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?

April is Stress Awareness Month! Unwind with Knitting and Crochet

April 3, 2017 by FaveCrafts

I am a huge proponent of knitting and crocheting to destress. I learned how to crochet about three years ago, and I’ve been knitting for two years. While I still consider myself a beginner in both of these crafts, I do love to unwind with knitting and crochet.

Doing a generative activity like writing, drawing, or even reading can be overwhelming when stressed. The idea of coming up with something new to write or journal about does not seem relaxing if stress levels are already high! Same goes with deciding on an image to draw, and even taking in information from something as light as a novel can go right over my head if I’m distracted and panicked. I’ve found that my favorite things to do when stressed include crocheting, knitting, and playing piano. Not learning a new pattern or song—that is too generative when stressed—but working on an easy pattern or playing a song I’m already familiar with. It’s a beautiful distraction and, in the case of knitting and crochet, I am still making something!

April is stress awareness month, and our friends at the Craft Yarn Council have a lineup of wonderful opportunities and learning experiences to help you destress. Share your story and learn more about what April has to offer when you want to unwind with knitting and crochet.

Next month, during April Stress Awareness Month, Craft Yarn Council (CYC) is encouraging knitters and crocheters to UNWIND and Stitch Away Stress. CYC will use social media to create a space where followers can breath easy and to facilitate conversation about trending topics within the wellness community. Each week we will center conversations around the following themes and how knitters and crocheters use yarn crafting to heal within each of the categories.

How to Get Involved

Use your social platforms to encourage your audience to join the discussion by sharing their own photos and stories using #StitchAwayStress.
Download and share CYC’s graphics, animations and the Unwind press release.
Host your own Unwind contests and giveaways.
On your blog, share your story of why you knit or crochet and how it has benefitted you.

Assets: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BwRV-Rzs6k5BeFdocHB2bHFkbVE?usp=sharing

CYC’s UNWIND Giveaways

Invite your followers to join the Craft Yarn Council all month long for April Stress Awareness month giveaways!

Contest Details:

Share any of CYC’s Stress Awareness Month posts or images on Facebook or Instagram and tell your story to your friends as it relates to the topic of that post. You must use the #stitchawaystress for a chance to win one of four UNWIND prizes. Each prize is valued at $50. Contest runs April 1-30. Winners will be chosen at random and will be announced week of May 8th.

If you are planning to participate in our Unwind Campaign, please shoot us an email at info@craftyarncouncil.com. We would love to hear from you! Thank you and with your help we will make this April Stress Awareness Month the best one yet!

What is your favorite way to relieve stress?

Get Cozy with This Free Knitted Shawl Pattern

December 12, 2016 by FaveCrafts

We had our first snow this past week. Our cool fall weather dipped below freezing, and we were hit with 6.4″ of heaping snow in one afternoon. With the temperature staying close to the freezing point each day since, that snow is here to stay. Now that winter has finally arrived, it’s time to bust out our favorite seasonal items. We’ll get that fireplace crackling and that hot cocoa made. We’ll bake some delicious cookies and rest on the couch while our favorite winter movies play. For the next few months, we’ll be hibernating indoors, which gives us plenty of time to whip up this fantastic free knitted shawl pattern.

This free knitted shawl pattern is a great project for keeping warm this winter. The yarn is so irresistibly soft and comfortable that you’ll want to drape it around you whenever you can. It’s perfect for reading, watching movies, or curling up with a mug of cocoa on the couch. Even better, this free knitted shawl pattern is easy to make, so you’ll have your new favorite winter craft done up in no time!

You’ll Love This Free Knitted Shawl Pattern

By Christine Chen for redheart.com

MATERIALS

RED HEART® Strata™: 7 balls 2405 grey bulky yarn
Susan Bates® Knitting Needles: 8mm [US 11]
Yarn needle

GAUGE: 13 sts = 4″ [10 cm]; 16 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in Stockinette stitch.

