How to Crochet a Spider Web (Halloween Decor)

1. 1

   Step 1: Gather your supplies

   Watch this step · 0:50

   Enlarge

   You need a ball of cotton or worsted yarn, a 3.5mm crochet hook (size E), a small tapestry needle, and a pair of scissors. The video uses white 100% cotton 8/4 because the stiffer fiber holds the open web shape after a quick block. For the spookiest Halloween look, swap in a black worsted weight like Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in Black.

   One 50g ball is enough for a decoration-sized web. You will also want three or four command hooks ready for hanging once you are done.

   Tip:

   Cotton holds the shape better than soft acrylic. If you use a fuzzy yarn like wool, your stitches will blur and the radial spokes lose definition. Stick to cotton or a smooth acrylic.

   Mark step done

   Used in this stepWorsted Weight YarnCrochet Hooks (Set)Yarn NeedleScissors

   Back to all steps

2. 2

   Step 2: Make a magic ring for the center

   Watch this step · 1:50

   Enlarge

   Start with a magic ring - the adjustable loop that becomes the dead center of the web. Wrap the yarn twice around your index and middle fingers, slide the loop off, and pinch the crossing point so the loops do not unravel.

   Insert your hook into the ring, yarn over with the working yarn, and pull a loop through. You now have one loop sitting on the hook with the ring held loose in your other hand. That is your starting point for round 1. Do not cinch the ring shut yet - you need it open while you work the first round of stitches into it.

   Tip:

   If the magic ring feels slippery, try wrapping three times instead of two. The extra wrap gives you a thicker ring to anchor your first stitches into and the tail still cinches it closed at the end.

   Mark step done

   Used in this stepCrochet Hooks (Set)Worsted Weight Yarn

   Back to all steps

3. 3

   Step 3: Work 8 double crochet spokes into the ring

   Watch this step · 3:20

   Enlarge

   Round 1 makes the eight radial spokes. Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet), then chain 1 to start the gap between spokes. Now make a real double crochet into the ring: yarn over, insert the hook into the ring, pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the last two loops.

   Chain 1, then another double crochet in the ring. Keep going - dc, chain 1, dc, chain 1 - until you have eight dc spokes total with eight chain-1 gaps between them. Pull the magic ring tail gently to cinch the center closed, then slip stitch into the top of your first chain-3 to join the round into a circle.

   Tip:

   Place a stitch marker in the top of the first chain-3 before you start. Eight spokes is easy to lose count of mid-round, and the marker tells you exactly where to slip stitch to join.

   Mark step done

   Used in this stepCrochet Hooks (Set)Worsted Weight YarnStitch Markers

   Back to all steps
4. 4

   Step 4: Add chain arcs in round 2

   Watch this step · 4:50

   Enlarge

   Round 2 is what makes it look like a real web. Chain 5 (counts as one dc plus chain 2), then work double crochet, chain 2, double crochet, chain 2 around the round. Place each double crochet into a chain-1 space from round 1 - never into a stitch, always into the gap.

   The chain-2 arcs between each spoke give the web that classic scalloped look. By the end of the round you should have 8 dc clusters with 8 chain-2 arcs between them. Slip stitch into the top of your starting chain-5 to close the round.

   Tip:

   The chain count matters. Too few chains and the web puckers; too many and it sags in the middle. Stick with chain 2 in round 2 and let the spokes grow outward in the next rounds.

   Mark step done

   Used in this stepCrochet Hooks (Set)Worsted Weight Yarn

   Back to all steps

5. 5

   Step 5: Grow the web with bigger arcs each round

   Watch this step · 6:50

   Enlarge

   Each new round uses a longer chain count between the spokes so the web grows outward in evenly spaced rings. The chapter chart in the video walks through it: chain 8, then 11, then 14, then 17, then 20, then 23. So round 3 uses chain-8 arcs, round 4 uses chain-11 arcs, and so on.

   The pattern stays the same the whole way - dc into the previous round's spoke, chain X to bridge the gap, dc into the next spoke. Eight clusters per round, joined with a slip stitch at the end. Most webs look great at four to six total rounds. Stop when the web is about the size you want for your wall or door.

   Tip:

   A 6-round web is roughly 18 inches across. Three rounds is 8 inches - more of an ornament size. Decide where you want to hang it before you pick a size.

   Mark step done

   Used in this stepWorsted Weight YarnCrochet Hooks (Set)

   Back to all steps

6. 6

   Step 6: Fasten off and weave in the ends

   Watch this step · 7:35

   Enlarge

   Once the web is the size you want, fasten off. Cut the yarn leaving a 6-inch tail, then yarn over and pull all the way through the loop on your hook to lock the last stitch in place.

   Thread the tail onto your tapestry needle and weave it back and forth through several stitches along the outer ring so it disappears into the work. Do the same for the tail at the center of the magic ring. Trim both ends close to the fabric. Lay the web flat and smooth out any twisted spokes so the radial lines all run straight from the center outward.

   Tip:

   If a spoke looks crooked, give it a gentle tug from the outer edge toward the center. The chains usually straighten out once you set the tension evenly.

   Mark step done

   Used in this stepYarn NeedleScissorsWorsted Weight Yarn

   Back to all steps

7. 7

   Step 7: Block and hang the finished web

   Watch this step · 8:20

   Enlarge

   For the crispest open look, block the web. Soak it in cool water for ten minutes, squeeze out the excess (do not wring), and pin it flat to a foam board or thick towel. Stretch each spoke evenly and pin the outer ring round. Let it dry overnight. Once dry the web holds its shape on its own.

   To hang, stick three or four small command hooks on your wall in a circle and stretch the outer ring of the web across them. The web stays taut and lightweight. Take it down after Halloween, store it flat, and it is ready for next year.

   Tip:

   If you want it to glow in the dark, mist the dry web with glow-in-the-dark fabric spray paint before hanging. Two light coats work better than one heavy one.

   Mark step done

   Used in this stepCommand HooksWorsted Weight Yarn

   Back to all steps

Keep going

How to Make a Paper Bat (Easy Origami for Halloween)

→

Tools we recommend

• Clover

  Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set (10 sizes)

  Soft, easy-grip handles that warm to the touch and a full size range in one case. The set most crocheters upgrade to and never look back.

• Lion Brand

  Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn

  Mercerized cotton with crisp stitch definition and a subtle sheen. Machine washable, and the go-to for amigurumi, bags, and dishcloths.

• Clover

  Clover Locking Stitch Markers (20-pack)

  Lock onto stitches so they never slip while you mark rounds, increases, and repeats. A dollar-store fix that actually holds.

Tags