Friday, August 22, 2014

Free Crochet Pattern of the Day: Pioneer Becky Doll

Today's free pattern of the day is a wonderful doll called "Pioneer Becky." If you are looking for a special crochet pattern in the toys category that perfect for a young girl, you will want to get this one. Best of all, the pattern is for beginners and everyone can make this doll.

Our daily free patterns come from the Free-Crochet site. You do have to sign up for a membership to access the daily patterns, but it is free of charge. The patterns are from Annie's Attic, which has always been one of my favorite crochet (and other needle crafts) sites.

Check out the photo of the Pioneer Becky Doll and don't miss out on this great free pattern!

Free Pattern: Pioneer Becky Doll

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Free Crochet Pattern: Easter Bunny Basket

I know it's a little early to be thinking about Easter, but this is the current free pattern from Free Crochet Patterns. They feature a new, free crochet pattern every day. Once you sign up (membership is free), you gain access to over 1200 patterns!

If you remember Annie's Attic, then you'll remember they use to give away free patterns on a daily basis. This is the continuance of those patterns.

Since Easter won't be around for quite some time, file this one away for later.

Free Halloween Crochet Patterns

(You may want to book mark this page as I will continue to update it with free Halloween crochet patterns.)

Have you started your Halloween crochet projects yet? You may want to get an early jump on things and begin them as we close out August and enter September. There's plenty of time to begin those Halloween home decor projects, costumes, hats, scarves, and just fun, spooky things to create. I've found a lot of free Halloween crochet patterns online over the years and I want to share those resources with you.

Additionally, Annie's has a nice collection of Halloween hats and scarves available on her website. These are perfect for those who live in areas where Halloween brings a crisp chill to the air. We don't experience too much cool weather in October here in Florida.

(UPDATE: The Hats and Scarves featured in the photos below are out of stock at Annie's. Give me some time and I will hunt them down and do my best to find some alternative pattern sources for them. Sorry, but these aren't available in the links. I will keep the links up in case they put them back up, but if I find other sources, I'll change the links. Sorry for any inconvenience.)

Halloween Hat and Scarves

Halloween: Witch Hat Scarf


Halloween Cyclops Hat and Scarf

Halloween Pumpkin Hat and Scarf

Halloween Ghost Hat and Scarf


Some of the free Halloween crochet patterns available include but are not limited to the following:


  • Witches
Witch's Hat Dishcloth
Whimsical Witch-Hat
Wanda the Witch Amigurumi
Witchy Lily
Witch Fingerpuppet

Great free Witch and Shawl crochet pattern from Red Heart!
Free Pattern: Crochet Witch Hat and Shawl


(I'm not sure why they worked this in pink, orange, and blue. Black and orange is perfect for Halloween. Switch out the colors and you have an instant costume!)



  • Bats
Bat Bag

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Free Crochet Pattern: Soft Pink Crochetknit Baby Blanket

This is a gorgeous crochet baby blanket and you can get the pattern free! Free-Crochet patterns offers a new free pattern each day as well as has an archive of patterns you may access.

This baby blanket is perfect for those looking for crochet projects suitable for a baby girl. You do need to join the site to become a member, but membership is free and so are the patterns!

Check it out now!

  Free Crochet Pattern: Baby Blanket

Crochetknit Baby Blanket Free Pattern

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Free Women's Jackets and Sweaters Crochet Patterns from the 60s and 70s

We're continuing our Groovy Crochet hunt today and you may be as happy about these women's jackets and sweater crochet patterns from the 60s and 70s. You can easily use different types of yarns to create an entire new look.

Many of the patterns are one size fits all, making them perfect for many modern day women. The wrap around jacket would look completely in style for today's woman.

Here are photos of the patterns. While some of the patterns' images fail to load, you do have photos of every finished garment. All of the patterns are complete. Click the link under each photo to access the free crochet pattern.

Rainbow Pullover

Topaz Hooded Jacket

Kimono Jacket

Hooded Wrap Jacket

Cape Sleeve Tunic

Lopi Coat


Simple Jacket

Granny Topper

Bavarian Jacket

Aran Square Pullover

Smashing Head Topper


Wrap Around Topper
Cardigan to Sweater

Aquarius Shag Jacket



Out of the Blue Jacket

Free Bikini Crochet Patterns from the 60s and 70s

Well, I've been on a Groovy Crochet kick today sharing free crochet patterns from this site that is no longer online. Earlier I shared baby and children's patterns from the 60s and 70s and now it's time for some bikinis. Have you crocheted bikinis before? I have and they aren't difficult. These bikinis run in sizes up to a 14, so they aren't geared for plus sized women or those who are well endowed. I haven't worked these patterns or tried to adjust them for larger sizes, so I'm not sure if it's worth the effort.

