Crochet Magnets | MakerPlace by Michaels

There is something deeply satisfying about turning a skein of yarn and a small hook into something functional, charming, and completely your own. Crochet magnets are one of those little projects that seem almost too simple at first glance — and then you make one, put it on your refrigerator, and suddenly every visitor to your kitchen wants to know where you bought it. The answer, of course, is that you made it. And you can teach them to make one too.

At MakerPlace by Michaels, we celebrate exactly this kind of creative momentum. Whether you are brand new to crochet or you have been crocheting for decades and are looking for a fresh, quick project to keep your hands busy between bigger undertakings, crochet magnets are the perfect craft. They use minimal materials, come together in under an hour, make wonderful handmade gifts, and give you an excuse to experiment with color, texture, and stitch patterns on a small, forgiving scale. Let’s dig into everything you need to know about making crochet magnets, from the basics of getting started to intermediate techniques and creative ideas for sharing or selling your work.

Why Crochet Magnets Are the Perfect Small Project

Before we get into the how-to, it’s worth pausing on the why. Crochet magnets occupy a unique space in the world of fiber arts. They are small enough to finish in a single sitting, which means you get the full satisfaction loop — idea, creation, completion — without the weeks-long commitment of a blanket or sweater. For beginners, this is enormously motivating. There is nothing like holding a finished object in your hand to make you want to pick up your hook and start the next one.

For experienced crocheters, magnets serve a different purpose. They are a scrappy project in the best sense of the word, meaning they are ideal for using up odds and ends from your stash. That little ball of cotton left over from a dishcloth project, the tiny skein of novelty yarn you bought on impulse at a craft fair, the single yard of hand-dyed fingering weight that was never quite enough for anything — all of it finds a home in a crochet magnet. Nothing goes to waste.

Crochet magnets are also one of the most giftable handmade items you can make. They are small and lightweight, so they ship easily. They are universally useful, since almost everyone has a refrigerator or a magnetic whiteboard. They can be customized to suit any personality, from a simple granny square in someone’s favorite colors to a tiny crocheted donut or flower that reflects a personal interest. And because they take so little time to make, you can produce a whole set as a gift without burning yourself out.

Finally, if you are interested in selling your handmade work, crochet magnets are an excellent addition to any craft fair table or online shop. They are an affordable impulse purchase at a price point that makes sense for both the maker and the buyer, and their small size means you can display a wide variety without taking up too much space.

Materials You Will Need

One of the best things about crochet magnets is how minimal the supply list is. Here is what you will need to get started:

Yarn. Almost any yarn will work for crochet magnets, but the best choices are cotton or cotton-blend yarns in a worsted or sport weight. Cotton holds its shape well, has a satisfying stiffness that helps small crocheted pieces look crisp and clean, and comes in an enormous range of colors. That said, acrylic yarns work beautifully too, especially if you want a softer, squishier magnet or if you plan to stuff the piece lightly before finishing. Avoid very bulky yarns unless you are intentionally going for a chunkier aesthetic, as they can make small pieces look heavy.

Crochet hook. Match your hook size to your yarn weight. For worsted weight cotton or acrylic, a size G (4mm) or H (5mm) hook is a good starting point. For lighter weight yarns, go smaller. The goal is a fabric that feels sturdy rather than loose and floppy, so you may want to go down a hook size from what the yarn label recommends.

Magnets. The heart of the project is, of course, the magnet itself. Disc-shaped neodymium magnets work exceptionally well for this project. They are strong, thin, and easy to find at craft stores and online retailers. Look for magnets that are about half an inch to three-quarters of an inch in diameter. Stronger is generally better — a weak magnet is frustrating on a refrigerator door.

Glue. You will need a strong adhesive to secure the magnet to the back of your crocheted piece. E6000 craft adhesive is a popular choice because it bonds well to both fabric and metal and dries flexible. Hot glue can work in a pinch, but it tends to pop off over time, especially if the magnet gets warm. Take your time with this step and let the glue cure fully before using your magnet.

Yarn needle and scissors. These are standard crochet finishing tools you likely already have. You will use the yarn needle to weave in your ends and, in some cases, to sew pieces together or attach embellishments.

Optional: polyester fiberfill. If you want your magnet to be slightly three-dimensional or puffy, a tiny pinch of fiberfill stuffed inside before you close the piece gives it a lovely raised appearance.

Optional: stitch markers, tapestry needle, buttons, or other embellishments. Depending on the design you choose, you may want additional notions for decoration.

Basic Techniques and Stitches

If you are new to crochet, a few core techniques will carry you through almost any magnet pattern. Here is a quick overview.

The magic ring (also called a magic circle). Many round crochet projects start with a magic ring, which creates an adjustable loop that you can pull tight once your first round of stitches is complete. This eliminates the small hole that sometimes appears in the center of a chain-started round. To make a magic ring, loop your yarn around your fingers, insert your hook through the loop, draw up a loop of working yarn, and chain one to begin your first round. After you have worked the required number of stitches into the ring, pull the tail end to close it.

Single crochet (sc). This is the most fundamental stitch and the one most crochet magnet patterns rely on heavily. Insert your hook into the stitch, draw up a loop, yarn over, and pull through both loops on your hook. Single crochet creates a dense, sturdy fabric that is ideal for small items.

Half double crochet (hdc) and double crochet (dc). These taller stitches create a slightly more open fabric and are useful for certain decorative elements or when you want to work up a larger piece more quickly.

Working in the round. Most crochet magnet shapes — circles, ovals, hexagons — are worked in continuous or joined rounds. A stitch marker placed in the first stitch of each round helps you keep track of where you are.

