The above photo tutorial on the Needle Join (NJ), also known as the invisible join, has no sound.
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Author: cheryldee
Tunisian Pinwheel Half Square
This half square pattern is now available as a companion to the Tunisian Pinwheel Square pattern. You may obtain the half-square pattern free, when you purchase the full square pattern. Buy full square pattern now.
This project employs the Tunisian simple stitch. However, a Tunisian crochet hook is not necessary, as the half-square is small enough that a regular crochet hook can be used. It is perfect for joining to the Tunisian Pinwheel Squares, on point, to make a larger project, such as a blanket, shawl, or bag. This is a good project for yarn scraps, as each of the 4 triangles can be made in a different color.
Also, if you want to make just the basic square, with the 8 triangles only, and no border, you can find the free pattern at the link below. ===> 2018 Free Version Tunisian Pinwheel Square
And, here is a link to the free video tutorials for that portion of the full square pattern.===> View the playlist of 6 video tutorials
Free Crochet Pattern: 2018 Condensed Tunisian Pinwheel Square
I have recently expanded and updated the Tunisian Pinwheel Square pattern that I originally published in August 2016. The expanded version contains an optional moss-stitch border, as shown in these photos. Buy expanded pattern now.
To celebrate the expanded version, I have decided to make a free, condensed version of the pattern available, as well. With the condensed version, you will still receive the “meat” of the pattern, showing in great detail how to make the basic Tunisian Pinwheel Square that can be used for potholders, dishcloths, etc. There are written instructions, diagrams, tables, and links to video tutorials.
There are ten pages of material in the free, condensed version, making it too large to put into a blog post. So, you will need to download the .pdf here:
===> 2018 Free Version Tunisian Pinwheel Square
Here is a link to my YouTube channel, where you can view the playlist with 6 videos that demonstrate everything in the free written version.
===> View the playlist of 6 video tutorials
I have spent many hours to improve and enhance this pattern for you. I have had it tested several times and I have paid a professional technical editor to find any errors.
I would be very grateful if you would leave a comment below. I would be even more grateful if you would create a Ravelry project page with photos of your creation and link it to my pattern. I would be super impressed and truly humbled if you would give me a shout-out on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Yours truly!
Cheryl
Free Crochet Pattern: Weaveless Colorful Granny
FREE, CONDENSED PATTERN BELOW
Any seven colors may be used with stunning effect. The colors pictured are derived from the seven colors of the natural rainbow, in order: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Reverse the colors and you have the other half of a double rainbow. Alternate the squares in a project for eye-popping color and a pleasing design.
This pattern employs the Weaveless Color-Change Joins technique, which uses the tidy and sturdy fisherman’s knot (aka magic knot), greatly reducing the number of yarn tails to be woven or sewn in at the end of the project. In this solid granny square, the color changes and joining are done at the corners, eliminating an ugly seam.
The color changes are implemented during the final steps of each round. The secret to the knot ending up in the correct place is this: prior to completing the final [dc, ch1, sc] at the end of each round, cut the working yarn to a length of about 7” and join the new yarn color with a knot. The expanded pattern contains a detailed photo tutorial.
In order to test the durability of these knots, this technique was tested in a dish scrubber pattern. After repeated, vigorous use, the knots remain very much intact.
Materials: Seven different colors of worsted weight or 10-ply (#4) yarn. Total yardage for one square: 52.25 yds. Colors pictured: Red Heart Super Saver (RHSS) Lavendar, RHSS Light Blue, RHSS Aruba Sea, RHSS Melon, RHSS Light Yellow, Lion Brand Pound of Love in Creamsicle, and RHSS Light Raspberry.
Yards per Round: Rnd 1 – 1.75, Rnd 2 – 3.5, Rnd 3 – 5.5, Rnd 4 – 7.5, Rnd 5 – 9.25, Rnd 6 – 11.25, and Rnd 7 – 13.5.
Tools: H8 (5mm) hook, yarn needle, and scissors.
Gauge/Size: Three rounds make a 3” x 3” square. Seven rounds make a 7.5” x 7.5” square.
Abbreviations: CCJ – color change join, ch – chain, dc – double crochet (UK – treble crochet), NJ – needle join (aka invisible join), sc – single crochet (UK – double crochet), sl st – slip stitch, sp – space, sq – square, st(s) – stitch(es), yo – yarn over (UK – yarn over hook).
Special Instructions
- Beginning ch3, and ch2 do count as a st in this pattern.
- Color-Change Join (CCJ): Prior to final dc, ch1, cut working yarn to a length of 7” (18 cm), work Color-Change Knot. To complete rnd, dc, ch1, sc into top ch of ch-3 (or ch-2) that began round, resulting in new yarn color on hook.
