by Cathy Mcclellan

Created on: January 22, 2009   Last Updated: October 07, 2010

If you have ever known anyone who crochets, you know they usually have a very large selection of patterns. You can be sure, though, that they did not purchase every one of them.

Crochet is a fun project and you can make so many different things. Clothing, afghans, scarves, baby clothes, bedspreads, tablecloths, window treatments and many more too numerous to mention.

When starting out in crochet you a the investment cost of thread, pattern, needles, embroidery needle, etc. On a continuing basis you will be purchasing yarn and new needles, in some cases, for each project you do. Even though you eventually get a build up of different yarn colors and amounts, there will always be a particular color and the need for more of a color that will keep you going to the store for yarn.

As prices increase, so does the cost of yarn. Finding ways to save as much as you can and still make beautiful things involves a little creativity.

Of course, there are many websites today that have cheaper prices than the local hobby stores, even figuring in the cost of shipping. You can also buy in bulk if you can, in order to an even cheaper prices. This will also include patterns, however, pattern books are still quite pricey depending on the amount of patterns in the book. Your local hobby, department and grocery stores sometimes have crochet magazines that have a lot of tips and patterns in them, however, finding free patterns are the best way to go.

If you use free patterns, you can try out a new pattern or stitch you have never done before and if you don't like it, you can rip out your stitches, save the yarn and go to another pattern without having to waste the money on a pattern.

Half the fun is in the search for that one pattern that catches your eye. Or finding a stash of old pattern books in a free box at a garage sale and one of them just happens to have the very pattern your grandmother made for you.

Once you think about it, there are many ways to find free crochet patterns. Visit your local library. They will have a selection of crochet books for you to check out.

Join a crochet club if one is available in your area or join one of the several that are now on the Internet. You will be able to exchange patterns with everyone.

Also on the Internet are quite a few free pattern sites and all have patterns listed by the type of article you want to make. You can also sign up for e-letters. E-letters are weekly or monthly newsletters emailed to you for your convenience. There is always a pattern or two included in the newsletter.

Check with your family and friends for patterns. It'll be a safe bet that if you know an older fellow crocheter, he or she will have some really unique patterns from a few different generations.

So start looking for those perfect patterns and get busy crocheting!

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