Crochet patterns can be found in a variety of locations, some for free and some you have to pay for. Among those that must be paid for, how much is too much? I’ve heard a variety of answers to this question. One friend purchased a skirt pattern for $6 and after making it decided that $6 was too much. All of us like free patterns, but many people criticize the quality of the patterns we get for free. We have to pay for patterns that appear in print – in books and magazines – and on some websites like Interweave. Other sites have oodles of free patterns to offer. Garnstudio.com comes to mind.
This begs the question: How much are you willing to pay for a crochet pattern?
Most crochet magazines have a list price of $6-10 per issue and contain from 6 to 15 patterns (typically). Of course, there’s more in the magazine other than patterns, but the price per pattern then becomes at least $1 – and often more. You have to pay for patterns you know you’ll never make, for instance, as each magazine will contain patterns that just don’t suit you. It’s the rare magazine that I see that I’ll make as many as 3 of the patterns. The more patterns I make in each magazine, the lower the price per pattern if we calculate the price per pattern based on the cover price.
Books are another matter. They are more expensive and contain more patterns. But, very few crocheters are likely to crochet every pattern in a book. So, if you pay $20 (plus tax and maybe shipping) for a book containing 20+ patterns, you are again paying about $1 per pattern – but more per pattern unless you make them all.
At your LYS, you might be able to purchase an individual pattern for $3-$8. I believe I’m more likely to actually work up that project since I’ve selected it individually, probably for a specific person or event. I might also purchase the yarn right then too. $6 for a cardigan pattern and $50-$80 for the yarn at the LYS and I’ve got a great project with the pattern being the least expensive part of the equation. And, that pattern can be used more than once, so it’s value may increase in my crochet library. Any pattern we make multiple times definitely pays for itself.
There is also the issue I’ve heard discussed many times. Patterns we pay for are better written and have fewer errors than the freebies. I have not found this to be true across the board. Some publishers are better than others with editing their crochet patterns for accuracy before publication. Most books and magazines have readily accessible Errata resources for their patterns. But, it takes frogging and frustration most of the time before we think to check for Errata, doesn’t it? I have found that many free patterns I find online are actually better written – and the designer is more readily available to help – than the books and magazines I’ve paid for in my library.
Bottom line – how much are you willing to pay for a crochet pattern? I’d love to hear from readers, so I’ll offer categories to encourage your responses.
The patterns I use are – Free Only
The patterns I use are – Paid Only
The patterns I use are – a mix of Free and Paid
I’m willing to pay $1-$5 for a single pattern
I’m willing to pay more than $5 for a single pattern
That’s all. I’ll tally the responses and report the results. Feel free to send emails to me privately if you’d prefer to have your answers tallied anonymously. Otherwise, please post your responses in the Comments Section below. Thanks!
I’m new to crochet, I began by using simple, free patterns..then picked up an inexpensive pattern book at my local craft store..I love the patterns I find online, but prefer to have a little book with the instructions rather than a paper that my toddler with runaway with! For quality, I’ve been very happy with free patterns from some great blogs; for practical use – i prefer a sturdy booklet that won’t get chewed by the baby!!
Free only. When I first started crocheting, I bought a couple patterns. Now I rely heavily on the internet, or even on pattern books from the library. I can make what I want from the book and return it – all for free.
The patterns I use are a mix of Free and Paid
I’m willing to pay more than $5 for a single pattern if i absolutely LOVE it!!!
Good question. I use a mix of free and paid although I tend to lean towards more free patterns for various things. There are just too many out there to ignore.
I am like you, while I find several free patterns that stink, there are a good proportion that are well written. I like to think that when I put a free pattern on my blog, I put as much into it (aside from bringing in outside testers) as I would a paid pattern. I think its more of a pride thing – if people use my free patterns and like how I write them, then they know if they buy one, it’ll be at least the same quality.
What will I pay – I’ve bought guide books, but not really pattern BOOKS, booklets with 4-10 patterns, yes, I’ll buy those but usually for 3-5 dollars.
I’m guessing, that for a single pattern, I’d spend between nothing and 5$, depending on what the pattern is for and the complexity involved. I would pay more if I *had* too. Example – I was given a lead on a pattern at patternfish.com that is supposed to be a GREAT knit pattern for a modifiable sweater for beginners. It was $10 but it is a 12ish page document. They put a LOT of effort in creating something to really help the beginning learn to knit a sweater. I didn’t mind spending that much – and it was a recommendation, so considering the source (for me) it was a great purchase.
