Need ideas for patterns to crochet with cotton yarn? Take a look at this collection of 25 projects to make with cotton!
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Cotton is a very versatile yarn fiber. Just to mention a few of its characteristics, cotton is:
- Absorbent
- Breathable
- Very durable
- Soft (yes, very soft!)
And you can use it to crochet many different kinds of projects, not only during the summer but all year long!
So, let’s take a look at a few ideas.
What to Crochet With Cotton Yarn
Do you have some cotton in your yarn stash and are wondering what to crochet with it?
Here are 25 things to crochet with cotton yarn:
- Potholders
- Dishcloths
- Kitchen Towels
- Market Bags
- Coasters & Mug Rugs
- Pan Protectors
- Bowl Cozies
- Trivets
- Placemats
- Mug Cozies
- Baskets
- Plant Hangers
- Water Bottle Holder
- Soap Savers
- Amigurumi
- Earrings & Jewelry
- Wall Hangings
- Garments
- Shawls & Summer Scarves
- Beach Cover Ups
- Summer Hats
- Purses & Tote Bags
- Flowers & Other Appliques
- Children & Baby Toys
- Blankets
1. Potholders
It’s no secret that for potholders and hot pads, you’d better use cotton (or felted wool). Unlike acrylic and other synthetic fibers, cotton will not melt under a hot pan or in contact with very warm dishes straight from the oven.
Here on the blog, I shared a number of free potholder patterns, but here, I’d like to suggest this Citrus Fruits Potholder, which is bright and perfect for Summer!
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn Aran (4, Medium), such as Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran
- Hook 3.5-mm (E/4 USA, 9 UK)
Find more potholder ideas…
- Farmhouse Potholders
- Home Sweet Home Potholder
- Falling Petals Potholder
2. Dishcloths
Other projects that are very suitable to crochet with cotton yarn are dishcloths and washcloths. Cotton is very absorbent and will make your dishcloth very durable over time.
If you have some cotton in a few colors, you should definitely try this super easy and beautifully textured Cotton Candy Dishcloth!
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn Aran (4, Medium), such as DROPS Loves You 8
- Hook 5.5-mm (I/9 US, 5 UK)
Find more dishcloths and washcloths here on the blog…
- Teatime Dishcloth
- C2C Reindeer Dishcloth
- Honeycomb Textured Dishcltoh
3. Kitchen Towels
Just like for dishcloths, cotton will work wonders for handmade kitchen towels! Since I love bees, I once made this Honeycomb Kitchen Towel using hexagons to form a honeycomb pattern.
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn DK (3, Light), such as Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK
- Hook 3.5-mm (E/4 USA, 9 UK)
4. Market Bags
When crocheting market bags, always keep in mind that they will greatly stretch once they get full and heavy. Use cotton yarn to help your bag retain some shape!
You can make a very easy Hexagon Market Bag using this pattern HERE.
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn Worsted (4, Medium), such as Ice Yarns Cakes Natural Cotton
- Hook 4.5-mm (7 USA, 7 UK)
5. Coasters & Mug Rugs
Coasters and mugs rugs will offer the best protection to your tables and desks when made with cotton yarn.
Try a super fun and colorful pattern like the Rounds of Flowers Coasters!
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn DK (3, Light), such asPaintbox Yarns Cotton DK
- Hook 3.0-mm (D-3 USA, 11 UK)
Find more coasters and mug rugs to crochet…
- Spiderweb Coasters
- Boho Mug Rug
- Polka Dot Mug Rug
6. Pan Protectors
These Hexagon Pan Protectors are a very practical idea for storing pans and pots in the kitchen! It’s true that you could also make them in other yarn fibers, but cotton is just so much easier to wash…
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn Sport (2, Fine), such asSchachenmayr Catania
- Hook 3.0-mm (C/2 USA, 11 UK)
7. Bowl Cozies
If you have young kids at home, bowl cozies are a very useful accessory for a happy and safe meal! Try this adorable Bear Soup Bowl Cozy by Blackstone Designs.
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn Wosted (4, Medium) used double, such as Lily Sugar’n Cream Solids & Denim
- Hook 6.5-mm (K/10.5 US, 3 UK)
8. Trivets
Just like for potholders and coasters, it’s always a wise thing to crochet your trivets in cotton yarn. This will definitely save any meltdown at your dining table!
For this Hexagon Trivet, I used macrame cotton rope, and the trivet worked up fast and turned out sturdy!
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn Bulky (5) Cotton, such as Bobbiny Cotton Rope Junior (3 mm)
- Hook 8.0-mm (L/11 USA, 0 UK)
9. Placemats
Placemats can be a very elegant way to personalize your table, especially if you follow this beautiful Bohemian Mosaic Placemat pattern by Made by Gootie!
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn Sport (2, Fine), such as Schachenmayr Catania
- Hook 3.0-mm (C USA, 11 UK)
10. Mug & Cup Cozies
If you like your coffee to go, make sure to get yourself a cup cozy! There are many ways you can crochet one, but I love this classic Granny’s Cup Cozy by Sunflower Cottage Crochet.
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn Aran (4, Medium), such as Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran
- Hook 5.0-mm (H/8 US, 6 UK)
11. Baskets
When you want to crochet storage baskets and organizers, definitely consider thick cotton, which will make your basket extra sturdy! I personally like to use macrame cotton rope or T-shirt yarn for my baskets, like for this Sea Waves Basket.
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn Super Bulky T-shirt yarn, such as Paintbox Yarns Recycled T-Shirt
- Hook 8.0-mm (L/11 US, 0 UK)
12. Plant hangers
Plant hangers will make your home feel extra cozy and warm, and with this Macrochet 4″ Planter by Days Crochet and Knit, you’ll also add a boho touch to your home decor!
