Signs to Look For in a Well Written Crochet Pattern | Plus AmigurumiAnimals

Crochet pattern-writing is a craft I'd really like to be better with.  That involves designing of course, this I have to work on. *wink*  Surely, there are so much more to learn.  Daily, I find new stitches, new techniques.... and the design choices are endless.  Truly, there are many, many talented artist out there. One day, I would like to be included in their ranks. Hoping, ever hoping, that one day, my blog will be as good as theirs. 

That involves posting USEFUL material, right?  Understanding that for a crochet pattern to be useful, I should, not only be able to convey the design in photos, but also give out clear instructions that can easily be followed by others.  In the hopes to fulfill this, I have been working on patterns from books, magazines and from fellow bloggers, studying how they make their patterns as I translate their written ideas into tangible results.

Free Crochet Patterns Round-Up | And a Thank You

Thank you.

I want to thank you all for the warm reception you have given my Star Stitch Hoodie Scarf. Heartwarming it is indeed to know that somewhere out there are some supportive readers who take the time to share my post too. For that, I am very grateful. I look forward to seeing your projects as well and getting your feedback on the pattern.

I know that my writing skills still need some {uhm, I mean many} work and improvement.  There are many things yet to learn and practice.  Craftsy offers a class on improving crochet techniques.  I might enroll on that one to help me hone my skills even better.  Crochet pattern writing is the first craft I can (seemingly) see a future in.  The future where I may {maybe} bridge the gap between work and play - Then one does not feel that its work any more because she is doing something she loves.  That would be awesome, right? Wouldn't it be great to make a good design that will be widely accepted and that fellow crafters would actually sacrifice their hard-earned money to buy and make?  Hoping and ever hoping some more that one day I would be that kind of designer who would introduce to the world a great design and a crochet pattern that others could actually follow.  How about you?

Is there something you wish you could do with your crafts?

Here are some of the patterns that I am able to publish since I started crocheting in October last year.  I present to you my Pink Bow Hair Clip, an excellent gift for your little girls or tweens.  The Flower Stitch Infinity Scarf is a real head turner.  I made a yellow one and a red one for myself and the compliments I receive for these are quite awesome.  The yellow one especially, everytime I wear, it seems new to my friends.  It's probably because of the cheerfulness and freshness of the yellow color.  A great relief from the dreary, cold winter we've been having.

For your little ones,here's cute baby blankie that you can attach to another cute amigurumi toy.  This is actually the first crochet written pattern I have ever made.  It's fun to make it in different colors. 

Would you like to make your own patterns, too, someday?
If you decide to make any of this, I would really like to see you projects too.  Please share with me on any of the social media links below.  Your sharing this blogpost is very, very much appreciated.

I hope that you enjoy your day!

Instagram | Facebook | Etsy | YouTube | Pinterest

Very Versatile Layered Flower Brooch | Free Crochet Pattern

 Very Versatile is not an overstatement.  Fasten a scarf, liven up your outfit, decorate a purse... a hat... or add it to a gift wrap (or give it as a fabulous gift!), even to accessorize a headband... - this layered petals flower brooch is a do-all pin!

Wouldn't you agree that a brooch really help fasten that nice scarf together?  Not only that, you can make twists and turns and wear your scarf any way possible if you have a nice pin to hold it in place.  Of course, that nice pin should be big enough to hold a thicker fabric together - such as the Star Stitch Hoodie Capelet (Free Pattern available here too.)

Best of all, this brooch is really easy to crochet (an excellent scraps buster too!)... Please read on and check out this free pattern.  Kindly feel free to share this pattern with your friends by linking to this blog.  And you may also leave comments in the end, that would be super awesome {wink}

The Pink Bow | Very Easy to Make Crocheted Hair Clip

"Beauty is being the best possible 

version of yourself on the inside and out."

This sweet pink bow is a delicate touch of beauty for your outfit.  It's perfect for any day, even to lighten up the mood of an otherwise grey day... not to mention, how can one be so sad working with this girly color.  Wear it and get lots of compliments.  Or give it to your girlfriends and they will be delighted to receive this girly gift from you.

