Archive for February, 2009

Crochet Pattern: Piano Key Scarf

Posted in Best Crochet Patterns, Free Crochet Patterns on February 16th, 2009 by Rachel – 34 Comments

crochet piano-scarf

The piano key scarf is perfect for any piano lover. Take the piano anywhere and everywhere you go. This crocheted scarf is great for men, boys, ladies and girls. No matter who you are, this scarf is bound to keep you warm and fashionably in style. Just whip out your yarn and crochet hook and follow the easy crochet pattern below.

Skill Level: crochet skill level easy

Finished Size: 53’’ (135 cm) long, 6.5’’ (16 cm) wide

crochet piano-scarf
Materials:
Medium Weight Yarn (Black and White) approximately 300 meters each
Crochet hook (3.25 mm)
Scissors
crochet yarn size 4

Gauge:
17 sc = 3’’
8 rows = 2’’
Gauge Swatch: 3’’w x 2’’h (7.5cm x 5cm) ch 18.
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across
Row 2 – 8: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Finish off.

Need help understanding the abbreviations? Check out the crochet abbreviation chart.

Crochet Pattern: Piano Key Scarf
Note: all stitches are made in the front loops only.
Row 1: with white, ch 35, sc in second ch from hook, sc each ch across
Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Row 3: ch 1, turn, 17 sc, change to blank, 17 sc
Row 4: ch 1, turn, sl st in each sc across
Row 5: change to white, ch 1, turn 17 sc, change to black, 17 sc, changing to white in last sc
Row 6: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Row 7: ch 1, turn, 17 sc, change to black, 17 sc
Row 8: ch 1, turn, sl st in each sc across
Row 9: change to white, ch 1, turn 17 sc, change to black, 17 sc, changing to white in last sc
Row 10: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Row 11: ch 1, turn, 17 sc, change to black, 17 sc
Row 12: ch 1, turn, sl st in each sc across
Row 13: change to white, ch 1, turn 17 sc, change to black, 17 sc, changing to white in last sc
Row 14: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Row 15: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across, changing to black in last sc
Row 16: ch 1, turn, sl st in each sc across
Row 17: change to white, ch 1, turn, sc in each sl st across
Row 18, ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Row 19: ch 1, turn, 17 sc, change to black, 17 sc
Row 20: ch 1, turn, sl st in each sc across
Row 21: change to white, ch 1, turn 17 sc, change to black, 17 sc, changing to white in last sc
Row 22: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Row 23: ch 1, turn, 17 sc, change to black, 17 sc
Row 24: ch 1, turn, sl st in each sc across
Row 25: change to white, ch 1, turn 17 sc, change to black, 17 sc, changing to white in last sc
Row 26, ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Row 27, ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across, changing to black in last sc

Row 28: ch 1, turn, sl st in each sc across
Row 29: change to white, ch 1, turn, sc in each sl st across
Row 30, ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Row 31: ch 1, turn, 17 sc, change to blank, 17 sc
Row 32: ch 1, turn, sl st in each sc across
Row 33: change to white, ch 1, turn 17 sc, change to black, 17 sc, changing to white in last sc
Row 34: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Row 35: ch 1, turn, 17 sc, change to black, 17 sc
Row 36: ch 1, turn, sl st in each sc across
Row 37: change to white, ch 1, turn 17 sc, change to black, 17 sc, changing to white in last sc
Row 38: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Row 39: ch 1, turn, 17 sc, change to black, 17 sc
Row 40: ch 1, turn, sl st in each sc across
Row 41: change to white, ch 1, turn 17 sc, change to black, 17 sc, changing to white in last sc
Row 42: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Row 43: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across, changing to black in last sc
Row 44: ch 1, turn, sl st in each sc across
Row 45: change to white, ch 1, turn, sc in each sl st across
Row 46, ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Row 47: ch 1, turn, 17 sc, change to black, 17 sc
Row 48: ch 1, turn, sl st in each sc across
Row 49: change to white, ch 1, turn 17 sc, change to black, 17 sc, changing to white in last sc
Row 50: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Row 51: ch 1, turn, 17 sc, change to black, 17 sc
Row 52: ch 1, turn, sl st in each sc across
Row 53: change to white, ch 1, turn 17 sc, change to black, 17 sc, changing to white in last sc
Row 54: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Row 55: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across, changing to black in last sc

Repeat from row 28, 7 times or until scarf is as long as desired. Finish off tucking in all yarn ends.