Hmmm I think I answered your question and then some LOL
As a designer myself (I both knit and crochet but so far have only published knit designs — should have a few crochet ones coming out soon), I do like to support my fellow designers when I can. That said, I do use a lot of free patterns and (obviously) just make up a lot of my own stuff, too. When I do purchase a pattern, I expect a little extra: notes on why the construction is how it is, recommendation of and explanation of special techniques, etc. For instance, I use a provisional cast-on for the toes of most of my sock patterns and instead of just saying “use a provisional cast-on” I actually explain the one I use (and also note that the customer can use any other provisional cast-on they like). To me, that’s the sort of detail that makes a pattern worth paying for. I don’t expect (nor offer) the same level of in-pattern support from a free pattern.
What I’m willing to pay depends on the complexity of the pattern — for complex stitch patterns or a very complicated shaped garment, definitely more than $5. For something simpler that has a new technique I’m interested in or is something I don’t feel like designing myself (mittens, for example), $1-5 is completely fine. For something really simple, I do like a free pattern (and that’s how I decide which of mine are free, too), or I’ll just whip something up myself.
I would just make free ones. Even then I would have time to do every single pretty ones.
I would just make free ones. Even then I would not have time to do every single pretty ones.
I pretty much only make free ones. But I will buy a book or a pattern if its under $5. I have bought a couple of books. I use the mainly for inspiration and technical details/shaping. I really like to make my own patterns, which are free to me:). I do buy a lot of the interweave publications. I guess I have spent more than $5 on some of their stuff. They always seem to have multiple patterns that interest me.
It depends on the pattern. I typically just go for free ones, but if I see something I just HAVE to make that has a fee I’ll pay it. Within reason. $9 for a scarf? No way. $9 for a intricate pattern of a large sweater, sure.
I recently bought a pattern online that was $2.99, and when the payment went through and I was able to download it, imagine my ire when it was a simple 1 row repeat of just DCs and SCs!! Easier than a beginner pattern. $3 for THAT?!?!?! Sure $3 is not a ton of money but that’s just insanity in my opinion. I designed my own rather complex pattern and felt like a jerk charing anything at all, so it’s free.
The patterns I use are – a mix of Free and Paid
I bought a moccasin pattern for men from a lovely etsy shop, and I paid less than 8 dollars for the pdf but she also provided access to her expertise in the form of an offer for email help, anytime. The pattern was wonderful and worked up beautifully. No mistakes and I was really please, and impressed.
I’ve bought pattern booklets and crochet magazines as well, usually I’m really happy with the magazines and will end up making a ton of the projects….however, I am very picky about the magazines I’ll spend on. There needs to be a lot of patterns I want to try or already have yarn waiting to try.
Other than that, I use ravelry and the rest of the interweb’s free pattern sites, usually with good results.
most of the time, if a free pattern can be found, I will use that first, before ever paying for one. I can often modify or alter the free pattern to match the design elements I want from the paid pattern.
El cheapo crocheter here!
Interesting question, the patterns I use are free only usually or most of the times found at ravelry, but I’d be willing to pay between $1 and $6 for a pattern that amazes me, for instance, a one of a kind very detailed design, again, the pattern has to be stunning for me to pay for it, also because of the currency, my country’s exchange doesn’t really helps me to feel like buying a pattern every month.
And about books and magazines, I like buying the latter, even if I don’t like all the patterns inside, for two reasons, first for inspiration and second because for me it’s better to follow a pattern that is written down and can hold in my hands and carry everywhere… and yes, I can print online patterns (and I do with the free ones sometimes) but it doesn’t feel the same.
The patterns I use are – a mix of Free and Paid.
I have paid $5 for a pattern. An amigurumi pattern I made for a gift. If I know I’ll make several or the design is cute & unique, I’ll pay. I usually look for free first. I appreciate the work that goes into making some of those patterns.
I don’t think all free patterns are bad either. I’ve found some good ones.
As for pattern books, I like to try them out if I can by getting them at the library first.
Mix of free & paid
I have never bought a single crochet pattern – usually I pick up books second hand, and I’ll buy a magazine probably once a year if I see something I really like, but usually I do a web search and try to find free things. My main source the past year or so has been ravelry.com, which gives me access to patterns from a bunch of different sources. I only search for free patterns, though there are a lot of really nice ones for purchase as well.
