Are you ready to break the rules and let your creativity take the lead? Freeform crochet is all about ditching the pattern and following your intuition. It’s a playful, expressive art form that invites you to mix stitches, textures, colors—and even moods—to create something entirely your own. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter craving more freedom or a curious beginner ready to explore, here are 10 tips to help you dive into the colorful, limitless world of freeform crochet.
Here are 10 helpful tips for getting started with freeform crochet, whether you're brand new to it or looking to break free from traditional patterns:
1. Let Go of the Pattern
Freeform crochet thrives without rules. Start stitching without worrying about symmetry or structure—just go with what feels right.
2. Play With Color
Choose a mix of yarns in different shades—complementary, clashing, or tonal—and trust your eye. Let bold or unexpected combinations lead your design.
3. Mix Stitch Types
Use a variety of stitches (shells, bobbles, mesh, post stitches, etc.) to add texture. Don’t worry if you’ve never combined them before—that’s the point!
4. Use Different Yarn Textures
Experiment with combining smooth cotton, fuzzy mohair, chunky wool, or even novelty yarns. The mix adds depth and character to your piece.
5. Start With Scrumbles
Scrumbles are small, abstract crochet pieces that you can join together later. It’s a great way to begin exploring shape, texture, and color in small doses.
6. Don’t Fear Frogging
Undoing stitches is part of the process! If something feels off, rip it out and try a different direction. Freeform is about trial and discovery.
7. Follow Your Mood
Let your emotions or environment guide you. Feeling calm? Use flowy, smooth yarns and stitches. Feeling bold? Go for chunky textures and high contrast.
8. Join as You Go (or Not)
You can stitch your freeform elements together as you create them, or make a pile of scrumbles to assemble later like a fabric collage.
9. Document Your Progress
Take photos along the way—not only to track your evolution, but also to reflect on color combos and stitch pairings you loved (or didn’t!).
10. There Are No Mistakes
If you think you’ve “messed up,” lean in. Unexpected twists often become the most magical parts of your piece. Freeform is freedom.
[Photo above: A freeform crochet creation by Gwen Buttke McGannon. Follow @gwengoods on Instagram.]
More Freeform Crochet Fun
- 🌟 Ready for a little push? Download our Roll With the Stitches Crochet Dice Challenge PDF for a fun, no-rules prompt to kickstart your creative flow.
- 🎨 Meet the Artist: Want to see freeform crochet taken to the next level? Don’t miss our World Art Day profile on Josè Dammers, a Dutch fiber artist who paints with yarn and inspires others to embrace their unique style.
- 🧠 Want More Info? Read our article A Beginner's Guide to Freeform Crochet to learn more about the history of freeform crochet and how to get started with this creative artform.
- 🧶 Your Turn: Try making one small scrumble using 3 different stitches and 2 yarn textures. No plan. No pattern. Just play. Then tag @furlscrochet on Instagram or share in the Fun with Furls FB Group—we’d love to see what you create!
