Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

FOR LOVERS OF VINTAGE CROCHET

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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?

Pattern Review: Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern

The Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern is one of those fun wearable crochet projects that has just the right mix of retro charm and modern festival style. If you have been seeing granny square bucket hats popping up everywhere and thinking, “I could make that,” this pattern is a lovely place to start.

This crochet bucket hat is worked in the round using granny-style clusters, giving it that familiar textured look without requiring you to join lots of separate squares. That is a definite win if, like me, you enjoy the look of granny motifs but don’t always feel emotionally prepared for a mountain of seams and ends.

The pattern uses worsted weight #4 yarn, with cotton or a cotton blend recommended, which makes sense for a summer hat. Cotton gives the hat a bit more structure and keeps it feeling breathable rather than floppy and sweaty. You’ll need around 80g of yarn, a 5.5mm crochet hook, scissors, and a yarn needle. The finished hat is designed to fit a head circumference of approximately 51–55cm / 20.1–21.7 inches, which puts it in the adult small/medium range.

What I like about this pattern is that it includes practical fit notes rather than pretending every head and every crocheter’s tension is magically the same. The granny mesh has stretch, and the pattern suggests trying the crown on after Round 5 before continuing with the body section. That is such a useful little check-in point, especially with hats, because nobody wants to finish the whole thing only to discover it either perches on top like a teacup or slides down over your eyes like a lampshade.

The instructions are written in US crochet terms and include a clear stitch key covering chains, clusters, double crochet, repeats, slip stitches, and spaces. The pattern also explains how the rounds are closed, how the beginning chain functions, and how to count the clusters at the end of each round, which is helpful for keeping the shape on track.

The construction is straightforward: you begin at the crown, continue down into the sides, and then work the brim. The brim shaping comes from an increase round that helps kick the edge outward into that classic bucket hat shape. Rounds 15–17 then hold steady to smooth out the brim edge, giving the hat a neat finish without making the shaping feel overly complicated.

I would call this an easy to confident beginner crochet pattern rather than a very first crochet project. You’ll want to be comfortable working in the round, counting repeats, and making double crochet clusters. Once the rhythm clicks, though, it becomes a relaxing, repeat-friendly project — the sort of crochet you can work on while half-watching TV, provided you don’t lose count during the increase rounds. Ask me how I know.

This pattern also has great colour-play potential. The yellow version feels sunny and wearable, the scrap yarn version has brilliant festival energy, and a red-and-green version would make a surprisingly cute Christmas market hat. It would also be a good stash-busting crochet project if you have leftover cotton yarns hanging around from dishcloths, bags, or summer tops.

Overall, the Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat is a cheerful, wearable crochet pattern with strong Etsy appeal. It hits that sweet spot between nostalgic granny square style and modern handmade fashion, making it a great pattern for festival outfits, summer wardrobes, handmade gifts, and market sellers looking for a trendy crochet accessory.

Best for: confident beginners, granny stitch lovers, summer crochet projects, festival fashion, scrap yarn makes, and crocheters who want a wearable project that feels fun rather than fussy.