11 Free Crochet Necklace Patterns For Beginners

If you’ve ever wanted to make your own jewelry but felt intimidated by metalworking or wire wrapping, crochet necklaces might be exactly what you’ve been looking for. They’re approachable, affordable, and surprisingly versatile. With just a hook, some yarn or thread, and a little patience, you can create beautiful pieces that look like they came straight from a boutique. Whether you’re brand new to crochet or you’ve mastered a few basic stitches and want to try something new, this collection of free crochet necklace patterns for beginners has something for everyone.

Below you’ll find eleven wonderful patterns that range from ultra-simple chains to slightly more detailed statement pieces. Each one uses foundational crochet techniques, and most can be completed in an afternoon. Let’s dive in.

Why Crochet Necklaces Are Perfect for Beginners

Before we get into the patterns, it’s worth taking a moment to talk about why crochet jewelry is such a great starting point for beginners.

First, the materials are inexpensive. Unlike silversmithing or beadwork, crochet necklaces typically require just a small amount of thread or yarn, a hook, and a basic clasp. You can start a project for just a few dollars.

Second, the projects are small. When you’re learning a new craft, working on a large blanket or garment can feel overwhelming. A necklace, by contrast, is finished quickly. That sense of completion is motivating and helps you build confidence.

Third, mistakes are easy to fix. Dropped a stitch? Pull it out and try again. Unlike knitting, where dropped stitches can unravel an entire row, crochet stitches are generally self-contained and forgiving.

Finally, the results are genuinely impressive. People are often surprised to learn that a delicate-looking lace necklace is made with yarn and a hook. Crochet jewelry has a handmade charm that store-bought pieces simply can’t replicate.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Most of the patterns in this list call for similar materials, so it’s a good idea to gather your supplies before you begin. Here’s a basic beginner toolkit for crochet necklaces:

Thread or Yarn: For most necklace patterns, you’ll want to use crochet thread rather than bulky yarn. Size 10 cotton crochet thread is the most common choice. It creates a fine, structured fabric that drapes beautifully and holds its shape. That said, some of the chunkier patterns on this list work great with thin sport-weight or fingering-weight yarn.

Crochet Hook: A steel crochet hook in size 7 or 8 (approximately 1.65mm) pairs well with size 10 thread. For thicker yarns, you might use a 2mm to 3.5mm hook. Always check the pattern’s recommended hook size.

Clasps and Findings: Most necklaces need a closure. Lobster claw clasps are beginner-friendly and widely available at craft stores. You’ll also want jump rings to attach the clasp to your finished work.

Tapestry Needle: You’ll use this to weave in ends and finish your piece neatly.

Optional Embellishments: Beads, charms, and pendants can be added to many of these patterns to personalize them. More on that below.

Once you have your supplies ready, pick the pattern that excites you most and get started.

1. Simple Crochet Chain Necklace

This is the most beginner-friendly pattern on the list, and it’s a fantastic first project. The entire necklace is made using a basic chain stitch, which is the very first stitch most crocheters learn. You simply chain until you reach your desired length, then secure a clasp at each end.

The beauty of this pattern is in its simplicity. You can use a variegated thread to create a colorful, gradient effect, or stick to a classic neutral like ivory or black for an elegant everyday accessory. Adding a pendant or charm to the center of the chain transforms it from minimalist to eye-catching in seconds.

This necklace takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete and requires no pattern reading beyond knowing how to chain. It’s the perfect project for absolute beginners or for anyone who wants a quick, satisfying make.

2. Crochet Slip Stitch Cord Necklace

The slip stitch cord is another foundational technique that creates a wonderfully smooth, rope-like strand. By working slip stitches continuously into a foundation chain, you build up a twisted, sturdy cord that works beautifully as a necklace.

This pattern is great because it teaches you the slip stitch in a context where you can really see its structure. The finished cord has a lovely texture and sits nicely against the neckline. You can make it as long as you like and experiment with different thread colors to create layered necklaces in a coordinating palette.

Once you’re comfortable with the basic slip stitch cord, try threading beads onto your yarn before you start. As you crochet, you can slide a bead up to each stitch for a beaded version that looks incredibly polished.

