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Welcome to the ever-changing world of Free Crochet Afghans!
Crochet afghans are a beloved and classic way to to make your rooms more cozy and warmer. After all, they are not only a snug wrap for a chilly evening, but also a striking, decorative touch that will draw the eye and start conversations.
So, here is our post collating a list of the best free Afghan crochet patterns that you can find online. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crocheter, there is something in this collection for everyone: chunky blanket patterns, throw patterns, and baby blanket patterns. After all, Afghans are simply the best! Moreover, they also make great gifts for friends, family, and those deserving of your effort.
So, grab your crochet hook and some of your preferred yarn weights, and let’s get cracking on creating some beauty and coziness with these unique free crochet afghan patterns!
With this in mind, here is my 25 top free crochet afghan patterns:
25 of the Absolutely Best Afghan Free Crochet Patterns
For your convenience, these patterns are divided into several categories that are easy to browse (see the TOC) and demonstrate different aspects of crochet afghans. These are: Geometric Designs, Centre-Block Afghans, Afghans Made of Blocks, Baby Afghan Ideas, as well as Warm and Cozy Afghan. We hope you will enjoy your journey through this wonderful art form.
Geometric Designs
Geometric designs are usually repeating patterns of geometric shapes, which form a mesmerising, beautiful abstract surface. They make a great accompaniament to a room with lots of straight surfaces and clean lines. Of course, they’ll be equally at home in a rustic clutter as well.
Easy Ripple Afghan
While straight lines are often fun, this wavy ripple blanket is so much more satisfying and vibrant. These blankets are made to be enticing and beautiful!
Go to the pattern: Easy Ripple Afghan
more info also on Ravelry.
Tree of Life Afghan
Go to the pattern: Tree of Life Free Crochet Pattern
More info about SimplyAlice’s Project
Crochet with Me Temperature Afghan CAL
Of course, CALs are a great way to make a temperature blanket and share them with friends and colleagues. While this CAL happened last year, it is a beautiful project which you could undertake with your group of crocheting friends and give it a refresh for 2025. In addition to being a wonderful Temperature Blanket, it will make a fabulous crochet throw.
The original pattern and the photos are available on Beatrice Ryan Designs blog:
2023 Crochet with Me Temperature Afghan CAL
more info on Ravelry.
Drop in the Pond
Without a doubt, the most impressive version of this is a color panoply with all possible hue variants. However, a slightly more subdued version is also quite beautiful. In particular, the yarns in this blue variant are Lion Brand and about 1400 yards went into it. This blanket would make a wonderful lapghan, but you can adjust the size for any use or fit.
You will find this pattern on web.archive.org, or read more on ravelry.com.
Modular Southwest Design It Yourself Afghan
The full article about this pattern is here:
Southwestern Cables Afghan
Next, in keeping with the southwest style, here is a cable-stitch Afghan in beautiful, subtle hues. However demure, these colors are still very much alive due to their combination.
Go to the pattern:
Springfrost Blanket
That said, subdued hues are definitely a good thing. After all not all projects need to be as loud as a parrot’s feathers, and here is the proof.
Skills: upper beginner Designer: Attic 24
Go to the pattern:
Tulip Stitch Afghan
Since we are waiting for spring, it’s time for some tulips to cheer up the winder blahs. Here is a spring blanket that incorporates the tulip stitch pattern, instead of a single crochet.
Skills: upper beginner Designer: Rhondda Mol (Oombawka Design)
Go to the pattern:
more info about project photographed here.
Centre-Block Afghans
Regardless of how au currant your style is, there’s always time for a little bit of tradition. After all, there is a reason why classics have become classics and we should look at some patterns for center flower square blankets.
Here are some gorgeous, enduring crochet blanket patterns that will show you how heirlooms are made.
Charlotte’s Sunshine Baby Afghan
Charlotte’s Sunshine Baby is the epitome of what a center flower square baby blanket should be. Cozy, functional and beautiful, there are really not enough superlatives to describe it.
The full article about this pattern is here:
more info about projects also here.
For Blanket
Next, if you want to showcase your mad skills in crocheting there is no better project than this astounding afghan square. Here, it’s also easy to adjust the size, simply by adding additional rows. The bonus is a dense, layered texture without typical granny stitches.
