When I first learned how to crochet six months ago, I never dreamed I'd ever be able to follow a pattern. I barely knew how to make a chain! I didn't know the difference between single crochet and double crochet, I didn't understand the purpose of hook size, and I certainly couldn't interpet 2 sc in next sc, work decrease, sc in next sc. But practice truly does make perfect, and the more YouTube tutorials I studied and square blankets I made, the more everything started to make sense. I learned how to make granny squares, and just recently I finally conquered my ultimate nemesis: the ripple stitch.

Now that I can decipher the terminology, I've been on the lookout for new patterns. As crocheters everywhere know, the craft can be quite addicting. I probably have yarn I'll never even use that I bought simply because it was soft and pretty. But with three women in my family currently expecting their first children (one is having a boy, the other two are having girls!) I've got baby blankets to make and patterns to find. Here are some of the best sites I've come across that offer free crochet patterns.

Boasting over 400 free crochet patterns, Crochet n' More is a veritable treasure trove of ideas. The Baby Crochet section along features 30 patterns ranging from afghans to burp cloths to preemie caps. The Afghan section offers an array of granny squares that are ultimately bound together to form a full-size blanket. Bookmarks, doll clothes and bath accessories are also available.

Lion Brand Yarn, one of the major yarn manufacturers in the U.S., is kind enough to offer 2000+ patterns on their website. It's a wonderfully comprehensive site, complete with pattern search engine organized by type, size and skill level. Free crochet patterns for adults, children, infants and pets are available at absolutely no charge. The charming children's section is full of stuffed animals, lambs, bunnies and "pocket pets", toys, clothes and other accessories. Many are ranked at a skill level of Easy, especially the various toys. You may need to register for a free account to view all 2000 patterns, but it's certainly worth it!

The Daily Crocheter very generously offers hundreds of free crochet patterns broken down into easy to navigate categories such as Afghans & Throws, Ponchos, Shawls, Baby Blankets. The site is basically an extensive and well-researched list of classy and cuddly patterns found around the web.

Caron is another yarn manufacturer that offers free project ideas on their website. The best thing to do is to select All Crochet Patterns to see a pretty decent list (complete with thumbnail pictures) of blankets, sweaters, pullovers and tote bags. The Soften His World baby blanket is one pattern I'm particularly fond of, along with the Patchwork Plaid baby blanket, which I'm currently crocheting for my new cousin-to-be.

Free Patterns has patterns that you can actually enlarge and download rather than simply print out instructions. Beautiful jumpers, afghans and booties, crib covers and wall hangings are just some of the patterns available here. I especially enjoy the Innovative Ideas section of the Afghan patterns.

Bernat yarn is the only kind of yarn I'll use if I can help it. I was recently surprised to find that they didn't carry Bernat Softee Baby in Mint Green, so I settled for Caron and was quite pleased with it's quality and softness. The Bernat website offers seven pages of free crochet patterns (as well as knit, if you're interested).