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

If animals are what you came looking for, start here. I like these little flat motifs because you can use the same pattern in several ways without turning it into an entirely different project. Add one to a blanket, bib, tote bag, wall hanging or piece of clothing, or group a few related animals together when you want more of a woodland or safari look.

The free crochet animal applique patterns collection is the easiest place to browse the whole group. It includes familiar nursery animals along with woodland and safari designs, so you don't have to hunt through individual pages one at a time.

If you already know which animal you want, you can go straight to the individual pattern. Try the crochet bunny applique pattern, crochet bear applique pattern, crochet fox applique pattern, crochet deer applique pattern or crochet raccoon applique pattern for woodland projects.

For safari and jungle themes, there are separate patterns for the crochet lion applique, crochet elephant applique, crochet giraffe applique and crochet monkey applique. There's also a crochet alligator applique pattern if you want something a little less expected.

You don't need to use every animal that fits a theme. Two or three coordinated motifs usually give you plenty to work with, especially on baby blankets and smaller nursery projects. I'd rather repeat a good color palette across a few animals than crowd one project with too many different shapes. There's no benefit to creating a complete zoo, jungle or forest. Choose one animal and let it steal the show.

Christmas Crochet Applique Patterns

Christmas is where these little decorations really shine. They're especially useful because you can repeat one pattern across several different projects without making everything match too perfectly. A tree or snowflake can go on a baby's first Christmas stocking, gift bag, tote, wall hanging or piece of clothing, while a reindeer or gingerbread motif gives you something less expected and a little more unique.

You can browse the full Christmas crochet applique pattern collection first, or go straight to the individual design you want.

The crochet reindeer applique pattern works especially well when you want one larger focal motif. For simpler shapes that are easy to repeat, use the crochet Christmas tree applique pattern or crochet snowflake applique pattern.

If you want a project with more character, there is also a gingerbread crochet applique pattern and a crochet snowman family applique set. The snowman family makes more sense when you have enough room for several motifs, while the gingerbread design is easy to use by itself.

I would keep the background project fairly simple when the applique already has several colors or small details. A cream, red, green or other solid background lets the crochet work show without making the finished piece look too busy.

Halloween Crochet Applique Patterns

Halloween appliques are good little projects when you want seasonal color without committing to a full Halloween blanket or large decoration. One motif on a treat bag, banner, tote or piece of clothing can be enough.

The free Halloween crochet applique patterns page gathers the seasonal designs together. From there, you can choose the motif that fits the project instead of trying to squeeze every Halloween shape onto one piece.

For a friendly design, start with the crochet ghost applique pattern. The crochet pumpkin applique pattern is an easy choice when you want something that can stay out through more of the fall season, not just Halloween.

The crochet skull applique pattern has a different look altogether, so I'd use that one as the main motif rather than mixing it into a crowded group of cute Halloween characters.

Seasonal doesn't have to mean busy. Pick the motif first, then let the colors and background project support it.

What Can You Make With Crochet Appliques?

You don't have to start a whole new crochet project every time you make an applique. In fact, I think they're most useful when you add them to something simple that already needs a focal point.

A single applique can dress up a baby bib, cardigan, tote bag, gift bag, wall hanging or decorative pillow. On a larger blanket, you can use one larger motif in a corner or space several smaller motifs across the surface. If you're decorating a nursery, the same applique can also be repeated on a wall hanging or storage basket so the pieces relate without looking like a matching set from a store.

Baby blankets give you plenty of room, but I wouldn't automatically cover the whole blanket with appliques. One or two well-placed animals can look better than a dozen small motifs competing for attention. If you're using several, keep their scale and yarn weight consistent so they look like they belong together.

Bibs are a different story. The usable space is small, so choose one compact motif or a very simple group. The candy cane and peppermint bib shown in the example image works because the shapes are easy to recognize and the arrangement stays centered instead of spreading all the way to the edges.

For clothing, lighter and flatter is usually better. A bulky applique can pull on a small cardigan or shirt, especially if the motif is large compared with the garment. Keep it proportional and sew it down securely around the outer edge.

Tote bags, gift bags and decorative wall pieces give you more freedom because they don't have to bend and move the same way clothing does. That's where I'd use the larger pumpkin, lion, fox or holiday designs.

If you're putting crochet appliques on a baby blanket, remember that a decorative blanket is not something to leave in an infant sleep space. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends keeping cribs, bassinets and play yards bare except for a fitted sheet. You can read the current CPSC safe sleep guidance for more information.

How to Attach a Crochet Applique

Finish the applique completely before you attach it. Weave in the yarn tails that aren't needed for sewing, shape the piece gently with your fingers and lay it on the finished project exactly where you want it.

Don't start sewing until you're happy with the placement. On a blanket or bag, I like to step back and look at the whole piece first. A motif that seems centered when you're working a few inches away can look noticeably off once you see the entire project.

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. Make sure there aren't long loose strands that can snag. Weave the yarn ends securely into the back of the project and trim only after you're satisfied that the applique is firmly attached.

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.