Lightly textured crochet hexagon motif - free pattern and video tutorial!

Hello lovely people of the internet! Long time no blog.

2018 has been a crazy year for me, it started by getting married in April, followed by a mind blowing trip to America for our honeymoon then hit the ground running by bagging myself a new full time job – it seems like only yesterday I was releasing my Lotus Flower Blanket pattern – where has time gone?

In any quiet moments I have been attempting to tackle my HUGE yarn stash, starting with my “work” yarn. I made the decision to stop craft fairs / selling crochet this time last year and boy do I have a lot of yarn! :O

Many a scrap blanket has been made and I thought it was high time I share some of my motif designs that I have been sitting on. I initially put pressure on myself to have finished blankets to show the motifs off to their best but with life being so busy now, that is never going to happen so over the next few months I will be releasing crochet motifs for you to turn into blankets on my behalf LOL

First up, my lightly textured hexagon motif.

I will eventually release a half hexi to accompany the full hexagon but for now, here is the full.

For this motif, I have started a blanket using my cotton yarns – this gives lovely stitch definition and gorgeous weight to the blanket! I grabbed a bundle of different colours and have been picking at random for the colour placement.

YARNS

I am using Stylecraft Cotton Classique, a couple of balls of Three Bears Cotton Affection and for a bit of sparkle, I have snuck in a ball of Sidar Soukie and a sparkly silver cheap acrylic which I think I got from B&M.

This hexagon has a lot of stitches designed to squish up to give a light texture. Due to this, I advise using a hook size slightly larger than your yarn recommends.

Pattern notes:

·         USA / American Terms

·         Hook size: 4.5mm

·         Yarn: Random selection of mostly cottons, DOUBLE KNIT.

·         Repeat pattern between the asterisks * …….. *  X amount of times

·         Pattern notes / explanations specific to each row (info inside bracket written in italics)

Stitches / abbreviations used:

·         MR = Magic Ring 

·         Ch = Chain

·         Dc = Double Crochet

·         Tr = Treble Crochet

·         Ss = slip stitch

·         Sp= space

Want to learn how to do the basic stitches? See my crochet stitch video tutorials here!

If you spot any errors or typos in this pattern PLEASE shout

OK so lets begin!

Start with a MR  (or substitute for chain 4, join with ss to create a small ring)

Round 1 – working into the MR

Ch5 (counts as 1dc, ch2)

*3dc, ch2* x 5

2dc, ss to 3^rd chain of initial ch5

Ss into first chain space

Pull ring closed

Round 2

Ch6 (counts as 1dc, ch3)

Working into the chain spaces from round below: 

*3dc, ch3, 3dc* into the next 5 chain spaces around the hexagon.

2dc into first initial chain space, ss to 3^rd chain of initial ch6.

Ss into chain space

Round 3

Ch6 (counts as 1dc, ch3) 3dc, 1tr, ch1.

Working into the chain spaces from the round below: 

*1tr, 3dc, ch3, 3dc, 1tr, ch1* into the next 5 chain spaces around the hexagon.

1tr, 2dc into the first initial chain space, ss to 3^rd chain of initial chain.

 Cut yarn and weave in your ends! J

To join as you go:

Complete one hexagon.

For joining your second (and any subsequent hexagons to each other) substitute the ch1 on the 3^rd round for a slip stitch to the corresponding ch1 on the hexagon you are joining to.

On the corners, substitute the 2^nd chain for a slip stitch so: ch1, ss, ch1

If you have any questions about this pattern / spot any errors / notice any typos but holler!

I would absolutely LOVE to see any hexagons (especially completed blankets) you may make – please feel free to tag me in your photos on Instagram (I am @puddnhead) or post them to my Facebook page here! <3

Happy crocheting!

Robin x

Continue reading Lightly textured crochet hexagon motif - free pattern and video tutorial!

