Free Crochet Patterns, Crochet Classes & Techniques

Pattern

Max Volume Granny Stitch Cowl – Crochet Pattern with Video Tutorials

//  by //  Leave a Comment

Thank you for showing an interest in my latest design.

You can purchase this pdf pattern from:

About the pattern

A full bodied, moebius cowl made with the traditional granny stitch.

I desgined this cowl specifically for a fade kit I’d bought from Lottie Knits. It uses 100g of the main colour and 5x20g skeins of the fade – a total of 200g.

It’s a versatile design, so of course you could make it in a single colour, two alternating colours or use a up scrap yarn . You’ll just have to make sure you have the correct yardage!

collage of 3 images showing a crochet granny stitch cowl made with gradient yarns, the finished cowl being worn by a white woman with long hair and an aerial view of the completed cowl being held by a woman's hand. The yarn is brightly coloured like flowers in a meadow.

Pattern Format:
Pattern is written in US & GB crochet terminology and includes photos and links to video instructions for some key techniques.

Gauge:
Hitting the exact gauge is not critical, you’re aiming for something that’s about 18sts & 10 rows in granny stitch over 10cm / 4”.

Finished dimensions:
Approx – 33cm/13.3” deep & 32cm/12.6” wide

Difficulty:
Easy – main stitch is double crochet (UK treble), working in the round. Video instructions provided for some of the unique techniques.

a collage of 3 images showing a granny stitch crochet cowl made with scrap sock yarn. Image 1 shows a smiling woman with white hoop earrings wearing the crochet cowl. Image 2 shows a flat lay of the piece in process. Image 3 shows a side view of the cowl being worn by the same woman.

Show and tell & win a skein of Lottie Knits yarn!

I love to see people’s projects and I encourage you to share the photos of your Max Volume Cowl projects … WIPs and finished projects on Instagram using the hashtag #maxvolumecowl …I’ll draw a winner on 31st December 2023.

3 image collage showing a crochet black and white granny stitch cowl worn by a smiling white woman with light brown hair

Mini Crochet Pumpkins – Free Pattern QUICK & EASY

//  by //  Leave a Comment

This little crochet pumpkin pattern goes back to 2017. I wrote it as a little side project for my crochet students. The original prototypes I made are still in my son’s toy box and every now and then when I see one kicking around, I think to myself “I must publish this pattern one day”. Yesterday, my youngest son’s 2 year old cousin came to play. He found a little pumpkin in Marco’s toy box and carried it around for most of his visit! So thank you Javier, you have inspired me!

I have two sizes here, but once you get the basic concept, you can easily make different sizes and experiment with different thicknesses of yarn and corresponding hook sizes – generally speaking, you need a smaller hook size than you’d normally use to get a tighter gauge so that your stuffing doesn’t fall out!

Pattern (US Crochet Terminology)

Materials:

Key:

  • beg – beginning
  • ch – chain
  • dc – double crochet
  • inc – increase (2sc in one stitch)
  • rem – remaining
  • sc – single crochet
  • st(s)– stitch(es)
  • sl st – slip stitch

Size:

Approx 5cm / 2″ x 5cm / 2″ including the stalk.

Crochet Instructions

Row 1 : Leaving a long tail (approx 12cm or 5 inches), ch13, working into the back ridges only, dc in 3rd ch from hook; dc into each remaining ch. (12 sts)

Row 2 : ch2, turn work, without skipping any sts at the beginning of the row, dc into each st to end. (12 sts)

Note – the ch2 at the beginning of this and all subsequent rows is not counted as a stitch, nor will you ever work into it.

Repeat row 2 until it’s square (fig.1) – you can check this by folding the corner with the tail up towards its opposite side (fig.2).

Now, count how many rows you have made. Times this by 1.5 (round up where necessary). This is how many more rows you need to crochet.

e.g. my piece was square at 5 rows. So 5 x 1.5 = 7.5. Round that up to 8. Add that to the rows I’ve already made = 13 rows in total.

Once you’ve made the required number of rows, fold the strip in half so the top and bottom are lined up.
Ch1 and join with sc, going through both loops of the front and back stitches simultaneously (fig. 3).

Once you’ve finished seaming, fasten off, leaving a nice long tail for gathering the top of the pumpkin (fig. 4). Turn inside out so the crochet seam in on the inside.

seaming two edges of crochet together with single crochet and leaving a long tail

Thread the tail onto a needle and sew a running stitch through the first and last stitches of the rows – here I’ve done approximately one stitch per row (fig. 5).

