Tag: free crochet pattern

Totes Crochet Bag. Free Granny Square Tote Bag Pattern.

Free crochet tote bag pattern. Free corchet granny square pattern for beginners. Crochet a bag.

If you love granny squares and functional crochet, here is a pattern for a simple crochet bag that uses joined up granny squares. This is a free pattern for a crochet tote bag.

Can a beginner make this crochet bag? Here’s a quick skill check:

You should be able to:

Make a chain.
Make the basic crochet stitches e.g. double crochet and single crochet. If you need help with your crochet terms, I have a guide here.
Make a granny square. Here’s a free tutorial if you’re not sure how to crochet a granny square.
Join granny squares. Here’s how.

Totes crochet bag

The Totes crochet bag is a simple design for a crochet bag. This is a pattern for a simple cotton crochet tote bag using granny squares and a combination of slip stitch, double and single crochet.

Use this crochet bag for anything. The straps will be worked continuously rather than sewn on for added strength.

Materials:

1 4mm crochet hook
Cygnet 100% Cotton DK (100g per ball): 1 x Smokey Purple, 1 x Pepper, 1 x Peony Pink, 1 x Golden, 1 x Spring, 2 x Vanilla Cream.
Darning needle

Here is the link to the video playlist. The videos do not replace the pattern instructions; they are there as support with visualising the project. It is still useful to learn to read the written instructions to develop your skills.

I use US crochet terms throughout.

Glossary:

Ch	Chain. Yarn over and pull through the 1 loop on the hook.
Ch sp	The space of gap that has been created by stitches.
Dc	Double crochet stitch: Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over and pull through, yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook.
Sc	Single crochet stitch.Insert hook into the chain or stitch, yarn over and pull through. Yarn over and pull through 2.
Sl st	Slip stitch. Insert hook into chain or chain space, yarn over and pull through.
RS	Right side of the work.
WS	Wrong side of the work.

You can see in the square above where the corners are and how we only increase in corners.

Step 1: Granny squares (Make 8)

Round 1.

Using yarn A, ch 4. Sl st to join with the 1st chain.
Ch 2 and dc 2 times into the centre of the ring.
Chain 2 and dc 3 times into centre of the ring. (6 dcs in total.)
Repeat last step 2 more times. (12 dcs in total)
Sl st into top of first dc chain to join the round.

Round 2:

Using. yarn B, sl st across top of first 3 dcs to get to the 1st corner ch sp. Ch 3 and dc twice into ch sp. (3 dcs in total) ch 1 and dc 3 times into same ch sp. First corner done.
Chain 2 and dc 3 times into next ch sp. Ch 1 and make 3 more dcs into same ch sp.
Repeat step 2 twice more.
Sl st with top of 1st dc to close the round.

Round 3

Using yarn C, sl st across top of first 3 dcs to get to the 1st corner ch sp. Ch 3 and dc twice into ch sp. (3 dcs in total) ch 1 and dc 3 times into same ch sp.
Ch 2 and work 3 dcs into next ch sp to corner ch sp
Ch 2, 3dc in next ch sp, ch 1 and make 3 more dcs into same ch sp.
Repeat step 1 and 2 to end.
Sl st with top of 1st dc to close the round.

Round 4 and 5:

Changing colours (Yarn D and E) at the beginning of each round, work instructions for round 3, 2 more times until you have 5 completed rounds in total.

Border:

Using Vanilla Cream (Yarn F) join new yarn and work 1 dc into the top of every dc stitch, and 2 dcs in every ch sp to end. Sl st to close round.

Assembly:

The squares are joined in pairs and then as fours after some distancing with dc stitch.

Panels (Make 4)

With RS together and yarn F, Sl st to join across one side from the top right corner to the top left corner.

Dc in every dc for two rows across the top of each panel.

Joining panels.

With RS facing, lay the upper panel facing the lower panel. The lower edge of the upper panel should be in line with the upper edge of the top panel. Sl st across to join. The dc rows will now be in the centre and across the top of the bag.

You will now have two rectangular pieces: The front and the back of the bag.

Edges:

Vertical (side) edge:

With RS facing, sc across all dc sts for 4 rows.

Horizontal (bottom) edge:

With RS facing, sc across all dc sts for 4 rows.

Joining the bag.

With RS facing, starting at the top right corner, use sl st joining method to join the vertical seam, horizontal (bottom) seam and back up the left side vertical seam.

