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Basketball Backpack

Good Morning everyone, How are your Autumns going so far? Like I have said before I love Autumn and Winter way more than Summer. Its coming close to the Holidays now and I’m sure everyone’s looking for Christmas presents to crochet, and even Halloween crochet patterns to help with those costumes. This bag is written in two sizes, so would be the perfect Halloween treat bag for all ages!

This pattern is not only for Halloween, it will make the perfect gift for a child and was made as part of Operation Crochet Shoeboxes, a crochet-along that is running from September to November on the Desert Blossom Crafts blog. To learn more and join the crochet-along, click here.

Would you like to make this pattern for Charity?

The amazing Rachel from Desert Blossom Crafts has kindly set up a charity CAL, running between September and November. Each week there will be two giftable patterns, made to fit inside a shoebox; one boy pattern and one girl pattern. This Crochet Along is helping to give to the Operation Shoebox Charity, to learn more about the charity and how to join the CAL, head over to the CAL post here. If you do not have time to participate in a CAL right now, you can also buy a discounted bundle of all the patterns included which proceeds will go straight to the charity.

The Mini Basketball Bag!

Supplies

For the original pattern I used Red Heart Super Saver Held Double

Colour A: Carrot, Colour B: Black. if you cannot get ahold of Red Heart in your country you can alternately try;

For a hook I always use my Furls Streamline as it helps with greatly with my carpal tunnel. You will need a 7mm hook for this project.

Other notions you will need are: Yarn needle, stitch markers, measuring tape and scissors.

Remember you can download the ad free PDF in my Ravelry Store.

Gauge

To keep the sizing right it is important to stick to the gauge, try doing a swatch and go up or down a hook size if needed.

4×4’ = 10sts x 18rows

Sizing

This pattern is written for two sizes

Small:  8inches x 10 inches

Medium: 9 inches x 15 inches

The pattern is written with the two sizes shown at the end of each row as

S (M)

Abbreviations

Ch. Chain

Sc. Single crochet

St. Stitch

Special Stitches

The Thermal Stitch: This stitch is detailed in rows 1-3, if you need more help following along here is a great tutorial for the stitch.

Set up

Using two strands of Colour A, Ch 37 (47).

Row 1: Starting in the 2nd Ch from the hook sc in every stitch in the row. (36, 46sts)

Row 2: Join end to the first st in the row. Ch 1, Sc in the back loop only (BLO) of each st across. (36, 46sts)

Row 3: Ch 1, Join in the round, turn. For this round you will be working in both the back loop of your current stitch, and the front loop left from row 2. This stitch will be referred to as the Thermal St from now on.

Thermal st in each st across. (36, 46sts)

Row 4: Ch 1, Join in the round, turn.  Thermal st in each stitch across. (36, 46sts)

Row 5: Repeat row 4 until you reach row 44 (66), or until the bag is roughly 10inches in length.

Row 44 (66): Holding the two halves of your work together, thermal st both sides together across the row. This is to create the bottom seam. Tie off and sew in your ends.

Adding the basketball markings.

You should be left with a rectangular pouch with only one opening at the top. Now it is time to create your basketball markings.

Step 1: Using Colour B, attach the yarn in roughly the center of the top opening of the bag. Using surface st you will be creating a straight line directly down the center of the bag.

Do not cut yarn when you reach the bottom as now you will be turning the bag over and working straight up the other side of the bag. Bind off and cut yarn.

Step 2: Turning your bag sideways, find the midway point and create another straight line running horizontally through the bag on both sides, the pattern will now resemble a cross. See photo below.

Step 3: Going back to the front of your bag reattach the yarn roughly two sts in from the corner. You will now need to create a diagonal line pointing towards your center line. Once you are roughly 5 rows down the bag start straightening the line to run parallel with the original center line until you reach the horizontal line across the bag. You will now need to mirror this as best you can on the lower half of the horizontal line.

Step 4: When you reach the end of this line, do not cut. Instead you will now curve your surface st around to the other side of the bag. Now repeat the same procedure for making your curved line on this second side. Bind off and cut the yarn.

Step 5: Repeat the previous two steps to make the curved line now on the right side of your bag.

Adding the straps.

Step 1: For the straps cut 6 40inch strands of orange and 6 strands of orange. Using 3 strands of each colour tied at the top, braid them together to make your strap. Do not tie the ends together yet. You will need to do this twice.

Step 2: Take your first strap with the unfinished end. Right at the top of the bag you will see the stitching below the very first row of Sc has enough space to thread your strap through. Proceed to weave the unfinished end of the bag strap through these stitches. You will only want to weave the strap through half the top of the bag.

Step 3: Tie a double knot in the end of the unfinished end.

Step 4: Repeat Steps 2 and 3 with the second strap.

Step 5: Taking the other end of each strap, using a yarn needle, sew each strap to their opposite sides of the bag.

Step 6: Returning to the top of the bag, cinch both sides of the bag together making sure to pull the excess length of the strap through the front. Tie these two ends together using a double knot.

