Annual Earth Day Tradition: Two (Temporarily) Free Towel Patterns
UPDATE: The towel patterns are no longer available for free but can be purchased here.
The tradition is still alive! For the seventh year now I am back with a special Earth Day pattern drop - two towel patterns that are free for three days only. This year is all about the texture and I’m thrilled to share these two beauties with you. Scroll down to find the new Pelada and Marbella Towel patterns for free through Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 at 11:59pm EST, after which they will return to normal pricing and join my Purposeful Patterns initiative whereby $1 from the sale of each pattern will be donated to Earth Justice - and the best part is, every donation made in the month of April will be matched $2:$1!
I think it’s fair to assume (I hope) that by now we are all aware of the changes we can make in our daily lives to help prevent the pollution of our dear planet. Recycling, composting, choosing sustainable food sources, planting trees, opting for slow fashion, eliminating plastic, choosing walking over driving, saving water, reducing our consumption in general - it all contributes to a healthier Earth. We have so many choices in each day that can either help or harm the planet, and days like this are a good reminder to be thoughtful and re-evaluate where we can make positive changes.
While we can make lots of little changes in our own lives, it’s also important to remember that we vote with our dollars. Major corporations are among the biggest contributors to climate change and when we shop with them we are part of that puzzle. The top six polluting industries are fossil fuel, agriculture, fashion, food, transportation, and construction. A lack of regulations can lead to disastrous environmental impact, and knowing where your money is ultimately ending up politically is often one of the most overlooked ways of supporting the planet. Did you know that the average consumer funds politicians and PACs about three times more through their purchasing choices than through direct political contributions? Interested in learning where your favorite brands and companies stand and to which political parties they contribute? Check out Open Secrets, Goods Unite Us, and Buy Partisan where you can search for them and learn about their political donations.
Another thing to look out for when shopping is the ever escalating concept of greenwashing. Greenwashing is the “act of making false or misleading statements about the environmental benefits of a product or practice” and it preys consumers who think they are making smart purchasing choices all the while they are actually harmfully contributing to the problem. It has become a major issue in marketing as consumers become more educated on their environmental impact and seek out brands that align with their beliefs. I found this round up of 30 companies called out for serious greenwashing last year. Here is another list of the top 10 from the previous year.
On the flip side are initiatives like 1% For the Planet, a global network of businesses working to support the planet. By joining this program, businesses give 1% of their annual sales directly to their vetted environmental partners.
As crafters we are very familiar with the phrase “slow fashion” and of course taking the time to create your own clothing, accessories, and home decor makes you appreciate each piece even more. Reusable handmade bags are always some of my favorite earth-friendly projects, and I have several patterns available if you’re interested!
A free version of this pattern can be found on my blog here.
Perfect for the beach, the park, or a stroll through town, the Harlow Market Tote will elegantly store all of your spring essentials. The granny squares that make up the bag are taken up a notch with lines of puff stitches to add dimension and interest and arranged in a special way to create the rounded bottom.
Shop the full kit here.
SIZES
One size
FINISHED DIMENSIONS
Width: 14”/35.5cm
Length: 14”/35.5cm
Strap Length: 16”/40.5cm
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
SKILLS
Single crochet
Double crochet
Slip stitches
Working into chain spaces
Puff stitches
Seaming
All Two of Wands patterns are written in standard US terms.
SELLING FINISHED ITEMS
Small batch sales of finished pieces made from this pattern are permitted, but seller must use their own photographs and credit must be given to Two of Wands as the designer.
The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Two of Wands and are for personal, non-commercial use only. These files are protected by US copyright, and you may not distribute or sell them electronically or physically.
HELP
Join the Crew of Wands Facebook group to connect with other makers of Two of Wands patterns for help with techniques and pattern related questions.
A free version of this pattern can be found on my blog here.
Bold mitered squares get arranged in a magical way to form this rounded bottom tote perfect for a stroll through your favorite beach town.
Shop the full kit here.
SIZES
One size
FINISHED DIMENSIONS
Length: 15”/38cm
Width: 15”/38cm
Strap Length: 16”/41cm
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
SKILLS
Single crochet
Double crochet
Treble crochet
Sc2tog
Seaming
Slip stitch
All Two of Wands patterns are written in standard US terms.
SELLING FINISHED ITEMS
Small batch sales of finished pieces made from this pattern are permitted, but seller must use their own photographs and credit must be given to Two of Wands as the designer.