Straps (make 2)

Using removable stitch markers or safety pins , mark 5 stitches at the top of the bag that sit in line with the centre of each top granny square on the front and the back of the bag. You need to mark 4 areas of the bag.

Using yarn E, join new yarn and dc 5 sts. Ch 2 and turn.

Work 39 more rows.

Sl st to join with the marked strap area of the opposite side.

Repeat for second strap.

Weave in ends and enjoy!

July 4, 2025

Summer crochet cardigan pattern. Mesh stitch crochet cardigan.

Here’s a simple summer crochet cardigan with lace openwork and mesh stitch detail. This simple kimono sleeve cardigan is quick to make in cotton yarn.

if you’d prefer to download the ad-free pdf of this pattern, you can do so on Ravelry or Ko-Fi.

This article contains affiliate links, meaning that if you choose to buy from the links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

This kimono lace cardigan is a summer must have. It’s lacy, light and goes with anything. Make sure you have one in several colours so that no outfit is off limits! The beauty of the kimono cut is the way it can flatter any shape. With the wide sleeves and open front, it has drape and moves beautifully on the wearer.

All you need to know for this pattern is the double crochet stitch (US terms), chain and slip stitch join.

If you need to refresh your knowledge of crochet terms, I have a handy blog post here.

This kimono style cardigan is worked sideways.

It is constructed by making two horizontal panels. The two panels are then folded lengthwise and the sleeves are worked in the round.

The left half is then seamed to the right half at the back and it is ready to wear!

Skills required to make this simple crochet cardigan:

Making a chain. This is essential to every beginner crochet pattern.
Double crochet (UK treble crochet). If you don’t know what that is, please check my handy stitch guide for crochet beginners.

Slip stitch join. If you don’t know what that even means, look at my post about joining granny squares. It’s the same join!

Yarn required to make this simple, lightweight crochet cardigan with mesh stitch.

I used Cygnet 100% cotton DK, which is a firm favourite at Germander Cottage Crafts but sadly, this yarn is discontinued. I have suggested some alternatives. This particular shade is called Peony pink!

If you can’t get your hands on this particular yarn, here are some great alternatives to consider:

Paintbox yarns cotton DK: £2.75 per 50g ball and it comes in a great range of vibrant or pastel colours, as well as neutrals. It’s 125m per 50g ball so you will need another ball or two depending on the size you’re making. It also comes in value packs.

Debbie Bliss Piper DK 5 ball value pack: £40 for 5 balls of this 50% cotton 50% viscose yarn from Debbie Bliss. It’s 200m per 100g ball so matches the Cygnet cotton requirement perfectly. Warm, yet lightweight, Debbie Bliss’ Piper is a versatile DK weight yarn with a crepe texture that drapes beautifully. Piper produces fantastic stitch definition and it’s gloriously silky and smooth to knit. The colour palette is made up of 16 fresh and contemporary shades, which are perfect for seeing you through the changing seasons.

King Cole Bamboo Cotton DK: King Cole Bamboo Cotton DK is a fabulous yarn choice for summer knits and baby clothes! Bamboo yarns are famous for their non-allergic properties, and Bamboo Cotton DK is deliciously smooth on the skin, thanks to its 50/50 mix of bamboo and cotton. Ideal for a cotton summer cardi and robust enough for baby clothes that need to be in and out of the wash, Bamboo Cotton DK comes in a gorgeous range of pastels, deliciously muted berry shades and some deep accent colours. It’s £5.69 per ball and you get 230m per 100g ball!

The Pattern: Crochet Summer Lace Cardigan Pattern.

US crochet terms used throughout.

Crochet cardigan patterns for summer. Easy crochet kimono to make. Crochet kimono cardigan patterns free. Beginner crochet patterns free.

Sample shown in size M on a 44” bust.

Glossary

Ch	Chain. Insert hook, yarn over pull through loop.
Ch sp	The chain space or gap created by the chains of the previous row. Work into the space rather than the chain or stitch.
Dc	Double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over and pull through. Yarn over and pull through 2. Yarn over and pull through 2.
Rep	Repeat
Sl st	Slip stitch. Insert hook into loop, yarn over and pull through both loops.
Sk	Skip a chain.
St(s)	Stitch(es)

Gauge: 12 sts and 10 rows per 10cm/4in in dc using 4mm hook and DK yarn.

1 3Dc cluster measures 2cm tall. Cluster gauge is approximate because of the loose stitch.

Materials:

350g/400g/450g of Cygnet 100% cotton DK in Peony PInk. (200m/219yd per 100g/3.5oz).
4mm/US 6 crochet hook or size needed to meet gauge.
Tapestry needle
4 removable stitch markers.

