Free Crochet Patterns, Crochet Classes & Techniques

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Coin Purse Free Crochet Pattern

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Coin Purse Free Crochet Pattern. When I’m teaching my 5 week courses, I often get students that finish their projects before others so I have developed a number of small, “mini-projects” to help keep them busy in class! This little purse is one of them!

This pattern is for a simple crocheted purse made in one piece – starting from the bottom up, in a spiral. The flap is then worked flat without breaking off the yarn and includes a button loop. The coin purse can be made with small amounts of Aran, Worsted or Chunky yarns. You could even try holding 2 strands of DK togther or 3 strands of 4ply.

three images - first image yellow ochre woolen purse with a silver button and a few sprigs of curry plant on subby silk background; second image, open mustard crochet purse with headphpnes; third image shows printed crochet pattern

Pattern Format

Pattern is available in British and US crochet terminology and includes 6 pages with photos and mini tutorials for some of the techniques involved and can be downloaded as a pdf. from my Free Small Pattern Directory.

Now with a step by step video tutorial! Scroll down for link…

Gauge

Specific gauge is not required, however you are looking to achieve a relatively dense and firm fabric to attain the correct structure for the purse.

Finished dimensions

Aran – approx. 4”/10cm tall & 4.5”/11cm wide.
Chunky – approx. 5”/7.5cm tall & 6”/15cm wide.

Difficulty

Easy – magic ring or alternative start (instructions given for both in video), US single/UK double crochet, working in the round, increasing and decreasing (instructions given), working flat in US double/UK treble crochet, basic sewing skills (attaching a button), keeping track of rounds with stitch marker.

Make to sell

You may make these purses to sell, either for charity or personal profit if you are a small scale crafter. All I ask is that you place the following text credit, either in your online listing or on a small piece of paper with the finished item: Design from www.mezzacraft.com

Other standard copyright laws apply.

Get pattern now!

Download from my FREE Small Pattern Directory

Coin Purse Free Crochet Pattern – Video Tutorial

Step by step instructions.

Did you crochet it?

I hope you like my Coin Purse – if you give it a try, please let me know!

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You can often find me on Instagram. Please do follow and tag me @mezzamay if you make one of my patterns. I really love to see what you’re making.

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Chipstead Mitts – A Slip Stitch Crochet Pattern

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crochet slip stitch mittensAt the beginning of the year, I taught my class about Slip Stitch Crochet and these mittens are what they made to master the technique.

Slip stitch crochet to creates a dense and warm fabric – perfect for mittens.
Working in a spiral, the hand and cuff are made first followed by the fingers and mitten tip. The yarn is re-joined to make the thumb and thumb tip. The cuff is made last and is worked flat and then sewn on with a simple whip stitch.

As previously mentioned, I originally developed this pattern for my crochet group, “The Riverhouse Hookers” to learn about slip stitch or Bosnian crochet – working in the round and flat. I have incorporated some of the class notes into the 9 page pattern so it includes additional information, photos and tips, as well as the pattern instructions for making the mittens.

 

Available in three sizes, with finished hand circumferences:

Size 1 : 15.5cm, Size 2 : 18cm, Size 3 : 21cm

These mittens are best worn with positive ease so choose the nearest size that is wider than your hand.
Materials:

Thick Aran (sample shown uses Artesano Aran in Nightfall).pattern_spread
2 x 100g (288 yards / 264 meters) is enough for all sizes.
5mm & 6mm hook (see note about hooks below).
Tapestry/Wool Needle.
Thin thread for marking the gusset increases (optional).
4 locking stitch markers.

Hooks:
For slip stitch crochet it’s best to use a pjoning or sked krok hook (these are generally one size).
You can use a normal crochet hook. Either choose one with a sharp tip or you can carefully modify the head of a cheap bamboo hook with a Stanley knife/craft knife and smooth with a nail file/emery paper to make the tip smaller.
Hooks with blunt heads or very rounded heads are not suitable as you will struggle to get the hook through the stitches.

My Chipstead Mitts Pattern is available from Ravelry.

Riverhouse Art Scarves – New 5 Week Course February 2016

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crochet_motifs_collage

I’m excited to announce my new 5 week course at the Riverhouse Arts Centre in Walton-on-Thames.

For this project you will create a piece of art that can be worn as a scarf as well as being beautiful enough to be displayed in a gallery!
Using small and simple motifs such as circles, squares or hexagons you will create a scarf or wrap using hand-dyed yarn by British independent dyers.
The course will cover making motifs, joining motifs as you go and working out how much yarn you’ll need or what size scarf you can make with the yarn you have.
Your tutor will  guide you through making your own, unique scarf that you can put up for sale at the exhibition, if you can bear parting with it!

As with all the Rivehouse Hookers’ courses, you’ll have class notes and printed tutorials to keep.