The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Two of Wands and are for personal, non-commercial use only. These files are protected by US copyright, and you may not distribute or sell them electronically or physically.
HELP
Join the Crew of Wands Facebook group to connect with other makers of Two of Wands patterns for help with techniques and pattern related questions.
You can find a free version of this pattern on the blog here.
+ DESCRIPTION
Head to the beach or the market in style with your own French market bag. Constructed from a large net square, this durable tote is lightweight and expandable to fit your goodies from the farmers' market, your beach essentials, or a few bushels of wildflowers.
This pattern is part of a collaboration with Lion Brand Yarn Company using their 24/7 Cotton yarn. To purchase a kit please visit their site here.
+ SKILLS
This is an intermediate level crochet pattern and the techniques involved are single crochet, single crocheting 2 and 3 stitches together, half double crochet, treble crochet, chaining and skipping stitches, working into chain spaces, and working in back and forth rows as well as in the round.
+ SIZING
Width: 16”/41cm
Length: 17”/43cm
Straps: 20”/51cm
*A link to download the pattern will be sent upon payment completion. This link will expire after 24 hrs.
All patterns are written in standard US terms.
The pattern and photographs of this garment are the property of Two of Wands. This pattern and design are subject to copyright, and are for personal, non-commercial use only. You may not distribute or sell this pattern or any items created using the directions in this pattern without consent. For more information, please visit the policies here.
You can find a free version of this pattern on the blog here.
+ DESCRIPTION
This mesh bag set is the ultimate duo in accessories! A roomy tote for market scores, beach day essentials, or picnic must-haves in addition to a chic bottle bag to ensure you are always hydrated make the perfect pair this season. These quick projects are stylish, quick, and functional – the best combo!
This pattern is part of a collaboration with Lion Brand Yarn Company using their 24/7 Cotton yarn. To purchase a kit please visit their site here.
+ SKILLS
This is an intermediate level crochet pattern and the techniques involved are single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch, and chaining and skipping stitches.
+ SIZING
Tote Bag:
A Width laying flat: 21”/53.5cm
B Length: 15”/38cm
C Depth: 7”/18cm
D Strap length: 15”/38cm
Bottle Bag:
A Circumference: 10”/25.5cm
B Length (adjustable): 7”/18cm
C Strap length: 50”/127cm
*A link to download the pattern will be sent upon payment completion. This link will expire after 24 hrs.
All patterns are written in standard US terms.
The patterns and photographs of items on this site are the property of Two of Wands and are for personal, non-commercial use only. These patterns files are protected by US copyright, and you may not distribute or sell them electronically or physically. Small batch sales of finished pieces made from these patterns are permitted, but seller must use their own photographs and credit must be given to Two of Wands as the designer.
You can find a free version of this pattern on the blog here.
+ DESCRIPTION
The circle bag isn’t just this season’s must-have accessory – it’s a classic shape with timeless appeal that’s sure to be a staple for years to come. The simple construction and sophisticated look will have you whipping these up in every shade of the rainbow!
This pattern is part of a collaboration with Lion Brand Yarn Company using their Rewind yarn. To purchase a kit please visit their site here.
+ SKILLS
This is an easy level crochet pattern and the techniques involved are single crochet, slip stitch, working in the round and in back and forth rows, and working into chain spaces.
All patterns are written in standard US terms.
+ SIZING
Diameter: 15”/38cm
Strap length: 15”/38cm
*A link to download the pattern will be sent upon payment completion. This link will expire after 24 hrs.
The pattern and photographs of this garment are the property of Two of Wands. This pattern and design are subject to copyright, and are for personal, non-commercial use only. You may not distribute or sell this pattern or any items created using the directions in this pattern without consent. For more information, please visit the policies here.
+ DESCRIPTION
The Field Trip Tote will immediately become the bag of your dreams! Oversized and roomy to fit all of your essentials and more, this tote has reinforced surface crochet details to help it retain its shape and prevent too much stretching.
This pattern is part of a collaboration with Lion Brand Yarn Company using their Rewind yarn. To purchase a kit please visit their site here.
+ SKILLS
This is an easy level crochet pattern and the techniques involved are the half double crochet, single crochet, slip stitch, working flat and in the round, and surface crochet.
All patterns are written in standard US terms.
+ SIZING
Width: 22”/56cm
Height: 13”/33cm
Depth: 6”/15cm
Strap length: 15”/38cm
*A link to download the pattern will be sent upon payment completion. This link will expire after 24 hrs.