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn Super Bulky (6), such as Big Twist Textile
- Hook 8.0-mm (L/11 US, 0 UK)
13. Water Bottle Holder
Water bottle holders are perfect when you’re going on a walk and only want to bring the necessities! With this Roo Water Bottle Bag by Fosbas Designs, you can also bring your phone in addition to the much more needed water!
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn Sport (2, Fine), such as Hobbii Twister Summer
- Hook 4.0-mm (G/6 USA, 8 UK)
14. Soap Savers
Using solid soap is a much greener solution than liquid soap. Moreover, you can carry your soap bar on a plane with just the help of a soap saver!
Soap savers are quick and easy to crochet and can be simply beautiful like this Leaf Soap Saver by Moara Crochet.
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn Sport (2, Fine), such as Schachenmayr Catania
- Hook 3.5-mm (E/4 USA, 9 UK)
15. Amigurumi
Of course, you can crochet Amigurumi using any type of yarn. But I simply love the stitch definition that you can only achieve with cotton yarn!
If you’ve never tried crocheting amigurumi with cotton yarn, try a super quick pattern like the Fruit Slice Keychain!
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn Sport (2, Fine), such asSchachenmayr Catania
- Hook 2.5 mm (C USA, 12 UK)
Find more Amigurumi inspirations…
- Strawberry Amigurumi
- Christmas Ornaments
- Pizza Slice Amigurumi
16. Earrings & Jewelry
If you’re tired of crocheting doilies with your cotton thread, try something new and make a pair of fun earrings, like these easy Drops Earrings!
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn Cotton Thread
- Hook 1.25-mm (8/H USA, 6 UK)
17. Wall Hangings
Cotton is one of my favorite yarn fibers for any home decor project and especially for wall hangings because it makes them easier to keep clean and wash. If you’re ready to experiment with your colorful cotton, try this Hairpin Lace Dreamcatcher!
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn Sport (2, Fine), such as Schachenmayr Catania
- Hook 4.0-mm (G/6 USA, 8 UK)
Find more wall-hanging ideas…
- Crochet Wall Hanging Bags
- Haunted House Wall Hanging
- Flying Witch Wall Hanging
18. Garments
Cotton yarn is definitely the best option for crocheting Spring and Summer garments. Obviously, you need to choose some very soft cotton, maybe blended with a little acrylic, like the yarn that I used for my Summer Sailing Sweater.
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn Fingering (1, Super Fine), such asComfy Fingering WeightbyKnitPicks
- Hook 4.0-mm (G/6 USA, 8 UK)
Find more garments to crochet with cotton yarn…
- Comfy Cocoon Shrug
- Glitzy Bolero
- Tunisian Summer Top
19. Shawls & Summer Scarves
Most yarn cakes are made of cotton yarn, and they are perfect for crocheting shawls and summer scarves!
You can stick to a very simple pattern and let the gradient yarn do the job, or you can choose a more interesting pattern like the Triangles and Cones Lace Shawl!
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn Fingering (1, Super Fine), such as Cotton Kings Sultan Deluxe Shine
- Hook 4.0-mm (G/6 USA, 8 UK)
Find more scarves and shawls to crochet…
- Spring Breeze Lace Scarf
- Proserpina V-Stitch Shawl
20. Beach Cover Ups
You can cotton to crochet summer dresses and beach coverups so that you’re going to stay fresh and dry but also stylish! For some fashion on the beach, try this Beach Cover-Up Dress.
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn Fingering (1, Fine), such as Comfy Fingering byKnitPicks
- Hook 4.0-mm (G/6 USA, 8 UK)
21. Summer Hats
Bucket hats are still big this year, and you can make one yourself very easily using this Dot Square Bucket Hat pattern!
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn DK (3, Light), such asPaintbox Yarns Cotton DK
- Hook 3.5-mm (E/4 USA, 9 UK)
22. Purses & Tote Bags
I like using the bright and colorful tones of cotton yarn to create fun bags and purses, like this Cacti Zipper Pouch!
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn Sport Weight (2 Fine), such asSchachenmayr Catania.
- Hook 3.0-mm (C USA, 11 UK)
23. Flowers & Other Appliques
Cotton yarn is always a great choice when you need to add appliques and flowers to your blankets, hats, or really any project! Try this simple Daisy Flowers to see the result…
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn DK (3, Light), such asPaintbox Yarns Cotton DK
- Hook 3.5-mm (E/4 USA, 9 UK)
Enjoy a few more applique patterns…
- Ice Cream Applique
- Strawberry Applique
- Little Mountain Flower
24. Children & Baby Toys
When it comes to toys for children and babies, safety should always be the number one concern. That’s why you should always choose the best, natural materials, and substitute any acrylic yarn with cotton!
If you’re ready for crocheting some toys, take a look at this rattling Pentagon Ball!
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn DK (3, Light), such as Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/6
- Hook 3.5-mm (E/4 USA, 9 UK)
25. Blankets
Can you actually crochet blankets with cotton yarn?
The answer is yes! Make sure to choose some lightweight cotton with little fiber twist, like the yarn that Made by Gootie used for this Mitered Butterflies Baby Blanket.
- Get the free pattern HERE
- Yarn Worsted (4, Medium), such as Comfy Worsted byKnitPicks
- Hook 3.5-mm (E/4 USA, 9 UK)
I HOPE that YOU ENJOYED THESE FREE Patterns to CROCHET with Cotton Yarn!
I’d love to see which ones you’re going to crochet! Please, share a pic of your work on Facebook and Instagramusing the hashtag #raffamusadesigns!
Find more crochet inspiration here on the blog…
- Leaf Patterns
- Crochet Projects for Coffee Lovers
