Phoenix Poncho- Free Pattern

Posted on July 16, 2020 by webmaster

I think everyone needs a little pick me up in July, so I am releasing my latest free pattern. I hope to brightens the dances of your hook.

Worked from the neck outward, this is a poncho that easily adds a bit of flare to any wardrobe. The simple stitch pattern lends to great coloring pooling and a fabulous drape.

Size

40” square

Skill Level

Intermediate

Gauge

5 (sc, ch-3) sts/ 13 rows=4”

Materials

H/8/5.0 mm crochet hook
Alexandra The Art if Yarn Silverton Fine weight 75% Superwash Merino/ 15% Nylon/ 10% Tencel yarn (434yrds/397m/3.5oz/100g) 1 skein each color Wine (A), Fire (B)

Notes

When joining at the end of round 1 ensure that the round is not twisted.

Neck Edging is worked as four separated corner points.

Pattern

Rnd 1: With A, ch 150, dc in 4^th ch from hook, dc in next 36 chs, [ch 2 (corner made), dc in next 37 chs] rep 3 times, ch 2, sl st to top of beg ch, (weave tail into base of the beg chain to close ring) change to B. – 148 dc, 4 ch-2 sps

A little bit of an airy stitch…

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, {[ch 3, sk 3, sc in next st] rep across to ch-2 corner, ch 1, (sc, ch 3, sc) in ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in next st,} 3 times, [ch 3, sk 3, sc in next st] rep across to ch-2 corner, ch 1, (sc, ch 3, sc) in ch-2 sp, ch 1, sl st to join. – 40 (ch-3) sps, 8 (ch-1) sps

Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in same st, {[ch 3, sc in next sc] across to corner, ch 3, dc in ch-3 sp of corner} rep 4 times, ch 3, sc in next sc, ch 3, sl st to join. – 4 dc, 52 (ch-3)sps

Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in same st, {[ch 3, sc in next sc] across to corner, ch 3, (sc, ch 3, sc) in dc} rep 4 times, ch 3, sc in next sc, ch 3, sl st to join, change to A.

Making it a bit more solid…

Rnd 5: Ch 3, {[3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in sc] rep across to corner, ch 3, dc in ch-3 corner sp, ch 3, dc in sc} rep 4 times, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in sc, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, sl st to join.

Rnd 6: Ch 3, [dc in each dc across to corner, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, (dc, ch 3, dc) in dc, 3 dc in ch-3 sp] rep 4 times, dc across to first st, sl st to join.

Rnd 7: Ch 3, [dc in each dc across to corner, ch 3, dc in ch-3 sp, ch 3] rep 4 times, dc across to first st, sl st to join, change to B.

Back to being airy…

Rnd 8: Ch 1, sc in same st, {[ch 3, sk 3, sc in next st] rep across to corner, ch 3, (sc, ch 3, sc) in dc, ch 3, sc in next dc} rep 4 times, [ch 3, sk 3, sc in next st] 3 times, sl st to join.

Rnd 9: Ch 1, sc in same st, {[ch 3, sc in next sc] across to corner, ch 3, dc in ch-3 sp of corner} rep 4 times, ch 3, [sc in next sc, ch 3] across to first st, sl st to join.

Rnd 10: Ch 1, sc in same st, {[ch 3, sc in next sc] across to corner, ch 3, (sc, ch 3, sc) in dc} rep 4 times, ch 3, [sc in next sc, ch 3] rep across to first st, sl st to join.

Rnd 11-14: Rep Rnds 9 & 10.

Rnd 15: Rep Rnd 9, changing to A at join.

A bit of solid…

Rnd 16: Ch 3, {[3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in sc] rep across to corner, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, (dc, ch 3, dc) in dc} rep 4 times, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, [dc in sc, 3 dc in ch-3 sp] rep across to first st, sl st to join, change to B.

Needs to be airy…

Rnd 17: Rep Rnd 8.

Rnds 18-33: Rep Rnds 9 & 10, change to A at the join of Rnd 33.

Rnd 34: Rep Rnd 9.

Rnd 35: Rep Rnd 16.