There you have it, your mini basketball bag! Do not forget to tag any of your completed makes to @bearrye, or #bearrye so I can see your creations!! Once again, if you would like to join in our CAL, or simply buy the bundle of patterns to help donate to a good cause this holiday season, head over to Desert Blossom Crafts to learn more about Operation Shoebox.

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Tutorial Tuesday- The Berry Stitch

Good Morning Lovelies,

My (heavily) pregnant self is so happy that it is finally cold enough here in New York to be able to wear my hoodies and jumpers! Because it is finally Autumn here our tutorials are concentrating on some beautiful chunky texture. Todays crochet tutorial is the berry stitch, brought to you by Joanna from High Desert Yarn. If you follow along to the end of the tutorial you will find some beautiful patterns she has written that take advantage of this texture!

Featured Crochet Tutorial

Hi, I’m Joanna, the designer at High Desert Yarn. I became interested in yarn crafts as a teenager. My mom and I would knit or crochet simple accessories (scarves, hats) during the winter school breaks. In 2013 my love for crochet blossomed into a full hobby as I created baby blankets for family and friends.

By 2017, I decided to sell finished accessories and opened up an Etsy Shop. My very first sale was a trio of mini pumpkins. Now, I design crochet patterns for modern accessories that are fun and functional. You will never be bored crocheting one of my patterns!

Half Double Crochet Cluster

This tutorial teaches a modified half double crochet cluster (hdc-cl) that is easy to do once you get the hang of which stitches to skip. This half double cluster is different because it skips a stitch, whereas the traditional cluster does not. It creates a lovely, subtle texture. 

I chose this stitch for a tutorial to help out any crocheter wishing to make the Ashley Fingerless Mitts.

What you need

  • Worsted weight yarn in a light color
  • Size I-9/ 5.50 mm hook

Set up

Abbreviations

YO — yarn over
CH — chain
ST — stitch
SC — single crochet

Instructions

First, create a chain of any multiple of 2.

Row 1 : SC in the 2nd CH from hook. SC in every ST until the end of row. CH 1. Turn.

Next, move onto the Berry Stitch row.

Row 2 : SC in the first ST. [BERRY in the next ST. SC in the next ST.] Repeat […] until end of row. CH 1. Turn.

Repeat Rows 1 – 2 as many times for your desired length. Working the Berry Stitches into the wrong side of the fabric will ensure they puff out on the Right Side of the fabric.

How to Make a Berry Stitch


Step 1: Yarn over, and insert hook into the next stitch.

Step 2: Yarn over, and pull through stitch.

Step 3: Yarn over

Step 4: Pull through one loop on hook. Now, there are 3 loops on the hook.

Step 5: Yarn over

Step 6: Insert hook into same stitch.

Step 7: Yarn over and pull up one loop. Now, there are 5 loops on the hook.

Step 8: Yarn over, and pull through all 5 loops on hook.

Step 9: Continue the row the alternating a Single Crochet, and a Berry Stitch.

At the end of the row, flip the fabric to the Right Side facing you to see the Berry Stitches puffed out.

Now, you’re done!

I hope you enjoyed today’s tutorial of the Berry Stitch. If you would like to practice this stitch, I use it in these crochet patterns.

If you want to learn more about upcoming pattern releases, and stitch tutorials, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter list here

You can also find me on social media.

Don’t forget to share/ save this post for later on Pinterest. If there are any stitches or techniques you would like us to explore in further Tuesday Tutorials leave your suggestions in the comments below.

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Tutorial Tuesday- Half Double Crochet Cluster

Hi guys, we took a little break from our tutorials recently. But this week, after a little technical difficulty we are back with Courtney from Creations by Courtney, who is here to teach us the Half Double Crochet Cluster. This stitch is nice and thick so perfect for your fall projects. If you check out the links below Courtney has written a pattern for some beautiful fingerless gloves using the stitch.

So without too much rambling I’m going to pass over to Courtney.

Featured Crochet Tutorial

Hi, I’m Courtney, the designer for Creations By Courtney. I first learned to crochet and knit as a child when I was 8 years old from my mother. My first project was an attempt to make a gray crochet blanket for my brother to be! That project did not get finished, but I tried making a large crossbody bag in high school, and settled on hats in college. During graduate school, I made scarves, more hats, and a few blankets to help manage the stress of my studies. 

Through my husband’s encouragement, I ventured into turning my hobby into a business by selling completing items through word of mouth. Eventually, I found a business coach that helped me realize that I could be a designer! I haven’t looked back yet in designing, and have fallen in love with designing crochet garments for women and crochet accessories. I hope to add garments for men and children too. I also love figuring out how to minimize the seams in a project, or using techniques to attach pieces, so my goal is to teach something with most patterns.

Half Double Crochet Cluster

This tutorial teaches a modified half double crochet cluster (hdc-cl) that is easy to do once you get the hang of which stitches to skip. This half double cluster is different because it skips a stitch, whereas the traditional cluster does not. It creates a lovely, subtle texture. 

