What to Crochet in the Spring: Five Free Crochet Patterns

When spring and summer roll around, many yarn-crafters get the blues.  No more Outlander cowls with super-bulky wool.  Bye-bye heavy mittens.  The urgency of making Christmas gifts has long gone, and we’re left wondering: “Now what?”

If you’re like me, you like to knit and crochet what you can use or give in the relatively near future (if not the immediate present).  So, while it is always fine to start a months-long journey into a fair isle cardigan, it might be more fun to work on quick projects that can be used right now, in the spring.

These are five of my favorite milder-weather crochet patterns.  The links to the free patterns are included, along with photos of some of my finished versions.  I am also providing some notes about yarn choice and pattern tips.

Five Free Spring Crochet Patterns:

1.  Crochet Baby Mary Janes

Free Pattern from Whistle & Ivy: Little Dot Mary Janes

Pictured Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Brites in Grape

These little cuties come from the amazing Whistle & Ivy blog.  I opted to make mine without the “dot” detail in the pattern, instead using a vibrant grape color and a basic white button.  Once you get the hang of the teeny tiny shoe pattern, you will be able to whip up pairs of these in no time.  I will say, for me, they ran small.  I went up a hook size to achieve the correct measurement.

Finished product also available in my Etsy shop: Baby Mary Janes

2.  Whale Tissue Box Cover

Free pattern from Moogly: Get Whale Soon Tissue Box Cover

Pictured Yarn: Sensations Everyday Solids in Turquoise (Discontinued)

Alternative Yarn Suggestion: I Love This Yarn in Turquoise

This is such a fun project.  This whale is whimsical and fun for any place in the house, but works especially well in a kids’ bedroom or bathroom.  I thoroughly enjoy many of Moogly’s fabulous patterns, but this is one of my favorites.  I use a tiny bit of black yarn to make the smile, and simple plastic black buttons for the eyes.  The tail was the only slightly challenging aspect of this pattern.  Otherwise, it is simple and fun.

Purchase a finished product here: Whale Tissue Box Cover

3.  Toddler Tutu with Crochet Bodice

Free pattern by Patricia Klonoski available for download on Ravelry: Empire Waist Crochet Tutu Dress

Pictured Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in Country Blue

This tutu dress is great.  I chose not to add the flower, because I opted for wild, multi-colored tulle in the skirt.  It has a tie-back closure, so it can work for a variety of sizes, really.  I thought this would make a perfect first birthday outfit, especially for a photo session.  It would also be really adorable as a flower girl dress, which could be done in all white or the wedding colors.

Purchase a finished tutu here: Crochet and Tulle Tutu Dress

4. Boho Headband

Free pattern from DROPS design: Twined Ivy

Pictured Yarn: Bernat Vickie Howell Cotton-ish in Crimson Twine

I didn’t follow the yarn and hook recommendations within the pattern.  I used a light-weight yarn in a cotton blend.  I also used an E or F hook.  Gauge isn’t really important to this headband.  The tie-back closure is cute, and it makes it work for any size.  I think this headband is so fun, especially with the boho trend going on.  It works with an everyday look, and updo, as a festival accessory, or even as a headpiece for a casual boho wedding.

Finished headbands for purchase here: Boho Crochet Headband

5.  Emma Ruffle Washcloth Set

Free Pattern (by yours truly): Emma Washcloth 

Pictured Yarn: Lily Sugar ‘N Cream in Rose Pink, Mod Green, Hot Purple, and Sunshine

I like girly, frilly, feminine things.  Pink and purple are my favorite colors, and I am a sucker for a ruffle.  So, I created this pattern to fit those criteria and brighten up my house a bit.  I like to choose three or four colors and make a set that coordinates.  This makes a really nice gift for a bridal shower, hostess, birthday, mother’s day, etc.  They work up larger, but because they are made with cotton, they’ll shrink once they go through the washer and dryer.

Purchase a complete set here: Emma Washcloth Set

I hope you enjoy making some of these things this Spring.  If you do, I’d love to see your work in the comments.  Also, feel free to share any of your favorite go-to patterns for the Spring season.

-Jeris