Puff Stitch Fingerless Gloves - free crochet pattern

I am currently in the throws of frantic Christmas Fair making prep (too early for the "c" word? Sorry!) and yesterday posted up a photo of a pair of fingerless gloves I made which needless to say I am keeping for myself!

Lots of people have asked about the pattern so I thought I would quickly pop the pattern up here on my blog so you can make yourself a pair too!

I have quite small wrists and often find that normal puff stitch gloves are too fat and bulky for my liking - I always look like I am wearing boxing gloves or the cuffs are too baggy so with that in mind, I used finer yarn which is still lovely and squishy but without the additional bulk.


These gloves fit my freakishly small arms and hands perfectly but make sure you check the fit as you go - if you find the first few rows are too tight, try going up a hook size or two.

*** YouTube tutorial now up!***



Puff Stitch Fingerless Gloves - USA terms


4.5mm hook

210 yards of sock yarn (or any fine dk) - (I've used hand dyed yarn from Fleabubs by Lala )  colourway "Grey Skies"



Stitches used:

Chain (ch)
Foundation single crochet (FSC)
Slip stitch (ss)
Single crochet (sc)

Puff stitch (yarn over, insert hook into stitch, draw up loop of yarn - repeat 3 more times, yarn over, draw through all loops on hook, chain 1 to secure)






Working in rounds

1. FSC 30, join with slip stitch to form a circle.

2. 1 sc in each chain around, join with ss (30)

3. Ch1, 1sc in each stitch around, join with ss (30)

4. Ch1, puff into same stitch. Skip a stitch, puff into next. Repeat around, join with ss to top of first puff. (15 puffs)

5 . SS into the space between your puff stitches from the row below. Ch1, puff. 1 puff in each space around, join with ss to top of first puff (15 puffs)


Repeat Round 5, 15 more times




Thumb hole section - now working in rows



Chain 3, TURN puff in between each puff from row below, ending with last puff in the same space as your ch3. (15 puffs)

Chain 3, TURN. Puff in spaces between puffs ending with last puff in ch3 space. (15 puffs)

Chain 3, TURN. Puff in spaces between puffs ending with last puff in ch3 space. (15 puffs)

Chain 3, TURN. Puff in spaces between puffs ending with last puff in ch3 space. (15 puffs)

Chain 1, TURN. Puff in spaces between puffs ending with last puff in ch3 space. Chain 4, join with ss to top of first puff in this row. (15 puffs)


Chain1, TURN. Puff in ch4 space, puff in each space around. Join with ss to top of first puff. Do not turn at end of this row, back to working in rounds (15 puffs)



Working in rounds - Repeat Round 5, 4 more times (15 puffs)



Finishing off your gloves


Ch1, sc in top of each puff AND in each space between puffs around, join with ss to top of first sc (30)

Repeat sc row once more.



Cut yarn and weave in ends.



I've written this in a bit of a rush so if you spot any errors please let me know! 

Happy hooking! 

Robin x

Continue reading Puff Stitch Fingerless Gloves - free crochet pattern

Crochet Mermaid Tail Blanket Pattern information and Q&A

Any of you who follow me on Instagram will have seen my mermaid tails. I have been busy making them over the summer and selling them at Croyde Craft Market. 

Every time I would post a photo, I would get lots of requests for the pattern. I have been so busy over the summer that all I could do was try to help people as best I could with encouraging them to make their own version and apologising for only having the pattern in my head.

As I was reaching the end of my run of summer markets, I was chatting to some lovely ladies who were on holiday about the tails. One of them (I forget their names sorry!) ran a yarn shop and also taught crochet. We were talking about how people were requesting the pattern and they pointed out that I can only make so many tails … it wasn’t physically possible for me to make tails for all the people who were asking!

They also talked about how it was only a matter of time before my design would be inevitably ripped off and how others would profit from my hard work. They mentioned how one of the ladies had made a cocoon blanket and within weeks, someone else had made one based from her pictures and was now selling the pattern.


