Make your own crochet clothing – here’s all the patterns you’ll ever need!
Ready to take a leap into the exciting world of crochet clothing? Once you’ve been crocheting for a while, taking that first step to making your own crochet clothes can be a landmark moment.
Crochet clothing patterns come in a range of different styles and skill levels. While most patterns don’t need you to have any tailoring knowledge, you will need to be fairly confident with your stitches and able to maintain an even tension.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that, in general, making crochet clothes can be quite time-consuming. There are some exceptions, halter tops and bralettes, for example, but it’s worth bearing this in mind if you’re making crochet clothing for a special occasion.
Our favourite crochet clothing patterns
Jumpers and sweater crochet patterns
1. Free granny square sweater crochet pattern
Put that self-doubt aside – if you can crochet a granny square, you can crochet this free granny square sweater pattern!
This clever design by Fran Morgan is made from just four crochet granny squares, with simple extra rounds added for extending the sleeves (which can also be done at the waist if you like a longer jumper).
You will need to know how to do double crochet stitches, as these are used so that you don’t get gaps in the corners of your squares – clever!
Try this Free granny square sweater crochet pattern from Gathered
2. Free lace crochet sweater pattern
If you’re looking for a jumper for all seasons, then this lace crochet sweater is the perfect choice. Wear it over a vest top during summer, or use it as an extra layer over a long-sleeved tee in colder weather.
While the mention of lace might fill you with fear, it’s actually quite straightforward, as this design uses panels of treble crochet stitches with a little bit of filet crochet used to create the cute heart design.
Head to the Free lace crochet sweater pattern on Gathered
3. Top 20 autumn/winter crochet top patterns
Fancy something different? If you’re feeling confident and want to try something other than our two free crochet sweater patterns, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in our roundup of autumn/winter crochet top patterns.
There are plenty of free patterns in the list, as well as some of our favourite paid patterns for if you fancy a bit more of a challenge. You’ll also find some fun variations on the classic woolly jumper, such as hoodies and turtleneck sweaters.
Check out the Top 20 Autumn/Winter crochet top patterns
Little ones love crochet
Treat your new arrivals to some cosy crochet with this free crochet baby jumper pattern, which comes in sizes for premature babies up to 2-year-olds.
Crochet cardigan patterns
1. Free flower granny square crochet cardigan
Cardigans are a great piece of crochet clothing for year-round layering. If you’re new to making crochet clothes, an oversized slouchy cardigan is a good starting project, as it means you don’t need to worry too much about getting the size absolutely perfect.
This fabulous free pattern by Red Heart uses on-trend flower granny squares and can be made to suit sizes from XS to 2XL. Because all of the squares are the same (just with variations in colours), you can chill out and hook the amount you need, then it’s just a case of joining them all together.
Find out more about the free flower granny square crochet cardigan on Gathered
2. A good vintage cardigan crochet pattern
We couldn’t possibly talk about crochet cardigans without mentioning one of Simply Crochet magazine’s all-time most popular patterns. The good vintage cardigan is an iconic design by Fran Morgan that uses treble-cluster stitches (just like granny squares) in rows of fabulous stripes.
It’s had thousands of downloads on Ravelry, and we’ve seen it stitched up in a wide range of colour combinations. Get ready for plenty of compliments when you show it off – comments of ‘I can’t believe you made that yourself’ are practically guaranteed!
This pattern was first published in Simply Crochet magazine issue 54, which you can purchase as a digital copy from our Digital issues app. Alternatively, you can download the individual pattern on Ravelry.
3. Crochet your own Harry Styles cardigan
If you’re thinking that these crochet clothes look too difficult for you, don’t panic. This colourful crochet cardigan is entirely made up using the basic double crochet stitch, so even relatively new crocheters can give it a try.
This free pattern by Liv Huffman was based on one worn by Harry Styles a few years back that went viral online, and we love the oversized, casual patchwork nature of it.
Head to our free crochet your own Harry Styles cardigan tutorial on Gathered
Don’t forget the guys
Whether you’re wanting to make something special for the man in your life, or are a gentleman crocheter yourself (we see you), you can find a range of crochet clothing for fellas in our roundup of the best crochet patterns for men.
Vest tops, tees and cover-up crochet patterns
1. Just peachy crochet T-shirt pattern
Crochet clothing isn’t all about warm woolly jumpers; it’s also great for making light and airy summer tops too! T-shirts are an essential part of every wardrobe, and this design by Simone Francis means you can make this everyday item in crochet style.
Again, it uses the treble cluster stitch technique to keep things simple, and you can easily add in stripes if you desire. The pattern can be made in UK sizes 8-20 and uses a DK yarn – try using cool cottons for hot summer tees.
This pattern was first published in Simply Crochet magazine issue 30, which you can purchase as a digital copy from our Digital issues app. Alternatively, you can download the individual pattern on Ravelry.
2. Our favourite summer crochet top patterns
There are plenty of options available if you want to make some summer crochet clothing.
Vest tops are a popular choice as you only have to make two panels and don’t need to worry about sleeves, but there are other options too – halter tops, boxy tees, waistcoats, coverups and more.
Head on over to our roundup of our favourite summer crochet top patterns and see which pattern takes your fancy.
3. Top beachwear crochet patterns
It’s been a hot summer this year, so if you’re on the lookout for crochet tops to wear at the beach or by the pool, we’ve got you covered. You’ll find loads of crochet tops that will look fab thrown over a swimming cossie, but also work just as well when worn with a pair of jeans or shorts.
There’s also some classy cover-ups, and even a few makes for braver crocheters – dare you try a crochet bikini set?