3. Crochet Beaded Necklace

Speaking of beads, this beaded crochet necklace pattern is a stunning beginner project that combines simple single crochet stitches with seed beads or small glass beads for a shimmering effect.

The technique involves pre-stringing beads onto your thread before you begin crocheting. As you work each stitch, you push a bead into place, incorporating it into the fabric of the crochet. The result is a necklace that looks complex but is actually quite straightforward once you get the hang of the bead placement rhythm.

Choose seed beads in a single color for a sleek, uniform look, or mix multiple colors and sizes for a more eclectic, boho-inspired piece. This pattern works up quickly and makes an excellent gift because it looks so professionally made.

4. Crochet Lace Collar Necklace

A lace collar necklace is one of those pieces that looks incredibly intricate but is achievable even for beginners who know just a handful of basic stitches. This type of pattern typically uses chain stitches, single crochets, and double crochets arranged in a repeating sequence to create a delicate, fan-shaped lace pattern.

The key to this necklace is working with fine thread and a small hook, which gives the finished piece its lacy, ethereal quality. Don’t be put off by the idea of working with fine thread — it’s actually very satisfying once you get into the rhythm, and the results are breathtaking.

A lace collar necklace looks lovely worn against a simple V-neck or scoop-neck top, where the delicate lacework can really be appreciated. If white lace feels too formal, try it in a deep navy, rust, or sage green for a more modern take.

5. Crochet Pendant Necklace

This pattern focuses on creating a crocheted circle, square, or hexagon that acts as a pendant. The pendant is worked in the round using basic stitches, then attached to a simple crocheted cord or a purchased chain.

Crochet pendant patterns are wonderfully customizable. You can change the shape, the color, and the size to suit your style. Many people like to add a button, a coin, or a small stone to the center of the pendant for extra visual interest. Others embroider a small design onto the finished piece.

Because the pendant is worked in the round, this pattern also introduces you to working in magic rings and joining rounds — two techniques that open the door to a whole world of crochet projects beyond jewelry.

6. Crochet Tassel Necklace

Tassel necklaces were everywhere in bohemian fashion for years, and for good reason — they’re playful, colorful, and incredibly fun to make. This pattern combines a simple crocheted chain or cord with one or more tassels made from yarn or embroidery floss.

Making tassels is straightforward: you wrap thread around a piece of cardboard, tie off the top, cut the bottom loops, and trim the ends evenly. Attach the tassels to your crocheted cord at even intervals or just at the center, and you have a bold, festive necklace.

Try mixing metallics with bold brights for a festival look, or keep things understated with a single neutral tassel on a fine ivory cord. This is also a great way to use up small amounts of leftover yarn from other projects.

7. Crochet Infinity Scarf-Style Necklace

This one blurs the line between necklace and accessory. A long crocheted tube or flat strip that can be worn looped multiple times around the neck functions beautifully as both a necklace and a very lightweight cowl.

For a beginner, a simple single crochet or half double crochet flat strip works perfectly. Make it narrow — about an inch or two wide — and as long as you want the finished wrap to be. When worn looped tightly around the neck, it creates a layered, textural look that’s both cozy and chic.

This is a great project for practicing even tension across multiple rows, which is a fundamental skill in crochet. Choose a luxurious lightweight yarn in a jewel tone or a soft neutral for maximum wearability.

8. Crochet Flower Necklace

There are few things more cheerful than a handmade crochet flower, and when you attach one to a necklace cord, the result is charming and wearable. This pattern teaches you to crochet simple five-petal flowers using chain stitches and slip stitches, then connects them along a chain or cord.

You can make a single large flower as a focal pendant, or create a garland of tiny flowers evenly spaced along the necklace. Mixing different sizes and colors of flowers creates a whimsical, garden-inspired piece that’s perfect for spring and summer.

Crochet flower patterns are endlessly adaptable. Once you know how to make a basic flower, you can vary the petal count, add a button or bead to the center, or try two-toned flowers for a more sophisticated effect.

9. Crochet Bib Necklace

A bib necklace is a bold statement piece that covers the upper chest in a cascading, layered design. While it sounds complex, beginner-friendly bib necklace patterns typically work from a simple foundation chain with increasing numbers of stitches added in rows to create the fan-shaped bib effect.

