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57 Free Teddy Bear Crochet and Knit Projects

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Teddy bears are a classic toy! Named after US President Theodore Roosevelt, teddy bears have been a much-beloved childhood classic for over 100 years. This teddy bear crochet and knit pattern selection includes bears and related projects, including plenty of cute hoodies and hats!

57 Free Teddy Bear Crochet and Knit Projects

Teddy Bear Patterns

Snuggle these teddy bears — they're popular for a reason!

Crochet Huggable Bear Free Crochet Pattern

Teddy Bear-Inspired Home Decor

Show off your love for teddy bears with these home decor treats.

Beary-y cute knit hooded baby blanket free pattern

Teddy Bear Crochet And Knit Hats and Headwear

People of any age will enjoy wearing a warm hat with cute teddy bear ears attached!

Crochet Bear Hood Free Crochet Pattern

Teddy Bear Sweaters and Ponchos To Knit And Crochet

Dress your little one up in a costume that works for any time and keeps them warm!

Baby Bear Hoodie Free Knitting Pattern

Bonus: Teddy Bear Crochet And Knit Hands and Feet

Slippers and mitts can complete the teddy bear look!

Crochet Bear Feet Slipper Socks Free Crochet Pattern

Also on the Blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Are teddy bear patterns good for beginner crocheters and knitters?

Many of them are! Simple stuffed bears use basic stitches worked in the round… single crochet for crochet or stockinette for knitting. The shaping is straightforward… increases to widen, decreases to narrow. Start with a bear that's made from simple shapes (round head, oval body, tube arms and legs) and work your way up to more detailed designs. This collection has patterns across all skill levels, so you'll find something that matches where you are right now.

What's the best yarn for making stuffed teddy bears?

For a classic teddy bear, smooth acrylic in worsted weight is the go-to. It's affordable, machine washable, and comes in all the traditional bear colors… tan, brown, cream, honey. If you want a super cuddly bear, chenille-style yarn like Bernat Blanket gives an incredibly soft finish. For baby-safe bears, avoid anything fuzzy or hairy that could shed fibers. The smoother the yarn, the cleaner your stitches will look in the finished bear.

Can I make teddy bear blankets and accessories, not just stuffed toys?

Absolutely! This collection goes way beyond amigurumi. You'll find teddy bear themed blankets, hats, booties, loveys, and even sweaters with bear motifs. A bear-themed baby blanket paired with a matching stuffed bear makes the most adorable baby shower gift ever. And bear hats with little ears? Heart-meltingly cute on babies and toddlers.

How do I embroider a face on a stuffed bear?

Use a tapestry needle and yarn (or embroidery floss for finer detail). For the eyes, make small circles using satin stitch or just a few tight stitches. For the nose, a triangle of satin stitches is classic. For the mouth, a simple straight stitch or two coming down from the nose does the trick. Pin everything in place first before you stitch so you can adjust the placement. The face is what gives your bear personality… so take your time and don't be afraid to redo it until it looks right to you!

Are these patterns free?

Yes! All 57 patterns in this collection are free. They come from a variety of designers and sources. Some are available directly on the linked websites, and some may require a free account to access. If you want a printable, ad-free version of any particular pattern, check whether the designer offers a PDF for purchase… many do for a small fee. But the patterns themselves? Free to access and stitch to your heart's content.

What Are The Best Knit and Crochet Blanket Sizes for All…

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You can make a knit or crochet blanket in any size you desire. Although we make most blankets square or rectangular, you can even change the shape if you'd like. But if you're looking for the most common knit and crochet blanket sizes, you're in luck. We've created a chart to show you the top eleven blanket sizes, from tiny knit loveys to crochet blankets for king-sized beds.

A vibrant collage showcasing a variety of knit and crochet blankets by Marly Bird, featuring different sizes and patterns including colorful granny squares, textured stripes, bold chevrons, and classic mosaic styles, all representing the diverse creativity in yarn crafts. - marly bird

Top 11 Most Common Knit and Crochet Blanket Sizes

Here's our handy chart for the top 11 most common knit and crochet blanket sizes in both inches and centimeters:

knit and crochet blanket sizes for all ages

What Size Are Knit and Crochet Baby Blankets?

Four of these knit and crochet blanket sizes are designed specifically for babies. The smallest size is the lovey, which is ten inches square. The biggest baby blanket size is the receiving blanket, which is 40″ square. This is the most common size for a baby blanket. Therefore, if you want to crochet a baby blanket of your own design, you might want to aim for a 40″ square blanket size.

Best Crochet Baby Blankets for Gifting

Some of my crochet blanket designs that are approximately 40″ square, perfect for making baby blanket gifts, include:

What Size are Knit and Crochet Blankets for Kids?

The 40″ square blanket works for young kids as well. However, you might want to make a slightly larger blanket for toddlers and children. The most common knit and crochet blanket sizes for toddlers are 42″ x 52″ for a basic blanket and 45″ x 60″ if you're looking for a crib blanket. As you can see, both are rectangular, but the crib blanket is longer.

A vibrant Steve Miter Knit Blanket by Marly Bird, featuring a striking array of geometric patterns in bold colors like magenta, navy, crimson, gold, and grey, intricately knit into a cozy, eye-catching design.
Purchase the Steve Miter Knit Blanket Pattern on Etsy

A throw is a good-sized blanket for children, and it can double as a lapghan for teens and adults. The best knit and crochet blanket size for throws is 52″ x 60″. This is a rectangular blanket.

