Dark Academia & Light Academia Aesthetic | 25 FREE Patterns
Where I am, there’s a subtle cooler breeze in the air. Fall hasn’t fully arrived yet—most days it’s still in the 80Fs—but you can feel the slightest hint that it’s on the way. 🍂 Because of this, now is the perfect time to start planning our autumn makes and wardrobe!
One style that I always find myself drawn to, especially during the fall and winter months, is the Light and Dark Academia aesthetic.
I absolutely love the color palette: deep browns, rustic reds, shades of black, crisp white, creams, and earthy tones. The best part about this aesthetic is that it's timeless and classic, meaning these pieces will never truly go out of style.
So in this blog post, I’m excited to share 25 FREE Academia-inspired crochet patterns that fit this beautiful aesthetic. I'll be breaking them down into four different categories: Sweaters, Tops, Bottoms & Dresses, and Accessories.
And don’t worry! You can find the direct links to each of these patterns in my blog post, which is linked in the description box below. 🖤✨
Happy crocheting!
Sweaters:
Comfy Sweater by Yarnspirations, see the pattern here.
First up is this gorgeous comfy sweater by Yarnspirations! I love how it has that boxy, chunky style—it’s perfect for layering when the weather starts to cool down. It comes in sizes from XS to 5XL, so it’s really size-inclusive. Even though it’s listed as intermediate, that’s mainly because of the shaping; the stitches themselves are basic, so don’t let that scare you off! 🧶
To make this one, you’ll start with the ribbing, then move on to the back panel, followed by the front, sleeves, and collar.
Or, try making this classic houndstooth raglan style sweater by Dream Crochets! As soon as I see that houndstooth pattern, I instantly think of Academia vibes. This sweater comes in sizes XL to 2XL and uses a few special stitches like dc2tog, sc2tog, and reverse sc.
Since it’s a raglan style, you’ll be working it from the top down—which is one of my favorite methods for sweaters because it’s so easy to adjust as you go! Plus, there’s a helpful video tutorial to guide you through the process. 🖤✨
Continuing with more houndstooth goodness, we have this Coco Chanel-inspired bomber jacket by Styler Crochets. It's made to measure, so you'll find tons of helpful tips on customizing it to fit you perfectly. ✨
There’s a full tutorial on her YouTube channel to walk you through the whole process!
Home Girl Sweater by Meg Made with Love, see the pattern here.
I’m also loving this sweater by Meg Made with Love! It’s an advanced beginner-level pattern and comes in sizes small to 3XL. The boxy, loose fit is super cozy and perfect for layering.
While it was originally designed to be styled with leggings, for that peak Academia vibe, I think it would look amazing paired with a fitted pleated skirt or shorts—that’s definitely how I’d wear it! 🖤✨
Ribbed Button Cardigan by For the Frills, see the pattern here.
This ribbed button cardigan by For the Frills is such a classic piece to add to your wardrobe! I love that they used WeCrochet Andean Treasure—it's a baby alpaca yarn, so it's super soft and perfect for a sweater like this. The knit-look, wide ribbing, wide sleeves, and boxy oversized silhouette give it that effortlessly cozy vibe. The round neck and buttons make it ideal for a more casual, laid-back look.
This pattern comes in sizes XS to 5XL, and it’s available on their blog with a helpful video tutorial! 🧶✨
Wavy Sweater by Viv Crochets, see the pattern here.
This wavy sweater by Viv Crochets is another great option to try! It uses the long wave stitch and two different colors to create a fun, unique look. It’s beginner-friendly and super easy to modify for the perfect fit.
Plus, there’s a YouTube video tutorial on their channel to guide you through the whole process! 🧶✨
Ribbed Turtleneck by Chenda DIY, see the pattern here.
Or, make this timeless ribbed turtleneck sweater by Chenda DIY. It’s beginner-friendly, with a relaxed fit that’s perfect for cozy days, and it’s super easy to adjust to your liking.