Now pull the thread tight, gathering the top of the pumpkin together as tightly as possible. Fasten securely and sew the tail inside the pumpkin (fig. 6).

sewing and gathering the bottom of the crocheted pumpkin

Thread the tail at the other end and sew a running stitch along the first and last stitches of the rows, as before.
Stuff the pumpkin with Kapok or your choice of toy stuffing (fig. 7).

Pull the thread tight and fasten off securely. Weave in ends. (fig. 8)

stuffing the crochet pumpkin with kapok and sewing up the end

Stalk

Row 1 : Leaving a long tail, ch7 (fig. 9), working into the back ridges, sc 2nd ch from hook; sc into each remaining ch.

Row 2 : ch1, turn work, sc into each st (fig. 10).

Join : ch1 fold work along longest side and then sl st the sides together. Because the slip stitch has a tighter gauge, it should cause your stalk to curve
(fig. 11) . Leave another long tail and fasten off.

Use these long tails to attach the stalk to the pumpkin by threading through the top gathered hole all the way through the middle to the bottom. Secure by sewing and knotting. You can even make a French knot with your needle to make the little nodule at the bottom of the pumpkin (fig. 12).

crocheting a stalk out of brown yarn and bottom of a small pumpkin with a french knot

Weave in all ends.

For a slightly larger sized pumpkin

Make as above but chain 17 to start with. For the stalk, ch8.

Mini Basket Free Crochet Pattern

//  by //  2 Comments

Mini basket, free crochet pattern. This handy little crocheted basket design with handles, is a spin off from my “Three Little Bowls” pattern. A quick and simple pattern, this small basket uses three strands of Aran or Worsted weight yarns, held together. You could use three strands of the same colour or three different colours, for a lovely variegated effect. I love using multiple colours because each stitch is unique, depending on how the strands of yarn fall in place. I have used 3 x 50g balls of Drops Alaska (100% wool) in the colours Mustard (58), Light Grey Mix (03) & Off White (02).

It’s an ideal container for knick-knacks, face towels, hair accessories or small toiletries. This little basket is also an ideal craft stall make – sell empty or fill with treats. As with most of my free patterns, you’re welcome to make these to sell, either online or at craft fairs – all I ask is that you include a small tag or piece of paper, acknowledging that the pattern came from www.mezzacraft.com.

The pattern works up quickly and is an ideal “stash buster”!

For printable patterns, or to download and save onto your device, please click here – you’ll also find a version with British crochet terminology.

Warning : this crochet pattern is addictive!

mini basket free crochet pattern - baskets made in aran & worsted yarn in orchre, grey and cream wook.

Pattern for Mini Basket Free Crochet Pattern
(US CROCHET TERMINOLOGY)

Materials

Key

  • beg – beginning
  • ch – chain
  • dc – double crochet
  • inc – increase (2sc in one stitch)
  • rem – remaining
  • rnd – round sc – single crochet
  • t(s)– stitch(es)
  • sl st – slip stitch

Size

Finished basket is approximately 19cm / 7 ½ “ wide and 9cm / 3 ½ “ tall

Crochet Instructions

Work holding 3 strands of yarn together.

Start with a magic ring, alternatively, ch4 and join to form a ring.

Rnd 1:
ch3; 11 dc in ring; join with a sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch 3 – 12 dc

Rnd 2:
Ch3, in same st as sl st, work 1dc; 2dc in each rem st; make 1 dc in sl st join from prev rnd; join with a sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch3 – 25 dc.

Rnd 3:

Ch3, in same st as sl st, work 1dc; (1dc in next st, 2dc in next) 12 times; 2dc in last st; DO NOT JOIN – 38 dc.

Place marker in last stitch to help mark the end of the row. From now on, the piece is worked in a spiral. For each of the subsequent rounds, remove the marker when you need to work into the last stitch and then replace it when you’ve worked the last stitch.

Rnd 4:
1sc in 3rd ch of beg ch 3 of previous rnd; 1sc in next st; (inc in next st, 1sc in next 2 sts) 12 times; 1sc in each of rem 2 sts – 50 sc

Rnd 5:
1sc in next st; (inc in next st, 1sc in next 3 sts) 12 times; 1sc in last st – 62 sc

Rnds 6-12:
Sc in each st – 62 sc ⑥⑦⑧⑨⑩⑪⑫*

Rnd 13:

1sc in each of next 6sts; ch8, sk7 sts, 1sc in each of next 24 sts; ch8, sk7 sts, 1sc in each of next 18 sts

Rnd 14:

1sc in each of next 6sts; make 8sc around ch, 1sc in each of next 24 sts; 8sc around ch, 1sc in each of next 18 sts

Rnd 15:
sl st in the back loop of each st.

