Crochet Cross Car Hanging Pattern: Make Your Own Rearview Mirror Charm
There is something quietly meaningful about a handmade cross swaying gently from a rearview mirror. It catches the light, adds a personal touch to your car’s interior, and carries whatever intention or faith you pour into making it. Whether you are crocheting a cross charm as a gift for someone you love, as a reminder of your own beliefs, or simply because you enjoy making small, beautiful things with yarn, this project is one of the most rewarding you can pick up in an afternoon.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about crocheting a cross car hanging rearview mirror charm, from choosing your materials to finishing with a neat cord and tassel. Along the way, you will find tips on yarn weight, hook size, stitch variations, and how to stiffen your finished cross so it holds its shape beautifully when it hangs. Even if you are fairly new to crochet, you will find this pattern approachable. And if you are experienced, there are plenty of ways to customize and elevate the design.
Why Crochet a Cross Car Charm?
Handmade gifts carry a weight that store-bought items simply cannot match. A crocheted cross hanging from a rearview mirror is one of those small objects that people tend to notice and comment on. It sparks conversations, offers comfort during long drives, and serves as a constant, gentle reminder of something larger than the everyday rush of traffic and to-do lists.
Beyond the sentimental value, a crocheted cross charm is also a genuinely practical project. It uses very little yarn — you can often complete it using leftover scraps from other projects. It works up quickly, usually in under an hour once you know the pattern. And it is endlessly customizable. You can make it in white for a classic look, gold or silver for something elegant, rainbow yarn for a cheerful vibe, or a variegated yarn that shifts colors as you work.
These charms also make wonderful gifts for graduation seasons, confirmations, baptisms, Easter, Christmas, or any occasion where a meaningful, handmade token feels right. Many crocheters make them in batches and give them to friends, family members, hospital workers, or anyone going through a difficult time who might appreciate a tangible reminder that someone is thinking of them.
Materials You Will Need
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The beauty of this project is that most of what you need is probably already in your craft basket.
Yarn: A worsted weight yarn works well for a cross that has good definition and body. Cotton yarn is particularly popular for this project because it gives crisp stitch definition, holds its shape well, and takes stiffener easily. However, acrylic yarn works just as well and comes in a wider range of colors. You will need only a small amount — roughly 15 to 25 yards depending on the size you make.
Crochet Hook: For worsted weight cotton or acrylic, a size G (4.0 mm) or H (5.0 mm) hook is ideal. If you are using a lighter fingering or sport weight yarn for a delicate, miniature cross, drop down to a size C or D hook.
Tapestry Needle: For weaving in your ends neatly.
Scissors: A small, sharp pair works best for cutting yarn cleanly.
Stiffening Spray or Liquid Starch: This is optional but highly recommended. Stiffening your finished cross helps it hold its shape when hanging and prevents it from curling or bunching over time.
Hanging Cord: You can use a length of the same yarn, a decorative ribbon, a piece of satin cord, or even a length of chain you have leftover from jewelry making. The cord should be long enough to loop over your rearview mirror and let the cross dangle at a comfortable length — usually somewhere between eight and fourteen inches total.
Optional Embellishments: Beads, small charms, a tassel at the bottom of the cross, or a bow tied just above the cross can all add personality to your finished piece.
Understanding the Basic Cross Shape
A crocheted cross is made by constructing a rectangle or worked piece in a specific arrangement that creates the vertical beam and the horizontal beam of a cross. There are several methods to achieve this shape, and the one you choose will depend on your preferred crocheting style.
The most common method involves making the cross in two separate strips — one long vertical strip and one shorter horizontal strip — and then joining them together. Another method involves working the cross in one continuous piece using strategic turning and joining as you go. A third method uses a foundation chain and works outward in rounds or rows to build the shape from the center. Each approach gives slightly different results in terms of texture and thickness, so it is worth trying more than one to find your favorite.
For the pattern below, we will use the two-strip method, which is beginner-friendly and produces a clean, symmetrical result.
The Pattern: Classic Crochet Cross Rearview Mirror Charm
This pattern creates a cross that is approximately three inches tall and two inches wide when made with worsted weight yarn and a G hook. Adjust your yarn and hook size to make it smaller or larger.
