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25 SPOOKY FREE HALLOWEEN CROCHET PROJECTS

As a crocheter, there’s no better way to get into the Halloween spirit than by grabbing your hook and yarn. This enchanting collection of free Halloween crochet patterns is perfect for bringing the season to life. Whether you’re after spooky home decor, cozy festive cardigans, or cute amigurumi monsters, you’re bound to find plenty of inspiration here!

The Pumpkin Beanie

This top-down beanie features front post stitches that create stunning texture in every size, from preemie to adult! It’s the perfect accessory to keep warm while adding a festive touch for fall or Halloween. Get cozy with this fun pattern, and if you need assistance, there’s a helpful video tutorial available!

Designer: Han Jan Crochet

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: WeCrochet Brava Worsted

Red Heart Witchy Cat Hat

This adorable cat hat comes complete with appliquéd eyes, a nose, and crocheted ears! The pattern is available in four sizes, making it perfect for matching with your little ones. Plus, you’re not limited to black—choose any color you like to make it your own!

Designer: Yarnspirations

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Ghost Amigurumi

This cute 2-D ghost pattern is worked in flat rows to create two separate pieces, which are then seamed together. It’s a fun stash-buster project! To crochet this plush ghost, you’ll need to know how to chain, make a magic circle, slip stitch, single crochet, increase, and decrease.

Designer: Spin a Yarn Crochet

Yarn weight: Bulky

Suggested yarn: Bernat Velvet

Amigurumi Candy Corn

These 4” candy corn stuffies are quick and easy to crochet, making them perfect for fall decor! Add little faces for extra personality and fun. To create this pattern, you’ll need to know how to chain, single crochet, increase, and decrease.

Designer: Grace and Yarn

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Red Haired Witch

This amigurumi crochet project is crafted in multiple pieces, including the head, body, base, cape top, cape bottom, hair, sleeves, and arms. Each part can be customized to create your perfect color combination! It’s an ideal pattern for intermediate crocheters looking to get creative.

Designer: The Crochet Queen Designs

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft

Frankenstein’s Monster

This adorable crochet monster is more cute than spooky! It’s a 2-D amigurumi pattern worked in flat rows and then joined together. The colorwork uses the intarsia crochet technique, making it a fun and playful project.

Designer: Spin a Yarn Crochet

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

No Sew Amigurumi Spider

These plush, cuddly spiders are so fun to make, you might end up with a whole collection! With their curly legs and irresistible squishiness, they make great toys for kids and babies—just be sure to use embroidered eyes instead of safety eyes for little ones.

Designer: Cassandra Babb

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Halloween Tentacle Candy Bowl

Kids will adore this fun and quirky tentacle bowl! At 10” in size and made with super bulky yarn, it’s a quick and easy project to whip up. You can even add googly eyes or embroider a silly face for extra charm!

Designer: Tamara Kelly

Yarn weight: Super bulky

Suggested yarn: Bernat Blanket

Free Crochet Pumpkin Pattern with 2 Sizes

This charming fall pumpkin comes in two different sizes and is worked flat using basic stitches, making it a relaxing and quick crochet project. It’s perfect as a decorative gift or for showcasing at fall craft shows!

Designer: Sarah Maker

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch Premium

Crochet Pumpkin Pots

This delightful pumpkin pot with a lid is the ideal spot to store trinkets and Halloween treats! It’s also perfect for harvest celebrations or adding a festive touch to your home decor for the fall season. The pot measures approximately 6” in diameter.

Designer: Hooked on Patterns

Yarn weight: Bulky

Suggested yarn: KnitPicks Brava Bulky

Crochet Jack O Lantern Trick or Treat Bag

This versatile bag is created by holding two strands of yarn together, resulting in a firm, sturdy fabric. You can customize the size of the bag to your liking! To crochet this project, you’ll need to know how to chain stitch, slip stitch, single crochet, and crab stitch.

