7 Craft Trends for 2018

January 16, 2018 by FaveCrafts

Craft trends are always fantastic to keep in mind when searching for a thrilling new project to make. Here you can get a head start on some of the hottest crafts for 2018! Resources like Pinterest, Google, The Columbian, and other sites have posted top searches from 2017 to predict 2018’s trends. Check out some of our favorite predictions below!

Craft Trends 2018

Sheer Socks

These stunning beauties can take a formal outfit to the next level. Perfect for winter weddings and dressy dinners.

DIY Tulle Socks by Tringa Osmani from diyclothes.net

Embellished Shoes

Whether it’s glitter, tassles, rhinestones, paint, tie dye, or really anything, customizing your shoes will be a hot craft in 2018.

DIY Glitter Loafer Shoes Refashion by Miki from sfmgs.co.uk

Paracord

Paracord has been popular for a while now, but it’s still rising in popularity even into 2018! Get inspired with a variety of paracord project ideas.

Paracord Water Bottle Holder DIY by Ashley Griffith from hellonatureblog.com

Macrame

By the way, if you love paracord projects, you’ll love macrame. If friendship bracelets were your jam as a child, macrame is practically the adult version! Tie knots and make gorgeous projects.

Macrame 3-Pot Plant Holder by Wendy Robbins from myfrenchtwist.com

Giant Knitting

Giant knit blankets, scarves, and other accessories with jumbo yarn are rising in popularity! You can knit quickly and make a beautifully textured project when it’s giant.

Extra Chunky Gratitude Blanket by yarnspirations.com

Statement Earrings

From giant hoop earrings to oversized geometric shapes, oversized earrings are back on trend.

Gilded Paper Dangle Earrings by Ann Martin from allthingspaper.net

Berets and Newsboy Caps

Add a bit of a brim and classic style, and you’ll be wearing a hat that’s ultra trendy for 2018.

Crochet Newsboy Hat Pattern by Sharon Mann for redheart.com

Never miss a hot new project! Bookmark our most recent articles list to see new projects added every day.

Wondering what you missed last year? Check out our roundup of Creativation Craft Trends for 2017.

What trends are you excited about for 2018?

5 Creative Ways to Stay Warm this Winter

October 29, 2013 by AllFreeSewing

We’re halfway through October, and you know what that means: Winter is coming! It’s time to break out the big duvet blankets and heavy crocheted sweaters. Personally, I’m looking forward to finally having an excuse to drink hot chocolate every day.

Probably my favorite thing about winter is figuring out new ways to keep warm (hence all the hot chocolate). As I was trolling through the Winter Projects category on AllFreeSewing to learn how to sew easy projects to keep cozy, I realized that we had some super creative, fun projects that totally deserve their own blog post. So, whether it’s a DIY scarf, a homemade heating pad, or a free fleece hat pattern, I present the most creative ways to keep warm that the internet has to offer.

Keep those ears covered!

Whatever your style, it’s important to keep your ears warm and toasty this season. If you’re the type that loves cutesy headgear, then the Adorable Owl Fleece Hat is perfect for you.

But if you’re of the New York hipster variety, try the Faux Fur Floppy Ears Hat, which will keep you cozy while reminding everyone that you wore hilarious hairy hats before they were cool.

And of course, everyone will look cute as a bug in the Fleece Halloween Ladybug Hat, which can be used as part of a costume or just a fun twist on typical fleece beanies!

If you like these, check out 17 Sewing Tutorials to Make Hats You Will Love!

The Snuggie 2.0

Winter capes are seriously underrated. They’re super warm, snuggly, and comfy—it’s like wearing a blanket around all day. Who says capes are only for Halloween? Make one of these awesome DIY cape patterns and make everywhere feel like your cuddled up on the couch!

I love the Enchanted Forest Fashion Cape for its over-sized sleeves and warm hood, but the striking Red Riding Hood Cape will definitely get you noticed. Of course, if you’re not into capes, winter is also the season for sweatshirts like the DIY Basketweave Hoodie, or the adorable Dinosaur Hoodie for kids who haven’t given up on the dream of growing up to be a T-Rex.

Rice Bags and Hand Warmers

Nothing is cozier in the middle of winter than cuddling up with a warm homemade rice bag. Bring a taste of Paris to your house with the La Petite Tour Eiffel Rice Bag or snuggle up to Santa with a Snuggle Christmas Character Rice Bag.

