Challenge Yourself to Make These 12 Tricky Crochet Patterns
What are your resolutions for 2021? It’s a great time for some mindfulness around growth. If you want to become a better crocheter then it’s time to get outside your comfort zone. Pick a pattern that looks hard, like really hard, and you will learn so much good stuff along the way!
Each project on this list would make for an exciting way to level up your crochet skills. My advice is to ignore that little voice inside your head that is telling you that you can’t do great things (I’m not the only one who has that voice, right?). If the project both excites you and scares you, then you’re probably on the right track. So let’s give these advanced crochet patterns a try!
1. Casa Kahlo Blanket
You will be working with many different colors and stitches when you make this pretty Casa Kahlo Blanket. There are multiple sizes of motifs, and you’ll be joining them together at the end to make this exquisite and extraordinary afghan! I advise not to miss a count on this tricky crochet pattern
Designer: Paintbox Yarns
Click here for the free pattern!
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2. Dotty Cowl
Working in double layers is twice as much fun as regular crochet, right? You’re going to feel so fancy in this gorgeous, reversible cowl! I especially love the color selection for this pattern – one neutral color and one variegated yarn. The stitches are worked into two lower rounds at the same time, making it a fun and challenging crochet pattern.
Designer: Elena Fedotova
Click here for the free pattern!
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3. Crocodile Stitch Shawl
Learning the crocodile stitch can be a little tricky at first, but the result is very rewarding! There is so much texture and dimension in this crochet technique that it will breathe new life into anything you create! This beautiful shawl is just the beginning my friend. I love combining stitches to make an intricate crochet pattern
Designer: Meladoras Creations
Click here for the free pattern!
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4. Pineapple Peacock Shawl
Go ahead and strut like a peacock. You deserve to show off a little bit if you master this advanced lace design. The pineapple stitch is a classic crochet lace motif. It’s definitely worth learning and I think it’s pretty obvious why!
Designer: Amy Gunderson for Universal Yarn
Click here for the free pattern!
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5. Love Knot Market Bag
Why crochet a boring old mesh stitch when you can use love knots instead? This crochet technique is also sometimes called the Solomon’s knot. It’s a lovely intricate knotted lace stitch that looks absolutely stunning, especially up close!
Designer: Ned & Mimi
Click here for the free pattern!
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6. Diamond Ridges
The diamond trellis stitch uses post stitches to create 3-dimensional diamonds that pop out of your crochet! I’ve never seen it done in the round before, but I have to say that this hat design is phenomenal. I especially love the pretty flower the top of this hat makes. Don’t be afraid of this difficult crochet pattern.
Designer: Kristy Ashmore
Click here for the free pattern!
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7. Sand Dune Sweater
When you use the broomstick lace crochet technique, you’ll be working your stitches around a rod or thick hook. The resulting lace pattern is perfect for a lightweight sweater. Personally, I think broomstick lace is the most difficult crochet stitch. I have yet to master it, lol. I know it’s just wishful thinking but maybe a spring crochet project will make spring come faster!
Designer: For the Frills
Click here for the free pattern!
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8. Sacred Space Blanket
You know a crochet pattern is going to be tricky when it’s broken up into 9 parts. This crochet project is definitely not for the faint of heart, but think of how proud you will feel when you actually complete it!
Designer: Crystals and Crochet
Click here for the free pattern!
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9. Wispvale Snowflake
Sure, crochet snowflake patterns are a dime a dozen, but this one might just be the prettiest and most intricate pattern. You could string a few together to make a garland or hang them individually for beautiful decorations that you can leave up all winter long.
Designer: Draiguna
Click here for the free pattern!
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10. Study of Texture Afghan
A stitch sampler afghan is the perfect way to challenge yourself and lean hard crochet stitches. There is something really calming about starting a big project and knowing that you’ll get to spend a lot of time with it. Plus, think of all the new stitches you’ll learn!
Designer: Michael Sellick for Yarnspirations
Click here for the free pattern!
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11. Crochet Vintage Cloche Hat
This pattern is not for the faint of heart. There is one, & only one spot where a few people get stuck. At the half-way point in this pattern you will stop working in a figure 8 pattern & use one slip stitch close off the hat. The placement of this slip stitch has thrown a lot of people off. But I have provided pictures & a free video tutorial to get you past this one difficult stitch
Designer: Littlejohn’s Yarn
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12. Crochet Dragon Dress
I just love this stitch. It looks great on any project. The stitch used are the shell stitch & chains. This pattern does have a 4 row repeat. I suggest stitch markers to not lose your place in the pattern and REMEMBER your count!
Designer: Littlejohn’s Yarn
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Are you ready to tackle a new and challenging project? Hey, nobody said you had to go it alone. Reach out to the wonderful crochet community for help and support when the going gets tough. Write a comment below with what new project you are excited to start, so we can wish you luck on your new crochet journey!
Happy Crocheting!
Psst… If you love free crochet patterns (I know…duh) make sure to follow the blog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest! Littlejohn’s Yarn posts original designs and free crochet pattern round-ups regularly for you to enjoy.