- Color-Change Knot: Lay two colors of yarn in parallel configuration, next to each other on flat surface. Ends should be aiming in different directions, like two trains passing each other on parallel tracks. Start with end of yarn attached to project, wrap it around the new yarn and tie it into a knot. Tail should be about 1 inch long. Wrap other end around first strand and tie into a knot. Length of this end doesn’t matter. Pull on both strands until the two knots are snugly next to each other. Cut off both short ends very close to knot. Continue as instructed.
- Corner Shell (CS): 2dc, ch2, 2dc.
- Start New Round (SNR): Sl st back into same corner space to cover old yarn color with new yarn color. Cinch down tightly, to avoid loose loop. Ch2 loosely (= dc), then dc into same corner space just made.
- Needle join (NJ) (a.k.a. Invisible Join)
- Leaving last loop on hook, cut working yarn about 6 inches (15 cm) away from hook. Gently pull newly cut yarn through loop on hook, making sure to leave last loop loose. Remove hook and set it aside.
- Thread cut end of yarn through yarn needle. Gently insert yarn needle from front to back under both top loops of stitch indicated. Pull tail through to back of fabric.
- Insert yarn needle from front to back through last stitch of round, where yarn was pulled through. Pull tail tightly until it disappears, to keep from adding a loop to the stitch count.
- Turn your work over and use yarn needle to weave in end, making sure to keep appropriate tension. Snip end of yarn.
Procedure
Rnd 1. With A, start with magic circle [or ch4 and join with sl st in first chain.] Ch3 (=dc), 2dc, ch2 in ring, * 3dc, ch2 in ring. Repeat from * two more times, CCJ. 20 sts.
Rnd 2. Continuing with B, SNR, dc in next 3 sts, *corner shell, dc in next 3 sts. Repeat from * two more times, CCJ. 36 sts.
Rnd 3. Continuing with C, SNR, dc in next 7 sts, *corner shell, dc in each of next 7 sts. Repeat from * two more times. CCJ. 52 sts.
Rnd 4. Continuing with D, SNR, dc in each of next 11 sts, *corner shell, dc in next 11 sts. Repeat from * two more times. CCJ. 68 sts.
Rnd 5. Continuing with E, SNR, dc in next 15 sts, *corner shell, dc in next 15 sts. Repeat from * two more times. CCJ. 84 sts.
Rnd 6. Continuing with F, SNR, dc in next 19 sts, *corner shell, dc in next 19 sts. Repeat from * two more times. CCJ. 100 sts.
Rnd 7. Continuing with G, SNR, dc in next 23 sts, *corner shell, dc in next 23 sts. Repeat from * two more times. NJ. 116 sts.
~~~
Free Crochet Pattern: Stripey Pouch (Helix)
FREE, CONDENSED VERSION BELOW
This is the FREE, condensed version of this pattern. An expanded, printable, ad-free version is available for $2.00 in my Ravelry store or my Etsy Shop.
The expanded version contains a photo tutorial, abbreviations, detailed explanations for the needle join, extended dc, standing extended dc, standing sc, alternate tasseled drawstrings, and tips for keeping 4 yarn balls organized.
This soft drawstring pouch protects eyewear from scratches. Use bright colors so you never lose your glasses again. It can also hold all sorts of small objects, such as phone chargers, pens, pencils, and wrapped snacks.
This project works up quickly, taking only one to two hours, so it makes a great last-minute gift. Worked in four colors, this pattern employs the helix method of crocheting in a spiral, which eliminates an awkward seam.
Skill Level: Intermediate.
Stitches/Techniques: Ch, edc, standing edc, sc, standing sc, sl st, needle join, and the helix method for single-row stripes.
Finished Measurements: 8.5” long x 3.5” wide (21.5 x 9 cm).
Tools: H/8-5.0 mm hook, tapestry/yarn needle, 4 st markers (optional), and scissors. If you crochet loosely, you might want to go down one hook size to make denser fabric.
Materials: 58 yds (34 g, 1.2 oz, 53 m) of any brand of worsted-weight yarn. Each color requires approximately 14.5 yds (8.5 g, 0.3 oz, 13.25 m).
Gauge: 8 sts and 9 rows in 2” (5 cm) of single crochet.
A note about yarn colors: A is lightest, B and C are mid-range, and D is darkest. The colors are not started in alphabetical order. (Expanded pattern includes photo tutorial.)
Until the helix is established in Rnd 3, you may wish to use st markers in loose lps, to avoid losing sts.