Take a look at the best crochet beachwear patterns on Gathered
Top of the tops
Still not found your perfect top? We’ve got an extra roundup of our favourite crochet top patterns from throughout the years.
Poncho crochet patterns
1. Free lacy crochet poncho pattern
Ponchos are a great piece of crochet clothing for your first garment, as they’re designed to have a relaxed and oversized fit..
Our free lacy poncho pattern is a great pattern to try – it’s essentially just one large rectangle of a repeated stitch pattern. Then it’s joined together to create a super-stylish asymmetrical garment that you can throw on when the sun goes down.
Try the free lacy crochet poncho pattern from Gathered
2. Free granny square crochet fringe top
Here’s a pattern that is full of fun stitches and techniques, and while it’s a bit different than usual, we’re maintaining that this design by Emma Leith is technically a poncho.
It’s essentially two large lacy squares joined together at the shoulders, with some epic fringing to really give it that festival vibe.
Will you make this Free granny square crochet fringe top from Gathered
3. Cowl neck poncho pattern
We’re going with another of Simply Crochet magazine’s most popular designs, now in the form of this fantastic cowl neck poncho by Simone Francis.
It’s got everything going for it – treble clusters, colourful stripes, fancy fringing and of course that super cosy ribbed cowl neck. Don’t worry about buying any new clothes for winter, because once you’re snuggled up in this wonderful design, you won’t want to wear anything else!
This pattern was first published in Simply Crochet magazine issue 25 (and again in issue 140), which you can purchase as a digital copy from our Digital issues app. Alternatively, you can download the individual pattern on Ravelry
Hippy hooking
If you’re looking for some super-colourful crochet clothes and accessories that are a bit more boho, check out our list of free festival crochet patterns.
Skirt crochet patterns
1. Free chevron skirt crochet pattern
We love it when a design has dual functionality, and this one might surprise you. Primarily, it’s a casual skirt that looks great worn over a pair of jeans or leggings. But if the weather starts to turn cold, you can also use it as a cowl to keep warm!
While it’s a relatively straightforward pattern repeat, it does use some slightly tricky decrease stitches you might not have come across before… but we think you’re up for the challenge!
Take a look at the free chevron skirt crochet pattern on Gathered
2. Easy granny square skirt crochet pattern
If you’re looking for a really simple skirt to hook up, why not try this fab granny square design by Simply Crochet editor Sara Huntington?
This reversible skirt is made using small granny squares that feature a star design on one side and a flower on the other. It can be made in sizes UK 8-18 and uses a DK yarn.
Find this easy granny square skirt crochet pattern on Etsy
3. Chevron mini skirt crochet pattern
We’ve called it a mini skirt, but it’s just above the knee, so still plenty long enough if you don’t like them too short. This stunning design by Susannah of Peppergoose design features an elasticated waist, funky chevrons going in two different directions and even a hairpin lace fringe!
This pattern was first published in Simply Crochet magazine issue 99, which you can purchase as a digital copy from our Digital issues app. Alternatively, you can download the individual pattern on Ravelry, which also includes Susannah’s instructions on how to turn it into a maxi skirt too!
The best crochet dress patterns
If you want to go beyond the skirt, there are loads of crochet dress patterns for you to choose from. You’ll find everything from stunning summer dresses, a classic little black dress that’s perfect for date night, and fab festival dresses for that boho vibe… oh, and we’ve included a whole section on crochet dress patterns for children too.
Recently, the crochet world got all up in a spin when style sensation Taylor Swift was photographed in a crochet dress, so you’ll also find more info on that iconic outfit too!
Take a look at the best crochet dress patterns with Gathered
Trousers and shorts
1. Dungaree shorts crochet pattern
It’s not often you come across someone wearing crochet shorts or trousers… but crochet dungarees – now that’s unique!
This eye-catching design made a huge splash when it was published in Simply Crochet magazine, dividing opinion among crocheters. Featuring a cute watermelon patch and contrasting buttons, the only question is whether you’re bold enough to wear it.
This pattern was first published in Simply Crochet magazine issue 59, which you can purchase as a digital copy from our Digital issues app. Alternatively, you can download the individual pattern on Ravelry.
2. Cargo trousers crochet pattern
If dungaree shorts are a bit too wild for you, how about these street style cargo trousers? They feature a gentle flare on the legs, as well as fun granny square pockets and a handy drawstring waistband.
There’s also a subtle filet crochet diamond design worked into the legs, and while we love the punky red and black combo, you can of course hook them up in any colour you like.
This pattern was first published in Simply Crochet magazine issue 127, which you can purchase as a digital copy from our Digital issues app or from Ravelry.
3. Free granny square trousers crochet pattern
After something a bit more colourful? Well, you can always make some crochet trousers out of good ol’ granny squares!
This free pattern from Red Heart has a fantastic retro charm to it, and even if you’re not brave enough to wear them outside the house, you could always use them as a pair of PJ bottoms.
Download this free granny square trousers crochet pattern from Yarnspirations
Don’t forget your socks
Now that you’ve had plenty of inspiration for your crochet outfit, here’s that all important finishing touch – a good pair of socks!
Whether you’re after cosy chunky socks, lacy little numbers or even just one for everyday wear, you’ll find them all in our list of the best sock crochet patterns.
Start your crochet clothing journey today
While starting your first garment can be daunting, making your own crochet clothes is extremely rewarding. Just remember that it’s really important to carefully check your tension against what’s advised, after all, you don’t want to spend ages making something only for it to be far too big or small.
Now onto the accessories
Complete your me-made outfit with the help of our list of top crochet accessories patterns on Gathered.
