20 FREE Minimalist Crochet Patterns to Make
Minimalism is a design philosophy, a lifestyle, and a fashion aesthetic that’s all about intentionality.
Born out of post-World War II art movements and later popularized through architecture and design in the mid-20th century, minimalism began to appear in fashion during the 1960s and 1970s, driven by a desire for simplicity and a shift away from more extravagant styles.
This trend continued into the 1980s, with designers like Jim Sander, Martin Margiela, and Calvin Klein - embracing clean lines and minimalist aesthetics. The 1990s saw minimalism further solidify its place in fashion, influencing everything from grunge to basic wear.
And while many people might not think minimalism when they think crochet, there are quite a few great artists and designers who are pairing the two with gorgeous modern designs. When crochet is fused with minimalist design, the result is something effortlessly elegant, such as subtle textures, simple silhouettes, and wearables that are perfect for your capsule wardrobe.
And I’ve separated all of these patterns into five different categories: tops, cardigans, bottoms, dresses and accessories. Also all of these patterns are free, at least at the time of this video they are so if you click on the link a year from now and they’re not free anymore don’t come for me in the comments okay!
As always my lovelies, you can find all of the exact links to each of the patterns I mention listed below.
I know for me – I’m definitely not a minimalist, but I am in the process of building my capsule wardrobe and view minimalist patterns as a perfect way to make timeless capsule pieces.
Tops
Easy Slip On Sweater by The Designers from Paintbox Yarns, see the pattern here.
First is this easy slip-on sweater by the designers from paintbox yarns. It is easy to create and begins with the front - beginning with left and right neck shaping, then the back panel - with the left and then right neck shaping, lastly you sew it all together to finish it off. There are sizes Small to 3XL.
Next is the my favorite crochet summer top by A crocheted simplicity. This one is rated easy to create, but I think it’s more suitable for a confident beginner as you do need to be comfortable with a couple of special stitches and garment construction, and has a bit of open work for the back and some waist shaping, and this pattern is seamless which is pretty cool.
The special stitches are the double crochet decrease, alternate double crochet, and join yarn with a standing single crochet and standing double crochet., and there are sizes XS to 4XL for this one.
Skyler Crop Top by For the Frills, see the pattern here.
Or make the Skyler crop top by For the Frills. The construction is super simple, for it you crochet a rectangle, sew the edges together and then braid straps on the edge of the crop top. And the rectangle is made-up of half double crochets, which gives it a more knit-like or closed work look. This pattern has sizes XS to 3XL and would make the perfect edition to your Summer capsule wardrobe.
Colorblock Top by Yarnspirations, see the pattern here.
Next is the color block top by Yarnspirations. This top fits sizes XS to 5XL and it’s beginner level to make as the only special stitch is the double crochet two together. To create it you start with the back then shape the sleeves, then create the front with neck shaping, and finish it off by sewing the shoulder and side seams and a bit of neck edging. So this would be nice for a confident beginner who wants to get a bit more comfortable with constructing garments for sure.
Simple Square Halter Top by Carroway Crochet, see the pattern here.
I also liked this simple square halter top, by Carroway Crochet. It’s beginner friendly to create and is made with the double crochet stitch, and there is also a treble stitch in every corner. It’s perfect for summer and was inspired by the halter tops of the 1960s and 70s, and it has sizes XS to 5XL.
Nautical Top by Yarnspirations, see the pattern here.
Or make this nautical top pattern by Yarnspirations. It has sizes XS to XL and to create it you start with the front, then do the armhole shaping, v-neck shaping, then back and finish it off with some sewing. And I loved this very timeless design and thought it would be perfect for Summer.
Turtleneck Top by KnitCro Addict, see the pattern here.
I also liked this turtleneck pattern by knitcroaddict. It’s beginner friendly and the special stitches are special stitch is the v stitch, which is 1 double crochet, chain 1, 1 double crochet in the same stitch. The pattern has sizes XS to 2XL and it is made of 4 separate pieces that are sewn together and then the collar is added and is worked from the bottom up. And this one would make a great fall a nd winter piece staple and it has a video tutorial to go with it as well.
Cardigans
Rhea Cropped Cardigan by My Crochetery, see the pattern here.
First is the rhea cropped cardigan by My Crochetery. The pattern starts at the neckline and flows all the way down, so raglan style. It’s worked as a single piece as well so you don’t have to stitch it together. A really interesting technique that’s used for this one is working a half double crochet between the stitches, which gives it a knit-like closed work appearance. I love the fit of this and it has sizes, it’s intermediate level to make and there are 9 different sizes based on bust circumference.
