10 Ways to Embellish a Crochet Project
Crochet projects are already full of character, thanks to the endless variety of stitches and techniques available. But the fun doesn’t have to stop when the last stitch is made. When you embellish a crochet project—whether with embroidery, buttons, or other mixed-media details—you add extra texture, color, and a personal touch that makes your piece truly one of a kind.
Buttons
Let’s start with buttons. Buttons are the quickest and easiest embellishment on this list! All that is needed is a quick attachment with a needle and thread. Buttons are available in every color, style and size that you can think of! So no matter what style your project is, you’re sure to be able to find a button to match!
You can use buttons for function, but if it’s not necessary you can just use them for design as well.
Here is an example of a beanie design that I added a few button embellishments to. It’s the braided beanie. The antique metal style of the buttons added just the right touch to this project!
Beads
Using beads to embellish a crochet project can add some fun shine! The contrast between the smooth curves of the beads and the soft fluff of the yarn is visually intriguing. Depending on the style of beads you use, they can add an elegant glow up, or create a boho vibe!
There are two techniques for incorporating beads in your crochet project! One way is to string the beads onto the yarn before you use it and then slide them into place as you need them. The downside of this technique is that it is difficult to do for a larger project.
Alternatively, you can pick up each bead with your hook as you go. The only caveat is that the bead hole has to be big enough to fit the crochet hook through. Make and Do Crew uses this technique in their weighted blanket tutorial if you want to give it a try!
Embroidery
For adding embroidery as an embellishment to a crochet project, you’ll first need to learn at least a little about the skill of embroidery. So this embellishment may take a little more effort. But if you already know how to embroider, or if you are an avid crafter who is eager to learn as much as possible, this could be a fun adventure!
You can use yarn and a yarn needle for a chunkier look. Or you can use embroidery thread and a needle for finer detail.
Moara Crochet has a few simple beginner tutorials on youtube if you want to give one a go. This one is a simple wheat design on a coaster.
Surface Crochet
Surface crochet is the technique of using the slip stitch to add add lines to the front a crochet project. Technically you are still crocheting, but it is not part of the main crochet piece. It is added on afterwards.
Your lines can be straight to create stripes, like this simple stripe embellishment I added to my cup cozy pattern. Or you can get adventurous and create curves or even lettering to a project.
Sometimes surface crochet is used to add more lines to an already striped or checked project, to create a tartan design.
If you want to learn to surface crochet, I have a surface crochet step-by-step tutorial here.
Cross Stitch
Using cross stitch to embellish a crochet project is similar to using embroidery. It is a craft that is normally used on another fabric, but can be done on certain crochet fabrics as well. Cross stitch is the technique of stitching lots of little crosses (or ‘X’s) in a pattern that creates a picture or shape.
Cross stitch works particularly well on tunisian crochet, but you can do it on a single crochet fabric as well. Here is a great example and tutorial from Nana’s Crafty Home. She has a cute design for both a cross stitch apple and a pumpkin.
Tassels & Pom Poms
Tassels and pom poms are probably some of the most well known ways to embellish a crochet project.
Pom poms can be made from yarn to match your crochet project, or you can purchase many kinds of faux fur pom poms online. They are most commonly added to beanies, but can also add some bounce to the corners of a pillow, blanket or scarf.
Tassels can also be a diy project with your yarn, or you can find premade tassels in many craft stores. These are most commonly added to the corner of a triangle scarf.
If you would like to learn to make your own tassel, you can find a tassel tutorial here.
Ribbon
Ribbons can be used to simply add a bow. Or, you can take a long strip of ribbon and weave it in and out through a row of crochet stitches. This can create a pretty border for the band of a hat, or the edge of a blanket or bag.
The ribbon color or design can really accent the color of the yarn you have used in the crochet project.
Appliques
An applique is a 2d image made of some kind of fabric that you can add to a completed project. It can be pre-made from the store (like a badge or patch) or you can crochet one yourself.
I know of two crochet designers in particular that have beautiful collections of crochet applique patterns! If you’re interested in crocheting your own appliques, check out the designs from Raffamusa Designs and Golden Lucy Crafts (the cherry applique pictured is one of hers).
Fringe
I’m sure you’ve seen fringe added to the end of a scarf or a blanket. But did you know you can add fringe to other parts of your crochet project to create visual interest as well?
I added it to this little crochet basket design to add a little boho flare! I’ve also seen fringe added to purses and bags. You can even add different types of fringe, like twisted fringe or looped fringe.
Fabric Lining
Fabric lining can be added to the inside of a crochet project, like a bag, purse, hat or even to one side of a blanket. Not only does the lining serve a functional purpose, but it adds visual interest as well!
A fabric lining is helpful for stopping up any holes or gaps in your crochet project. Crochet stitches can leave some space for tiny objects to slip through. So, adding a lining to a purse or bag can solve this problem.
But outside of it’s functionality, the liner can really add a lot to the project visually. Especially if you choose a beautiful fabric that really accents your yarn perfectly! Here is a wonderful example from Maria’s Blue Crayon.
Labels and Tags
Adding a label or tag to a crochet project can add a special level of personalization. It also adds a professional feel if you are crocheting as a small business. You can add a tag with a personal logo, with care instructions or with a phrase or name.
Tags can be made from cloth, wood or leather. Here is an article from A Crocheted Simplicity on some of the tags she likes and where to purchase them.
I hope these ideas have been helpful and inspire you to get even more creative with your crochet projects! Let me know if you think of any other embellishments that I have missed!
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I have created a private community page, just for Cute As A Button Crochet followers. It is a space where you can see all of my posts, free of advertising and algorithms. It is also a wonderful community for sharing our work and discussing fun crochet topics in a smaller environment.
This is so beneficial. It makes my mind so beserk. And so planning is aready started. Thank you.