Skill: advanced Designer: Hooked on Sunshine
The full article about this pattern is here:
Info about these versions and the photos – here
Lilliana Square Afghan
Free Pattern is on Ravelry.
Peacock Plumes Afghan
Peacock colors are a showcase of beautiful hues that astound and delight. Thus, a peacock plume pattern? Combined into a crocheted project? why yes, please!
Skills: Easy Designer: Melinda Miller
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The original pattern is available at Mo Crochet Makes:
Afghans Made of Blocks
Squares are one of the best ways to create amazing afghans, blankets, and bedspreads. They are pretty easy to adjust a blanket size and are often based on a simple stitch.
Daisy Granny Square
This is a simple but gorgeous spring flower blanket based on basic crochet stitches. If you make it out of hypoallergenic, washable yarn, it will be a great baby blanket.
Skills: upper beginner Designer: Tillie Tulip
Go to the pattern:
more info about the project on Ravelry here and here.
Beautiful Shell Afghan
There are a zillion ways to crochet anything, and this shell blanket is no exception. You don’t need any fancy ombre yarns, just a palette of well-chosen colors.
The full article about the pattern is available on Ravelry. More info about frank.and.rosie’s project photographed here.
Primrose Hexagon Afghan
While squares are good, sometimes you need to vary things up a bit. Hexagons are fun to make.
The original pattern and the photos are available here :
Frida’s Flowers Afghan
While everyone knows Frida Kahlo’s flowers, not everyone appreciates them enough. Overall, I think the dark background really offsets the great variety of colors. However, since they are simple, making a bunch is very quick and painless, even for the newbie.
The full article about this pattern you will find on www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk blog:
Frida’s Flowers on Ravelry.
Baby Afghan Ideas
And now, we get into the baby blankets. This is where afghans truly shine. Moreover, given the right technique (i.e. squares), these blankets can grow with junior for a timeless gift that keeps up with your kids.
Popcorn Heart Blanket
Since the sprog deserves nothing but the best, here is a beautiful popcorn heart square project. It’s beautiful, wavy birder is just the icing on the cake.
The original pattern is available at Ravelry:
more info about project photographed here.
C2C Meets Virus Afghan
Ever feel like your projects lack that crowning touch or edge? Here, we have a relatively plain C2C blanket with a super fancy, elaborate virus stitch that’s quite stunning.
Learn how to make a C2C blanket here.
How to make a Virus blanket you can see on this YouTube tutorial here. You can also finish your blanket with a straight edge.
Photo source here.
Sensory Baby Bobble Blanket
The little one needs to explore by touch. So, you can create an amazing bobble stitch blanket with numerous shapes for them to explore, touch, chew and view.
We don’t have an exact pattern for this blanket. You can create your personalized blanket based on Baby’s ABC’s Free Crochet Patterns. The original pattern and the photos are available on Instagram:
Hugs and Kisses Baby Afghan
Of course, a more classic and subdued baby blanket is also sometimes called for. Thus, here is a chevron blanket put together like sea waves.
The original pattern and the photos are available at The Crochet Crowd Blog:
More info about the yarn used in the project photographed on Ravelry.
Fun and Feather Baby Afghan
A feather and fun blanket is a relatively fancy, though easy technique. It is eminently suitable for baby blankets, as it is both warm and airy. Therefore, we present this gorgeous, heirloom – quality piece to wrap up the little one.
The full article about this pattern is here:
Warm and Cozy Afghans
While Spring’s is a ways away, and it’s more than a bit chilly, it’s definitely a good idea to keep a thick, cozy afghan at hand. If you choose bulky yarn or super bulky yarn and matching hook size, you will make them in no time! You can use your favorite yarn weights, such as bulk yarn or worsted weight yarn. While you don’t need any stitch markers for these patterns, they may come in handy as well.
Aran Throw
To begin with, let us show you that monochrome is where it’s at. The right combination of textures is a feast for the eyes and the touch.
Designer: Bonnie Barker
The original pattern and the photos are available on the Yarnspirations blog:
more details about the project you can find here.
Hibernate Blanket
Coziness isn’t a mere description. It’s a basic staple of home comfort, and the hibernate blanket delivers. Such striped blanket is a timeless design, sure to find in an elegant house or cozy cottage. I’m sure it will be your favourite blanket Just wrap up, grab your favorite cuppa, a good book, sit comfortably on your couch and be lost to the world.
