Crochet doesn't have to be all about cosy nights in during the cold weather - summer is a prime time to get hooking too! We’ve felt totally inspired by this beautiful weather to create a list of our top 15 favourite free crochet projects for summer (plus a few not-to-miss paid for patterns) for those BBQs, picnics and garden parties you may be hosting, or even just to add some extra colours to your space.
Top 15 free summer garden crochet patterns
1. Free crochet bunting pattern.
This Simply Crochet Free seaside bunting crochet pattern by Eleonora Tulley is a bright and cheery way of bringing the beach to your back garden! Not a fan of the seaside? No worries, we've also got a fab free granny bunting crochet pattern and a free flower bunting crochet pattern. Alternatively, you could put down the hook and try our how to make heart macrame bunting tutorial!
2. Free gingham picnic blanket crochet pattern
Whether you're heading to the local park, or just hanging out in the garden, you'll need a decent picnic blanket to lounge on. We love the vintage style of this free gingham picnic blanket crochet pattern from Caron! Sure you'll probably need to start on it early to ensure it's finished in time for summer, but once you've made it we think it'll be one of those summer crochet projects that will last for years and years!
3. Free flower coaster crochet pattern
Keep your patio furniture looking in tip top condition with the help of some simple crochet coasters. This free crochet flower coaster pattern is simply a lovely flower motif but it'll do the job nicely, and looks fantastic when hooked up in a range of bright colours! Plus they're relatively simple and quick to make once you get going, meaning they're one of our summer crochet projects that you can get started on right away and have ready by the weekend!
4. Free candy coloured doily crochet pattern
Give your garden table a makeover with this super-sweet free candy coloured doily crochet pattern. It's a join-as-you-go pattern, so you can make them as small or large as you desire, from coasters to doilies, or even go supersize and make a whole tablecloth!
5. Free picnic basket crochet pattern
Keep your sandwiches safe with this free picnic basket crochet pattern. We love the combined use of basketweave stitches on the outside, and gingham stitch effect on the inside just screams of summer!
6. Free garden tote bag crochet pattern
This free garden tote bag crochet pattern would make a lovely alternative hold-all for all of your garden tools - we think it would look fabulous in some natural earthy colours!
7. Free outdoor rug crochet pattern
Outdoor rugs seem to be all the rage right now, although they're probably more suited to patios or decking rather than a lawn. If you fancy hooking up a thick sturdy rug for outside, you should try our free crochet rug pattern. It's made in chunky recycled cotton so will be thick and heavy enough to stop it sliding about as well as being tough enough to withstand a bit of outside wear (maybe don't leave it outside al through winter though).
And if you're thinking one this looks a bit too time consuming for you, you could always try our easy crochet rug pattern instead!
8. Free night light jar crochet patterns
When the sun starts to set, keep your summer party going well into the night with the help of these free night light jar crochet patterns from Paintbox Yarns. And if you fancy some more patterns, our free pen pot cosies crochet patterns would work just as well too! (P.S. Never leave candles unattended, even in a jar... but you know that already!)
9. Free table setting crochet patterns
Bring some colour to your outdoor dining with these fab free table setting crochet patterns by Bernat. The pattern includes placemats, coasters and napkin rings - your dining guests will be ever so impressed!
10. Free Garden garland crochet pattern
We know not everyone is green fingered (or even has the space to garden), but if your outside space is looking a little plain then you can always use your crochet skills to add some beautiful blooms with this gorgeous Free Garden garland crochet pattern from Lovecrafts! String it up along your fence or wall for your garden parties, then bring it inside for year-round flowers!
11. Free embroidery hoop mandala crochet pattern
What gorgeous colours, how lovely would this free embroidery hoop mandala pattern look hanging from a tree or against a fence? And if this has inspired you, you can always take a peek at our free crochet mandala patterns for more even patterns! Multicoloured yarn scraps for the win!
12. Free tidy up storage crochet basket patterns
As much as we love hanging out in the garden, when it's time to go in then you've always got to make at least a couple of trips bringing all your things back in (especially if the kids have had all their toys outside). So save yourself some hassle with these Free tidy up storage crochet basket patterns from Lovecrafts! As they're hooked up in recycled T-shirt yarn they'll be nice and sturdy too - you could probably even leave them outside during summer nights.
13. Free donut cushion crochet pattern
When the whole gang comes round to your garden party and you start running out of chairs, then it's time to reach for the cushions - and your guests will certainly be sitting pretty on this amazing giant donut cushion! Made in Aran yarn and with 2 contrasting colours (as well as some fun sprinkles), this free giant donut cushion crochet pattern is great for rolling out into the garden, and little ones will absolutely love playing with them too!
(If you fancy a whole plethora of cushions to choose from, you could also make out free pyramid cushion cover pattern or our how to make chevron cushions tutorial).
14. Free crochet plant hanger pattern
If you've already filled every available space in your garden with plants (we know that feeling too well), then fear not – hook up out free crochet plant hanger pattern and hang those extra plants from trees, fences, sheds... pretty much anywhere you can think of! You can always mix up your hangers and try our how to make a macrame plant hanger tutorial which shows you how to make 2 different types of hanger!
15. Free tea towel edging pattern
Whether you're having a big party or just a small bbq, one thing is for sure - spillages are going to happen! So make sure you're prepared with some extra crochet style! Our How to decorate tea towels with crochet edging tutorial is a great way of jazzing up some boring tea towels. Or alternatively go one step further and hook up out free wavy dishcloth crochet pattern to mop up spills straight away!
More garden party crochet patterns
If you just can't get enough of fun patterns that would look great in your home or garden this summer, here’s some extra paid-for patterns that we just had to mention!
Birds nest crochet pattern
Treat our feather friends to a new cosy home with this Birds Nest crochet pattern. Remember that birds will use wool in their nests too, so if you've got any natural woolly fibres left over from your project stuff them inside for them to use too!
Table mandala crochet pattern
For fixing a tired-looking garden table – this wonderfully colourful mandala by Emma Leith, which goes perfectly around your table parasol.
Pansy and Viola flowers crochet pattern
These small but beautiful pansies and violas by Pippa Patterns Crochet would make a great centrepiece for your outdoor dining table, then you can bring them inside and treasure them all year round!
Picnic basket crochet pattern
Here's a fantastic classic-style picnic basket crochet pattern that is perfect for taking out on walks... or just for storing your yarn in!
Play tent crochet pattern
A Simply Crochet favourite – this fab big star Play tent crochet pattern by Sara Huntington will give kids and pets somewhere to play while you relax in the garden... probably with some crochet in hand!
Oh la la plant hanger crochet kit
If you've already filled your garden beds and borders with plants, why stop there - try hanging them from your trees or fences too! We love this Oh La La Plant Hanger crochet kit from Wool and the Gang. It combines simple crochet techniques with Macrame, and as it's made out of biodegradable raffia yarn you can put it in the compost bin once if it gets worn out by the weather (or just keep in inside to treasure it forever!)
Garden crochet flower patterns
These cute garden crochet flower patterns by Emma Leith will never die, and look great displayed in simple glass bottles!
We hope you enjoy these patterns... and the sunshine!!! Click here to find more of our free patterns!