Encouraged by their words and heeding their advice, I decided to make the leap and sort out the pattern!

It is available for sale as a digital download on Etsy, Ravelry and my website in either USA terms or UK stitch terms.

*UPDATE MAY 2019 * 


THIS PATTERN IS AVAILABLE FOR FREE ON MY BLOG (in USA Terms) HERE: http://byrobin.blogspot.com/2019/05/crochet-mermaid-tail-free-pattern.html 

I have been receiving wonderful feedback about my pattern and I’m now starting to see photographs of tails made from my pattern trickling out – it is SO exciting! I can’t tell you how much I love seeing the tails made from my pattern!

I also thought I would answer some of the recurring questions I have been getting about the pattern:



Is this a full sleeping bag blanket?

No! It is a snuggly pouch for your feet then splits at the back to be a traditional lap blanket. It is open at the back which means you can get in and out of it very easily!

Do you have a child sized version of the pattern?

No, there is no need! The blanket pattern is super flexible, if you require a smaller tail you can simply omit the last rows – once the shaping is done for the foot pouch, you only need complete the rows that take your blanket to the desired length. It is worked from the bottom up so is easy to tweak to suit your needs.


Do you have a larger adult sized version of the pattern?

Again, no need! The foot pouch section of the pattern is a one size fits all – the blanket section is easy to make longer, wider or both!


Do I have to use the recommended yarn weights?

No! The pattern calls for one strand of chunky yarn (the USA equivalent of UK chunky is Bulky) and two strands of double knit yarn to be held at the same time. These recommended yarn weights make for a nice, dense heavy textured blanket.

The pattern is not gauge specific so if you don’t want such a thick fabric, use less strands or substitute the yarn weights. You can mix it up however you want! 

The only important thing is the hook size. If you use less strands or finer yarns, you will have a lighter blanket.

My advice to everybody is grab whatever yarn you fancy, have a play with the first couple of rows and see how the blanket works up.


What yarn do you use?

All sorts! I raid my embarrassingly large stash of yarn and play with colour. I spend more time concentrating on my colour choices than I do the yarn brands. Mix and match to suit your taste!

The mermaid tail I made for the pattern itself uses one strand of James Brett Chunky and 2 strands of Stylecraft DK.

I do recommend however that you use 100% acrylic yarn so your tails are fully machine washable.


Can I sell the mermaid tail I make from your pattern?

Yes of course!

A little credit to me the designer is always appreciated but not obligatory.


I think that covers everything – if you have any other questions just shout and I will do my best to answer :D

Happy crocheting!

Robin xx

Continue reading Crochet Mermaid Tail Blanket Pattern information and Q&A

Happy Jellyfish Keyring Pattern

Eek! An exciting (and somewhat nerve-wracking) step forward has happened to me today – I have put my first crochet pattern up for sale!

My happy little jellyfish keyrings have been super popular and so I decided, after months of talking about it, to actually publish the pattern for them so you can make your own!

The pattern comes with permission to sell your items as I have found there is nothing more frustrating than finding a pattern you love, only to see it has got strict guidelines about NOT selling your finished items.

The pattern is for sale either on my website (here) Etsy (here) or Ravelry (here) and I have published both UK and USA terminology versions so hopefully everyone is covered.

If you have any questions or need additional help, feel free to drop me a message – the fastest way to get me is probably via my Facebook Page.

I’d love to see any happy jellies you make :D

Happy Crocheting!

Robin xx

Continue reading Happy Jellyfish Keyring Pattern

Crochet jellyfish FREE PATTERN

Last August, Tonia from The Periwinkle Knitting Cafe asked me to design a couple of crochet patterns for her Sea Life Bunting Project.  She wanted a simple beginner’s pattern and a slightly more advanced one so of course; I opted for the simplest of all creatures for my beginner’s pattern: the jellyfish!  (I also wrote a Starfish pattern which I will upload at some point soon!)