This is also an excellent way to use up scraps of yarn - of course, you can make this pretty pink bow, really, in other colors... lol...  And best of all, it is super easy to do.  You really just need two basic crochet skills:  single crochet and double crochet.  IF you need help on this, just click on them to see my simple YouTube Tutorials.  You'll be crocheting like an expert in no time!

Baby Halik - Star Baby Blankie 2: No Ruffles | Free Crochet Pattern

Last time I posted a baby blankie pattern that you can attach to an amigurumi toy.  That cuddly blankie has a ruffled effect on it that adds a nice flare, perfect for a little girl. But what if you want a blankie that can lay flat?  Maybe, you're thinking this is more appropriate for boys?  

Well, I've got you covered.  Please read more to see the pattern for a star shaped baby blankie that can lay flat for a more boyish look.I called this handsome Eli, "Halik."  It's a Filipino word meaning "a kiss".

You may even customize this star blankie to make more or less points.  In this pattern, I have 6 points.

Babie Blankie Crochet Pattern | Attach to an Amigurumi Toy

Some call it "Lovey" some others call it "Blinkie" or "Blankie" and of course, many would just say "baby blanket"....   No matter what it's called, it serves, among others, a great duty of comforting dear little ones.  I know my niece and nephew are unable to sleep without their own little blinkies.  My niece, now almost 8, still have her very first blinkie with her.  

Do you like giving your kids a "security blanket" as well?

Star Stitch Hoodie Capelet | Crochet Free Pattern

The sun was really shining brightly today, it's beautiful.  The cheerful sun rays offset the freezingly cold -22 degree temperature outside. Something about a sunny day makes everything seem happier, don't you think?  The snow sparkles brightly like little shiny diamonds.

I thought it was a perfect day to sport my newly stitched hoodie scarf.  I call it that and then a friend told me, "I love your capelet..." She must have seen the pleasant puzzle in my face so she continued, "You know, like a mini cape that ladies of old use to put on top of their gowns?" Ah, I like the sound of that... Capelet it is!

Amigurumi Free Crochet Patterns | Little Cute Crocheted Animal Toys

Right now, I am eyeing these beautiful crocheted stuffed toys called Amigurumis.

Did you know that the Japanese had a lot of influence on crochet?  Amigurumi is one of them... It is the crochet of stuff toys, mostly animals, that depicted Japanese culture.  According to Google, it started appealing to the masses in 2012.  Where was I in 2012?  Anyway, now, there are many variations of Amigurumis - it has expanded into baby toys and security blankets, dolls and their accessories, flowers, people... name it. "If you can imagine it, it can be crocheted.." I think this made-up adage applies very well, don't you think?

Amazon has a lot of books on these babies and I am tempted to purchase me a copy.  Before doing that, I thought I should check what's already out there for free. {Being a little budget friendly, since I spent so much on yarn in the last boxing day... *wink*} I discovered a treasure chest of beautiful patterns.

I am filing them in this post for now to serve as an inspiration.  (Then I can save my scrap yarn to start making my bedcover... Oh yeah, I haven't forgotten that, lol)  I am going to try my hand on one of them real soon.  Perhaps my friend who wanted a gift for her soon to be born grandson would want one of these?  Shhh, I have been wondering if I could make one of these for my soon to be born niece.  {Oh, thinking about all the things I want to do can stress me out sometimes... Whispering to self:  One thing at a time.  First go cook your supper... lol}  Or maybe you can get to try one of these yourself.  If you do, please let me know how it goes.

