There’s something deeply satisfying about picking up a hook and some yarn and turning them into something beautiful. Today, I’m going to walk you through how to make a small chudiyah — a lovely little crochet piece that’s perfect for beginners. It’s easier than you might think, and I’ll show you every step along the way.
I’ve made this particular chudiyah using a 3-ply bowl technique, which gives it a nice, sturdy structure. The best part? You only need to know a few basic stitches to get started. If you can chain and double crochet, you’re already halfway there.
Getting Started: What You’ll Need
Before we jump into the stitches, let’s talk supplies. For this project, I used green and yellow thread — a cheerful combination that really makes the chudiyah pop. But honestly, you can use any colors you like. That’s the beauty of crochet: it’s your creation, your rules.
You’ll need:
– A crochet hook that matches your yarn weight
– Yarn or thread in your chosen colors
– Scissors
– A tapestry needle for weaving in ends
If you’re new to crochet, I’d recommend starting with a medium-weight yarn and a hook size that feels comfortable in your hand. The chudiyah pattern is forgiving, so don’t stress about perfection on your first try.
The Foundation: Making Your First Chain
Every great crochet project starts with a chain. For this chudiyah, we’ll begin with a slip knot and then chain 12 stitches. Don’t worry if your chains are a little uneven at first — that’s completely normal. The more you practice, the more consistent they’ll become.
Once you’ve got your 12 chains, you’ll join them into a ring with a slip stitch. This creates the base circle that everything else will build upon. Make sure your chain isn’t twisted before you join it — that’s a common mistake that can throw off the whole project.
Round One: Building the Base
Now we start the actual shaping. In crochet, the first round is crucial because it sets the foundation for everything that follows. For this chudiyah, we’ll work double crochet stitches into the center of the ring.
Here’s the pattern for round one:
– Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet)
– Work 2 double crochet into the center of the ring
– Continue working 2 double crochet into each chain space around
You’ll end up with 12 stitches total (including your starting chain). This might feel a bit tight at first, but that’s okay. The stitches will loosen up as you go.
Round Two: Increasing for Shape
This is where things start to get interesting. In round two, we’ll increase by working 2 double crochet into each stitch from the previous round. That means every stitch gets a friend, doubling your count from 12 to 24.
Take your time with this round. It’s easy to accidentally skip a stitch or work into the wrong spot, especially if you’re still getting comfortable with the rhythm. Count your stitches after each round — it’s a habit that will save you countless headaches down the road.
If you’re enjoying this project, you might also like our Crochet plush Frog pattern — it uses similar techniques and is another great beginner-friendly project.
Round Three: More Growth
By round three, you should start seeing your chudiyah take shape. This round follows the same logic: increase in every stitch. You’ll be working 3 double crochet into each stitch from round two, bringing your total to 36 stitches.
I know it might feel repetitive, but that repetition is what builds muscle memory. Before long, you’ll be able to work these stitches without even looking at your hands. That’s when crochet becomes truly meditative.
Shaping the Sides
Once you’ve completed the base rounds, it’s time to start working on the sides of the chudiyah. This is where we stop increasing and start working even.
For the next several rounds, you’ll work one single crochet into each stitch around. No increases, no decreases — just straight stitching. This creates the walls of your chudiyah, giving it height and structure.
Here’s a tip: mark your first stitch with a stitch marker or a scrap piece of yarn. It’s incredibly easy to lose track of where your round starts, especially when you’re working in a continuous spiral. A simple marker saves you from having to count back and figure out where you are.
Adding Color Changes
Now, if you want to get creative, this is the perfect time to introduce a second color. I used green and yellow in my chudiyah, alternating colors every few rounds for a striped effect.
To change colors:
1. Work the last stitch of your current color until you have two loops left on your hook
2. Yarn over with your new color and pull through both loops
3. Continue crocheting with the new color
Carry the unused color loosely along the inside of your work. You don’t want it too tight, or it will pucker the fabric. If you’re planning multiple color changes, you might want to look into our Monster Keychain pattern — it uses similar color-changing techniques in a smaller, quicker project.