Sizes:

S can fit chest sizes 32-40″

M can fit chest sizes 42-48″

L can fit chest sizes 50- 56″

Lace pattern:

Row 1: Ch3 (counts as 1st Dc) dc in each of next 3 ch *ch 3 sk next 3ch, Dc in each of next 3 ch* rep from * to last st. Dc in last ch. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc). *3Dc in next ch- 3 loop, ch3*; rep from * to last Dc. Dc in last ch. Turn

Row 3: Ch3 (counts as 1st dc) *3Dc in first ch 3 sp, ch 3* repeat * to last ch 3 sp. Dc in top of turning ch. Turn.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 for pattern.

Panel measurements:

S: 156cm (61in) long and 42cm (16.5in) wide

M: 162cm (64in) long and 46cm (18in) wide.

L: 174cm (68.5 in) long and 50cm (19.5in) wide.

Lace pattern (above)

Sample shown in size M.

S- 26 3 Dc clusters.

M- 27 3 Dc clusters.

L- 29 3 Dc clusters.

Panel (make 2)

Ch 160/166/178 (3 ch counts as 1st dc) Turn.

Dc in 4th ch from hook. Dc in every ch. Turn. (158/164/176 sts total)

Ch 3, Dc in every Dc to end. Turn. (158/164/176 sts total)

Work lace pattern (page 2) for 9 (10/11) rows.

Next section:

Ch3 *3Dc in ch sp, Dc in next 3 Dc* Repeat * to end. Ch 3 and turn.

Dc in every dc to end. Turn. (2 dc rows total)

Work lace pattern for 9 (10/11) rows.

Ch3 *3Dc in ch sp, Dc in next 3 Dc* Repeat * to end. Ch 3 and turn.

Dc in every Dc to end. Turn. (2 dc rows total). Fasten off.

Mark for armholes:

Count 47 (49/51) dc sts. Place removable marker on next st. Count another 61 (63/71) sts. Place marker on 62nd (64th/72nd) st. 48 (50/52) Dc sts after second marker.

Fold the piece lengthwise so that the two markers are matched. Secure the markers together.

Do this for the opposite panel also.

Markers are matched to mark the sleeve opening.

Seam the side.

Using sl st join or a tapestry needle, seam the side of the piece from the hem to the underarm. This makes it easier to make the sleeve.

Crochet summer kimono pattern free. Free crochet cardigan patterns for beginners. Mesh stitch crochet pattern ideas. Free crochet summer cardigan. Free summer crochet cardigan pattern.

Sleeve

Reattach yarn and ch 3 (counts as 1st dc). Dc in every dc st around. (62/64/72) dc sts in total. Sl st to join the round.

Work 5 more rounds. Fasten off.

The stitches should be split like this:

S- 158ch 48/62/48

M- 164ch 50/64/50

L- 176ch 52/72/52

Assembly

Join the two back pieces, right sides together using sl st, or seam with a tapestry needle.

Back seam should be 51cm/ 53.5cm/56cm (20in/21in/22in) long.

Weave in ends and enjoy!

Easy beginner crochet cardigan for summer. Crochet summer lace cardigan pattern. Simple summer cardigans to crochet.

Thank you for using this free crochet cardigan pattern! If you have a Ravelry account, why not save it as a project?

June 20, 2025

The Betwixt Crochet Cowl: A Simple Crochet Neck Warmer Pattern.
Sometimes you just need a simple crochet neck warmer. Not only will this pattern look good with one, two or more yarns but it is a great stash buster and easy to make.
The betwixt cowl is a design that has fun between the lines. Mix two or more colours of yarn to create this woven look. Crocheting the Betwixt cowl is much easier than it looks. The basic stitches required for this pattern are:
- Chain (Ch)
- Single crochet (Sc) also known as UK double (Dc)
- Half double crochet (Hdc) also known as UK treble (Tr)
Everything else in the pattern is built from these stitches. An example of this is the Back post and front post half double crochet.
Here is how you do the front post and back post half double crochet stitches:

Other stitches are included in the glossary below.
Glossary:
Pattern uses US terms throughout.
If you don’t know your crochet terms, find the handy crochet terms chart here.
CC: Contrasting colour
Ch: Chain. This either means yarn over and pull through a loop or it refers to the chain at the top of the previous stitch.
Back post Hdc: Yarn over, insert hook from back to front to back around post of corresponding stitch below, yarn over and pull up loop, yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook.
Front post Hdc: yarn over, insert the hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch below, yarn over and pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through 3 loops.
Hdc: Half double crochet (UK half treble)
Hdc rib: Front Post Hdc in the first stitch, Back Post Hdc in the second. Repeat to end.
MC: Main colour.
Sc(s): Single crochet stitch(es)
Sl: Slip stitch. Insert hook, yarn over and pull through.
St(s): Stitch(es)
Yarn used to create the Betwixt crochet cowl
The yarn I used to make this crochet neck warmer was a worsted weight. This is also known as aran or 10ply yarn. I would still recommend that you do a gauge swatch when choosing yarns as not all yarn thickness is the same as what it says on the label!
The yarn I used for my sample was Malabrigo worsted which is available in a rich variety of hand dyed shades. I used the colour Marine which is a really deep ocean blue.
The second yarn I used for the contrasting colour was King Cole Riot DK which, although it says “DK” as its weight, it met the worsted gauge required.
I loved how both of these colours interacted. You’ve got the backdrop of a semi solid dark shade and the jewelled tones of waterlily. The pale pinks, greens, silvers and yellows worked as an excellent contrast for this pattern.
The idea behind the design of this cowl pattern
I designed this cowl because I work with a lot of crochet beginners and a common error that beginners make is by inserting the hook in between stitches rather than on top of stitches. When you crochet a solid stitch such as Hdc, you usually insert the hook into the top of the stitch from the previous row to make a new stitch. In this case, I want crocheters to insert their hook between stitches. This creates a woven effect, especially if you use more colours like Joy did, here.
This crochet neck warmer is a quick, satisfying make!
Photo credit to @JollyToadstool
- You can see the linked projects for the Betwixt cowl here on Ravelry.
- The PDF pattern is available here if you would prefer an ad-free download.
Betwixt Cowl: Crochet Pattern
Betwixt cowl
The texture and clever placement of the half double crochet stitch gives this cowl its eye-catching stripes. Often, crocheters don’t mean to insert their hook in between stitches, but when you do, you can create effects like this!
Gauge:
12 Hdc sts and 15 rows = 10cm/4in using a 5mm (US 8) crochet hook.
Please swatch to meet gauge as I have quite loose tension. You may need to go up a hook size if there are fewer stitches, or go down a hook size if there are more stitches than stated.
Materials:
- MC–Malabrigo Worsted (100% merino wool). 190m/208yd per 100g/3.5oz. Sample shows yarn in Marine colourway.
- CC–King Cole Riot DK (70% acrylic / 30% wool). 294m/322yd per 100g/3.5oz. Sample shows yarn in Waterlily colourway.
- 5mm (US 8) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge
- Darning needle for weaving in ends
Measurements:
Piece measures 23cm/9in deep and 32cm/12.5in in circumference, after blocking.
Special stitch(es):
The Hdc stitches are made in between stitches of the previous round. Insert hook into the space between the stitches, not into the top of the previous stitch.
Helpful videos:
Hdc rib:

Hdc stitch:

Glossary:
Pattern uses US terms throughout.
CC: Contrasting colour
Ch: Chain. This either means yarn over and pull through a loop or it refers to the chain at the top of the previous stitch.
Back post Hdc: Yarn over, insert hook from back to front to back around post of corresponding stitch below, yarn over and pull up loop, yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook.
Front post Hdc: yarn over, insert the hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch below, yarn over and pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through 3 loops.
Hdc: Half double crochet (UK half treble)
Hdc rib: Front Post Hdc in the first stitch, Back Post Hdc in the second. Repeat to end.
MC: Main colour.
Sc(s): Single crochet stitch(es)
Sl: Slip stitch. Insert hook, yarn over and pull through.
St(s): Stitch(es)
How to make the Betwixt crochet neck warmer:
Setup:
With MC, ch 9.
Row 1: Insert into 2nd ch from hook. Sc to end. (8 scs total). Ch1, turn.
Row2: Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, sc in back loop of every st to end. 8 sts total.
Work 77 more rows. (78 rows total)
Body:
1. Without fastening off, ch2 (counts as first st) and work 77 hdc along top of ribbing. Sl with first st to close round. Join CC and Ch2 in CC.
2. Hdc in between every previous st. Sl to close round. Join MC and Ch2 in MC.
Repeat Row 2, alternating MC and CC, for 27 more rounds or until cowl measures 22cm/8.75in from edge. On last round, work ch2 in MC.
Top ribbing:
Continuing with MC, hdc rib for 4 rounds. Fasten off.
Finishing: Weave in ends and close gap in sc ribbing. Block to measurements.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Enjoy your pattern.
If you require any pattern support please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or email me at info@germandercottagecrafts.co.uk
Happy hooking!
June 13, 2025

Free Beginner Granny Square Pattern For Beginners

Below you’ll find my free granny square crochet pattern just for beginners. If you’ve been wanting to make your own crochet squares for a while but don’t know where to start, this is a great place! I wrote this pattern to accompany a youtube tutorial which you can find below. If you’d prefer the written instructions, it’s all here.