Both. I love free patterns and have used many but there are so many cute patterns I like for sale and I’d like to see the people that make those patterns continue to do so. I mostly make small things like amigurumi and anything up to $5 I feel is a fair price. If it gets higher and the object isn’t any bigger or more complicated than anything else out there, I won’t get the pattern.
I think it depends on the object. I’ll pay more for a pattern for a jacket or wrap than I would for a toy. If it looks like the pattern isn’t complicated, I won’t buy it. If the writer says there are a lot of photos of the process and the pattern was tested (and I can see the results and the testers’ comments, especially) I’m more likely to buy it.
It worries me that there are so many free patterns out there sometimes. People who come up with new creative stuff should get something for that and be encouraged to create more. At the same time, I’d like to see people stop taking a basic concept, making a minor change, and making a new pattern out of it and flooding the market. Even if those patterns are free, there’s no need for dozens of slightly different variations on an earflap hat. Whether it’s free or not. I’d rather see people create new interesting stuff and charge for it.
Good question, and I am inclined to chime in here. 😉 I really enjoy getting the free patterns, and I try to let designers know when I have appreciated one of their patterns. Occasionally I am looking for a specific pattern and can’t find a free one…such as a panda hat for my grandson…so I bought one from Etsy. I paid $7.99 for it. To me, that was expensive, but hey, it was for my grandson. <3 Turns out it was one of the worst, if not the worst, written pattern I have ever came across. It wasn't worth 79 cents, let alone $7.99. I ended up pretty much doing my own thing because I couldn't understand the directions. And I might add, it's not that I haven't read many patterns in my days. I have been crocheting for 37 years and have read tons of patterns.
That said, I have paid anywhere between $4 and $6 for some patterns from Etsy, and they have been very well written with lots of clear pics. If I'm paying good money for them, that is what I expect…clearly written patterns and pics to help guide me so that I am totally sure I am doing what I'm supposed to. 🙂
I have a mixture of patterns. I will easily pay $1-$3 per pattern. More than that I have to promise myself I will make it. I have found that with the internet and the ease of collecting patterns, whether free or paid for, I am an official pattern hoarder. To the point that I thought I had a pattern, couldn’t find it, bought and paid for it, only to find I had already bought and paid for it earlier.
I have to say that it depends on the pattern, what it’s for and how bad I want it. I’ve gotten raves for free patterns, boos from paid. But I own so many patterns published from the early 1900’s to present that I do find it really hard to pay for a pattern.
So I use a mix of free and paid.
I use a mix of free and paid. I’ve paid more than $5 for a single pattern, but it depends on the pattern; how complex it is and how much I like it.
I am a mix also. I definitely do mostly free, but if there is a pattern that I can’t live without, I’ll pay for it. I won’t hesitate paying under $5 for a pattern, but with some thought will pay more for a really good one. That being said, other than the few books I own, I can probably count on one hand the number of individual patterns I’ve purchased.
Of course who doesn’t love a free pattern. I love patterns that range from $1-$5, but am willing to pay more for clothing patterns and specialty or special st patterns, $6-$12. Anything above $12 has to be pretty spectacular, because I’m on a limited income and honestly can’t afford to pay more now. I used to spend more on patterns when I had the income to do so, but with the economy and being disabled I just can’t. I do realize the time and work that goes into creating these patterns, so I understand the need to get paid, I used to sell craft items for extra income. It is tough on both sides the buyer and the seller, hugs, Mary
I use a mixture of both. I love free but there is just something about having your own book or magazine to finger through and pick patterns and go back to time after time. I also love free patterns and I won’t pay over $6.00 dollars for a single pattern.
I use a mixture of free and paid. The paid ones, however, are never individually purchased. I’d rather get a magazine or a book with other techniques, other patterns and other ideas in it than pay a ton for a single pattern. Then again, maybe I’d pay a lot if I found something I absolutely needed to have, but I haven’t come across that yet. If it’s something I absolutely need to have, I make it up until it works.
I mainly use free patterns and I get books out of the library. I recently purchased my first pattern for 5.99 because it was just to gorgeous to pass up but after working it I think it is just too simple a pattern to rate that much money when the real beauty of the pattern actually came from the actual yarn you use…..
I can find most of what I want for free; however, when that is not the case I’ve spent as much at $6.00 for a single pattern and as much as $15.00 for a book that had at least one pattern I knew I would make and others I might make.