The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Two of Wands and are for personal, non-commercial use only. These patterns files are protected by US copyright, and you may not distribute or sell them electronically or physically. Small batch sales of finished pieces made from this pattern are permitted, but seller must use their own photographs and credit must be given to Two of Wands as the designer.
Bring out your inner French girl with this basket-inspired tote. Perfect for strolling seaside streets lined with cafes and bistros, it fits all of the essentials and more.
Shop the full kit here.
SIZES
One size
FINISHED DIMENSIONS
Width: 17”/43cm
Height: 14”/35.5cm
Strap length: 16”/40.5cm
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
SKILLS
Single crochet
Slip stitch
Spike stitches
Working in spiral rounds
All Two of Wands patterns are written in standard US terms.
SELLING FINISHED ITEMS
Small batch sales of finished pieces made from this pattern are permitted, but seller must use their own photographs and credit must be given to Two of Wands as the designer.
The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Two of Wands and are for personal, non-commercial use only. These files are protected by US copyright, and you may not distribute or sell them electronically or physically.
HELP
Join the Crew of Wands Facebook group to connect with other makers of Two of Wands patterns for help with techniques and pattern related questions.
+ DESCRIPTION
What’s the perfect companion for any trip? A bag that can stow all of your essentials and accompany you day or night. This bucket bag serves as an elevated tote or oversized purse that’s all at once elegant, comfortable, and strong. The solid crochet body and cord straps are tough enough to handle everything from a change of clothes to a bundle of local market goodies.
This pattern is part of a collaboration with Lion Brand Yarn Company using 24/7 Cotton yarn. To purchase a kit please visit their site here.
+ SKILLS
This is an easy level crochet pattern and the techniques involved are single crochet, working in the round, chaining and skipping stitches, working into chain spaces, and changing colors.
All patterns are written in standard US terms.
+ SIZING
Width: 14.5”/37cm
Length: 16”/40.5cm
Straps: 22”/56cm
*A link to download the pattern will be sent upon payment completion. This link will expire after 24 hrs.
The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Two of Wands and are for personal, non-commercial use only. These patterns files are protected by US copyright, and you may not distribute or sell them electronically or physically. Small batch sales of finished pieces made from this pattern are permitted, but seller must use their own photographs and credit must be given to Two of Wands as the designer.
When I design my Earth Day towels, I usually focus on either texture or colorwork, and this year it was all about the texture! I am spending the whole month of April in Costa Rica, and I took inspiration from the small rolling waves to create timeless, serene, meditative stitch patterns.
Read about the inspo behind the previous four years' towels here:
2018: Alsace and Marseille Tea Towels
2019: Barrow and Waverly Hand Towels
2020: Brimfield and Berkshire Dishcloths
2021: Bistro and Mercantile Kitchen Cloths
2022: Cottage and Cabin Cloths
As per tradition, these patterns will be available for free here on the blog for three days from 4/22/24 through 4/24/24. Starting on 4/25/24, they will only be available for purchase as printer-friendly, ad-free PDFs. The PDFs are part of my "Purposeful Patterns" initiative, whereby $1 from the sale of each pattern will be donated to a worthy cause.
This year I’ve chosen to donate to Earthjustice, an organization wielding the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, preserve magnificent places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change, as they are matching every donation $2:$1 during the month of April!
I urge you to take a look at their site to learn more about their work and impact!
And now, without further ado …
Please enjoy the following patterns !
The Pelada Towel
Inspired by repetitive crashing waves, the Pelada Towel is a meditative project with a serene feel. The textural fabric is calming and intriguing and makes for a quick and elegant finished piece.
Purchase the printer-friendly, ad-free PDF here.
The Marbella Towel
With its tranquil texture resembling cascading waves, the Marbella Towel evokes a peaceful seaside locale. The easy repetitive stitches bring a meditative feel both during the process of making it and once complete.
Purchase the printer-friendly, ad-free PDF here.
Don't forget to share your projects made using Two of Wands patterns on Instagram with the hashtag #crewofwands so your post will get featured on my site and you'll be in the running for monthly pattern giveaways!
Join the Crew of Wands Facebook group to connect with other makers of Two of Wands patterns for help with techniques and pattern related questions.
The patterns and photographs of items on this site are the property of Two of Wands and are for personal, non-commercial use only. These patterns files are protected by US copyright, and you may not distribute or sell them electronically or physically. Small batch sales of finished pieces made from these patterns are permitted, but seller must use their own photographs and credit must be given to Two of Wands as the designer.
