Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Lana Grossa – Crochet Pullover – 99cent pattern

by

This Crochet Pullover from the Lana Grossa Lookbook collection (available via Jimmy Beans Wool) is a great example of crochet done in a really wearable, grown-up way. No beach cover-up vibes, no oversized holes unless you want them — just a clean, modern pullover that wouldn’t look out of place paired with jeans, linen pants, or even over a dress.

A crochet sweater that feels modern, not crafty

What I like most about this design is how structured it looks. The stitch pattern has texture, but it’s controlled and tidy, giving the sweater a nice shape instead of that floppy, stretched-out feeling some crochet garments can get over time.

It’s the kind of piece that makes people ask where you bought it — and then look genuinely surprised when you say you made it.

Comfortable construction, no drama

This isn’t a fussy pattern. It’s well laid out, easy to follow, and doesn’t require constant counting or complicated shaping gymnastics. You can settle in, enjoy the process, and still feel like you’re making something special.

It’s also a great option if:

  • you mostly crochet accessories and want to move into garments

  • you want a sweater that’s interesting without being overwhelming

  • you like projects that feel relaxing rather than demanding

Yarn + wearability

Written for Lana Grossa yarns, the finished fabric has a lovely balance of softness and structure. The stitches hold their shape nicely, so the pullover keeps its look instead of stretching out after a few wears — always a win with crochet garments.

Worth adding to your pattern stash

This is one of those crochet patterns that fills a real gap in a wardrobe. Not a novelty piece, not a once-a-year wear, but something you’ll actually reach for. Easy to style, comfortable to wear, and timeless enough that it won’t feel dated next season.

If you’ve ever wished you had more crochet garments that felt polished and everyday-friendly, this one’s absolutely worth a look.

 

Have you read?

Shock Wave Free Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern

This Free Shock Wave Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like one of those wonderfully satisfying projects that gives big cozy payoff without fiddly detail. Mary Maxim lists it as a free download, designed as a crochet afghan/lap blanket, with a finished size of 45 x 50 inches.

What immediately stands out is the yarn choice. The pattern is made with Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, using 5 skeins, and calls for a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That is gloriously chunky territory, which usually means fast progress and lots of squishy texture. If you are in the mood for a project that feels substantial in your hands and grows quickly row by row, this one definitely has that appeal.

Mary Maxim describes the blanket as having a beautifully textured, plush, soft finish and suggests it as a project for home décor or gifting. Based on the materials and oversized hook alone, that sounds about right. This feels like the sort of blanket you make for curling up on the couch, draping over a chair, or giving as a practical handmade gift that will actually get used instead of folded away “for best.”

The pattern is marked Easy, and the listed stitch requirements are straightforward: chain, repeat, double crochet, single crochet, and slip stitch. That makes it sound approachable for confident beginners and very appealing for anyone who wants a relaxing crochet project without too much counting drama.

I also think the lap blanket size is a smart one. Not every crochet blanket needs to become a giant commitment that takes over the lounge room and your will to live. A 45 x 50 inch blanket is a useful, manageable size for gifting, for wheelchairs or reading nooks, or just for keeping on hand for chilly evenings. That practicality gives this pattern extra appeal. The usability point is my own take based on the finished dimensions Mary Maxim provides.

At the moment, the pattern page shows no reviews, so there is not much customer feedback to go on yet. Still, if you enjoy easy crochet blanket patterns, super chunky crochet throws, or quick lap blanket projects, this one looks like a solid freebie to save.

My overall take? This looks like a fast, cozy, beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern with plenty of texture and instant-gratification energy. Very much the sort of project you start because it looks easy, then keep going because the yarn feels ridiculously soft.