This pattern also comes with a helpful YouTube video tutorial on their channel to walk you through each step! 🧶✨
Sweater Vests:
Houndstooth Sweater by Kirrilalia, see the pattern here.
First up is this houndstooth vest by Kirrilalia. You definitely can’t have an Academia wardrobe without a classic houndstooth sweater vest! I love how she used two shades of brown for a rich, sophisticated look. This one is made to measure, so you can customize it to fit perfectly.
And yes, there’s a YouTube video tutorial to guide you through the process! 🖤✨
Sweater Vest by Yarnspirations, see the pattern here.
Or try this sweater vest by Yarnspirations! I love that it’s unisex and comes in both kids’ and adults’ sizes, making it super versatile. It features basic stitches along with sc in the blo and sc2 and 3 together stitches for some fun texture.
You can find this pattern on the Yarnspirations website, and it comes with a video tutorial to help you along the way! 🧶✨
Checkerboard Vest by Hayhay Crochet, see the pattern here.
I also love this large checkered sweater vest by HayHay Crochet! The almond and cocoa color tones she used are just perfect for that Academia vibe. She even made a version with alpaca milk yarn for a luxe touch.
This pattern is beginner-friendly and comes in sizes Small to 3XL, all available on her blog! 🧶✨
Houndstooth Vest by Heart Hook Home, see the pattern here.
Here’s another houndstooth vest by Heart Hook Home! I really like the boxy fit of this one. You start with the bottom ribbing, then build the body, and finish with a bit of minimal sewing. They separate it into a back and front, shaping the V-neck as you go up, which is a great touch.
This pattern comes in sizes XS to 5XL! 🧶✨
Bottoms and Dresses:
Winder Skirt by Lion Brand Designs, see the pattern here.
First up is this winter skirt by Lion Brand. I love the A-line silhouette—it’s so flattering and classic! Made with basic stitches, this skirt is super beginner-friendly. They added an elastic waistband for a clean, no-tie look that ensures a great fit.
This pattern comes in sizes Small to 3XL and is worked in joined rounds from the lower edge upwards. The waistband is created by making a casing and sewing the elastic through. 🧶✨
Willa Sweater Dress by Stitch Berry Blog, see the pattern here.
I also love this Willa sweater dress by Stitch Berry Blog. It’s a fantastic staple piece that’s perfect for easy styling. With its knit look, it’s made from just 5 rectangles that are seamlessly sewn together with minimal shaping. Sizes range from XS to 2XL.
I’d style this dress with loafers or Mary Janes and some fun socks and tights to complete the look. 🧶✨
Kensington Dress by Lulu Stitch Co, see the pattern here.
Or try this Kensington dress by Lulu Stitch Co. It features a lovely boat neckline and is made using the moss stitch (also known as the granite or linen stitch). This pattern is rated intermediate and comes in sizes Small to 2XL.
I’d pair this dress with a thin belt, a white collar shirt or turtleneck, and some lace-up platform oxfords for a chic look. 🧶✨
Pencil Skirt by Cosy Rosie UK, see the pattern here.
No Academia wardrobe would be complete without a pencil skirt, and this one by Cosy Rosie UK is both chic and simple. It uses basic stitches along with the wattle stitch (sc, ch 1, and dc in the same stitch).
I love how they added a zipper, giving the skirt a clean, store-bought look. I’d pair it with sheer tights, socks, a turtleneck, and a trench coat to complete the outfit. 🧶
Accessories:
Houndstooth Scarf by The Cottony One, see the pattern here.
First up is this houndstooth scarf by Made with Love, the cottony one. It’s the perfect Academia-style scarf for fall and winter and is a beginner-friendly pattern. The finished scarf measures 11 by 74 inches (28 by 188 cm) and is worked back and forth in rows in two halves.
I love that it uses two different color yarns for each half, adding a nice touch of contrast. Plus, it’s a great unisex pattern! 🧶✨
Matilda Tote by Meg Made with Love, see the pattern here.