For an extra perk, add black tassels on both ends of the scarf. To make a scarf with a smaller or larger width, simply add or subtract the amount of initial chains.

Do you need help crocheting the piano key scarf? No worries just leave a comment!

Free Crochet Pattern: Flower Hair Tie Scrunchie

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on February 15th, 2009 by Rachel – 5 Comments
These bright flower hair ties are great for little girls! Use your scrap yarn to make these precious flowers and attach them to a nicely covered rubber band. They look great bouncing around on a child’s head and won’t pull hair like plain rubber bands do. Just grab a rubber band and some yarn and start crocheting.

Skill Level: crochet skill level easy

Finished Size: 2’’ (5 cm) diameter of flower, hair tie will vary based on rubber band size

Materials:
Medium Weight Yarn
Crochet Hook (3.25mm)
Yarn Needle
Rubber Band(s)
crochet yarn size 4

Gauge: not very important

crochet flower-hair-tie

Need help understanding the abbreviations? Check out the crochet abbreviation chart.

Crochet Pattern: Hair Tie
Round 1: with green, sc in rubber band until the rubber band is fully covered, sl st in first sc made, finish off (the number of sc will vary based on rubber band size)

Flower
Round 1: with brown, ch 5, sl st in 5th ch from hook, 10 sc in loop, changing to flower color in last sc, place marker
Round 2: (ch 4, skip 1, sl st in next sc) around
Round 3: (sc, hdc, dc, dc, hdc, sc in next ch-4 loop, sl st in next ch-4 loop) around, finish off

Using photo as a guide, sew flower onto hair tie with a yarn needle.

Need help with this pattern? Just leave a comment!

Crochet Pattern: Flowered Ear Warmer

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on February 13th, 2009 by Rachel – 4 Comments
This crocheted ear warmer is great for the cold outdoors. Just slip it onto your head and over your ears for a nice, cozy sensation. But beware, this elegant ear warmer is bound to attract admiring attention. crochet earwarmer
Skill Level: crochet skill level easy

Finished Size: 3 1/4’’ (8 cm) tall, 9 3/4’’ (25 cm) diameter

Materials:
Medium Weight Yarn
Crochet Hook (3.25mm)
yarn Needle
crochet yarn size 4
crochet earwarmer

Gauge:
17 sc = 3’’
8 rows = 2’’
Gauge Swatch: 3’’w x 2’’h (7.5cm x 5cm) ch 18.
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across
Row 2 – 8: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Finish off.

Need help understanding the abbreviations? Check out the crochet abbreviation chart.

Crochet Pattern: Ear Warmer
Round 1: ch 91, sl st in first ch to form loop, place marker
Round 2-5: sc in each sc around
Round 6 – 8: (dc in next sc, chain one, skip one) around
Round 9 – 12: sc in each sc around, sl st in next sc, finish off

Decorative Flower
Round 1: ch 8, sl st in first ch to form loop
Round 2: ch 1, 12 sc in loop, sl st in first sc
Round 3: (ch 10, skip 2, sc, sl st in next sc) around, sl st in starting sc
Round 4: ch 1, (sc, hdc, dc, 10 tr, dc, hdc, sc) around in all four 10 ch loops, sl st in starting sc
Round 5: (ch 3, sl st in next sc) around, sl st in next sc, finish off

Using photo as a guide, attach flower to ear warmer with a yarn needle.

If you have questions regarding this crochet pattern, feel from to leave a comment!

Crochet Flower Pattern: Rose

Posted in Best Crochet Patterns, Free Crochet Patterns on February 12th, 2009 by Rachel – 51 Comments
The classic rose adds elegance to all crochet projects. Whether you add it to your afghan, beanie or purse, a rose is bound to bring out a nice feminine touch. In this crochet pattern you can create a nice, large, full rose. crochet rose

Finished Size: 2 1/2” (6 cm) tall, 4” (10 cm) diameter of flower (not including leaves)

Skill Level: easy crochet skill level
Materials:
Medium Weight Yarn
Crochet Hook (3.25mm)
Yarn Needle
crochet yarn size 4

Gauge:
17 sc = 3’’
8 rows = 2’’
Gauge Swatch: 3’’w x 2’’h (7.5cm x 5cm) ch 18.
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across
Row 2 – 8: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Finish off.

Need help understanding the abbreviations? Check out the crochet abbreviation chart.