Finish off and weave in all ends.

*Tip : cross off the rows as you make them.

Connect with me!

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

Newsletter

Why not sign up to my newsletter to receive news about my latest patterns, tutorials and giveaways!

Affiliate Links

I use affiliate links in my posts. If you click on a link and buy something I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Support me!

If you have enjoyed my free content or have found my tips and techniques useful, please consider making a small donation by buying me a coffee via Ko-fi.

Half Motif – Three Round Granny Square – Free Crochet Pattern

//  by //  3 Comments

half solid granny square triangle crochet motif turquoise

Three Round Solid Granny Square Half Motif –  Crochet Pattern
(US Crochet Terminology)

This half square crochet pattern features in my Blue Buoy blanket pattern and it’s used to fill the edges and make the corners of the blanket.  I really love how turning a simple square motif through 90 degrees gives a whole new look!

You can find instructions for the full square by clicking here.

Materials
3.5mm/E/4 hook
DK 100% Cotton (Paintbox)

Key (US terminology)
beg – beginning
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
prev – previous
rem – remaining
rnd – round
sp – space
st(s) – stitch(es)
sl st – slip stitch

 

Crochet Instructions (Abbreviated)

This motif is worked flat, i.e. turning each row.

ch5, join with sl st in first chain to form a ring.

Row 1 : ch 3 (counts as 1dc in this and all subsequent rounds); 4dc in ring; ch2; 5dc in ring. (2x 5dc sts & 1x ch2 sp)

Row 2 : ch3, TURN WORK; 2dc in first st; 1dc in each of rem 4sts; in ch2 corner sp – 2dc, ch2, 2dc – corner made;  1dc in each of next 4sts; 3dc in last st. (2x 9dc sts & 1x ch2 sps)

Row 3 : ch3, TURN WORK; 2dc in first st; 1dc in each of rem 8sts; in ch2 corner sp – 2dc, ch2, 2dc – corner made;  1dc in each of next 8sts; 3dc in last st. Fasten off. (2x 13dc sts & 1x ch2 sps)

For the “join as you go” instructions for these motifs, please click here for the full motifs and here for the half-motifs.

Video Tutorial 

Connect with me!

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

Newsletter

Why not sign up to my newsletter to receive news about my latest patterns, tutorials and giveaways!

Affiliate Links

I use affiliate links in my posts. If you click on a link and buy something I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Support me!

If you have enjoyed my free content or have found my tips and techniques useful, please consider making a small donation by buying me a coffee via Ko-fi.

Three Round Solid Granny Square – Free Crochet Pattern

//  by //  6 Comments

Three Round Solid Granny Square Full Motif –  Crochet Pattern
(US Crochet Terminology)

Three Row Solid Granny Square Blanket Motif - Free Crochet Pattern

This simple crochet square is quick and easy to make and is a great foundation for many projects, including my Blue Buoy blanket, named after one of my favourite places in my home town, Porthleven.

It’s a great way to use up scraps of yarn and it’s pretty easy to adjust the size, making the square bigger by adding extra rounds.
I’ve used one of my favourite yarns for baby blankets – Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK which comes in an amazing array of colours. My squares, using a 3.5mm hook come out at about 8cm / 3 inches across. Each square uses 4g or 1.6 metres of yarn (so I can get about 12 squares out of each ball). The size of your square and yardage may vary depending on your gauge.

The colours I’ve used for the squares in my blanket are as follow:

Sky Blue (439), Lime Green (429), Marine Blue (434), Washed Teal (433) & Dolphin Blue (437).

Required Materials
3.5mm/E/4 hook
DK 100% Cotton (Paintbox)

NEW 29/09/23

YouTube Video Instructions!

Here’s the basic pattern for the three row version:

Key (US terminology)
beg – beginning
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
prev – previous
rem – remaining
rnd – round
sp – space
st(s) – stitch(es)
sl st – slip stitch

 

Crochet Instructions

The motif is worked in the round.

ch4, join with sl st in first chain to form a ring.

