As an avid fiber arts creator, you likely have a stash of yarn that consists of extra bits that aren’t enough for a whole project but are too good to throw out. It’s the continual dilemma: what can I do with my leftovers? Well, we have a solution.
Crochet motifs and appliques can be made to use up scraps of yarn. An individual motif works well as an addition to gift wrap or as an appliqué on another crochet item such as a hat or dress.
Sets of crochet motifs can be joined together to make larger items like blankets or strung together to make bunting that decorates your home.
Appliques are intended to be sewn onto other items, whether crochet or not (think crochet patches on denim jeans) but can also be joined together to make bunting.
We found some fun and easy small crochet patterns, so enjoy exploring their full potential when combined with your own creative ideas!
20 Crochet Patterns for Motifs and Appliques
Every wondered what to do with all your small yarn ends and extra stash yarn? Create fun and simple motifs and appliques with these fantastic patterns!
These adorable mug coasters are soooo cute and would make for a fantastic house warming gift. They whip up quickly and you can have all types of color combos!
Hexigons are a common motif shape as they can be used for patchwork or sewn together to make something larger. We are obsessed with this zipper techniques used to join these beautiful flower hexi's together.
Stars can be used for all types of decorative purposes or to enhance a garment. This pattern shows how to make them with t-shirt yarn for a "floppy" look.
This adorable design would make a great art gift for a friend or added to a kiddos room for decoration. We love how simple yet cute it is!
The pumpkin is traditionally a fall pattern, but this could be adapted with different colors to look like a cherry or an apple for decorating throughout the year!
Free from Tamara at Moogly, these adorable music notes whip up so quickly and there are several different note shapes. Tamara does a great job of offering pattern sets and is a great place to look for other appliques patterns.
It's really great to know how to make a number of different motif shapes so that you always have something you can turn to when you're designing your own pieces. This simple hexagon worked is one to bookmark.
This is a more advanced version of the basic hexagon using a more textured stitch. Beautiful. Great for blankets, scarves and more.
When you crochet projects that use motifs, you sometimes have to use half-versions to make the items turn out right in terms of shaping and draping. This beautiful example shows you how to take a classic daisy hexi and cut it in half. It's also a cute little design on its own!
You can crochet this as a trivet for the kitchen, of course, but you could also use it as a large motif pattern for different types of projects. For example, one large red star would look great on the back of a white t-shirt. A set of three stars might make great framed doily art!
This adorable bear motif is just too cute. Frame for some beautiful art or add to a garment for decoration.
Not only is this a cute design but it also shows you how to take the basic idea of a motif and turn it into bunting.
We love the flower inside a heart idea for this motif. Whether you use them for coasters or something else entirely, these hearts are sure to brighten up whatever space they are in!
We love the vintage crochet along that Cypress Textiles did last year. This is just one of the vintage motif patterns they made and posted about. If you love this desing, check out their page for more!
Cresent moons make for great aesthetics in a nursery or for a witchy friend. Learn how to with this free Ravelry download.
With an almost doily like appearance, this gorgeous lace design motif is perfect for elegant coasters or added to a piece of clothing.
Being just a few inches, these skulls are perfect for decorating and celebrating Day Of The Dead or Halloween.
Brighten up the day with this vibrant sun motif! Add some stars, and a rainbow to create a beautiful baby mobile.
Another great heart pattern, but this one has the classic granny square look that we love so much.
This gorgeous motif looks like an elegant starfish, thus it's aquatic name Ariel.
I absolutely adore those coffee cups. Those pumpkins would be great on my Halloween bear. I’ll be bookmarking you. :)
What an inspiring round up Kathryn!
Love all of them!
Thank you for including my star.
Muchisimas gracias Kathryn. Estoy haciendo una manta que es una partitura para mi sobrina que toca la viola estupendamente y estaba buscando patrones para notas musicales.