If you want to make a square blanket for a child, a really good size is 54″ square, which I used when designing my Byars Baby Blanket.

Common Blanket Sizes for Beds

Do you want to knit or crochet a blanket for each bed in your home? These are the four most common bed blanket sizes:

  • 66″ x 90″ for twin bed blankets
  • 90″ x 108″ for full-size bed blankets
  • 96″ x 108″ for queen-size blankets
  • 108″ square for king-size blankets
azores colorful mosaic crochet blanket by Marly Bird
Purchase the Azores Mosaic Crochet Blanket on Etsy

As you can see, most beds, other than twin beds, are 108″ long. That's a great thing to remember when planning a handmade blanket.

Although not listed on our chart, some people have California King beds. These beds are not quite as wide as king-size beds. If you want to make a blanket for these beds, you should plan on 104″ x 108″. Of course, a regular king-sized blanket will also fit on these beds. It'll just hang off more on two sides than usual.

You Can Make Your Own Knit and Crochet Blanket Sizes

Do remember that these are just guidelines. You don't have to follow them if a design you're playing with looks better in slightly different sizes.

Inishmore Crochet Cable Blanket Pattern by Marly Bird

For example, when I created my Inishmore Crochet Cable Blanket Pattern, I designed it for two sizes. The throw blanket sticks to the recommended dimensions: 52″ x 60″. However, I went with 32″ x 34″ for the baby blanket. That's a couple of inches longer on one side and shorter on the other than the usual knit and crochet baby blanket sizes, but it works really well for the design and its edging. So, don't be afraid to adapt, using these guidelines as a starting point for making a blanket the right size.

confetti dots granny blanket pattern by marly bird. Show artfully displayed on a flat surface with 3 balls of yarn and a crochet hook.
Purchase The Confetti Dots Granny Square Pattern on Etsy

Similarly, my Confetti Dots Blanket is designed at approximately 40″ square for babies, which is the usual size for a receiving blanket. However, the two larger sizes are a bit different from these norms: 40.” x 78.5″ for a throw and 49.5″ x 67.9″ for a regular blanket. Sometimes your motif sizes change the best size for the larger blanket.

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A vibrant collage showcasing a variety of knit and crochet blankets by Marly Bird, featuring different sizes and patterns including colorful granny squares, textured stripes, bold chevrons, and classic mosaic styles, all representing the diverse creativity in yarn crafts. - marly bird

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should I make a baby blanket for a gift?

So the most common size for a baby blanket is 40 inches square… that's the classic receiving blanket size and it's what most people expect when they get a handmade baby gift. If you want something smaller and quicker, a lovey at 10 inches square is adorable for little ones to snuggle. But if you're making a gift and you're not sure… go with the 40 inch square. It's the safe bet and it always gets used.

How much yarn do I need for a throw blanket?

Honestly, it depends on your yarn weight, your gauge, and your stitch pattern. A standard throw is about 52 by 60 inches… so that's a good chunk of yarn! For worsted weight, you're probably looking at somewhere around 1,500 to 2,500 yards depending on whether you're doing a dense stitch or something more open like lace. My best advice? Check the pattern you're using for yardage, and always buy an extra skein. Running out of yarn at the very end is the worst feeling.

What's the difference between a throw and a lapghan?

Great question! They're actually really similar in size. A throw is typically around 52 by 60 inches and it's meant to drape over a couch or wrap around your shoulders. A lapghan is usually a little smaller… think of it as a blanket that covers your lap while you're sitting. There's no strict rule here though… if it keeps you cozy on the couch, it's doing its job!

Can I make a blanket any size I want or do I have to follow standard sizes?

You can absolutely make it whatever size you want! The sizes in this post are guidelines… not rules. I design blankets in non-standard sizes all the time when the stitch pattern calls for it. My Inishmore Crochet Cable Blanket baby size is 32 by 34 inches instead of the usual 40 inch square because it just worked better with the edging. So use the chart as a starting point and then adjust to fit your project and your vision.

How big is a king-size knit or crochet blanket?

A king-size blanket is 108 inches square… so yes, it's a BIG commitment! If you have a California King, you'd want about 104 by 108 inches, but honestly a regular king blanket will work on a Cal King too… it'll just hang over a bit more on the sides. Fair warning though… a king-size handmade blanket is a labor of love. It's going to take a while. But when it's done? There's nothing more satisfying than climbing under something you made with your own hands.

Marly Bird’s Most Colorful Crochet Patterns

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Recently we rounded up some of my most colorful knit patterns. Since we are BiCrafty around here, of course, we also wanted to do a related crochet roundup. So, we've searched through the Marly Bird crochet pattern archive and rounded up all of my most colorful crochet patterns. Some use specific colorwork techniques, such as planned pooling and mosaic crochet, whereas others are good stashbusters or use variegated or colorful yarn. There's something for everyone here if you're interested in crocheting with color.

Colorful crochet patterns with various stitches, featuring a smiling woman in a poncho and vibrant yarn squares.

My Most Colorful Ever Crochet Blanket Pattern

Chic Sheep Day Dream Blanket by Marly Bird - Corner to Corner goodness!

I was thrilled when I got to create my own yarn line, Chic Sheep. I carefully choose all 24 colors in that yarn line. And I used every single one of them in this crochet blanket pattern! Great for stashbusting. Be bold with your own color choices and the yarn you use!