They do have a 60s and 70s look and I'm sure that someone out there will appreciate them. The links to the crochet bikini patterns are under each picture.

Tassled Bikinis

Baby Aqua Bikini and Jacket

Mon Tricot White Bikini 

Mon Tricot Brown Bikini

Free Children's Crochet Patterns from the 60s and 70s

Earlier I shared Groovy Crochet's patterns for babies from the 60s and 70s. Now it's time to delve into their children's crochet patterns. The children's crochet pattern collection is a bit larger than the one for babies. It appeared that the site master had intended to add more baby patterns before the site closed. Fortunately, there are plenty of great crochet patterns for kids still online!

Many of these patterns are easily worked up in modern crochet yarns. Choose a baby soft yarn (check the gauge first) and you'll be amazed how you can give a new, modern look to these classics. Today's yarns are available in bright, neon colors and feature textures unlike those from the 60s and 70s. For example, work the poncho in a glittery pink or purple yarn and you'll have a completely different look. Try a sequined yarn for the matching big and little dresses and pair it with a contrasting slip underneath. I love the little boy's cap and matching vest. These could be worked in newer yarns in colors such as blue, green, red, and yellow.

I'm not sure what I think about the "Little Vest Suit." I do like the vest and would make that in pretty colors and maybe add some beads to the ties. I'm not fond of the skirt with ties. That just looks weird to me. I do like the vest though. Soft, baby yarns would be perfect for my daughter!

If the "Hippy Dippy Vest and Cap" doesn't scream "Fourth of July," I don't know what does. Several of the vest patterns are also available in adult sizes.

As Groovy Crochet is no longer online, these patterns are hosted at the Internet Archive "Wayback's Machine." The links to each free crochet pattern is underneath the photo.

Golden Pullover

Child's Top Vest and Cap

Hippy Dippy Vest and Cap

Honky Tonk Vest

Mini Mex Poncho

Manly Tank Tops

Big and Little Dresses

Little Vest Suit

Free crochet baby patterns from the 60s and 70s

When I first began browsing the Internet for crochet patterns, I found a website named "Groovy Crochet." The site featured many out of print patterns from the 60s and 70s. As fashion is a revolving art, many of the styles that came out during the Hippie days are now fashionable.

Well, fastforward to 2014, and Groovy Crochet is no longer active. The Internet Archive's "Wayback Machine" has preserved the site as it was and I want to share some of these wonderful, crochet baby patterns from the 60s and 70s with you.

I do not own copyright on these patterns, and you can find their respective information on the site. This is an archived site that features these great patterns that are funky, fun, colorful, and whimsical. Best of all they are easy to whip up and you can bring back some of these awesome styles for your baby.

Crochet Baby Bunting

Granny Square Toddler Poncho

Crochet Baby Jacket







Crochet Add a Square Skirt

Crochet Baby Bib Shorts

Free Crochet Pattern Book: Crochet scarves, booties, and afghans for fall

Lion Brand Yarns released a wonderful free crochet pattern book. Included are 15 crochet patterns for scarves, booties, afghans, shrugs, pillows, and cardigans perfect for fall. Okay, so it's August in Florida and will be over 100 degrees today, but fall is right around the corner. It's never to early to begin those seasonal crochet projects! We want to ensure that we're ready when the cooler weather comes. We have holidays like Labor Day and Halloween coming up, and we know how quickly consumer focus shifts to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Trust me, August is the perfect time to begin crocheting scarves, hats, and afghans that will keep you warm when the night breeze brings a chill to the air.

The Two Color Fur Striped Crochet Scar is a fun and whimsical fashion accessory that adds a bit of warmth. I've enjoyed working with Lion Brand's Fun Fur Yarn. If you haven't used these yet, you're in for a treat. They are very forgiving (perfect for beginning crochet projects) and really make a beautiful furry look. I
 15 Free Crochet Scarf Patterns, Afghan Patterns
created a set for my daughter when she was 5-years-old that included a hat, scarf, poncho, skirt, and matching purse. She simply adores the set and feels as if she's wearing something luxurious! While this is a Fun Fur scar pattern, it is the perfect introduction to using this yarn and seeing how much it offers.
Lion Brand Fun Fur Yarns on Sale Now Definitely check out the yarn, just to get a look at the vibrant colors available. The scarf pattern calls for champagne and orange, but you can choose any color you prefer. My personal preferences lead me towards Purpletini, Neon Lemon, Cobalt, and Flamingo.