Procedure
Rnd 1. With B, ch15. Sc in 2nd ch from hk and next 13 sts. Pull up lp and remove hk. Rotate piece clockwise (counter clockwise for left-handed crocheters). With A, work standing sc in same st (on opposite side of chain). Sc in next 12 sts. Bases of these A sts will be located in same place as B sts in first half of rnd. Pull up lp and remove hk. With D, work standing sc in last st. Pull up lp and remove hk. (Expanded pattern includes instructions for standing sc.)
Rnd 2. With C, work standing sc in first sc of Rnd 1. Sc in next 10 sts sts. Pull up lp and remove hk. Insert hk in B lp, tighten lp, sc in standing sc of A from Rnd 1 and in next 10 sts. Pull up lp and remove hk.
Rnd 3. Insert hk in D lp, tighten lp, sc in standing sc of C at beginning of Rnd 2. Sc in next 7 sts. Pull up lp and remove hk. Insert hk in A lp, tighten lp, sc in standing sc of D and in next 5 sts. Pull up lp and remove hk. The helix is now established. Weave in all beginning yarn ends with yarn needle.
Rnds 4 – 32. *Insert hk in any lp, tighten lp, and continue working sc until there are only a few unworked sts of next color. Pull up lp and remove hk. Repeat from * around entire pouch, until pouch is 7.5” long. This is approximately 32 rounds. It is difficult to count rounds, because they form a spiral with no clear beginning or end. Managing yarn balls is possible. Just take your time and you’ll get into the rhythm. (Expanded pattern includes photo tutorial.)
Rnd 33. Final helix round: Work NJ as close as possible to both right and left edges of pouch, two colors on one edge and the other two colors on the other edge. Finish colors on same edge as that on which they were begun. (Expanded pattern includes photo tutorial.)
Rnd 34. Using any color, work standing edc in any st. (Expanded pattern includes detailed instructions.) Work edc in every remaining st around. NJ.
Rnd 35. Using any color, work standing sc in any st. Work sc in every remaining st around. NJ.
Simple Knotted Drawstrings
Make 2 for each pouch.
Ch 60. Cut yarn and pull tail out through last st. Pull sts at both ends of chain tightly and, leaving about 3” (7.5 cm), snip tails. Lightly press bag flat with your hands. Starting from either side of edc round, weave first drawstring in and out around posts of sts, until both ends of drawstring come out on same side of bag. Use yarn needle, hook, or fingers. Tie ends together in a firm knot, being sure to include actual chain, not just tails. Snip ends neatly.
Repeat for second drawstring, starting on opposite side of bag. Make sure to weave second drawstring behind and in front of the same posts as with first drawstring. Both ends of second drawstring will come out on opposite side of bag from first drawstring. Tie ends together in a firm knot. Add beads or buttons, if desired. Snip ends neatly.
(Expanded pattern includes alternate, tasseled drawstrings with photo tutorial.)
Enjoy your creativity.
This pattern was professionally edited by Amy Curtin, editor for Crochet Now magazine. It was also extensively tested in my Ravelry group, Cheryl Dee Crochet Designs.
Copyright 2018 by Cheryl Dee Floyd. All Rights Reserved. You are welcome to give away or to sell any items you make from this pattern. You may not copy, distribute, or otherwise publish this pattern as your own. More patterns: https://www.ravelry.com/stores/cheryl-dee or https://www.etsy.com/shop/CherylDeeCrochet……….
Free Crochet Pattern: Stripey Pouch (Random)
FREE, CONDENSED VERSION BELOW
Soft drawstring pouch protects eye wear from scratches. Use bright colors so you never lose your glasses again. Great for a quick gift and for using leftover yarn scraps. Can also be used to hold small electrical cords, pens and pencils, etc.
This pattern employs the needle join (aka invisible join) on each round, with random color changes. Working over long yarn tails for the entire round yields a slightly taller stitch and makes this project grow quickly.
A nicely formatted, downloadable, printable version of this pattern is available in my Ravelry store or my Etsy shop for only $2.00. The paid version includes abbreviations, special instructions, a photo tutorial, and instructions for an alternate, tasseled drawstring.
Skill Level: Intermediate.
Stitches/Techniques: Ch, edc, needle join, sc, standing sc, and working over yarn tails.
Finished Measurements: 8.5” long x 3.5” wide (21.5 x 9 cm).
Tools: H/8-5.0 mm hook, tapestry needle, and scissors. If you crochet loosely, you might want to go down one hook size to make a denser fabric.
Materials: 58 yds (34 g, 1.2 oz, 53 m) of any brand of worsted-weight yarn. Each round uses approximately 1.15 yds (1.05 m).