Morning Mist Cardigan by Wool Cuddles, see the pattern here.
Next is the morning mist cardigan by wool cuddles and it’s beginner friendly to create. It’s liked the open stitch design in this one, and it creates a delicate and breathable fabric with lots of drape and is worked in five panels: one back panel, two front panels and two sleeves. Then finish it off with the collar and there are sizes XS to 5XL for this one. 
Button Down Cardigan by Knitcro Addict, see the pattern here.
Or make this button down cardigan by knitcroaddict. This one has sizes XS to 2XL and it’s worked in five separate pieces from the bottom up that are sewn together. To create it you make the back panel, then two front panels, then the ribbing, and sleeves and join them all together. I just really loved the length of this one and the buttons and it has a YouTube video tutorial which is helpful as well.
Bottoms
Simple Pants by Kali's Threads, see the pattern here.
First are the simple pants by Kali’s Threads. First you work the waistband then work the body panel and legs. There is also an option of creating a flared leg for the pant. And this one is a YouTube video on their channel which is great.
Striped Pants and Shorts by Hannah Drapinski, see the pattern here.
Next are these pants or shorts by Hannah Drapinski. I love the simple stripes on this one, and this one is a YouTube video tutorial. To create it you start with the waistband then work down, and it’s made to measure so you can also make it fit you.
If you really want to execute the minimalist vibe with this one I could see it going well with a monochrome sort or vibe if you also used the same color for the top as you did for one of the colors in the bottoms.
Frances Skirt by Hot Yarn Carabiner, see the pattern here.
Or you can make the Frances skirt by hook yarn carabiner. This one is a high waisted fit, and It’s designed to come halfway between the waist and knee but can easily be lengthened or shortened as you like. There are three different sizes: Small, medium and large, and the special stitches are the picot and working into the front loops only. And I also really loved the buttons on this one, and it would be perfect to style for Fall.
Dresses
Night Out Dress by Giulia Introzzi, see the pattern here.
First is the night out dress by Giulia introzzi. This piece has sizes Small to Xl and is really chic and elegant for a night out it has a high neck and is sleeveless with a skirt split and is worked from the top down starting at the ribbed neck. It’s also easy to customer the length and split depth which we love.
Dress to Impress by Wilmade, see the pattern here.
Or make this dress to impress by Wilmade. It’s beginner friendly to create and has sizes XS to 3XL. The special stitches to create it are the foundation half double crochet, front and back post half double crochet, and back post double crochet. The dress is worked from the bottom up and joined in rounds and the chain one at the start of every row does not count as a stitch. I loved the clean lines and timelessness of this piece and it would be perfect for Summer.
Cache Coeur by Knitting with Chopsticks, see the pattern here.
You could also make the cache coeur by knitting with chopsticks. It’s beginner friendly to create and also has a classic and minimal look. The top is made of two rectangles that sewed together and the skirt is crocheted in the round.
As long as you are comfortable with the double crochet and bead stitch you can easily make this dress. It has an oversized dress with 10 to 15 cm and or 4 to 6 inches of ease, and there are sizes XS to 5XL.
Summer Breeze Dress by E'claire Makery, see the pattern here.
Or make the summer breeze dress by E’claire Makery. It’s crochet in one piece with no seaming and has sizes XS to 3XL. It’s more intermediate level to make and is worked from the top down and would be perfect for summer as well.
Accessories
Simple Bag by Viv Crochets, see the pattern here.
First I loved this simple bag by viv crochets. It has a clean and modern design and first you make the body then the straps. It’s beginner friendly to make and is a YouTube video tutorial on her channel which is great if you love visual patterns.
Super Simple Beanie by Sweet Softies, see the pattern here.
You could also make this beginner beanie by sweet softies. It measures 20 inches or 51 cm in circumference and can be stretched to fit 24 inches or 61 cm. The height is about 7.5 inches or 19 cm and the only special stitches it requires are the increase double crochet and working in to the back loops only. This one is also worked with super bulky yarn so it’d work up quite quickly.
Twist Headband by Jenny and Teddy, see the pattern here.
Or make this twist headband by Jenny and Teddy. This one is really beginner friendly and easy to customize. You simply create it flat with alternating single crochet and double crochet until it’s the desired width then twist the rectangle and secure the twist and you have your own simple and seamless headband.
Well what did you think of these minimalist patterns? Let me know which one was your favorite or if you made any of them in the comments below.
Well thank you for watching and I hope you’ll join me in the next one.
@cactusladycreation