Or try this lovely cables bag called the Matilda Tote by Meg Made with Love. It’s made up of three pieces: a front panel, a back panel, and a combined side and bottom panel. The tote measures 16.5 inches wide, 12.5 inches tall, and 4 inches deep.
It features special stitches like the fphdc and fptr, and I love how the purse straps were repurposed from a thrifted bag, giving it a unique touch. 👜✨
Chalet Mittens by Lion Brand, see the pattern here.
I also love these Chalet Mittens by Lion Brand. This beginner-friendly pattern uses basic stitches and sc2tog. The cuff is worked front and back in rows and then joined to form a ring. The mitten is then worked in continuous rounds, with both the left and right mittens made the same way.
The finished size is 8 inches (20.5 cm) in circumference and 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) in length. Perfect for cozying up in style! 🧤✨
Patons Kroy Socks by Yarnspirations, see the pattern here.
Or try these Patons Kroy Socks. They’re a bit more intermediate because you’ll need to be mindful of gauge and work with super fine yarn. These socks are worked from the top down and come in a variety of sizes: 2/4 years, 6/8 years, ladies’ 5/6, ladies’ 7/8, and men’s 10/11.
They’re perfect for making cozy socks for the whole family! 🧦✨
Newsboy Hat by Stitch Berry Co, see the pattern here.
I also love this newsboy hat by Stitch Berry Blog. It’s beginner-friendly and only requires basic stitches along with sc2tog, making it quick to whip up.
The rustic red color is perfect for fall and pairs beautifully with browns and blacks for a dark Academia look. 🍂🧢
Ville Beret by Stitch Berry Blog, see the pattern here.
This Ville Beret, also by Stitch Berry Blog, is a perfect light Academia make, especially in that creamy color. It’s ideal for fall and winter and works up quickly thanks to the bulky yarn. The pattern uses basic stitches and is worked in the round from the top down.
A stylish and cozy addition to your seasonal wardrobe! 🍂🧢
Houndstooth Scarf by Lion Brand, see the pattern here.
Next is this classic houndstooth scarf by Lion Brand. The scarf is worked in one piece, back and forth in rows, with the yarn color changing every row. To change colors, work the last stitch of the old color up to the last yarn over, then yarn over with the new color and draw through all loops on the hook to complete the stitch. Continue with the new color.
You don’t cut the old color; instead, carry it along the tops of the stitches and work the new color over it, enclosing it inside the fabric.
I’m a fan of this method because, although it uses more yarn, it makes the scarf thicker and more sturdy—perfect for colder weather! 🧣✨
Heart Book Cover by Crochet Beja, see the pattern here.
Or try this Heart book cover by Crochet Beja. It’s a really quick and easy make, perfect for protecting your favorite books. The pattern is available as a visual guide on their YouTube channel.
Be sure to use colors that fit the aesthetic palette for a stylish touch! 📚❤️
Fingerless Gloves by Lion Brand, see the pattern here.
I also love these fingerless gloves by Lion Brand. Each glove is made from a rectangle worked back and forth in rows, with the side edges sewn together to leave an opening for the thumb. The finished circumference is 8 inches (20.5 cm) and the length is 11 inches (28 cm).
I just love how cozy these gloves are—they’re both practical and stylish! 🧤✨
Crossbody Messenger by Rich Textures Crochet, see the pattern here.
This crossbody messenger bag by Rich Textures Crochet is another fantastic make. It features special stitches like the trinity stitch and reverse single crochet. The finished bag measures 12 by 16 by 4 inches, but it’s easy to adjust, with suggestions provided in the pattern.
It does require some notions, like 2 metal locks and 2 metal buckles, which give it a polished look. I love how these details elevate the overall design! 👜✨
What did you think of these 25 Academia aesthetic-inspired crochet patterns? Let me know in the comments below!
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Thanks for reading, and I hope you’ll join me in the next post!
@cactusladycreation