32 Free Pastel Patterns | Crochet and Knit

As spring comes, light and bright colors come with it! Many people change up their wardrobes and decor to feature more pastel shades. Easter, in particular, inspires a lot of pastel crochet and knit patterns. Of course, pastels are also popular colors year-round when making items for babies and little kids! Whatever your reason, find some stunning pastel patterns to crochet and knit in this collection of Yarnspirations patterns.

Here are a few patterns that Marly has designed in light colors, check out the Garden Party Sweater (this would look great in dark shade too), Belo Casamento, Diamonds and Pearls, Pieces of You.

Pastel Crochet and Knit Blanket Patterns

These sweet baby blankets are perfect for the new little ones in your life. Make the larger blankets to keep in the living room for that spring chill in the evenings. The pastel colors complement a surprising array of different decor styles. Of course, these pastel crochet and knit blanket patterns are also extra great as baby shower gifts or gifts for newborns and young children.

• Princess Blanket
• Angel Baby Knit Blanket
• Shadow Cable Baby Blanket
• Box Stitch Knit Baby Blanket
• Little Boy Blue Baby Blanket
• Baby Ripples Knit Blanket
• Soft Shades Blanket
• Fading Waves Blanket
• Corner to Corner Garter Knit Blanket
• Shaded Chevrons Knit Baby Blanket
• Knit Cable Border Blanket
• Pastel Stripe Baby Blanket
• Make-a-Square Blanket
• Diagonal Rib Blanket
• Tri-Color Baby Blanket
• Lace and Cables Baby Blanket

Pastel Crochet Knit Sweaters and Accessories Patterns

Whether a hat, a scarf, or a sweater, wearable items in pastel come back into fashion every spring. Some people love pastels. Others don’t think that they can pull off wearing pastel crochet and knits. However, you might surprise yourself if you give it a go. Combine pastel accessories with neutral colors in your wardrobe for a chic, sophisticated style. You’ll find patterns for all ages in this collection.

• Lounge Around Crochet Blanket Hoodie
• Kensington Cardigan
• Pretty Kitty Knit Pullover
• Knit Lace Yoke Tee
• Crochet Baby Jacket Set
• Go To Crochet Shawl
• Crossed Lace Knit Snood
• Petal Pop Crochet Earrings
• Velvet Plus Scrunchies
• Knit Easy Eyelet Stitch Wrap
• New and Now Granny Cowl
• Cozy Crochet Trimmed Slippers
• Pretty Filigree Crochet Shawl
• Joy of Dance Leg Warmers
• Drop Stitch Spring Scarf
• Soft Comfort Crochet Hat

You May Also Like

• Free Fringe Patterns to Crochet and Knit
• 50 Free Color Block Projects to Knit and Crochet
• Crazy Stripes Shawl

Frequently Asked Questions

What are pastels and why are they so popular in yarn crafts?

Pastels are soft, light versions of colors… pink instead of red, sky blue instead of navy, mint instead of forest green, lavender instead of purple. They’re created by adding white to saturated colors to reduce their intensity. In yarn crafts, pastel palettes evoke softness, gentleness, spring, and a sense of calm that fully saturated colors don’t always have. Baby items especially benefit from soft pastel colors. Pastels also mix and coordinate beautifully together… a collection of pastels in different hues creates harmonious, visually pleasing combinations without the bold drama of bright colors.

What seasons and occasions are pastel yarn projects most appropriate for?

Spring is the classic pastel season… Easter, spring baby showers, garden party accessories. But pastel projects work beautifully year-round! Pastel home goods in soft mint and blush look fresh and modern in any season. Soft lavender and cream accessories are year-round staples in neutral-leaning wardrobes. Baby items in pastels are always appropriate. And for anyone who simply loves soft, gentle colors in their handmade pieces… there’s no seasonal constraint. The 32 patterns in this collection reflect this year-round versatility.

Do pastel colors work well with cables and textured stitches?

Yes, and in a unique way! With very saturated colors, the stitch texture competes with the color vibrancy. With pastels, the soft color allows the stitch texture to read clearly without fighting the eye. Cable patterns in soft cream or pale sage look pristine and beautifully crafted. Seed stitch in blush pink has a gentle, lovely quality. The subtle palette puts the craftsmanship front and center. This is one of the reasons traditional Aran sweaters in natural cream shades became so iconic… the neutral color makes every stitch detail visible and celebrated.

What yarn brands have the best pastel color ranges?

Several brands are known for beautiful pastels! KnitPicks/WeCrochet has excellent “Almond” and other soft natural pastel shades. Lion Brand Basic Stitch has some lovely pastels. Paintbox Yarns specifically cultivates a range that includes soft, precise pastel tones. Malabrigo and other indie dyers often have gorgeous hand-dyed pastels with depth and complexity that solid commercial yarns lack. For baby items specifically, yarns labeled “baby” or “soft” often come in the softest, most gentle pastel ranges. Check photos carefully when ordering online since screen colors vary from real-world yarn colors.

Are there pastel patterns for men’s items?

Less commonly, but why not? The association of pastels with femininity is largely cultural and completely breakable! Pale blue, sage green, and soft grey are traditionally more “masculine-coded” pastels that look beautiful on men’s accessories and garments. A pale blue cable sweater is genuinely gorgeous. Soft sage fingerless mitts are very wearable for anyone. The 32 patterns in this collection likely include some neutrally-styled pieces where a pastel colorway would be equally appropriate for anyone. Make what you love in the colors you love… that’s the real rule.