Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

DIGITAL VS PRINT – WHICH IS BETTER?

by

In this Digital Age, there are still many of us who prefer to hold printed matter in our hands rather than reading it online.  Which is better?  For me, the crochet book or magazine is MUCH better than anything I’ve seen online.

https://digital.crochet-world.com/order_form.php

Most crochet magazines offer digital subscriptions which are advertised as having more pages than the print version.  Those extra pages are not available to print subscribers.  While I know that it costs more to print out and mail the magazine to subscribers than it does to post the patterns and articles online, I feel that long time print subscribers are unfairly penalized for their years of loyalty to these periodicals.

Several of my friends and I were talking about this very thing recently.  Soon children will never experience print books.  And, you can’t miss that which you haven’t experienced, right?  I think that will be a sad day.  And, no, Nook and similar devices are not adequate substitutes for print and paper.  While the immediacy of downloads and the portability of devices such as the Nook add a level of facility that we have not previously experienced, especially in the Arts and Crafts, I believe that we’ll be losing far more in the long run if we don’t have printed books and magazines.

Even for my children who were raised with a genuine love of books and daily reading of the newspaper, these things are less important to them than to my husband and me.  None of my children subscribes to a daily newspaper.  My husband and I look forward to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in our hands every morning.  Maybe we are ‘dinosaurs’ but we pay the freight while the kids get their news for free – if you don’t count the cost of the computer/Nook/TV/highspeed internet connection.

Nook and Kindle

Now, here’s the paradox.  You’re reading this blog on the internet on your computer!  I LOVE surfing the ‘net and reading lots of blogs!  I love scouting out new crochet patterns online and gaining inspiration from the online writings of others.  I love having crochet information just a few clicks away.

But when it comes to sheer enjoyment of crochet patterns, it’s a book or magazine for me.  I want the color pattern on the sofa next to me as I crochet.  I want to flip to the page of stitch definitions.  I want to pick up one of my many crochet books and magazines and browse through the pages til I find a pattern that will work with the yarn I have on hand.  Nothing beats that!

Comments

  1. Wow! You hit the nail on the head! I love my Kindle, but there are certain books I want in my hand, and crochet books are definitely one of those.

  2. I love crochet books, though I wish more of them had a spiral binding so they’d STAY OPEN while I’m working a row!
    I suppose I’m in that half-generation in between, where I’m still a bibliophile and love my stack of crochet books, but I’d love to get a Nook so I have access to my Ravelry patterns.
    The other pro of a digital copy of the pattern is that, if there is a problem with it, people will have commented with how to fix it. Online patterns are more about community in my mind.

  3. I’m definitely that younger generation that loves technology and has whole heartedly embraced my nook. I live in a very rural part of the country and have very little access to book stores (craft stores are even rarer) and stay connected to the outside world through technology like the internet and my nook. I love having crochet patterns on my nook since I can have it sitting next to me on the couch and don’t have to worry about it flipping closed. I also love not having to worry about losing my pattern (something that’s happened to me with paper patterns) and not having to store a pattern book when I’m finished with my project.

  4. I also love the printed books. But having said that, I get crochet and knitting magazines through the internet. Why? Because I live in Australia and often cannot get them here at all. Or if we can get them, they are so expensive that I cannot afford to buy them because I am on a Pension. Would love to have oodles of money to buy all those gorgeous pattern books, because I do enjoy looking through the ones that I do have on hand.

  5. I love all craft books. Yes they can be costly, take up space and do tend to get misplaced or worse yet lost..But they are tangible and beautiful to just have waiting for you on your nightstand to gaze at just before you plop your head on your pillow and off to dreamland..With all the vivid pictures of colorful fabric, yarn, buttons and patterns filling every space in your crafty brain it is no wonder you can’t get a wink of sleep..In other words inspiration springs from the pages of many publications and for some of us the computer just doesn’t do it..We need to see, touch and gaze upon printed matter without a screen glossy over our view..and when I leave this world I hope my hundreds of magazines, books and huge collections of craft patterns go to someone who like me appreciates “tangible” “inspirational” magazines and books..

  6. Hi, I get Crochet World on-line and I love it! I don’t have a kindle, but I do take my laptop with me many places, and the next best thing to that is my digital camera. I pull up the instructions line by line and save, then download onto my card. I have each pattern line at a glance and can keep track of where I am easily, hugs, Mary

  7. I love feeling the book in hand. I love being able to go back 10 years and pull out the pattern and revising it for now. (not losing it after 2years!) JD I will be in your part of wood between 8/15-19. A short visit. Maybe get together one evening? Not the 19th-daughter has taken entire day off. Fix it with Ronnie, OK?

  8. I’m with you. Give me paper for patterns. (Not that I haven’t downloaded more than a few . . . but I print them when I’m actually going to work on them.) I’m sure it’s partly an age thing. I’m very comfortable with technology, but for a pattern, or, for that matter, a novel to curl up in bed with, it’s paper all the way.

  9. I love looking at “real” hobby books, crocheting, quilting, and crafts.

    Reading a storybook is so easy on the ereader as I go from appointment to appointment and download from the library for free as I am on SS.

    As I am aging and also disabled, I have really had to downsize. So I made an agreement with myself two years ago, no more hard copies as I do not have the room or the ability to keep up with the cleaning.

    I allow myself one mag sub per year online. I save my pattern choices from each addition to the hard drive and a medica stick for back up. When I am ready to work the pattern, I do print out the pages so I can write on them, or highlight.

    So I am definately on the fence with this one.

  10. It is sad that are grandchildren will not know what books are, but they also won’t be able to write their own names in cursive! Many schools are wanting to drop the art of handwriting in lieu of keyboarding (which most elementary children already know).
    They need the extra time for teaching more important things. Maybe that will move the US up to 16th instead of 17th in the worlds education standings! Sorry if that sounds mean, apparently the heat is frying my brain, but really, isn’t that sad!

  11. I love books!!!! I have shelves and boxes and cupboards full of books. I have a 5 foot long 3 shelf high full of pattern books, knitting, crocheting, plastic canvas needlepoint and other needle crafts. I have been given patterns that are dated in the 40’s. I love them!
    But….I also love digital. I can download so many more patterns and I don’t have to worry about storage.
    When I am working on a project, I now download the pattern to my phone. I always have the pattern with me. But sometimes, I still have to carry the paper pattern or book with me because I don’t have a digital copy.
    So I guess I like both!!!
    Yvonne
    in Las Vegas

  12. I love both, sometimes it depends on the book. It doesn’t have to be either or! Same thing with color vs b/w photography, digital vs film photography, etc. Each one has different qualities that can be appreciated on its own for different reasons by different people.

  13. I love both. My Kindle DX goes on all my trips but when I am reading at night at home, I usually pick up a “real” book. Print will never go away, at least not for a long, long time. Not all publishers are putting their books on E format so some of my favorites are only in paper. Harry Potter, Mary Stewart and several others are book only.

  14. Wait a minute. When I want a printed copy of a magazine, I print it on my printer. However, more often than not, I print one specific pattern from the digital magazine.

    Remember, paper grows on trees, and everyone wants to save the trees.

  15. While I do enjoy looking at all the pretty pictures on Ravelry and a host of yarn brand websites, I have a real preference for a REAL book or magazine.

    I NEED to touch the paper. *chuckle*

    And it really is better for our eyes I guess.

  16. Given full choice? Physical paper in my hands, m eyes are more at ease with that.

    Howeeeeever, I usually wind up with both. I NEED the physical book or magazine. However I also tend to be in and out of hospitals or doctors offices and i cant well carry mmy entire library. So i just make PDF files using my camera which takes very good, HD pics which after transferring to my computer I use acrobat to compile a PDF. and that in turn can be converted to a mobi or azw file if i want it on my kindle. Or since online subscriptions DO offer extras, I just use nice paper, print the whole magazine (the parts with the relevant info not ads) and sort of make my own booklet.

Have you read?

