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Easy Lacy Crochet Shawl Pattern: Patina Lace Shawlette

Patina Lace Shawlette, free #crochet pattern in Terra Fibres Handspun Merino Sport yarn by Underground Crafter | Color-blocked, crochet lace shawl on faux white brick background

The Patina Lace Shawlette is an easy, lacy crochet shawl with a simple stitch pattern repeat that is easy to remember. This rectangular shawl uses an easy lace stitch pattern in different directions to create a beautiful, color-blocked accessory.

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation (at no added cost to you) if you make a purchase using these links. Supplies for this project were generously provided by Terra Fibres and Pastiche Accessories. Camera and vinyl backdrop were generously provided by B&H Photo Video and Pro Audio.

You may remember seeing these beautiful skeins of handspun yarn in my Instagram feed a few months back.

View this post on Instagram

One of my favorite things about traveling is deciding “which #yarn should I pack with me”? For this trip to #PrimeCon, I decided to bring my #indieyarnofthemonth: 3 beautiful #handspun skeins by @terrafibres. Swipe through to see it wound. Now to pick the right project for the flight home! #undergroundcrafter #indiedyers #indieyarn #crochetersofig #terrafibres

A post shared by Marie @ Underground Crafter (@ucrafter) on May 17, 2019 at 5:16am PDT

I love to work with handspun yarns, so I was thrilled with Terra Fibres agreed to provide me with three skeins of her lovely handspun (in two solid colors and a marled skein combining both solids).

I really wanted the yarn to be the star of the story of this rectangular shawl, so I picked very simple and easy-to-remember stitch patterns for this design.

Patina Lace Shawlette, free #crochet pattern in Terra Fibres Handspun Merino Sport yarn by Underground Crafter | Color-blocked, crochet stitch detail on faux white brick background

You can see the construction best in the photo just above this one. The project starts with several wide rows in the first color. Then, you turn the project perpendicular and work the same stitch pattern in narrower rows across the side of your original rows. It gives the appearance of using two different stitches but you don’t have anything new to remember! Finally, a border is crocheted across the long edge, bringing the whole piece together.

You may be wondering about the inspiration for the name of the Patina Lace Shawlette. Patina is that greenish film that forms on bronze or copper (think: the Statue of Liberty), and the colors Terra put together for me reminded me of the look of aged metals. By the way, if you aren’t loving one of the colors that Terra Fibres already has in stock in the shop, not to worry! Terra now has an option where you can pick your own color and she will spin the yarn to order. How awesome is that?

If you make your own Patina Lace Shawlette project, I’d love to see it! Share your progress and questions by tagging me on Facebook as @Underground Crafter, Instragram as @ucrafter, or Twitter as @ucrafter. You can also share a picture in the Underground Crafters Facebook group. Sign up for my weekly newsletter and get a coupon code for your choice of one of my premium patterns and other subscriber goodies. Plus, you’ll never miss one of my free patterns again!

Add the Patina Lace Shawlette to your favorites or queue on Ravelry.

Patina Lace Shawlette

Easy Lacy Crochet Shawl Pattern by Underground Crafter

A simple, rectangular shawl uses an easy lace stitch pattern in different directions to create a beautiful, color-blocked accessory.

Finished Size

9.5” (24 cm) wide x 56” (142 cm) long after blocking.

Materials

Terra Fibres Handspun Merino Sport yarn (100% Merino wool, 3.5 oz/100 g, 164 yd/150 m) – 1 skein each in Caramel (CA), Caramel/Mint Marled (CB), and Mint (CC), or approximately 164 yd (150 m) each in 2 solid colors and in 1 marled colorway in any handspun, light weight yarn.
US Size I-9/5.5 mm crochet hook, or any size needed to obtain correct gauge. I used a hook with sunflower lady bug polymer clay handle by Pastiche Accessories.
Yarn needle.

Gauge

16 sts in pattern = 4” (10 cm) across, unblocked. Exact gauge is not critical for this project. Use a hook size larger than your typical choice for the yarn’s thickness for better drape.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

CA – Color A
CB – Color B
CC – Color C
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
rep – repeat
sc – single crochet
sp – space
st(s) – stitch(es)
tr – treble (triple) crochet
*Repeat instructions after asterisk as indicated.
() Repeat instructions between parentheses in same stitch or space.

Pattern Notes

Shawlette is crocheted in flat in rows in 3 sections in one piece. Each section is crocheted in 1 color.
When choosing colors, note that CA is worked across in wider rows, CB is worked across in narrower rows, and CC is the border.

Patina Lace Shawlette, free #crochet pattern in Terra Fibres Handspun Merino Sport yarn by Underground Crafter | Terra Fibres yarn wound

Change colors in final yarn over of last stitch on designated rows.
Chain spaces count as stitches.

Pattern Instructions

Shawlette

Section 1 – Wider Rows

With CA, ch 133, or any multiple of 5 sts, + 8 sts.
Row 1: Turn, skip 12 ch (counts as tr + ch-4 sp), tr in next ch, *ch 4, skip 4 ch, tr in next ch; rep from * across. (121 sts)
Row 2: Turn, ch 5 (counts as tr + ch-1 sp), tr in same st, *skip ch-4 sp,** (tr, ch 1, tr, ch 1, tr) in next tr; rep from * across, ending after ** before final st, (tr, ch 1, tr) in last st.
Row 3: Turn, ch 8 (counts as tr + ch-4 sp), skip (next ch-1 sp, next 2 tr, next ch-1 sp), tr in next st, *ch 4, skip (next ch-1 sp, next 2 tr, next ch-1 sp), tr in next st; rep from * across.
Rows 4-9: Rep Rows 2-3, 3 more times.
Row 10: Rep Row 2 once.
Row 11:Turn project perpendicular to work along short edge, ch 1, 4 sc in side of each row across to first row, 5 sc in side of first row, changing to CB in last yarn over of final sc. Fasten off CA. (41 sts)

Section 2 – Narrower Rows

Continue to crochet in CB along short edge.
Row 12: Rep Row 3.
Rep Rows 2-3 until project measures approximately 52” (132 cm) long unblocked, or approximately desired length, ending after a rep of Row 3, changing to CC in last yarn over of final tr. Fasten off CB.
Row 13: Turn project perpendicular to work along long edge, ch 1, 4 sc in side of each row in CB across to Row 11, sc in side of Row 11, sc in each st and each ch-1 sp in CA across.