I chose this stitch for a tutorial to help out any crocheter wishing to make the Ashley Fingerless Mitts.

What you need

  • Worsted weight yarn in a light color
  • Size I-9/ 5.50 mm hook

Set up

This stitch is created with a multiple of 2 + 1, which means that you will create any number of chains that can be divided by 2 and then make one more chain. 

I’m going to show you how to make the half double cluster and the last half double cluster, step-by-step, and then provide instruction for a few rows of practice.

For this tutorial, you should be familiar with the following stitches:

Ch: chain

hdc: half double crochet

hdc-cl: half double crochet cluster

Last hdc-cl: last half double crochet cluster

Sk: skip

Sp: space

St(s): stitch(es)

YO: yarn over

Here are the written instructions for the HDC-cl.

Hdc-cl: YO, insert hook into same st as last st made (or first st of the row), YO, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), YO (4 loops on hook), sk 1 st, insert hook in next st or ch-1 sp, YO, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook), YO, pull through all 5 loops, ch 1

Confusing? Follow along with the pictures below.

Step 1: Ch a multiple of 2+1.

Step 2: Working in 4th ch from hook, hdc, ch 1.

Step 3: YO, insert hook in same st as the hdc (3 loops on hook)

Step 4: YO (4 loops on hook), sk 1 st [Pic. 4], insert hook in next st, YO, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook) [Pic. 5.]

Step 5: YO, pull through all 5 loops, ch 1

Step 6: The next hdc-cl is started in the same st as the last st made [Pic. 7-9]

Step 7: Make hdc-cl across until 1 st remains for the last hdc-cl

Once again, here is the short hand to follow for the last HDC-cl.

Last hdc-cl: YO, insert hook in same st as last st made, YO, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), YO (4 loops on hook), do not sk 1 st, insert hook in last st, YO, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook), YO, pull through all 5 loops

Still confused? Follow the pictures below.

Step 8: YO, insert hook in same st as last st made, YO, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)

Step 9: YO (4 loops on hook), do not sk 1 st, insert hook in last st, YO, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook) [Pic. 13], YO, pull through all loops [Pic. 14] 

To make a practice swatch

Ch 21 [refer to Pic. 1]

Row 1: Hdc in 4th ch from hook, hdc-cl across until 1 st remains, last hdc-cl, turn [refer to Pic. 14]

Row 2: Ch 2, hdc in first ch-1 sp, ch 1 [Pic. 15, black arrow indicates ch-1 sp], hdc-cl in each ch-1 sp until 1 st remains, last hdc-cl, turn

Row 3-8: Repeat Row 2

I hope you enjoyed todays tutorial, if you want to put what you learned into action check out these patterns that use this stitch here. If you would like to learn more subscribe here for more tutorials, pattern roundups and crochet garment and accessory patterns! 

Want to talk about yarn goodness, crochet tips, and exclusive weekly deals? Join my Facebook Group, Creations By Courtney Community.

If we’re not hanging out on social media yet, come check me out on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. 

Join my newsletter for sneak peeks, crochet tips, and more.  HERE

Use #CreationsByCourtney on social media when sharing your projects. 

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Falling For Textures Blanket CAL

Textured Crochet Blanket

As Summer is over and it turns to Autumn its time for another blanket CAL! For those who missed our Winter Wonderland Blanket or don’t know, CAL is short for Crochet Along This time I am part of a 5 designer team working with the Pineapple and Pine CAL group. For 5 weeks each designer will be releasing 3 blanket squares that can be seamlessly combined to make a beautiful blanket.

How it works

Each week a new designer will be releasing 3 10 x 10 inch texture patterns for free on their blog, with an option to purchase a PDF format. For my squares, you will head back to this page to see the new squares as they release. Alternatively, if you do not want to wait to receive each design, or would just love to support the designers you can also purchase a bundle of all the patterns right now at a 50% discount!

Buy the bundle now!

The Yarn

The lovely team over at Wecrochet was kind enough to donate the yarn needed to create this project. We used approximately 4576yards of Mighty Stitch yarn in Cream. All the designs together will make a 50 x 70 inch blanket, but if you don’t want to make something quite as large head over to Kelsies page below, where she has detailed some alternative sizes and how many squares you will need to make.

Week 1

August 31st- September 6th

The first week was hosted by Kelsie of Crafting for Weeks. You can go over to her page to see the first three patterns and to learn a lot more detail about the CAL, as well as some alternative blanket sizes.

Week 2

September 7th- September 13th Hosted by Claire at Bear Rye.

See all three squares below.

Week 3

September 14 – September 20 hosted by Emily of Hooked Hazel

Week 4

September 21 – September 27 hosted by Rachel of Cozy Nooks Designs

Week 5

September 28 – October 4th hosted by Sarah of A Plush Pineapple

Step up – Low Texture Blanket Square

Step up Blanket Square for Falling for Textures CAL

 Supplies

Yarn: Mighty Stitch, Cream by Wecrochet.