The patterns were sold in her shop until October as little packs and then all the completed sea creatures were donated back to Tonia who duly strung them into bunting which she in turn donated back to the town. The bunting is now in the hands of the local council and will be used for local events in Ilfracombe!

Since the project is now over, and because I have been utterly crap at posting this sooner, I thought I would grab a moment to post the jellyfish pattern here for free!

Your jellyfish can be made from any scraps of yarn you have lying about and, as it is made using  double crochets (or if you speak in uk terms= treble crochets) it works up very quickly indeed.

I used dk yarn and a 4mm hook and my jellyfish worked up to be approximately 6 inches wide at the dome when folded flat and the tendrils were approx. 9 – 10 inches long … ISH haha jellyfish are tricky to measure!

Right –  ON TO THE PATTERN!

Jellyfish crochet pattern

USA terminology

Ss = slip stitch

Ch = chain

Sc = single crochet (insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through, 2 loops on hook, yarn over and pull through)

Dc = double crochet (yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through, 3 loops on hook, yarn over pull through 2, 2 loops on hook, yarn over pull through final 2 loops)

** Repeat the pattern between the asterisks “*  *” until end of round

Body

Magic ring to start (or ch4, ss to join)

1.       Ch2 (counts as first dc) 11dc into ring, ss to join.  (12)

2.      Ch2 (counts as first dc) 1dc in same stitch. *2dc in each stitch* ss to join (24)

3.      Ch2 (counts as first dc) 2dc in next stitch. *1dc in next stitch, 2dc in next stitch* ss to join (36)

4.      Ch2 (counts as first dc) 1dc in next stitch, 2dc in next stitch. *1dc in next 2 stitches, 2dc in next stitch* ss to join. (48)

5.      Ch2 (counts as first dc) 1dc in next 2 stitches, 2dc in next stitch. *1dc in next 3stitches, 2dc in next stitch* ss to join (60)

6-10. Ch2 (counts as first dc) 1dc in each stitch around, ss to join (60) Cut yarn and weave in ends.

11. Attach new yarn to any stitch, 1sc in each stitch around, ss to join (60) 

Cut yarn and weave in ends.

Curly Tendrils (make 3)

1.       Ch75 (approximately)

2.      In second chain from hook, 2sc. *2sc in each ch* Cut yarn and leave long tail for sewing.

Thin tendrils (make 5)

1.       Ch55 (approximately) Cut yarn and leave long tail for sewing.

Sew tendrils to the middle center underside of round 1 of the jellyfish body.

:)

Continue reading Crochet jellyfish FREE PATTERN

How to crochet a flat border around solid granny squares (sort of tutorial, sort of pattern!)

When I finished crocheting the squares for the main body of my Totoro pixel blanket, I already knew I wanted a simple plain matching double crochet border to finish it off.

(ta dahh blog post for my Totoro blanket is coming soon but if you haven’t already seen it online, pop on over to my facebook page to see the pictures!)

Now normally when I finish a blanket, I launch straight into the border with a bit of a gung ho attitude and don’t stop to think about. After all, frogging is my friend. However, given the sheer SIZE of my Totoro blanket, the thought of getting half way round and finding the damn thing had a ruffled border and having to frog hours’ worth of work filled me with dread so I did something highly unusual. Well, 3 things to be precise.

1/ I googled it. Well, to be fair, that isn’t unusual for me, but what was unusual is that google did not supply me with any answers. What? Google why you fail me??? I just wanted to find a quick pattern or tutorial that told me how to add a border to solid granny squares that stayed flat. A bit like this tutorial that I used for my large granny square blanket border which kept everything nice and flat.

I tried various phrases: “how to crochet a flat border solid granny squares” “solid granny square border” “solid granny square border pattern” “double crochet border” blah blah blah. I got nada. Zip.  There were plenty of lovely granny square borders and plenty of double crochet borders but no direct patterns or tutorials for the effect I wanted. Damn. This meant I would have to engage my own brain for once!