Most Colorful Crochet Clothing Patterns

Do you love to make and wear vibrant colorful clothing? Then start here:

Check Me Out Poncho

This fun and fashionable crochet poncho is a must have for any wardrobe. Play with 3 different colors of tweed like, long color changing yarn in a worsted weight size 4 yarn + the Gingham plaid crochet technique. Make this poncho with a turtleneck, a cowl neck or leave it as a v-neck. With the full video tutorial you can easily customize this awesome pattern. This pattern is free on the Marly Bird website or you can purchase the ad-free PDF.

A smiling woman standing in front of tall grass, wearing glasses and a multicolored crocheted poncho with a cowl neck, playfully gesturing the 'rock on' sign with both hands. - Marly Bird - Check Me Out Crochet Poncho

Crochet Swancho Pattern

Crochet swancho pattern - Marly Bird

Let the yarn do all the colorwork for you as you craft this cozy, comfy, sleeved, cowl-necked crochet poncho pattern. This is the perfect crochet fall sweater. It was originally a CAL, but the full pattern is now free.\

Collage Crochet Colorful Patterns by Marly Bird. 6 different images of crochet patterns including the Confetti Dots Granny Blanket, Celestia Crochet Shawl, Petal Lace Scarf, Check Me Out Poncho, Sledge Hooded Scarf, Calor Crochet Wrap. All the patterns are designed by Marly Bird.

Most Colorful Crochet Accessories Patterns

I really enjoy making colorful crochet patterns for accessories. You can easily add a bit of pizzazz to any outfit with these cowls and scarves, mittens, and more:

Celestia Chevron Crochet Shawl

Get wrapped up in this fun and vibrant project! Our free, easy-to-follow crochet shawl pattern is perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike. Create your own summer layering wrap with the help of Marly Bird - ad-free pdf also available for purchase and includes stitch diagrams

The Celestia Crochet Shawl, a masterpiece pattern created by Marly Bird. This shawl is a modern twist on the classic chevron design, allowing the unique hues of kettle dyed colors to truly dazzle. Crafted with the lightweight grace of fingering weight size 1 yarn in a harmonious blend of five distinct colors, the Celestia Shawl is an enchanting accessory that promises both speed in creation and splendor in appearance.

TOS 2020 Mosaic Crochet (and Knit) Scarf or Cowl

Two mosaic cowls displayed on mannequins, one knitted and one crocheted, featuring geometric patterns in multiple colors, from Marly Bird's Tournament of Stitches.

Play with the crochet color technique of mosaic crochet with different designs on every panel. And add more color with rainbow hues to separate each panel. This might be the best of all the colorful crochet patterns I've created.

Petal Link Lace Crochet Scarf Pattern

Petal Lace Scarf by Marly Bird on a wooden table with autumn foliage around it.

Are you looking for a colorful crochet scarf pattern that doesn't require you to weave in tons of ends or practice complicated crochet techniques? Check out this design, where the yarn choice does all the colorwork for you. Crocheted with a thin sport weight size 2 yarn with long color changes, you can get this magical look to wrap around your neck as a scarf or make it slightly larger and have a crochet shawl or crochet wrap.

Enchanted Crochet Motif Shawl – Free Crochet Shawl Pattern

This magical crochet shawl is designed to be made in the join as you go technique to make the finishing as easy as possible. Using Unforgettable yarn with its long color changes makes for a truly enchanting crochet wrap for any occasion. This pattern is free on the Marly Bird website but you can also purchase the ad free PDF on Etsy or Ravelry.

Enchanted Crochet Motif Shawl - Unforgettable Yarn - Marly Bird

Calor Crochet Chevron Scarf or Wrap

This has been a fan favorite pattern since I first posted a picture of me wearing it. Originally designed as a contribution to a book by Vickie Howell, this design is now available for purchase. Pattern includes full stitch charts and written instructions.

Calor Crochet Chevron Wrap or Scarf by Marly Bird displayed on a mannequin and laid out flat. pink text with the title of the crochet pattern. small image of the marly bird logo in bottom left corner

One Ball Crochet Shawl Free Pattern

one ball crochet shawl - Roll With It - Marly Bird

Here's another great crochet pattern if you want the yarn to do the work for you in terms of color. It's a one-ball crochet pattern, perfect for gifting.

Hooded Sedge Stitch Crochet Scarf Pattern

hooded sedge stitch scarf crochet pattern

Here's another example of choosing the right colorful yarn for the job. Isn't it amazing how many colorful yarns exist and how many ways we can crochet with them? This hooded scarf is nice and cozy. The hedge stitch creates terrific texture and is fun to learn if you aren't familiar with it yet.

Jilly Bean Cowl Crochet Pattern

one ball crochet cowl pattern - Jilly Bean Cowl - Marly Bird

One ball of colorful yarn is all you need … along with your crochet skills … to create this fabulous accessory.

Better Together Puff Stitch Crochet Hat Free Pattern

colorful puff stitch hat crochet pattern - Better Together - Marly Bird

Doesn't it look like you have to change colors every time you make a row of puff stitches in this hat? Actually, you'll work with Unforgettable yarn, and it will change color itself. You'll combine that with solids to get the complete hat pattern.

City Tweed Chevron Cowl Crochet Pattern

City Tweed Crochet Chevron Scarf Pattern by Marly Bird. This image is Marly wearing the cowl around her neck in bold jewel tones.

This is a great stashbusting project. I had a bunch of City Tweed yarn leftover in different colors. So, I combined them all with chevrons, and this is the autumnal cowl I came up with.

