Paper Crochet – 20 Beautiful, Fun and Creative Ideas

Top of the list has to be the independent Italian artist, Ivano Vitali, who used newspapers to make paper yarn and crochet lovely garments and fashion pieces. 

Although paper yarn has deep roots in Japanese textile art, it wasn't seen for creating clothing until the late 19th century in Germany.  There was a big increase in making and using this yarn during the World Wars, but was out of necessity and lack of other supplies.  

Ivano's work creates beautiful pieces out of recycled newspapers and puts beautiful life back into trash.  His mission was to show that fashion can be sustainable and even free. Check out the archives of this artists work on his website. 

If you are inspired by Ivano's work and want to try your hand at creating your own paper yarn, this is a great tutorial that will show you how to do that with a simple handheld spool. 

If you are not quite ready for the step of making your own paper yarn, but still want to explore crochet with paper yarn, we highly suggest looking into raffia paper.  This is a man-made fiber made with wood pulp.  There are multiple variations with some including other synthetic fibers blended in. 

Whether making your own paper yarn with newspaper or using raffia paper yarn, this is a great free summer hat pattern that is easy to crochet and will hold a good shape.

Make baskets with paper yarn for holidays like Easter or even for storing things around the house in! It's free, does not take long to crochet up and will last you awhile.

This pattern by Rico Design is simple and quick and makes for a great seasonal decorative table setting that is free and easy!

Another simple yet great pattern by Rico Design, these bowls can be used to hold fresh fruit in your kitchen, markers for color time, or any number of things around the house. The pattern comes in multiple sizes and is easy to make!

This super easy paper clutch pattern by Pierrot is made up quickly and is the perfect addition to a summer outfit for a staple accent piece.

Although creating thing with paper yarn is a fun way to combine paper and crochet, it certainly isn't the only way. There are many unique ways to mix crochet techniques in with a paper design.

Artist Kathy Ann White does a great job of explaining how crochet has frequently been a part of her art process.

This piece, by White, “is created with a base of crocheted paper wrapped wire. There is an added element of a cutout of digitally printed watercolor paper with hemp crocheted encasing the cutout.”

Below are several ways you can mix these two medias for artistic expression, practical uses or just for decoration!

Another great way to mix paper and crochet together is adding to or enhancing cards and gifts to people. These crochet edge valentines are so cute, simple to make and is such a great personal touch for someone you love.

These adorable gift favors have a mini crochet sweater on them to say thank you for attending a baby shower. What a sweet way to commemorate the loving community you are building for your family!

Here's another adorable way to use crochet and paper together - creating valentines with yarn and paper to show love and appreciation for your special people.

This adorable bookmark pattern by Darcey Kindness is simply a paperclip with little bows added to them to mark your place while reading. So cute and adorable!

Another adorable bookmark idea or for using within a planner. Although it's not directly crocheting with or on paper, it is a way to include your crochet into your books and reading!

Have you ever seen or made beads using paper and glue? There are all types of ways and styles to make and are a fun way to create your own jewelery! This bracelet is made using a small paper beads crocheted together.

Adding the detail of paper beads to the center of a crochet flower is so cute and creative! Use as hair barrettes or add to a purse or sweater!

Another way to combine crochet, paper and flowers is within scrapbooking! Adding mini crochet flowers to a scrapbook page for decoration is such a sweet detail.

Personalize a gift with a handmade doiley for a little extra touch of care.

Create decorations for a party or for seasonal decorations by making a mixed media bunting! With paper bunting and tiny crochet flowers in between, this adorable pattern is just one example you can combine paper and crochet for decoration

Another great way to add decorations or make beautiful yet simple art is by crocheting paper plate edges and combing to make patterns. Simple, quick yet so pretty!

Add some fancy crochet edge to a plain notebook to personalize it. This makes for a touching personalized gift for the friend who can never have enough jounals!

Lastly, we want to showcase some really cute and creative ways you can make paper look alike's with crochet while not actually using paper (unless of course you made these using paper yarns!)

First up is this adorable notebook paper blanket. Made with granny squares we love how cute and cozy this blanket pattern is!

Much like paper airplanes, paper boats are a classic childhood memory - so why not make a long lasting paper boat hat with crochet?!

We love the adorable paper chain design on this child sized cardigan pattern.

We love how creative this decorative piece is - crocheted paper chain!! Such a great way to get rid of your small ball stash!