If you've been curious about crocheting plushies but don’t know where to begin, start simple. A round bear or jellyfish is the perfect beginner plushie. These projects use basic shapes and stitches like single crochet, increases, and decreases. Best of all, the simplicity means fewer seams and less frustration—ideal for building confidence. 

Blanket yarn is a top choice for first-time plushie makers. It’s thick, soft, and works up quickly, hiding imperfections while giving your plushie a cuddly feel. Safety eyes, a little polyfil stuffing, and a yarn needle are usually all the extras you'll need. And if safety eyes feel intimidating, just embroider the face with yarn or thread. 

When choosing a pattern, look for one labeled "no-sew" or "minimal sew." This allows you to focus on crocheting rather than construction. Once you've made your first plushie, it’s easy to branch out into animals, dolls, or fantasy creatures. These sweet little projects are fun, quick, and make wonderful gifts. 

Sheri Shaw

CrochetAuLait