The Elephant Snuggle
http://www.dendennis.nl/amigurumi-designs/crochet-elephant-snuggle/

You Are My Sunshine
http://www.cre8tioncrochet.com/2014/04/you-are-my-sunshine/

Little Cute Elephant
http://www.amigurumitogo.com/2014/05/Elephant-free-amigurumi-pattern.html

Sam the Dog by Michelle Wilcox
http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/ilyd/michele-wilcox

Frog Charming
http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/ilyd/toni-rexroat

The following patterns are from the talented Sharon of  AmigurumiToGo.com
She has this series called Little Big Foot.  Her work is amazing... I found her site and I stopped looking for any other site... {I think she should publish a book :) }  She has copyright restrictions with regards to re-publishing the patterns but we are fortunate as she allows one image to be posted with a link back to her patterns.  Sweet!  And finished products can be sold, wahoo... wanna buy one? lol...
Snuggly Monkey
http://www.amigurumitogo.com/2014/05/little-bigoot-monkey-free-amigurumi-pattern.html

Little Big Foot Rabbit
http://www.amigurumitogo.com/2014/04/little-bigfoot-bunny-free-crochet-pattern.html
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skFjBDjcQ4w

Crochet Along Pig
http://www.amigurumitogo.com/2014/06/pig-pattern.html

Panda
http://www.amigurumitogo.com/2014/08/panda-amigurumi-free-pattern.html

Hmmm, what should I try first?  What would you try first?

xoxo, 
Maya

Flower Stitch Infinity Scarf | FREE Crochet Pattern for Beginners (with Annotations)

You've seen these pictures in this blogs very often now... Would you like to give crocheting this lovely scarf a try?  You only need three stitches in the pattern: chain, treble stitch (1 stitch higher than a double crochet) and slip know.  Pretty easy, right?

Here is my first ever written pattern.

FLOWER STITCH INFINITY SCARF

Crochet Pattern

Materials:
Crochet Hook Size 6.5 mm
Worsted weight yarn (size 4) - or any color of your choice really...
Tapestry Needle
Stitch Marker

Skills Needed:
Chain
Treble Stitch (5 together with 1 chain)
Slip Stitch

Chain
With one loop on the hook, either from a starting slip know or from the previous stitch, yarn over and pull the yarn through the loop.

Foundation chain - Set of chains and stitches that will form as the basis ("foundation") for your scarf.

Yarn Over 
To wrap your yarn around the hook

Treble Stitch or treble crochet
With one loop already on the hook, yarn over twice = 3 loops on hook. (see image b on the picture below)
Then insert the hook on the space that you want to make the stitch on.
Yarn over and pull the yarn through the space = 4 loops on the hook.
Yarn over and pull the yarn through 2 loops = 3 loops remaining on the hook.
Yarn over and pull the yarn through 2 loops = 2 loops left on the hook.
(Note: To make the flower stitches in this pattern, you will be chaining together a chain-5 with 3 or 5 treble stitches. In that case, you will pause here and leave the last loop of the treble stitch in the hook.  This will be closed when you do your final chain to stitch all the corresponding treble stitches together.  Please see the Beginning Flower Stitch and Flower Stitch images below.)

To make a full treble stitch as in the foundation chain:
Yarn over and pull the yarn through the last 2 loops = 1 loops remaining on the hook.

Slip Stitch
With one loop remaining on the hook, insert the hook into the chain-space to be joined (as in to close a ring or to finish a row, or to fasten off your work)  yarn over and pull the yarn through the chain space and the loop that was in the hook. A slip stitch does not result in added height.

pattern notes

·    Join stitch at the end of each row using a slip stitch.

·    Work only on the right side of your scarf. (Do not turn your scarf at the beginning of any row.)

·    Skills: Chain, Treble Stitch (4-6 loops together), Slip Stitch

Flower Stitches – please see instructions on Row 1 (Each row forms half of the flower stitch.  Hence, you will begin to see the full shape of the flower after the second row)

crochet away (procedure)

1.      Foundation Chain – make 40 

a.       Begin with a slip knot, Chain 5

b.      Treble stitch at the beginning of chain 5. 

Note: Make 40 (make more or less depending on how long you want your scarf to be) 
   

c.       Lay your work on a flat surface, make sure there are no twists/kinks on the chain. 