Cochet Pattern: Rose
Row 1: Ch 52, (dc, ch 2, dc) in fifth ch from hook, (ch 2, skip 2, dc in next ch, ch 2, dc in same ch) across, dc in next ch
Row 2: ch 3, turn, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in first ch-2 space, (ch 2, skip 2, 2 dc in next ch-2 space, ch 2, 2 dc in same ch-2 space) across, dc in next dc
Row 3: turn, (9 dc in next ch-2 space, sl st in next ch-2 space, ch 1, sl st in same ch-2 space, ch 1) across, finish off

Using photo as a guide, roll rose together and sew with yarn needle.

Leaf (Make 2)
Row 1: Ch 13, sl st, sc, hdc, 2 dc, 2tr, 2 dc, hdc, sc, sl st
Row 2, ch 1, turn, sl st, sc, hdc, 2 dc, 2tr, 2 dc, hdc, sc, sl st, finish off.

With yarn needle, sew leaves to rose using photo as a guide.

If you would like to make a smaller rose, simply decrease the number of initial chains made in row 1.

You may also like to check out more flower applique crochet patterns. This set has 5 different flowers and 3 leaf sizes.

You can find more flower patterns at the Crochet Spot Store.

If you have questions regarding this pattern, simply leave them here as a comment and I would be glad to help!

crochet flower appliques

Crochetville: The Largest Crochet Forum

Posted in News on February 11th, 2009 by Rachel – 3 Comments

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of joining the largest crochet forum on the internet: Crochetville. I expected everyone to be nice, but they definitely exceeded my expectations with warmer than warm welcomes.

I even met some amazing people in the crochet world. One very admirable woman made over 350 blankets and gave then all away to charity! This is so amazing to me since I don’t even have the patience to complete one. Crochetville is a great place to find others crocheting for charity and has inspired me to want to join in as well.

Crochetvillers are some of the most supportive people that I have ever met. They share crochet patterns and help each other when in need. This is a great place for any crocheter to be, amateur or pro.

As a member of Crochetville for only one day, this is what I discovered and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.

Free Crochet Pattern: Teddy Bear Coaster

Posted in Best Crochet Patterns, Free Crochet Patterns on February 10th, 2009 by Rachel – 30 Comments
A beary nice coaster.
This is a really cute crocheted coaster that is great for kids and adults. Need to get your kids in the habit of using a coaster? Well, they won’t deny putting their cups on this teddy bear. But we all must admit that it’s just so adorable that even us adults can’t resist the teddy bear coaster’s desire to hold your cup. So what are you waiting for? Get crocheting! For more animal coaster crochet patterns, check out the Crochet Spot Store.

Skill Level: crochet skill level easy
crochet bear-coaster
Finished Size: 4 ½’’ (11cm) diameter and 5 ½’’ (14cm) from bottom to top of head

Materials:
Medium weight yarn: Beige and Blue (less than 1 skein each)
Crochet hook: 3.25mm
Polyester fiberfill
2 small beads or doll eyes
1 large bead
Yarn needle

crochet bear-coaster-2

Gauge:
17 sc = 3’’
8 rows = 2’’
Gauge Swatch: 3’’w x 2’’h (7.5cm x 5cm) ch 18.
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across
Row 2 – 8: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Finish off.

Need help understanding the abbreviations? Check out the crochet abbreviation chart.

Body
Round 1: With Beige, ch 2, 8 sc in second ch from hook, place marker
Round 2 : 2 sc in each sc around
Round 3: (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 1 sc) around
Round 4: (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc) around
Round 5: (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc) around
Round 6: (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc) around
Round 7: (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sc) around, change to Blue in last sc made
Round 8: (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 6 sc) around
Round 9: (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 7 sc) around, sl st in next sc, finish off

Head
Round 1: With Blue, ch 2, 8 sc in second ch from hook, place marker
Round 2: 2 sc in each sc around
Round 3: (2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc) around
Round 4 – 8: sc in each sc around
Round 9: (decrease, sc in next sc) around, sl st in next sc, finish off leaving a long end for sewing

Using photo as a guide, attach eyes and nose to head. Stuff head with fiber fill.

Limb (make 4)
Round 1: With Blue, ch 2, 8 sc in second ch from hook, place marker
Round 2: (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc) around
Round 3 – 5: sc in each sc around
Round 6: Stuff with fiberfill, decrease, sc in next 2 sc, decrease twice, sc in next 2, decrease, sl st in next sc, finish off leaving a long end for sewing

Ear (make 2)
Round 1: With Blue, ch 2, 9 dc in second ch from hook, finish off leaving a long end for sewing

Using photo as a guide, assemble parts with yarn needle.