For a smaller hand warmer that fits into your gloves, make some DIY Flannel Hand Warmers to keep your hands feeling great all day.

For more creative winter ideas, try one of these AllFreeSewing projects:

What’s your favorite thing about winter?

National Sewing Month 2013: Hollywood-Inspired Vintage Patterns to Sew

September 15, 2013 by AllFreeSewing

It’s Day Fifteen of National Sewing Month! Too see the daily blog posts, projects of the day, and more National Sewing Month details, click here.

The golden age of cinema has inspired me to write today’s blog post. The lifestyle and fashion of that era has me itching to sew all of the free, trendy clothing patterns on AllFreeSewing. It was hard to narrow down which part of old Hollywood fashion inspired me most. There was the glitz and the glam. There was chic and there was daring. For help, I decided to look to the starlets of this day and age. Actresses that will never go out of style, much like their clothing. Women like Audrey Hepburn, Vivien Leigh, and Elizabeth Taylor remind us that clothing can outlast time.

Audrey Hepburn

Breakfast at Tiffany’s and My Fair Lady, both starring the beautiful Audrey Hepburn, are classics from the golden age of cinema. Not only was Hepburn’s look flawless then, it is still trending to this day; including her cat eye makeup and her tailored dresses. The trends say it all: we are Audrey obsessed. To work her timeless look into your own closet, be sure to check out these links!

Golden Goddess Gown
How to Make a Scalloped Front Skirt -My favorite Audrey look-alike!
DIY Audrey Hepburn Inspired Birdcage Veil -From Wedding Obsession

Vivien Leigh

The stunning Vivien Leigh has been one of my favorite actresses ever since I watched Gone with the Wind. The love affair between Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’hara is enthralling, but not nearly as eye-catching as Leigh’s wardrobe throughout the movie. Her tiered gowns and netted veils (check out the Rhett Butler Veil) capture the era of the movie perfectly. Thankfully, the tiered look is back and better than ever with this Scarlett O’hara Tiered Gown. As Cleopatra, in Caesar and Cleopatra, Leigh once again captured the audience’s attention with her amazing wardrobe. We are bringing the Egyptian look back in the form of draped and flowing maxi dresses. I’ve picked out some of our favorites for you to try.

Other Fashion Icons

So many actresses from the golden age of cinema and so little time. These women made everything from accessories like Jackie’s Pill Box Hat, to the The New Woman’s Flapper Dress stylish. Whenever you are feeling out of style or like you are missing the latest trend, turn to the women that made old Hollywood fashion what it still is today. Your closet will never be lacking with the timeless looks of our favorite women in Hollywood. Be sure to explore these links for more free vintage sewing patterns.

Who is your favorite fashion icon?

In Case You Missed It: “11 Christmas Gift Ideas: Handmade Scarves, Hats and More”

July 14, 2013 by AllFreeChristmasCrafts

I am a huge fan of festive attire at any time of year. During the summer, I create wearable crafts with more color than in fall or winter. Around Halloween, I bust out the orange and black and go a little heavier on the eye makeup. At Easter, it’s pastels at all times, and pretty dresses.

The same trend holds true, of course, around Christmastime. Bring on the ugly sweaters, the handmade hats, the holiday earrings. You better believe I’ll find an excuse to wear my knee-high green and red striped socks, and I’ll roll up my skinny jeans to show them off, proudly. To me, nothing says “I’m getting in the holiday spirit” like dressing up in wearable crafts.

You can make great wearable crafts for the holidays when you download the 11 Christmas Gift Ideas: Handmade Scarves, Hats and More eBook! Christmas wearable crafts are perfect gifts for anyone on your Christmas list. Even if your friend, cousin, or child doesn’t love to wear handmade hats or homemade scarves, there’s always the argument of practicality. If it’s cold, you’ll need a hat. Why not make it an elf hat? If it’s brisk, you’ll need a scarf. Why not make it a Fleece Scarf with Pom Poms?

It may be more than six months until Christmas, but making great handmade Christmas gifts takes time . . . especially if you’re going to try making all eleven wearable crafts in this great AllFreeChristmasCrafts eBook!

