Free Vintage Crochet Patterns | Oombawka Design Crochet
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When you purchase through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Vintage crochet patterns never go out of style. This collection gathers my favorite vintage and vintage-inspired designs—doilies, lace, motifs, and classic accessories—so you can recreate timeless projects with modern yarns.
I’ve always had a love for genealogy, family history, and antiques. There’s something special about holding an item that someone cherished many years ago — it feels like a small connection to the past. When I can’t wander through antique shops, I enjoy browsing online and discovering beautiful vintage crochet patterns. Below you’ll find a selection of my favorite designs inspired by classic crochet styles.
Next, explore these featured vintage and vintage-inspired patterns to get started.
Featured Vintage Crochet Patterns (1840–1850)
These original crochet books were published between 1840 and 1850 and are now available in the public domain. Each one provides a glimpse into early crochet history and the elegant lace designs of the Victorian era.
Gaugain, Jane (1840)
Lady’s Assistant for Executing Useful and Fancy Designs in Knitting, Netting and Crochet
Edinburgh: I.J. Gaugain’s, 1840. 210 pages. Illustrated with fifteen engravings showing various stitches in the art of netting.
This early collection includes patterns for both functional and decorative work, showcasing the fine needlework techniques of the 1840s.
Lambert, Frances (1844)
My Crochet Sampler
Author of The Hand-book of Needlework and My Knitting Book, with numerous illustrations.
London: John Murray, 1844. 144 pages.
A beautiful introduction to Victorian crochet, this book contains detailed stitch samples and project instructions written by one of the earliest female crochet authors.
Warren, Eliza (1847)
The Court Crochet Doyley Book
London: Ackermann & Co., 1847. 24 pages.
This rare publication features doily patterns with delicate lacework and elegant edging—perfect examples of early fine crochet design.
An American Lady (1848)
The Winter Gift for Ladies
Containing instructions in knitting, netting, and crochet work, revised and enlarged by an American lady.
Philadelphia: G.B. Zeiber & Co., 1848. 65 pages.
This volume brought European crochet styles to America and includes fashionable patterns from the late 1840s era.
Riego de la Branchardière, Eléanor (1850, First Edition)
The Crochet Book, Ninth Series (or Third Winter Book)
London: Simpkin, Marshall and Co., 1850. 48 pages (blank pages omitted).
This first edition printing of Riego’s Ninth Series features refined lace motifs and detailed doily patterns typical of her early Victorian work. Each design showcases the elegance and precision that made Riego one of the most influential crochet designers of her time.
These original crochet books from the 1840–1850 period offer a beautiful glimpse into the early history of crochet and the intricate lacework of the Victorian era. When you click the images of the book covers above, you’ll be taken to the PDF versions hosted by The Antique Pattern Library. These patterns are free to share for personal and educational use — but please remember they are not for resale.
Many of today’s vintage-inspired crochet designs draw inspiration from these early publications. Below, you’ll find more free vintage crochet patterns that capture that same timeless charm using modern materials and techniques.
More Free Vintage Crochet Patterns
Many vintage-style crochet projects bring the look of antique lace and classic stitches into today’s crochet. These patterns are inspired by traditional techniques but written with modern yarns and clear, easy-to-follow instructions.
Vintage Doilies Collection
The early 1900s brought new life to crochet with detailed lacework and beautiful centerpiece designs. Many of the most loved doily patterns were published by Priscilla Publishing and remain favorites today.
Robinson, Belle (ed.) (1915)
Priscilla Crochet Book – Centerpieces and Doilies
Boston: Priscilla Publishing Company, 1915. 48 pages.
Edited by Belle Robinson, this early-20th-century collection includes nearly six dozen doilies ranging from simple centerpieces to intricate roll-stitch and pineapple designs. Each pattern reflects the elegant thread-work that defined vintage crochet during this period.
Continue exploring more vintage lace, motifs, and edgings from other early 20th-century pattern books below.
Vintage Lace Patterns
Irish crochet lace is one of the most beautiful forms of vintage crochet. It began in Ireland in the early 1800s as a way to imitate Venetian needle lace and quickly became a popular cottage industry. Worked with fine thread and small hooks, Irish crochet lace uses raised motifs, picots, and layered elements to create intricate designs. These patterns preserve the delicate craftsmanship of the past and continue to inspire modern crocheters today.
Dillmont, Th. de (ed.) (c.1900)
D.M.C. Library – Irish Crochet Lace
Mulhouse, France: Dollfus-Mieg & Cie., ca. 1900. 63 pages and 7 linen patterns.