The trick is to keep your tension consistent and to lay the finished piece flat to block it into shape before wearing. Blocking — the process of wetting your crochet and pinning it into the correct dimensions while it dries — is an important finishing technique for any crochet jewelry piece, as it evens out stitches and gives the finished piece a professional look.

Choose a neutral like gold-toned or bronze metallic thread for a luxurious, statement-making bib, or go bold with a jewel tone for maximum impact.

10. Crochet Y-Necklace

The Y-necklace is a classic jewelry silhouette — a strand that goes around the neck and comes to a central drop in the front. In crochet form, this design typically involves working three separate cord sections and joining them at a central point, then finishing with a small crocheted or purchased pendant.

This pattern is slightly more advanced than some others on this list because it involves joining pieces together and may include a short section of finer lace or mesh work at the drop. However, it’s still very accessible for beginners who have mastered the basics and want a small challenge.

The Y-necklace is universally flattering and works well with almost any neckline. In a fine metallic thread, it looks formal enough to wear to a dinner party. In colorful cotton thread, it’s a lovely everyday accessory.

11. Crochet Friendship Necklace

This final pattern is a wonderful project to make with a friend or to give as a gift. The concept is similar to a friendship bracelet — you create two matching or complementary pieces that can be worn as a set or given away as tokens of connection.

The pattern itself is typically a simple braided or twisted cord necklace with a small crocheted charm or heart attached. The technique is minimal, making it ideal for beginners, but the finished product feels deeply personal and meaningful.

Try making matching necklaces in complementary colors — one in turquoise and one in coral, for example, or one in silver and one in gold. Packaging them together in a small gift box makes for a heartfelt, handmade present that anyone would treasure.

Tips for Finishing Your Crochet Necklace

No matter which pattern you choose, finishing your necklace properly makes all the difference. Here are a few tips to help your finished pieces look their best.

Weave in your ends carefully. Use your tapestry needle to weave the yarn tail back and forth through several stitches before trimming. This secures the end without creating a visible bump.

Block your finished piece. Even a simple necklace benefits from a light blocking. Wet the finished piece, gently shape it, and allow it to dry flat. This evens out stitches and gives the necklace a polished, professional appearance.

Use jewelry-grade findings. Cheap clasps and jump rings can tarnish or break. Investing in sterling silver or gold-filled findings — even just for the clasp — elevates the finished piece significantly.

Secure your clasp firmly. When attaching your clasp with a jump ring, make sure the ring is fully closed and doesn’t have a gap. A necklace that falls open is frustrating to wear and risks losing the piece entirely.

How to Find Free Crochet Necklace Patterns Online

Most of the patterns described above are available for free from a variety of yarn and craft websites. Some of the best places to search include Ravelry, which has a massive searchable database of free and paid crochet patterns. You can filter by category, difficulty level, and yarn weight to find exactly what you’re looking for. Pinterest is another excellent resource — searching “free beginner crochet necklace pattern” will surface hundreds of visual results that link back to tutorials and pattern pages. Blogs like Yarnspirations, Hopeful Honey, and Repeat Crafter Me regularly publish free patterns with step-by-step photos, making them particularly beginner-friendly.

YouTube is invaluable for visual learners. Search for the specific stitch or technique a pattern requires, and you’ll almost certainly find a video tutorial walking you through it in real time.

Final Thoughts

Crochet necklaces are one of the most rewarding beginner projects in the fiber arts world. They’re quick to make, inexpensive to start, and the results are genuinely beautiful. Whether you want to make something delicate and lacy, bold and colorful, or simple and minimalist, there’s a free beginner crochet necklace pattern out there for you.

Start with the patterns that feel most approachable — the chain necklace or slip stitch cord are perfect first projects — and work your way up to the lace collar or bib necklace as your skills grow. Before long, you’ll have a whole collection of handmade jewelry that’s uniquely yours, and you might even find yourself crocheting necklaces as gifts for everyone you know.

Pick up your hook, choose your favorite thread color, and enjoy the process. Happy crocheting!