If you’d rather have the ad-free version, you can download the PDF of this pattern here.

Learn to make a granny square with this easy, step by step tutorial. Before you know it, you’ll be whipping up granny squares everywhere, any time!

Basic granny square pattern

These are instructions for a basic beginner granny square. There is a free tutorial attached to this pattern here. https://youtu.be/u0FFaFjJj7M

Glossary

Ch	Chain. Yarn over and pull through the 1 loop on the hook.
Ch sp	The space of gap that has been created by stitches.
Dc	Double crochet stitch: Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over and pull through, yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook.
Sl	Slip stitch. Insert hook into chain or chain space, yarn over and pull through.

To work the granny square, we start with a chain, join it to make a ring and work our first dc cluster into the centre of that ring. After that, we chain and work dcs into every chain space. Once you get the hang of it, the granny square is versatile and can come in any combination of stitches!

Materials required to make a granny square:

4mm (US 6) crochet hook.
A small amount of DK weight yarn. 30g/1oz
Scissors

Instructions:

Start by making a slipknot.

Round 1.

Ch 4. Sl in 4th ch from hook.
Ch 2 and dc 2 times into the centre of the ring. 1st cluster formed.
Chain 2 and dc 3 times into centre of the ring. (6 dcs in total.)
Repeat last step 2 more times. (12 dcs in total)
Sl st into top of first dc chain to join the round.

Round 2:

Sl across top of first 3 dcs to get to the 1st corner ch sp. Ch 3 and dc twice into ch sp. (3 dcs in total) ch 1 and dc 3 times into same ch sp. First corner done.
Chain 2 and dc 3 times into next ch sp. Ch 1 and make 3 more dcs into same ch sp.
Repeat step 2 twice more.
Sl with top of 1st dc to close the round.

Round 3

Sl across top of first 3 dcs to get to the 1st corner ch sp. Ch 3 and dc twice into ch sp. (3 dcs in total) ch 1 and dc 3 times into same ch sp.
Ch 2 and work 3 dcs into next ch sp to corner ch sp
Ch 2, 3dc in next ch sp, ch 1 and make 3 more dcs into same ch sp.
Repeat step 1 and 2 to end.
Sl with top of 1st dc to close the round.

Round 4 and 5:

Work instructions for round 3, 2 more times until you have 5 completed rounds in total. There will be more chain spaces to work between corners as the square gets bigger.

To finish your square, just sl and fasten off.

This is a free pattern for beginners. If you loved this, please consider leaving a tip or sharing on social media!

Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern For Beginners. Image shows a granny square with a crochet hook resting on it.

June 11, 2025

Tag: free crochet pattern

Totes Crochet Bag. Free Granny Square Tote Bag Pattern.

Can a beginner make this crochet bag? Here’s a quick skill check:

Step 1: Granny squares (Make 8)

Border:

Assembly:

Summer crochet cardigan pattern. Mesh stitch crochet cardigan.

If you need to refresh your knowledge of crochet terms, I have a handy blog post here.

Skills required to make this simple crochet cardigan:

Yarn required to make this simple, lightweight crochet cardigan with mesh stitch.

The Pattern: Crochet Summer Lace Cardigan Pattern.

Glossary

Materials:

Lace pattern:

Panel (make 2)

Next section:

Mark for armholes:

Seam the side.

Sleeve

Assembly

The Betwixt Crochet Cowl: A Simple Crochet Neck Warmer Pattern.

Glossary:

Yarn used to create the Betwixt crochet cowl

The idea behind the design of this cowl pattern

Betwixt Cowl: Crochet Pattern

Betwixt cowl

Gauge:

Materials:

Measurements:

Special stitch(es):

Helpful videos:

Glossary:

How to make the Betwixt crochet neck warmer:

Thank you for visiting my blog! Enjoy your pattern.

Free Beginner Granny Square Pattern For Beginners

Basic granny square pattern

Glossary

Materials required to make a granny square: