Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

FOR LOVERS OF VINTAGE CROCHET

by

Here’s an example of a book available at this vintage crochet site.  There are so many wonderful antique crochet books available there.  Nothing for free that I could find, but well worth a browse.

http://www.heirloomcrochet.com/hcduff.html

Here’s a wikipedia.org article about the crochet designer who is the focus of the website:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Lucy_Duff_Gordon

Another site that is full of antique crochet books and leaflets for sale is:

http://www.ivarose.com/bear_brand___bucilla___glossilla?b=1

Also, check out this blog for a lovely ‘shoulderette’:

http://stitchybritches.blogspot.com/2008/08/crochet-time-to-make.html

Scroll almost to the bottom of this collector’s site to see a couple of vintage hook holders – commercial quality I think:

http://www.hamiltonweb.us/latest-editions.htm

Finally, here’s a site where you can download some oldies for free.  Can’t go wrong with that.  Just remember that some books do not use US terminology so stitches may differ and other terminology changes with time.  Rather than lunge headforward into a vintage pattern thinking you don’t need to make any adjustments or adaptations, one might do better to research a bit first.  Hope you enjoy these vintage goodies:

http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org/completelist.htm

More Crochet?

Comments

  1. Great resources to have! Haven’t tried any vintage patterns yet, still waiting to get more used to the techniques brush up on my skills before I take the plunge, haven’t been crocheting for an awful long time.

  2. I recently purchased a crochet pattern book on Ebay from 1912. I was very excited to get this book until I opened the cover. The book was published by Columbia Yarns. It suggests using only Columbia wools and I don’t know what yarn would be comparable to it since I cannot see any. I also don’t know some of the terms that they use throughout the book. The patters are beautiful, the4 end results are amazing, I just wish that I could use these patterns. I am a very skilled crocheter but his one’s got me stumped. PLEASE HELP ME, ANYONE!

Have you read?

Cropped Chunky Granny Stitch Cardigan Crochet Pattern

There is something about a chunky granny stitch cardigan that just feels instantly wearable, isn’t there? It has that lovely handmade texture we all adore, but it still looks modern enough to throw on with jeans, wide-leg pants, a simple dress, or, if you are feeling a little festival-ready, a floaty boho skirt and boots.

This boho granny stitch cropped cardigan crochet pattern has that perfect relaxed handmade look without feeling too oversized or shapeless. The cropped length keeps it flattering, while the open granny-style stitch gives it plenty of drape and texture. I especially love it worked in a soft sage green, because it gives the whole design a calm, earthy, slightly vintage feel without looking dated.

The design features a boxy cropped body, open front styling, wide sleeves, and a textured granny-style stitch pattern that gives the cardigan its statement look. It is the kind of crochet cardigan that looks impressive but still feels approachable if you are comfortable with basic crochet stitches and joining simple garment pieces together.

This is a lovely project for crocheters who want to move beyond scarves and blankets but are not quite ready for complicated shaping. The beauty of this style is that the relaxed fit is forgiving, which makes it a good first wearable project if you have been wanting to dip your toe into crochet clothing.

The chunky texture is also a bonus for impatient crocheters — and yes, I am raising my hand here. There is nothing worse than starting a cardigan and feeling like you have committed to a six-month relationship with one sleeve. This type of open stitch pattern builds quickly and gives you that satisfying “oh look, it’s actually becoming a cardigan” feeling fairly early on.

For yarn, I would choose something soft but structured enough to hold the stitch definition. A chunky or bulky yarn in cotton blend, acrylic blend, or wool blend would work beautifully depending on the season. Sage green gives it that boho handmade look, but this pattern would also be gorgeous in oatmeal, rust, denim blue, cream, mushroom brown, or a soft dusty rose.

If you are styling it for a modern boho look, pair it with sage wide-leg pants, a simple white tank, layered necklaces, and a crossbody bag. For cooler months, it would also look lovely over a fitted long-sleeve tee with jeans and ankle boots.

What I Like About This Pattern

The cropped length makes it feel fresh and wearable.

The granny stitch texture gives it a beautiful handmade look.

The open-front shape means there is no fussing with buttons or closures.

The wide sleeves add a relaxed bohemian feel.

It is a great project for crocheters who want a wearable garment without too much shaping.

Skill Level

I would place this as an advanced beginner to intermediate crochet pattern, depending on how confident you are with garment construction. The stitching itself appears beginner-friendly if you already know the basics, but assembling a cardigan and keeping your gauge consistent does require a little patience.

If you are new to crochet garments, take your measurements before starting, check gauge properly, and don’t skip blocking. I know blocking is one of those things we all pretend we are going to do “later,” but with a cardigan like this, it really helps the stitches relax and the edges sit nicely.