Author: cheryldee

Free Crochet Pattern: Stripey Pouch (Joined)

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FREE, CONDENSED VERSION BELOW!

20180607_211557

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.

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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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Free Crochet Pattern: Eyewear Pouch (Simple Spiral)

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I have just published a new pattern in my Etsy shop. You can also find it in my Ravelry store.  This is an easy pattern, great for beginners to learn working in a spiral. This item works up quickly and would be an excellent last-minute gift. Use bright colors so you never lose your glasses again. It can also hold pens, pencils, cords for small electronic items, camping utensils, guitar picks and capos, etc.

Below is a free, condensed version of this pattern. The expanded version in my Etsy shop or Ravelry store for only $2.00 and contains photos, abbreviations, special instructions,  and an alternative tasseled drawstring.

Skill Level: Easy.

Stitches/Techniques: Ch, edc, sc, sl st, needle join, 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) any brand of worsted-weight yarn. Samples in photos used 100% cotton by Peaches & Crème in Bright Blue and Bright Pink.

Gauge: 8 sts and 9 rows in 2” (5 cm) of single crochet.

Round

 Procedure

Stitch Count
1 With slip knot on hook, ch 15. Cinch down 15th chain and do not work into it on next rnd. Sc in back loop of 2nd ch from hook. Sc in back loop of next 12 chains. 2sc in last chain. Rotate piece clockwise (counterclockwise for left-handed crocheters). Working over tail, sc under two unworked loops of next 13 chains along opposite side. Bases of sts will occupy the same holes as sts on first side of foundation chain. Do not join. 28
2 – 32 Sc in next sc. If desired place st marker in 1st st. Sc in every st around for 32 rounds. Check to make sure pouch is long enough to fit your eyewear inside with an additional inch in length. Smooth pouch with hands into a flat rectangle. Finish 32nd rnd on either edge of pouch by joining with a sl st. 28
33 Ch3 (=edc), edc in every st around. Sstj in 3rd ch of beginning ch-3. 28
34 Ch1. Sc in every st around. NJ. 28

