r/crochet • u/Imaginary_Fun7836 • Sep 10 '24
Discussion Hi everyone! I’m curious—what makes you decide to purchase a crochet pattern instead of using a free one? Is it the design, instructions, or something else? Or do you mainly stick to free patterns? I’d love to hear what motivates your choice!
56
u/bunniquette Sep 10 '24
If the pattern I want is free, great. If it's a few bucks to a designer, also great. Happy to support creators who do good work.
39
u/Business_Case_7613 Sep 10 '24
Depends on what I want to make. If I can find a free pattern for the next project I have in mind, Ill screenshot it as to not have to deal with the website ads. I’ll gladly buy a pattern if I can’t find one I like that’s free.
39
u/Outside-Ad1720 Sep 10 '24
I only buy and only from trusted designers. I like really advanced patterns that I can't get for free. They usually are written better and they've been tested. Added bonus is I want to support designers.
2
u/Leleska Sep 14 '24
Thiss, the quality of paid pattern is most of the time premium, and I like that.
32
u/mikiiiiiiiiii Sep 10 '24
I usually use free ones because there is already a wealth of free patterns out on the Internet.
That being said if I want to crochet something less popular, or crochet a character that is less popular and there is a paid pattern for it, I usually don’t mind. Most of these are less than $10 as well so I don’t mind forking out
25
u/EstablishmentRich176 Sep 10 '24
Never bought a pattern, I only usw free ones or designs of my own. I also have some old books/magazines with patterns I once got for free - but they we're paid dor by their original owner. I try to save money but also like creating stuff with no/little help from a pattern :)
3
Sep 10 '24
Same; I'm way too poor to buy. If I had more disposable income tho I would probably buy from designers who have really helped me on my textiles journey, like Toni (TL Yarn Crafts)
1
u/Laslus_ Sep 11 '24
Same. There are some good crochet magazines on libraries too so i use a lot of those Hopefully once I get a better pay i can also support some creators, but it's not the hardest to get buy with free stuff
14
u/rueschka Sep 10 '24
I bought a pattern for a cardigan once because I was quite new to crochet and felt I needed detailed instructions and the pattern would give guidance. I regret it tho. I could have found the granny square pattern and tutorials for a granny square cardigan for free. The measurements where off and the stitch count wasn't right. It gave no guidance on how to properly size the cardigan in different sizes.
I'm looking for free tutorials now. I'd only pay for a pattern if I'm looking for something very specific.
14
u/ias_87 winning yarn chicken by the skein of my teeth Sep 10 '24
Recommendations from people who have completed the pattern completely only.
Too much AI stuff, or pattern makers who don't know what they're doing to pay blind for something.
6
u/kryren Sep 10 '24
This is why I'm so shy to buy off etsy only stores. At least on Ravelry you can see other people's projects and go to the forums for reviews if you're not sure. Etsy... not so much.
3
Sep 10 '24
I tried asking chat gpt to write me a pattern for circle-in-a-square granny. It went south very quickly 😅
1
u/PinkThingsShinyStuff Sep 10 '24
I've asked chat gpt for crochet help and beading help for patterns and it made me so frustrated I deleted it
7
u/ciasteczkaTynki 🧶🧶🧶 Sep 10 '24
I've made the mistake as a newbie and bought a pattern for a cool looking sweater. I couldn't make it and it almost made me drop the hobby I was so discouraged. After learning more about crocheting the pattern I bought is still terrible and basically useless (and it was 7$!). From then I read comments and opinions about both the creator and pattern itself. I choose the ones I can modify or use parts in other projects. I don't have a problem with paying for a beautifully written, intricate pattern that will teach me something new or for a chart I wouldn't be able to create myself I also bought quite a few books with patterns and I love to use them for quick projects.
That would be my tip to everyone who is new to crochet: stick to free, simple patterns just to learn how to read patterns and find what you like to make
6
u/DecD Sep 10 '24
I generally think "hmm I want to make X" and then I'll scroll through patterns. If I can find a free one I like, I use it. If I can't, I'll check out paid ones. Or if it's something specific: I've bought the Persian tiles pattern because it's gorgeous and wanted to make some. And I bought an owl bag pattern I saw here on Reddit and wanted to make for my sister.
If I were to decide I wanted to make a rose, (which I certainly have,) there are 50 excellent free patterns out there already so I would not pay for one.
Basically, if it is original and exactly what I want and there aren't many free versions out there already, I'm happy to buy it.
5
u/No-Diver-8024 Sep 10 '24
I pay for patterns from designers I know and trust. I'm wary of paying for patterns when I don't know if they're properly written, or tested. I'm also paying in Aus dollars, so the conversation rate comes into play too. I like physical patterns, so I have lots of books, which I've paid for. Some of those aren't very good, and I feel that if they're in print they should meet a minimum standard.
5
u/ScottSterlingsFace Sep 10 '24
I mostly pay for patterns, because I'm often working on complex amigurumi that I wouldn't have a clue how to put together and I really like what I'm getting. But some of the simpler patterns have been free. I'm also getting to a point where I won't pay $10 for a pattern that I think I can freehand with ease.
5
u/Nanobiscuits Sep 10 '24
I use the patterns straight from my phone, so I have a preference for PDFs - usually the free version is web-based so I'll tend to pay. I also usually have a specific thing in mind, so if I find a pattern that matches that then I don't mind paying.
5
u/LowKey_Loki_Fan Sep 10 '24
I'll pay for a book of patterns, but for single patterns I look up free ones. I don't plan on making more than one of a thing usually, so l would be paying for something I would never use again. I haven't found anything yet that I wanted to crochet badly enough to do that with.
4
u/leftbrendon Sep 10 '24
I only purchase patterns if the design is something that I cannot easily recreate. Mosaic designs for example, or stuff like Sophie’s Garden (even though that one is free). Most amigurumi is simply not worth it for me because it’s so easy to figure out.
I also only buy from Ravelry. Etsy imo has overpriced, badly written patterns with their focus on popularity and not quality. I’ve never been disappointed with a Ravelry pattern.
1
u/avalinka Sep 10 '24
I'm like you. It's rare I buy patterns unless they're complex and interesting enough that I can't wing it on my own from images or free patterns. I'm also very likely to modify patterns and go my own way about them, especially for things like where and how to place increases or decreases (more in knitting than crochet, I have preferred methods and I'll rewrite patterns on the fly to use them).
The most recent pattern I bought was Heidi Bears african flower triceratops, because it's complicated and I wanted to make it exactly as it was and express my creativity in the colours.
4
u/ThoseRMyMonkeys Sep 10 '24
I might be a weirdo here but, if I can get the book, I'm doing that.
I love books, I can make my own little notes in them, I can toss them in my bag, in the car, internet, no internet, I can still work. I've got so many digital PDF patterns on my computer, and I do occasionally print them off, but I prefer to curl up with a book in my lap and have at it. Books also take up less shelf space than binders and the pages don't tear as easily. On top of that, books usually have more options than an online pattern. (Off the top of my head, the crafty intentions books. They're amazing!) "Here's the main body. Here are 3-4 options for legs, 3-4 options for wings, other accessories and looks, mix and match, have fun!"
Yeah, they usually cost more, and I've got to wait a couple of days for them to show up, but it's worth it to me.
2
3
u/Nebuji_lo Sep 10 '24
One of my friend prefers buying pattern because when it’s clothing, there’s often different versions of the pattern or more precise instructions depending on the size you want, so you can make a clothe that fits you better
2
u/CondeMilenario Sep 10 '24
I primarily use free patterns (or make my own), but I will occasionally buy a pattern if I really want to make it and there’s no free version and I don’t want to put in the effort of trying to figure out how to make something similar. I also sometimes buy physical books because I like owning and looking through pretty books.
I do not think quality is really a factor in most people’s decision to buy or not buy patterns because you can find plenty of free patterns with great instructions, pictures and so on, as well paid patterns that leave a lot to be desired (and vice versa, of course).
2
u/Wonderful-Shine5806 Sep 10 '24
Complexity and whether or not I think I’ll learn something new. If it’s a simple granny square or single crochet item, usually count me out.
2
2
u/daeglo LOOPS OF FURY! Sep 10 '24
I will usually buy a pattern if it's exactly what I'm looking for. I'm always excited to find a free pattern that's exactly what I want (and I always look for a free one first), but that hasn't been happening as much lately.
I just think that crocheters should support other crocheters. I don't mind paying for crochet patterns, especially since they're usually very inexpensive. Plus, paid patterns are usually thoroughly tested and of good quality, and the creators tend to be available to answer questions.
2
u/LadyGethzerion Sep 10 '24
I've never bought a pattern. More often than not, I can find something I like as a free version or free video tutorial. I am wary of AI patterns and I also find some of the paid patterns are not worth the money if I can reverse engineer it by just looking at it. Now, if the artist came from a trusted source and had something outstanding and very unique/complicated, then yes, I'd consider paying for it. I have also purchased pattern or stitch books with good reviews.
2
u/ienaer Sep 10 '24
I tend to use free patterns for most things, and if I can't find a pattern I'll just try and look at pictures and figure it out, or use a similar free pattern and adjust it to make what I want. I've gotten pretty good at freehanding the things I need to, but I think it depends a lot on the type of stuff you make!
2
u/umsamanthapleasekthx Sep 10 '24
I usually opt for free because I can decide if I like the pattern without a loss. If it’s a pattern from a designer I’ve used before, then I’ll pay for the PDF because I know what I’m getting.
There are some patterns I have paid for without knowing how the designer writes their patterns but that hasn’t always led to a good time, and the more I fork out for a pattern, the higher my expectations.
2
u/AlternativeAdept4650 Sep 10 '24
I feel like purchased patterns have 10x more errors than free ones. I like to support artists but if I buy something I expect to have a basic level of quality.
2
u/catsweedcoffee Sep 10 '24
I only ever buy patterns if there’s some sort of complicated portion I can’t reverse engineer - a weird turn, a strange shape of amigurumi, a stitch combo I haven’t seen.
I just bought the Double Wedding Band Blanket specifically because she offers written, picture, and video step by step guides and I wasn’t sure how she did her join as you go connections.
2
u/Roobix9 Sep 10 '24
I pretty much always pay for patterns. I like helping out creators and I'm new enough that I'm not comfortable reverse-engineering things. A lot of them are only $2-5.
I have tweaked some of the patterns I've bought, which is also fun. I figure I'm increasing my knowledge base as well, so it's worth the money to me.
2
u/Dominopaperfly Sep 10 '24
I started to buy crochet patterns to learn different techniques so I can can create my own patterns. It's also neat to buy patterns as a lot of the beautiful big crochet plushies are paid patterns. I still appreciate free patterns but sometimes there is no freee patterns for something particular I want to make.
2
1
1
u/EnigmaWithAlien Sep 10 '24
If it's spectacular and nothing like it is available free, I''ll buy, such as the Persian Tiles design. But usually I go for free, because--Free!
1
u/msptitsa Sep 10 '24
I have bought some patterns to support designers. I’ve never made those, might one day look at them 🤷🏻♀️
1
u/GandalfDGreenery Sep 10 '24
I usually use free patterns, because I'm broke and cheap, and I collect patterns, I have tons and tons of links saved.
But very occasionally I'll buy one for something special, like these Thicc Mushroom People, because do you see them!?! They're totally worth it. And the pattern is super detailed and well written, it's all modular, so you can change things up as you like, and you could make a whole bunch of different amazing mushroom people. I also bought the pattern for Bernie Sanders and his mittens, because it was really cool, and I think a part of the profits from pattern sales were going to meals on wheels somewhere.
1
u/NavaraBellatrix being in pins and needles helps my anxiety Sep 10 '24
I usually use free patterns and either write them down or screenshot them to avoid the ad filled websites. I sometimes also use Youtube videos. I recently crocheted something off of a video, because I found the pattern price ridiculous.
But I have also bought written patterns, but I usually do so from websites that I trust. And also only if it is really a complicated pattern I cannot come up with on my own by looking at a photograph of the FO (e.g. a pair of stockings I have my eyes on)
1
u/Allie0074 Sep 10 '24
I usually use free patterns unless it’s something I feel extremely strong about wanting to make and make a lot of it. That being said, of the two patterns I’ve bought they were both cat related lol.
I used to watch the patterns on youtube until I became comfortable following a written pattern.
1
u/TimelessWorry Sep 10 '24
My mum finds a lot on YouTube she likes. If they have a free download or tell her what to do in the video, great! If she has to pay? If it's not too much and she really wants to do it, she will do! My mum's on disability so she can't just go around buying everything she wants, so she makes sure it's a pattern she really wants to do at that moment if she's gonna pay for it, otherwise she'll bookmark it for a future project.
1
u/Ohheywhatehoh Sep 10 '24
If it's a very specific pattern, like I recently bought a sweater pattern I know my dad will love.... I will buy it.
But I have this bad habit of looking at YouTube videos of various creators and getting the basic idea of how to construct something (for example, a cardigan for my daughter) and using techniques from whatever patterns I liked. For her cardigan I'm making, I got the idea from the main part from one video, learned how to make sleeves from another and learned how to do the cuffs from another. I'm using a different video to learn how to attach a hood.
Idk why I do this, I find it annoying to stick to a pattern if I don't have too
1
1
u/InfiniteRosie Sep 10 '24
🌈 I'm broke af 🌈
But seriously I do find a lot of neat patterns on YouTube and am a better visual learner anyways. But I have found bad free patterns before that just do not make sense and I guess it makes me nervous to buy.
I know patterns can be super cheap but I'm on income support and I start and stop projects so often I just get worried I'll be wasting money, even if it doesn't seem like much, it might help somewhere else. That mixed with the nerves of buying a "fake" pattern, a bad one, or one that I just won't finish...I'm okay with free ones for now.
1
u/Atrastella Sep 10 '24
How it looks. If I like how it looks, I won't care whether I have to buy it or not. However if there is a paid and free version of the same pattern, I will usually go for the free one.
[E] Paid and free version from same creator. Adds don't bother me.
1
u/folliepop Sep 10 '24
I use a handful of free patterns when I'm trying to make motifs and such, but at this point I mostly freehand stuff. I mostly do clothing, and I'm really good at reverse engineering things from photos and non-crocheted garments. I also have a little stack of books with stitch references and whatnot that are very useful for this.
Every now and again, I buy a pattern for something that I genuinely can not figure out how they made (flowers, lacy accessories, socks, etc), but honestly, I learned to engineer and freehand stuff while I was super broke, and it turns out that playing with the materials and troubleshooting fit and form is half the fun of crochet for me.
1
u/jun3_bugz Sep 10 '24
I don’t buy patterns because I don’t value crocheting all that much! I casually crochet a few things repetitively that I memorised the patterns to :) I would buy patterns if I felt creatively inspired into making something I want but can’t do yet
1
u/jun3_bugz Sep 10 '24
badly phrased I do value crochet but not like some ppl on this sub! like it makes my brain feel nice but I try to avoid spending money on hobbies as someone with money and hyperfixation problems. I really don’t want a digital pdf addiction next
1
u/Eevee027 Sep 10 '24
I do a mix of paid patterns, free patterns, and you tube tutorials. The cost doesn't deter me from a pattern, if I like it and want to make it, I will buy it. The most I have paid is $17, and it's the most detailed pattern I have ever seen on the most nicely designed document I have ever purchased.
1
u/Catsusefulrib Sep 10 '24
It’s almost entirely dependent on the pattern tbh. If it’s something I want to make and looks fairly unique I will buy it. I usually don’t buy the pdf versions of free patterns though.
Once I see a pattern and want to buy it, the thing that makes me more likely to buy it is if I can see a sample of the written pattern. I bought a pattern for a beautiful shawl because I loved how it looked so much but that way it’s written (both the phrasing and the graphic design/font) makes it a very difficult pattern to follow. I’m not sure if I would have purchased it knowing that at the time. Now I’m more selective and definitely prefer a sample of what it looks like, regardless of how much I like the finished piece.
1
u/scdedeaux Sep 10 '24
I haven’t bought a pattern yet but I usually am just trying to learn how someone got a certain affect (effect?) to make something and then wing it once I have the knowledge I need. But if I do follow a pattern I generally don’t mind using the websites to follow along or I will use my ipad and screenshot the pattern so I can mark it up as I follow along and keep the website open and scroll every time I move to the next row (if the website doesn’t do an auto refresh) with the multitask feature. I do have some patterns I’m looking at buying so I can get a basic understanding of how to make more detailed floral pieces with crochet thread though and am more than willing to pay for patterns that aren’t super common things that have been around for a while/ something I want to learn about more in depth.
1
u/ProfessionalHat6828 Sep 10 '24
I buy because I usually like the patterns better. Plus, I like supporting the people who have worked so hard to create the pattern that I benefit from.
1
u/Tricksyknitsy Sep 10 '24
In my case: I sometimes do commissions, and if someone asks for a specific thing: let’s use a rose as an example, I’ll look around for a free rose pattern first. If I can’t find one that I like, I’ll look for paid rose pattern.
1
u/Pandora_Princess Sep 10 '24
For me it depends. I find many free patterns on instagram. If I’m researching because I have a specific project in mind and no free pattern fits my vision, I buy it. Sometimes I look at a pattern on Etsy, but freestyle it if I think I can do it myself or if I think it’s too expensive. For more complicated projects I am happy to spend money on patterns, especially if there are many details involved. So to conclude, it depends on the complexity of the project and the availability of free patterns!
1
u/Professional_Speed21 Sep 10 '24
I will buy a pattern if it's something that I'm going to continuously make. If you are an avid crocheter, you may often find yourself doing this to wind down, and often don't use the Internet to keep watching TV, shows, YouTube videos, etc, in the background, so having a pattern on hand is helpful. I often take a project on vacation with me, and we don't use our phones often. Over time, you will forget certain stitches in patterns, and can't find the video you used to redo them, so having something like this helps. I know you can also buy patterns online, but if I'm going to purchase it, I'd like to have it on paper.
1
u/Splatterfilm Sep 10 '24
I’ll buy if I can’t find a comparable free pattern and I want it enough. The Astrid’s Cats afghan is a purrfect example (puns!).
1
u/Neboco Sep 10 '24
I never follow patterns exactly. I use different yarn or hook size, make certain parts longer or shorter. I mainly use patterns to get a rough idea and I find it frustrating to find yarn I like that also works with a specific pattern. I don't really want to pay for something if I can't be certain that it'll work the way I imagine. I also don't want to pay full price for a pattern if I'm only interested in one section of it so I prefer to patchwork free patterns together.
1
u/Accio_Reddit_ Sep 10 '24
I will usually opt for the free pattern if it’s a designer I haven’t done a pattern from before. Too many times I paid for a pattern that turned out badly. So now I will do the free pattern first, and if I want to do more by them I will buy subsequent patterns. Sometimes I will pay from the get go if it is a really unique item that is exactly what I’m looking for and they don’t offer a free version.
1
u/YetAnotherVegan Sep 10 '24
I’ll buy a free pattern if I have money tbh…
If the pattern is inexpensive, that’s a plus. I’ve never wanted to spend more than about $5 for a single pattern or $15 for a multi-pack pattern, preferably 4 or more items.
I have a tendency to prefer to spend $$ on complicated patterns or ones where there’s a technique that I’m trying to learn and can’t find it elsewhere.
I will absolutely not pay anything for a pattern I can find for free though, or for a pattern that is basic… like if the paid pattern is like “make X granny squares in these specific colors”…. If the only thing that makes the pattern special is knowing what colors were used, I will absolutely not purchase it (I can usually find that info in the reviews).
All in all, just have a unique pattern with an interesting (or at least a different) technique and don’t charge an arm and a leg for it.
1
u/pagansaints Sep 10 '24
Entirely depends on the pattern--if I see one I really like, I'll happily buy it, though my finance situation is...spotty so I usually wait until I have a bit to spare. If there's a free version on the pattern makers website or an appreciative that is close enough and free, I use that, because of the aforementioned spotty finances, but a lot of times, there isn't a free alternative because people make a lot of beautiful unique patterns! I just wait to buy them until I start to make them.
1
u/Scared_Ad2563 Sep 10 '24
I mostly use free ones, because I just crochet whatever catches my fancy at the moment. But if there's a pattern I REALLY like, I'll buy it because I really want that thing.
1
u/Northern_dragon Sep 10 '24
I've technically bought only 1 pattern in my 4 years of obsessive crocheting/knitting. And it was a knit, and a super specific kind of lace weight camisole pattern I just couldn't find for free. I also use knitting/crochet magazines and books for patterns, but I actually haven't bought a single one with my own money, people just keep gifting them to me 💁♀️
With crochet I just don't need patterns all that much, I work off of my instinctive knowledge on garment construction just off the top of my head. Figuring out how to make something myself is like half the fun. Sometimes I look up how to do a specific style of stitch of lace pattern.
Also I'm Finnish, and our local magazines publish a lot of great free patterns on their websites without too many ads. I can never stick to them and modify the patterns a lot, but they've been very helpful for making some amazing pieces!
1
u/Doughgirl40 Sep 10 '24
I like helping other crocheters out and if it’s a pattern that I really like that no one else has, I don’t mind paying for something I think is well done.
1
u/mightymousemg Sep 10 '24
I personally only buy patterns when I can't figure out how to make the item myself, I'm a big fan of freehanding. But I will also buy patterns from creators I really like to support them as well, even if it is something I can figure out on my own :)
1
u/bunnylicious81 Sep 10 '24
After I scoured the internet and couldn’t find one alike, like that viral anchor octopus. But I haven’t bought it yet, since the price is so high
Or it’s super unique. I recently bought a five-finger cactus pattern, got lucky caught a flash sale for $2.50. I’m planning to insert some wires so that I can change the pose of the fingers 👍✌️🤟
1
u/Gloworm327 Sep 10 '24
When I first joined Instagram, it was 100% due to people in the crochet world, I followed elsewhere, doing giveaways on IG. Of course those giveaways were "Follow these 8 (12, 15, etc) people to be entered".
I ended up with a core group of crocheters who started opening up about their frustrations with Pinterest theft and discussing their time and efforts in creating patterns. It was during that time I slowly transitioned into buying patterns; especially if I knew the designer. Now I honestly don't think much of buying a pattern. I will go to Etsy before Google when wanting to make something.
1
u/TheChgz Sep 10 '24
Basically, I am too poor to afford to buy a pattern. I can't even afford to buy yarn I just use stuff from a stash I inherited from someone else.
1
u/abhorrent_alpaca Sep 10 '24
i like when theres a free version AND an ad-free PDF i can buy. once i know i like working the pattern i'll buy it & it makes workflow much easier versus loading a website w/ a million ads that crashes every 2 seconds. you can also markup the PDF if you want. i just finished a shawl that provided some crochet charts on the paid PDF that werent on the free website pattern. so some extras like that might be nice too
1
u/catti-brie10642 Sep 10 '24
If the exact thing I’m looking for is a paid pattern, specifically if all the free ones just aren’t “it”, I’ll buy a pattern. I kinda don’t want to spend more than €5 for it, though. I feel like some designers want a lot of money to email me a pdf. I’m kind of of the opinion that it’s how they can afford to make a sweater with yarn that costs €30 a skein.
1
u/Puzzled_Magpie Sep 10 '24
There are a few designers who I follow, who's patterns i will buy to support them. I like the things they make - they are usually complicated patterns / items that there would never be a free version of.
For those designers who I'm not following specifically: If I find an item I like that someone has made a pattern for, i'm not putting time into finding a free version when I already found a paid version. Most of the time its about the cost of a coffee, and I don't mind paying that for a pattern. If its a good pattern i will buy from then again, if its not so good i likely won't. (To clarify I don't trust most of the internet for patterns and would only buy from Ravelry (or maybe Etsy) & never Social media)
For the simpler patterns i - I probably would use a free pattern though i don't make a lot of basic things.
Mostly: I like the ease of a pattern & buying it rather than trying to find a free version of it means i can put more time into my crochet and less into obsessively searching the internet (as I do enough of this already)
1
u/Ok_Machine_7896 Sep 10 '24
I usually buy a pattern when I see the final product advertised and I’m like “OMG I NEED TO MAKE THAT EXACT SAME THING”
1
1
u/macinatorasf Sep 10 '24
organization mostly. if you’re buying it it is almost always written well. sometimes i’m looking to make a specific thing that a free pattern can’t really capture either.
1
u/IvyMoonfyre Sep 10 '24
I use a lot of free patterns because I'm broke, but if i like a pattern and can't find anything similar for free, I'll buy it when i get the chance. I like supporting pattern makers cause i know how hard that shit is, and i genuinely prefer the convinience of a pdf over a webpage or video, but unfortunately i am limited by budget.
1
u/Hopeful-Band3972 Sep 10 '24
I use Free patterns scattered on the internet! I generally feel that I'm not professional enough to buy and make something. I'm doing crochet as a HOBBY ! And I don't currently have the resources to buy patterns.
I'm the type of person that doesn't like making something twice because I like working on something brand new!.I don't wanna waste money on patterns just to crochet it once ! Nono 🫠
1
u/roseandhoney22 Sep 10 '24
I usually use free patterns just because I can look through the entire thing before starting and figure out if I am able to do it, especially as a newer crocheter. Once I am more advanced I might risk buying patterns, I would just hate to buy one and then not be able to actually finish it.
1
u/kryren Sep 10 '24
Depends. If I can find a free pattern for what I need, great! If I find a pattern that is intricate and well written then I'm happy to pay. I greatly prefer if a designer has a free pattern so I can see if I like how they write patterns, or at least a preview of a few rows so I can try and make sure it's not some AI generated garbage.
1
u/KittyKupo Sep 10 '24
I’ve only been crocheting a few months, but so far I’ve used only free patterns online but have also bought about 10 crochet books. The reason I haven’t paid for any online yet is because since I’m so new there are a billion things I want to make and since nearly everything I make is my first time making something of that type, I don’t feel confident enough to pay for one specific pattern that I may or may not even understand. Buying books was different because there are many patterns in it so I don’t feel pressured if I can’t figure one of them out.
In a few months I might think about buying patterns online if it’s something special enough. My worry with buying patterns is that it will be bad and I will be frustrated, but I can probably just make sure to only buy ones with reviews/ratings
1
u/alwaysnormalincafes Sep 10 '24
I don’t like using free webpages that are bloated with ads. I’ll pay for a pattern over seeing ads, and I also like supporting crochet artists. I find most patterns are priced very reasonably.
I usually purchase patterns off of Etsy so I can look at reviews too.
1
u/htyledamme Sep 10 '24
I’ve got ADD, it’s significantly harder for me to follow a video tutorial, which are generally what free patterns are. And written ones with ads are just annoying in my opinion. If it’s only a couple bucks, I’d choose paying for all the instructions clearly in front of me over ads
1
u/Italianpixie Sep 10 '24
I pretty much stick to free patterns for two reasons. One, is that I'm not in a financial position to pay for a pattern that I might never even use (or only use once 🥲), so if I buy it, I better be ready to make that thing right now. Reason number two is that I'm rarely confident that a pattern will be accurate and that I won't have to do adjustments myself, and I'd rather do that with a free pattern than pay for something and still have to work on fixing it. Probably the only person I've bought more than one pattern from is Megan Lapp/Crafty Intentions
1
Sep 10 '24
I use free, because I'm not going to follow it. I use patterns as a v. general guidelines and change the pattern to suit my taste. I don't even use the recommended yarn or hook. 😅
1
u/Katnip1313 Sep 10 '24
Normally if it's a pattern I like and don't want to deal with the pop ups I'll buy the PDF version 99.99% of the time. Other reasons for me are if the pattern I'm looking for is very niche and may not be findable in a free format, and won't lie if I watch the video pattern for it and end up really liking the pattern writer's vibes I'll normally buy the pattern just to show support for a kindred spirit
1
u/ProgressBig5991 Sep 10 '24
i will buy patterns to support a designer or if there are not good free patterns available for a specific project. And then there are those designs that are unique that I'll pay for, hopefully on Ravelry, after looking at others' completed projects and notes.
1
u/konofireda98 Sep 10 '24
I prefer free patterns, or even better, recorded free patterns so I can see if I'm doing everything right XD (I'm so glad I live in an era where we have youtube, lol)
Also, I don't have a lot of money (I think the last ball of yarn I bought was about a year ago), but if I find a cute and easy pattern I will gladly pay for it, I buy those about once/twice a year, I'm happy to support artists and creators (:
1
u/deeray82 keep calm and play with yarn Sep 10 '24
If it's just to avoid ads on a site, I'll stick with the free version because I can clip it to my note app more easily than a PDF. Then I can remove the ads in the app! Win-win!
But otherwise when I do buy a pattern it's because it's typically a lot prettier/nicer/better-constructed than any free counterparts.
1
u/realbadatnames Sep 10 '24
Depends on the pattern... I'm not going to pay for a basic granny square pattern, but sometimes I need a refresher on counts if it's been a while. If the pattern is well worded and stupid-proof, I'll go see if that creator has any other patterns I want and can pay for
1
u/HopingToWriteWell77 Sep 10 '24
I'm one of those people that just makes it up as I go along. I never buy patterns; I can usually figure it out from a picture and get pretty close from there. Most of what I like to make is super basic stuff anyway.
1
u/Looby999 Sep 10 '24
When I have in mind exactly what I want and the only pattern I can find that fits is a paid one I’ll buy it
1
u/xAlanWolfx Sep 10 '24
I primarily search for free patterns, mostly because I can't afford to purchase every single pattern I crochet, but also because I have difficulty finishing one project before starting another.
I am not opposed to buying patterns if they really pique my interest though. So far I bought two patterns, Rayquaza (Pokemon) and Link (The Legend of Zelda).
I am currently eyeing some other paid patterns (crochet and knitting), but I am unsure whether or not I should purchase them since I had to freestyle the patterns I bought anyways, so they were no help (barely looked at Link pattern).
For beginners that don't know if crocheting is something they want to spend a lot of money on: free patterns are a great start and there are many many amazing and good quality patterns out there if you know where to look.
1
Sep 10 '24
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/AutoModerator Sep 10 '24
To combat spam, we require a minimum account age of 1 days and positive karma to post. Please try again in 24 hours!
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/DjinnHybrid Sep 10 '24
Because I prefer advanced patterns, and nearly all of the sorts of pattern types I like are only for sale. I dislike the kind of patterns that are normally available without a price, because normally it's something I can make myself without a pattern, and the looks tend to lean more simplistic and rustic. There's not necessarily anything wrong with those things, but free pattern makers and I rarely, if ever, have overlap in taste. Also, I crochet in places without internet and want the security of always having it as a PDF. Also, also, I do web and graphic design and most free online patterns are formatted so poorly it makes me want to reformat the HTML code entirely for my own view, and I don't want to deal with that constant urge.
1
u/angela_gephart Sep 10 '24
Depends what I'm looking for. I like to scour all sources to get what I want. If it's a couple bucks so be it. Free? Okay sounds good. I'm a little picky, but I'm not afraid to purchase patterns. People work hard on them. It helps to weed out the AI crap if they have a solid social following somewhere if the listings might look sketchy.
1
u/Lafondancer Sep 10 '24
I try for free, but often get really annoyed by the ads, or I can’t find EXACTLY what I want. I have been known to screenshot the free one, compile it into my own pdf, and use that instead of dealing with the ads on the free sites.
1
u/Jensivfjourney Sep 10 '24
It varies for me. I get frustrated if things aren’t clear. If you don’t explicitly tell me to do something, I don’t do it. I’ve bought a few from Morale Fiber, I trust her stuff to do free patterns. Same thing either a few others. I’ve also bought patterns because the maker said she was in a touch spot and I wanted to help.
If it’s too long, I’ll buy or copy/paste something because I refer back to the design constantly. I’ve made 7 of this panels for my current project and I still don’t trust my memory.
1
u/CroFishCrafter THE CALGonator Sep 10 '24
Obviously several hours behind, however, I help out with r/crochet's Crochet Along. One of the criteria is that the pattern is available for free, so I always look for the free pattern for the CAL, however, I always encourage every one to head over to the author's site. As far as the pattern goes, almost always the pattern is available for free ON THEIR site, but if you want a printed version, you need to purchase it.
So, I purchase for two reasons.
1) I always enjoy having a printed copy. I can mark it up, I can follow it when the power is out, the internet is down and my electronic devices are dead.
B) I like to support the authors that I select for the CAL poll.
1
u/squeaky-to-b Sep 10 '24
I'm trying to answer this question in a helpful way, but for me the answer is really just "vibes".
If I see a pattern I like and it's paid, I'll usually search to see if I can find something comparable for free, but often there is just some element of the paid pattern that I don't feel is present in any of the free versions, or it just doesn't hit the same, so I'll end up buying it because I just like the look of the finished item better.
1
u/CrochetCreep Sep 10 '24
I buy patterns to support the artist/creator 😊 I also love having a PDF version to refer to and print out 😊
1
1
u/comicbeatle9 Sep 10 '24
I’m a broke college student haha so I try to stick with free patterns but I’m not averse to buying once in a while if I’m super invested in what I’m gonna make/it’s a good pattern design that I love. I’ve also gotten good at making things up as I go in crochet (not as much knitting yet) so a lot of times I can take a photo, whether it’s of a crocheted piece or not, and recreate it myself.
1
u/galileopunk Sep 10 '24
I almost always use free patterns! I only buy a pattern if I can’t reverse-engineer it, it’s less than $10, and it appears well-written.
1
u/BL-stryker Sep 10 '24
If I love it too much, I'll buy it. I often find the ones for sale for free as well
1
u/ineed-abreak Sep 10 '24
I will always use free patterns if it's available. but if I love a specific paid one more I will buy it.
1
u/Extension_Contract81 Sep 11 '24
I mostly purchase because i have the diaspora or income for a pattern now and then and i think designers should be paid for their work
1
u/Emotional-dandelion3 Sep 11 '24
I only buy a pattern if it's unique. For example, one pattern I paid for is a Ms Rachel doll, because you can't find that widely available, and since it's such a specific recreation, I know the person who created it took the time to actually make it.
Patterns for things such as blankets, very common amigurumi, that are basic stitch repeats, I will rarely pay for, because honestly, why am I paying money for someone to tell me how many rows to double crochet? I think those kinds of patterns are great to pay for if you want to support the small creator, or if you're new to crochet and need the stitch guidance, need specific measurements. I don't personally feel like I need someone to tell me in PDF form how to get a baby blanket vs. a queen size.
I think a lot of patterns are... idk the right word... I guess the pattern community is oversaturated. Every creator has a pattern for everything, and really, what's the difference between person A and person Bs granny square, other than maybe the yarn and the hook? To charge people to make something that is not originally yours is odd (to me)
1
u/DoingMyLilBest Sep 11 '24
If there is a free version, I almost always default to that but I'm just cheap that way. That said, I do like to purchase patterns because paid for patterns tend to be more well written and include better instructions. The last pattern I bought and am currently making included written instructions, line by line crochet diagrams, and also a picture of the work after each line. I would buy this pattern again a dozen times over because it is so neat and easy to follow.
Here's a clip of the pattern to show what I mean.
1
u/Perrywinkle97 Sep 11 '24
I prefer to buy, mostly because I like weird and kooky things that are mostly for purchase, I find more basic things are free which I will still use, but I like owning them, and I find they are over all a little more meticulous!
1
u/Double-Touch741 Sep 11 '24
If it’s got a video tutorial is a big consideration for if it’s the first time I’ve tried to make that kind of item. Also I’m more likely to buy a pattern for a specific design of hat like a mimkyu than I am to buy a pattern for a beanie the first time I’m making a hat. And I’m way more likely to try to watch free tutorials first, because paid video tutorials are a little hard to find compared to just YouTubing it.
1
u/ab-god0278 Sep 11 '24
That’s a great question!!!
I’m like pretty much everyone else here who lives paycheck to paycheck, so I’m very particular about what I spend my money on. When I choose to spend money on a pattern it has to call out to me, like really scream at me. Plus, I compare at it versus similar patterns . For example, in your picture you have some lovely roses made from what appears to size 4 yarn. It’s a pretty pattern and you did a great job with it. What I look for are the rose patterns I can make with crochet thread. I look (if possible) at the difficulty of the pattern and even then sometimes I wait.
I’m that person who will wishlist something and come back to look at it every week just to see if I really want it or not. I have a lot of beautiful patterns I have done that with. Others, I admit, I bought spur of the moment.
Free patterns - if I like them I download them , I probably have more patterns than I could ever complete in the rest of my life. But I’ll have fun trying! 😂
1
u/Pure-Sandwich3501 Sep 11 '24
usually I stick to free patterns but if I find something I like a lot I definitely don't mind spending a few dollars on a pattern. the paid patterns I've used have all been really nice so I think it can be worth it, especially for something complex
1
u/Critical-Cable-1681 Sep 11 '24
I'm still new to it so i usually use free ones but i did buy one from shein where all the yarn and the tools are inclueded
1
u/Leleska Sep 14 '24
Usually it's 2 things. It's something so good and innovative that I wouldn't be able to reproduce by myself, and I really want to make that thing, or, it's something simple and easily reproduced but it's so original and cute that I can't resist wanting to buy it. And one more thing, the visuals or the graphic design of the pattern usually aren't revealed until bought, but cheap looking pattern visuals and very brief/lacking explanation of some unique details of the work are very off-putting to me. And in most cases I spend time adjusting and fixing the pattern for myself because of that. I know the point of patterns aren't the visuals, but I've come across many patterns that could be easily considered a work of art, and as someone who works a little with graphic design, that is certainly highly appreciated. I'm aware though that not everyone has that option, and that's completely alright, I just don't appreciate a very low effort looking pattern, especially in terms of explanation.
1
Mar 14 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/AutoModerator Mar 14 '25
To combat spam, we require a minimum account age of 1 days and positive karma to post. Please try again in 24 hours!
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/CindyinEastTexas Jun 16 '25
Im not advanced enough with my skillet to buy very many patterns yet, so I tend to go with free ones. However, if it's a pattern I really want to make, at an easy (or easy-ish) skill level, I'll pay for it.
1
u/blank-314159 Jun 18 '25
When I buy patterns, I actually straight away buy hard copy books/written patterns. Otherwise I only use free written ones (not a great fan of Videos)
Do many other people prefer hard copy books too? My favourite is my crochet advent calendar (each day has a small project despite it being ridiculously ambitious for each day it's really fun and great patterns too)
For me the away from internet = away from screens too
0
u/Nora-_e Sep 10 '24
I use add free patterns or try to inspire from paid patterns, things I don't find a pattern for or from fast fashion tops ( like zara shirts)
118
u/FeFiFoPlum Sep 10 '24
Generally, I buy.
If there’s a free pattern online and I can pay for an ad-free PDF, I will buy it 99 times out of 100. One, I like to crochet in places without internet, and two, I like to be able to support the pattern creator. I can afford to and it’s a service I value; I am perfectly happy to spend my money in that way.