Crocheting Gifts for Kids

I don’t know about you, but I think kids are super fun to crochet for.

They’re easy to please. And as far as clothing goes, projects for kids are so much quicker than projects for adults!

However, one of the best things about crocheting for your OWN kids is that you know them better than anyone else. So as you come to this post, you probably already have some ideas of what type of gift they’ll like.

Hopefully you’ll be able to find the perfect pattern! I’ve collected over 30 free patterns and they are all unique in their own special ways. There should be patterns great for a variety of ages, from toddlers to older children!

We’ll cover 5 different categories of “gift ideas.” Feel free to jump to the one you think will best fit your kids by clicking on the table of contents below!

Table of Contents

1. Idea #1: Crochet Games
2. Idea #2: Stuffed Animals
3. Idea #3: Useful but Fun Crochet Gifts
4. Idea #4: Crochet Play Food
5. Idea #5: Clothing & Accessories

Idea #1: Crochet Games

Giant Crochet Checkers Game

First up, check out this amazing giant crochet checkers game designed by Heart Hook Home! This is such a unique project that you could crochet, and I think kids would LOVE how big it is!

Get the free pattern

Portable Crochet Checkers Game

Now, if that last pattern seems a bit daunting, you can also try out this portable crochet checkers game. This pattern will not take nearly as long to crochet, and it can even function as a game to take on vacation or car rides because of the nice way it packages up.

Get the free pattern

Crochet Ball Toss Game

If you’re looking for educational crochet toys, this ball toss pattern by Winding Road Crochet is perfect! There are many ways to use it, but one fun idea is to put numbers inside each basket. Then, when your child gets 2 balls inside, they have to add/subtract/multiply the numbers.

Get the free pattern

Crochet Tic Tac Toe Game

Another crochet game to gift to your kids is Tic Tac Toe! This pattern by Nicki’s Homemade Crafts functions so well! You’ll make the little game pieces, along with a bag for the pieces that has the game board on the front.

Get the free pattern

Crochet Indoor Snowballs

Last but not least, another great gift idea is some indoor crocheted snowballs. Personally, my family has had a blast using these. They’re perfect when you need some snowy family fun but there’s no real snow in sight (or you don’t feel like braving the cold!) Trust me, kids love these.

Get the free pattern

Looking for crochet gifts for other family members? Check out my guide on crochet gifts for men, or crochet gifts for grandma.

Idea #2: Stuffed Animals

When you’re a kid, there’s just something about a stuffed animal. I have so many fond memories of the stuffies from my childhood (and I actually still have some of them, too!) They can really hold a special place in a kid’s heart. Here’s a few patterns I love:

Berry Patch Boy Bunny

First of all, take a look at this adorable crochet bunny pattern by Grace & Yarn! This could be the perfect gift idea for your little boy. I love how it is even wearing a shirt and overalls…so cute!

Get the free pattern

Felicity the Frog

This one works great for girls or boys: meet Felicity the Amigurumi Frog! This crochet frog is adorable, don’t you think? You can use any DK or worsted weight yarn you have in your stash to make it.

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Amigurumi Crochet Whale

If your child loves sea animals, this crochet whale amigurumi might make the perfect gift! You’ll just need some worsted weight yarn in blue and white to make this little guy come to life. I especially love how unique the blowhole makes it look!

Get the free pattern

Crochet Elephant Amigurumi

Next up, I just have to show you this crochet elephant. My mom’s favorite animal has always been elephants, so I am always on the lookout for cute patterns! This cutie is made from velvet, which makes him extra soft and squishy. He’s sure to be a favorite among kids!

Get the free pattern

Amigurumi Clownfish

Last but not least, a little crocheted Nemo! Although in reality, this Clownfish’s name is Cecil. I love this pattern so much. It is made from Bernat Blanket Yarn, which not only makes it soft, but also quick to work up.

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Idea #3: Useful but Fun Crochet Gifts

It’s great when you can crochet something that is both useful and fun, am I right? The next few patterns feature this idea. There will be things like pillows, bags, and more!

Crochet Heart Pillow

First of all, look at this cute heart pillow! I just love it! This pattern uses Bernat Blanket Yarn, so I bet it works up super fast. Not to mention, that yarn will make it extra cozy and soft to lay on.

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Drawstring Bag

Do you have a daughter that loves purses/bags? This cute little drawstring bag is quick and easy, and it makes a great stash-buster project. The tight single crochet stitches are great for any little trinkets your kids might want to put inside.