Let’s finish it up…

Rnd 36: Sl st in next st, ch 3, dc in next 4 sts, ch 1 sk 1, {[dc in next 5 sts, ch 1, sk 1] rep across to corner, (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) in ch- 3 sp, ch 1, sk 1} rep 4 times, [dc in next 5 sts, ch 1, sk 1] across to first st, sl st to join.

Rnd 37: Sl st in next st, ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, {[ch 3, sk dc, sk ch-1 sp, sk dc, dc in next 3 dc] rep across to corner, ch 3, sk dc, sk ch-1 sp, sk dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in ch-1 sp} rep 4 times, [ch 3, sk dc, sk ch-1 sp, sk dc, dc in next 3 dc] across to first st, ch 3, sl st to join.

Rnd 38: Sl st in next st, ch 5, (dc, ch 2, dc) in same st, sc in ch-3 sp, sk next dc, {[(dc, ch 2, dc, ch 2, dc) in next dc, sc in ch-3 sp] across to corner, sk next dc (dc, ch 2, dc, ch 2, dc, ch 2, dc, ch 2, dc) in corner dc, sc in ch-3 sp} rep 4 times, [(dc, ch 2, dc, ch 2, dc) in next dc, sc in ch-3 sp] across to first st, sl st to join. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Neck Edging, Work in each corner

Row 1: From any corner, join with B to stitch 7 away from corner, ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in corner, sk next 6 sts, dc in next st, turn.

Edging: Ch 2 sc in base of dc, ch 3, sk 3 sts of neck, sc in next st, turn, ch 5, dc in center dc of Row 1, ch 1, dc in same st, ch 5, sk 3 sts from join of Row 1, sc in next st, turn, ch 3, sc in join of Row 1, ch 2, sl st to center dc in Row 1. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Making Fingerless Gloves

Posted on July 2, 2020 by webmaster

Have a little yarn? Needing a quick gift? Want to get ready for cold weather? Crochet Fingerless gloves are the prefect answer.

I have created a few patterns for fingerless, and even fingered gloves over the years, but you can create your own custom fit pair pretty easily. All you need to do is create a rectangle.

That seems almost a little too simple, but this version of fingerless gloves really are that simple.

Want to follow a pattern instead, here are some of my glove patterns:

Types of Gloves

There are essentially two different approaches to creating gloves. One is to work in the round, making a tube. This approach needs a little more attention to detail, as the tube needs to adjust in size a bit to feel like a nice fit. When working from the cuff to palm there needs to be an increase a couple of rounds before the thumb and then create a loop for the thumb, while decrease a couple of stitches to help the gloves fit the fingers.

However if you work a rectangle in the length you want your gloves and continue until the width can wrap around your hand, then you can make a glove.

Pin the fabric on either side the thumb and seam the fabric together on either side.

Make your Gloves

This rectangle can be created in any stitch pattern, so you have complete creative control. If you want a bit of extra stretch I would recommend working a fabric of back loop single crochet. It offers a ribbing like effect and allows for a comfortable fit.

Then the beginning row is folded over to the last row. I place my hand in this fold and use stitch markers to mark either side of my thumb, essentially marking the opening for my thumb. Then it is as simple as seaming the edges together with the exception of the thumb opening.

It really is that simple.

I have found to step these gloves up a bit more, I find a yarn that has a great color change, or nice texture. This makes the rectangle that can really be something that is fabulous.

Tunisian Crochet -Building Skills in Designs

Posted on June 15, 2020 by webmaster

Tunisian Crochet is a technique that always has something bold to offer. It seems to be a bit cyclical in the design world, making a splash every few years. With every splash creating a great surge in creativity, and the new digital release of The Tunisian Collect from I Like Crochet Magazine is no exception.

I am fortunate enough to have 2 designs in this publication.

A Teenager Loved Pillow

The Cozy At Home Tunisian Tassel Pillow is one that my teenage son liked enough that he had me make some for his room (this is always a huge reward for my work…that the kids actually like it). It really only uses two Tunisian stitches, a Simple Stitch and a Purl Stitch to create this visual effect. In addition it uses a large hook size, so it works up pretty quickly.

I like the edging that seams the two sides as you work it, and the tassels were a definite highlight for my son, so maybe it is a new trending feature.