Finished Size: Shawl measures 17″ [43 cm] wide x 72″ [183 cm] long.

DIRECTIONS

Note: Slip first st purlwise and knit last st through back loop of every row for a more finished looking edge.

Cast on 58 sts. Knit 5 rows.

Row 1 (Right Side): Knit.

Row 2: Purl.

Rows 3-12: Repeat rows 1-2.

Row 13: Knit.

Row 14: [K1, slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back] to last 2 sts, k2.

Row 15: Knit.

Row 16: K2, [slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back, k1] to end of row.

Rows 17-40: Repeat rows 13-16. Repeat rows 1-40 for nine more times, then rows 1-12 once. Knit 6 rows. Bind off.

FINISHING

Weave in ends.

ABBREVIATIONS

cm = centimeters; k = knit; mm = millimeters; st(s) = stitch(es); [ ] = work directions in brackets the number of times specified.

Looking for more amazing knitting patterns that will keep you cozy this winter? Check out this Extra Chunky Gratitude Blanket.

What are some of your favorite knitting patterns for winter?

14 Free Scarf Knitting Patterns That Will Steal Your Heart

February 11, 2016 by FaveCrafts

When the winter winds become so bitterly cold that you can’t bear to be outside, what do you do? Hiding under the blankets and staying in your bed until spring is certainly an appealing option, but not a very realistic one.

Here at FaveCrafts, we say fight the cold with needles! Knitting needles, that is. There’s nothing better to protect yourself from the cold than a lovely, warm, knitted accessory. This week, we’re really excited about all the warm and adorable free scarf knitting patterns that we’ve found. Who can say no to such cute and comfy pieces?

This collection of free scarf knitting patterns has every type of scarf under the sun. From cable knits and cowls to openweave scarves and winter sets, we’ve got you covered. We’ve even gone so far as to find the right scarves for everyone in your life. Whether you’re knitting for yourself, for your husband, or for the kids, we’ve got just the pattern for you. So pick up those needles and get to work!

Knit Scarf Patterns for Women

Stay warm and stylish with these free scarf knitting patterns!

Knit Two Hours or Less Scarf (shown)

Vanilla Meringue Cowl

Glitter Openweave Scarf

Sunset Scarf Knitting Pattern

Mountain Mist Scarf

Find more knit scarf patterns for women here!

Knit Scarf Patterns for Men

Keep the men in your life all warm and cozy with these free scarf knitting patterns!

Men’s Winter Scarf and Hat (shown)

Luxurious Alpaca Scarf

Chevron Scarf

Gray Knit Scarf Set

Find more knit scarf patterns for men here!

Knit Scarf Patterns for Kids

Keep your kiddies all bundled up with these cute free scarf knitting patterns!

Diagonal Hat and Scarf Knitting Pattern (shown)

Ribbed Hat and Scarf

Colorful Winter Set

Bobble Scarf and Hat

30 Minute Arm Knitted Scarf

Find more knit scarf patterns for kids here!

Comment below and let us know, what type of scarf will you be knitting?

22 Easy Knitting Patterns for Beginners

January 18, 2016 by AllFreeKnitting

Learning to knit can be tough, so it’s best to start out with some easy knitting projects. All the better if those easy projects work up super quickly so that you don’t get bored or frustrated with your current project and stop knitting altogether! These free knitting patterns are some of our quickest and easiest knitting patterns, so they’re ideal for anyone who is just learning to knit or anyone who is a more advanced knitter but wants a quick, mindless pattern.

Easy Scarf Knitting Patterns

Scarf knitting patterns are a great place to start if you are new to knitting because they work up relatively quickly and are simple to make. These scarf, cowl, and infinity scarf patterns are all perfect for beginners, casual knitters, or anyone who is just looking for a quick knit.

Easy Hat Knitting Patterns

Any beginning knitter needs a quick and easy hat knitting pattern in their arsenal. These hats are all super simple to make and won’t eat up a lot of your time, so you can be wearing a super stylish hat in no time!