Round 1 : ch 4 (counts as 1dc & ch2 sp – please see note below); (4dc in ring; ch2) 3 times; 3dc in ring and join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch 4. (4x 4dc sts & 4x ch2 sps)

note: often 1dc & a ch2 space is represented by a chain 5 – I find this leaves a really big hole at the beginning of the round. To address this, I switch to a ch4 and when I come to finish off the round, sl st in the 3rd chain. You can either ch4 or ch5 – please use whichever looks best with your style of crochet – this applies to the start of all the rounds!

Round 2 : sl st into ch2 sp; ch 4 (counts as 1dc & ch2 sp), 2dc in same sp – partial corner made; (1dc in each of next 4sts; in ch2 corner sp – 2dc, ch2, 2dc – corner made) 3 times; 1dc in each of rem 4sts; in first corner – dc; join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch4. (4x 8dc sts & 4x ch2 sps)

Round 3 : sl st into ch2 sp; ch 4 (counts as 1dc & ch2 sp), 2dc in same sp – partial corner made; (1dc in each of next 8sts; in ch2 corner sp – 2dc, ch2, 2dc – corner made) 3 times; 1dc in each of rem 8sts; in first corner – dc; join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch4. Fasten off. (4x 12dc sts & 4x ch2 sps)

Click here for my free crochet pattern for my three round solid granny half motif.

Variations

You could also make this solid granny square crochet pattern using different weights of yarn, below are suggestions of the hook size :

  • 4ply / Sock Yarn – 3mm/C/2
  • Aran / Worsted Yarn – 5mm/H/8

Remember, the yardage and size of the finished motif will vary.

Granny Stitch Border & Join As You Go

The instructions for the granny stitch border and join can be found here.

Connect with me!

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

Newsletter

Why not sign up to my newsletter to receive news about my latest patterns, tutorials and giveaways!

Affiliate Links

I use affiliate links in my posts. If you click on a link and buy something I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Support me!

If you have enjoyed my free content or have found my tips and techniques useful, please consider making a small donation by buying me a coffee via Ko-fi.

Star Flower Crochet Motif – Basic Join

//  by //  2 Comments

Join as you go crochet technique for the Start Flower crochet motifI’ve had a lot of interest in my Star Flower motif patterns, both the full and half motifs. I’m really sorry it’s taken me a while to get this post up, but at last here are the instructions showing you how to do the basic “join as you go” crochet technique for for the star flower motifs.

Making the video, charts and written instructions is pretty time consuming and always takes me longer than I think! Moreover, I’m on a real learning curve with the video editing so although I realise they are not brilliant as they are, I hope to improve with each new video!

Anyway, here you go…

I have also written up some instructions and a chart.

Joining the Main Star Flower Motif

(US crochet terminology)

Materials 

3.5mm/E/4 hook
DK 100% Cotton (Paintbox)

Key (US terminology)
beg – beginning
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
hdc – half double crochet
prev – previous
rnd – round
sc – single crochet
sk – skip
sl st – slip stitch
sp(s) – space(s)
tr – treble crochet

The Star Flower motif is joined to the other motifs in the final round. The following instructions only cover how to join in the final round. For the full, single motif instructions, please click here.
For the purpose of these instructions, I have made the four motifs out of a different yarn which is thinner and requires a smaller hook size than my original motif. Here I am using Paintbox Yarn DK Cotton & a 3.5mm hook (by Tulip Etimo Rose, one of my favourite brands of crochet hook – I’d highly recommend them.)

Even if you do not like to use charts, please do take a look at the chart I have drawn, along with the written instructions and/or video, as it shows the layout and sequence of joining the motifs in this particular demonstration.

 

Crochet Instructions

Note : the ch6 “loops” at each corner of the motif are shared by adjoining motifs, so where there is no join, make the ch6 loop as usual but when you come to a ch6 loop of an adjacent motif, you join without making a further ch6 loop. 

Motifs are joined at the corners and in the middle of the ch8 sections.

You may also want to take a look at the list of “join as you go” crochet tips I’ve compiled at the end of the post.

Motif 1…Make one complete motif.