A Fun Hat

The In The Round Tunisian Full Stitch Hat is one that is a real skill builder. It works what I mistakenly thought was the most basic stitch in Tunisian until I learned more about it, the Full Stitch. This stitch creates a pattern of little lines that do not directly stack atop one another, but are off-set. I have always loved the look.

This pattern though has a little twist, it is worked in the round. Working in the round is not something that is commonly worked in Tunisian crochet, as it is a technique worked by loading up loops on the hook and then working it back off. So you never turn the work, and it is easiest to work flat.

However I have shared some tips to working in the round, and this pattern puts it to use.

I hope you enjoy these projects and use them to build your skills in the area of Tunisian Crochet.

1 For Me, 1 For You- Linked Crochet Block

Posted on June 4, 2020 by webmaster

Help me help local communities by creating blocks for Warm Up America, by making a block for yourself and one for a community project with this free pattern. I will be creating a new block every few weeks and sharing it with you, I just ask that make one for donation.

Warm Up America is a nationwide organization that encourages local donations, but will also except donations to be sent to their office so that blocks can be assembled and then blankets can be donated through the United States.

Even if you do not want to participate with Warm Up America, please consider creating blocks, or blankets for your local community. There are various places in every community that accept donations.

Linked Crochet Stitches

Linked stitches create a row without open spaces between the stitches, the stitches stand together and are interlinked with one another. It creates a distinctive line across the right side of the row and a uniquely textured wrong side of the row. This is a create way to create a solid fabric even with tall stitches.

If you have experience with Tunisian crochet you may see some similarities. As with Tunisian Simple Stitch, you insert the hook and pull up a loop, and then work them back off to one loop.

Gauge: 7”x 9” rectangle

Materials

Medium weight yarn in 4 fours (A), (B), (C), and (D)
K/10 1/2 /6.5 mm crochet hook

Block

Row 1: With A, ch 30, sc in 2^nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, change to B, turn. -29sc

Linked Half Double Crochet

Linked Half Double Crochet (lhdc): Insert hook in yarn over wrap of adjacent stitch, yo, pull up a loop, insert hook into next stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through all 3 loops on hook.

(Linked Half Double Crochet) Insert hook into the next stitch, yo, pull up a loop

Yo, pull through 3 loops. Linked Half Double Crochet completed

Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch here and throughout), hdc in same st, lhdc in each st across, turn. -28 lhdc, 1hdc

Rows 3 & 4: Rep Row 2, changing to color A at the end of row 4.

Row 5: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each st across, change to C, turn. -29 sc

Linked Double Crochet

Linking to the Turning Chain

Beginning Linked Double Crochet (Bldc): Insert hook in 2^nd chain from hook (of the turning chain), yo, pull up a loop, insert hook into next stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook, yo, pull through last 2 loops.

(Beginning Linked Double Crochet) Insert hook into the 2nd chain of the beginning turning chain, yo, pull up a loop.

(Beginning Linked Double Crochet) Insert hook in next stitch, yo, pull up a loop.

The Traditional Linked Double Crochet

Linked Double Crochet (ldc): Insert hook in yarn over wrap of adjacent stitch, yo, pull up a loop, insert hook into next stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through the last 2 loops.

(Linked Double Crochet) Insert hook into yarn over wrap of adjacent stitch

(Linked Double Crochet)Insert hook in yarn over wrap of adjacent stitch, yo, pull up a loop

(Linked Double Crochet) Insert hook into next stitch, yo, pull up a loop

(Linked Double Crochet) Yo, pull through 2 loops on the hook

(Linked Double Crochet) Yarn over pull through last 2 loops on hook, Stitch complete.

Row 6: Ch 3, Bldc, ldc in each st across, turn. -28 ldc, 1Bldc

Rows 7 & 8: Rep Row 6, changing to color A at the end of Row 8.

Row 9: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each st across, change to C, turn. -29 sc

Linked Treble Crochet

Linking to the Turning Chain

Beginning Linked Treble Crochet (Bltr): Insert hook in 2^nd chain from hook (of the turning chain), yo, pull up a loop, insert hook into 4^th chain from hook, yo, pull up a loop, insert hook into next stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through last 2 loops.