Rainbow Sprinkles Crescent Shawl Crochet Pattern

Rainbow Sprinkles Crescent Shawl by Marly Bird - Sock Weight Yarn in graduated hues of pinks purple and blue. Text that reads Rainbow Sprinkles Crescent Shawl

Enjoy a crescent crochet shawl pattern where you just choose the right fingering weight or sock weight yarn in the colorway you want and then get to work. The bottom of this shawl is crocheted first, then the body is worked in short rows to create the body depth. Adventurous beginner crocheters will find this pattern challenging but the intermediate crochet will find it relatively easy and quick to work up.

Super Simple Shawl Free Crochet Pattern

Super Simple Crochet Shawl Pattern by Marly Bird
Super Simple Shawl – One Ball

Here's one more example of using the right stitches and shapes to create a garment where the right colorful yarn can sing. Grab a ball or two of Chroma from WeCrochet or one ball of Jewelspun by Sirdar and you will have an amazing new neck accessory to wear!

Super Simple Lucky Strikes Shawl Free Crochet Pattern

colorful crochet shawl Super Simple Lucky Strikes - Marly Bird

Here, I've taken a colorful yarn and chosen two different colorways to work together into one shawl pattern. This is the project I first showed how to do the Stacked Double Crochet! Have you tried it yet?

Red Heart Shivering Chic Shawl Free Crochet Pattern

Shivering chic shawl colorful free crochet pattern - Marly Bird

Use six different yarn colors to make this striped crochet shawl. Granny Squares are a big hit right now. Get a very lovely chunky and bold shawl in your favorite stitch and enjoy the compliments!

Abstractly Chic Shawl Crochet Pattern

cal shawl free pattern - Abstractly Chic - Marly Bird

You actually only use three different colors in this pattern. However, you combine them differently across the sections of what was originally a CAL or Crochet-Along. Plus, there are video tutorials to help you make this awesome shawl. Grab some merino yarn (I suggest Swish Worsted) and make this colorful crochet piece.

Medley Merino Chic Scarf Free Crochet Pattern

striped crochet scarf pattern - Medley Merino - Marly Bird

Use six different colors to create this striped crochet scarf. Get some Swish Worsted yarn and make this fun crochet scarf!

3-in-1 Handwarmers (knit and crochet free patterns)

3 in 1 handwarmers crochet and knit patterns - Marly Bird

The yarn does the work of creating the colors in these convertible hand warmers. You can make them with or without fingers and thumbs, and you can knit or crochet them. Have fun with this versatile free pattern!

Planned Pooling Crochet Patterns

planned pooling crochet patterns - Marly Bird

In addition to the many other ways I've designed with color over the years, I've created a series of projects using planned pooling. You choose the right self-striping yarn, work with it in a strategic way, and get really intriguing plaid-inspired colorful designs. Here are those patterns:

More Colorful Crochet Patterns

Here are some of my other most colorful crochet patterns. Mostly they are colorful crochet blankets. However, there are also a couple of bags and a crochet stocking pattern here.

Chic Log Cabin Blanket Pattern

colorful crochet Chic log cabin blanket pattern

I used seven different yarn colors when creating this blanket, inspired by log cabin quilt designs.

Baby Hugs Colorful Crochet Blanket Pattern

colorful crochet baby blanket pattern - Baby Hugs - Marly Bird

I also used seven different colors when designing this crochet baby blanket. Using the orange as the border, rather than a neutral, makes this blanket truly vibrant!

Confetti Dots Granny Square Join As You Go Crochet Blanket Pattern

colorful crochet granny square blanket pattern - Confetti Dots - Marly Bird

Beginner crocheters learned to make this in BiCrafty Bootcamp. You crochet a circle in a bold color, then turn that into a square with a neutral color. Repeat with many different center circle colors, and you've got a chic baby blanket with lots of colorful polka dots.

Blooming Granny Square Crochet Blanket Pattern

colorful crochet granny square blanket pattern - Blooming Granny - Marly Bird

In this colorful granny square blanket example, the centers are flowers, and the colors change slowly across the blanket. If you like this idea but want something bolder and brighter with color, check out the Bright Blooms Blanket.

Stitch Sampler Blanket Crochet Pattern with Video Tutorials

Stitch sampler baby blanket crochet pattern - Marly Bird

Learn how to crochet many different stitches when working on this colorful crochet blanket.

Pulled Taffy Blanket Free Crochet Pattern

colorful braided crochet blanket pattern - Pulled Taffy - Marly Bird

Learn how to create three-dimensional textured braids as you crochet this colorful striped blanket.

Chasing Rainbows Free Crochet Blanket Pattern

colorful crochet baby blanket pattern - Chasing Rainbows - Marly Bird

Combine one colorful yarn with one solid yarn to create this blanket.

Falling Petals Circular Throw Crochet Pattern

circular crochet blanket pattern - Falling Petals - Marly Bird

This would also work as a tablecloth. Create “stripes” in rounds as you make this circular blanket.

Granny Square Pucker Purse Free Crochet Pattern

Granny Square Pucker Purse free crochet pattern - Marly Bird

You can combine colorful granny squares to make so many different items. Here's a purse pattern, for example.

Felted Crochet Boulder Bag Pattern

free Marly Bird felted crochet Boulder Bag pattern

Use colorful yarn that you felt to create a muddied colorway (think Impressionist paintings.) Combine that with fun fur yarn for a dramatic purse.

Rattle the Stars Crochet Christmas Stocking Pattern

crochet Christmas stocking free pattern - Rattle The Stars - Marly Bird

Mix lots of different colors together as you create stripes for this crochet Christmas stocking. It'll make the mantle (or the tree) pop with color.

