Ever wondered what your true crochet skill level is?
Whether you’re a newbie just learning to chain or a seasoned pro tackling intricate lacework, knowing your skill level can help you pick the right patterns and grow your crochet expertise with confidence!
You’ve probably heard terms like “advanced beginner” or “confident crocheter” floating around in crochet groups or pattern descriptions, right?
It’s easy to assume there are all sorts of in-between levels when it comes to crochet skills.
But here’s the real scoop—there are actually only four universally recognized skill levels in the crochet world!
Yep, just four.
These are the official categories that industry experts and pattern designers use to communicate how easy (or tricky) a crochet project will be.
So, if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re a beginner, expert, or somewhere in between, this is for you.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Table of contents
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What’s Your Crochet Skill Level?
Before you answer that, let’s clear up a few common misconceptions!
Your crochet skill level is not based on:
- How long you’ve been crocheting (yep, you can totally become an expert in just a few months)!
- The number of projects you’ve finished (you could make 100 scarves and still be at the beginner crochet skill level)!
Your crochet skill level isn’t just about how many projects you’ve made or how long you’ve been crocheting—it’s about what you know and how well you can put that knowledge into practice.
Think of it like this: knowing how to do a stitch is one thing, but being able to consistently use that stitch in complex patterns, with different yarns, and under varying conditions—that’s skill.
It’s a combination of understanding different techniques, stitches, and patterns, and being able to execute them smoothly.
For example, you might know how to do a single crochet, but do you know how to shape a project using increases and decreases?
Can you follow a multi-page pattern with complex variations, techniques, stitches, sections and still keep your project looking polished?
That’s the difference between knowing the basics and mastering your skill.
In short, your crochet skill level reflects how much knowledge you’ve gained over time and, more importantly, how well you can apply that knowledge when creating projects.
Whether you’re working on a simple scarf or a complicated lace project, the ability to take your knowledge and translate it into a finished piece is what truly defines your skill level.
4 Universal Crochet Skill Levels
If you’ve ever skimmed the beginning of a crochet pattern, you’ve probably noticed a skill level listed to give you a heads-up about how challenging it is.
The four levels are:
- Beginner
- Easy
- Intermediate
- Experienced
Each of these categories are based on the stitches and techniques used in a project, so you know what skills you’ll need to complete it.
The Craft Yarn Council defines these levels after gathering insights from industry pros.
And if you find the skill level chart vague, you’re not alone—it’s designed to be broad.
But if you want a specific, structured way to grow your crochet knowledge and skills, I’ve created a detailed checklist just for you!
This checklist builds a solid foundation for each crochet skill level, guiding you through what to practice, refine, and master.
By following it, you’ll gain clarity on your progress and confidently advance through each of the universal crochet skill levels: Beginner, Easy, Intermediate, and Experienced.
Level 1: Beginner
Perfect for first-time crocheters!
You’ll be using simple stitches like chain (ch), single crochet (sc), half-double crochet (hdc), and double crochet (dc) without any shaping or fancy techniques.
Here is a checklist for the beginner level of crochet skill:
- Make a slip knot.
- Learn how to hold yarn and hook.
- Learn basic stitches:
- Chain
- Single crochet
- Half double crochet
- Double crochet
- Learn to fasten off.
- Count stitches individually and in rows.
- Identify the right and wrong sides of stitches/fabric.
Build your beginner level crochet skill:
- What you’ll make: Flat projects in rows like washcloths and scarves.
- Give it a try:
- Check out the Griddle Stitch tutorial
- And try this Easy Texture Washcoth
Level 2: Easy
Here, you’ll be using basic stitches but with a bit more variety—repetitive stitch patterns, simple color changes, and maybe even some shaping.
Here is a checklist for the easy level of crochet skill:
- Have a firm knowledge of Level 1.
- Pair yarns and fibers with projects.
- Read and follow written instructions with abbreviations, acronyms, and stitch charts.
- Grasp how gauge affects size.
- Manage yarn ends.
- Read and follow written instructions with abbreviations, acronyms, and stitch charts.
- Work in tubes (joined rounds) using the slip stitch.
- Count stitches and rounds in joined rounds.
- Basic increasing and decreasing.
- Change colors in rows.
- Change colors in tubes.
Build your easy level crochet skill:
- What you’ll make: Projects with varying stitch placements and repeats like hats and cowls.
- Give it a try:
- Try the Chevron Tube Scarf
- Check out the Simple Shell Stitch
Level 3: Intermediate
Now we’re stepping it up!
Intermediate projects involve a range of techniques, more intricate stitch patterns, and shaping like increases and decreases.
Here is a checklist for the intermediate level of crochet skill:
- Build on firm knowledge from Levels 1 and 2.
- Read and follow instructions with complex stitch/row repeats.
- Work increasing rounds (joined).
- Change colors in rounds.
- Count stitches and rounds in increasing rounds.
- Read and follow specialty stitches and techniques.
- Work with even stitch tension.
- What you’ll make: Projects with complex stitch variations and techniques like triangle shawls and simple amigurumi.
- Give it a try:
- Try the Basketweave Crochet Tote
- Check out the Ombre Beanie Hat
Level 4: Experienced
This is where it gets complicated.
You’ll be working with intricate stitch patterns, non-repeating designs, multi-colored techniques (hello, tapestry and fair isle!), and detailed shaping.
Here is a checklist for the intermediate level of crochet skill:
- Build on firm knowledge from Levels 1, 2 and 3.
- Complex stitch techniques, textures, or lace patterns.
- Create 3D elements, raised stitches, or various shapes.
- Projects with non-repeating stitches and rows.
- Multi-Color Techniques: Tapestry, intarsia, Fair Isle, or planned pooling.
- Thread Work.
- Refined shaping and finishing techniques.
- Integrate multiple stitches and techniques into cohesive, intricate projects.
- What you’ll make: Projects with a variety of complex variations and techniques, like multi-piece garments or lacework.
- Give it a try:
- Try the Sundial Motif and Throw
- Check out the Knot Hard To Do Booties
Skill Level vs. Experience
Here’s something to keep in mind: the skill level you can crochet doesn’t always match your overall experience.
- You might complete a super complex project but still not be an expert.
- Or, you may have been crocheting for years and prefer sticking to beginner patterns.
It’s totally possible to crochet an intricate lace sweater after just a few months of learning—or to spend decades crocheting simple projects without advancing.
It all depends on the skills you’ve picked up along the way!
How To Build Your Crochet Skill Level?
To become a crochet expert, it’s all about mastering the basics first, then building your knowledge and skills from there.
You can find all the basics in this How To Crochet article, which includes everything you need to know to master the beginner, easy and even intermediate levels of crochet.
Expertise comes from expanding your stitch combinations, tackling new techniques, and experimenting with different fabric structures and project types.
Crochet Skill Building Workshop
If you’re serious about leveling up, we’ve got you covered!
Our Crochet Skill Building Workshop (included in the Crochet Membership) walks you through each of the four skill levels in depth.
- What’s included?
- Video walkthroughs
- Printable lesson handouts
- Skill-building patterns
- Quizzes to test your knowledge
- And a certificate when you finish!
You can get a preview of lesson 1 right here – Lesson 1: Crochet Project & Skill Level Video.
What’s Your Crochet Skill Level?
Curious about where you fall on the skill level spectrum?
Join our community to share your latest crochet project with us, and share your thoughts and questions on crochet skill levels!
Peace + Love + Crochet
Salena