Motif 2…Make a second motif, stopping before you start the final round. You’ll be joining the second motif to the left hand side of the first motif. Start off as follows: ch1, sc in sp, ch3 picot; (ch8; at the tip of the next long petal – sc in 2nd ch of ch4, ch6, sc in next ch; ch8; in ch2 sp of next short petal – sc, ch3 picot) 2 times; ch8…

Corner join…at the tip of the next long petal – sc in 2nd ch of ch4, now, ensuring motif #1 is facing the right side up,  join the current motif to any ch6 loop from motif #1 as follows: remove the loop from the hook, insert the hook into the ch6 space, from above, and put the loop back on the hook, pulling it up through the ch6 loop; sc into the next ch in the tip of the current motif – corner join made!

ch8 section join…Straight away, make a ch8 join, as follows: ch4, remove the loop from the hook, insert the hook into the ch8 space, from above, and put the loop back on the hook, pulling it up through the ch8 space; ch4 – ch8 section join made! Continue making the motif : in ch2 sp of next short petal – sc, ch3 picot; make another ch8 section join…

Next, make another corner join: at the tip of the next long petal – sc in 2nd ch of ch4, remove the loop from the hook, insert the hook into the next ch6 space of adjacent motif, from above, and put the loop back on the hook, pulling it up through the ch6 loop; sc into the next ch in the tip of the current motif – second corner join made! Now finish off the motif: ch8; join with sl st in 1st sc of rnd. Fasten off.

Motif 3…This third motif is joined to the top of the first motif. Again, make the third motif, stopping before you get to the final round. You may wish to place markers in the ch6 loops and ch8 sections to mark where you will join this current motif – it’s easy to get disorientated. Start off as follows: ch1, sc in sp, ch3 picot; (ch8; at the tip of the next long petal – sc in 2nd ch of ch4, ch6, sc in next ch; ch8; in ch2 sp of next short petal – sc, ch3 picot) 2 times; ch8…

Shared corner join…this join takes place in the top ch6 loop where motif 1 & 2 are already joined. At the tip of the next long petal – sc in 2nd ch of ch4, now, ensuring the work is facing the right side up,  join the current motif to the shared ch6 loop of motifs 1& 2 as follows: remove the loop from the hook, insert the hook into the ch6 space, from above, and put the loop back on the hook, pulling it up through the ch6 loop; sc into the next ch in the tip of the current motif – shared corner join made!

Now, continue with a ch8 section join, a ch3 picot in the ch2 space of the short petal and then another ch8 section join; make the last corner join; ch8; join with sl st in 1st sc of rnd. Fasten off.

Motif 4…This last motif is joined along 2 sides and 3 corners. This time, make the fourth motif, but only up to the second corner; make a corner join in the remaining top ch6 loop of motif 2; proceed with a ch8 section join; in ch2 sp of next short petal – sc, ch3 picot; make another ch8 section join; make a shared corner join (the central point where motifs 1, 2 & 3 join); make a ch8 section join to motif 3; in ch2 sp of next short petal – sc, ch3 picot; make another ch8 section join; make the final corner join. ch8; join with sl st in 1st sc of rnd. Fasten off.

Sew in all ends and block into shape.

Video:

 

crochet chart showing final round for joining motifs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Join As You Go” crochet tips

 

If you are new to the “join as you go” technique, I would recommend implementing the following tips:

1. Work at a table so that you can lay the pieces flat. If you’re inexperienced, this technique isn’t well suited for lap work on the sofa!
2. Place a stitch marker in the centre section of your first motif – this helps you to keep orientated.
3. Before you join the next motif, decide where the joining points are going to be on the existing piece of work. Place stitch markers at the join points.
4. If you have 2 different coloured stitch markers, even better! Use one colour to mark corners and another colour for the ch8 section join. This is is particularly useful to help you keep track of where you are and what needs doing next.
5. Make as much of the final round as possible before joining – for example, if you’re joining along one side with two corners, make round four up the point where you need to join, i.e. the third corner. If you start off joining at the first two corners, you have to complete the remainder of the motif while it’s attached to the main body of the work, this can become quite cumbersome when the work becomes larger with more motifs.
6. Make sure, each time you join a new motif, that the work is facing the right way up!
7. Regularly lay the work out flat on the table and check all is well.
8. Don’t worry if it looks a bit scruffy. Once you’ve sewn in the ends and blocked, it will look much more presentable!

 

Rainbow Heirloom Little Square Crochet Motif – Free Pattern

//  by //  Leave a Comment

I bought two bundles of Solo Light Minis by Rainbow Heirloom, on a whim when I saw them on Ysolda Teague’s website at the end of 2017. Although I love bright and cheerful colours, I tend to shy away from them, especially if I have to work out colour combinations on my own. It’s something I don’t feel confident doing, so when I saw these gorgeous mini skeins, with colour combinations already put together, I just couldn’t resist!

