135 patterns

Vintage Crochet Patterns from 1941–1960, Rewritten for Today

Vintage crochet patterns here are 135 designs transcribed from 15 mid-century American pattern books published between 1941 and 1960. Each keeps the original design and photograph, names its source publication, and adds modern thread or yarn equivalents, a starting hook size tied to the printed gauge, and a note of every change.

By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Reviewed · Editorial policy

Where do these vintage crochet patterns come from?

Every pattern is transcribed from a pattern book or leaflet issued by a thread or yarn company, such as The Spool Cotton Company and The American Thread Company. These publications are recorded as public domain in the United States. Copyright rules differ between countries, so check your local rules before reusing the original texts yourself.

Source publications and how many patterns come from each
PublicationPublisherYearPatterns
Old and New Favorites: Crochet Designs (Book No. 173)The Spool Cotton Company194124
Chair BacksAmerican Thread Company19477
New Tablecloths (Star Book No. 57)American Thread Company194810
Fine Crochet and TattingThe Spool Cotton Company19494
Edgings: crocheted, tatted, hair pin lace (Star Book No. 81)American Thread Company195118
Beautiful, Beautiful Afghans (Star Book No. 82)American Thread Company195110
Stoles and Shawls: Hairpin Lace, Knitted, Crocheted (Star Book No. 86)American Thread Company19517
Afghans (Afghan Book No. 289)The Spool Cotton Company19529
Bernat Handicrafter Book No. 161: StolesEmile Bernat & Sons Company19533
Stoles: Knitted; Crocheted; Hairpin Lace (Star Stole Book No. 133)American Thread Co.19604
Crocheted Rugs (Star Rug Book No. 106)The American Thread CompanyNot printed15
In Fashions: for Him, for Her, in Knits, in Crochets (Star Book No. 230)American Thread CompanyNot printed10
Ruffled Doilies (Star Doily Book No. 143)American Thread CompanyNot printed9
"Crazy Daisy" Boutique, Vol. No. 5Scovill Manufacturing Company (Dritz Division)Not printed3
Bulkies: Sweaters to Knit and Crochet (Book No. 006)American Thread CompanyNot printed2

What types of vintage crochet patterns are there, and how hard are they?

Most mid-century patterns assume an experienced crocheter: only 25 of the 135 are rated easy or beginner, and 77 are worked in fine crochet thread with a steel hook. Afghans, rugs and stoles in yarn are the most approachable place to start.

Vintage patterns by project type and skill level
Project typePatternsBeginnerEasyIntermediateAdvanced
Afghans & bedspreads2808146
Doilies, tablecloths & chair backs48012225
Edgings & trims1803105
Rugs & mats151680
Stoles & shawls140473
Garments & accessories120264

How do you substitute vintage thread and yarn with modern materials?

Vintage patterns name brand-specific threads and yarns, many no longer made, and steel hook numbers that varied between makers. Match the thread size or yarn weight first, then swatch: the printed gauge matters more than the hook number. The examples below are taken from patterns in this library.

Materials as printed and the modern equivalents we give
PatternAs printedModern equivalentStarting hook
Persian PrintCHADWICK'S RED HEART KNITTING WORSTED, 4 Ply, Art. E.232: 21 skeins (1 oz. "Tangle-Proof"…Worsted (#4) yarn. Chadwick's Red Heart Knitting Worsted, 4 ply, was a worsted-weight yarn; substitute any…Start with 4 mm (US G-6) and change size to match the gauge.
Child's Chair Back"DE LUXE" MERCERIZED CROCHET AND KNITTING COTTON, Article 346De Luxe Mercerized Crochet and Knitting CottonStart with a 1.65 mm (US 7) steel hook — the printed size is #7 — and…
Flower EdgingAMERICAN THREAD COMPANY "STAR" TATTING CROCHET, Article 25Fine tatting crochet cotton (size not printed; about size 70–80)Start with a 0.85 mm steel hook (the original No. 13) and change size…
Home Sweet HomeAMERICAN THREAD COMPANY "AUNT LYDIA'S" HEAVY RUG YARN, Article 235Aunt Lydia's Heavy Rug Yarn (Coats & Clark) is still sold. It is a bulky (#5)-class rug yarn; substitute any…Start with 5 mm (US H-8) and change size to match the gauge.
ConcertoAMERICAN THREAD COMPANY "DAWN" NYLON or NYLON POMPADOUR or "DAWN" SWEATER & SOCK YARN…Fine (CYC #2) sock/sport-type yarn — the original sweater & sock yarn and nylon were fine yarns: about 13 oz…Start with 3.5 mm (US E-4) and change size to match the gauge

What is the difference between vintage, antique and retro crochet patterns?

The terms overlap, but "antique" usually means patterns about a century old or more, such as Victorian and Edwardian needlework books, while "vintage" and "retro" usually mean the 1930s to 1970s. Everything in this library is dated 1941–1960, or undated booklets from the same era, so it is vintage rather than antique.

Frequently asked questions

Are these vintage crochet patterns free?

Each pattern page shows the first section of the instructions free, with the original photograph and materials. The complete patterns are in the printable PDF collections.

Have the vintage patterns been changed?

The designs are unchanged. Instructions are rewritten in current US abbreviations and split into numbered rows or rounds, and every change is listed in the pattern's modernisation notes.

Have they been test-crocheted?

They are first editions: each transcription is checked against the original text and test-crocheting is in progress. Anything the original leaves unclear is marked rather than guessed.

Can I sell items made from vintage patterns?

Yes. You can sell finished items you make from these patterns; the PDF files themselves may not be shared or resold.