I have a ton of patterns that were free and that I paid for. I guess I’d pay up to 10 bucks for a solitary pattern, maybe more if I really loved it and thought it was unique. I don’t see buying a book and only making one pattern as being a waste because there is so much inspriation in books that lead to other ideas….I have tons of books and will always continuously buy them. Plus tastes change…something that may not have appealed to me at one time might appeal to me later…such as fingerless gloves. Before I thought they looked silly and now I rather want a pair. Good thing I have a billion books with patterns for fingerless gloves in them! Lots to choose from. 🙂
The patterns I use are – a mix of Free and Paid
I’m willing to pay $1-$5 for a single pattern
Free only. I used books in the beginning because it was pre-internet crazy days and I needed the instructions. Now, though, I pay so much money for the yarn that I can’t stand to pay anything for the books or magazines. I usually don’t find errors in my free patterns.
Mix of free and paid. I mostly do free patterns, but I will pay less than $5 for a pattern. I can count on one hand the number of times I have paid more than $5 for a pattern.
I use free and paid. I will pay more for a pattern from a designer I know, because I know what I am getting as far as the quality, and I like to support people who are trying to make a living with their art.
I love to own books & magazines because they tend to be pretty; I also love to save pdf files of neat free patterns to my computer, for later use or inspiration.
So that answers free or paid : both.
With this nuance : paid if by a respected publisher or designer. Free if by anyone else.
In terms of price, I’ll say on average I’d go to a max of 5$ but there could be exceptions. I bought a gorgeous shawl pattern years ago that was around 8$. At the time, Ravelry didn’t exist to see if it was well written; it was. It was a leap of faith that paid off, and my mother loved her present.
But it simply kills me when people price a pattern for simple slippers or a simple hat over 5$. I’m sorry, I just don’t understand. And becuase it’s impossible to be refunded, I tend to shy away… I love the fact that the internet allows anyone to self-publish. I also hate it paying for poorly written patterns. Especially poorly written pale imitation of existing patterns.
I love crochet & crochet designers & crochet sites & facilitators… but I hatehatehatethe above.
I use free, bought and self designed patterns. It all depends on what I find where, and if I can’t find it I’ll design it. I just purchased a vintage pattern for $5.00. I think the most I have paid for a single pattern is $7.99.
I use a mix of patterns: free and paid downloads. I have willingly paid more than $5 for a pattern; I’ve paid as much as $7.99 for a single pattern. I also buy books and subscribe to the mags (but I don’t have a car or cellphone to spend money on, so I still come out ahead, even accounting for yarn 🙂 )
I really like being able to pay for, download and store patterns on Ravelry so that I have access to them anywhere without going to any trouble.
I agree that the quality of many free patterns can be equal to–and sometimes superior to–paid patterns. While I’m at it, I’d like to ask folks who publish patterns on pdf to think a moment about how it’s going to print. I have many where they could easily be made to print on one page but you have to keep flipping back and forth to follow the rows and repeats.
I use a mixture of free and paid. If I see something I like, I’ll look for a free version, but if I can’t find anything comparable, I’ll pay. I think $1-5 is about the average I’ll pay and that depends on the complexity of the item or the variations (usually of size) offered
I use a mix of free and paid. I have paid more than five dollars for a single pattern. There are not very many crochet books at my library.I am only subscribing to digital versions of magazines because of the international postage rates.
Laura,
Please let us know when you release a crochet pattern!
jd
It depends on how badly I want a pattern as to how much I pay for one. But usually no more than 7.99. If I am not sure I will ever do it, then it has to be free.
I use a combination of free, purchased and self-designed–leaning heavily toward self-designed. I doubt I’d pay more than $5 for a single pattern. I would only be interested in purchasing a pattern if the stitch used or overall design were unique. I tend to tweak any pattern I’ve ever tried to follow, so don’t invest much in them anymore.
Of course it depends on the pattern, but I am willing to pay more than 5 bucks for a pattern especially one that is intricate or that teaches a new technique.
The patterns I use are – a mix of Free and Paid
I’m willing to pay $1-$5 for a single pattern
AND
I’m willing to pay more than $5 for a single pattern
For me, it really depends. If the item is complicated, I don’t mind paying more than $5 for it. If it’s easy and cost more than $5 I will still be satisfied if the pattern taught me something my crochet books haven’t (might just be a tip on how to hide thread, or a new stitch I haven’t heard about before).
I learned to crochet years ago but just recently started to crochet again. I’ve bought several how-to books over the years so I have paid for some patterns. Since I started to crochet again I’ve been relying on free patterns and those that I’ve found at our library book sale or at the library magazine or book section. If I found a pattern I really liked I might pay for it but there is so much free stuff around it’s hard to justify buying patterns.