What you’ll find in this eBook:

Loom Knitted Santa Hats: Talk about getting in the Christmas spirit. Nothing says “Merry Christmas!” like these great Loom Knitted Santa Hats. They’re festive, sure, but they’re also practical: if you live in a seasonal climate, you need to keep that head warm. Put those knitting skills to the test when you knit this great handmade Christmas gift found in the 11 Christmas Gift Ideas: Handmade Scarves, Hats and More eBook.

Santa Scarf: Now this homemade scarf is just so precious, I had to share. The scarf project has you make Santa’s face and beard on one end, and the entire length of the scarf is his hat! The scarf tapers to a point, then you attach a puff ball for the pom-pom, and you have the finished product. Best of all, you don’t need to sew to make this adorable scarf because this blogger gives directions for a no-sew version as well. Find this incredibly endearing scarf in the 11 Christmas Gift Ideas: Handmade Scarves, Hats and More eBook.

Download a copy of 11 Christmas Gift Ideas: Handmade Scarves, Hats and More; like all of our great eBooks, it’s free!

If you like this eBook, you might also enjoy:

6 Adorable Homemade Christmas Crafts for Summer

10 Quick and Easy Christmas Gifts to Make

What is your favorite wearable Christmas craft that you’ve made?

The Top 100 Free Crochet Patterns of 2011

February 16, 2012 by AllFreeCrochet

Hello, my creative crochet-crazy crowd! I have a thrilling announcement about one of our latest collections of free crochet patterns—designed by you! I’m so excited to reveal the top 100 crochet patterns of 2011 from AllFreeCrochet.com. You chose this collection from the best of the best, and though the competition was fierce, your creative interests revealed the most popular, most fabulous and most frequently fashioned crochet patterns last year. Click here to check out 100 Free Crochet Patterns for Winter: Free Crochet Hat Patterns, Scarves, Blankets and More and see what you chose!

The resounding theme of the collection was that of the winter wonderland. There’s nothing like crochet scarf patterns and crochet hat patterns to prepare you for the elements, and your top winter weather projects are all in this collection. These projects are perfect for keeping nice and toasty amid winter breezes, or just adding an impressive statement to your wardrobe or home décor.

Here’s a sneak peak at all of the amazing projects you chose as your favorites in 2011!

Crochet glove patterns were hands down (get it?) some of the most popular of the projects on AllFreeCrochet.com. Keep your digits dancing and your fingers unfrozen with these easy crochet mittens and gloves. Learn how to crochet gloves and mittens as gifts or personal accessories. If your fingers freeze every time you venture out your door, try Taming the Butterfly Fingerless Gloves. These will help you embrace your inner butterfly and come out of your winter cocoon so you can enjoy the gorgeous falling snow.

In order to properly optimize brain function, one must keep one’s head toasty and warm at all times—not to mention fashionable. Fortunately, with the collection of free crochet hat patterns in our list of the Top 100 Crochet Patterns of 2011, you can look and feel great regardless of the weather. Try this Quick Fix Winter Hat; it’s perfectly suited for playing in the snow!

You also revealed that you are huge fans of our phenomenal free crochet scarf patterns! Fend off unfashionable winter shivers with these lovely handmade scarves. This Asymmetry Scarf Using One Skein will keep your neck nice and warm, as well as display your innate and perfect fashion sense.

Even if you’re not a fan of going out and experiencing the elements, you can still enjoy winter with the free crochet afghan patterns you chose in the top 100 projects of 2011 from AllFreeCrochet.com. For a bright and unique accent piece, try Framed Church Windows 6-Inch Square. This phenomenal afghan square looks just like a stained glass window, and it’s colorful charm brightens up your décor.

If you’re hankering for more free crochet patterns after seeing this sneak peak, click here to see all of the top 100 projects of 2011 in 100 Free Crochet Patterns for Winter: Free Crochet Hat Patterns, Scarves, Blankets and More!

Have you made anything on this list? Which of these projects is your favorite? I’m a big fan of the Crochet Lace Gloves. They’re just so elegant! Tell us your favorites in the comments below!

Meet the Editor: Julia

December 1, 2011 by FaveCrafts

Hello! My name is Julia and I’m the editor of two super cool websites, AllFreeChristmasCrafts and AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns. I also bring you the weekly craft business newsletter from FaveCrafts, Creative Income, and work with the wonderful Tiffany Windsor to produce the bi-weekly newsletter, Cool2Craft.