Miscellaneous Free Knitting Patterns

Although scarves and hats can be lots of fun to make, every knitter knows that there’s only so many scarves and hats one can have in their wardrobe. Once you’ve got a ridiculous amount of scarves and hats, to the point where you could never even possibly wear them all in a winter, you know it’s time to venture into other arenas of knitting. Here are some of our favorite easy knitting patterns that cover everything from baby booties to washcloths. These patterns are all still super easy and lightning fast.

What’s your favorite type of project to knit?

The Latest Trend in DIY Christmas Gifts You HAVE to See

December 11, 2015 by FaveCrafts

Are you familiar with the fun and quirky ugly Christmas sweaters that have been all the rage the last couple years? Well, there’s a new trend in DIY Christmas gifts you HAVE to see: Ugly Christmas Socks! This DIY gift idea is just as fun and unique as that homemade ugly Christmas sweater. What’s more, the trend has manifested itself in a “Sock Exchange” rather than the traditional Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchange. It’s such a hilarious idea for the family or for a bunch of coworkers to participate in — especially those who love to craft! Plus, socks are awesome gifts for the holidays because they’re easy and quick DIY gifts that are super affordable. They’re even better last-minute gifts or they’re great for when you’re just not sure what to get someone. Scroll down for our best free sock patterns.

You can see ugly Christmas socks all over the internet:

A photo posted by Ndasgirl (@ndasgirl) on Dec 3, 2015 at 10:35am PST

You can even see the sock exchanges in action on social media. The best part of the sock exchange is when everyone adorns their fabulous, new ugly Christmas socks for the best photo-op ever!

A photo posted by JB (@justcallmeturtle) on Dec 25, 2013 at 11:54pm PST

Our favorite ugly Christmas socks are the DIY versions. You can easily decorate your own with leftover crafting supplies such as beads, pom poms, or even googly eyes! If you want to make your own socks, then try any of these free patterns listed below. You can knit, crochet, or even sew your own socks and then decorate with your favorite crafting materials. Take your decoration inspiration from ugly Christmas sweaters and remember, the uglier your socks — the better! For inspiration, check out these ugly Christmas sweater tutorials!

To make your own socks, try any of these free patterns:

The Easiest Slipper Booties You Will Ever Make

Chunky Knee High Socks

DIY Toe Socks

Toe Up Raggi Socks

Basic Crocheted Socks

Wintermint Sock Trio

Fun Multicolor Crochet Sock Pattern

Comment below and let us know, what’s your favorite type of gift exchange?

Crazy Cozy Afghan Patterns for Winter

November 24, 2015 by AllFreeCrochet

When you just can’t stand the cold anymore or you’ve got a chill you can’t shake, then it’s time to make yourself an afghan. A cozy and cuddle-worthy afghan is perfect for those cold, wintry days or those nights snuggle up by the fire. I don’t know about you, but these are my favorite gifts to make and to receive for the holiday season. Everyone can always use a new afghan! We love showing off our gorgeous afghans by draping them over the couch or on the bed. We’ve even got into the trend of using a “blanket ladder” to store our afghans. All you need is a ladder and you can easily hang an afghan on each rung. Then the afghans are easily accessible to anyone with a chill, and the display looks wonderfully rustic!

Make these free afghan patterns for those you love most. They’re such beautiful creations and our favorite are the super colorful afghans. There’s nothing like adding a splash of color to your winter blues. Plus, these afghan patterns are available for both beginners and advanced crafters. Whether you knit or crochet, you’re bound to fall in love with one of these craft projects. The hardest part will be deciding which ones you’ll make for yourself and which ones you’ll make as DIY gifts!

If you’re looking for another knit or crochet gift idea, try cowls! You can check out “Cowl” us Crazy! 12 Knit and Crochet Patterns for the perfect free patterns.

