34 Free Applique Patterns to Crochet and Knit

Appliques are a great way to add a bit of crochet (or knitting) to your project! You can even make the sweater, blanket, or hat to which you want to add the applique. Or stitch a hand knit or crocheted applique on a purchased item, such as a canvas tote bag or denim jacket. Make any bag, hat, or sweater your very own using these cute applique patterns to crochet and knit whatever shape you choose!

Patterns with Appliques

These projects include instructions for the project (blankets, bibs, and more) and the applique! Make the entire pattern, or just use the applique for your own personal project.

• Snail Blanket
• I’m the Prince Bib
• I’m the Princess Bib
• Adult Maple Leaf Hat
• Halloween Motif Necklace
• Applique Kerchief and Scarf
• Playful Penguin Blanket
• Gingerbread Stockings

Applique Patterns To Crochet And Knit

Add these applique patterns to any handknit or hand-crocheted item or branch out and sew them onto ready-made bags, jackets, shirts, and more! Choose anything from bugs to hearts and from flowers to skeletons. There’s something here for everyone.

• Ladybug & Flower Appliques
• Cherry Blossom Applique
• No Problem-Ma Llama Applique
• Bloomin’ Shoe Appliques
• Friendship Hearts Applique
• Handbag Flower Appliques
• Yummy Happy Face Emoji Applique
• Crochet Rose Applique
• Cool Sun Applique
• Baby Tee Flower Appliques
• Bird & Flower Appliques
• Snowflake Appliques
• Kiss-Able Lips Applique
• Maple Leaf Knit Applique
• Be-Flowered Denim Jacket
• Spooky Skeleton Applique
• Knit Heart Applique
• Colorful Bird Table Setting
• Boo Kitty Applique
• Spooky Cat Pumpkin
• Jack O’ Lantern Appliques
• Spool Knitting Pillow
• Bodacious Flowers
• Doilyed for Denim Jacket
• A to Z in Crochet
• Forever Flowers

If you’ve enjoyed these applique patterns to crochet and knit, maybe you’d like these quilt-inspired projects. Seriously – they’re simply gorgeous! Check them out!

You May Also Like

• Playful Penguin Blanket Applique Pattern
• 33 Free Polka Dot Patterns | Crochet and Knit
• 13 Free Ladybug Patterns | Crochet and Knit

Frequently Asked Questions

What is crochet or knit applique?

Applique is a small decorative element that you make separately and then attach to a finished project. In yarn crafts, this means crocheting or knitting little shapes… flowers, leaves, hearts, letters, animals… and sewing them onto hats, sweaters, bags, or blankets. It’s a fantastic way to add personality and color to a plain project without working colorwork into the original pattern. Make the project first, then add the appliques as embellishments.

Are applique patterns good for beginners?

Most appliques are very beginner friendly because they’re small and simple! A basic crochet flower is just a few rounds of single crochet. A little leaf is a few chains and simple stitches. A heart or star uses basic shapes. Since they’re worked flat or in small rounds, they’re great practice for new crafters. You can make a bunch of appliques and decorate anything… a plain baby onesie, a hat you already made, even non-yarn items like a tote bag.

What’s the best way to attach a crochet applique to a project?

Leave a long tail when you finish the applique and use that to sew it on. A tapestry needle and the same yarn works beautifully for attaching to knit or crochet fabric. For attaching to woven fabric (like a clothing item), use a sharp sewing needle and matching thread for a secure, invisible attachment. Always pin the applique in place first and step back to check the positioning before you sew… once it’s on, it’s on. Start with just a few anchor stitches, check it looks right, then finish sewing all the way around.

Can I put crochet appliques on knit projects and vice versa?

Yes! Crochet appliques go beautifully on knitted sweaters, hats, and blankets… and knit appliques can decorate crochet projects. The attachment method is the same. Mixing the two crafts in one project is very BiCrafty and results in some really interesting textures. A knitted leaf on a crochet bag, or a crochet flower on a knitted hat… the combinations are endless.

Can I use appliques to personalize gifts?

This is one of the best uses for appliques! A plain baby blanket becomes a truly personalized gift when you add a little crochet elephant or the baby’s initial. A simple knit hat becomes special with a crocheted flower or star applique in the recipient’s favorite color. You can make the base project quickly and then spend the extra time on the applique embellishments that make it unique. It’s a great strategy for making something simple feel really thoughtful and customized.