Working in Single Loops
Here’s a technique that makes a real difference: for certain rounds, you’ll crochet into only the front loop or back loop of each stitch. This creates a subtle ridge or texture on your chudiyah.
When you work into just one loop, the stitch sits differently. It angles slightly, and the unused loop creates a visible line on the surface. This is a great way to add visual interest without any complicated stitches.
For this chudiyah, I worked one round in the front loop only, then the next round in the back loop only. It gives the piece a ribbed effect that feels nice to touch and looks more polished.
The Turning Point
After several rounds of even stitching, you’ll want to start shaping the top of your chudiyah. This is where we begin decreasing.
To decrease, you’ll work two stitches together — a single crochet decrease. Here’s how:
1. Insert your hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop
2. Insert your hook into the following stitch and pull up another loop
3. Yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook
This turns two stitches into one, gradually reducing the circumference of your work.
Decrease evenly around the round. I like to decrease every 6 stitches or so, but you can adjust based on how quickly you want the top to close. The key is consistency — if you decrease too fast, the chudiyah will pucker; too slow, and it won’t close properly.
Finishing Touches
Once your chudiyah reaches the desired height and the top is closed, it’s time to finish off. Cut your yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 inches. Pull the tail through the last loop and tighten gently.
Now comes the part many beginners skip: weaving in ends. Use your tapestry needle to thread the tail through several stitches on the inside of your work. Go in one direction, then back in the opposite direction to secure it. Snip the excess close to the fabric.
If you’re looking for more quick projects to practice your skills, our Baby Crabs pattern is adorable and works up fast — perfect for using up small amounts of leftover yarn.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even experienced crocheters run into problems sometimes. Here are a few common ones and how to fix them:
Uneven edges: This usually happens when you accidentally add or skip a stitch. Count your stitches every round until you build consistency.
Holes in the fabric: If your tension is too loose, try going down a hook size. Conversely, if your stitches are too tight, go up a size.
Curling edges: This can happen if your foundation chain is too tight. Try using a larger hook for the chain, then switch to your regular hook for the rest of the project.
Losing your place: Use stitch markers. Seriously. They’re cheap, they’re simple, and they save you from having to frog (rip out) entire rows.
Why This Pattern Works for Beginners
I’ve taught a lot of people to crochet over the years, and the chudiyah is one of my go-to patterns for newbies. Here’s why:
- It uses only basic stitches: chain, single crochet, and double crochet
- The rounds are short, so you get quick feedback and a sense of accomplishment
- It’s forgiving — minor mistakes aren’t obvious in the finished piece
- You can complete it in one or two sittings, which is great for building momentum
Plus, it’s functional. A small chudiyah can be used as a coaster, a ornament, a gift topper, or even a tiny basket for jewelry. It’s not just practice — it’s something you can actually use.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic chudiyah, here are some ways to mix it up:
- Different yarn weights: Try it with chunky yarn for a larger, cozier version, or with fine thread for a delicate, lacy look
- Embellishments: Add a crochet flower, a button, or some beads to the center
- Stripes: Alternate colors every few rounds for a rainbow effect
- Texture: Experiment with front-post and back-post stitches for a woven look
The possibilities are endless, and each variation teaches you something new about how yarn and stitches behave together.
Key Takeaways
Making a small chudiyah is one of those projects that feels simple but rewards you with real skills. You learn how to start a circle, increase evenly, work even rounds, and shape a piece with decreases. Those techniques form the foundation of countless other crochet projects.
Take your time. Enjoy the process. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes — every dropped stitch and uneven edge is just part of learning. Before you know it, you’ll be cranking out chudiyahs in every color combination you can think of.
If you found this helpful, share it with a friend who’s been wanting to learn crochet. Sometimes all it takes is one small project to spark a lifelong hobby.