Do you need help with the crochet pattern? No Worries, just leave a comment and I will help you!

Crochet Flower Pattern: Carnations

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on February 10th, 2009 by Rachel – 9 Comments
Need something easy and fast to make? These simply beautiful, crocheted carnations will last forever, as a gift to your loved ones or a decoration for your table. There’s nothing like a bundle of crocheted flowers to brighten someone’s day! Just follow the simple crochet flower pattern below.

Finished Size: 13” (33 cm) tall, 4” (10 cm) diameter of flower

Skill Level: beginner crochet skill level
Materials:
Medium Weight Yarn
Crochet Hook (3.25mm)
Yarn Needle
Wire (Optional)
crochet yarn size 4
crochet flower carnations

Gauge:
17 sc = 3’’
8 rows = 2’’
Gauge Swatch: 3’’w x 2’’h (7.5cm x 5cm) ch 18.
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across
Row 2 – 8: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Finish off.

Need help understanding the abbreviations? Check out the crochet abbreviation chart.

Crochet Pattern: Flower
Round 1: ch 5, sl st in fifth from hook, ch 3, 15 dc in loop, sl st in next ch
Round 2 – 4: ch 3, place marker, 2 dc in each dc around, sl st in next ch
Round 5: (ch 3, sl st in next dc) around, finish off

With yarn needle, weave yarn into the top of round 2 (bottom of round 3), pull yarn tightly, bunching the flower together. Tie off and shape flower.

Flower Stem
Round 1: ch 5, sl st in fifth ch from hook, place marker, dc in each ch around
Round 2 – 21: dc in each dc around
Round 22 – 23: 2 dc in each dc around, sl st in next dc
Round 24: (ch 3, sl st in next dc) around, sl st in next ch, finish off

With yarn needle, sew stem onto bottom of flower using photo as a guide.

Leaf (Make as many as desired)
Row 1: ch 5, dc in third ch from hook, dc across
Row 2: skip 1, dc across, finish off leaving a long end for sewing

With yarn needle, sew leaves to stem as desired.

Optional: insert wire into the stem of the flower and shape as desired.

Do you need help with this crochet pattern? Leave a comment!

How to Crochet a Hat

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns, Tutorials and Help on February 9th, 2009 by Rachel – 10 Comments
Hats are easy and simple to crochet, once you have the basic idea. That is to start with a small circle and crochet around it, while slowly increasing the number of stitches in each round around the hat. Once the hat is as wide as you want it, it is time to simply make your hat longer by continuing to crochet around the hat but without adding additional stitches in each round. Here is a basic crochet hat pattern for you to follow that uses double crochet stitches. crochet hat
Skill Level: beginner crochet skill level

Finished Size: 4 1/2’’(12 cm) tall, 7’’ (18 cm) diameter (not including pom pom and ear covers)

Materials:
Medium Weight Yarn
Crochet Hook (3.25mm)
Yarn Needle
crochet yarn size 4

Gauge:
17 sc = 3’’
8 rows = 2’’
Gauge Swatch: 3’’w x 2’’h (7.5cm x 5cm) ch 18.
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across
Row 2 – 8: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Finish off.

Need help understanding the abbreviations? Check out the crochet abbreviation chart.

Crochet Pattern: Hat
Round 1: ch 5, sl st in 5th from hook, 10 dc in loop, place marker
Round 2: 3 dc in each dc around
Round 3: (2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc) around
Round 4: (2 dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc) around
Round 5: (2 dc in next dc, dc in next 3 dc) around
Round 6: (2 dc in next dc, dc in next 4 dc) around
Round 7 – 15: dc in each dc around
Finish off.

Note: If you want to make your hat longer, just continue crocheting until it is the length that you want.

Ear Covers (Make 2) (Optional)
Row 1: ch 15, dc in third ch from hook, dc across
Row 2 – 3: ch 2, turn, dc across
Row 4: ch 1, hdc in next dc, 11 dc across, hdc in next dc
Row 5: turn, ch 1, skip 1, sc, hdc, 7 dc, hdc, sc, sl st
Row 6: turn, 3 sl st, sc, hdc, 2 dc, hdc, sc, 3 sl st
Row 7: turn, 3 sl st, sc, 2 hdc, sc, 3 sl st, finish off

Tie Strap (Make 2) (Optional)
Row 1: ch 82, dc in third ch from hook, dc across

With yarn needle, sew tie straps to ear covers using photo as a guide.

