Free Crochet Patterns, Crochet Classes & Techniques

Archives for November 2015

Test Knitting – Normandie Sweater

//  by //  2 Comments

test_knit_mezzamay

As an indie pattern writer, I appreciate the importance of test knitters and crocheters. These are dedicated people that devote their time, yarn and feedback to test patterns – usually free of charge. They help spot errors, typos and layout issues and offer suggestions on re-wording and clarity. They can also give feedback on the finished item such as size and design issues. Without these kind and dedicated testers, many indie designers would struggle to produce quality patterns.

Testers are definitely not a replacement for “tech editors” but they are a vital part of the pattern writing and publishing process. Finished projects, especially if they are well executed and photographed, are a great way for the designer’s work to be publicised.artesano aran walnut

As part of the indie design community I like to contribute by test knitting/crocheting other designers’ patterns. One of my most recent test knits was for the designer Danskknit who contacted me, asking if I’d test knit her “Normandie” sweater.

This is a simple, top down, v-neck sweater knit seamlessly in an Aran weight yarn. My 18 month old, Marco, is actually a little short of sweaters so I saw this as a way to kill two birds with one stone! Plus, I have been waiting for an excuse to use the Artesano Aran which is one of my favourite yarns.

It was an enjoyable test knit with a very satisfying result – a very warm good looking sweater that’s a perfect fit! I think I might even make him another!
The pattern hasn’t been published yet – but once it is, I’ll add a link to this post.
mezzamay_normandie

Simple Round Coasters – Free Crochet Pattern

//  by //  Leave a Comment

This Simple Round Crochet Coaster Pattern is nice and easy for beginners’ and improvers’… which is why I use it when I’m teaching beginners. It helps you practise the double and single crochet stitch as well as chaining and slip stitching. I have provided it here, free of charge.
It’s also a perfect, quick little project to make as a gift. Why not make the matching place mats too?

Simple Round Coaster Crochet Pattern

PLEASE NOTE: This is the US crochet terminology version, if you’d like the British version, please click here.free crochet pattern round coaster

Materials:
Aran Weight Yarn* – colour A red; Colour B cream (or any combination you like)
Hook – 4.5mm / G
Tapestry or wool needle

Key:
beg- beginning
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
tr – treble
rnd(s) – round(s)
sp – space
st(s) – stitch(es)

 

Crochet Instructions 

With colour A make a magic ring/sliding loop. Alternatively, ch4 and join to form a ring.
Rnd 1: Ch3 (counts as a dc on this and following rnds), 11 dc in ring; join in 3rd ch of beg ch 3. 12 dc
Rnd 2: Ch3 , in same sp work 1dc; 2dc in each rem st; join in 3rd ch of beg ch 3. 24 dc
Rnd 3: Ch3 , in same sp work 1dc; 2dc in each rem st; join in 3rd ch of beg ch 3. 48 dc
Fasten off.
Rnd 4: Join colour B in any st; ch1, dc in same sp; sc in each rem st; join in first sc.
Finish off and sew in all ends.
Press with a damp cloth on a medium iron heat to make coaster nice and flat (this bit is really important for a neat, professional finish!)

* a note about the yarn – I would recommend natural fibres for these coasters such as wool or cotton. Here I’ve used Drops Alaska, 100% wool. Although you probably will never place a searing hot cup onto the coaster, materials such as acrylic can melt when subjected to extreme heat. Acrylic also doesn’t block too well either, plus synthetic yarns tend to be worse for the environment that natural yarns, especially acrylic as it is derived from the petro chemical industry.