Designer: Loops and Love Crochet

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Red Heart Soft

Mad About Boo Crochet Halloween Pillow

Enhance your living room decor for the holidays with this delightfully spooky pillow! The front features the intarsia crochet technique, while the back is a solid color for contrast. This pattern is ideal for intermediate crocheters looking to add a unique touch to their home.

Designer: The Loopy Lamb

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Crochet Candy Corn Bunting

This simple pattern, featuring just single crochets, is an ideal decorative project for beginners! With this quick design, you can create as many candy corn triangles as you like, allowing you to customize the bunting to perfectly fit your space.

Designer: Jen Hayes Creations

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Halloween Granny Square Cardigan

This Halloween eyeball cardigan is a unique addition to your wardrobe! If you’re searching for a fun, Halloween-themed wearable, your search ends here. This easy pattern is crafted from granny squares and can be customized to your desired size.

Designer: Hay Hay Crochet

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Pumpkin Basket

This adorable and functional basket is created using the tapestry crochet technique. Measuring approximately 6.5” in diameter and 5.5” tall, it’s perfect for holding keys, candy, or other fall trinkets!

Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Crochet Halloween Candy Bags

This pattern offers four fun bag options: a pumpkin bag, a witch bag, a skeleton head bag, and a Frankenstein bag. With their drawstrings and straps, these bags are easy for little hands to carry. If you need assistance, be sure to check out the video tutorial!

Designer: Sigonimacaroni

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Halloween Skull Garland

These skulls take only about 15 minutes each to make, allowing you to create plenty for stringing across a mantel or wall space in just a few hours! Each skull measures approximately 4” x 6”. To complete this pattern, you’ll need to know how to chain, slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet, and single crochet two together.

Designer: See Love Share

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Halloween Eyeball Coaster

Experiment with different eye colors—green, blue, or brown—on these fun eyeball coasters! This pattern features half-double crochets and is quick to make. The coasters are double-sided, ensuring durability and protection for your surfaces.

Designer: Stitch by Fay

Yarn weight: DK

Suggested yarn: Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK

Red Heart Crochet Ghost Coasters

Keep track of your favorite fall drinks with these spooky ghost coasters! You can create them all in one color or use different shades for a fun variety. For an extra touch, add a magnet to the back to decorate your fridge with these creative pieces!

Designer: Yarnspirations

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Red Heart Spider Web Table Mat

This table web makes a fantastic centerpiece or can double as a placemat! If you love this pattern, consider making several in the same color or in a variety of colors to set at each seat. Each web measures approximately 20” in diameter.

Designer: Yarnspirations

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Red Heart Spider Web Table Topper

Dress up your table with this crafty and unique table web! This project would look fantastic in orange, black, or any Halloween-themed color you prefer. This pattern is perfect for comfortable beginners looking to add a festive touch to their decor.

Designer: Yarnspirations

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Red Heart Halloween Decor Party Banner

Get ready to celebrate with this spooky and adorable crocheted banner! This Halloween decoration is simple to make and can be customized to your desired length. Choose your favorite Halloween colors and enjoy creating this relaxing project!

Designer: Yarnspirations

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Red Heart Spicy Crochet Pumpkins

Warm up your space with these delightful crochet pumpkins! Crafted using the ripple stitch, these charming decorations are perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or for adding a touch of fall to your decor throughout the season. Remember to grab some fiberfill and poly pellets to weigh down your pumpkin and keep it stable on your table.

Designer: Yarnspirations

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Halloween Treat Bags Pattern

These easy bags are a blast to make and even more fun to customize! Whether you opt for stripes, polka dots, or a silly face, this quick bag pattern will have you eager to create a few more. Crochet some for your kids and their friends, or consider selling them at a fall craft show!

Designer: Lion Brand Yarn

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice

Plaid Table Runner

This charming table runner is an ideal way to enhance your gathering space for fall. Use it to display your favorite fall centerpieces while enjoying a meal with friends and family. This pattern is best suited for intermediate crocheters looking for a delightful project.