I was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, and attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where I studied advertising and English. I love movies and television; in fact, I’m one of those people that always have a full DVR to catch up on and list of movies to see on the weekend. I’ve also loved reading for, well, as long as I can remember and always carry a book in my bag. I’m a total fitness nut and love exploring Chicago in my free time! About a year ago, I moved into my first apartment, so I’m adjusting to domestic life on my own. My newest goal is to learn how to bake (I’m constantly collecting recipes and ideas, but I have yet to make anything). I learned how to crochet earlier this year but I still have so much to learn!

I love so many projects on our sites and I’m constantly inspired to make something amazing! Here are some of my all-time favorite DIY craft ideas that you should definitely check out this holiday season!

Holiday Craft Tutorials:

Knitting Tutorials:

Sewing Tutorials:

Beaded Jewelry Tutorials:

FaveCrafts Tutorials:

Crochet Projects:

Quilt Projects:

Link Love: Holy Fascinator!

May 5, 2011 by FaveCrafts

We all saw our fair share of amazing hats and fascinators at the royal wedding last week, and now the craft blogosphere is abuzz with hair accessories–and just in time for the Kentucky Derby too! Adorn your ‘do with a handmade hair fascinator using one of these fabulously fashion-forward tutorials.

Cinco de Mayo Hair Accessory from Bird’s Party.
Bella Bandeau from Sewing in No Man’s Land.
Zipper Flower and Feather Hair Clip from The Peasant Housewife.
Feathered Hair Clip Fascinator from Simple Up.
Feather and Brocade Head Pieces from Craftzine.
Ruffled Up Headband from No Big Dill.
Royal Fascinator from Disney Family.
Feather Wedding Fascinator from MaryJanes and Galoshes.
Feathery Floral Hair Fascinator from Offbeat Bride.

FaveCrafts 365 Love is in the Air!

April 17, 2011 by Maria

The Royal Wedding is upon us. Do you remember the other Royal Wedding? What a to-do! So much romance, so much magic, and so many HATS! The current trend in hats is to make miniatures with tons of detail. Who knows what kind of hats we’ll be seeing during the Royal Wedding! The art of hat-making called millinery is almost a lost art, but there are some extrodenary hatmakers around the globe. It’s a fasinating craft. Do you make an Easter bonnet? Do you wear hats?

This video just takes a fancy to love, weddings, and hats!

Fun hat projects on FaveCrafts.com:

Party Hats for kids of all ages! Let’s Party!

Pink Ribbon Hat to support Breast Cancer Awareness and to go pink!

If you can Loom Knit, you can makes hats to your heart’s content. It’s so easy! Click HERE.

Ask Maria I Want To Make A Tulle Bow Hat, Help!

March 4, 2011 by Maria

I want to make a hat with a tulle bow and tulle wrapped around the top like the old fashion hats you see in old movies. I don’t know where to look for a picture or pattern.

The first place I always go if I’m looking for inspiration is my computer with its home page on Google. It’s information at your fingertips and all I did was type in the keywords: Hat with tulle bow images. I found dozens of examples of hats using tulle including the one above from Blanche’s Place a website displaying the work of a hat artist! You can also do it the old fashioned way and take a trip to the library where you could find hats in all kinds of books. I thought I’d also include some instructions for making a tulle bow:

1. Decide on the size of the bow. I found a few guides that used these measurements for tulle bows: 8″ diameter bow needs 3′ of tulle, 12″ bow needs 4′ of tulle, 16″ bow needs 5 1/2′ of tulle. Experts recommend to allow 1/2′ for tails, but for a hat that might be a little too much.

2. Make a template by cutting a width of cardboard or other heavy paper the width of the bow you want to make. Fold using accordion pleats with at least 5 loops on each side. You can use pins to hold down the corners. Slide a length of tulle (varies with size of bow) under the center of the bow and tie a tight square knot. Remove from template, fluff, and trim.

Free Knitting Patterns eBook

August 14, 2009 by FaveCrafts

Knitting is such a fun hobby to get into. It’s great for this time while the economy is trying to get back up. Knitting is a great way to relax as well as create your own wonderful patterns. We have put together a FREE 24 Quick and Easy Knitting Patterns eBook. In this eBook you will find patterns for everything; baby, kids, Afghans, winter gear and tons more!

Download this eBook for FREE!