Gauge: 8 sts and 9 rows in 2” (5 cm) of single crochet.
Rnd 1. Make a slip knot leaving a 4” (10 cm) tail. With slip knot on hook, ch 15. The 15th chain counts as a st. Sc in back loop of 2nd ch from hook. Sc in back loop of next 12 chains. 2sc in last ch. Rotate piece clockwise (counter clockwise for left-handed crocheters). Working over tail, sc under two unworked loops of next 12 chains along opposite side. Bases of sts will occupy the same holes as sts on first side of foundation chain. Do not work in 14th ch. Cut yarn, leaving a 7” (18 cm) tail. NJ in first sc, such that the NJ loop sits over the 15th ch of foundation chain. Weave in both ends. 28 sts.
Rnd 2. Insert hk into any st at about the halfway point on opposite side of piece from joined st. This will stagger joins from one rnd to the next. With next color, yarn over, pull up lp, leaving yarn tail of about 7” (18 cm). This loop counts as first st. Do not ch1 and do not work over yarn tail. Sc in next st and each st around. Cut yarn, leaving a 7” (18 cm) tail. NJ in first sc. Tie a square knot with yarn tails, being careful to keep needle-joined sts the same size as all other sts. 28 sts.
Rnd 3. Insert hk into any st at about the halfway point on opposite side of piece from joined st. This will stagger joins from one rnd to the next. With next color, yarn over, pull up lp, leaving yarn tail of about 7” (18 cm). This loop counts as first st. Do not ch1. Working over one yarn tail from previous rnd, sc in next st and each st around until you reach knot from previous rnd. Now, working over other tail from previous rnd, sc in the remaining sts. Cut yarn, leaving a 7” (18 cm) tail. NJ in first sc. Tie a square knot with yarn tails, being careful to keep needle-joined sts the same size as all other sts. Snip ends of previous color so they do not show. 28 sts.
Rnds 4 – 32. Repeat Rnd 3. 28 sts.
Rnd 33. Insert hk into joined st. With next color, yarn over and pull up lp, leaving yarn tail of about 7” (18 cm). Ch3, edc in next st and each st around, working over one yarn tail as you work away from the starting st and working over other yarn tail after you reach halfway mark of rnd. Cut yarn, leaving a 7” (18 cm) tail. NJ, tie a square knot in yarn tails. 28 sts.
Rnd 34. Join in any st with standing sc. Sc in every st around. NJ. 28 sts.
Simple Knotted Drawstrings – Make 2 for each pouch.
Ch 60. Cut yarn and pull tail out through last st. Pull sts at both ends of chain tightly and, leaving about 3” (7.5 cm), snip tails. Lightly press bag flat with your hands. Starting from either side of edc round, weave first drawstring in and out around posts of sts, until both ends of drawstring come out on same side of bag. You may use a yarn needle, a hook, or your fingers. Tie ends together in a firm knot, being sure to include the actual chain, not just the tails.
Repeat with second drawstring, starting on opposite side of bag. Make sure you weave second drawstring behind and in front of the same posts as you did with first drawstring. Both ends of second drawstring will come out on opposite side of bag from first drawstring. Tie ends together in a firm knot. Add beads or buttons, if desired. Snip ends.
Enjoy your creativity!
A nicely formatted, downloadable, printable version of this pattern is available in my Ravelry store or my Etsy shop for only $2.00. The paid version includes abbreviations, special instructions, a photo tutorial, and instructions for an alternate, tasseled drawstring.
Copyright 2018 by Cheryl Dee Floyd. All Rights Reserved. You are welcome to give away or to sell any items you make from this pattern. You may not copy, distribute, or otherwise publish this pattern as your own. More patterns: https://www.ravelry.com/stores/cheryl-dee or https://www.etsy.com/shop/CherylDeeCrochet
Free Crochet Pattern: Stripey Pouch (Joined)
FREE, CONDENSED VERSION BELOW!
Soft drawstring pouch protects eye wear from scratches. Use bright colors so you never lose your glasses again. Can also be used to hold cords for small electronics, pens and pencils, etc. Works up in one to two hours, so it’s great for a last-minute gift.
Each round is joined and yarn colors are carried up.
Using four colors in single-color rounds, this method compensates for the “traveling seam” so common in crochet projects with joined rounds. The seam stays along the edge and is hardly noticeable.
A nicely formatted, downloadable, printable version of this pattern is available in my Ravelry store or my Etsy shop for only $2.00. The paid version includes abbreviations, special instructions, a photo tutorial, and instructions for an alternate, tasseled drawstring.