2/ I had to think about it logically. Again, not one of my strong points.

3/ I made a test swatch. A TEST SWATCH! This literally never happens. Ever. I shy away from making clothing because of the need to faff around with swatches (and I reeeeeeallly want to make some clothing!) Ugh.

I felt like a proper grown up crocheter.

Needless to say that given I couldn’t find what I wanted on google, I thought I would save my test swatch and write up the pattern here just in case there were any other frequent googlers like me who were also looking for the same thing and coming up empty handed!

I did download a trial version of some fancy crochet chart symbol software but after 5 minutes, I gave up and scribbled with a big fat marker pen on some scraps of paper by my desk. If only I had some washi tape and cute accessories I could have photographed it all arty and deliberate like BUT I don’t so I have no cover for my laziness.

If there is anything in my crappy drawings that doesn’t make sense, please feel free to ask in the comments section!

Firstly, here is the pattern I used for my solid squares; 2 rounds, nice and quick.

Nothing new there, just a standard solid crochet square.  (Although, if I am going to nit pick, for my squares I did standing double crochets instead of chain3 ‘s but I didn’t know how to draw that in chart form haha FAIL)

For the border, I basically applied the same premise as in the aforementioned Granny Square border tutorial and did a bit of dc2tog action.

I did {2 double crochet, chain 3, 2 double crochet} in the corners, a double in every double from the square below and then, a double crochet 2 together over the chain spaces on the long straight sides. Does that make sense? I’m guessing not because I am useless at explaining things.  Hopefully this chart makes more sense than me!!

Once I had done my dc edging, I followed with a round of crab stitch to give it a nice, simple corded edge.

Done!

 xx

Continue reading How to crochet a flat border around solid granny squares (sort of tutorial, sort of pattern!)

Baby Blanket Ta Dahhh (plus border edging pattern)

A couple of weeks ago I set a new record for myself. I started and completed a baby blanket in 3 days. THREE DAYS. That sounds fast, however, the reality was that I didn't leave the my seat in that entire time, have left a permanent butt grove in the sofa and am now suffering from chronic tennis elbow (more about that in later posts haha!) 

Crochet is normally a relaxing happy pastime but not this blanket! I was in a panic to finish and can safely say, I will never churn out another blanket so fast ever again. I am maintaining that this particular blanket has nothing to do with my TERRIBLE time management and is in fact down to her being born prematurely. That is my official line. I will gloss over the fact that I knew she was going to be premature and that I also knew weeks in advance that she could have been born any day….

When I posted the photos on Instagram, I had a lot of people asking about the pattern and my border so I will tackle both those things in this post!

Firstly the pattern. It is from MyPicot.com, this square doesn’t seem to have a name but it is very pretty! The direct link to the pattern is here – I initially found the written instructions a little tricksy (no idea why, clearly I was having a brain fart day) so instead followed the chart that is available in the downloadable PDF.

I continued my square until it was roughly the right size I wanted and then stopped.

The scalloped edging was a little too flouncy for my liking so I squared it off.

The border is 2 rounds, the first round was to square off the scallop, the second round was a round of crab stitch.

I have drawn a rough chart for you to see the stitches I used for the squaring off. If you need any help, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below and I will do my best to help!

A word of warning if you follow my instructions for the edging: YOU WILL NEED TO BLOCK THE BLANKET. There is no escaping the blocking I’m afraid. I hate blocking with a passion so I can only apologise for this! Haha!

You may find that going down a hook size will help avoid the need to block but as I was rushing (and therefore not thinking) I used the same size hook for the entire blanket so haven’t tested it myself.

Blanket Stats:

Yarn: Rooster Almerino Aran

Hook size: 5.5mm

Time: 3 crochet intensive days where I only took pee and sleep breaks LOL

Continue reading Baby Blanket Ta Dahhh (plus border edging pattern)