Hook: 5mm.

Notions: Yarn needle, measuring tape, scissors.

Gauge

4x4inches: 12sts x 11 rows of 5dc, 5sc repeat.

Abbreviations

Ch. Chain

Dc. Double crochet

Sc. Single crochet

St. Stitch

Set up

Ch 31,

Row 1: In the second ch from hook sc. Sc in next 4 sts, dc in the following 5 sts. *5 sc, 5 dc*. Repeat * across until the end of the row. (30sts).

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. *5 sc, 5 dc* Repeat * across until the end of the row. (30sts).

Row 3- 28: Repeat Row 2.

Bind off and cut yarn.

Adding border:

To add your border, Dc in each stitch across, adding a dc, ch 2, dc in each corner space. Join in the round, bind, and cut yarn.

There you have it! Your first Blanket Square. Do not forget to tag any of your completed makes to @bearrye, or #bearrye so I can see your creations!! To follow along with our CAL follow @pineapple.and.pine and check out the Facebook Community to join in with the group.

Crossed over DC – Medium Texture Blanket Square

 Supplies

Yarn: Mighty Stitch, Cream by Wecrochet.

Hook: 5mm.

Notions: Yarn needle, measuring tape, scissors.

Gauge

4x4inches: 12sts x 9 rows of dc

Abbreviations

Ch. Chain

Dc. Double crochet

Sc. Single crochet

St. Stitch

St instructions:

Crossed DC: Yo, insert hook into previous skipped stitch before 3dc, Yo. Pull st to height with the previous dc, yo, pull through 2 hoops, yo pull through remaining hoops.

Set up

Ch 31,

Row 1: In the second ch from hook sc. Sc in every st across. (30sts).

Row 2: Ch 1, Turn. Sc in each st across. (30sts).

Row 3: Ch 2, Turn. *Skip next st, Dc in the next 3 sts. Crossed Dc to the previous skipped st. Dc in the next 3 sts*. Repeat across. Dc in the last st of the row. (30sts).

Row 4: Ch 1, Turn. Sc in every st across. (30sts).

Row 5: Repeat Row 3.

Row 6: Repeat Row 2.

Row 7: Ch 2, Turn. *Dc in 3sts, skip 1st, Dc 3, crossed Dc to the previous skipped st space*. Repeat across. Dc in the last st of the row. (30sts).

Row 8: Repeat Row 2.

Row 9: Repeat Row 7.

Row 10: Repeat Row 2.

Row 11: Repeat Row 3.

Row 12: Repeat Row 2.

Row 13: Repeat Row 3.

Row 14: Repeat Row 2.

Row 15: Repeat Row 7.

Row 16: Repeat Row 2.

Row 17: Repeat Row 7.

Row 18: Repeat Row 2.

Row 19: Repeat Row 3.

Row 20: Repeat Row 2.

Row 21: Repeat Row 3.

Row 22: Repeat Row 2.

Row 23: Repeat Row 7.

Row 24: Repeat Row 2.

Bind off and cut yarn.

Adding border:

To add your border; Turn your project sideways and Dc in each st across. In the last st (which will become your corner) Dc, ch2. Repeat this procedure on the right and left sides of the square respectively.

There you have it! Your first Medium textured Blanket Square. Do not forget to tag any of your completed makes to @bearrye, or #bearrye so I can see your creations!!

Herringbone Double Crochet- High Texture Blanket Square

 Supplies

Yarn: Mighty Stitch, Cream by Wecrochet.

Hook: 6mm.

Notions: Yarn needle, measuring tape, scissors.

Gauge

4x4inches: 12sts x 9 rows of dc

Abbreviations

Ch. Chain

Dc. Double crochet

Sc. Single crochet

St. Stitch

St instructions:

Waistcoat St: This is my favourite guide to the waistcoat stitch.

Herringbone St: Follow for my favourite guide to the Herringbone DC

Set up

Ch 32,

Row 1: In the second ch from hook sc. Sc in every st across. (30sts).

Row 2: Ch 1, Turn. Waistcoat st in every st across. (30sts).

Row 3: Repeat Row 2.

Row 4: Repeat Row 2.

Row 5: Ch 1, Turn. Waistcoat st 4 times. Herringbone Dc until 4 sts remain. Waistcoat St in the remaining 4sts. (30sts).

Row 6: Repeat Row 5.

Row 7: Repeat Row 5.

Row 8: Repeat Row 5.

Row 9: Repeat Row 5.

Row 10: Repeat Row 2.

Row 11: Repeat Row 2.

Row 12: Repeat Row 2.

Row 13: Repeat Row 2.

Row 14: Repeat Row 5.

Row 15: Repeat Row 5.

Row 16: Repeat Row 5.

Row 17: Repeat Row 5.

Row 18: Repeat Row 5.

Row 19: Repeat Row 2.