14 Free Crochet Christmas Ornament Patterns for Yarn Scraps and Handmade Gifts

There is something lovely about unpacking a Christmas ornament and remembering who made it. A slightly wonky bow, a tiny crocheted hat, a little snowman with more personality than his size should allow. Those are the decorations that earn their place on the tree year after year.

These free crochet Christmas ornament patterns include miniature trees, wreaths, baubles, woodland decorations, candy cane holders and nostalgic little keepsakes. Some are easy projects for crocheters who know the basics, while others offer a little more detail for anyone who enjoys thread crochet or miniature amigurumi.

They are also a very good excuse to investigate the leftover yarn basket. You know, the one containing several almost-finished balls you have been saving for “something small”. This is something small.

Each link below takes you to the designer’s pattern page. Many offer free instructions online alongside an optional paid printable PDF, so check the page before heading straight to the shop button.

Which Crochet Christmas Ornament Should You Make First?

Here are a few starting points to help narrow down the festive temptation.

What you want to makeStart with
An easy ornament using very little yarnWhitefield Wreath
A small project without stuffingMini Santa Hat
A tiny stuffed Christmas decorationTiny Christmas Tree
An ornament that holds a treatGingerbread or Reindeer Candy Cane Holder
A textured cover for a plain baubleHopscotch Bauble
A detailed thread crochet keepsakePoinsettia Flower
A project for using odd buttonsCrochet Button Angel

Small does not always mean beginner friendly. Fine thread, tiny stitches and fiddly finishing can take more concentration than a larger project, so choose by construction as well as appearance.

Easy Crochet Ornaments and Small Yarn Projects

1. Whitefield Wreath Ornament

A little green wreath with a red bow is hard to beat for traditional Christmas charm. Banana Moon Studio’s design uses bobble stitches to create texture, giving the wreath a lovely rounded appearance.

The designer rates it easy and lists approximately 12 yards of worsted weight yarn, plus yarn or ribbon for the finishing details. The finished wreath measures about 3½ inches across.

This is a particularly useful choice when you have a small amount of green yarn left over. Make a matching group, or try cream wreaths with burgundy bows for a softer colour scheme.

Find the free crochet wreath ornament pattern at Banana Moon Studio.

2. Mini Santa Hat Ornament

GoldenLucyCrafts’ little Santa hat delivers plenty of Christmas cheer without needing a stuffed body or lots of separate pieces.

The pattern is rated easy and uses medium weight yarn with a 3.5 mm hook. The finished hat is approximately 2 inches tall after folding.

Classic red and white is an obvious choice, but a collection in pink, sage and cream would be lovely too. Keep any added decorations small so they do not overwhelm the hat.

Follow the free mini Santa hat crochet pattern at GoldenLucyCrafts.

3. Flat Crochet Christmas Bell

Hookfully’s cheerful bell has a face, rosy cheeks and a little bow. It is a good option if you like character ornaments but would rather make a flat decoration than a stuffed figure.

The designer rates the pattern easy. It uses DK weight yarn, with approximately 27 yards listed, and measures around 9.5 cm square.

For beginners, a smooth yarn will generally make the stitches easier to see than a fluffy or velvet yarn. Choose the texture you will enjoy working with, rather than struggling through something simply because it looks lovely in the photograph.

Visit Hookfully for the free flat crochet Christmas bell pattern.

4. Crochet Button Angel

Our CraftBits button angel combines crocheted pieces with ribbon, buttons and a sparkling halo. It has that lovely craft-box Christmas feeling, especially if you use a button with a little family history.

The wings begin as a small crocheted rectangle that is gathered in the middle. A separate crocheted body and the decorative pieces complete the angel.

This is a mixed craft project, so allow time for assembly as well as crochet. It is a lovely way to turn an odd button and a few yarn scraps into a keepsake.

Make your own with our crochet button angel ornament tutorial.

Tiny Amigurumi Christmas Tree Decorations

5. Tiny Crochet Christmas Tree

The Nicole Chase’s miniature tree is approximately 2 inches tall using the suggested worsted weight yarn and 4 mm hook.

