15 Free Crochet Patterns to Make With Cotton Yarn

Cotton is one of the most widely used fibers in the crafting world. It is a breathable, yet durable material great for all kinds of projects, from clothes to dishcloths. However, crocheting with cotton yarn is not the easiest task (especially if you’re using 100% cotton fiber) and requires some practice. So, to help you get that practice in, we’ve put together a list of 15 free crochet cotton patterns.

Absolutely! Crocheting with cotton yarn might take some getting used to, as 100% cotton fibers tend to be a little stiff, but it is more than possible. And once you get a hang of it, we’re sure you’ll enjoy it.

So why do people even crochet with cotton yarn? Here are some of the main reasons:

-      It’s breathable – Garments made of cotton yarn are generally light and allow the skin to breathe. This makes cotton an excellent material for summer clothes.

-      It’s soft – While it may not be as soft as wool, cotton is still a pretty soft fiber. This makes it a good choice for garments, especially for people with sensitive skin.

-      It’s durable – Cotton can withstand some rough handling, machine washing and drying, and exposure to heat(although it is flammable!).

-      It’s absorbent – Lastly, cotton can absorb and hold quite a bit of water, making it an excellent choice of material for items such as towels or dishcloths.

-      It’s versatile – Lastly, cotton is one of the most versatile materials out there. It can be used to create an array of items, from home decor to jewelry, garments, accessories, and so on.

As we have already mentioned, cotton is a great yarn for crocheting summer clothes and kitchen items such as dishcloths. But there is a long list of other things that can be made out of cotton, such as:

-      Coasters, table toppers, and other kitchen items

-      Purses, bags, and backpacks

-      Dish towels, kitchen towels, dishcloths

-      Home decor items

-      Jewelry

Are you interested in trying to crochet some of these items? Check out the 15 free cotton crochet patterns below for some inspiration.

Crochet a cherry pie for your cherry pie! Make this gorgeous Cherry Pie Hot Pad to add a pop of color to your kitchen, or give it away as an original housewarming gift. This is an easy-level crochet pattern, and it uses some simple stitches such as the slipstitch, single crochet, and double crochet.

Yarn used in this pattern: Lily Sugar’n Cream, shades: Jute and Country Red

Alternative yarns to use: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn, Peaches & Creme

Hook size: G-6

Yet another project that will turn your kitchen into a colorful haven, the Rose Bud Dish Cloth is also an excellent pattern for beginner crocheters who would like to try working with striped yarn. The pattern uses a cotton-polyester blend yarn, which gives the final product extra sturdiness without compromising on absorbency.

Yarn used in this pattern: Premier Home Cotton Yarn, shade: Pink Stripe

Alternative yarns to use: Premier Just Cotton Yarn, Big Twist Cotton Yarn, Women’s Institute Cotton Yarn

Hook size: 7

Want to get a little extra with your kitchen crochet projects? Why not try this Whirling Pan Protector & Handle Cover Set?The pattern comes in three different sizes, so all your pans can be safe and cozy, regardless of how big or small they are.

Yarn used in this pattern: Premier Home Cotton Yarn, shade: Honeydew Splash

Alternative yarns to use: Premier Just Cotton Yarn, Big Twist Cotton Yarn, Women’s Institute Cotton Yarn

Hook size: 7 and I-9

Another easy-level kitchen project, the free Quick and Easy Coasters pattern is, as the name suggests, quick and easy. The coasters resemble a granny square, so if you need to brush up your memory on those, this is an excellent project to do so.

Yarn used in this pattern: Premier Home Cotton Yarn, shade: Poolside

Alternative yarns to use: Premier Just Cotton Yarn, Big Twist Cotton Yarn, Women’s Institute Cotton Yarn

Hook size: I-9

Now, we know we said that cotton is great for summer clothes, but what we omitted to say is that it can be used for warmer garments, too. If you’re looking to crochet a cotton sweater for your kid, give this Toddler Hoodie pattern a try.

Yarn used in this pattern: Bernat Cottontots

Alternative yarns to use: Rico Design Creative Cotton Stripes Yarn, Knitca Wavy Yarn, Valley Yarns Montague Yarn

Hook size: I-9

Other materials: 5 buttons

Have some leftover cotton yarn and looking for a smaller project to use it up? How about some Ice Pop Cozies? This easy-level pattern is also great for practicing single crochet stitches and chains.

Yarn used in this pattern: Premier Home Cotton Yarn, shades: Rainbow and White / Cucumber Lime and Lime Green

Alternative yarns to use: Premier Just Cotton Yarn, Big Twist Cotton Yarn, Women’s Institute Cotton Yarn

Hook size: G-6

Let’s stick with cozies for a second there. This free Teaberry Crochet Cozy and Mug Set pattern will help you keep your hands protected from hot tea and have your tea set looking fabulous! This is an easy-level pattern, and it’s a great opportunity to practice crocheting button loops.

Yarn used in this pattern: Premier Home Cotton Yarn, shade: Aquamarine Sparkle

Alternative yarns to use: Premier Just Cotton Yarn, Big Twist Cotton Yarn, Women’s Institute Cotton Yarn

Hook size: H-8

Other materials: button

Looking for a project that will jumpstart your holiday spirit? Or maybe you’re looking to practice working with mercerized cotton? Either way, this free Snowman Amigurumi pattern will help you do both! This is an intermediate-level project, so be prepared for a little bit of a challenge. And if you end up liking it, there is a whole collection of similar projects, including Santa, Rudolph, an elf, and Gingerbread Man.