This classic publication from the D.M.C. Library is one of the best-known sources for Irish crochet lace. It includes detailed stitch instructions, motif diagrams, and lacemaker’s patterns for collars, cuffs, insertions, and borders. The book also provides guidance for working with machine-made grounds and braids, making it a valuable resource for recreating traditional Irish crochet designs.
Continue exploring more vintage crochet resources below, including edgings, motifs, and doilies from other classic publications.
Vintage Edgings and Borders
Crochet edgings were a favorite way to decorate linens, collars, and garments during the early 1900s. These delicate trims added a handmade finish to everyday items, transforming them into beautiful keepsakes. Worked in fine thread and small hooks, these edgings remain a lovely way to add a vintage touch to modern crochet projects.
Taylor, Eliza A. (ed.) (1913)
Priscilla Crochet Book – Edgings and Insertions
Boston: Priscilla Publishing Company, 1913. 48 pages.
Edited by Eliza A. Taylor, this collection includes a wide range of crochet edgings and insertions, from simple designs to more intricate lace patterns. Some include the use of manufactured braid, while others are easy to crochet with just thread and hook. These timeless borders show why Priscilla books became some of the most popular needlework publications of their day
Early crocheters also loved to work small motifs and squares, joining them together to create larger projects such as bedspreads and table covers.
Vintage Motifs and Squares
Motifs and small squares have been used in crochet since the 1800s to make larger household pieces like bedspreads, pillow shams, and table covers. These classic patterns are versatile, easy to combine, and show how crocheters of the past created beauty through simple repeated shapes.
Kerzman, Marie Louise (ed.) (1883)
Miscellaneous Designs for Crochet Work, Illustrated – Crochet Series No. 3
Brooklyn, New York: Henry Bristow, 1883. 40 pages.
Edited by Marie Louise Kerzman, this 1883 collection includes a dozen crochet patterns for squares, rosettes, and motifs designed for bedspreads and pillow shams. Each design demonstrates the delicate openwork and symmetry typical of Victorian-era crochet. The clear engravings make this a fascinating resource for anyone who enjoys recreating historical motif projects..
Explore even more public-domain crochet books and vintage-style projects in the links below.
What Makes a Crochet Pattern “Vintage”?
A crochet pattern is generally considered vintage when it’s at least 40 years old, according to the most widely accepted definition used by antique and vintage professionals (Wikipedia). This aligns closely with how the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Antique Pattern Library categorize historical crochet and textile works — as designs that reflect the styles, stitches, and materials popular from the 1800s through the mid-1900s.
These older patterns were usually written for fine thread and small hooks, producing delicate lacework, motifs, and edgings that show the incredible craftsmanship of the time. Many can still be recreated today using modern yarns while preserving their timeless charm.
How to Print or Save These Patterns
🖨️ Tip: The vintage crochet books and patterns shared in this post are available as free public-domain PDFs. When you click the images or buttons above, the files will open directly from the Antique Pattern Library or other archive sources.
You can view these patterns online or use your computer or device’s print function to save or print a copy for your personal use. Please remember that these PDFs are free to share — but not to sell.
Related Crochet Patterns You’ll Love
If you enjoyed exploring these public-domain crochet books, you might also like these other vintage-inspired patterns and collections available on my site:
Looking for even more vintage designs? You can browse my Vintage Crochet category for additional posts featuring antique crochet books and lace collections.
Vintage crochet connects us to generations of makers who shared the same love for creativity and craftsmanship. I hope these restored and archived patterns inspire you to slow down, enjoy the process, and bring a touch of handmade history into your home.
You can bookmark this page to return anytime you want to browse or download more free vintage crochet PDFs.
💬 If you love vintage crochet, please share this post with your crochet friends or save it to Pinterest so others can enjoy these beautiful historical patterns too.
Happy crocheting!
Join the Oombawka Design Crochet Facebook Group!
Share your project photos, ask questions, and connect with other crocheters using Oombawka Design Crochet patterns and tutorials. We’d love to see your progress and finished makes! Join us here.
Connect with Me
Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for the latest updates.
Love Furls Crochet?
Use my discount code OOMBAWKA2025 to receive 15% off the Furls Crochet Collection. Limit 1 use per customer. Expires December 31, 2025.
Love Shady Lane Original Crochet Designs?
Use code OOMB for 15% off any pattern on the Shady Lane website, or code OOMBAWKA in her Etsy Shop. Expires December 31, 2026.
Thank you for letting me know! I’ve updated the link.
The Winters Gift does not open
Thank you so much for posting the link to the antique pattern library! It seems silly, but I’m literally giggling with excitement right now! Haha! I honestly thought that the only way to find these were estate sales or actual antique dealers/shops!