Free Crochet and Knit Patterns on the Internet

The internet is full of websites with free patterns for crochet and knit patterns, but you need to wade through all the websites that want you to buy their patterns. I don't have a problem with anyone making money off their creative talents. I do have a problem with their websites showing up when I narrow my internet search to "free patterns" and they pop up.

Some very creative folks have posted their patterns for free with a couple of catches, you must make the item for yourself and not sell it and/or you must make one for charity. Personally, I do not have a problem with either requirement. Some you need to register to gain access others you do not. Below is a list of the websites I liked the best.

Craftown (http://www.craftown.com)

Not only does this website have free patterns for crocheting, knitting, quilting, general crafts, tatting and cross stitching, but it also has free lessons for crocheting, knitting, embroidering, chicken scratch (I had to look this up, it is lace woven on gingham material), tatting, decoupage, rosemaling (another one I had to look up, basically it is hand painting on furniture), jewelry making, batik, beading, stenciling, candle making, metal punch, appliqué, patchwork (quilting), dough sculpting, rug braiding, silk stitching, painting, seed painting, bow making and scrapbooking.

You click on the craft area you are interested in then you are led to the patterns listed in categories. I just looked at the knitting and crocheting areas and I was impressed with the hundreds of patterns to choose from. The categories covered the standards type patterns (afghans, hats, scarves, tablecloths, sweaters, shawls, and ponchos) plus there are the special categories: (bookmarks, doll clothes, covers for various items, coasters, and toys).
You do not have to register to see the patterns and you can also post your own patterns on this website.

Free patterns (http://www.freepatterns.com/)

This website has patterns for beading, crafts, crochet, cross-stitch, knitting, paper crafts, plastic canvas, quilting and sewing. There are a few categories: afghans & throws, adult clothing, babies and kids, children's clothing, quilts, dollies, quick & easy, holidays, religious and seasonal patterns.
You need to register to become a member and see the free patterns. When you register you will be given a chance to get a free magazine for one month to preview and to have different e-newsletters sent to you. You need to download the pattern to see it and with each download comes a couple of pages of advertisement. Just remember when it comes time to print, to put in the page range you want so you don't waste your paper on those advertisements.

Knit and Crochet Combination Patterns
Crochet Pattern Central http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com
Knitting Pattern Central http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/

I liked these sister websites because it not only each of them have free patterns available, but it has free illustrated tutorials for different stitches. If there is a stitch you have always wanted to try, but just couldn't quiet understand how to do it, this may be the website for you. Actually, these websites are really a directory with a listing of many free patterns that you can click on to link to another website. There is a listing of free patterns that have an interesting twist; each uses a combination of crochet and knitting stitches. You do not need to register for either website.

Patterns from the past:
http://www.freevintagecrochet.com/
http://www.freevintageknitting.com/

These sister websites have some interesting crochet and knitting patterns from decades gone by. If you are into vintage clothing, afghans, dollies, toys, potholders, purses, hats, gloves, shawls and the like this is the website for you. Each pattern page documents the original publisher and in most cases has the date published, photographs and complete instructions and links to other patterns that you might be interested in if you like that one. Most of the patterns I looked at where from the 1950s. You do not need to register for these websites either.