Row 20: Repeat Row 2.

Row 21: Repeat Row 2.

Row 22: Repeat Row 2.

Row 23: Repeat Row 5.

Row 24: Repeat Row 5.

Row 25: Repeat Row 5.

Row 26: Repeat Row 5.

Row 27: Repeat Row 5.

Row 28: Repeat Row 2.

Row 29: Repeat Row 2.

Row 30: Repeat Row 2.

Row 31: Repeat Row 2.

Bind off and cut yarn.

Adding border:

To add your border; Make 2 rows of Sc on both the top and bottom of your square. Turn your project sideways and Dc in each st across. In the last st (which will become your corner) Dc, ch2. Repeat this procedure on the right and left sides of the square, respectively.

If you would like to purchase the discounted bundle for all our squares, you can do so here for 50% off throughout the CAL. Supporting the designers allows us to supply you with free patterns all year round and helps to pay for the admin of running CALS. Thanks so much for supporting us.

If you would like to be the first to know about any new free patterns or CALS sign up to my newsletter below.

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Front Post Double Crochet- Tuesday Tutorial

As promised here is the next tutorial in our new series. This week’s guest teacher is the lovely Kristen from Hooks, Books, and Wanderlust.  She will be teaching us how to do a simple Front Post Double Crochet today. This technique makes for an amazing texture that can be used in so many ways. Check out the free crochet tutorial below.

Front Post Double Crochet Pin

Don’t forget to save this pin to access the crochet tutorial whenever you want!

Featured Crochet Tutorial

Hello, my fellow yarn enthusiasts! I’m Kristen, the heart and hands behind Hooks, Books, & Wanderlust blog. I am a wife, #boymom, and a breast cancer survivor. I enjoy everything crochet, reading past my bedtime, and traveling as much as I can.

After teaching myself how to crochet when I was pregnant with my youngest son six years ago, because I wanted to make him a baby blanket. I never expected I would love crochet as much as I did. But once I picked up that hook, there was no turning back. Less than a year later, I was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer, and I had a whole new reason to crochet. I made myself SOOOO many hats and scarves and a couple of blankets as well.  Now I like to share my love for all things crochet, reading, and travel over on my blog. I also love to help others learn how to crochet!

Front Post Double Crochet

I can’t wait to teach you the Front Post Double Crochet stitch today!

Post stitches are used to create a variety of patterns and textures in crochet. Like cables, ribbing, or more decorative raised patterns.  They are worked around the post of the stitch from the previous row, as opposed to the normal method of working through the top ‘V’ of the stitch.  There are both front and back post stitches for all the basics: single crochet, double crochet, etc. But today, I will be showing you the more common Front Post Double Crochet (you’ll see it abbreviated in patterns as FPdc).

I chose this tutorial because as a beginner, it is a perfect way to build on the basics to create interest. It’ll be great practice so that you can make my Alpine Dreams Beanie or the soon-to-be-released Alpine Dreams Cowl on my blog!

What you need

Before we can get started, grab these items:

  • Practice yarn: I recommend using a light color that isn’t a shade of white so that you will be able to see your stitches best.
  • Hook: Take a peek at your yarn label and see which hook size they recommend for your yarn.
  • Skills Needed: chain stitch (ch), double crochet (dc)

Set Up

Go ahead and ch 22, then dc into the second ch from your hook and into each ch across (20 dc).  And just for funsies, and to give you something a bit more substantial to hold on to, ch two, turn, and dc in each stitch across (20 dc).  You should now have two rows of good old double crochet.  Time for the fun to start!

“Front” post indicates from which side of the fabric you should insert your hook around the post, which in this case means inserting it from front to back.  For the FPdc, you will work a double crochet by inserting your hook from the front of your fabric, around the back of the post of the indicated stitch from the previous row, then back out the front of your fabric.  This will push the stitch forward, or to the front of your fabric as it is facing you.

The “post” of your stitch is the long vertical part that you can see when viewing the fabric. Basically, all the stuff underneath the top ‘V’ you would usually work into.  See the first picture below.

To work around the post, you will utilize the space between the posts of the stitches from the previous row.  You’ll start with a yarn over (yo), just like any other dc, then insert your hook in the space before the post you intend to work. Behind the back of the post, poke your hook back out through the space after the post you are working.  Next, you’ll yo and pull that loop back the way you came behind the post and pull it up through the space just before that post.  From there, you’ll dc as normal: yo, pull through the first two loops, yo, pull through the last two loops.  See the pictures below.

Front Post Double Crochet
Step 1 Front Post
Step 2 Front Post
Step 3 Front Post
Step 3b Front Post Double Crochet
Front Post Double Crochet Tutorial

If you would like to see this stitch in action, you can watch my video tutorial below.

I hope you found this tutorial helpful and if you would like to put what you learned to use, be sure to check out my Alpine Dreams Beanie pattern. Or even my recent blog post featuring other patterns that use the FPdc.  While you’re there, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the upcoming release of my Alpine Dreams Cowl, which will also use this stitch!