Learn More From Camp Colorwork

Camp Colorwork - Marly Bird

If what you love about crocheting isn't just working with lots of colors but actually incorporating different colorwork techniques, then come learn all that there is to learn in the Camp Colorwork Online Workshop. We cover crochet colorwork grid techniques, including mosaic crochet, and “fun and funky” techniques, such as interlocking crochet.

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If you love working with the most colorful crochet patterns, then you might also want to check out these posts:

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Marly Bird's approach to colorful crochet distinctive?

Marly has a genuine love for COLOR… bold, joyful, unexpected color combinations that make you feel something when you look at them. Her colorful patterns don't just use multiple colors… they're thoughtfully designed so the colors interact beautifully, create visual movement, and tell a story. And as a BiCrafty designer, she often designs colorful patterns that work in both knit and crochet, giving crafters in both traditions access to her color-forward aesthetic. Her colorful patterns tend toward celebration… these are “I'm happy today” projects.

What techniques are most common in Marly's colorful crochet patterns?

Mosaic crochet is a huge favorite… the slip stitch technique creates bold geometric colorwork with only one color per row. Planned pooling patterns create that gorgeous argyle/plaid effect from self-striping yarn. Striped patterns using multiple colors in striking combinations. Intarsia-style color blocking for bold graphic statements. And colorwork using the waistcoat or split single crochet stitch for the smoothest, most knit-like colorwork surface. Marly teaches these techniques through Camp Colorwork and throughout her blog patterns with full video support.

How do I choose colors for colorful crochet projects?

Marly's color philosophy: start with a color you love and build from there. Look for high contrast if you want graphic designs to read clearly. A “zinger” color… something unexpected that makes the palette pop… takes a good color combination to great. Reference the color wheel for complementary or analogous harmonies. Nature is the best inspiration… look at a favorite flower, landscape, or piece of fabric and pull colors from there. And trust your gut! If three colors make you happy when you hold them together, that's real information about whether they'll make a beautiful project.

Are colorful crochet patterns harder to make than single-color ones?

It depends on the colorwork technique! Simple striped patterns are actually easier than single-color in some ways because color changes mark your progress and keep interest high. Mosaic crochet (one color per row) is very manageable. Tapestry crochet and intarsia require more attention to manage multiple colors simultaneously. Self-striping yarn handles the color changes for you with zero extra work. The key is choosing a technique appropriate to your skill level… there are beautiful, achievable colorful patterns for every level of crafter.

Where can I see all of Marly's colorful crochet patterns in one place?

This post collects Marly's most colorful crochet designs! Beyond this collection, her Ravelry designer page organizes all her patterns by craft. The blog's free crochet pattern section has filtering options. And Camp Colorwork dives deep into the colorwork techniques Marly uses most frequently. Following Marly on Instagram and subscribing to the blog newsletter means you see new colorful patterns as they're released. Marly's pattern output tends toward the colorful end of the spectrum… if you love color in your crafting, her work will speak to you.

What Is the Marly Bird Game Day Mystery Make-Along?

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Every year on Super Bowl Sunday, we here at Marly Bird host the Game Day Mystery Make-Along. It's a stitch-along with patterns for both knitters and crocheters. This is a day-long make-along with clues released every hour throughout the day. This means that you'll spend the day crafting and at the end you'll have completed a project. If you're home watching the Big Game, this is a great way to pass some of the hours. And if you're not interested in sportsballs at all, you can enjoy community crafting with us anyway!

Game Day Mystery Makealong

With the 2025 Game Day Mystery Make-Along coming up soon, we wanted to give you a little bit more information about our event. General details below and information about the next event is at the bottom of this post.

What Is a Mystery Make-Along?

If you've never participated in a mystery make-along before, you're missing out on a lot of fun. A make-along is when we all make something at the same time. We share progress photos, thoughts, questions, and more in the Marly's Minions Facebook Group and across social media. Therefore, you get to really enjoy the community aspect of crafting. We also have prizes!

Since we here at Marly Bird are BiCrafty, we offer both a knit and crochet version to the Game Day Mystery Make-Along. We want everyone to participate in the way that they love most. If you're bicrafty, then you can choose either pattern to work on.

The mystery part is that you don't actually know what you're making as you craft it. We give you the materials that you'll need to begin. Then you receive a series of clues over time. In the case of the Game Day Mystery Make-Along, you receive a clue every hour in one day. As the day goes on, you follow the instructions, and eventually you figure out what you're making. Sometimes you can guess it early on, but sometimes it's a huge surprise. This adds adventure to your crafting, which a lot of us really enjoy. Guessing what it's going to be is a popular part of the Facebook group discussion during a mystery make-along.

Game Day Mystery Make-Along

The Specifics About the Game Day Mystery Make-Along

Crochet-alongs (CALs) and Knit-alongs (KALs) can last for almost any period of time. For example, we also do one for March Madness, so that make-along lasts several weeks. However, the Game Day event is a quick, intense stitch-along. Super Bowl Sunday is only a single day. We start releasing clues early in the morning and continue every hour throughout the day. Many people have come to look forward to setting aside the entire day for crafting. Whether or not you love the game, you can join your family in front of the television and craft amongst them while the game goes on.

Past Game-Day Make-Along Events

Certainly, a lot of the fun of make-alongs is that you're making the same thing as a lot of other people around the world at the same time. However, that doesn't mean that the patterns themselves aren't also great. We put a lot of effort into these patterns each year, so don't hesitate to go back and make the knit and crochet designs from past events:

When Is The Next Game Day Mystery Make-Along?