Another project included in the free crochet pattern book that I like is the crocheted clutch. This pattern uses Vanna White's yarn "Vanna's Sequins" and is a very nice design. Personally, I would choose different colors for the project than those in the photo. Color Options for Vanna's Sequins Yarn
are plentiful and I like the Sterling, Merlot, and Midnight combination. I would also like to crochet this clutch in Ruby. Many of these shimmery, glittery yarns are available in tones that complement any outfit you are wearing. You could easily take this clutch from the restaurant to the opera house!

I think the Posy Baby Booties are perfect for St. Patrick's Day
Now, the Posy Baby Booties are set for fall, but I think these are absolutely perfect for St. Patrick's Day! They are crafted in Vanna's Baby yarn, though they have the look of a heavy worsted. They are warm, comfy, and soft. I'd still take them out in March though.

What may be the most adorable pattern in this book is the crochet Cowboy Booties pattern. These are worked in neutral honey and beige tones, but you could really glam these up by switching the yarn color. A pair for a baby girl who's wearing a denim outfit could be worked in black and a contrasting color (white,
Free Crochet Cowboy Booties Pattern
red, purple or silver) or make them ultra feminine in pink and white. The pattern is simply adorable and I think these crochet cowboy booties will be a big hit for anyone who makes them. There are more patterns in the free crochet book for you to check out. I shared with you my favorites, but if I had to pick one pattern above all, I'd have to say it's the Cowboy Booties. By altering the color pattern, you can whip these up in no time and have the perfect fashion accessory for both boys and girls!

Free Pattern Book: 12 Halloween Crafts to Crochet

Halloween quickly approaches and it's time to begin crocheting! If you have a free Kindle app (Amazon), you can access this free book and read it on your device. You can see a preview of the book online and it has some wonderful Halloween crochet patterns to enjoy.

Patterns include costume ideas, home decor, and crochet candy bags. There's a festive crochet Halloween wreath pattern that is crocheted in appropriate colors: black, purple, and blue. The word "Boo" hangs down from the top and there are pumpkins and black flowers that set the mood.

The next pattern is a set of "Boo Coasters." They are the perfect accompaniment to the Boo Wreath and feature color charts to create the letters.

12 Halloween Crafts to Crochet
Don't forget, you have to download the book to your Kindle reader app in order to get it for free. Otherwise, you'll just get the free sample that includes the first two patterns.

Other Halloween crochet patterns that you'll get for free include Spooky Spiders, a trio of Halloween cozies, Happy Halloween Throw, Fun Dragon Hat, Princess Tiara, Devil Horn Hair Clips, Superhero Cape and Mask, Children's Pumpkin Hat, and the Pumpkin Candy Bag.

Friday, August 01, 2014

Ways to find Free Crochet Patterns

Free Pattern: Red Heart Shawl
When I first began crocheting I spent a great deal of time visiting my local library. That seems like eons ago. It was before Kindle apps, crochet video tutorials on YouTube, and well before the Internet was a gateway to any and all information. I remember finding a pattern in a magazine that I loved and carefully preserving it in a plastic slip cover for years. I believe I still have that pattern for a newborn sweater, tucked away in a box full of xeroxed and photocopied patterns, along with those I wrote by hand.

Thank God for modern technology.

Can I just say it is so much easier now to find patterns and save them?

Some of the best ways I've found to find free crochet patterns include several methods I mentioned above: Kindle, YouTube and online. You can search Amazon for free crochet patterns. You can visit yarn brand web sites and find numerous patterns. Crochet designers often give free crochet patterns away. If you had a favorite pattern online that is no longer accessible (site went down, etc.) don't give up. Check out the Internet Archive as they maintain numerous websites long after they disappeared. You'll see an example of Groovy Crochet and how the patterns are maintained.

Another option, and one that may not be thought of too often, is Google Books. You can set Google Books to preview mode and view some of the newest books available for sale. This saves hours of time that I would have spent in a library. Best of all, you'll have a chance to preview many patterns before you decide to buy a book or not.

Here are several examples of patterns online through Google Books. Just make sure to select "preview available." The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs  Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia.
St Patrick's Day Women's Sweater. Save $50.