Below is a free, condensed version of this pattern.
Skill Level: Intermediate.
Stitches/Techniques: Ch, edc, sc, sl st, needle join, carrying yarn colors, working over yarn tails.
Finished Measurements: 8.5” long x 3.5” wide (21.5 x 9 cm).
Tools: H/8-5.0 mm hook, tapestry needle, and scissors. If you crochet with loose tension, you may want to go down one hook size to make denser fabric.
Materials: 58 yds (34 g, 1.2 oz, 53 m) any brand of worsted-weight yarn. Sample in photos use 100% cotton, Peaches & Crème bright orange (CA), Peaches & Crème sunshine (CB), Lily Sugar ‘n Cream mod green (CC), and Peaches & Crème white (CD).
Gauge: 8 sts and 9 rows in 2” (5 cm) of single crochet.
Instructions
Rnd 1. With CA, start with slip knot on hook, ch 15. Sc in back loop of 2nd ch from hook (missed ch counts as first st). Sc in back loop of next 13 chains. Rotate the piece clockwise (counter clockwise for left-handed crocheters) and sc again in same ch. Sc over two unworked loops of next 12 chains along opposite side. Bases of sts will occupy the same holes as sts on first side of foundation chain. Sstj in first st (missed ch) with CB. Cinch tail and working yarn down tightly. Leave working yarn of CA hanging to back (wrong side), do not fasten off. 28 sts.
Rnd 2. With CB, ch1 and pull loop down tightly. Chain does NOT count as st. Sc in same st as join and next 27 sts. Sstj with CC. Cinch tail and working yarn down tightly. Leave CB on wrong side, do not fasten off. 28 sts.
Rnd 3. With CC, ch1 and pull loop down tightly. Chain does NOT count as st. Sc in same st as join and next 27 sts. Sstj with CD. Cinch tail and working yarn down tightly. Leave CC on wrong side, do not fasten off. 28 sts.
Rnd 4. This is the compensating round, so it’s a bit different. With CD, ch1. (Do not pull down tightly.) Sk first st (with join), causing ch loop to lean over the first st. Sc in next st and next 26 sts. Sc under both strands of leaning ch-1 loop made at beginning of rnd. Sstj in first sc of rnd with CA. Pull sl st loop tight; sl st does not count as st. Leave CD on wrong side, do not fasten off. 28 sts.
Rnd 5. With CA, ch1 and pull loop down tightly. Chain does NOT count as st. Sc in same st as join and next 27 sts. Sstj with CB. Cinch working yarn down tightly. Weave in the yarn tails at this point, to keep them out of the way. Also, you may wish to work the piece inside out, so all the colors hang outside, rather than inside, as you work. Don’t forget to turn it outside in, when finished. 28 sts.
Rnds 6 – 32. Repeat Rnds 2-5, stopping with Rnd 32, which will be in CD. Cut CC and CD leaving a 6” (15 cm) tail on each. 28 sts.
Rnd 33. With CA, ch3 (=edc), edc in next st and every st around. Sstj in 3rd ch of beginning ch-3 with CB. 28 sts.
Rnd 34. With CB, ch1. Sc in same and every st around. NJ. Fasten off. Weave in ends. See instructions for drawstrings below. 28 sts.
Simple Knotted Drawstrings – Make 2 for each pouch.
Ch 60. Cut yarn and pull tail out through last st. Pull sts at both ends of chain tightly and, leaving about 3” (8 cm), snip tails. Lightly press bag flat with your hands. Starting from either side of edc round, weave first drawstring in and out around posts of sts, until both ends of drawstring come out on same side of bag. You may use a yarn needle, a hook, or your fingers. Tie ends together in a firm knot, being sure to include the actual chain, not just the tails.
Repeat with second drawstring, starting on opposite side of bag. Make sure you weave second drawstring behind and in front of the same posts as you did with first drawstring. Both ends of second drawstring will come out on opposite side of bag from first drawstring. Tie ends together in a firm knot. Add beads or buttons, if desired. Snip ends.
Enjoy your creativity!
A nicely formatted, downloadable, printable version of this pattern is available in my Ravelry store or my Etsy shop for only $2.00. The paid version includes abbreviations, special instructions, a photo tutorial, and instructions for an alternate, tasseled drawstring.
Copyright 2018 by Cheryl Dee Floyd. All Rights Reserved. You are welcome to give away or to sell any items you make from this pattern. You may not copy, distribute, or otherwise publish this pattern as your own. More patterns: https://www.ravelry.com/stores/cheryl-dee or https://www.etsy.com/shop/CherylDeeCrochet
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