Skills: beginner crocheters Designer: LuinSF
The full article about this pattern is here:
more info about the project photographed here.
Cozy Afghans
Here is another thick, luxuriant project to wrap up in, or throw over your favorite armchair. In particular, the combination of different stitches gives excellently textured blanket which is very satisfying to look at.
Skills: Easy Designer: Jolanda Verschiere-den Toonder & Naomi Harreman
Go to the pattern: Cozy Afghans
More info about May-LissNO’s project
Celtic Tiles Blanket
Finally, a project can never go wrong with some Celtic knot work. The textures in this blanket are out of this world.
The full article about this pattern is on lillabjorncrochet.com blog:
Now, lets go to the FAQ about crochet afghans:
What is a Crochet Afghan?
The word ‘afghan’ originally referred to a type of woollen blanket that was produced in Afghanistan and exported to other parts of the world. Over time, the term was used more widely to refer to any type of crocheted or knitted blanket that typically features geometric patterns or motifs.
Today, however, these terms are used somewhat exchangeably, and we can say that all afghans are blankets, but not all blanket are afghans.
How Big is a Crochet Afghan?
Crochet afghan sizes are determined by the intended use.
Trhe taditional, full size afghan measures50” x 65“ (127 cm x 165 cm). This size is good enough to cover a human torso and legs. Much smaller in size would be crochet afghan blankets for babies or kids and also a lap afghans for covering just the legs while sitting.
Afghans have usually a rectangular shape, with the exemption of a baby receiving blanket which is usually a40” x 40” square. If you are planning to use an afghan to cover a bed, and you want it to hang form the sides to cover the mattress, and lay nicely flat with the headboard, add 14” in length and 28” in width.
How Much Yarn for Crochet Afghan?
The amount of yarn needed to make a standard-sized afghan will depend on the weight of yarn, your gauge and stitch you use. Generally you will need 2250-3125 yards of worsted-weight yarn, 3000-3500 yards of dk wool, or 1625-2000 yards of super bulky yarn.
Some of the patterns offers crochet afghan kits, to make it easy. Such kits include the pattern and all yarn needed to make the whole afghan.
How to Crochet an Afghan Blanket?
While a beginner may find making an afghan intimidating, you will do well with two things: some basic skills and patience.
Let us take you on an afghan-making journey. We’ll begin with selecting the right materials and guide you all the way through to the finishing touches.
Here is a list of steps for making any afghan or blanket:
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- Choose a pattern. There are plenty of wonderful free crochet afghan patterns for adults, kids and babies at any skill level. The one for you is out there. I guarantee it!
- Gather your supplies. The yarn and crochet hook sizes are usually given in the pattern you choose. You will often need scissors and stitch markers.
- Start to crochet!Follow the instructions carefully, but don’t be overwhelmed. In no time flat, you will build up your confidence and your chops. Don’t worry about mistakes, everyone, even crochet pros, makes them.
- Finish off your afghan.Weave in the ends, and secure all the loose threads. It’s also a great idea to add crochet borders and block your afghan.
- Wash and maintain your afghan with care.
Now, I’ll explain each point more detail.
Choosing a Crochet Afghan Pattern
At this point there are a few questions for you to answer.
The Why. Is it for yourself or to be given to someone? Will you wrap yourself up in it, or will it be a decoration? The more you use, the more you will wear out the threads and make lint.
Size. The intended use of your afghan will determine the size. To cover a bed, you need to measure your bed and size it up a bit. As a decorative accent throw, the afghan will be smaller than a bedspread.
Here you can find measurements of blanket sizes.
Skill level. Noob or pro, that is the question. Match the pattern to your skill level. Be ambitious, push the envelope, but don’t overwhelm yourself.
Choosing the Right Yarn and Hook for your Crochet Afghan Project
Before you start crocheting, you’ll need to gather some materials. The most important items, of course, are the yarn and the crochet hook. When choosing yarn, consider the weight, texture, and color. A medium-weight yarn is a good choice for beginners, as it’s easy to work with and comes in a wide range of colors.
As for the hook, choose one that corresponds with the weight of your yarn. Most medium-weight yarns work well with a size H (5mm) or I (5.5mm) hook. If you’re unsure which hook to use, consult the label on your yarn for recommended sizes.
