Keep Your Crochet Modern With These Free and Inexpensive Patterns! (2024)

Needlecrafts

Crochet

Mollie Johanson

Mollie Johanson is a professional needlecrafter with over 10 years of hands-on embroidery, sewing, and knitting experience. She is the author of “Stitch Love: Sweet Creatures Big & Small." Mollie also designs and sells stitching projects, co-hosts a crafting podcast, and has taught online embroidery courses.

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Updated on 05/04/20

Keep Your Crochet Modern With These Free and Inexpensive Patterns! (2)

Crochet is a great yarn craft for all ages and all times, especially with so many modern crochet patterns to choose from! You can find free and inexpensive designs for making everything from clothes and accessories to home decor and baby toys.

Not everyone has the same definition of "modern" when it comes to crochet, but for this collection of designs, it means one or more of the following: on-trend for fashion or decor, using familiar techniques in new ways, and timeless in a way that still feels "now."

Finding what you like can be overwhelming, but this list is a good place to start. And when you find something you like, be sure to look at other patterns from that designer because they usually have lots to offer.

Get your crochet hooks ready for some new and modern patterns.

01 of 20
Enjoy the Summer in a Crocheted Tee

Get ready for summer with this adorable crocheted tee from Toni Lipsey of TL Yarn Crafts. The pattern uses a variation on single crochet and is easy enough for beginners. With a simple shape and a great fit that looks casual and effortless, the Summertime Tee could become a crochet staple in your closet!
Summertime Tee from TL Yarn Crafts
02 of 20
Crochet a Hot Pad for Your Modern Kitchen

Whether you need an idea for a housewarming gift or simply a new set of potholders for your kitchen, these modern crocheted hot pads will do the trick! The squares start as a tube, which means you can crochet in the round easily while watching a favorite show. To finish, seam the ends for a doubled (and safe!) pot holder.
Best Modern Hot Pat Crochet Pattern from Mama in a Stitch
03 of 20
Give Baby a Crocheted Place to Play

Even babies love a bit of modern crochet! This soft and cozy play mat is perfect for tummy time and playing on the floor. Worked with super bulky yarn (or several strands of blanket yarn) and a jumbo crochet hook, you can make this in just one hour from start to finish.
Crochet Baby Play Mat from Sweet Everly B
See Also
60+ Summer Crochet Projects 50 Easy Crochet Ideas For When You Can't Make Up Your Mind - Easy Crochet Patterns 70+ Free & Easy Crochet Patterns for Beginners 50+ Useful Things To Crochet - Best Crochet Ideas
04 of 20
Wear a Waffled Crochet Cardigan

Despite the texture of this cap-sleeve cardigan, you won't waffle about this free pattern. Waffle stitch gives this sweater a chunky structure that's easy to wear, and the construction is all rectangles so you won't even have to worry about shaping. It also comes in sizes from infant through adult 5XL, so you have lots of options to choose from!
Watson Waffle Crochet Cardigan Pattern from Lakeside Loops
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05 of 20
Keep the Kitchen Clean With Eco-Friendly Crochet

Modern kitchens skip the paper towels when possible and rely on reusable towels! Crochet your own with cotton yarn and show off your DIY skills as you keep the dishes dry and the counters clean. The simple stitch pattern is suitable for all skill levels.
How to Make a Crochet Hand Towel from The Spruce Crafts
06 of 20
Crochet a Soft and Squishy Rainbow

Who doesn't love a rainbow of yarn? Use your favorite ROY G BIV color palette to crochet an actual rainbow that kids will love to hug. Heidi from Hands Occupied created this free pattern for her Over the Rainbow softie, a design that's so cute you may not want to share!
Over the Rainbow Softie Crochet Pattern from Hands Occupied
07 of 20
Make a Modern Circle Purse

This adorable bag uses cotton rope to give it structure. You start with a center coil and then crochet over the rope as you join the spiral. The finished sides hold together with a band that doubles as a strap for a fun crocheted fashion statement!
Trendy Crochet Bag Pattern from The Spruce Crafts
08 of 20
Stow Your Stuff in Crocheted Style

Soft baskets are useful for holding anything from remotes to yarn, and they look great around the house too. Crocheted baskets can be flimsy and collapse, but Sigoni Macaroni has a fix for that. And she does it all with single crochet and a few skeins of cotton yarn!
Easy Modern Storage Basket Crochet Pattern from Sigoni Macaroni
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09 of 20
Stay Snug and Warm in a Crocheted Cowl

