Today’s project shows how to create a piece of jewelry that’s perfectly me; and if there’s one thing I love, it’s crochet – and mixing creativity with a bit of scavenger resourcefulness! These crochet earrings are fun to make, budget-friendly, and a great way to use up leftover yarn while creating something unique and wearable.

The idea to make crochet earrings came after watching a video on my friend Carol’s YouTube channel featuring micro-crochet artist Eileen Yang. Her work is full of intricate detail and is awe-inspiring!

My crochet earrings aren’t nearly as tiny. And, of course, I’m bringing my own spin by upcycling everything I’m using.

Creative Craft Hop

Before we get to the tutorial, it’s time for another Creative Craft blog hop co-hosted by yours truly and Donna from Modern on Monticello! If you are visiting from Donna’s blog, welcome! Wasn’t her snowy mason jars lovely? Thanks for hopping over!

At the very bottom of this post, we’ll be directing you to the next stop on this venture. But don’t forget to check out the other stops too because you’ll find plenty more ideas. Be sure to drop back in throughout the week to visit them all!

Upcycling at its Best

These crochet earrings are made with fine cotton using one of my favourite colour combos (green and blue) and a copper gasket borrowed from my husband’s paint gun. Just like these circle earrings and vintage button necklace, I’m counting on him never noticing one more missing gasket… right? Just kidding, of course; I’d never sneak away items he actually still needs 😉.

So many of my friends are learning to crochet, which makes this a perfect time to share a few crochet jewelry ideas for the new year.

The crowning glory is crystals from a chandelier I found on the curb. I often find old light fixtures on garbage day and they are just ripe for the picking! Recycling at its most glamorous!

When selecting yarn, you can really play! I had these two thickness and decided to go with the thinner one. But there’s really no wrong choice. You’ll end up with a different look and less stitches if you use a thicker yarn, but that’s the fun in designing your own jewelry.

Crochet Hook Size

Once you have the yarn sorted, it will also determine your crochet hook size. As you’ll see further ahead, I’m using a size 9 vintage crochet hook made in England. I have to admit, I have no clue how that translates into today’s sizing, so I asked AI which basically said “vintage hooks weren’t always perfectly standardized, so if the hook isn’t marked with a metric size, the most accurate way to confirm is to measure the shaft with a calipers.”

I do happen to have callipers (they come in handy for laser crafting things like DIY abstract art). But I couldn’t be bothered to hunt them down because the precise size really isn’t the point. Like most creative hobbies, it’s all about experimenting and deciding what looks right to you.

With the Aunt Lydia’s crochet thread I’m recommending in the materials section below, you’ll likely need a much smaller hook – around 1.5mm – and will end up with a more delicate stitch. However, a lot will depend on whether you’re using scraps from your own stash.

Watch the Video!

Before jumping into the pattern (further ahead), take a moment to watch the video; it will make it easier to follow along

Materials

[If you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered (disclosure): The blue links in this post may be affiliate links. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases which we proudly donate to Alzheimer’s research. But don’t worry, you don’t pay a cent more! Thanks for helping to support our fundraiser!]

• 2 – 1″ (25 mm) solid hoops – these have square edges but should work (I used upcycled copper gaskets)
• Aunt Lydia’s Crochet Thread – 2 different colours
• 7/8″ (22 mm) crystal octagon beads 
• Silver jump rings in various sizes. You’ll need 4-6 6mm and 1 14mm jump ring for each earring.
• 2 silver earring ear wires
• Thread scissors

Crochet Earrings Inspiration

The colour palette for these crochet earrings was inspired by a green and blue thrifted bead combination I used in this ‘adult bib‘ project that doubles as jewelry.

You never quite know what you’ll find at the thrift store when everything’s wrapped in plastic and hard to see; it really does feel like a treasure hunt. If you have beads you love, they can be a great starting point for your own design!

You’ll find the free crochet pattern further ahead.

DIY Crochet Earrings

To start, crochet around the ring as shown using first colour (row 1).

Turn around and complete row two. Tie off and hide the ends.

Switch to blue and continue with the third row. Tie off and hide end.

Separate two crystal octagon beads.

Add a series of silver jump 6 mm rings to top of each crystal. Connect it to a 14 mm jump ring that’s connected to the copper gasket. Then add another two more 6mm jump rings to attach to both the earring wire and 14 mm jump ring as shown below.

Tip: I crocheted these earrings a few days apart and then promptly forgot how many blue bells to crochet. The right one has eleven and the left has thirteen (the pattern itself compromises at 12). The fullness is a personal choice, but if consistency matters to you, make a quick note so both earrings end up the same. I also photographed the wrong side of the one of the right so you can see how it looks from the back.

Crochet Earrings Pattern

Crochet two of the following pattern using green and blue yarn (or your preferred colour combo).

Row 1.  Using green yarn, make a slip knot. 1 sc through the copper hoop. * Ch 2. 4 sc in hoop hiding the tail end.

Repeat from * to cover the hoop 11 times (feel free to increase this number if you want it fuller). Ch 2, 1 sc in hoop.

Turn hoop around to other side.

Row 2. *Ch 7. Sl st 1st ch. slip st into remaking 6 ch. Wrap this tail around the back of the hoop. Sl st into 1st chain to secure around hoop. Ch 3. Sl st into next ch gap (where you previously chained 2).

Repeat from * to complete the second round. Tie off the yarn and switch to second colour.

Row 3. With blue yarn pull a loop through the 1st chain gap. ** Ch 3, 6 dc in the same chain gap. Remove hook, then insert it into the 1st dc. Bring the loop through the front to pull the sts into a tube. * Ch 3 and sl st into the centre of the gathered sts  where there is a hole. Repeat from * a total of 3 times.

Ch 1. Sl st into the green. Ch 1. Sl st into the green chain gap.

Repeat from ** until you have 12 blue bells to finish the round. Ch 1. Sl st to the last st. Fasten off yarn and hide ends.

Embellish

You could embelish with a crystal in the middle as described earlier. It’s pretty and blingy enough as-is.

Or, you could use the crystal’s second hole to add a green and blue beaded dangle that highlights the colours in the yarn. The beads are strung on a head pin and looped at the end so they attach easily to a jump ring or two.

Are you a ‘less is more’ crafter, or would you go all out and add the bead drop?

Pin Crochet Earrings

If you found this project inspiring or helpful, share the love and pin it! Pinning is a great way to support our charitable work and helps others discover creative ideas too. Just click the Pin button and save it to your favourite board; you’ll be able to find it later when you’re ready to try it yourself. Every pin makes a big difference and keeps the creativity flowing!

Creative Craft Hop

Now it’s time to check out this No Sew Zipper Crossbody Bag from Gail at Purples Hues and Me. When you’re done, please remember to visit these other amazing talents below:

• Simple DIY Snowy Mason Jars With Fairy Lights
• Crochet Earrings (that’s us!)
• No Sew Zipper Crossbody Bag
• Easy Valentine’s Napkin Rings (Zero Cost DIY)
• DIY Mossy Heart in 2 Easy Steps