Crochet Magnets: Your Complete Guide to Making Adorable Handmade Fridge Magnets

There is something quietly magical about opening your refrigerator door and being greeted by a tiny crocheted strawberry, a little sunflower, or a perfectly round button-sized disc of colorful yarn. Crochet magnets have become one of the most beloved small projects in the handmade community, and for good reason. They are fast to finish, endlessly customizable, require very little materials, and make some of the most thoughtful and charming gifts imaginable. Whether you are brand new to crochet or a seasoned maker looking for a quick and satisfying project, crochet magnets belong in your creative repertoire.

At MakerPlace by Michaels, we celebrate every kind of maker — from the beginner picking up a crochet hook for the first time to the experienced crafter who has filled dozens of project bins with finished work. This guide is designed to walk you through everything you need to know about crochet magnets: the supplies, the stitches, the best shapes to start with, tips for finishing your magnets professionally, ideas for gifting and selling them, and how to keep your creative momentum going once you fall in love with this project style.

Why Crochet Magnets Are the Perfect Small Project

Before diving into the how-to, it is worth taking a moment to appreciate why crochet magnets have earned such a devoted following among crafters of all skill levels.

For starters, they are genuinely fast. Most crochet magnet designs can be completed in fifteen to thirty minutes, even for someone who does not crochet particularly quickly. That kind of quick turnaround is incredibly satisfying. You sit down with a bit of yarn and a hook, and by the time you finish your coffee, you are holding something finished, functional, and adorable.

They are also a wonderful way to use up yarn scraps. If you have been crocheting for any length of time, you almost certainly have a collection of small yarn remnants — bits of a skein left over from a larger project that feel too precious to throw away but too small for anything substantial. Crochet magnets are the perfect answer to that problem. A single magnet typically uses only a few yards of yarn, which means your scrap basket becomes a resource rather than an organizational headache.

From a skill-building perspective, crochet magnets are an ideal practice ground. New stitches, color changes, shaping techniques, and embellishment skills can all be tested out on a small scale with very little risk. If something does not turn out the way you hoped, you have only spent a few minutes and a tiny bit of yarn. But when it does turn out well — and it often does — you have an instant finished object to be proud of.

Finally, crochet magnets have real gift-giving power. A set of handmade magnets tucked into a card or arranged in a small tin is the kind of thoughtful, personalized gift that store-bought items simply cannot replicate. People remember handmade gifts. They stick them on refrigerators and filing cabinets and magnetic whiteboards, and they think of you every time they reach for a grocery list.

Supplies You Will Need

One of the greatest things about crochet magnets is how minimal the supply list is. You likely already have most of what you need.

Yarn: Cotton yarn is the most popular choice for crochet magnets because it holds its shape well, photographs beautifully, and is easy to work with. Worsted weight cotton is a great starting point, but you can also use fingering weight yarn with a smaller hook if you want tinier, more detailed magnets. Acrylic yarn works perfectly well too, especially if you are going for a softer look or working with colors that are harder to find in cotton.

Crochet Hook: For worsted weight yarn, a 3.5mm to 4.0mm hook is typical. Go down in hook size if you want tighter stitches and a firmer finished piece, which is generally desirable for magnets since you want them to hold their shape. Checking your gauge is less critical for magnets than for garments, but be aware that a looser tension will produce a floppier result.

Magnets: Disc magnets or button magnets in sizes ranging from 12mm to 20mm are ideal for most crochet magnet projects. You can find these in multi-packs at craft stores, including Michaels. Neodymium magnets are especially strong and work well for slightly heavier crocheted pieces. Make sure to choose magnets with enough pull strength to hold a few papers against a refrigerator door.

Stuffing (optional): Many crochet magnet designs are worked flat, but three-dimensional designs like fruits, flowers, or animals often benefit from a small amount of polyfill stuffing to give them a plump, dimensional look. A tiny pinch goes a long way.

Tapestry Needle: You will need this for weaving in yarn ends and, in some methods, for sewing the magnet into place or attaching embellishments.

Strong Adhesive or Felt: To attach the magnet to the back of your finished crocheted piece, you can use a strong craft adhesive, a hot glue gun, or a small circle of felt with the magnet sandwiched inside. Each method works, though hot glue is the quickest and most beginner-friendly option.

