Where to Find Knitting and Crochet Patterns (and What to Know Before You Download)

Where to Find Knitting and Crochet Patterns (and What to Know Before You Download)

So, you’ve got your yarn ready — maybe a squishy skein from The Wool Pirate — and now you need the perfect pattern. But where do you even start? There are so many places to find knitting and crochet patterns these days that it can feel like a treasure hunt. Grab your tea (or your grog, if you’re feeling piratey), and let’s talk about the most popular places to look — and the pros and cons of each.

🧭 Ravelry

Ravelry is one of the biggest and best-known places to find patterns. It’s a community site just for knitters and crocheters, and it’s been around for years.

Pros:

• It stores all your purchased patterns in your account — no more digging through old emails to find that one shawl file.

• You can see what yarns other makers used, so it’s great for ideas and substitutions.

• The search filters are pretty good — you can narrow things down by yarn weight, project type, or even difficulty level.

Cons:

• There are a lot of patterns, which can make finding “the one” take a while.

• Designers pay Ravelry fees to list their patterns, which may affect their wages a bit.

💡 Tip: Once you find a designer you like on Ravelry, you can follow them on social media to see when they post new patterns.

🧶 Etsy

You probably know Etsy as a handmade marketplace, but it’s also home to thousands of digital pattern downloads.

Pros:

• You’ll find all kinds of designs, from classic sweaters to the trendiest crochet tops.

• It’s easy to buy and download directly, and Etsy stores your digital purchases for you.

Cons:

• Be cautious: some patterns are AI-generated and may not be accurate or well-tested. Check reviews before buying.

• It can be harder to tell if a seller is a real designer or a reseller.

💡 Tip: Look for patterns with detailed photos, clear descriptions, and customer reviews mentioning good instructions.

🪡 Designer Websites

Many independent designers sell patterns directly on their own websites — and this can be a great way to support them.

Pros:

• You get to browse all of a designer’s work in one place.

• The money goes more directly to the designer.

Cons:

• You’ll need to download and safely store the pattern yourself (think Dropbox, Google Drive, or even printing a copy).

💡 Tip: Sign up for your favourite designers’ newsletters — they often share new releases, sales, or even free patterns.

🧵 Yarn Manufacturer Websites

A lot of yarn companies often have free patterns that feature their yarns.

Pros:

• Free patterns are always a win!

• They’re designed specifically for certain yarns, so you know what to expect with gauge and drape.

• Great if you want something quick and easy to start right away.

Cons:

• You might want to use a different yarn — and that’s okay! You can check yarnsub.com to find good substitutes.

💡 Tip: Don’t skip the older patterns — sometimes they’re the hidden gems!

🌸 Other Inspiration Spots

Even beyond pattern sites, there are great ways to find your next project idea.

• Pinterest: A wonderful visual search tool. You can type in “knitted hat pattern” or “crochet cardigan ideas” and fall into a happy rabbit hole of inspiration.

• Social Media: Many designers share sneak peeks, test knits, or pattern drops on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. Following a few of your favourites can keep your queue full.

💡 Tip: Save ideas to a Pinterest board or note app so you don’t forget what caught your eye.

🫖 The Bottom Line

Finding your next pattern can be part of the fun. Whether you love the community feel of Ravelry, the convenience of Etsy, or the personal touch of a designer’s own site, there’s a world of creativity out there waiting for you.

Just remember — always support real designers when you can, and store your patterns safely for future projects. After all, every good maker’s library deserves a few trusty treasures.

⚓ Need Yarn for That New Pattern?

If you’ve found a pattern that’s calling your name but still need the perfect yarn to bring it to life, set sail for The Wool Pirate. You’ll find top-quality fibres from makers who care about animals and the environment — perfect for turning your next idea into something truly special.