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Basketball Scrubbie

If you have a kid who loves basketball, here’s an idea: a cute basketball scrubbie! This design works up super fast with just a bit of cotton yarn, so it would make a great last minute crochet gift for kids. And guess what? It might even make washing your face fun!

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Basketball Backpack

Another pattern for the basketball lovers…this one is a backpack! You’ll just need some Red Heart Super Saver yarn to make this, or really any worsted weight yarn you have in your stash. The result is a bag that your child is sure to treasure!

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Crochet Crown Pattern

Anyone have kids that like to play dress up? If so, this crochet crown pattern might be the perfect gift idea! Cheryl from Crochet 365 Knit Too did such a great job with this design. I love how stylish the finished crown looks! Perfect for a princess or queen outfit.

Get the free pattern

Crochet Pencil Case

The last pattern I’d like to show you is this cute pencil case (designed by me!) Perfect for school or an overnight trip! If you have a child that likes to draw or do artwork, this could also be a great holder for other supplies.

Get the free pattern

Idea #5: Crochet Play Food

When I was thinking about crochet gifts for kids, there was another category that I KNEW I needed to include: play food! Some of my fondest childhood memories can be traced back to my play kitchen. Making crocheted food for your child is sure to result in fun times of “playing house” or “playing restaurant”!

Crochet Pizza

One amazing crochet food you can make is this cute pizza! Make just one slice or a whole plateful. Of course, if it’s for your child’s restaurant, you’ll probably want to go with a full pizza worth of slices These are so little and cute they would make a great last minute gift for kids!

Get the free pattern

Crochet Ice Cream Cone

Of course, you can’t have pizza without…ice cream! I can hardly think of a better food for child’s play than ice cream! This pattern by Sarah from Repeat Crafter Me features 4 ice cream scoops, but you could easily pair that down a bit if you don’t want to make that many.

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Amigurumi Hot Dog Pattern

Who doesn’t love a good hotdog, especially when it has such a cute little face? LOL. This hotdog pattern features the hotdog itself along with a bun and even ketchup and mustard. Almost good enough to eat!

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Crochet Apple Pattern

Last but not least, we’ll take a turn to a healthier option: a crochet apple! I love how you can customize the color of the apple to get different varieties. The pattern even features a leaf and a stem, as if these apples were picked right off the tree!

Get the free pattern

Idea #5: Crochet Clothing & Accessories for Kids

The last category we have to cover is cute items to wear like sweaters, headbands, etc.! I saved this category for last, because, let’s be honest…sometimes to kids, a clothing gift is a little boring. However, it probably depends on the kid. Some may appreciate crocheted clothing more than others!

Allie Ear Warmer

One quick but cute wearable item for kids is this Allie Ear Warmer. Your daughter is sure to stay both warm and stylish with this in their wardrobe! My sister, Heidi, loved this ear warmer and she recommends it for gifts for other little girls!

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Velvet Crochet Cardigan Pattern

If you’re up for a big of a longer project, this Velvet Cardigan is a great option. I think little girls would love it more than a typical clothing gift because of how uniquely soft and squishy it is! The best part is, the pattern is written is a variety of sizes – from 12 months all the way to 10/12 girls!

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Mini Midnight Top

Next up, check out the Mini Midnight Top, designed by me! This top works up super fast (I used Lion Brand Jeans yarn). It is worked from the top down, so you won’t have to worry about any seaming! Available from sizes 2-12.

Get the free pattern

North Shore Boy’s Hat & Scarf

Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about the boys! This crochet hat & scarf set might be the perfect gift for your little boy…especially if he likes camo! It’s sure to keep him warm on blustery days.

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Me & My Doll Crochet Sunhats

When I saw this cute sunhat, I knew I had to include it! You can make a set for your daughter and her 18″ doll. I don’t know any little girl who doesn’t love matching with her doll. So this is a clothing pattern I’m sure won’t be considered boring!

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Heidi Sweater

Another crochet sweater for girls; this one is called the Heidi Sweater! This pattern features a high v-neck, along with mini bobble stitches throughout the design. It would make a great Christmas gift because it is such a warm and cozy sweater!

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Boys Crochet Cardigan

Here’s another pattern for boys: a classy crochet cardigan! I love how this pattern features post-stitch ribbing along all the edges. You can easily customize it to your child’s liking by using their favorite color!

