By Amanda Formaro Posted July 08, 2008 from WomansDay.com
Our 20 Favorite Crochet Sites
Free online crochet resources for the novice and the seasoned pro
By Amanda Formaro Posted July 08, 2008 from WomansDay.com
Photo: © Comstock
1. About.com Crochet
About.com has been known for years as your guide to everything on the web, and their crochet section is no exception. Offering helpful charts, tutorials and techniques, the crochet guide also includes over 400 links to free patterns available online, as well as plenty of About.com’s own one-of-a-kind patterns.
About.com has been known for years as your guide to everything on the web, and their crochet section is no exception. Offering helpful charts, tutorials and techniques, the crochet guide also includes over 400 links to free patterns available online, as well as plenty of About.com’s own one-of-a-kind patterns.
2. Crochet Pattern Central
We found over 90 different categories of free crochet patterns to choose from in this comprehensive directory. Search through their alphabetized listings, or simply use the site’s handy search feature to find patterns for everything from afghans to wreaths. This resource only lists sites that contain pictures of the finished project, so you’ll always know exactly what the end result will look like.
We found over 90 different categories of free crochet patterns to choose from in this comprehensive directory. Search through their alphabetized listings, or simply use the site’s handy search feature to find patterns for everything from afghans to wreaths. This resource only lists sites that contain pictures of the finished project, so you’ll always know exactly what the end result will look like.
3. FreePatterns.com
Register free to gain access to over 2,700 free patterns: Special occasions, home decor and kitchen accessories are just a few of the categories available on the site. Don’t miss the Top Ten list on the homepage, where you’re sure to find something to tickle your fancy. Every pattern here is available in a clear PDF format, so it can be downloaded directly to your desktop.
Register free to gain access to over 2,700 free patterns: Special occasions, home decor and kitchen accessories are just a few of the categories available on the site. Don’t miss the Top Ten list on the homepage, where you’re sure to find something to tickle your fancy. Every pattern here is available in a clear PDF format, so it can be downloaded directly to your desktop.
4. CraftBits.com
This site earns bonus points for being super-easy to navigate: You can add a pattern to your favorites, e-mail it to a friend, post a comment or get a printer-friendly version, all from a handy box near the top of each pattern. User ratings and comments for each pattern are a valuable resource if you’re thinking of starting a project; register to use the message boards and you’ll find a whole community of helpful crafters to turn to.
This site earns bonus points for being super-easy to navigate: You can add a pattern to your favorites, e-mail it to a friend, post a comment or get a printer-friendly version, all from a handy box near the top of each pattern. User ratings and comments for each pattern are a valuable resource if you’re thinking of starting a project; register to use the message boards and you’ll find a whole community of helpful crafters to turn to.
5. Lion Brand Yarn
Over 1,500 patterns are available from popular yarn manufacturer Lion Brand once you register (for free) on their site. You can view each pattern in large format or get a printer-friendly version; there’s even an option to view as Brailler input. Other helpful features include podcasts and listings for events, clubs and charities. Plus, registered visitors are automatically entered in a monthly drawing to win a basket of crafting goodies!
Over 1,500 patterns are available from popular yarn manufacturer Lion Brand once you register (for free) on their site. You can view each pattern in large format or get a printer-friendly version; there’s even an option to view as Brailler input. Other helpful features include podcasts and listings for events, clubs and charities. Plus, registered visitors are automatically entered in a monthly drawing to win a basket of crafting goodies!
6. Coats & Clark
Find free patterns for afghans, throws, apparel, seasonal items, accessories and much more on this site. All of the patterns are conveniently categorized by skill level, and available in Spanish as well. If you’ve seen a finished project in one of Coats & Clark’s advertisements, there’s a good chance you’ll find the pattern for it here.
Find free patterns for afghans, throws, apparel, seasonal items, accessories and much more on this site. All of the patterns are conveniently categorized by skill level, and available in Spanish as well. If you’ve seen a finished project in one of Coats & Clark’s advertisements, there’s a good chance you’ll find the pattern for it here.
