Saving Money on Crocheting Afghans

This post is part of a multi-part series on Saving Money A to Z here at Frugal Follies.

Yesterday I posted about how much I love my afghan - how it is both a cherished item I made when I was younger, and how it now helps me save money.  If you don't have one, and want one, here are some tips:

If you don't want to make one yourself:

• Find a friend or relative who will make one for you.  They might be willing to give you one as a gift for a birthday or holiday, or maybe they will provide free labor in exchange for you purchasing the materials.  Of course, thank them profusely!
• Maybe a friend or family member is overblessed with afghans.  We have several, gifts from my husband's grandmother. Perhaps they'd be willing to give you one, or exchange for something else.
• There are often lots of afghans available at thrift shops for cheap.  Also check yard sales.
• Check online sources like eBay for used afghans.
• Check Etsy, an online site for crafters, for folks that will sell you ready-made afghans, or will make crocheted afghans to your specifications on commission.

If you don't already know how to crochet:

• Ask a friend or relative for lessons.  Again, this could be a great birthday or holiday gift from them to you.
• Check out craft or yarn stores in your area to see if they have beginner's lessons for cheap.  They might hold them, hoping that you'll then purchase your materials at the store.
• There are lots and lots of sites on the Internet that can teach you how to crochet.  Also check YouTube for videos - these will help far more than written instructions.

To get materials cheaply:

• Consider making a granny square afghan, or other type of afghan that utilizes scrap yarn.
• Ask friends and relatives for yarn and crochet hooks that they've used in previous projects.  
• Also, check thrift shops and yard sales.  I often see large bags filled with scrap yarn that cost very little.  Use what you can and pass on the rest.  Also look out for pattern books.
• Pattern books can also be checked out of the library - make a copy of the pages you need, or copy down the directions.  And there are lots of free patterns available on the Internet.
• Watch for sales at craft shops.  Check their websites for coupons.
• If you're short on time, Etsy has sellers who provide premade granny squares, which you can then fasten together to make an afghan of the size you wish.

Good luck!  Hope you love your afghan as much as I do!