Get the free pattern

Twilight Beanie

Next up I’d like you to meet the Twilight Beanie! This is a great pattern if you’re a crochet beginner. It just uses simple stitches throughout the design (and no increases or decreases!) Top it off with a faux fur pom-pom for extra style!

Get the free pattern

Butterfly Crochet Bracelet

If you want something a little smaller, I bet you’ll love this cute butterfly bracelet! If your daughter likes jewelry, this would be a great gift idea for her. You’ll just need a small amount of yarn and some beads.

Get the free pattern

Crochet Slipper Socks

I’m excited to show you this next pattern because it makes me think of so many happy memories as a child: crocheted slippers! My parents would always give us a new pair of slippers each Christmas in our stockings. You can easily do the same by using this pattern!

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Coco Crochet Toddler Headband

If you’re looking for crochet gifts specifically for your toddler, check out this amazing headband by Stitching Together! You’ll just need some worsted weight yarn and knowledge of simple crochet stitches.

Get the free pattern

Crochet Bow Headband

Here is another headband pattern that features a bow on the front, and can actually be made in ANY size! This cute accessory is made from the Moss Stitch and is great for dressing up any outfit.

Get the free pattern

Crochet Dinosaur Hat

Let’s close this section out with one more boy’s pattern: the Dinosaur Spike Hat! If you have a little boy that loves dinosaurs, this is sure to be a highly popular gift. All you need is some worsted weight yarn to complete it.

Get the free pattern

Conclusion

As you can see, there are so many different types of things you can crochet as gifts for your kids! The patterns above would work great for Christmas gifts or birthday gifts! I hope you liked browsing through the list and I hope you found the perfect pattern to make!

More Crochet Gift Guides

• Thoughtful Crochet Gifts for Friends
• Best Crochet Gifts for Teenage Guys
• 15+ Crochet Gifts for Teachers
• Crochet Gifts for Family & Coworkers

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Happy Crocheting!

The post Ultimate List of Crochet Gifts for Kids – Over 30 Free Patterns! appeared first on .

Some of you may remember that I released a pattern last winter called the Alicia Ear warmer…well, I am happy to say that this is now the CHILD’s version of that same pattern! You can now make matching ear warmers for you and your kids—and I promise, these will be amazing to keep you in style and warm at the same time. My little sissy loves her ear warmer…

And here we are wearing them together! This was such a fun photo shoot to do together.

If you want to go straight to the adult pattern, be sure to click HERE. The main difference is that it is wider. Besides that, it does use the same stitch pattern!

All right, let’s get started on the pattern!

The Allie Ear warmer

• To Pin this pattern to your Pinterest boards, click HERE
• To buy the PDF version of this pattern on Etsy, click HERE
• To add this pattern to your Ravelry queue, click HERE

NOTES:

1. Ch 3 at beginning of rows always counts as a stitch
2. Stitch Pattern is a multiple of 5+3. You can adjust the width of your ear warmer by increasing or decreasing stitches.

MATERIALS:

• Less than 1 skein of Mary Maxim Woodlands yarn (or other worsted weight yarn)
• H/8 (5mm) crochet hook
• Yarn needle

Here are some other purple yarns that could work for this project!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

1/ Wintergreen Cowl 2/ Lattice Stitch 3/ Angelica Cardigan

ABBREVIATIONS/STITCHES USED:

Chain – ch

Foundation single crochet – fsc

Slip Stitch: sl st

Single crochet – sc

Half double crochet – hdc

Double crochet – dc

Back post double crochet – bpdc

Front post triple crochet – fptr

Repeat – rep

Skip – sk

Stitch(es) – st(s)

RS: right side

INSTRUCTIONS:

Fsc 13 (or a multiple of 5+3 to adjust width).

Row 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc, here and throughout) dc in each fsc across. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc. *Sk next dc, fptr around next dc. Working in front of st just made, fptr over skipped st. (See appendix for tutorial). Dc in next 3 dc. Rep from * across row. Turn.

NOTE: if you are unfamiliar with post stitches, you can view the tutorial that will help you learn this stitch pattern. Just click HERE!

Row 3: Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc. Bpdc over next 2 fptr. *Sk next dc, 3 dc in next dc. Sk next dc, bpdc over next 2 fptr. Rep from * until 3 dc left. Dc in last 3 dc. Turn. 

Row 4: Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc. *Sk next fpdc, fptr in next fpdc. Working in front of st just made, fptr in skipped st. Dc in next 3 dc. Rep from * across row. Turn. 