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”, 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.

~~~

 

Crochet Tutorial: Solid Square Improved Corners

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I have found a way to eliminate the awkwardness of the starting chain on an Elmer Square.

The sample on the left is made with a starting ch5 in the corner, which equals a dc, ch2. The sample on the right is made with a different method, which I will describe below.

20180521_221157In the square on the left, the holes in the joined corners are larger than the other holes on the same square. The square on the right has more uniform holes.

In the square on the left, the starting chain makes the bottom of the stitch hide behind the last stitch of the round, so it appears that the bottoms of the two stitches are crossed over each other. In the square on the right, the bottoms of all 4 stitches are visible, just like all the other corners.

Here’s my preferred method for the Elmer Square.

Ch4. Sl st to form ring.
Rnd 1. Do not ch1. Work a sc, ch1 (equals 1st dc),dc, ch2. [3dc, ch2] three times. Then work final dc.  To join this round, slip stitch in the top of the regular dc, not in the chain stitch at the beginning of the round.
Rnd 2. Do not ch1. Work sc in ch-2 sp, ch1 (equals dc). Dc, ch2, 2dc in same space. First corner is made. Dc in next 3 sts. ([2dc, ch2, 2dc] in ch-2 sp, dc in next 3 sts) three times. Sl st as in Rnd 1.
Continue with as many rounds as desired.

20180521_215550First corner is made.

20180521_215939Last stitch of each round goes here.

20180521_220018Slip stitch to join in top of first regular dc of round, not in chain above beginning sc.

20180521_220051Round is complete. Note that first [sc, ch1] looks like a regular dc, now that the round is properly joined. Use an invisible join (a.k.a needle join) on final round.

Free Crochet Pattern: Gumdrop Flower

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Crochet Pattern by Cheryl Dee Floyd

20180507.1.Unforgettable.3.5mm.hk

(Click here for a nicely formatted, downloadable and printable version of this pattern available for $2.00 US in my Ravelry store. The expanded version contains many more photos that show the various steps.)

This flower is made in three sections which are sewn together. The round element in the center, which resembles a gumdrop, can also be used separately as a button on any other project. Instructions are included for making the flower into a brooch.

Materials

* 0.3 oz worsted-weight yarn. Samples in photo above are made with Red Heart Unforgettable, which is a self-striping yarn with long color changes.

* Sewing thread

* Jewelry findings – one (1.5”) pin back per flower (for brooch) or appropriately sized hair clip or barrette

Tools

* G/6-4.25 mm hook for Unforgettable yarn (H/8-5.0 mm hook for Super Saver)

* Yarn needle

* Regular sewing needle

* Scissors

Size

4” to 5” diameter, depending on yarn and/or hook used.

Abbreviations

bl = back loop; ch = chain; dc = double crochet (UK – treble crochet); edc = extended double-crochet (UK – extended treble crochet); hdc = half-double crochet (UK – half-treble crochet); hk = hook; lp(s) = loop(s); NJ = needle join; rnd = round; sc = single crochet (UK – double crochet); sl st = slip stitch; sstj = slip stitch to join; st(s) = stitch(es); tr = treble crochet (UK – double treble crochet); yo = yarn over.

Special Instructions

Modified hdc – On last yarn over, do a yarn under instead of a yarn over. This will keep each stitch closer to the previous stitch, thereby eliminating unsightly gaps.

Needle join (NJ) (a.k.a. Invisible Join)

* Leaving last lp on hk, cut working yarn about 4 to 6 inches from hk. Pull newly-cut yarn out through the lp on hk, making sure to keep the last lp loose. Set hk aside and thread end of yarn through yarn needle. Insert needle from front to back under both top lps of st indicated (usually, first st of rnd). Pull tail through, keeping tension similar to surrounding sts.

* If first st of rnd is a sl st, pull tail through and keep tension same as surrounding sts. This will keep the st count accurate.

* If first st of rnd is a standing st (begun with slip knot on hk), pull tail tightly in order to keep from adding lp to st count. Insert needle under bl, from front to back of last st of rnd where yarn was originally pulled through.

* Turn work over so wrong/back side is facing and use needle to weave in end, making sure to keep tension similar to surrounding work. Snip end of yarn. Weave in ends. See photo tutorial: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/CherylDeeCrochet/tutorial—needle-join

Pointy picot – Ch2. Insert hk in 2nd ch from hk, yo, pull up lp and leave on hk. Insert hk under 2 front strands (front loop and loop below) of last st worked, yo, pull up lp and leave on hk. Yo, pull through all 3 lps. (The downloadable, printable version of this pattern in my Ravelry store contains photos that illustrate this process.)

Flower

Rnd 1. Make magic ring, ch1. [Working over yarn tail, sc into ring, ch3] 5 times. Pull on beginning yarn tail to close ring. Sl st in first sc to join.

Rnd 2. [In next ch-3 sp: sl st, ch2, 3dc, ch2, sl st] 5 times. Sstj.

Rnd 3. Ch1. Flip piece over to work this round into the backs of the petals formed in rnd 2. Sts should not show through on front. [In next petal: sl st under 2 lower strands of middle dc, ch4] 5 times. Sstj in beginning sl st.

Rnd 4. Ch1. Flip piece over again so right side is facing you. [In next ch-4 sp: sl st, ch3, 5edc, ch3, sl st] 5 times. Sstj in beginning sl st.

Rnd 5. Ch3. Flip piece over to back again. [In next petal: sl st under 2 lower strands of middle (3rd) edc, ch5] 5 times. Sstj in first sl st. If continuing with same yarn color, skip to Rnd 6 now.  Alternate method: If desired, use new color to represent leaves, attaching new yarn with [sl st under 2 lower strands in middle (3rd) edc, ch5] 5 times. Flip flower so front is facing you.

Rnd 6. Ch1 and cinch down.  With front of flower facing you, [in ch-5 sp: sl st, ch4, 3tr, picot, 3tr, ch4, sl st] 5 times. NJ.

Flower Center20180423_223051

(The downloadable, printable version of this pattern in my Ravelry store contains photos that illustrate this process.)

Step 1. Leaving a 12-inch beginning tail, make a slip knot, ch4, sstj in first ch made to form ring.

Step 2. Do not work over yarn tail and do not ch1. Work 18 modified hdc into ring. Cut yarn leaving a 12-inch tail. NJ to first st of rnd. Do not weave in ends. Remove yarn needle from ending yarn tail.

Step 3. Thread needle with beginning yarn tail. Whip stitch through the back-back strand of every st (loop below bl, on back of st). Be careful not to split any strands. Remove needle and gently but firmly pull yarn until center of work becomes slightly convex, with the front side out. Remove yarn needle from beginning yarn tail.

Step 4. Thread needle with ending yarn tail. Whip stitch through the front loop of every stitch around. Remove needle and pull yarn to gather the stitches, until piece takes the form of a sphere or gumdrop. Pull on both yarn tails to ensure piece is as spherical as possible. If desired, tie yarn tails in a knot. Leave both yarn tails free to use for attaching gumdrop center to flower.

Place Flower Center on top (front) of Flower, pull tails of Flower Center to back through center hole of Flower. Thread yarn needle with one tail and sew securely around posts that radiate out from center. Weave in ends. Do the same with second tail. If desired, you may use this second tail to sew flower as an applique to another project.

Yarn Circle Backing and Pin Back20180509_211019

 

Make a magic ring, ch3, 15 edc into ring. Depending on your yarn thickness, it may be necessary to add a round of 2 sc in each stitch in order to increase the diameter. Circle should fill the space inside last rnd of flower. NJ.

Using yarn and yarn needle, sew circle to back of flower to stabilize it for use as a brooch, etc. Use regular sewing needle and thread to attach pin back.

This pattern was professionally edited by Amy Curtin, technical editor for Crochet Now magazine.

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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

 

 

Crochet Tutorial: Mountain Picot

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I’m calling this the “Mountain Picot,” because it’s very pointy, as opposed to most picots I see, which are rather rounded. Here are some photos that show how it’s done.

IMG_20170316_195034
Chain 2. Insert hk into 2nd ch from hk.

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YO and pull up lp. Insert hk under 2 strands shown.

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YO and pull up lp to make 3 lps on hk.

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Yarn over…

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…and pull thru all lps and continue with next sts in pattern.

Give this a try and let me know how you like it!

Hexagon to Circle to Square

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IMG_20151119_110742Have you ever wanted to crochet a hexagon shape and make it into a square shape by adding rounds? Here are some photos that show my experimentation with that.

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