In addition to yarn and a crochet hook, you’ll also need a pair of scissors and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
Start to Crochet
And now time for the everyone’s most favorite part. To start with your project, just follow the instructions of your afghan. Don’t worry about mistakes, everyone, even crochet pros, makes them. Fortunately they can be fixed by unraveling (frogging) and backtracking a bit.
Steady tension… In any activity that involves working with strings, ropes or the like, tension is of paramount importance. While you may not think so, keeping the tension even in your yarn is the main thing that keeps your project straight and true. It’s critical that even as you are getting tired towards a long session or the end of the project that you keep your string as taught as at the outset. If you don’t, you’ll end up with asymmetrical and crooked projects that unravel easily.
Finish off your Blanket.
Crochet afghan borders are great. Even if the pattern doesn’t call for one, it’s a great idea to work one in. It’s definitely an effort, especially since you’ve essentially finished your project, but it’s worth the while. YOu can also consider to add fringes to your afghan.
Of course, how you finish can often make or break a project. While it may be annoying, and keep you from your next big project, you really do need to weave in your yarn ends, tie them off and trim off the excess. If you don’t, your project will unravel… and so will your motivation.
Do I need to block a crochet blanket?
You know how opinions are divided about whether coffee is good for you or not? Well, it’s the same with blocking. Some don’t do it at all, and some swear by it. The choice will boil down to your personal preference and the yarn you used.
Take Care of your Blanket.
OK, now that you are here and you have your finished project in hand, it’s a good idea to make it last. Avoid snagging it, of course. If you do, repair the snag ASAP.
Next, if you do have to lay it out or stratch it, avoid pulling unevenly or really tugging on it in an off-center way. Fold it gently, and don’t pack it too tightly to avoid kinking threads.
Store it in the shade to avoid fading, and avoid direct sunlight or strong glare from fluorescents.
How to Wash a Crochet Afghan?
To wash you blanket, follow the yarn label instructions. If you are not sure if machine wash is allowed, always go with a safe option and handwash.
If your afgan is clean, but you want to make it wet for better blocking, don’t soak it. Spray it with water instead and spread evenly.
How to Crochet Afghan Stitch?
Afghan Stitch is other name for a Tunisian Simple Stitch is one of the basic Tunisian crochet stitches. As it is a good choice when you start your jouney with Tunisian crochet, it is definitely not the best stitch to start with when you are learning how to crochet. When you are a beginner, start with the one of the popular blanket crochet stitches instead. Here are some easy crochet afghan patterns and the most popular crochet stitches for blankets.
For making the Tunisian crochet afghan patterns, you will need Tunisian crochet hook which is longer than traditional crochet hook. To learn how to crochet an Afghan stitch, go to the tutorial here.
How to Make Fringe on Crochet Afghan?
To make a fringe on a Crochet Afghan, you will need a yarn, crochet hook, scissors and a cardboard.
Cut from a cardboard the piece of a desired width (The length of fringes will be the same as a width of the cardobard. Wrap a yarn around the cardboard, then cut the wrapped yarn at the one of the edges of the cardboard. You will get a yarn for your fringes already folded in half. Insert the hook into the spot you want your fringe, grab the cut piece of yarn in the middle and pull it through. Next, grab the yarn again and pull it through to make a loop.
How to Block a Crochet Afghan?
Blocking is like giving your handmade item the final touch. It makes whole afghan looks symmetrical and evens the stitches, designs and prevents corners from folding.
To block a crochet afghan, spray it witha water first.Spread a few towels on a flat surface andlay down the blanket at the top. Then, pin the afghan to the towels paying attention to pin the sides evenly.
Other material which can be used for blocking are interlocking foam floor tiles which will be much better if you are bloking an afghan after the wash.
Still haven’t found the right pattern?
For free printable crochet afghan patterns visit Ravelry or login to Anie’s Craft Store for paid crochet afghans patterns and video tutorials.
To get fast crochet afghan patterns, see our collection of One Day Crochet Blankets. You will find there chunky free crochet afghan patterns one piece only. Chunky yarn is a secret to make a blanket fast. More crochet afghan patterns free pdf and free ideas you will also find in the post: 25 Best Free Crochet Blanket Patterns. If you’re looking for a granny square blanket, which is a great for beginners, you’ll find it here:
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