Pom Pom (Optional)
Step 1: Continuously wrap yarn around 4 fingers 100 times around
Step 2: gently slide bundle off of hand
Step 3: with same colored yarn, tie bundle tightly together in the middle
Step 4: cut both the loops on the yarn open and shape

Confused? Check out the how to make pom poms tutorial!

With yarn needle, sew pom pom to hat using photo as a guide.

Note: for smaller pom poms use less fingers and for fuller pom poms revolve yarn more times

You may also like to check out the Crochet Pattern: Family Beanie Set – 6 sizes. This pattern set has various beanies for you to crochet! Plus, you don’t have to worry much about how to increase or decrease the size of your beanie.

Be sure to check out the Crochet Spot Store for more beanie and hat patterns!

crochet beanies

If you need help on how to crochet a hat, just leave a comment and I would love to help!

How to Crochet a Beanie Using Double Crochet Stitches

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns, Tutorials and Help on February 9th, 2009 by Rachel – 19 Comments
To crochet a beanie there are many crochet patterns you can use. The basic idea in crocheting a beanie is to start by making the top of the beanie, to do so crochet multiple stitches into a circular shape. Then crochet around the circle, slowly increasing the number of crochet stitches in each round. Once the crocheted beanie is as wide as you want it, keep crocheting without increasing the width. Continue to crochet in circles around the rim of your beanie until it’s the length that you want. double crochet beanie

It’s very easy to learn how to crochet a beanie. Here is a free, very easy crochet pattern of a beanie that uses the double crochet stitch.

Skill Level: beginner crochet skill level

Finished Size: 4 1/2’’(12 cm) tall, 7’’ (18 cm) diameter

Materials:
Medium Weight Yarn
Crochet Hook (3.25mm)
crochet yarn size 4

Gauge:
17 sc = 3’’
8 rows = 2’’
Gauge Swatch: 3’’w x 2’’h (7.5cm x 5cm) ch 18.
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across
Row 2 – 8: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Finish off.

Crochet Pattern: Beanie
Round 1: ch 5, sl st in 5th from hook, 10 dc in loop, place marker
Round 2: 3 dc in each dc around
Round 3: (2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc) around
Round 4: (2 dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc) around
Round 5: (2 dc in next dc, dc in next 3 dc) around
Round 6: (2 dc in next dc, dc in next 4 dc) around
Round 7 – 15: dc in each dc around
Finish off.

Need help understanding the abbreviations? Check out the crochet abbreviation chart.

If you find that your crocheted beanie is not the right size, make alterations by increasing or decreasing the number of double crochet stitches in each round or changing the number of rounds. You may also like to change colors in each round to make stripes or use a different crochet stitch, such as a single crochet stitched beanie, to give your beanie a different look.

You may also like to check out the Crochet Pattern: Family Beanie Set – 6 sizes. This pattern set has various beanies for you to crochet! Plus, you don’t have to worry much about how to increase or decrease the size of your beanie.

Be sure to check out the Crochet Spot Store for more beanie and hat patterns!

crochet beanies

If you need help with crocheting the beanie, leave a comment and I would be glad to help you!

How to Crochet a Circle

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns, Tutorials and Help on February 7th, 2009 by Rachel – 5 Comments

Crocheting a circle is very simple. The basic idea is to start with a small loop and continue to increase the number of crochet stitches each time you crochet around the loop. By increasing the number of crochet stitches in a easy to follow, symmetric pattern, you will create a flat circle.

Crocheting in a circular fashion is great for creating household items such as pot holders, dish clothes, facial scrubs, and coasters. Crocheting a circle is also a primary way to start patterns for hats, beanies and dolls.

To learn how to crochet a circle, follow the simple pattern below. Any size yarn and crochet hook can be used, since circles come in all shapes and sizes.

Crochet Pattern: Circle
Round 1: ch 2, 6 sc in second ch from hook, place marker
Round 2: 2 sc in each sc around
Round 3: (2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc) around
Round 4: (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc) around
Round 5: (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc) around
Round 6: (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc) around
Round 7: (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sc) around, sl st in next sc, finish off
crochet-circle

Need help understanding the abbreviations? Check out the crochet abbreviation chart.

To Crochet a larger circle, do not slip stitch and finish off in round 7, instead continue with this pattern until your circle is of desired length. You may also want to try using different crochet stitches, such as double crochet, to get a different look. Changing yarn colors can also give a very pretty pattern, such as stripes or checkers.

If you need further explanation for how to crochet a circle, leave a comment and I would be glad to help!