The Badge Archive

Crochet – Beginner Projects

Activity Description: Looping yarn with a hook to make small items like bracelets, toys, or decorations.

  • Can fulfill Step 2 of GSUSA Daisy Craft and Tinker badge requirements.
  • Can fulfill Steps 2, 3, and 4 of GSUSA Brownie Craft and Tinker badge requirements.
  • Can fulfill Steps 2, 3, and 4 of GSUSA Junior Craft and Tinker badge requirements.
  • Leaders – please be aware of double dipping and make your own informed choice.

IF you also focus on color:

  • Fulfills Step 2 of GSUSA Brownie Art and Design badge requirements.
  • Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Junior Art and Design badge requirements.
  • Leaders – please be aware of double dipping and make your own informed choice.

Crochet is a creative process of making fabric by looping yarn with a hook. Artists and crafters use crochet to create items like bracelets, bookmarks, toys, and decorations. Scouts learn basic stitches like chain and single crochet, then combine them to build shapes, patterns, and textures.

One of the easiest ways for kids to learn crochet is by starting with chain stitch projects.

Items Needed:

  • Yarn (medium-weight is easiest to handle)
    • Hint – Use a light color. Black and dark colors are hard to see the stiches.
  • Crochet hook (size H/8 or I/9 recommended)
  • Scissors
  • (Optional) Yarn needle for finishing ends
  • (Optional) Stitch marker or safety pin to hold place

Instructions:

  1. Make a Slip Knot: Wrap the yarn into a loop and pull a strand through to make a knot. Slide it onto the hook and tighten gently.
  2. Start a Chain Stitch: Use the hook to pull yarn through the loop. Repeat this motion to make a chain of stitches.
  3. Practice Even Chains: Keep making chain stitches until the scout feels comfortable. Count the stitches and try to keep them the same size.
  4. Try a Simple Project:
    • Make a bracelet by chaining 20–30 stitches and tying the ends together.
    • Make a bookmark by chaining 40–50 stitches and adding a tassel.
    • (Optional) Use three yarn colors to make stripes or patterns.
  5. Finish and Trim: Cut the yarn and pull the tail through the last loop to secure.
    • (Optional) Use a yarn needle to tuck in loose ends.

Step-by-Step Tutorials:

Video: Lesson One for Beginners

Free Beginner Crochet Patterns

  1. Video: Crochet Friendship Bracelet – A simple chain stitch bracelet using colorful yarn. Great for practicing tension and making gifts.
  2. Video: Crochet Bookmark – A flat strip made with single crochet stitches. Scouts can decorate the ends with tassels or buttons.

Other Resources:

Tia Kennard