Embellishments (optional): Buttons, safety eyes, embroidery floss, and small beads can all add character and detail to your finished magnets. These are optional but can make a simple design really pop.

Essential Crochet Stitches for Magnet Projects

You do not need to know many stitches to make beautiful crochet magnets. In fact, most magnet patterns rely on just a handful of fundamental techniques.

Magic Ring: Also called a magic circle, this technique allows you to start crocheting in the round without leaving a visible hole in the center. It is the foundation for most circular and three-dimensional magnet designs. If you are not familiar with the magic ring, it is worth taking ten minutes to practice it before starting your first round magnet, as it makes a significant difference in the finished look.

Chain Stitch: The most basic of all crochet stitches and the foundation of most flat patterns. Chains are used to start projects, create turning chains between rows, and sometimes to add decorative elements.

Single Crochet: Tight, dense, and sturdy — single crochet is the workhorse stitch for crochet magnets. Because magnets benefit from a firm fabric that holds its shape, single crochet is used in the vast majority of patterns you will encounter.

Slip Stitch: Used to join rounds, close openings, and create smooth, nearly invisible seams. Getting comfortable with slip stitches will give your finished magnets a much more polished look.

Increases and Decreases: Working two stitches into one stitch (an increase) and working two stitches together (a decrease) are how you shape your crocheted pieces. These are essential for making rounds that lay flat, for shaping dimensional pieces, and for closing off stuffed designs.

Half Double Crochet and Double Crochet: These taller stitches are used less frequently in magnet projects but appear in certain petal shapes, leaf designs, and decorative borders. They create a slightly airier fabric and are useful when you want a delicate, open look.

Popular Crochet Magnet Designs to Try

The range of crochet magnet designs available is genuinely staggering, but here are some of the most beloved styles to help you get started.

Simple Round Discs: These are the simplest crochet magnets and a perfect first project. Work a flat circle in the round using single crochet, starting from a magic ring and increasing evenly until you reach your desired diameter. The magnet is attached to the back, and you have a clean, colorful disc that looks beautiful in a set of coordinating colors. These are also a great canvas for adding embroidered details or a simple border.

Fruit and Food Magnets: Strawberries, lemons, watermelon slices, avocados, donuts, and tiny ice cream cones are among the most popular crochet magnet designs on the internet, and for good reason. They are charming, recognizable, and make a cohesive set when grouped together. Fruit magnets often involve working in the round with strategic color changes to create realistic or stylized details. A strawberry, for example, might be worked in red with a green leafy top, with tiny seed details added in embroidery thread.

Floral Designs: Flowers are a natural fit for crochet, and miniature versions make stunning magnets. Simple five-petal flowers, sunflowers, roses, and daisies can all be worked in just a few rounds and attached to a small backing circle or disc. Layering two flower motifs in different colors adds dimension and visual interest.

Animal Faces: Tiny crocheted animal faces — cats, dogs, foxes, bears, bunnies — are endlessly appealing, especially as gifts for children or animal lovers. These designs typically involve working a round or oval base, then adding embroidered or sewn-on features like ears, eyes, and noses. Safety eyes are a popular choice for adding a bright, realistic look.

Holiday and Seasonal Themes: Crochet magnets are perfect for marking the seasons and holidays. Think tiny pumpkins for autumn, miniature Christmas trees, candy canes, hearts for Valentine’s Day, shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day, or little Easter eggs. Making a set of seasonal magnets and swapping them out throughout the year is a lovely way to bring a bit of handmade charm to your home all year long.

Letters and Numbers: Crocheted letter and number magnets are particularly popular for nurseries and children’s rooms. Working individual letters out of yarn gives them a soft, tactile quality that is appealing for little hands. These work especially well in chunky cotton yarn with a tight tension.

Abstract and Geometric Shapes: Hexagons, squares, hearts, and stars are geometric shapes that look graphic and modern when worked in solid colors or with bold color blocking. A set of rainbow-colored hexagon magnets or a collection of pastel stars makes a visually striking arrangement on any magnetic surface.

How to Attach Magnets to Your Crocheted Pieces

The finishing step — attaching the magnet itself — is where many beginners feel uncertain, but it is actually quite straightforward.

