section, just straightforward stitching.

They each walked away with a finished hat and a huge amount of confidence. That was the win for me.

Key things about this hat:

• One ball of yarn and a hook is all you need.
• No tricky techniques, just repetition and rhythm.
• It is a great first wearable crochet project, even for kids.

If easy hats are your thing, you might also enjoy my Super easy crochet hat for beginners guide, one of my easy crochet tutorials, which uses simple stitches and clear steps to get you from yarn to hat without stress.

#10: Squishy Crochet Christmas Wreath on an Embroidery Loom

The last project in my top 10 is my crochet Christmas wreath, and it came from me fixing all the little things I didn’t like about previous wreath attempts. Using festive yarn crafts with an embroidery loom as the base, worked with three strands of yarn held together and a huge hook creates a soft, chunky, squishy ring that works up quickly and feels very forgiving. It's stunning holiday decor and versatile winter decor.

What I love about this wreath:

• It is fast, so you can make more than one without feeling tired of it.
• The fabric is thick and plush but still light enough to hang easily.
• I added a built-in hanging loop so you can display it year after year.

My favorite part is that you can change the decorations. You can clip on different bows, flowers, or ornaments for each season, and the main crochet ring stays the same.

This project reminded me that if something about a design bothers me, I can sit down, figure out which part is not working, and rework it into something I truly enjoy.

Bonus Holiday Characters

Beyond these top projects, 2025 saw some standout amigurumi patterns that brought holiday cheer to makers everywhere. My Christmas amigurumi releases, especially the Santa Claus crochet dolls, were huge hits, with Santa Claus patterns flying off the digital shelves. I crafted detailed Santa Claus designs perfect for holiday crochet, alongside Christmas Gnome figures and festive Gnomes that add whimsy to your shelf. Don't miss the Snowman amigurumi patterns or the crochet fairy patterns for extra magic.

These creations come together in the 7-in-1 holiday character bundle, part of my Christmas Crochet Pattern Bundle Deals, featuring Santa Claus twice over in playful poses. Whether it's a jolly Santa Claus or a cozy Christmas Gnome, they help craft cherished holiday memories that last for years.

Tips I Learned From These 2025 Projects

Working through these 10 favorites gave me some helpful lessons that you can use in your own crochet projects.

Blanket Hook Size Hack

If your blanket feels stiff or heavy, try using a larger crochet hook. For many blankets I like a 7 mm hook, even when the yarn label suggests a smaller size. The stitches open up a bit, and the fabric feels softer and more relaxed.

Simple Sizing Tricks

The bucket hat taught me that you can often move most of the sizing into a single round. These simple sizing tricks make affordable patterns more accessible, since you can create different sizes without rewriting a whole pattern. Just pick a row or round and adjust the number of increases there. Many free pattern downloads offer resources packed with these sizing tips.

Matching Ends Without Drama

The granny stitch scarf reminded me that matching ends is possible without extra rows, as long as you think about the repeat from the beginning. If having identical ends matters to you, plan for it before you start, not after you get to the last row.

Use Store-Bought Bases for Strength

The tote bag cover showed how smart it is to let a store-bought base handle the weight. This idea works for bags, storage baskets, stools, and even some home decor. Your crochet can be the pretty outside while something else carries the load.

Stripe Planning for Interesting Projects

With the poncho and some of the other wearables, a simple stripe planner idea kept the project from looking flat. Even basic stripes look more intentional if you decide in advance where your narrow and wide bands will go.

Proud Moments Across These Crochet Projects

Looking back at all 10, a few moments really stand out, particularly the winter decor pieces like the pop art Mickey blanket and the wreath.

• The pop art Mickey blanket was my absolute height of “I cannot believe this worked as I imagined.”
• The beginner hat made me proud because it helped new crocheters succeed quickly.
• The tree skirt, now one of my go-to Christmas crochet patterns, and the granny stitch scarf finally solved technical problems that had annoyed me for years.
• The tote, bucket hat, and poncho turned into a matching set that feels stylish but still easy to wear.
• The bouquet shawl and the wreath, ideal handmade gifts across wearables and decor, both brought in that extra bit of joy and comfort that I want from anything I make.

Each crochet project taught me something, either about technique, design, or what actually gets used and loved in real life.

Supplies I Used Often

Across these projects I reached for a lot of the same tools and types of yarn.

• I used plenty of medium-weight yarns in different colors, sometimes held double or triple.
• Hook sizes ranged from about 5 mm up to jumbo hooks for the wreath and tree skirt.
• A good pair of sharp needles helped with weaving in thicker yarns, especially on the wreath and hats, and they're ideal for the tight stitch work needed in amigurumi patterns.

If you’d like to see yarns similar to what I use, you can look at my favorite options for soft, versatile yarns. For crochet hooks, I rely on a comfortable set like the one in my go-to crochet hook collection, and I love sharp tip yarn needles for neat finishing.

For quick reference while you crochet, my free crochet cheat sheet, one of my free pattern downloads, is handy to keep nearby, and if you are left-handed you can find a whole playlist of left-handed tutorials so you do not have to mirror everything in your head.

Join the Crochet Community and Share Your 2025 Wins

I shared what I’m proud of from 2025, and crochet lovers, I’d love to hear from you too. Think about your favorite makes from last year, whether they were crochet, knitting, sewing, or part of your holiday collection.