If you liked this tutorial, be sure to subscribe to my blog and my YouTube channel for tutorials, patterns, and more!  Want to hang out?  You can find me on Instagram and Facebook.  If you would like to be kept up to date on all the latest news on the blog, first crack at testing new patterns, exclusive discount codes for my shops, and a free monthly printable, sign up for my newsletter!  To see this month’s current freebie, click here.

How did you enjoy our second tutorial? Kristen will be back again next week to teach us all the Back Post Double Crochet. Sign up to my mailing list here to be the first to see new tutorials. If there are any techniques you would love to see leave a comment or join our Facebook community and join the discussion. If you missed the first tutorial in our series, click here to see the DragonSkin tutorial.

Enjoyed this post and looking for some patterns to try? Check out the Summer Tee Roundup for my favourite summery crochet patterns!

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Autumn Aura Scarf – Crochet Scarf Pattern

Autumn Aura Scarf Flatlay

So I know its still warm out there but its getting closer to Autumn. Are you ready for all the cold weather makes? If you are like me you have multiple Jumpers you started working on 2 years ago that you swear will be ready to wear this Autumn! It’s definitely time to start working on some autumn/winter crochet scarf patterns so we have some wearable projects.

Autumn Aura Scarf Pin

To allow me to be able to supply you lovely people free patterns all posts on this site contain affiliate links and google ads which give me a small commission if you were to purchase the suggested products through them. If you would prefer to read the patterns unhindered all patterns are also available as an ad-free PDF on Ravelry. Click here to purchase.
Subscribe to my newsletter using the link on the side of this page to receive an exclusive 15% off coupon to my Ravelry store!

Today I’m releasing my Autumn Aura Scarf for free for the first time as part of the Fall in Love with Autumn Blog Hop. This Crochet Scarf pattern is usually one of my premium patterns, so head over to the Hop on 8/6/2020 to get the Ravelry code to download for free today only!! Offer Ended.

Grab the pattern on Ravelry here enter the code ‘AURA’ at checkout to get both the Autumn Aura Scarf and Beanie at a discounted price! Remember to include both patterns in your cart to recieve the discount!

Don’t want to hop the blog every day? Head over to buy the Fall in Love with Autumn Bundle for 90% off all these patterns.

Fall in Love with Autumn Bundle

What Do I need?

The original pictured scarf was made using ;

Colour A: Lionbrand Country in White Mountains 0.5 of a skein, unfortunately this yarn has been discontinued but can be substituted with Lionbrand Thick and Quick.

Colour B: Lionbrand Thick and Quick in Fisherman 2 skeins

Hook: 9mm (I used my Furls streamline, which you can now buy over on Wecrochet.com)

Notions: Yarn needle, stitch marker, measuring tape, scissors.

Like the Autumn Aura Scarf?

Get the free pattern for the matching Autumn Aura Beanie here

Autumn Aura Beanie Pin, Free crochet beanie pattern

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Tuesday Tutorials: Dragon Skin Stitch- A Crochet Tutorial

Hi Guys, today I’m starting a new series of featured crochet tutorials, every other Tuesday (sometimes more) I will be hosting another designer to teach you lovely folks a new crochet stitch or crochet technique. Our first guest teacher is Caleb from Crafting at the Poole who will be teaching a modified crochet stitch he has used to create multiple designs. Check out the free crochet tutorial below.

DragonSkin Crochet Stitch Tutorial Pinterest Pin
Don’t forget to save this pin to access the crochet tutorial whenever you want!

Featured Crochet Tutorial

Hi, I’m Caleb! I’m an 18-year-old entrepreneur who loves designing. My patterns are simple, quick, and use big yarns in bright colors! I started crocheting back in 2015 when a friend from church urged me to try picking up a hook and taught me the basics. I’ve built on that, and am now an accomplished crocheter, and currently trying to get my friend from church to pick her hook back up! 

I started Crafting at the Poole so I could fix the lack of fun super bulky and jumbo crochet patterns that are not blankets! (I’m not a huge fan of crocheting blankets.) I love to teach others to crochet, and I hope to release crocheting courses in the future! For now, I’m practicing my videography skills uploading videos on my YouTube, and posting on my IG. I enjoy walking in the rain, baking cakes, and discovering new big yarns!

DragonSkin Crochet Stitch

The Dragon Skin Stitch

I chose this stitch because I am soon to be releasing a beanie pattern that uses it! If you want to follow along with me, you’ll need;

a skein of Bernat Velvet, (I’m using Vapor Grey) and a 4.5 mm. crochet hook. 

I hope you enjoyed today’s tutorial if you want to put what you learned into action check out my two new patterns, the Dragonskin Beanie and the Fluffy Floves Fingerless Gloves. Alternatively, if you would like to see more videos like this, subscribe to me on youtube here!