Yarn used in this pattern: Circulo Amigurumi Yarn

Alternative yarns to use: Premier Cotton Sprout Yarn, King Cole Cotton smooth Yarn, Patons 100% Cotton Yarn

Hook size: C-2

Other materials: polyester stuffing, black safety eyes

Step up your fashion game, whether you’re going to the beach or grocery shopping. Crochet this easy-level Beach Party Bag and add a pop of color to your outfits. Before you get started, you’ll also need to get two 5-inch plastic rings to serve as handles.

Yarn used in this pattern: Lily Sugar’n Cream, shades: Ecru and Tangerine/Teal

Alternative yarns to use: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn, Peaches & Creme

Hook size: H-8 and J-10

Other materials: two 5in plastic rings

Have a lot of free time on your hands and need a big project to keep you occupied? Why not crochet an entire rug?! Sure, you’ll need almost 30 balls of yarn for this Diamond Daisy Rug, but if you ask us, the end result will be well worth it. Plus, despite its size, it is an easy-level project.

Yarn used in this pattern: Lily Sugar’n Cream, shade: Hot Pink

Alternative yarns to use: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn, Peaches & Creme

Hook size: P

At last, let’s get to those summer clothes we’ve been going on and on about. Make this beautiful Crochet Lace Trim Tank Dress for next summer. The pattern comes in six sizes, ranging from XS/S to 4/5XL, so you can even make a matching set for the whole friend group. Keep in mind, though, that this is an intermediate-level project, and you’ll also need to know how to crochet some lacy edges.

Yarn used in this pattern: Bernat Softee Cotton Yarn, shade: Fuchsia

Alternative yarns to use: Bernat Softee Baby Cotton, Go Handmade Cosy Yarn, Elements Softest Cotton

Hook size: G-6 and 7

Looking for a durable, but fashionable shopping tote? Why not simply crochet one yourself?! Check out this Lily Sugar’n Cream Shopping Tote pattern for some inspiration. This is an easy-level project, so it’s a great option, even if you’re not that experienced with cotton.

Yarn used in this pattern: Lily Sugar’n Cream, shades: Yellow, White, Hot Green

Alternative yarns to use: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn, Peaches & Creme

Hook size: K-10.5

Have you ever worked with scrubby yarn? It is really unlike any other yarn out there. Its unique texture can make crocheting challenging, so it definitely takes some practice. If you’re looking for a project to try out scrubby yarn, we recommend this intermediate-level Set of Suns Scrubby pattern.

Yarn used in this pattern: Red Heart Scrubby Cotton Yarn, shade: Lemony

Alternative yarns to use: Lion Brand Stitch Soak Scrub, Red Heart Scrubby Yarn

Hook size: H-8

Since we’re already in the bathroom, let’s crochet another bathroom project. We recommend giving this Rick Rack Washcloths pattern a try. This is an easy-level project and great for practicing changing yarns since you’ll have todo it quite a few times.

Yarn used in this pattern: Premier Home Cotton Yarn, shades: Tangerine Splash/Violet Splash, Ocean Splash/Flamingo, White

Alternative yarns to use: Premier Just Cotton Yarn, Big Twist Cotton Yarn, Women’s Institute Cotton Yarn

Hook size: I-9

Looking to make a light coverup for those cool, breezy fall evenings? We’ve got just the project for you! This free Ashanti Coverup pattern is an intermediate-level project, so it does require some skill, but the end result will be well worth the effort. It comes in eight different sizes, so you can even make a matching set!

Yarn used in this pattern: Premier Cotton Fair Yarn, shade: Cocoa

Alternative yarns to use: Premier Minikins Yarn, Rico Design Creative Yarn, Paintbox Cotton Mix

Hook size: G-9

The patterns we listed above use some of thebest cotton yarns on the market, such as Premier Home Cotton Yarn and Lily Sugar’n Cream. However, there aremany other quality cotton yarns on the market to choose from. Here are some of our other favorites:

-      Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn – This is 100%cotton, worsted-weight yarn. It is soft and absorbent, and great for home decor or kitchen items. It comes in a wide range of solids and stripes. You can find patterns using this yarn here.

-      Mary Maxim Home Yarn – This soft cotton-polyamide blend is a bulky yarn coming straight out of Mary Maxim’s workshop. Its unique construction gives it a squishy feeling and makes this yarn ideal for an array of home decor items. Color variations cover different shades of blue and gray. If you want to try this yarn, check out some kits here.

-      Premier Cotton Sprout – Premier’s 100% cotton light-weighted yarn is perfect for summer garments and accessories. The yarn is machine washable, and it comes in a number of vibrant, bright colors. Want to try this yarn? Here are some great patterns for it.

-      Lion Brand 24/7 – Lion Brand 24/& is 100%mercerized cotton (processed to improve durability, shape-retention, and softness). This is an excellent yarn for home decor, such as pillows, sweaters, and other warmer garments. You can find some patterns with this yarn here.

-      Mary Maxim Cotton Socks Yarn – The cotton-acrylic-polyamide blend from Mary Maxim is a super fine yarn that comes in a range of earthy, pastel multi-color variations. Despite the name, this yarn is great for more than just socks, such as light summer garments, elegant shawls, and so on.