We hold this event every year on Super Bowl Sunday. Therefore, the next time you can join in is on Sunday, February 09, 2025.

Join the 2025 Game Day Mystery Make-Along Here

Interested? Here's what you should do right now:

  • Register for the event! (links for registration are on the details page for the year)
  • Join the Marly’s Minions Facebook Group where we chat about the event all day long.
  • Get your materials.
  • Mark you calendar! 
  • Return to this blog first thing in the morning on February 09, 2025 to get started!
  • As you work on the project, post progress pictures on Facebook and Instagram with the tag #GameDayMakeAlong. When you do, you’ll have the chance to win various surprise mystery prizes!

Tip: Bookmark Marly Bird – Learn how here

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150+ Free Halloween Crochet & Knit Decorations

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📝 Updated August 2026 — links verified, new featured designs added.

Halloween is prime stash-busting season — fast, festive, and totally forgivable for using that one ball of orange yarn you've been hoarding. Whether you're decorating your front porch, filling a trick-or-treat bowl, or making a costume that'll turn heads, here are 150+ free Halloween knit and crochet patterns to spark your project queue. Let's get spooky!

⚡ Quick Answer

What's the best Halloween decoration to crochet? For beginners, try a simple pumpkin — they work up in under an hour with any orange worsted-weight yarn. For a showstopper, the Sparkle Crochet Pumpkin adds sequin yarn magic that photographs beautifully. Knitters: bats and spider webs work great in seed stitch. Whether you knit or crochet, Halloween is the perfect excuse to use novelty yarn guilt-free! 🎃

Whether you knit or crochet — or both, like me — Halloween is the most forgiving project season of the year. I've rounded up 150+ free Halloween patterns for every skill level, organized so you can find exactly what you're looking for. Grab a pumpkin spice latte and let's spook your yarn stash.

🎃 My Favorite Halloween Crochet Pattern to Make

The Sparkle Crochet Pumpkin is my go-to for fast Halloween decorating. It works up in about 30–45 minutes with worsted-weight yarn, and when you use Lion Brand Sequins in Spooky (that perfect orange-and-black colorway), it looks absolutely magical under lamplight. Stuff it firmly for the best shape, add a stem, and you've got a showstopper that photographs beautifully for social media. Great stocking stuffer project, too!

🧶 Marly's Tip

For Halloween crochet, I always reach for Lion Brand Sequins in the “Spooky” colorway (orange and black!) for pumpkins, or Cascade 220 in deep purple for bats and spiders. Worsted weight works for almost everything on this list — and bulky weight finishes pumpkin decorations in about 30 minutes flat. The key to Halloween projects is speed and impact: novelty yarns do half the work for you!

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A Roundup of Roundups

We've already shared loads of Halloween patterns with you so we rounded up the roundups. Now they're all in one place! Plus we've added some extra free Halloween decorations and costumes knit and crochet patterns. We want to make sure we didn't miss anything you might want to make this Halloween!

Free Halloween decorations and costumes - patterns to knit and crochet - curated by Marly Bird. Bags, rats, bowls, blankets, pumpkins, hats, skeletons, spiders.

29 Free Knit and Crochet Pumpkin and Jack o' Lantern Projects

Of all of the free Halloween decorations and costumes knit and crochet patterns available, pumpkins are always a popular choice. After all, it's the season for pumpkin lattes and cold brews, pumpkin pies, muffins, and cheesecakes. So check out these more than two dozen free knit and crochet pumpkin patterns. Let's get decorating for fall!

Free pumpkin patterns to crochet and knit - Marly Bird. Individual stuffed crochet and knit pumpkins in various colors, blankets, and more.

10 Free Bats and Vampire Knit and Crochet Projects

Bats and vampires are always a great, freaky, and gory choice for adding some Halloween spookiness to your knit or crochet home decor. And they work really well on accessories for simple costumes too. Click on the link above or the image below to see which creepy flying creature you'll be crafting next.

6 images of knit and crochet bat items: mobile, cape, bag, hairband, hat, cloth.

18 Free Halloween Decorations and Costumes: Witch and Black Cat

We like to try to find things that you've never made before. So, we did this roundup of witches and black cat patterns. We think some of the most original designs are in this roundup.

Collage of 9 images of witch and black cat knit and crochet patterns. Patterns include hats, capes, legwarmers, dog sweater, cat costume, wall decor, t-shirt motif.

23 Free Pirate, Skull and Skeleton Knit and Crochet Patterns

Pirates and skeletons go together like peanut butter and jelly, don't they? They're a natural fit! And we found some fabulous knit and crochet patterns that are sure to please. Ladies and pets are included too, so there's no excuse to NOT dress up this Halloween! These pirate and skeleton knit and crochet patterns are also great for ‘Talk Like a Pirate Day' and other random and unusual holidays throughout the year.

Over 14 different pirate and skeleton knit and crochet patterns - free Halloween decorations and costumes. Marly Bird. Patterns include pirate hats, skeleton amigurumi, skull wreath, dog costume, hats, blanket, mittens, slippers, pirate wench costume, child's hoodie.

21 Free Knit and Crochet Monster Projects

There are spooky monsters and there are cute monsters. And they all make great free Halloween decorations and costumes knit and crochet patterns. So, check out this cute, scary, and colorful selection we've pulled together for you. We've found everything from trick-or-treat bags to hats and sweaters, because you know it'll likely be cold. Youngsters are sure to appreciate the little monsters if you'd rather not give out candy.