Straight away, I knew I’d like to make a scarf or wrap, made with lots of little motifs. The result is this little crochet square. I had a few people ask about the pattern on my Instagram feed, so here it is! There is also a free video tutorial for making this little motif. Please scroll down to the end of the post.

Little Rainbow Square Crochet Motif – Pattern

(US Crochet Terminology)

Materials
2.5mm/C/2 hook (I love Clover Amour Hooks)
Sock / Fingering Weight Single Ply 100% Superwash Merino Wool (or comparable)

Key (US terminology)
beg – beginning
ch – chain
cl – cluster
dc – double crochet
esc – extended single crochet
prev – previous
rem – remaining
rnd – round
sk – skip
sp – space
st(s) – stitch(es)
sl st – slip stitch

Special Stitches
esc (extended single crochet) – insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop, chain one, yarn over, draw off both loops on hook (to see how to make an esc, see video at 2:07).
ch3 picot – ch3, slip stitch into the single crochet previously made as follows – hold the ch3 to the back, out of the way, insert hook through both loops of the stitch from back to front, draw up a loop through the single crochet and the loop on the hook, gently pull tight to make a neat picot (to see how to make an ch3 picot, see video at 11:38).
ch4 picot – ch4, slip stitch, from front to back into the back ridge of the first chain made which is easy to find as it looks like a hole at the top of the cluster (to see how to make an ch4 picot, see video at 11:00).
6dc cl (6 double crochet cluster) – yarn over, insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and draw though 2 loops) 6 times, yarn over and draw off all 7 loops on hook (to see how to make an 6dc cl, see video at 10:00).

Crochet Instructions

Note:
This pattern incorporates two slightly different picot stitches – both are described in the special stitch section and in the pattern.

With colour A, ch4 and join to form a ring.
Row 1 : ch1, into the ring, 8esc, finish round, skip 1st esc & sew round closed with an invisible join in 2nd esc. (8 sts)
Note – if this way doesn’t look neat, you can try it this way:
Row 1 : ch1, into the ring, 7esc, finish round, make last “stitch” by sewing the round closed with an invisible join in 1st esc. (8 sts)
Row 2 : join colour B, ch3, dc in same st; 2dc in each of the next 7 sts ;join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch3. (16 sts)
Row 3 : ch1, sc in same st, make a ch3 picot as follows – ch3 and sl st, inserting hook from the back to the front of the sc just made); ch4, sk1dc; in next dc make a 6dc cluster stitch as follows – (yo, insert hook into st, pull up a loop, yo and draw though 2 loops) 6 times, yo and draw off all 7 loops on hook ; make a ch4 picot as follows – ch4, sl st, from front to back, into the back ridge of the 1st ch (this presents itself as the hole at the top of the cluster); (ch4, sk1dc; sc in next st and make a ch3 picot; ch4, sk1dc; in next dc make a 6dc bobble, make a ch4 picot in the top of the bobble st just made) 3 times; ch3 & join with sl st into 1st sc of rnd.

Supporting video tutorial here:

Crochet chart:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m currently working on a post and video which goes over how to join the motifs.

Star Flower Crochet Motif – Free Pattern

//  by //  6 Comments

My free Star Flower crochet motif is a relatively easy, four round pattern that I designed specifically to be economic with yarn. Hence the nice, open construction means I’m using less of my expensive yarn!

I wanted to make another crochet motif tunic dress to wear either with leggings or over a slip. A while ago I purchased a job lot of Debbie Bliss Luxury Silk DK yarn on ebay for quite a good price. At first, I didn’t have an intended project for it. I usually make something to wear to the Unravel festival at Farnham Maltings and I did plan, 5 days before the festival, to make a tunic from the lovely silk yarn. Needless to say, with all my other commitments, this was rather unrealistic. Additionally I ran out of yarn.

So, instead (now that the extra yarn has arrived!) I have decided to share my process of making the tunic as I get a lot of interest from crocheters and non-crocheters alike whenever I wear one of my tunics. Therefore, I’ll initiate the series today with the basic starting motif.

I’ve put together written instructions (which will be available as a download from Ravelry), a chart (just a rough sketch, I’m afraid!) and a video. The video is really intended as a companion to the written pattern & chart.

