Knitting & Crochet Apps
Patterns, communities, counters.
Ravelry
FREEBiggest knitting + crochet community. Free pattern library. Yarn database. Pattern tracker.
Best overall.
Knit Companion
$10 one-timePDF pattern reader with row counter, zoom, highlight. Senior-friendly.
Best for paid patterns.
Stitch Fiddle
FREE / $4/mo PremiumFree chart maker for cross-stitch, color knitting, weaving.
Best chart maker.
Yarna Knitting Counter
FREESimple row counter. Multiple counters at once. No subscriptions.
Best simple counter.
YouTube — VeryPink Knits, Sheep & Stitch
FREEBest free video tutorials. New stitches, fixing mistakes, finishing.
Best learning.
Why Ravelry alone is worth it
- 900,000+ free patterns. Searchable by skill, yarn type, project size.
- "Stash tracker" — log every yarn skein you own.
- "My Notebook" — track every project, pattern, finished item.
- Forums for every group: lace, socks, sweaters, regional clubs.
- Buy/sell or trade yarn with members.
Easy-on-eyes tips
- iPad bigger than phone — patterns much easier to read.
- Knit Companion lets you zoom and highlight current row.
- Print PDF patterns at 125-150% on a copier — bigger text.
- Daylight LED lamp — doubles knitting comfort. $40-80 on Amazon.
- Count stitches with audible row counter (Yarna app dings each click).
Local + free
Many local libraries host weekly "Stitch & Bitch" or knitting-cafe groups — free. Local yarn shops also host. Search "[your town] knitting group" on Facebook or library calendar. Connection often beats apps.