9 image collage of knit and crochet monster patterns, including: slippers, bag, sweater, amigurumi monsters, hats, jar cozies, dog costume. Free Halloween decorations and costumes.

23 Free Ghosts and Spiders Knit and Crochet Patterns

Ghosts and spiders are suitable for any and every Halloween. So, have we got a collection for you?! From black widows to Casper-style friendly ghosts, we've got you covered for ghosts and spiders.

Knit patterns for these creepy creatures are hard to find, so if you stumble across some, do let us know so we can share them here. But, we do have lots of creepy crochet patterns. If you're a knitter who'd love to learn to craft these crochet creepies, then we can help! Join the wait list here for BiCrafty Bootcamp for knitters who want to learn crochet.

Spiders and ghosts Halloween knit and crochet patterns - 10 images - free Halloween decorations and costumes. Spiders and ghost patterns including bowl, spiders, hat, earrings, wreath, wall decor, coasters, and more. Marly Bird

11 Free Halloween Decorations and Costumes: Candy Corn

Once candy corn hits the stores, you know that fall and Halloween are on the way. This small honey-sweet triangular snack (which is especially good mixed with salted peanuts) doesn't just taste good. It also has those vivid Halloween colors which make the design perfect for all kinds of fall decor.

Brighten up your Halloween decor with some of these cute, cozy, candy corn knit and crochet patterns.

Candy corn knit and crochet patterns. 9 images: candy corn wall decor, cone, scrubby, blanket, baby bunting, earrings, hat, bag, dog sweater. Marly Bird

Halloween Decorations

These decorations don't really fit into the other categories above, but they're still perfect for your Halloween fun! Whether you want to add color to your home or display your love of Halloween on yourself or the outside of your home, we have something that will fit you perfectly!

Halloween Costumes

There's always more room for crochet or knit Halloween costumes! Don't you agree? Hey – if you already have the yarn, then why not create? Here are more ideas for fun, yarny Halloween costumes!

We have loads more round-ups here that also have fun hats and costumes ready for your crafting pleasure! Be sure to check them out. You never know…we might have just the costume you or your kiddo wants for Halloween.

More Halloween Patterns You'll Love

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the easiest Halloween decoration to crochet?

Pumpkins! A basic crochet pumpkin uses simple rounds and takes less than an hour with worsted-weight yarn and a 5mm hook. Stuff it firmly for the best shape. Marly's Sparkle Crochet Pumpkin adds Lion Brand Sequins for extra sparkle — still beginner-friendly.

How long do Halloween decorations take to make?

It depends on the project! Small ornaments and pumpkin stems take 30–60 minutes. A full treat bag takes 2–4 hours. Larger blankets or wall hangings could take a week. Most items on this list are designed to be quick — Halloween has a hard deadline!

What yarn weight is best for Halloween projects?

Worsted weight (size 4) is the most versatile — it works for amigurumi, bags, home decor, and hats. Bulky weight (size 6) is great for speedy pumpkins and pillows. Novelty yarns like Lion Brand Sequins add Halloween sparkle to simple projects without any extra technique.

Can beginners make Halloween crochet patterns?

Absolutely! Many of the best Halloween decorations are beginner-friendly: pumpkins, ghosts, and simple amigurumi all use basic stitches. Look for patterns rated ‘Easy' or ‘Beginner' in the roundups linked above. A basic crochet pumpkin is the perfect first Halloween project.

What makes a good Halloween crochet project?

The best Halloween projects are: fast enough to finish before October 31st, use colors you already have in your stash, and work up in worsted or bulky weight for speed. Bonus points if they photograph well (sequin yarns!), store flat, and can double as fall decor through November.

Final Thoughts

Halloween is basically a permission slip to knit and crochet in orange, black, and purple — and I am HERE for it. Whether you're decorating your front porch, filling a treat bowl, or making a costume that'll get Instagram-famous, there's a free pattern on this list for you. If you make any of these, please tag me @themarlybird on Instagram or use #MMMDI — I genuinely love seeing your finished Halloween projects. 🎃🧶

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Shaping Knits – German Short Rows Or W&T? 

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What does this even mean? Short rows? You may wonder what I'm talking about if you haven’t come across having to knit short rows yet on your knitting journey. Short rows are a useful tool for your knitter’s arsenal to help shape knit fabric. They come in handy in many situations, which we’ll cover in just a bit. But before we discuss whether to use German short rows or W&T, let’s talk about what they are.

Image showing German short rows or W&T knitting techniques - Marly Bird
German Short Rows and Wrap & Turn samples.

What Are Knit Short Rows?

Short rows in knitting are partially completed rows. You don’t work all the way across. You turn your work mid-row. If you do turn your work mid-row without using certain techniques, you end up with holes or larger-than-usual spaces where you turn. This is usually not what we want, so several short-row techniques have been developed over the years. Probably the most commonly used are German short rows and W&T (‘wrap and turn’).

Why Use Short Rows In Knitting?

The easy answer is that short rows are used for shaping. Likely the most common and historical use of short rows is when turning a heel during the sock-knitting process. 

But designers now use short rows to create incredible shawls and other knitwear. They use these shaping techniques to change how and where colors appear in wedges, curves, or feather-like panels. They can make shawls look like wings!

Where Can You Put Short Rows In A Sweater?

There are many places you can use knitted short rows to make garments fit the wearer better than working a straight pattern with no shaping. We’re all made to look different, and shaping in various places can benefit different body types.

