Get the Look: Crochet Projects for Retro ’70s Style

If you are a lover of retro, you’re in luck. Fashion and décor from the 1970s are back and don’t appear to be leaving anytime soon. While this trend may be a bit much for some to commit to fully, there are some classic retro pieces that you can style without reaching for a pair of bell bottoms. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite ’70s-style crochet projects for a casual nod to the stylish period.

Whether you’re in need of a fun sweater or a new piece of décor, this roundup has something ’70s for everyone to enjoy. 

Magnolia Purse

Create a bohemian-style bag with Isa Catepillán’s Magnolia Purse. The highlight is a gorgeous, lacy floral mandala pattern accented by macramé knotting and long fringe. This lightweight bag is adaptible to any occasion and doesn’t take long to complete. The pattern is worked from the center out in two pieces, using a laceweight cotton yarn that keeps the look delicate. 

Dream On Duster

Dusters are great to have in your rotation. They look great year-round and pair well with dresses and jeans alike. Shannon Leigh Roudhán’s Dream On Duster is the duster straight out of your hippie dreams. This project is easy, featuring basic crochet stitches and simple granny-square motifs. Superwash Merino wool and silk yarn is used for the granny squares while the upper body uses Pima cotton and linen blend yarn. Choose your favorite colors as accents in the granny squares and a neutral color as the main for classic look. 

Tribbles Vests

I love vintage shopping and collecting handmade vintage pieces. The Tribbles Vests, designed by Doris Chan, reminds me of a vintage sweater vest I have always regretted not buying, until now when I can make it myself. The basic vest pattern is easy to crochet with an easy-to-memorize stitch pattern. There are several different body squares to choose from. Keep it simple and choose one or mix and match. The vests have a retro feel but are brought to today’s style with a modern fit and fabric. Have fun choosing all the colors for this adorable project! 

Pioneer Pullover

Take inspiration from Stevie Nicks’ iconic style in the ’70s. The Pioneer Pullover by Jill Hanratty features airy sleeves and a tie front. This sweater is crocheted with yarn made up of equal parts Targhee wool and alpaca. This yarn allows for relaxed drape while still keeping you cozy. Two panels are crocheted from the bottom up which gives the pullover a fast start. The rest of the body is worked from side to side from the center. Edge details and a tie front make for a cute final touch. 

Elevated Wall Hanging

When I think of ’70s décor, I think of shag carpets, saturated warm tones, and macramé. Crochet your own macramé-inspired wall décor with Jennifer Olivarez’s Elevated Wall Hanging. This is an easy project and measures roughly 13” wide by 26” tall, excluding the added fringe. The hanging is made from two different panels that are separated by long chain loops. Adding twisted fringe leans further into the retro feel!

Get into the groove (sorry, I had to) of this trend with unique and timeless pieces. These retro-style crochet projects can be made to look like they’re right out of the ’70s, or you could bring them up to date with a modern color palette. The options for styling these crochet projects are endless! We hope you enjoy stitching these retro crochet projects and have fun styling them.

Have you made a crochet project that nods to the ’70s? We want to hear about it in the comments!