7. Crochet Designs
This resource offers over 75 different pattern sets for filet crochet, a type of crochet used primarily for making doilies, tablecloths, coasters and placemats. Browse through the site and you’ll find patterns for everything from flowers to Corvettes. Click the “Make a Pattern” link and you can even download free software that allows you to create your own design!
This resource offers over 75 different pattern sets for filet crochet, a type of crochet used primarily for making doilies, tablecloths, coasters and placemats. Browse through the site and you’ll find patterns for everything from flowers to Corvettes. Click the “Make a Pattern” link and you can even download free software that allows you to create your own design!
8. Crochet Kitten
The eclectic designs on this site will bring crochet out of your grandma’s knitting basket and into the twenty-first century. Cool dance accessories, stylish purses and cozies for your kitty are all part of this unique site’s pattern collection. While the quantity of patterns available pales in comparison to the other resources listed here, we’re guessing that this site will continue to grow, along with its library of fresh patterns.
The eclectic designs on this site will bring crochet out of your grandma’s knitting basket and into the twenty-first century. Cool dance accessories, stylish purses and cozies for your kitty are all part of this unique site’s pattern collection. While the quantity of patterns available pales in comparison to the other resources listed here, we’re guessing that this site will continue to grow, along with its library of fresh patterns.
9. Free Vintage Crochet
The vintage patterns here have an instantly nostalgic quality—a throwback to crochet as Grandma knew it. The homepage lists several categories to choose from, such as women’s clothes and edgings, and each individual pattern is available in PDF format as well as a handy printer-friendly version. Be sure to sign up for the free e-mail newsletter to stay up-to-date on new pattern additions.
The vintage patterns here have an instantly nostalgic quality—a throwback to crochet as Grandma knew it. The homepage lists several categories to choose from, such as women’s clothes and edgings, and each individual pattern is available in PDF format as well as a handy printer-friendly version. Be sure to sign up for the free e-mail newsletter to stay up-to-date on new pattern additions.
10. The Crochet Works
What this resource lacks in pattern volume it makes up for in fun, unique styles. Visit to see patterns that don’t fit into the “everyday” category, such as adorable animals, door draft stoppers, cute crib toys for baby, darling mobiles and distinctive holiday projects.
What this resource lacks in pattern volume it makes up for in fun, unique styles. Visit to see patterns that don’t fit into the “everyday” category, such as adorable animals, door draft stoppers, cute crib toys for baby, darling mobiles and distinctive holiday projects.
11. Crochet Cabana
This easy-to-navigate site is a good starting point for beginners. You’ll find plenty of basic designs, such as scarves, afghans, throws, shawls and squares, and all of the patterns are available in PDF format, making them easy to print or save to your computer.
This easy-to-navigate site is a good starting point for beginners. You’ll find plenty of basic designs, such as scarves, afghans, throws, shawls and squares, and all of the patterns are available in PDF format, making them easy to print or save to your computer.
12. JPF Crochet Club
On our last visit, this site was offering over 800 crochet patterns, many of them free. If, however, you’re interested in a pattern that’s for sale, you can also earn points to “buy” the purchasable designs by taking surveys, playing online games and purchasing other products from the online store.
On our last visit, this site was offering over 800 crochet patterns, many of them free. If, however, you’re interested in a pattern that’s for sale, you can also earn points to “buy” the purchasable designs by taking surveys, playing online games and purchasing other products from the online store.
13. Knitting Daily
A spin-off site of popular crochet magazine Interweave Crochet, KnittingDaily.com offers lots of beautiful patterns and a free newsletter, and lets you peek at the latest work of Sandi Wiseheart, the magazine’s former managing editor and talented lifelong knitter. You can also post your own designs on the site, as well as connect with plenty of other women that share your passion for crocheting.