Some common places short rows can really help with shaping are:

  • Shoulder slope – instead of a stepped bind-off, get a smooth single-row bind-off by working short rows and then binding off all shoulder stitches together.
  • Back neck – working top down, knitting short rows across a back neck builds height and makes the garment sit better around the front neck. You’ll see this shaping technique used in the Color Kaleidoscope Poncho Pattern.
  • Bust darts – a larger bust sometimes causes the front hemline of a sweater to hang higher than the back. Fix this problem by adding bust darts and working a wedge of extra rows at the bustline, bringing the front and back hems level.
  • Curved hem – a popular style right now is the curved hem. Short-row shaping produces curved hems the easy way.

So, How Do You Knit W&T (Wrap and Turn)?

W&T short rows involve using the short row techniques before turning your work. You’ll work to your turning point, move the working yarn forward, slip the next stitch from the left to right needle, return the yarn to the back, then replace the slipped stitch onto the left needle all before turning your work.

Once you reach the W&T on the next row, you’ll need to align the wrap with the slipped stitch and work them together. Check the video to see how this is done on both knit and purl rows.

I demonstrate W&T short rows in this first KAL video for the Color Kaleidoscope Poncho. It’s so much easier to watch than read instructions on how to do it. So, check out the video around 17:40 to see my demonstration and learn about this technique's nuances.

How Do You Knit German Short Rows?

When you knit German short rows, you work to the turning point. Turn your work first, then bring your working yarn forward between the needles. Pull the working yarn up over the right-hand needle (like you’re always told not to when you first learn to knit), and hold the yarn tightly in place while working the next stitch. 

Don’t let this tight stitch drop. It pulls up both legs of the stitch below to form a double stitch (often abbreviated to DS). You’ll work both legs together on the return pass, like a k2tog.

To better understand this technique, watch this video showing a heel turn for My First Toe-Up Knit Socks. Whether you’re using German short rows in socks or sweaters, they’re worked the same way. At 11:40 in this video, you’ll see how to work German short rows. Don’t forget to watch the return pass so you’ll see how to deal with the double stitches.

German Short Rows

Which Is Better – German Short Rows Or W&T?

The simple answer here is…whichever you find easiest to work and gives you the best result. There’s no point in sticking with a harder technique just because someone tells you it’s the best. Work with the one that YOU find the best for you.

There are other short-row techniques. I demonstrate another short-row method here in the Shifting Stripes Shawl video. This one is really pretty simple in garter stitch. It’s a simple row turn with no extras. But because the rows on one side stack up, that fills up any hole that might be left. Also, the short row technique I used here results in an awesome ‘how did you do that?’ stripe effect. 

Check it out – I think you’ll like it!

And don’t forget to join the Color Kaleidoscope Poncho KAL for all the instructions for this fabulous poncho. That’ll be another…” how did you do that?” moment!

And if you just can’t get enough colorwork…

Check out our colorwork roundup. 65 patterns for your color pleasure.

And if you don’t feel like you can manage those patterns (yet), build your skills with Camp Colorwork. 

You’ll find tutorials for several colorwork techniques in BOTH knit and crochet, and they’re all yours FOREVER!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are short rows in knitting and why are they used?

Short rows are partial rows… you knit partway across and then turn before reaching the end of the row. This creates extra length or shaping in a specific section of your knitting without adding extra stitches. Short rows are used for curved hems, bust darts, shoulder shaping, sock heels, turning collar directions, and creating three-dimensional shapes in flat fabric. They're an essential technique for any garment knitter… the shaping possibilities are genuinely remarkable once you understand them.

What's the difference between German short rows and wrap and turn?

Both methods achieve the same goal (turning partway through a row without leaving a hole) but they do it differently. Wrap and Turn (W&T) involves wrapping the yarn around the next stitch before turning, then picking up the wrap on return rows to hide it. German short rows use a “double stitch”… when you turn, you slip the first stitch and pull the yarn over to create a doubled stitch that closes the gap. Many knitters find German short rows faster and the results cleaner and easier to read in the fabric than W&T.

Which method is easier for beginners?

Most knitters who've tried both say German short rows are actually easier once you see them demonstrated! The double stitch is visually clear on the needle (you can see it easily while working the return row), there's no wrap to pick up or lose track of, and the finished result tends to be neater. Wrap and turn is the older, more traditional method that many older patterns still use. If you're learning short rows for the first time, try German short rows first… then learn W&T so you can execute patterns that call for it specifically.

When should I use German short rows vs. wrap and turn?

In practice, German short rows work beautifully in most situations where short rows are called for… sock heels, shoulder shaping, bust darts, curved hems. Some knitters use them as a direct substitute for W&T in any pattern. However, if a pattern specifically calls for W&T and you substitute German short rows, check that the stitch counts work out… the mechanics are similar but not always directly interchangeable. When designing your own short row shaping, use whichever method gives you the cleanest results in your specific yarn and stitch pattern.

How do I fix short row mistakes?

Catching mistakes in short rows immediately is key because they're hard to fix retroactively. If you forgot to pick up a wrap (W&T) or misidentified a double stitch (German), tinking back to that spot is the most reliable fix. Occasionally a very clean mistake can be disguised with a bit of duplicate stitch or by tightening a loose stitch with a tapestry needle, but true mistakes in short row shaping usually need to be ripped back. Adding a lifeline before starting a short row section is great insurance… you can rip back to the lifeline if things go wrong.