If you just want to learn more about me, come subscribe to me on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, and visit my blog! Also, you can get my Jumpin’ Jellyfish pattern for FREE by signing up for my email list here! Thank you so much to Claire for letting me take part in such a great series!! I hope I’ll be seeing you all very soon! Good luck!

I hope everyone enjoyed our first Tuesday Tutorial! If you did, subscribe below to be the first to know when I new tutorial releases. If there are any techniques you would love to see in this series leave a comment below or join our Facebook community.

Enjoyed this post and looking for some patterns to try? Check out the Summer Tee Roundup for my favourite summery crochet patterns!

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10 Crochet Tees for Summer

Summer Tees Crochet Pattern Roundup

Ten Crochet Tees for Summer

Are you still looking for a top to crochet to satisfy that Summer feeling? Don’t worry you still have time before Autumn is here. Check out these awesome Summer Crochet Tees.
 
Summer Tees Crochet Pattern Roundup
 
Don’t forget to pin this post for later!
 

 

Hi everyone, it’s been a very strange summer so far. With the virus keeping people indoors it’s hard to feel like its Summer in our air-conditioned homes. If you are like me you are probably still making some winter wear you started last September when you swore it would be ready to wear for the snow! With that in mind, I decided to gather and share my favourite fast Summer shirt makes that would be ready before the season changes. Most of the Crochet Tees are made in a nice airy texture making them good for early Autumn also.
 
This post is the first in a series of roundups, aimed to bring you some beautiful new patterns from your new favourite designers. If you want to be alerted to when a new round up releases sign up to my newsletter here.

 

Free Crochet Tee Patterns

 
1. Crochet Summer Romance Tee, by Blue Star Crochet
 
Crochet Lace T shirt
 
To start our round-up I have chosen the Summer Romance Tee by the lovely Veronika. This top is made in two easily seamed flat pieces so is super fast to knock out in a couple of days. I love the fit of this lacy top and how complex it looks. Head over to the Blue Star Crochet blog to see the free pattern, or to support the designer by purchasing the downloadable pattern.
 

2. The Peplum Summer Top, by Knitting with Chopsticks

Crochet Peplum
 
How beautifully simple is this Peplum design by Hortense? This design looks like the perfect wardrobe staple for Summer. A beautiful crochet tee, made originally in cotton yarn it will be super breathable while looking super feminine. Get the free pattern over on the Knitting with Chopsticks Blog.
 

3. The Marielle Lace Tee, by Sincerely Pam

 
Our third top is part of a larger set of designs. Love the stitch pattern but don’t want a tee? Head over to the Sincerely Pam Blog where you can find patterns for children’s size Marielle, the Addy lace Cardigan as well as a lovely Slouch beanie and shawl!
 

4. The Sizzling Summer Top, by Crochets by Trista

 
Trista definitely knocked it out of the park for her first garment design. The simple eyelet repeat is very easy to follow along, with minimal chances of frogging! Go get the pattern over on the Crochets by Trista Blog.
 

5. The Shelby Top, by Desert Blossom Crafts

 Shelby Lace crochet top
 
Ok, so I may be biased when it comes to anything purple, but look at how gorgeous Rachels lace is! I love how flowy this shirt is, and even more, it was made with Darn Good Yarn Linen yarn. Head over to Desert Blossom Crafts to get the free pattern.
 
 

6. The Two-Tone Tee with Ties, by Crochet with Mary Beth

Crochet Tied Shirt
 
This next tee seemed so unique to me, the idea of tying two different fabrics together to create one piece is so pretty. Made mostly from dc’s the garment makes up super fast, and with that two-tone effect, the colour choices are endless! get the free pattern from Mary Beth over on her blog.
 
 

7. The Wandering Free Summer Top, by A Crocheted Simplicity

Summer Crochet T Shirt
 
This next one is a personal favourite. The simple repeat and lines of this tee make it gorgeous as an everyday top and a party top for Autumn. The construction of the sleeves also makes it super breathable in hot weather. Get the free pattern by A Crocheted Simplicity here.
 
 

8. The Yuma Tank, by Needle Klankers

Lace Crochet Tshirt
 
Once again we have such beautiful colouring and really simple construction. The Yuma Tank goes up to 5X in sizing so makes for a really versatile pattern. Head over To the Needle Klankers site to get the free pattern.
 
 

Premium Crochet Patterns

 
I couldn’t resist these patterns, so I have added in two beautiful premium patterns. If you have liked any of the patterns so far today, please support the designer by purchasing their printable patterns. Each is available through their individual blogs. Remember every purchase helps designers to continue to offer free patterns on their sites.
 
 
9. Carnival Glass, by Sati Glenn
 
Keyhole Crochet Tee
 
My first premium design is by the lovely Sati Glenn. Colour choice is key to making this lace piece into a work of art. Head over to Sati’s Ravelry to purchase the inexpensive pattern.
 

10. The Butterfly Trails Top, by Crystalized Designs

Lace Tube top
 
The last pattern in our round-up is so pretty. If you are looking for a modern or unique piece this top is definitely ticking both those boxes. Head over to the blog to get your premium pattern.
 
