Free Crochet Pattern – Halloween Skull Sweater

If you’re after a sweater that makes a statement, the Red Heart Skull Sweater pattern delivers just the right mix of cozy and edgy. This isn’t your average knit—those bold skull motifs stitched right into the fabric turn a simple pullover into something with personality.

What I Loved

Clear instructions: The pattern is laid out in a step-by-step format that feels approachable, even if you’re newer to colorwork.
On-trend design: The skulls are playful without being cartoonish, making this sweater work for teens, young adults, or anyone with a quirky style streak.
Yarn choice: Red Heart yarn holds up beautifully in sweaters—it’s durable, machine-washable, and budget-friendly. Perfect if you want something practical that still looks striking.

What to Watch Out For

Colorwork challenge: If you’ve never worked with multiple strands or managed floats before, expect a little learning curve. I recommend practicing on a swatch before diving into the sweater body.
Fit: Like many free patterns, sizing runs a bit generous. Be sure to check your gauge carefully so your skulls don’t end up stretched or squished.
Yarn weight: Because it’s worked in worsted weight, the sweater is warm—maybe too warm for some climates. Great for autumn or winter layering though.

Overall Thoughts
The Red Heart Skull Sweater is one of those patterns that makes people stop and say, “Where did you get that?” It’s bold, fun, and gives you a chance to show off your knitting skills. I’d recommend it to confident beginners ready to try intarsia or stranded knitting, as well as seasoned knitters looking for a project with personality.

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If you love colourful granny squares, vintage-inspired crochet and anything designed by Lori Holt, the new Granny Square Along Crochet Book deserves a spot on your wish list.

This is Lori Holt’s first crochet book, inspired by the granny squares her grandmother taught her to make. Inside are 13 creative granny square crochet projects, all presented in Lori’s wonderfully cheerful, scrappy style. Expect plenty of colourful cushions, bags, blankets and useful accessories that make the most of those little squares we can never resist making.

The spiral-bound format is a practical touch because the book should sit flat beside you while you crochet. Partial crochet diagrams are also included alongside the written instructions.

This book is best for confident beginners and intermediate crocheters. You should already understand basic crochet stitches, including chains, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet and slip stitches.

Most projects use Lori Holt’s #2-weight Chunky Thread with a 3.5 mm crochet hook, although some designs worked with two strands require a 4.5 mm hook.

What I love most is the book’s nostalgic, collected-over-time look. It is colourful without being garish and scrappy without looking as though every leftover yarn ball was thrown at it in a moment of desperation. The finished projects have that cozy handmade charm Lori Holt does so well.

The book is expected to ship in September 2026. The current reservation requires a $1.50 non-refundable fee, with the remaining preorder price charged when the book ships.

You can reserve the Granny Square Along Crochet Book by Lori Holt here.

If this book inspires you to keep experimenting, take a look at our 15 unusual granny square crochet patterns and these 20 other ways to use granny squares.

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