I don’t mind buying a pattern or book once in awhile, it’s the dang gone shipping some charge..wow!!!! I bought 2 thin pattern books the other day and the shipping was around $10.00. They were on sale and figured that helped make up the difference. Last time from that site. (sigh)
Since my salary has dropped over a third in the past two years, I can no longer afford to pay for patterns unless I can find a used book for little to no money. I’ve been looking on the net for free patterns and have found quite a few that I like. I’ll probably never go back to paying full price for patterns any more.
I generally use free patterns. There are so many great sites online to find them. Occasionally I do buy a pattern, but I would never pay more than $5 for one and I would have to really love it to pay that much. I realize there is a lot of time and effort put into creating them, but I still can’t justify some of the high prices out there. I also check thrift stores for older crochet magazines. Often they are just a few cents and the patterns are great.
The patterns I use are mainly free. I have been know to purchase a whole book for one overly exciting pattern, but of course check first for it free or on a bid site for a lower cost. Mainly, if I purchased a lot of patterns I would be willing to pay $1-$5 for a single pattern.
I do both. If I really love a pattern and can not live with out it I buy. But I do like the free patterns on line. That is such a blessing.
I definitely use a mixture of free and paid. I tend to borrow books from the library and if I find a pattern I really like I will type it up and save it in a word doc on my computer. If there are a lot of patterns I like in one book then I will try to find that book, usually used so I can save money. I have found a lot of great free patterns. One issue I have with some paid patterns is that I feel like if I pay for the pattern I should have the option to sell the items I make using that pattern. Right now I do not sell the things I crochet but I would like to know that if I decide to in the future I can. Having said that, I will gladly pay 2 or 3 dollars for a pattern if its something great and I can not find the pattern free. If that is all I pay then it does not bother me if I do not have the right to sell the items I make using that pattern. I think, if I have rights to sell the items made, I would pay up to 10 dollars for a really great pattern. But in that case it would have to be something I know I will make a lot of.
Hey JD, saw your question posted on CP, and for me it depends on the pattern. Most of mine are free or inherited (or obtained through Freecycle – I once got a big box of crochet magazines), but…
I purchased the Annie’s Attic Cathedral Rose Window Afghan pattern two years ago (that was like $10, and I’m only about 1/3 done with it…wish they’d have mentioned that it’s all joined motifs), and about the same time I bought on eBay the Big Book of Beautiful Afghans for about $12 after shipping. Bought it just for the Floral Parade pattern I’d been drooling over for years (http://www.e-patternscentral.com/detail.html?prod_id=5050&cat_id=&criteria=garden+afghan) and I still haven’t purchased the yarn for it (another motif nightmare, but I knew that already). I’ve been eyeballing some Doris Chan and Kim Guzman patterns, though, and some Gourmet Crochet stuff. If I ever try felting, it’ll be one of their purses!
When I have a project in mind, I will always check for a free pattern first.
With that said, I buy lots & lots of patterns. I have favorite sellers, mostly on Etsy, whose shops I frequent as they release new patterns. I’m happy to pay more, if I am allowed to sell what I make. If I’m not allowed to sell the finished items, then I will think very hard about buying any pattern over $5 — and usually that’s because it’s a specific need an it’s the only pattern I’ve been able to find.
The patterns I use are – a mix of Free and Paid
I’m willing to pay $1-$5 for a single pattern
I’d *love* to be able to buy lots of books and pamphlets and magazines, but my budget is *extremely* tight, so I have to be very very careful – Ravelry is a great site, and the free patterns there are usually very good; I will occasionally find a pattern I just *have* to have, kwim? but won’t buy it if it’s over $5 – somehow $2 or thereabouts doesn’t feel like spending (grin) whereas $5 and up does??? And, yes, I’m just as frugal re. yarn purchases, although I adore looking at the lovely skeins; I save up to make one very good yarn purchase a year; over the last couple it’s been for KAL/CALs at LoopyEwe. Yes, they’re way, way out of my price league mostly, but (sigggggh…..!). I’m a sucker for subtle ombres…
I use a mixture of free and purchase patterns. I recently had this this come up with a hat pattern that I fell in love with, the Maid Marian Hat. The pattern is $7.29 and I had a hard time justifying paying that for one pattern. Until another CPer asked me if I’d pay that for a hat at a store. Made me think completely different about the purchase and I could easily justify the price.