Rep rows 3-4 until ear warmer reaches desired length. Try it around your head and make sure you get a snug fit! 

Last row: Ch 1 (does NOT count as st) sc across row. Fasten off. 

FINISHING

1. With right sides together, sew ends together using your desired sewing method. I used a slip stitch seam. 

2. To make the gathered part:

Take a long piece of yarn and begin by inserting it through the 3 cables as shown below. 

Note: my yarn is shown in a contrasting color so you can see it better. However, the color I actually used was the same!

Next, take one end of the yarn and stick it back through the opposite side of the cables. Then pull both ends tight. 

Finally, stick the 2 ends through the opposite side of the ear warmer, so that they’re coming out the back. Pull tight once again and knot. 

If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

To view all of my free patterns, click HERE. To get a special bonus straight to your inbox, sign up for my email list below:

Happy Crocheting!

The post Allie Ear warmer—Free Crochet Kid’s Pattern appeared first on .

After designing the women’s Midnight Top and seeing the huge success that it was, I just KNEW a kid’s version was in order! It has been so much fun to see these mini tops take shape!

My favorite thing about this top is how quickly it works up. The adult version was super quick to make—but the kids is even quicker! You can whip one of these up in no time.

Sign up for my email list to get FREE crochet pattern like this straight to your inbox!!

The YARN

I used Lion Brand Jeans yarn for this top. I have to say, this probably my favorite worsted weight yarn I’ve ever worked with! Not only is it soft, but also stretchy and comfy! In short, perfect for summer. Even though it’s acrylic, it doesn’t get too hot either.

The Inspiration + Design

I actually designed the Midnight Top top in the car. I’d never designed a raglan before, so I had low expectations for it actually becoming a a successful pattern. So really, I stumbled upon this design by accident! However, after I made the adult version, I KNEW I couldn’t go by without making a kid’s version as well.

My testers were happy with that—look at this mommy and me set made by @coycrochet on Instagram below!

If you’d like to get an Ad-free, printable version of this pattern, be sure to visit my Etsy shop. By buying the premium version, you go even farther in supporting my small business—so thank you in advance to all who purchase!

Also…the PDF is on sale for limited time only! Use the code MINIMIDNIGHT to get 20% off!

One last thing…this pattern is also apart of the Design, Create, Repeat collaboration! Today I’m featuring Katie from Salty Pearl Crochet’s corner-to-corner pattern! Click HERE for the free pattern!

The Mini Midnight Top

Ok, finally to the pattern!

By Desert Blossom Crafts

• To buy the ad-free, PDF pattern, click HERE
• To pin this pattern to your Pinterest boards, click HERE
• To add this pattern to your Ravelry queue, click HERE
• To view the adult version of this top, click HERE

Materials:

• Lion Brand Jeans Yarn: 1 (2, 2) skeins; I used colors Faded and Topstitch
• Total yardage needed: Approx. 240, 300, 380 yards worsted weight yarn
• K (6.5mm) Hook (or size to obtain gauge)
• Yarn needle

Abbreviations/Stitches Used:

Chain – ch

Foundation Single Crochet – fsc

Slip Stitch: sl st

Single crochet – sc

Double crochet – dc

Repeat – rep

Round – rnd

Skip – sk

Stitch(es) – st(s)

Special Stitches:

Shell (sh): (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in indicated stitch.

Sizing:

To fit chest size: 22 (25, 28)”
Finished bust size: 24 (27, 30)”

The sizes above are what the finished size of your sweater will be (as long as you obtain gauge). To leave plenty of growing room for your child, I recommend choosing a size that is 2-3” bigger than their chest measurement.

For reference, model is 4’ 2” with a chest measurement of 24”, wearing size 6-8.

Gauge:

11 dc = 4”

5 rows of dc = 3”

Notes:

1. This top’s construction is a raglan; it is worked from the top down.
2. Ch 3 at beginning of rnds counts as a stitch.
3. Ch 2 at beginning of rnds does NOT count as stitch.
4. Pattern is written in size 2-4, with sizes 6-8 and 10-12 in parentheses.

Instructions:

YOKE

Fsc (44, 56, 56). Join with a sl st to beg fsc to form a ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 3, dc in same st as sl st. Dc in next 10 (13, 13) Fsc. *Sh in next Fsc. Dc in next 10 (13,13) Fsc. Rep from * 2 times more. Complete first shell by doing 2 dc in first Fsc. Sc in beg ch 3 (counts as the ch space.) 40 (52, 52) dc, and 4 corner shells.

Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in ch sp of current sh. Dc in next 14 (17, 17) dc. *Sh in next check sp. Dc in next 14 (17, 17) dc. Rep from * 2 times more. Complete first sh by doing 2 dc in first ch sp. Sc in beg ch 3. 56 (68, 68) dc and 4 shells.

Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in ch sp of current sh. **Dc in next 2 dc. Ch 4, Sk 2 dc, *Sc in next dc. Ch 4, Sk 2 dc, rep from * until you reach corner shell. Dc in next 2 dc of corner sh. Sh in next ch sp. Rep from ** around. Except, on last repeat, omit the last sh, and simply finish the first shell by doing 2 dc in first ch sp. Join with sc to beg ch 3. 20 (24, 24) ch sps, 16 (20, 20) sc, 16 dc, 4 sh.

Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in ch sp of current sh. *Dc in next 2 dc. Ch 4, Sk 2 dc, Sc in next ch sp. (Ch 4, Sc in next ch sp) across all ch spaces. Ch 4, Sk 2 dc, dc in next 2 dc. Sh in next ch sp. Rep from * around, except on last repeat, omit final sh. 2 dc in first ch sp. join with sc to beg ch 3. 24 (28, 28) ch sps, 20 (24, 24) sc, 16 dc, 4 sh.

Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in ch sp of current sh. *Sk next dc, dc in next 3 dc. 2 dc in next ch sp. (3 dc in next ch sp) until 1 ch sp left. 2 dc in last ch sp. Dc in next 3 dc, Sk next dc. Sh in next ch sp. Rep from * around, except on last repeat, omit final sh. 2 dc in first ch sp. Join with sc to beg ch 3. 88 (100, 100) dc and 4 corner shells.

For Sizes 2-4 and 6-8, move on to the Body section now.

Size 10-12 ONLY

Rnd 6: Ch 3, dc in ch sp of current sh. Dc in ea dc across to ch sp of next corner sh. *Sh in next ch sp. Dc across to ch sp of next corner sh. Rep from * around. 2 dc in first ch sp. Join with sc to beg ch 3. 116 dc and 4 corner shells.

BODY:

Rnd 1: Ch 3, dc in ch sp of current sh. Ch 3 (4, 5) skip all the dc before next sh. 2 dc in ch sp of next sh (armhole made). Dc in all dc up to next sh. 2 dc in ch sp of next sh. Ch 3 (4, 5), skip all the dc before next sh. 2 dc in ch sp of next sh (armhole made). Dc in remaining dc. Join with a sl st to beg ch 3. 60 (66, 74) dc and 6, 8, 10 chs.  

Rnd 2: Ch 2 (does NOT count as dc), dc in same st as sl st. Dc in next dc. Dc in next 3 (4, 5) chains. Dc in across all dc until next set of chains. Dc in next 3 (4, 5) chains. Dc in remaining dcs around. Join with sl st to beg dc. 66 (74, 84) dc.

Rnd 3: Ch 2, dc in same st as sl st. Dc in ea dc around. Join with a sl st to beg dc.

Rep rnd 3 till work measures 15 (16, 17)  inches, or until top is your desired length!

Note: If you want to do color changes like I did, keep repeating Rnd 3 until you are a few rows from your desired length. Fasten off and do a rnd of dc in the contrasting color; then do a rnd of sc in the main color. Finally, do one more rnd in the contrasting color. After this, move on to the last rnd as shown below.

Last Rnd: Ch 1, sc in next st. *Ch 3, Sk next st, sc in next st. Rep from * until one st left. Ch 3, Sk last st, sl st in beg sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.

FINISHING

Sleeves: With contrasting color (if desired), join yarn with a sc at the base of the armpit. Sc evenly around the armhole opening. Join with a sl st to first sc, and fasten off.

Neck: With contrasting color (if desired), join yarn with a sc at the back of the neck opening. Sc evenly around the neck opening. Join with sl st to first sc, and fasten off.

If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

To view all of my free patterns, click HERE. To get a special bonus straight to your inbox, sign up for my email list below:

Happy Crocheting!

—Rachel

© 2021 All rights reserved. You may print this pattern for private use only. You may not reproduce or distribute this pattern in any way for any public or commercial use. You may sell finished items made from this pattern, but please give credit to me and link back to my blog. For info about permission to share pictures/use this pattern in Roundups, please contact me. Thank you!

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