Free Crochet Applique Patterns

By Jan Bay

Crochet appliques are instant gratification where crafts are concerned.  They are an easy way to turn any handmade project or a basic onesie from the discount store into something extraordinary. This collection of free crochet applique patterns includes animals, Christmas and Halloween designs, plus small decorative motifs for blankets, clothing, bags, nursery projects and handmade gifts.

Free Crochet Applique Patterns for Animals

These free crochet animal applique patterns include woodland favorites and safari animals for baby blankets, bibs, clothes and nursery crafts. Choose an individual design below or visit the complete animal applique collection.

Woodland Animal Crochet Appliques

Safari and Jungle Crochet Appliques

Choose one animal as the main feature on a baby blanket, bib or nursery wall hanging, or combine a few related designs for a coordinated woodland or safari theme. The individual pattern pages include materials, crochet instructions and finishing details.

Free Christmas Crochet Applique Patterns

These free Christmas crochet applique patterns include gingerbread characters, reindeer, snowmen, Christmas trees, snowflakes, elves, angels, stars and peppermint candies. Each design leads to its own pattern instructions, so you can choose a single decoration or combine several for Christmas stockings, baby blankets, bibs, handmade ornaments and holiday gifts.

For a coordinated Christmas project, try combining a reindeer with evergreen trees and snowflakes, or use the gingerbread characters together on a stocking or blanket. Candy canes and peppermint appliques work particularly well on holiday bibs, gift bags and small decorations. Keep embroidered details and attachment stitches secure on projects intended for babies.

There are more holiday designs and coordinating ideas in my complete Christmas crochet applique collection.

Free Halloween Crochet Applique Patterns

These free Halloween crochet applique patterns include friendly ghosts, pumpkins, bats, skulls, shaped bat wings and a detailed haunted house. Each design can be used on treat bags, Halloween costumes, baby blankets, clothing, banners and seasonal decorations. Choose a finished pattern below.

The ghost and pumpkin are good choices for friendly Halloween decorations, while the bat and skull make stronger statement pieces. The bat wings can be added to other crochet projects. For a more elaborate decoration, the haunted house pattern includes the complete house and its Halloween details.

See my complete Halloween crochet applique collection for additional project details and ideas for combining these motifs.

Fall and Thanksgiving Crochet Applique Patterns

For autumn projects that aren't strictly Halloween, try these free crochet leaf, acorn and turkey applique patterns. They work on fall baby blankets, bibs, clothing, tote bags, banners and Thanksgiving decorations.

The fall leaf pattern includes three separate flat motifs: a five-lobed maple leaf, a rounded oak leaf and a matching acorn. The turkey applique features seven colorful tail feathers and makes a cheerful focal point for Thanksgiving baby crafts.

For more seasonal projects, visit my free fall crochet patterns collection.

What Can You Make With Crochet Appliques?

Crochet appliques can turn a plain baby blanket, bib, cardigan, tote bag or nursery decoration into something special. You don't need a complicated project to make good use of them. Sometimes one carefully placed animal, flower or seasonal motif is all it takes.

Crochet Appliques for Baby Blankets and Nursery Decor

A fox or lion applique can become the focal point of a decorative baby blanket, while several coordinated woodland animals can create a nursery theme. Keep the yarn weights and colors consistent when combining designs. You can also repeat a favorite motif on a nursery wall hanging or decorative storage basket.

Crochet Appliques for Baby Clothes, Bibs and Gifts

For baby bibs and clothing, choose smaller, flatter appliques that won't pull on the fabric. A bunny, little Christmas tree or peppermint candy can add a sweet detail without covering the entire garment. Sew every edge securely, including ears, tails and other narrow parts. Avoid buttons, beads and detachable decorations on baby items.

Tote bags, gift bags, decorative pillows and wall hangings give you more room to work with larger designs. A pumpkin applique dresses up a fall tote, while Christmas appliques can decorate handmade stockings and holiday gifts.

A note about baby blankets: Decorative blankets should not be placed in an infant's sleep space. Keep cribs, bassinets and play yards free of loose blankets, pillows and other soft objects. See the CPSC safe sleep guidance for details.

How to Attach a Crochet Applique

Finish your crochet applique and weave in any yarn tails you won't need for sewing. Gently shape the motif, then position it on your blanket, clothing or other project. Before attaching it, step back and check the placement. Something that looks centered up close can appear crooked when you see the entire piece.

1. Pin or clip the applique in place. Use enough pins or removable clips to keep the motif from twisting while you sew. Pay particular attention to ears, tails, leaves, points and other narrow sections.

2. Thread a yarn needle with matching yarn. Matching the applique edge usually makes the attachment stitches much less noticeable. If the applique uses several colors, you can change yarn colors as you work around different sections rather than carrying one contrasting color around the entire motif.

3. Sew around the outer edge. Take small stitches through the applique and into the background fabric or crochet stitches. You want the applique secure without pulling so tightly that the background puckers.

4. Secure narrow or raised sections separately. A tail, ear, flower petal or tree point may need an extra stitch or two even after the main outline is attached. Check each piece before you finish.

5. Check the back and finish securely. Weave in the remaining yarn ends, remove every pin or clip, and check both sides for loose loops, lifting edges or unsecured details. For baby clothing, bibs and blankets, avoid beads, buttons and other detachable decorations. Trim the yarn ends only after checking that the applique is firmly sewn in place.

If you're attaching an applique to fabric instead of crochet, keep the stitches small and even and avoid pulling the fabric out of shape. A light cotton bib or shirt needs a gentler hand than a thick crochet blanket or tote.

One more thing: don't rely on glue alone for an applique that will be handled, worn or washed. Sewing gives the motif a much more secure attachment, especially around small projecting parts.