Skill level: 
You’ll need basic crochet skills such as chaining, US single/UK double, US double/UK treble, slip stitching.

Materials (not included): 
Hand-dyed 4ply / sock yarn (I’ll post soon with a list of suggested suppliers), minimum of 2 colours (2 x 100g) but the more you have the better the effect!
2.5mm hook
tapestry/wool needle

Dates:

1. Monday 15th February 2016
2. Monday 29th February 2016
3. Monday 7th March 2016
4. Monday 14th March 2016
5. Monday 21st March 2016

Please note there is no class on Monday 22nd February!

Time:
8-10pm

Cost:
£45 for 5 week course

Booking is essential – please email me at mezzamay at icloud dot com for a booking form.

Test Knitting – Normandie Sweater

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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

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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.

New Intermediates Crochet Course – Crochet Border Edgings

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mezzacraft_crochet_borders (classes)I’ve been busy preparing for my intermediate group’s next project – Crochet Edgings Using Traditional Crochet Thread. The aim is for my students to get to grips with cotton crochet thread and smaller hooks and apply a pretty border to an item of their choosing.
Each student has a “hanky” (which I made out of cotton sheeting) so that they can practise the skills before applying to the real thing! They will learn how to prepare the fabric with either blanket stitch or back stitch as the foundation for the crochet stitches. Then they will learn how to set up the first crochet row to accommodate a simple shell motif.
Following on from this, they can then choose one of the two additional border patterns I have created or find their own pattern from a book or the internet. I will guide the students on how to make the border fit and also how to tackle problems such as corners, should they arise.

Materials needed:

  • 1.75mm or 1.5mm crochet hook.
  • 1 x 50g ball of cotton crochet thread between 5-20 thickness (you may need more than one ball if you’re planning on edging something large)
  • 1 x sharp, large eyed needle.
  • tape measure / ruler.
  • tailor’s chalk (I jhave some students can borrow if they don’t want to purchase any).
  • small pair of sharp scissors.
  • removable stitch markers.
  • plain hankie (I provide one per student, free of charge).

Course Details

Dates: Tuesdays 7:30-9:30pm, 21st April- 30th June (no class on 26th May – half term)
Venue: In the Courtyard Studio, Riverhouse Barn, Manor Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey
Cost: £45 for 5 weeks

Examples of things that could be edged:

The hem, cuffs of neckline of a t-shirt, vest or top.
The hem of a skirt.
Towel or flannel.
Pillow case or cushion cover.
Table cloth or napkins
The edge of a plain pashmina or shawl (that would be quite adventurous but we do have 5 weeks!)
….I’m sure there are many more and I look forward to seeing what my students decide to trim!

I have really enjoyed preparing for this course – thread crochet creates such a pretty, vintage feel.
Today I also received a lovely large box from Purple Linda Crafts containing my students hook and yarn orders. In my opinion, Linda has the best selection of hooks and threads for crochet and her service is always great too. It’s exciting to see all the things my students have chosen – can’t wait to see what they make with it!

I teach beginner and intermediate crochet at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre in Walton-on-Thames during term times.
I am also available to teach private groups in the privacy and convenience of your own home and I can offer one-to-one tuition in my home studio in Hersham, Surrey.
I am available for one day/half day workshops at craft fares and other events.
I can also teach for charities free of charge, as long as participants pay to cover the cost of materials.

 

Lacy Shawl – Riverhouse Hookers 5 Week Crochet Project for Third Term 2014

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lake_agnes_mezzamayI have designed the beautiful, lacy “Lake Agnes Shawl” to introduce the students to top down, triangular shawl construction.

During the 5 week course they’ll learn:
• How to create a top down, centre start triangular shawl.
• To read from a chart.
• The V stitch.
• Picot stitch.
• How increases affect the shape and size of the shawl.
• How to customise the size of your shawl.
• How to apply a fancy border stitch.
• How to block your finished shawl.

Skills required:
US single, double and half double crochet stitches (UK double, treble and half treble crochet stitches)

Materials required:
Natural 4ply, yarn such as Holst Garn Coast and/or Holst Garn Supersoft 100% Wool in two shades, 2 x50g cakes for the main body of the shawl, 1 x 50g cake for the trim
4mm crochet hook

 

Course dates:
Tuesdays 7:30 – 9:30pm 16th September – 14th October 2014

Venue:
Riverhouse Barn, Walton-on-Thames

5 Week Beginners Crochet Course – 8th October – 12th November 2014

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A 5 week course starting at the beginning of October at the Riverhouse Barn, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey and will consist of a group of 6-10 students. The course costs £45 for 5 x 2 hour lessons.