(Beginning Linked Treble Crochet) Insert hook in 2nd chain from hook, yo, pull up a loop

(Beginning Linked Treble Crochet) Insert hook in 4th chain from hook, yo, pull up a loop.

(Beginning Linked Treble Crochet) Insert hook into next stitch, yo, pull up a loop

(Beginning Linked Treble Crochet) Yarn over pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through 2 loops.

The Traditional Linked Treble Stitch

Linked Treble Crochet (ltr): Insert hook in top yarn over wrap of adjacent stitch, yo, pull up a loop, insert hook in bottom yarn over wrap of the adjacent stitch, yo pull up a loop, insert hook into next stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through 2 loops, pull through the last 2 loops.

(Linked Treble Crochet) Insert hook in top yarn over wrap of adjacent stitch, yo, pull up a loop, insert hook in bottom yarn over wrap of adjacent stitch, yo pull up a loop

(Linked Treble Crochet) Insert hook in the next stitch, yo, pull up a loop

(Linked Treble Crochet) Yarn over pull through 2 loops

(Linked Treble Crochet) Yarn over, pull through 2 more loops on hook

(Linked Treble Crochet) Yarn over, pull through last 2 loop. Stitch completed.

Row 10: Ch 4, Bltr, ltr in each st across, turn. -28 ltr, 1Bltr

Rows 11 & 12: Rep Row 6, changing to color A at the end of Row 8.

Row 13: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each st across, fasten off. -29 sc

Weave in ends, block.

1 For Me, 1 For You- Bricks Block

Posted on May 4, 2020 by webmaster

Even if you do not want to participate with Warm Up America, please consider creating blocks, or blankets for your local community. There are various places in every community that accept donations.

Bricks Block

Gauge: 7”x 9” rectangle

Materials

Medium weight yarn
K/10 1/2 /6.5 mm crochet hook

Notes

When changing bricks you do not turn the fabric like a page of a book, instead you turn it to the side and work on another side of the square.

First Brick

Row 1: Ch 6, sc in 2^nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, turn. -5sc

Rows 2-4: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn.

Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to new color, do not turn.

Second Brick

Row 6: Ch 1, Working down the ends of the rows sc in the end of each row, turn. -5sc

Rows 7-9: Rep Rows 2-4.

Row 10: Rep Row 5.

Third Brick

Row 11: Ch 1, working down the ends of the rows sc in the end of each row, sc in each st on edge of block 1, turn. -10 sc

Rows 12-14: Rep Rows 2-4.

Row 15: Rep Row 5.

Fourth Brick

Row 16: Ch 1, working down the ends of the rows sc in the end of each row, sc in each st of next block, turn. -10 sc.

Rows 17-19: Rep Rows 2-4.

Row 20: Rep Row 5.

Fifth Brick

Row 21: Ch 1, working down the ends of the rows sc in the end of each row, sc in each st and row ends of next blocks, turn. -15 sc.

Rows 22-24: Rep Rows 2-4.

Row 25: Rep Row 5.

Sixth Brick

Row 26: Ch 1, working down the ends of the rows sc in the end of each row, sc in each st and row ends of next blocks, turn. -15 sc.

Rows 27-29: Rep Rows 2-4.

Row 30: Rep Row 5.

Seventh Brick

Row 31: Ch 1, working down the ends of the rows sc in the end of each row, sc in each st and row ends of next blocks, turn. -20 sc.

Rows 32-34: Rep Rows 2-4.

Row 35: Rep Row 5.

Eighth Brick

Row 36: Ch 1, working down the ends of the rows sc in the end of each row, sc in each st and row ends of next blocks, turn. -20 sc.

Rows 37-39: Rep Rows 2-4.

Row 40: Rep Row 5.

Ninth Block

Ninth Brick

Row 41: Ch 1, working down the ends of the rows sc in the end of each row, sc in each st and row ends of next blocks, turn. -25 sc.

Rows 42-44: Rep Rows 2-4.

Row 45: Rep Row 5.

Tenth Brick

Row 46: Ch 1, working down the ends of the rows sc in the end of each row, sc in each st and row ends of next blocks, turn. -25 sc. Fasten off, weave in ends, block.