 
 
Summer Tee Free Crochet Round up
 
If you enjoyed this round-up don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Facebook to hear about new and upcoming designs.
 
If you like summery designs check out The Sunny Sorbet Shawl
 
 

Continue reading 10 Crochet Tees for Summer

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Mini Bows Headband

I’m finally ready to share my next headband in my series. Here is the very simple Mini Bows Headband. This simple design has some lacey peek holes and is a quick and easy make. Scroll down for instructions on how to make this.

 

Supplies

Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Cotton Dk in Robins egg blue

Hook: 4mm

Notions: Yarn needle, stitch marker, measuring tape, scissors

This pattern is featured today (5/25/2020) as part of the Shop Your Stash Blog Hop, head over to my Ravelry today only to download the PDF for free!

Need a new project for the month of May? Head over to the Shop your Stash Blog hop where you will find a new free crochet pattern daily, totaling 35 free crochet and knit patterns.


If you don’t have time to participate in the blog hop you can grab the bundle here of all 35 patterns plus a bonus 8 patterns not shown in the hop!

The Bundle is only $16, this means each pattern comes to $0.37!! Click here to learn more about the bundle or click here to go to the hop and grab today’s free PDF download.

 

Abbreviations

Ch. Chain

Hdc. Half Double crochet

St. Stitch

Set up

Foundation Row HDC 96sts, Join in the Round

Or

Ch 97, Join in the Round. Hdc in every st across. Join in the Round (96sts).

Row 1: Ch 1, *(Hdc 3, Ch 5, skip 5)* Repeat * across. Join in the Round (96sts).

Row 2 – 4: Repeat row 1.

Row 5: Ch 1, *(Hdc 3, Ch 2, sl st over ch 5 from Row 1, this causes a cinched effect, ch 2)* Repeat * across. Join in the Round (96sts).

Row 6: Ch 1, *(Hdc 3, Ch 5, skip 5)* Repeat * across. Join in the Round (96sts).

Row 7: Ch 1, *(Hdc 3, hdc in each ch 5 )* Repeat * across. Join in the Round (96sts).

Finish leaving a long tail, weave in ends.

 

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Sneaky Embroidery

Embroidered Roses 

This is my second square for the In Bloom Blanket CAL. Today I chose to use a mix of crochet and embroidery. I love doing crossover projects and the best part of this is the embroidery is so simple you do not need to be an expert sewer to make these roses!
To grab this square as a free PDF download, head over to the main CAL page to grab the download code, then use that code in my Ravelry store. (Valid 4/27/2020 until 11am EST 4/28/2020).


Supplies

This pattern uses Mighty Stitch which was generously donated by WeCrochet to each of the designers in the In Bloom CAL

For this square you will need the colours;
Alfalfa, Cream, Mulberry and Sky
Hook: 4mm
Notions: Yarn needle, stitch marker, measuring tape, scissors.

Gauge
4×4’ = 19 stitches by 20 rows of sc.

Abbreviations
Ch. Chain
Dc. Double crochet
Sc. Single crochet
St. Stitch

Set up

To make main square.
In Cream Ch 36. Turn.
Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook, sc 4, *dc 5, sc 5*. Repeat * across. Ch3, turn (36sts).
Row 2: Skip first sc, dc 4, *sc 5, dc 5*. Repeat * across. Ch 1, turn (36sts).
Row 3: Sc 5 * dc 5, sc 5*. Repeat * across. Ch 3, turn (36sts).
Row 4-30: Repeat rows 2-3 until you reach row 30.
Finish leaving a long tail. Weave in ends.

To Add Roses.
For the roses we are incorporating an embroidery technique. You can add as many or a few roses to the square as you like. I chose to add 5 to my square.
Step 1: Create a star shape using 5 straight stitches, I made mine roughly 1 inch each, if you want smaller roses make these stitches shorter. Using a contrasting colour of yarn (this makes it easier to see where you are weaving in the next step).
Step 2: Using your main colour for your rose, thread a yarn needle with a generous amount of yarn. Start by weaving under your first stitch, then over the second. Continue this around the 5 stitches.
Step 3: Continue weaving under and over each consecutive stitch until your rose is nice and full and the guide stitches are covered.
Step 4: Finish off by stitching under the rose a couple of times and cut yarn.
Adding Leaves


Using Alfalfa attach yarn to square as close to the edge of the rose using a surface sc. Surface Sc 3 more times. Ch 1, turn, going down one side of the previous sc, sc, dc, hdc, sc in each sc across. Slip st into main square, cut yarn and weave in ends.
In my example I have shown what it looks like to have two leaves on each rose, one leaf or non. I personally prefer the one leaf, but this is completely customizable.
This Square is part of the In-Bloom Blanket CAL. Head over to my blog to view all of the floral squares we have on offer! Don’t forget to tag any of your completed makes with #bearrye, #inbloomblanketcal or #springbloomsblanketcal