The most popular method is using a hot glue gun. Once your crocheted piece is finished and all ends are woven in, simply apply a small dab of hot glue to the flat side of your disc magnet and press it firmly against the back center of your crocheted piece. Hold it in place for a minute while the glue cools. This method is fast, strong, and beginner-friendly. The one caveat is that if your crocheted piece is very open or lacy, the glue might show through, so a tighter stitch tension is recommended.

Another excellent method involves sewing the magnet into the piece itself. If you are making a three-dimensional stuffed magnet, you can simply place the magnet inside the piece along with your stuffing before closing it off. For flat designs, you can create a small felt backing, sandwich the magnet between the felt and the back of the crocheted piece, and stitch everything together. This creates a very clean, professional finish and completely hides the magnet.

Strong craft adhesive such as E6000 is another good option, especially for situations where you want a very secure bond without the risk of visible glue strings. Apply it sparingly, press the magnet in place, and allow it to cure fully before using the magnet.

Tips for Making Professional-Looking Crochet Magnets

A few small habits can make a significant difference in the quality of your finished magnets.

Weave in your ends carefully and securely. On such small pieces, a loose end can unravel quickly, so take your time with this step and weave in at least two to three inches in different directions.

Block your crocheted pieces before attaching the magnet, especially if they are not laying perfectly flat. A quick steam block or wet block can dramatically improve the finished look of flat designs, smoothing out any ripples or curling edges.

Pay attention to tension. A consistent, slightly firm tension produces magnets that hold their shape well over time. If your tension varies, your finished pieces may look uneven or puffy in the wrong places.

Use good quality yarn. Because magnets are small, you are not using much yarn, so this is a great time to splurge on a beautiful cotton or high-quality acrylic. The difference in the finished look is noticeable.

Photograph your finished magnets in good natural light before gifting or selling them. These small pieces can be tricky to photograph, but natural light and a clean, simple background — a piece of white foam board works perfectly — will show off your work beautifully.

Crochet Magnets as Gifts and for Selling

Handmade crochet magnets are among the most giftable items a maker can produce. They are small enough to tuck inside a birthday card, inexpensive to make in bulk, and appreciated by recipients of virtually any age or lifestyle.

For gifting, consider making sets with a cohesive theme. A kitchen-themed set of food magnets, a garden-themed set of flowers and vegetables, or a holiday set tied with a ribbon all feel thoughtful and intentional. Packaging them in a small kraft paper box or arranging them on a card makes for a presentation that feels special even for a modest gift.

If you are interested in selling your handmade work, crochet magnets are a popular item at craft fairs, maker markets, and on handmade selling platforms. Their small size means they are easy to display and transport, and their accessible price point makes them an easy impulse purchase for shoppers. Offering customization — names, favorite colors, specific animals or themes — can help you stand out and build a loyal customer base.

At MakerPlace by Michaels, you have access to a community of fellow makers, workshops, and resources designed to support your creative journey whether you are making for the joy of it or building a small business around your craft.

Getting Inspired and Finding Patterns

Once you start making crochet magnets, it is hard to stop. The good news is that inspiration is everywhere. Social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are filled with incredible crochet magnet designs, and searching terms like “crochet magnet pattern free” or “amigurumi magnet tutorial” will turn up a wealth of free patterns for every skill level.

Crochet pattern databases and designer shops also offer hundreds of magnet-specific patterns, many of them available for immediate digital download. These often come with step-by-step photo tutorials that make them very accessible even for newer crocheters.

If you prefer learning in person or alongside a community, check out the workshops and classes available at MakerPlace by Michaels locations. Connecting with other makers is one of the best ways to stay motivated, discover new techniques, and find your next favorite project.

Start Small, Create Something Wonderful

Crochet magnets are proof that great things come in small packages. In the span of an afternoon, you can create a dozen tiny works of art out of nothing more than a bit of yarn, a hook, and a few small magnets. They bring color to your kitchen, personality to your workspace, and joy to the people you give them to.

Whether you are drawn to the meditative repetition of working small rounds, the challenge of mastering tiny three-dimensional shapes, or simply the delight of ending a crafting session with a finished object in hand, crochet magnets are a project worth making again and again. Pick up a hook, raid your yarn stash, and see what you can create. You might be surprised by how quickly a few yards of yarn becomes something you are genuinely proud to display or give away.

Visit MakerPlace by Michaels for supplies, inspiration, classes, and a community of makers who are just as excited about handmade creativity as you are. Your next favorite small project is waiting.