Slip Stitch to form a ring. (see image below)

2.      Row 1

a.       Beginning Flower Stitch. - 1 chain-5 and 3 treble stitches together = 4 loops together.
 (You will begin to see the flowers form on round 2)

i.                    Chain 5 (see image a)

ii.                  Treble Stitch into the same stitch as the chain-5, leave last loop in hook (total: 2 loops remaining on hook, see image b)

iii.                Do 2 treble stitches on the next joint, leaving last loops on hook (total: 4 loops in hook, see image c and d)

iv.                Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops (see image d and e).

v.                  Place stitch marker on the last resulting loop.  You will slip-stitch into this joint at the end of the row. (see image on b. Flower Stitch on the next page)

b.      Flower Stitch into remaining stitches around. 1 chain-5 and 5 treble stitches together = 6 loops together

i.                    Chain 5 (see image a below)

ii.                  Treble Stitch into the same stitch as the chain-5, leave last loop in hook (total: 2 loops remaining on hook, see image b below)

iii.                With 2 loops already on hook, do 2 treble stitches into the same joint as the last stitch of the starting flower stitch, leaving all last loops in the hook (total: 4 loops remaining on hook, see image c below)

iv.                With four loops already on the hook, Treble stitch into the next joint twice, leaving all last loops in the hook (total: 6 loops remaining on hook, see image e)

v.                  Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops (see image f).

vi.                Repeat flower stitches (i-v) on remaining stitches around.

c.       Last Stitch of the row.

i.                    With one loop remaining on hook, chain 5.

ii.                  Treble stitch on the same chain as the chain-5. (total: 2 loops remaining on hook)

iii.                Slip hook into the joint marked with a stitch marker, yarn over and pull through all loops.

iv.                Inspect your work occasionally in order to ascertain that the flowers are not missing any petals (or too much).  To correct an error, simply remove hook and pull the yarn gently until the error is unraveled.  Start those stitch all over.  

3.      Rows 2-10 – Repeat Row 1.  Work on the right side of the scarf only.  Do not turn your work at the beginning of each new row.

a.       Starting from Row 2, you will start seeing the flower form as the second half is stitched.

b.      You may add more rows depending on how wide you want your infinity scarf to be.

4.      Finishing

At the very last row (after 2.c.iii) Fasten off: Chain 1, pull yarn to about 4-6 inches.  Cut yarn and weave all ends using a tapestry needle. 

You may download a PDF file of this pattern through Etsy.  It won't let me post for free so you will need to pay $0.99... Don't worry, maybe in the future I will learn how to include downloadable PDF files in my blogpost :-)  Possibly Ravelry as well?  I tried but it did not work this time... soon perhaps.

Etsy link to PDF file: click here

I welcome any comments, suggestions or questions.  This is my very first pattern so I would appreciate your feedback to make it better.  I also have my first video tutorial in the works... We'll see what happens... *wink*

Thank you for visiting my blog and I hope that you will have fun crocheting!

Take care...
xoxo Maya

p.s.

I also have an Instagram account, please follow?
http://instagram.com/woven_hugs 

Warmth in Bloom | Crochet Fashion Scarf and Earwarmer Headband

In this cold winter months, keeping warm can also be fun and stylish.  When I saw this great pattern from a magazine, I immediately wanted to make it. {That involved of course, buying the magazine too, :p }  Before this, I have only crocheted headbands based out of a video tutorial on YouTube.  The tutorial was so informative and basic, it carried me through every little step that made it easy to follow.  Watching the tutor do the steps assured me that what I was doing was right.  This is my first time attempting a project out of a written pattern.  You might imagine how intimidated I was.  But this cute scarf is too pretty to pass on.  I had to try.

Every so often, I second guess myself: "Does this look okay to you?"  I asked my hubby.  Of course he would proudly say, "It looks beautiful!"  I'd take it, as if he knew exactly... er, anything at all about crochet... :-)  I would actually feel reassured and I'd move on pleased.