Slip stitch (sl st). Used to join rounds and to move across stitches without adding height, the slip stitch is a finishing workhorse.

Fasten off and weave in ends. When you have completed your piece, cut the yarn leaving a six-inch tail, pull the tail through the last loop on your hook, and use your yarn needle to weave the tail securely into the back of the work.

Simple Crochet Magnet Patterns to Try

Now for the fun part. Here are several design ideas that range from beginner-friendly to slightly more involved, all of them perfect for creating a charming set of crochet magnets.

The Classic Granny Square Magnet. The granny square is perhaps the most iconic motif in crochet, and a small, two-round version makes an absolutely perfect magnet. Work your first round into a magic ring using double crochet clusters separated by chain spaces, join, and then work a second round around the outside, adding corner clusters as you go. Weave in your ends, stiffen lightly with liquid starch if desired, and glue a magnet to the back. You can make these in a single color for a modern look or go maximalist with a different color for every round.

The Simple Circle Magnet. Start with a magic ring and single crochet six stitches into the ring. In the second round, increase in every stitch (twelve stitches). In the third round, alternate one single crochet with one increase (eighteen stitches). Continue in this pattern, adding six stitches each round, until your circle is the size you want — typically three to four rounds for a small magnet. Fasten off and attach your magnet. This is the foundation shape for many other designs.

The Tiny Flower. Work a small center circle in one color, then switch to a contrasting color and work petal shapes around the outside by working a combination of chain stitches and slip stitches into each stitch of the final round. A small button sewn to the center adds a lovely finishing touch. These look stunning in spring colors and are endlessly customizable.

The Mini Donut. This is a crowd favorite and a bit more structural. Crochet a small ring of chain stitches and join them into a loop. Work single crochet stitches around both the inside and outside of the ring to build up the donut shape, then stuff lightly and close. Add a top layer in “icing” pink or chocolate brown, and use a contrasting color to embroider small “sprinkles.” The result is absurdly charming.

The Heart Magnet. Hearts can be worked flat in single crochet using a pattern that increases and decreases to form the characteristic shape, or they can be crocheted in the round and stuffed to create a three-dimensional heart. Either version looks wonderful on a refrigerator and is especially popular as a Valentine’s Day or wedding gift.

The Hexagon Motif. Hexagons have enjoyed a major resurgence in the crochet world, and for good reason — they are graphic, modern, and endlessly versatile. A single worked hexagon in a cotton yarn looks especially crisp and contemporary.

Tips for Making Your Crochet Magnets Look Polished

Even simple projects benefit from a few finishing techniques that take your work from homemade to handcrafted. Here are some tips that make a real difference.

Block your pieces. Even a tiny crocheted circle or square benefits from blocking, which involves dampening the piece and pinning it into shape to dry. This evens out your stitches and gives the finished magnet a flat, professional appearance. For cotton yarn in particular, blocking makes a dramatic difference.

Use a consistent tension. Small projects exaggerate tension inconsistencies, so try to relax your grip and work at an even pace. If you crochet particularly tightly or loosely, adjust your hook size rather than fighting your natural tension.

Weave in ends thoroughly. There is nothing more disheartening than a finished magnet with a loose tail coming out the side. Weave your ends in multiple directions, at least two to three inches in each direction, before trimming.

Apply glue carefully. When attaching your magnet, apply glue to the magnet itself rather than directly to the yarn, which can saturate the fibers. Press the magnet firmly against the back center of your crocheted piece and place something flat and heavy on top while it dries. Let it cure for the full time recommended on your adhesive packaging.

Back your magnets with felt. For an extra-polished look, cut a small circle of felt in a coordinating color and glue it over the magnet on the back of your piece. This covers the magnet, protects the adhesive, and gives the finished item a truly finished appearance.

Using Crochet Magnets as Gifts and for Craft Fairs

A single crochet magnet is a lovely little gift, but a set of four to six magnets packaged together is something really special. Consider coordinating a set around a theme — a set of tiny vegetables for someone who loves to cook, a set of flowers in a friend’s favorite colors, or a set of geometric shapes in a modern neutral palette. Tuck them into a small kraft paper box or tie them together with a ribbon and a handwritten tag.

For craft fairs, crochet magnets shine as an accessible, affordable item. Price them to reflect both your time and materials, and display them on a magnetic board so customers can see exactly how they will look in use. A variety of designs at different price points gives shoppers options. Offer single magnets as well as curated sets.

If you are selling online, clear, well-lit photographs against a simple background — a white backdrop or a real refrigerator door — show your work at its best. Include details about the magnet strength, the yarn fiber content, and the approximate dimensions so buyers know exactly what they are getting.

Getting Creative at MakerPlace by Michaels

If you want to take your crochet magnet making to the next level, MakerPlace by Michaels is a wonderful place to do it. MakerPlace locations offer access to tools, supplies, and workspace, but more than that, they offer community. Taking a class or attending an open craft session gives you the chance to learn new techniques in person, ask questions in real time, and connect with other makers who share your enthusiasm for handmade work.

Whether you are picking up a hook for the first time in a beginner crochet class or refining your skills in a more advanced workshop, the MakerPlace environment is designed to support your creative growth. And when you come to class with a project idea already in mind — like a set of custom crochet magnets for an upcoming gift or craft fair — you leave with something tangible and a set of skills you can build on indefinitely.

Crochet magnets might be small, but they represent something bigger: the satisfaction of making something with your hands, the joy of sharing handmade objects with people you care about, and the creative confidence that grows every time you finish a project and immediately want to start another. Grab some cotton yarn, a hook, and a handful of disc magnets, and see where the next hour takes you. Chances are, it will take you somewhere your refrigerator is suddenly a lot more interesting.