This is a stuffed, three-dimensional tree worked in the round. The materials list calls for small amounts of green, brown and red yarn, making it a useful project for coordinated leftovers.

I would make a small collection in different greens, then keep the hanging loops the same colour to bring the group together. These would also look sweet tied onto wrapped gifts.

Get the free Tiny Christmas Tree crochet pattern from The Nicole Chase.

6. Tiny Snowman Ornament

A miniature snowman wearing a little hat is exactly the sort of decoration that makes people lean closer to the tree.

This design from The Nicole Chase measures approximately 2 inches and uses worsted weight yarn with a 4 mm hook. Small amounts of contrasting yarn provide the colourful details.

Choose this one if you enjoy working in the round, shaping a stuffed piece and adding finishing touches. Making several with different hat colours would give you a coordinated set without every ornament looking identical.

Find the free Tiny Snowman ornament crochet pattern.

7. Crochet Mouse Ornament

Stitch by Fay’s little mouse makes a charming addition to a woodland Christmas tree.

The pattern uses DK cotton yarn with a 2.5 mm hook, and the finished ornament measures approximately 2½ inches square, including the ears. The rounded body is worked in continuous rounds, with separate ears and decorative details.

This is a good choice for someone comfortable with small amigurumi stitches. Keep the fabric firm enough to contain the stuffing without pulling every stitch so tightly that your hands complain.

Visit Stitch by Fay for the free crochet mouse ornament pattern.

8. Crochet Mushroom Ornament

A little mushroom is a lovely alternative to the usual Santa-and-snowman selection, especially if you enjoy woodland Christmas decorations.

Yarnspirations offers this Bernat design as a free downloadable pattern, with an easy skill rating. The finished mushroom measures approximately 4 inches high and 3 inches across.

It uses Bernat Super Value yarn and stuffing. Check those measurements before planning a miniature tree, as this ornament is larger than some of the tiny projects in this collection.

Download the free Bernat crochet mushroom ornament pattern at Yarnspirations.

Crochet Candy Cane Holder Ornaments

9. Gingerbread Man Candy Cane Holder

This gingerbread decoration from A Crocheted Simplicity doubles as a candy cane holder, making it a lovely little gift with a treat attached.

The designer provides single-layer and double-layer options, so you can choose the construction that suits your project. The pattern is rated easy and uses worsted weight yarn with a 4 mm hook.

At approximately 5½ inches high, excluding the hanging loop, it is a substantial ornament rather than a tiny motif. Allow time for the face and icing details, because those are what give the gingerbread its character.

Find the free gingerbread man candy cane holder crochet pattern.

10. Reindeer Candy Cane Holder

The reindeer version from A Crocheted Simplicity is another useful option for combining a handmade ornament with a small Christmas treat.

The pattern is rated easy and uses worsted weight yarn and a 4 mm hook. The finished decoration measures approximately 4½ inches high and 2½ inches wide, excluding the hanging loop.

Instructions include an embroidered-eye option. Brown, cream and a small amount of red create the familiar festive look without requiring a large yarn purchase.

Make the free crochet reindeer candy cane holder ornament.

Detailed Crochet Christmas Ornaments and Keepsakes

11. Hopscotch Christmas Bauble

If you want to give plain baubles a handmade finish, the Hopscotch ornament from Green Fox Farms Designs adds an interesting textured cover.

The designer specifies worsted weight yarn, a 5 mm hook and a 67–70 mm plastic ornament. Allow approximately 40–50 yards of yarn.

This pattern is rated intermediate. It is a better choice for someone ready to explore the stitch pattern than for a complete beginner. Check the size of your bauble before starting, as the cover needs to fit its supporting form.

Follow the free Hopscotch bauble crochet pattern.

12. Mini Crochet Sweater Ornament

A tiny Christmas sweater is wonderfully cheerful, whether you decorate it tastefully or embrace the full ugly-sweater spirit.