Designer: Lion Brand Yarn

Yarn weight: Worsted

Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love

CONCLUSION

As you can see, there are countless ways to embrace the spirit of Halloween with crochet. From spooky ghosts and mischievous witches to creepy crawly spiders and eerie pumpkins, these free patterns offer endless possibilities for DIY decorations and gifts. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or just starting out, these projects are sure to provide hours of fun and creative expression. So gather your yarn, grab your hooks, and get ready to crochet your way into a spooktacular Halloween!

HOW TO DRY AND PRESERVE HERBS

In the world of culinary arts and home gardening, few things compare to the vibrant, aromatic flavors fresh herbs bring to our dishes. Yet, during peak growing seasons, the abundance of these herbs often calls for effective preservation methods. Learning to preserve food and plants is a valuable skill that helps us enjoy the best of each season, even when they’re out of reach. In this comprehensive blog, we’ll explore the art of drying and preserving herbs, allowing you to savor their delightful essence all year long.

SELECTING THE RIGHT HERBS

Before beginning the journey of drying and preserving herbs, it’s crucial to select the right ones. Opting for herbs at the peak of their flavor and aroma will guarantee the best outcome. Additionally, focus on preserving herbs you genuinely enjoy, so you don’t waste valuable space in your garden or money at the store. Here are some popular choices:

BASIL

Basil is a versatile herb, perfect for adding depth to a variety of dishes like pasta sauces, salads, and pestos. To capture its peak flavor, harvest the fragrant leaves just before the plant begins to flower. Not only does basil enhance your culinary creations with its vibrant taste, but it also contains essential oils with powerful health benefits. These oils boast antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making basil not only a kitchen staple but also a valuable part of your home remedy kit. Personally, I find basil tea helps with digestion; when I feel bloated, a warm cup of basil tea works wonders to ease the discomfort.

ROSEMARY

Renowned for its bold, earthy flavor, rosemary is an excellent herb for seasoning meats and roasted vegetables. For optimal preservation, harvest the stems with their leaves intact. Packed with antioxidants, rosemary supports digestion and strengthens the immune system. Its unmistakable aroma is also known to elevate mood and boost cognitive function. Keeping dried rosemary in your pantry is not just a culinary advantage—it’s also a way to promote overall well-being. I particularly enjoy sprinkling rosemary on homemade dinner rolls to add a rich depth of flavor.

THYME

Thyme’s earthy, slightly minty taste makes it a staple in Mediterranean dishes. To retain its full flavor, harvest the stems just before the plant begins to bloom. Thyme also offers medicinal benefits, as it contains thymol, an active compound known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Thyme tea is a traditional remedy for sore throats and respiratory issues, making it a versatile herb to keep on hand. Dried thyme isn’t just for cooking—it’s a valuable addition to your home apothecary.

MINT

Mint is refreshing and aromatic, ideal for teas, desserts, and even savory dishes. To preserve its flavor, harvest the leaves before the plant flowers. Mint is particularly well-known for its digestive benefits. Peppermint, a popular variety, can help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and indigestion. Drying mint ensures you have a year-round supply of this soothing herb. A word of caution if you’re growing mint in your garden: plant it in a container, as it tends to spread rapidly and can easily overtake other plants.

LAVENDER

Lavender is an excellent herb to preserve, thanks to its wide array of uses. Its calming properties are well-known, making it a go-to for promoting relaxation and better sleep. Lavender adds a subtle floral note to culinary creations, perfect for infusing syrups, teas, or even creating lavender-infused ice cubes to add a refreshing twist to summertime drinks like lemonade. Beyond the kitchen, lavender offers natural antiseptic and insect-repellent benefits, making it a valuable addition to both your garden and home. By drying, infusing, or freezing lavender, you can extend its shelf life, ensuring you have this versatile herb on hand for relaxation, flavor, and natural remedies year-round.

THE DRYING PROCESS

Now that you’ve selected your herbs, it’s time to explore different methods for drying and preserving them. Each method has its own advantages and can be tailored to your specific needs.