Cozy Crochet Afghan Patterns

A cozy crochet afghan is the best DIY home décor project. You can create a beautiful and fun rainbow afghan or use colors that will complement your room’s décor!

Luscious Lace Crochet Blanket

Spicy Diamond Blanket

Northern Lights Granny Throw

Rainbow Sampler Blanket

Extra Soft Knit Afghan Patterns

A knit afghan is always so plush and cozy. We can’t get enough of them! You can find an advanced pattern or an easy pattern. If you’re looking for a quick knit afghan to give as a gift, then we’ve got the free knitting patterns you need!

Grandma’s Famous Bobble Knit Blanket

Sunny Days Rib Stitch Blanket

Super Easy Lap Blanket

White as Snow Cable Knit Throw

Comment below and let us know, how many afghans do you have or have made as gifts?

The BEST DIY Gift Ideas: Knit and Crochet Baby Patterns

October 14, 2015 by AllFreeKnitting

Looking for the best DIY gift ideas? The holidays will soon be upon us, so it’s time to start making all of your handmade gifts. These knit and crochet baby patterns are the perfect gift for the little one in your life. There’s love and care put into every stitch, so these baby patterns are bound to be treasured!

Making knit and crochet baby patterns as gifts for either the holidays or for baby showers is a great idea for so many reasons. They’re often much more inexpensive than buying the same item at a baby store or boutique. They’re also a great way to use up your stash of yarn. For instance, baby bootie patterns are super stashbusters – you’ll get through your stash in no time!

We also love baby blanket patterns because they’re so snuggly and soft. Every little babe deserves a beautiful and cozy blanket for nap time. These gorgeous baby blanket patterns will make the perfect addition to any nursery or child’s room. Simply customize to the colors to your preference and get stiching!

The BEST DIY Gift Ideas: Knit and Crochet Baby Patterns

How to Make Baby Booties

Any of these crochet baby booties or free knitting patterns will help you make the best booties! From fun designs to the basics that every baby needs, these free bootie patterns are a must-have.

Super Easy Knit Baby Booties

Basic Baby Booties

Moccasin Style Baby Booties Pattern

Bitty Baby Uggs

Owl Crochet Baby Booties

Cowboy Booties

Cutie Newborn Baby Booties

Free Baby Blanket Patterns

Knit or crochet up something warm and snuggly for the perfect handmade gift that will last for years to come!

Velvety Basketweave Baby Blanket

Baby Bubbles Crochet Afghan Pattern

10 Day Quick Knit Baby Blanket

Ripple Rainbow Baby Blanket

Pie Crust Baby Blanket

Gray Grandma Baby Blanket

Lace Chevrons Baby Blanket

Fun & Free Baby Patterns

These free crochet and knitting patterns are extra fun for that lovable little one in your life. They’re one-of-a-kind gifts that are too adorable to resist!

Baby Elephant Crochet Hat

Baby Bear Newborn or Preemie Hat

Blooming Berry Baby Mitten Pattern

Breezy Baby Beanie

Galaxy Baby Beanie

Baby Hoodie Knitting Pattern

Which of these free knitting and crochet patterns would you make as a gift?

Link Love: Doctor Who Crafts and Free Crochet Patterns

July 11, 2015 by FaveCrafts

My companions, in all of time and space you will never find such a stockpile of incredible DIY crafts and free crochet patterns.

For those of you who don’t know the TV show Doctor Who, you’re probably going to be slightly lost. I’m sorry, just run with it. This is my second favorite pop culture trend (next to Harry Potter) and it has been getting a lot of attention. Whovians everywhere are making their own DIY costumes for Halloween and Comic-Con, not to mention their everyday representation of the incredible fandom. With the 50th Anniversary being just last year, and our introduction of the War Doctor and 12, fans are going crazy trying to get their hands on easy crafts and free crochet patterns. Let’s be honest, why would we spend our hard-earned money on something we can just make ourselves? Why would we especially spend a ton of money on handmade geeky crafts when you will save when you make it yourself and have the satisfaction of a job well done. You can make your very own Doctor like no one has ever seen with free amigurumi patterns, homemade t-shirts, and DIY crafts.