Zamiguz’s design begins at the ribbed turtleneck, with the sleeves worked afterwards. The designer rates it intermediate and recommends fine or DK yarn.

The DK sample uses approximately 50 yards and measures around 3½ inches high. Embroidery offers plenty of room for personalisation, but plain stripes can be just as effective when working at this scale.

Get the free mini crochet sweater ornament pattern at Zamiguz.

13. Poinsettia Flower Ornament

Kirsten Holloway Designs’ poinsettia is a beautiful choice if you enjoy delicate thread crochet and traditional Christmas flowers.

This intermediate pattern uses size 10 crochet thread and a 1.4 mm steel hook. The finished flower measures approximately 4¼ inches across.

The materials include a blocking board and starching spray, so plan for finishing time as well as crochet. A poinsettia like this would make a lovely reusable gift topper before earning its place on the tree.

Find the free poinsettia flower ornament crochet pattern.

14. Vintage Puffy Crochet Christmas Tree

Our CraftBits puffy Christmas tree is another option for crocheters who enjoy working with thread.

The pattern lists size 10 crochet cotton and a finished height of approximately 3¼ inches. Its tiered construction creates a different look from a simple flat triangle.

Read the instructions through before starting, particularly the sections worked into the remaining loops of earlier rounds. This is one to choose when you fancy a little detail rather than a quick first crochet project.

Find the free vintage puffy crochet Christmas tree pattern on CraftBits.

Choosing Yarn for Crochet Christmas Ornaments

Start with the yarn weight specified in your chosen pattern. A small substitution can change the finished size, and that matters when a cover must fit a particular bauble.

For projects made from leftovers, sort your yarn by thickness before sorting it by colour. Two yarns that look perfect together in the basket may behave quite differently once crocheted.

If you need a few colours to pull a collection together, browse the yarn selection at Mary Maxim and match the yarn weight to your pattern. A shared cream, red or green can help a mixture of leftover colours feel intentional.

For more ideas on combining nostalgic ornaments, woodland details and festive crochet around the home, explore our Christmas crochet trends and free patterns.

Little Finishing Details That Make a Difference

Test the hanging loop before fastening it permanently. Hold the ornament up and check that it faces forwards instead of tipping sideways.

Keep stuffed ornaments light. Add enough filling to support the shape, then check how the ornament hangs.

Finish the back as carefully as the front. Tree decorations turn, and gift toppers often get inspected from every angle.

Plan for blocking. Flat shapes and thread crochet flowers may need shaping before they look their best. Follow the designer’s finishing instructions and check that any stiffening product suits your fibre.

Choose embellishments for the recipient. For decorations likely to be handled by very young children, avoid detachable small parts and use embroidered details instead.

Questions About Free Crochet Christmas Ornament Patterns

What is a good crochet Christmas ornament for beginners?

The Whitefield Wreath and Mini Santa Hat are good patterns to consider if you already know basic crochet stitches. Read the stitch list first and choose a project whose construction feels manageable.

Can I use scrap yarn for Christmas ornaments?

Yes. Many small ornaments need only modest amounts of yarn, although some use more than their size suggests. Keep enough matching yarn for repeated pieces, such as ears, sleeves or both sides of a decoration.

Do crochet ornaments need stuffing?

Some do. The tiny tree, snowman, mouse and mushroom are stuffed designs. Other projects use flat construction, an open shape or a separate supporting ornament.

Do all crochet Christmas ornaments need stiffening?

No. A stuffed figure or bauble cover generally gets its shape from its construction. Delicate thread crochet and some flat motifs may benefit from blocking or stiffening, depending on the designer’s instructions.

Can these ornaments be used as handmade gifts?

Absolutely. Tie one onto a parcel, add it to a Christmas card or make a small coordinated set. Include a note explaining that the decoration can be untied and kept.

You do not need to crochet enough ornaments for an entire tree to make something special. Start with one little wreath, one mouse or one snowman, and see where the yarn basket takes you.

A handful of handmade decorations can become the pieces everyone looks for when the Christmas boxes come out. Slightly crooked bow and all.