Stephanie from All About Ami never fails with her delightful takes on crochet. Her Cobblestone Cowl has a beautiful knit-like texture that will keep you cozy and warm. The pattern comes in two sizes so you can choose if you want to wear it as a single loop or doubled around your neck.
Cobblestone Cowl Crochet Pattern from All About Ami
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See Also
33 Crochet Amigurumi Patterns
Keep it Personal With a Crocheted Pouch

Backpacks and purses get full and things can be hard to find. Other times you just want to keep certain items protected or personal. That's where this personal pouch comes in! Made with overlapping triangles, everything stays safe inside without even needing a button or snap.
Personal Pouch Crochet Pattern from Heart Hook Home
11 of 20
Create a Colorful Crocheted Cushion

Tapestry crochet is an advanced crochet technique that uses multiple colors at once to create fantastic patterns. Poppy and Bliss uses classic designs with bright colors in this fresh and modern bolster cushion pattern. It's not for the faint of heart, but would be perfect for anyone looking to expand their skills.
Vivo Tapestry Crochet Cushion Pattern, $4, Poppy and Bliss
12 of 20
Wear This Crocheted Poncho Your Way

This soft poncho feels like wrapping yourself in a blanket! The asymmetrical design has buttons on the shoulder that allow you to change how you wear it, making it similar to a shawl at times. Plus, the simple stitch pattern makes it a breeze to work up.
How to Crochet a Poncho from The Spruce Crafts
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13 of 20
Carry a Crocheted Cloud Clutch

Keep your head in the clouds with this crocheted clutch pattern! Even if you aren't quite ready to tackle tapestry crochet, the zip pouch with a clip-on wrist strap could work in a solid color or stripes. And it would make an excellent gift for a teen!
Cloud Clutch Crochet Pattern from The Hook Nook
14 of 20
Embroider a Floral Crochet Pillow

Modern can mean lots of things to different people, and sometimes it means simple and sophisticated. That's what this crocheted and embroidered pillow from Katie Green is all about. Starting with a base of basic stitches, it includes a pattern for stitching a sweet floral design as an accent.
Belstone Cushion Crochet Pattern, $7, Katie Green for Blacker Yarns
15 of 20
Keep Little Ones Dry in a Crocheted Bib

Keep your little one looking chic and staying dry with these adorable crocheted bibs! The free pattern set includes three different styles, including this bandana style version with stitched cacti. Make one or a whole coordinating set as a shower gift!
Modern Crochet Baby Bib Pattern Pack from Whistle and Ivy
16 of 20
Crochet a Shawl That Doubles as a Scarf

There was a time when shawls were seen as old-fashioned, but now they are a modern way to dress up an outfit. The Foxtrot Shawl from Rocketgirl Crochet has a simple pattern with a more detailed edging and fun tassels. To keep your shawl styling looking modern, wear it with the point in the front so it's more like a scarf!
Foxtrot Shawl, $6, Rocketgirl Crochet
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17 of 20
Cozy Up in an Easy Draped Cardigan

Stay snug as a bug in a cocoon-style cardigan! This starts as a giant rectangle and then you add a few rows for cuffs and trim, which makes it great for beginners. One size fits most, but the simple construction makes it easy to adjust the size as needed.
Cozy Cardigan Crochet Pattern from The Spruce Crafts
18 of 20
Make a Spiral Striped Crochet Hat

Warm winter hats can still look modern and fashion-forward. This beanie uses a clever construction and bulky self-striping yarn to make a swirl of stripes that come together at the top. If you've never crocheted short rows, this could be your perfect opportunity!
Twist Stripe Hat Crochet Pattern from Joy of Motion Crochet
19 of 20
Crochet a Pillow That Looks Like Knitting

When is knitting not knitting? When it's slip stitch crochet! This simple pillow strongly resembles chunky knitting, but it's all done with a hook. Sierra from Sweet Everly B guest posts at Sewrella showing how to crochet your own couch cushions.
Knit-Look Crochet Pillow from Sewrella
20 of 20
Bring Granny Crochet to a Modern Top

You may think that anything that uses the term "granny crochet" couldn't be on a modern crochet list, but this blouse pattern by Cecilia Losada proves that it works. Perfect for spring and summer, this breezy top incorporates a colorful medallion and granny stitch sides and sleeves. And because you can choose any mix of colors you like, it's highly customizable for your style!
The Spring Blouse Crochet Pattern, $8, Mamma DIY