A spin-off site of popular crochet magazine Interweave Crochet, KnittingDaily.com offers lots of beautiful patterns and a free newsletter, and lets you peek at the latest work of Sandi Wiseheart, the magazine’s former managing editor and talented lifelong knitter. You can also post your own designs on the site, as well as connect with plenty of other women that share your passion for crocheting.
14. Yarn Lover’s Room
In addition to patterns ranging from afghans to pet clothes, you’ll find plenty of useful crochet pointers on this site, such as instructions for how to crochet backwards, tips for making crochet stitches and a list of relevant terms. If you want to interact with other crochet enthusiasts, join the free “granny square swap” group—a great way to meet new friends and gain access to patterns from all over the globe.
In addition to patterns ranging from afghans to pet clothes, you’ll find plenty of useful crochet pointers on this site, such as instructions for how to crochet backwards, tips for making crochet stitches and a list of relevant terms. If you want to interact with other crochet enthusiasts, join the free “granny square swap” group—a great way to meet new friends and gain access to patterns from all over the globe.
15. Antique Crochet Patterns.com
If nostalgia is up your alley, you’ll find plenty of charming projects to tackle within this site’s collection of vintage patterns. Keep an eye out for the old-fashioned baby bonnets, capes and hats, as well as other pretty designs for infants.
If nostalgia is up your alley, you’ll find plenty of charming projects to tackle within this site’s collection of vintage patterns. Keep an eye out for the old-fashioned baby bonnets, capes and hats, as well as other pretty designs for infants.
16. Patons Yarns
Dedicated crocheters are already familiar with Patons Yarns, a member of the Spinrite family of yarn manufacturers. On their website you can find a collection of free crochet and knit patterns in categories such as family, pets, children, toys, home decor and more. Don’t let their Canadian home office location fool you; their yarns are available at plenty of U.S. retailers. Simply use the store locator to find one near you.
17. Caron
Colorful, funky and mainstream are three words that come to mind when describing the free pattern library at Caron International Yarns. Make a cheerful Rainbow Bear or a pretty floral shawl. Put together a bouncy Bobbie Hat & Scarf or think Christmas with their gingerbread stocking patterns. Each pattern is available in PDF format and includes a skill level meter to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Colorful, funky and mainstream are three words that come to mind when describing the free pattern library at Caron International Yarns. Make a cheerful Rainbow Bear or a pretty floral shawl. Put together a bouncy Bobbie Hat & Scarf or think Christmas with their gingerbread stocking patterns. Each pattern is available in PDF format and includes a skill level meter to help you decide if it’s right for you.
18. N.Y. Yarns
Stylish designs combined with gorgeous colors make these chic and trendy patterns stand out from the rest. While there aren’t many designs to choose from, the ones that are available are rare beauties. Our favorites? The Bi-Color Scarf and the Button Hat.
Stylish designs combined with gorgeous colors make these chic and trendy patterns stand out from the rest. While there aren’t many designs to choose from, the ones that are available are rare beauties. Our favorites? The Bi-Color Scarf and the Button Hat.
19. DMC
DMC has been manufacturing needlework thread for over 250 years. On their site you’ll find a handful of projects, each clearly categorized by skill level. You’re sure to want to reach “expert” level so you can make our favorite, the Crochet Butterfly Bag, a lovely addition to your summer ensemble!
DMC has been manufacturing needlework thread for over 250 years. On their site you’ll find a handful of projects, each clearly categorized by skill level. You’re sure to want to reach “expert” level so you can make our favorite, the Crochet Butterfly Bag, a lovely addition to your summer ensemble!
20. Annie’s Attic
Add this site to your favorites and visit daily to find and save the Free Pattern of the Day. There are no archives, so if you want to save a project for another day, be sure to copy and paste the design to a document on your computer before it disappears!
Add this site to your favorites and visit daily to find and save the Free Pattern of the Day. There are no archives, so if you want to save a project for another day, be sure to copy and paste the design to a document on your computer before it disappears!
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