Week 1 Beginners Crochet Course: Wednesday 8th October 2014, 7:30-9:30pm
Week 2 Beginners Crochet Course: Wednesday 15th October 2014, 7:30-9:30pm
Week 3 Beginners Crochet Course: Wednesday 22nd October 2014, 7:30-9:30pm
Week 4 Beginners Crochet Course: Wednesday 29th October 2014, 7:30-9:30pm
Week 5 Beginners Crochet Course: Wednesday 12th November 2014, 7:30-9:30pm

Please note, Week 5 was originally scheduled for 5th November but since that’s Bonfire Night it’s been moved to the following week to accommodate more students.

week5

Details:

Suitable for complete beginners or those wanting to brush up on their basic skills, I use a specially developed small project to teach you how to make a pot holder using a solid granny square.
You will learn all the essential techniques that can be applied to most basic projects such as:

  • choosing the right size hook and yarn
  • how to hold your hook and yarn
  • chaining
  • slip stitch, single & double crochet
  • how to make a square
  • how to change colours
  • how to join motifs using sewing and crochet
  • how to make a cord
  • how to finish off

The course includes:

5 x 2 hour practical classes, spread over 5 weeks.
Detailed class notes including photos to help you practise at home.
Complete pdf pattern at end.
Email support during the duration of the course.
Suggestions for other projects you could attempt using your newly acquired skills.
I can also offer a starter kit containing the correct yarn, hooks and other accessories needed for the project.

This is a great way to learn a new hobby in a friendly setting where you can meet new people and hopefully make friends too!

To express and interest or for more details, please contact me.

Owl Door Stop – Riverhouse Hookers 5 Week Crochet Project for Second Term 2014

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mezzamay_2owls
We are now into the 3rd week of our latest project – the Amigurumi Owl Door Stop.
This is a project I have specially designed for my students to build on the skills they acquired in their first 10 week course. From being complete beginners they are now able to tackle a relatively complex project such as this! I am really proud of them!

Do you have basic crochet skills? Would you like to join the Riverhouse Hookers and take part in guided courses and projects such as this? Get in touch! mezza_may@yahoo.co.uk
Alternatively, for complete beginners we’re hoping to run a second crochet class on a weekday evening at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre in Walton, Surrey, United Kingdom starting in September. Please contact me as above.

Don’t live nearby and would like to make this owl? This pattern is now available for purchase, in both British & US crochet terminology. I will be donating a portion of the sales to the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre.

British & American Crochet Terms

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The majority of patterns you will find in books, on-line and even some British magazines use US or International crochet terminology. It’s for this reason that despite being a British crochet teacher, I teach my classes using American crochet terms.
Here is a handy chart showing the different terminology used for British and American crochet stitches, as well as the symbols.
us_gb_crochet_terminology
 
 

Little Donkey – Crocheted Toy

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mezzamay_crochet_little_donkey (15)

Pattern Details
Horse and Unicorn Crochet Pattern
“The finished horse or unicorn has legs that can move so that it can sit or stand. It is about 10″ tall (depending on how thick your yarn is).”
Designed by Melissa Bastow
Available from her Etsy store, .

Materials Used
I used Vanna’s Choice worsted weight yarn (white, bluebell, sapphire) and my favourtie 4.5mm Clover Amour hook (a smaller hook than the specified size to obtain a tighter gauge). This resulted in a slightly smaller toy (8.5″), so he became a donkey rather than a horse 🙂
For the stuffing, I used organic kapok.
The eyes and leg joints are spare buttons from my button box.

Pattern Review mezzamay_crochet_little_donkey (12)
Although the pattern is not difficult, it is not written in the format I am used to for amigurumi – the pattern is not written round by round, stating the stitch count you should have at the end of each round but rather in sections which means it can be easy to lose where you are if you are not experienced and/or if you are not concentrating. For many sections of the pattern there is no stitch count given at all so you can’t check easily for mistakes.
Other than that, it is a good pattern, with lots of images, presented in a clear format.

Difficulty
As mentioned above, it is not a difficult pattern, however, you do need to concentrate as the pattern in not worked per row/round which means that unless you place a stitch marker after section, it can be quite easy to lose track of where you are.
mezzamay_crochet_little_donkey (10)The parts I found trickiest were the sewing of the head onto the body and attaching the legs. The legs are particularly fiddly as you are instructed to sew on the left and right legs, along with the corresponding buttons, simultaneously.The buttons I had available had holes that were too small for my darning/wool needle so I used a normal, sharp sewing needle and white Gütermann cotton thread.
It’s also quite tricky to bunch and tie the threads for the mane and tale tightly enough so that they don’t pull through easily.

Result
Overall, I am really pleased with the finished toy – he’s a cute little chap that can stand or sit and definately seems to have a personality. I am a little bit concerned as to how robust the mane and tail are – there is a potential for them to be pulled out so I would probably not allow a baby or young toddler to play with this unsupervised.

Future Modifications
If I were to make this again I think I would make the body slightly bigger and try to find an easier way to attach the legs – perhaps I’d tack the buttons into place on the legs first so that the whole process is less fiddly.