Link Love: Doctor Who Crafts and Free Crochet Patterns

If you thought I just talked a lot of gibberish, I thought the same thing before I became a Whovian. I highly encourage you to take the time and watch the show (please don’t be that person who skips 9). Even if you don’t watch the show yourself, there is somebody you know who does. Daughter, son, grandchildren, husband…one person does. I can guarantee it. Maybe they aren’t the incredible crocheter that you are, so a cuddly dalek pattern will be a great homemade gift. Amigurumi figures are small, doll-like figures that are normally crocheted and they are becoming a new trend with the younger population. There are amigurumi patterns that are really easy to follow and they’re so cute!

Now, my crafters, don’t panic. I haven’t forgotten you. I will admit that it was a little more difficult to find full craft tutorials. You can admit that Doctor Who is very much defined by the wardrobe and the faces of the characters. That said, you can easily make their accessories. Whoever (pun intended) is your favorite Doctor, they are each defined by a specific accessory. Think inside the TARDIS box. Your ideas are all there! But if you’re having a little trouble, you’re going to love these easy crafts that you can use over and over again.

Free Crochet Patterns

Tardis Amigurumi from Army of Owls on ravelry.com

Dalek Amigurumi from Lucy Ravenscar on ravelry.com

Amigurumi Adipose from Jennifer Christensen on ravelry.com

Fez Toilet Paper Roll Cover from Irish Lace

10’s Sonic Screw Driver from The Bean Patch

Time Traveling Police Call Box Scarf from Happy Hooker

Doctor Who Set of Doctors (1-11) + Tardis from Allison Hoffman on ravelry.com

Doctor Who War Doctor from Allison Hoffman on ravelry.com

Dalek Amigurumi Pattern from Craftster

Rose’s Scarf from Boomtown Pattern from The Worst Crochet Blog

4’s Scarf Pattern from Sandra Petit on ravelry.com

Baby Dalek Dress from Random Ramblings

Free Knitting Patterns

Insulate! Hat from Amy van de Laar on ravelry.com

Free Craft Projects

Homemade Fezzes from Tally’s Treasury

Tardis Needle Case from Craftster

Adipose Plush Toy from Tuts+

Doctor Who Painted Tardis Heels from Doodle Craft Blog

Bow Tie Necklace from 3 Chic Geeks

Tardis Closet from Madin Crafts

Interested in more geeky stuff? Check out this collection of easy superhero crafts!

The Ultimate Superhero Crafts Roundup

Who is your favorite Doctor, and how do you show your Who-love?

Link Love: Easy Shawl Patterns

June 28, 2015 by FaveCrafts

Calling this season “summer” would not suffice. Monsoon season is a lot more accurate. After the intense downpour this morning, the wet mornings, and wet nights for the past two months, I’m ready for some sun. But in the meantime, sweatshirts, coats, and homemade shawls are a must for those summer nights. It’s cool enough out that you need something to keep warm, but then again, it’s warm enough that you don’t want to pull out the fleece. Shawls are the perfect solution. They can be light-weight enough that you won’t feel suffocated; at the same time, they are warm enough to protect you from a cool breeze. Knit and crochet shawl patterns are a warm and fashionable way to achieve both warmth and lightness.

Link Love: Easy Shawl Patterns

These easy shawl patterns are some great ways to get creative with your shawl. Whether you like to crochet or to knit, there is no competition as to which is better for these free crochet and free knitting patterns. Now, don’t you start thinking that you are “too-young” for a shawl or you “can’t use them anywhere else.” This is where you are very deceived! Instead of using a thick yarn, you can use a thinner yarn to make a lace-looking pattern and you can wear it out to a nice dinner or event to cover your shoulders. Use a wool yarn to make a thick, giant shawl for cozy winter evenings or as a holiday gift.