Free Crochet Patterns for the Top 10 Fall and Winter Trends!

One request that pops up every year is what the new trends are going to be – in fashion, in design, and in crochet! And while the magazines have to figure this stuff out months in advance, I’ve been able to sit back and look around and see what’s really catching people’s eyes. Here is my collection of the top 10 Fall and Winter Trends for 2014 – and free crochet patterns that fit in each category!

The overall theme this autumn seems to be big thick yarns and lots of texture! Bulky and super bulky yarns are everywhere in stores, and this trend is also visible on the fashion runways, where knit and crochet has made a big impact again this year. Luckily, as crocheters, we can make a luxury oversize scarf for a lot less than $1500! So let’s check out some of the fun patterns that will give you “the look” without paying “the price”!

The Top 10 Fall  and Winter Trends – and 30+ Free Crochet Patterns!

Click on the names of the patterns you like to go to their pattern pages!

Chunky Slippers and Boots – a perennial favorite, slippers and boots this year are going big and thick and cozy!

1. North Woods Slipper Boots on DROPS Design: Lots of interest here, these aren’t shy!
2. Adult Chunky Slippers by Crochet by Jennifer, on Ravelry: These look so warm and squishy!
3. Simple Chunky Cable Crochet Slippers on Moogly: I always know when the temp drops when I start getting views on this pattern!
4. Want more slippers? Go to Crochet Slippers for the Whole Family: 20 Free Patterns!

Cowls Cowls Cowls – short like traditional cowls, twisted up infinity scarves, or bandana style, these scarves are big!

1. Rolling in the Deep by Lorene Eppolite, on Cre8tion Crochet: Adding chevrons makes this scarf ultra popular!
2. Hairpin Lace Infinity Scarf by B.hooked Crochet: Textured, big, and beautiful! A fantastic intro to hairpin lace with a video tutorial!
3. Sassenach Claire Outlander Crochet Cowl by Polly Foo Foo: Wow! Makes an impact and this show is hot hot hot!
4. There are lots of cowls here on Moogly too! Check out these 10 Free Cowl Patterns as well as my latest, the Berry Harvest Bandana Cowl and Stormy Weather Cowl!

Boot Cuffs – gorgeous leather boots are everywhere this year, and boot cuffs are like the icing on the cake! 

1. Bulky Boot Cuffs by Salena Baca, on Red Heart: Bulky yarn make this quick project even quicker – and trendier!
2. Mariposas Boot Cuffs by “e” Lee, on The Crochet Lounge: Squishy bulky lace for beautiful boots!
3. Cables and Bobbles Boot Cuffs by Amy Ramnarine, on The Stitchin’ Mommy: Tons of texture and so pretty!
4. Want more boot cuffs? Go to 10 Hot and Free Boot Cuff Patterns!

Unusual Shawls – shawls have been getting more and more popular, and this year there are too many standouts to list! Here are just a few.

1. Dragon Tail Neckerchief by Purple Iguana, on Ravelry: Winter is coming! This is a great shape, and a popular color too, as seen below!
2. Lace Pumpkin Wrap by Sara Sach, on Posh Pooch Designs Dog Clothes: This stair step pattern is so unique, but beautiful too!
3. Paper Dolls Shawlette by Kim Guzman, on Crochet Kim: This little wrap features a super fancy and interesting edging!
4. There are some lovely shawl and wrap patterns here on Moogly too! Check out the Alpaca Your Wrap, Sunset Shawlette, Berry Harvest Bandana Cowl, and Chevron Lace Wrap!

Clutch Bags – from the runway to the local mall, clutch bags are big for events this season! The more interesting the better!

1. Candy Color Clutch on Lion Brand Yarn: Eye catching colors and a zig zag pattern make this clutch fab!
2. Fun Felt Clutch by Briana Olsen, on Ravelry: Gorgeous and detailed, like a work of art!
3. Chroma Crochet Bag on Moogly: This pattern also features color-blocking and ombre – more great looks for this season!
4. Want more free purse patterns? Go to Perfectly Pretty: 10 Free Purse Crochet Patterns!

Eye Catching Caps – hats are always perfect for fall and winter, but this season is all about making them interesting with color and texture!

1. Morning Frost by Kathy Lashley, on ELK Studio: This unisex has plays with color and texture in such a great way!
2. Amazing Grace Blissful Beanie by Elena Hunt, on Beatrice Ryan Designs: There are so many different looks you can achieve with this great beanie!
3. Ups and Downs Slouchy Beanie on Moogly: Texture is created with a variety of unusual stitches – but it’s easier than it looks!
4. Want interesting hats for men? Go to Beanies for the Big Boys: Free Crochet Hats for Men!

Oatmeal/Heather – while bright colors and jewel tones are always popular, warm oatmeal and heather tones are popping up all over!

1. Pavement Infinity Scarf by Jennifer Dickerson, on Fiber Flux: Minimalist and chunky at the same time – perfect!
2. Canyon Shrug by Lion Brand Yarn: This easy level pattern is a one size fits most – and goes with many looks!
3. Neely Slouch Hat by Kristina Olson, on Ravelry: This hat has texture but reads super neutral – very appealing!
4. While I tend to work with bright colors, check out the Alpaca Your Wrap, Tallulah Waterfall Scarf, and Men’s Cabled Golf Cap for Moogly neutrals!

Capes – whether it’s Frozen or Outlander or all the superhero movies, capes are back in a big way!

1. Ruffled Shawl/Cape by Linda Kaye Smith, on Ravelry: Ruffles make it feminine, but simple double crochets keep it from being too fussy!
2. Magnolia Vintage Capelet by Kathy North, on Piece by Piece: Elegant and fun, perfect for fighting a light chill or draft!
3. Hooded Cloak by Dillon Elke, on Ravelry: An extreme cape! My oldest would go crazy for this! Totally adjustable for length too.
4. You’ll find a couple great free crochet capes for kids in 10 Free Crochet Halloween Costumes for Kids!

Oversized Everything – remember that enormous scarf Lenny Kravitz wore? Bulky yarn is the big thing, and it makes BIG things!

1. Big Stitch Cowl and Hat by Patons, on Yarnspirations: Bulky yarn, interesting hat, cowl, oatmeal colored… this set ticks all the boxes!
2. Long Double Crochet Cowl by Stephanie Jessica Lau, on All About Ami: With lots of step by step photos, you could make a dozen of these!
3. Effortless Chic Headband by Elena Hunt, on Beatrice Ryan Designs: You’ll want oversized buttons to help show this one off!
4. Be sure to check out the bulky one skein patterns here on Moogly: Scarfati and the Luscious Cowl!

Cables – there’s nothing better for adding texture than crochet cables!

1. Wrap With Slits by Kimberly K. McAlindin, on Red Heart: I love the way the big bold cabled wrap stays on – so clever, and it looks amazing!
2. Leaflines Shawlette by Aparna Rolfe, on Ravelry: Traveling crochet cable stitches make this shawl a work of art!
3. Cabled Slouchy Beanies (adult and toddler) by Stephanie Jessica Lau, on All About Ami: Tons of texture, an oversized look, and oatmeal – perfect!
4. Get the basics on crochet cables in the Moogly Crochet Cables Video Tutorial!

Maybe you don’t care so much about what’s hot for yourself – but if you sell your crochet or make things for craft fairs, this is good stuff to know. It’s also helpful if you make gifts for trendy recipients! So I hope this collection has helped you with your seasonal projects- and maybe added some new ideas to your to do list!

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