You can:

• Tell us in the comments which crochet project made you proudest in 2025, like your favorite Christmas amigurumi character.
• Share if you solved a problem, like a tricky fit, a new stitch, or a better way to finish.
• Post photos on the YouTube community tab so we can all admire and be inspired.

Let's spread some holiday cheer by sharing our wins and inspiring each other. If you want to hang out with me more often, you can subscribe to my YouTube channel and hit join on the Secret Yarnery membership if you’d like extra perks and support.

Ready to Start Your Next Crochet Project?

Looking back at these 10 favorites from the holiday collection, the common thread in holiday crochet is not perfection, it is progress. Each crochet project fixed a little frustration, unlocked a new idea, or simply brought joy into my day.

Pick one small thing you want to try next, whether it is straighter edges, softer blankets, better sizing, a simple hat, or Christmas amigurumi for crocheters at any level. Then grab your yarn, your hook, experiment with Christmas crochet patterns, and give yourself permission to progress in seasonal projects.

Thanks for spending this time with me, and let me know what you are most proud of from your own crochet year, especially the cherished holiday memories we create through festive yarn crafts. I’m cheering you on with your next holiday crochet, and as always, stay hooked.

FAQs

How do I choose my next crochet project?

I like to ask myself three things:

1. How much time do I have?
2. Do I want to relax or learn something new?
3. Who is this for?

If I want a “TV project,” I pick simple repeats like granny stitch blankets, scarves, or easy hats. If I feel curious, I choose something with one new skill, like a new increase method, color change, or shaping trick. You can browse my tutorials and patterns on Secret Yarnery and sort by skill level to help you decide.

What is a good crochet project for complete beginners?

For total beginners, I suggest:

• A simple scarf in rows
• A basic granny square
• A beginner hat in half double crochet

Flat rectangles (like scarves) are the easiest place to start. Once you can chain and work single or half double crochet, you can try my super easy crochet hat for beginners, which is a great first wearable.

How do I keep my crochet blanket from feeling stiff?

If your blanket feels stiff, it is usually the hook size, not the yarn. Try:

• Going up 1 or 2 hook sizes from the yarn label
• For many worsted-weight blankets, I like around a 7 mm hook
• Relax your tension a little and avoid pulling every stitch too tight

This gives the blanket more drape so it feels soft and squishy instead of board-like. The Wandering Granny Blanket is a good example of this “soft and relaxed” fabric.

Why do the edges of my round crochet projects ripple or curl?

Ripples and waves in round projects usually mean your increase count is off:

• If the edge ruffles, you are probably adding too many stitches.
• If it curls up like a bowl, you are not adding enough stitches.

Tree skirts, rugs, and round mats need balanced increases. In my Christmas tree skirt project, I adjusted the increases so the skirt lies flat and the edge stays straight. A stitch marker and counting every few rounds can help you stay on track.

How can I adjust the size of a crochet hat without rewriting the whole pattern?

One easy trick is to move most of the sizing into one round, like I did with the bucket hat:

• Pick a round (often near the crown) where you decide how many increases to add.
• Add more increases for a larger head size.
• Work fewer increases for a smaller size.

After that round, you can usually follow the pattern as written. This keeps the pattern beginner friendly, but still flexible for different sizes.

What is a good first wearable crochet project?

Good first wearables include:

• Simple ponchos in granny stitch
• Easy beanies or slouchy hats
• Straight shawls or wraps that use basic stitches

My easy poncho that stays on and the super simple hat are both designed with beginners in mind. They use repeatable rows or rounds and avoid fussy shaping so you can focus on rhythm and confidence.

How do I get both ends of a scarf to match?

If you want both scarf ends to match, you need to:

• Plan the stitch repeat before you start
• Decide how the pattern will begin and end
• Work in full repeats so you are not “cheating” the last row

For my granny stitch scarf, I frogged many times until I found a starting setup that gave me identical ends with no special finishing row. It takes extra thought in the beginning, but gives a very polished result.

What if I get bored in the middle of a big crochet project?

You are not alone; big projects can drag. A few tricks:

• Break the project into mini goals, like “3 squares today” or “4 rows tonight.”
• Add stripe planning so color changes keep you interested.
• Keep a small “easy win” project (like a hat or dishcloth) on the side for quick finishes.

Sometimes switching to a small, fast project resets your motivation so you can come back to the larger one with fresh energy.

Hi, I’m Christa Patel, the yarn-obsessed maker behind Secret Yarnery.

I am a crochet designer, teacher, and YouTuber who believes crochet should feel fun, simple, and stress free. I love turning “tricky” ideas into clear, step-by-step projects that real people can finish and actually use.

Most days you will find me surrounded by yarn, filming tutorials, testing new patterns, or fixing those little crochet problems that bug all of us, like wobbly edges, awkward necklines, and sizing that never fits quite right.

On my Secret Yarnery YouTube channel, I share:

• Easy-to-follow crochet tutorials
• Left-handed versions of popular projects
• Tips for better sizing, drape, and finishing
• Chatty lives and community-focused videos

On secretyarnery.com, you can find my written patterns, blog tutorials, and handy printables to keep by your hook.

Whether you are a brand-new crocheter or have been stitching for years, my goal is to help you feel confident, inspired, and excited about every crochet project you pick up.