45 patterns

1940s Crochet Patterns (1941–1949)

These 45 1940s crochet patterns come from 5 pattern books published between 1941 and 1949 — the wartime and post-war pattern books of the 1940s. Each keeps the original design and photograph, names the book it was printed in, and adds modern thread or yarn equivalents with a note of every change.

By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Updated · Editorial policy

What kinds of 1940s crochet patterns are these?

The 1940s designs in this library are 39 doilies, tablecloths & chair backs, 6 afghans & bedspreads. Stitch names in books of this period do not always mean what they mean today, so every pattern records the key printed in its own source book and lists each change we made.

1940s patterns by project type
Project typePatterns
Doilies, tablecloths & chair backs39
Afghans & bedspreads6

Frequently asked questions

Are these 1940s crochet patterns free to use?

The original designs are public domain in the United States. Each pattern page shows the first section of the instructions free with the original photograph; the complete patterns are in the printable PDF collections.

Have the 1940s patterns been changed?

The designs are unchanged. Instructions are rewritten in current US abbreviations and split into numbered rows or rounds, and anything the original leaves unclear is marked rather than guessed.