Abbreviations Used:
- ch — chain
- sc — single crochet
- sl st — slip stitch
- RS — right side
- WS — wrong side
Vertical Strip (Make One)
Start with a slip knot and chain 13.
Row 1: Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc across. You will have 12 single crochet stitches. Turn.
Row 2: Chain 1, sc across all 12 stitches. Turn.
Row 3: Chain 1, sc across all 12 stitches. Turn.
Rows 4 through 16: Continue in the same way, working sc across each row for a total of 16 rows. You will have a long rectangle.
Fasten off and weave in your ends.
This long rectangle will become the vertical beam of your cross.
Horizontal Strip (Make One)
Start with a slip knot and chain 9.
Row 1: Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc across. You will have 8 single crochet stitches. Turn.
Row 2: Chain 1, sc across all 8 stitches. Turn.
Row 3: Chain 1, sc across all 8 stitches. Turn.
Rows 4 through 10: Continue working sc across for a total of 10 rows. You will have a shorter, wider-ish rectangle.
Fasten off and weave in your ends.
Assembling the Cross
Lay your vertical strip vertically in front of you. Place your horizontal strip across the upper third of the vertical strip, centered left to right. The top section of the vertical strip above the horizontal bar should be slightly shorter than the section below it — this gives the cross its traditional proportions.
Using your tapestry needle and a length of yarn in a matching color, whipstitch or mattress stitch the horizontal strip to the vertical strip along all four edges where they overlap. Pull your stitches snugly but not so tight that the fabric puckers. Knot securely on the wrong side and weave in the end.
When you turn your assembled cross over, you should see a clean, tidy right side with minimal visible joining.
Edging the Cross (Optional but Recommended)
Working a simple single crochet border around the entire outside edge of the cross gives it a more polished, finished look and helps define the shape clearly.
Join your yarn at any outer corner of the cross with a slip stitch. Chain 1, then work single crochet evenly around the entire outer perimeter of the cross. At each outer corner, work 3 single crochet stitches into the same stitch to turn the corner neatly. At each inner corner (where the arms of the cross meet), work a slip stitch decrease or simply skip one stitch to keep the corner sharp and tidy.
When you return to your starting point, slip stitch to join and fasten off. Weave in your ends.
Stiffening Your Cross
Once your cross is assembled and the edging is complete, this is the ideal moment to stiffen it if you want it to hold a firm shape.
Mix one part white school glue with one part water in a small bowl, or use a commercial fabric stiffener spray. Dip your cross into the solution, gently squeeze out the excess liquid, and then shape it with your fingers so that all the edges are straight and the arms of the cross sit flat and even. You can pin it to a foam board or a folded towel to hold its shape while it dries.
Allow it to dry completely — usually overnight. Once dry, the cross will hold its shape beautifully and will not curl or droop when hung in your car.
Alternatively, spray starch ironed lightly on both sides can give a gentle body without making the cross too rigid. This is a good option if you prefer a slightly softer feel.
Making the Hanging Cord
Cut a length of yarn approximately 20 to 24 inches long. Fold it in half to find the midpoint. At the midpoint, create a loop by tying an overhand knot, leaving a loop of about one to two inches at the top. This loop will go over your rearview mirror stem.
From the knot, let the two strands hang down together. You can leave them as a simple two-strand cord, braid them together with a third piece of yarn for a more decorative look, or wrap them tightly with a contrasting color yarn for a neat, professional finish.
Attach the bottom of the cord to the top center of your cross using a lark’s head knot or by threading the yarn through the top edge of the cross with your tapestry needle and knotting it securely on the back.
Adding a Tassel or Bead Accent
A small tassel at the bottom of the cross adds a lovely finishing touch. To make a simple tassel, wrap yarn around a piece of cardboard roughly one and a half inches wide about fifteen to twenty times. Slide the loops off the cardboard, tie a separate length of yarn tightly around the top of the bundle, and cut through the bottom loops. Wrap another length of yarn around the tassel about a quarter inch down from the top to create the tassel’s neck, and knot it tightly. Trim the bottom ends of the tassel so they are even.
Attach the tassel to the bottom point of your cross by looping the top tie through the bottom edge of the crochet and knotting it firmly.
For a bead accent, thread a decorative bead onto the hanging cord before attaching it to the cross, positioning the bead so it sits between the mirror and the cross. A wooden bead, a pearl bead, or a faceted crystal bead all look beautiful against a yarn cross.
Color Variations and Yarn Ideas
One of the most enjoyable parts of making these charms is choosing your colors. Here are some popular combinations and what they tend to convey:
White or cream yarn gives the cross a clean, traditional look that suits almost any car interior. Gold or yellow yarn catches light and adds warmth. Silver or gray yarn looks sleek and modern. A burgundy or deep red creates a rich, beautiful effect. Navy blue conveys depth and calm. Variegated or self-striping yarn produces a multicolored cross that feels joyful and lively.
For a two-tone effect, make your vertical and horizontal strips in different colors and join them for a cross that has a built-in visual contrast between its two beams. This can look striking and intentional.
You can also use metallic thread held together with regular yarn for a subtle shimmer — particularly lovely for a gift cross that will catch the light as it moves.
Gifting Your Crochet Cross Charm
If you are making this cross as a gift, presentation matters. Consider threading it through a small organza bag, attaching a handwritten tag, or placing it in a small gift box with tissue paper. A short note explaining that the cross was handmade by you adds a personal layer that will not be forgotten.
These crosses are meaningful at any age. Young drivers heading off to college, elderly relatives, new parents driving with a little one for the first time, friends going through health challenges — a handmade cross charm is a universal gift that transcends specific occasions. Many people display them in their cars for years and speak about them with genuine affection.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your cross is curling at the edges, the most likely cause is tension that is too tight. Try going up a hook size or consciously relaxing your grip as you work. Blocking or stiffening the finished piece will also correct most curling.
If the seam joining your two strips is visible from the front, try using a mattress stitch instead of a whipstitch, which creates a more invisible join. Using yarn that matches your project color perfectly for the joining also helps.
If your cross feels floppy or does not hold its shape when hanging, stiffening is your best solution. A single application of diluted craft glue will transform even a loose, soft cross into a firm, well-defined charm.
If the proportions look off — too long, too wide, or with arms that feel unbalanced — simply adjust your row and stitch counts. Adding or removing two rows from each strip will shift the proportions noticeably.
Expanding Your Skills: More Cross Variations
Once you are comfortable with the basic pattern, there are several beautiful variations worth exploring.
A granny square cross adapts traditional granny square construction into a cross shape by extending one arm from the center outward in each direction, leaving the four corners empty. The result is lacier and more open than the solid rectangle method.
A filet crochet cross uses a grid of filled and empty squares to create a cross with an elegant, window-like appearance. This method works best in fine cotton thread and produces a piece that looks almost like a small lace ornament.
A Tunisian crochet cross uses the Tunisian simple stitch to create a cross with a distinctive woven texture. This method creates a slightly thicker, sturdier piece that holds its shape well even without stiffener.
An overlay crochet cross uses two colors worked in layers to produce a raised, three-dimensional cross motif that is visually striking and complex-looking despite being relatively straightforward to make once you understand the overlay technique.
Final Thoughts
A crochet cross car hanging charm is one of those small projects that carries outsized meaning. The time and care you put into it — choosing the yarn, working each stitch, assembling the pieces, adding a tassel or a bead — becomes part of the finished object. The person who receives it or the person who hangs it in their own car will feel that.
Whether you are a seasoned crocheter looking for a quick, satisfying project, or someone just starting to learn who wants something achievable and meaningful to work toward, this cross charm pattern is a perfect fit. It uses minimal materials, takes very little time, and produces something genuinely beautiful.
Keep a basket of small yarn scraps near your craft space, and whenever you have fifteen minutes and a little leftover yarn, pick up your hook and make one. Over time, you will build up a small collection of crosses in different colors and sizes, ready to give whenever someone crosses your mind who might need a handmade reminder that they are loved.