AIR DRYING

Air drying is one of the simplest and most effective ways to preserve herbs. Here’s how to do it:

  • Step 1: Gather your herbs and remove any damaged or yellow leaves.
  • Step 2: Tie the stems together using twine or a rubber band. Keep the bundles snug but not too tight, allowing for proper airflow.
  • Step 3: Hang the bundles upside down in a well-ventilated, dry area, out of direct sunlight. A dimly lit room with good air circulation works best.
  • Step 4: Allow about two weeks for the herbs to fully dry. Once they feel brittle to the touch, strip the leaves from the stems.

Air drying is a gentle process that preserves the herbs’ flavors and essential oils. It’s an ideal method for basil, rosemary, thyme, and mint.

OVEN DRYING

If you need to speed up the process, oven drying is a great option:

  • Step 1: Preheat your oven to its lowest setting (usually around 170°F or 75°C).
  • Step 2: Lay the herb leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet. Be careful not to overcrowd them, as this can hinder drying.
  • Step 3: Place the baking sheet in the oven and leave the door slightly open to let moisture escape, preventing the herbs from cooking.
  • Step 4: Check frequently; the herbs should dry within 2-4 hours, depending on your oven’s temperature.

Oven drying is a faster alternative to air drying, perfect for those short on time. It works particularly well for rosemary and thyme, which can tolerate slightly higher temperatures due to their woody stems.

DEHYDRATOR METHOD

If you have a food dehydrator, this method offers precise control over temperature and airflow:

  • Step 1: Set your dehydrator to the recommended herb drying temperature, usually around 95°F or 35°C.
  • Step 2: Arrange the herb leaves in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they don’t overlap for even drying.
  • Step 3: Dry for 1-4 hours, checking for crispness. The drying time varies depending on the moisture content of the herbs and your specific dehydrator model.

A food dehydrator is a convenient and reliable way to preserve herbs, providing consistent results with minimal supervision. This method is suitable for all herb types mentioned above.

STORING YOUR DRIED HERBS

Properly preserving dried herbs is key to maintaining their freshness and flavor. Here’s how to ensure your herbs stay at their best:

Step 1:

Crush or crumble the dried herbs and transfer them into airtight containers, like glass jars. This not only makes storage efficient but also releases the herbs’ aroma and flavor when you open the jar.

Step 2:

Label each container with the herb name and the date of preservation. Proper labeling helps you easily identify your herbs and set up a rotation system, so you use the older ones first.

Step 3:

Store the containers in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. A pantry or spice cabinet is ideal.

By storing your dried herbs in airtight containers, you protect them from moisture and light, which can cause their quality to degrade. When properly stored, dried herbs can retain their flavor for up to a year or even longer.

TIPS FOR USING DRIED HERBS

Using dried herbs differs slightly from fresh, but they can still enhance your culinary creations beautifully. Here are a few tips to make the most of them:

Tip 1:

Keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor than fresh ones. Use them sparingly to avoid overpowering your dishes. As a general guideline, use about one-third to one-half the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh.

Tip 2:

Before adding dried herbs to your recipes, crush or rub them between your fingers. This releases their essential oils, boosting their flavor and aroma to blend seamlessly into your dishes.

Tip 3:

In simmering sauces, soups, and stews, add dried herbs early in the cooking process. This allows time for their flavors to fully develop, giving your dishes a rich and well-rounded taste.

CONCLUSION

Drying and preserving herbs are essential techniques for preserving their flavor, aroma, and nutritional value. By following the appropriate methods, you can enjoy the benefits of fresh herbs year-round. Whether you opt for air-drying, oven drying, or using a dehydrator, the key is to ensure proper ventilation, low humidity, and protection from light. Additionally, storing dried herbs in airtight containers in a cool, dark place will help maintain their quality for longer. With a little care and attention, you can easily incorporate dried herbs into your cooking and enjoy their delicious flavors throughout the year.