If you’ve had a go at making this motif, please do let me know! I love to see what people have been up to! If you use Instagram, you can follow me @mezzamay, please tag your photos #mezzacraft.

Thank you!

Star Flower Crochet Motif (Main) – Pattern

(US crochet terminology)

Materials
4mm/G/6 hook
DK 100% Silk Yarn (or comparable)

Key (US terminology)
beg – beginning
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
hdc – half double crochet
prev – previous
rnd – round
sc – single crochet
sk – skip
sl st – slip stitch
sp(s) – space(s)
tr – treble crochet

Finished dimensions: 12cm or 4 3/4 inches.

Crochet Instructions

Ch6 and join with sl st in first ch to form a ring.
Round 1 : ch3 (counts as 1dc & ch1 sp); into the ring – (hdc, ch1) 7 times; join with sl st in 2nd ch of beg ch3. (8 x hdc, 8 x ch1 sps)
Round 2 : ch10 (counts as 1hdc & ch8); (sk 1ch, hdc in next st; ch6; sk 1ch, hdc in next st; ch8) 3 times; sk 1ch, hdc in next st; ch2, tr in 2nd ch of beg ch10. (4 x ch8 sps, 4 x ch6 sps)

Round 3 : ch5 (counts as 1dc & ch2 sp); in ch6 sp – dc, hdc, ch1; sl st in 2nd ch of beg ch10 from prev rnd; (in ch8 sp – sc, hdc, 2dc, ch1, tr, ch4, tr, ch1, 2dc, hdc, sc; sl st in next hdc; in ch 6 sp – ch1, hdc, dc, ch2, dc, ch1; sl st in next hdc) 3 times; in ch8 sp – sc, hdc, 2dc, ch1, tr, ch4, tr, ch1, 2dc, hdc, sc; sl st in next hdc; complete the final petal, in the ch6 sp – ch1, hdc, dc, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch5. (4 x long petals with ch4 sp at tip, 4 x short petals with ch2 sp at tip)
Round 4 : ch1, sc in sp, ch3 picot; (ch8; at the tip of the next long petal – sc in 2nd ch of ch4, ch6, sc in next ch; ch8; in ch2 sp of next short petal – sc, ch3 picot) 3 times; ch8; at the tip of the next long petal – sc in 2nd ch of ch4, ch6, sc in next ch; ch8; join with sl st in 1st sc of rnd. Fasten off.
Sew in ends and wet block.

The supporting video can be found here:

And here’s a chart in case you prefer that:

Click here for instructions for the half motif.

Click here for instructions on how to join the motifs.

Disclosure : I use affiliate links for my favourite yarns and other accessories!

Riverhouse Charity Blanket Motif – Free Crochet Pattern

//  by //  Leave a Comment

mezzacraft_free_crochet_motif

This hexagonal motif uses DK cotton yarn in whites, creams and light browns/beiges. You can of course use different yarn weights and colours to make your own unique blanket!

PDF Pattern can be downloaded from here or Ravelry.

This free pattern was developed with the aim of raising money for the Riverhouse Arts Centre in Walton-on-Thames. We would be extremely grateful for any donations of motifs you have made!  If you’d like to contribute to the charity blanket(s), Please make sure the motifs you’ve made meet the guidelines and then drop them off or send them to:

Riverhouse Hookers
Riverhouse Arts Centre
Manor Road
Walton-on-Thames
Surrey
KT12 2PF

Guidelines for contributing to the Riverhouse Charity Blanket(s)
Yarn: Please use DK 100% cotton yarn such as Drops Muskat, Rico Essentials Cotton, King Cole Cotton Soft, Sirdar Cotton DK…
Colours: White, beige, cream, light brown etc.
Motif size: The size of the finished motif is more important than the size of hook you use. Please make sure the motif is between 13-14cm across the widest point.
Finishing: please weave/sew in all ends EXCEPT the final round. For the final round, please cut the yarn, leaving approx 10cm tail and then just pull the live loop until the tail comes out.

 

Copyright notice

This is a free pattern, however, please do not copy, share or sell this pattern, in any format, including online. Please only share the link on my website to the pattern: bit.ly/2eFgQ7n 

You may use this motif to make blankets 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 tag with the finished item: Design from www.mezzacraft.com

You may not use the pattern for large scale, commercial manufacturing.

Thank you and happy crafting!

Chipstead Mitts – A Slip Stitch Crochet Pattern

//  by //  Leave a Comment

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.

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.