Methodology

How the pattern index is built

We start from publicly listed free-pattern pages on publisher sites. For each pattern our crawler fetches the public page once, politely (about one request per second, identifying itself with a user agent that points to this page), and records only facts: the title, the link, the skill level, yarn weight, hook size and gauge where the page states them. No pattern instructions are stored.

Links that return “not found” are removed (133 at the last refresh). Category labels (blankets, hats, amigurumi and so on) are assigned from the pattern title and the publisher’s own tags, so one pattern can appear in more than one category.

Not every page states every fact. When a pattern doesn’t list a yarn weight or hook size, it simply won’t appear under that filter. For some Yarnspirations patterns we infer the yarn weight from the named yarn line using the manufacturer’s label weight (the most common yarn lines in the index are Red Heart Super Saver (27), Red Heart Soft (9), Red Heart Boutique (8), Red Heart With Love (8), Caron Simply Soft (8)).

Yarn yardage estimates

The quick estimate multiplies the project area by a typical yards-per-square-inch rate. Our base rate is 0.9 yd/in² for worsted-weight double crochet, cross-checked against published yardage for common worsted blanket patterns. Stitch factors: single crochet 1.15, half double 1.0, double 0.9, granny/open 0.82, puff/bobble 1.3, lace/mesh 0.65. Weight factors relative to worsted: lace 2.6, super fine 2.0, fine 1.6, DK 1.25, worsted 1.0, bulky 0.62, super bulky 0.42, jumbo 0.28. Real use varies by about ±15% with tension, which is why we add a margin. The swatch method scales your own measured yarn use and is the most accurate option.

Gauge calculator

Size difference is the ratio of pattern gauge to your gauge. Adjusted counts multiply the pattern’s stitch and row counts by your gauge ÷ pattern gauge so the finished measurements match. The hook suggestion uses the common rule of thumb that one hook size changes gauge by roughly half a stitch per inch.

Hook and yarn charts

Hook conversions and yarn weight ranges follow the Craft Yarn Council’s published standards and manufacturer labels. Brands vary slightly; the millimetre size is the reliable figure.

How the site is funded

The finder and tools are free. We earn from an optional one-time Pro upgrade and, where marked, from affiliate links on the supplies page (see our disclosure). Neither affects which patterns appear or how they rank.

Who runs it

Crochet Pattern Finder is run by a small independent team. Software helps with crawling and data cleanup; a person reviews changes to the tools, charts and copy before they go live.

Last updated 2026-10-02.