Section 3 – Border

Continue to crochet in CC along long edge.
Row 14: Turn, ch 4 (counts as dc + ch-1 sp), skip 1 st, dc in next st, * ch 1, skip 1 st, dc in next st; rep from * across.
Row 15: Turn, ch 4 (counts as dc + ch-1 sp), skip next ch-1 sp, dc in next st, * ch 1, skip next ch-1 sp, dc in next st; rep from * across.
Rows 16-19: Rep Row 15, 4 more times.
Row 20: Turn, ch 1, sc in first st, *(sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch-1 sp,** skip next st; rep from * across, ending after ** before last st, sc in last st. Fasten off CC.

Finishing

With yarn needle, weave in ends.
Spray or wet block to open up lace.

© 2019 by Marie Segares (Underground Crafter). This pattern is for personal use only. You may use the pattern to make unlimited items for yourself, for charity, or to give as gifts. You may sell items you personally make by hand from this pattern. Do not violate Marie’s copyright by distributing this pattern or the photos in any form, including but not limited to scanning, photocopying, emailing, or posting on a website or internet discussion group. If you want to share the pattern, point your friends to this link: https://undergroundcrafter.com/blog/2019/07/19/easy-lacy-crochet-shawl-pattern-patina-lace-shawlette/. Thanks for supporting indie designers!

How To Knit Beautiful Bags by Sian Brown Book Review with Flower Basket bag pattern

Have you been wondering how to knit a bag? Bags are great projects to knit because you can start wearing and using them right away, no matter what the season! Today, I’m sharing my review of a book of knit bag designs and techniques. My review also includes an excerpted knitting pattern for the Flower Basket bag and your chance to win a copy of the book, so read on for details!

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation (at no added cost to you) if you make a purchase using these links. Search Press North America provided with a free review copy of How To Knit Beautiful Bags: 22 Gorgeous Designs by Sian Brown. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.

Book Review

At first glance, How To Knit Beautiful Bags: 22 Gorgeous Designs by Sian Brown seems to be an above average collection of knit bag patterns, but once you dive deep into it, you’ll realize that it is much more! This book is actually a guide to how to knit bags in general, and provides all the information you’ll need to make not just these 22 projects, but ANY knit bag into something beautiful, functional, and durable.

The book opens with a visual Table of Contents with a thumbnail of each of the projects in the book so it’s easy to find a favorite bag pattern again. The book then moves on to an Introduction from Sian where she explains why she loves to knit bags (because they are relatively quick projects where you can try out new techniques). She also explains that each bag in this book is both lined and has pockets. (Spoiler alert: Don’t be intimidated about the lining, because it’s all explained later.)

The next section, Materials and Tools, covers everything you’ll need to knit the bags in this book. Most of the items are standard supplies that most knitters would have available, but Sian also includes a sewing machine (for creating the lining and pockets), wadding (also known as batting in the States), interfacing, and handles.

The next sections include the bag patterns. The patterns are organized into Simple Bags (7 patterns), Summer Bags (4 patterns), Cablework (4 patterns), Evening (3 patterns), and Colourwork (4 patterns). Each pattern includes a short description, the skill level, a list of equipment with needle sizes and yarn listed using both UK and US terminology, measurements (in both metric and US customary units), tension/gauge, and finished size. Each pattern also includes at least one full-page photograph of the bag, usually shown being worn or hung so you can see how it drapes, and 2-4 additional pictures.

In terms of skill level, there are 7 beginner patterns, 1 beginner/intermediate pattern, 11 intermediate patterns, and 3 advanced patterns. The patterns are written in abbreviations, but 5 patterns also include color charts.

Techniques is the final, 20-page section. It includes information about

Gauge/tension,
Colorwork (including stranded/Fair Isle and intarsia),
How to embellish your bag (with written and illustrated tutorials for appliqué; 5 types of embroidery stitches; attaching beads, sequins, and knit flowers; and making pom poms),
Finishing methods (including blocking, weaving in ends, and backstitch and mattress stitch seams),
Fastening your bag (with zippers, buttons, snaps, and magnetic closures),
Adding lining using batting or interfacing (for less bulk), and
Making braided cords and attaching handles.

The book concludes with a list of pattern abbreviations, a yarn “translation” chart from UK to US to Australian terms for yarn weights, and a list of the specific yarns listed in each pattern.

Overall, it’s a wonderful reference guide to making your knit bags beautiful, adding lining, and finishing with lovely details. The patterns are a lot of fun, but this is more than just a pattern book. Although the Technique section in How To Knit Beautiful Bags is substantial, it really focuses on the specific techniques for finishing knit bags. There is no “how to knit” information in this book, so it is best suited to intermediate knitters or adventurous advanced beginners. If you’d love to learn how to knit a bag for yourself or to gift or sell, then I highly recommend How To Knit Beautiful Bags!

Flower Basket

Knitting Pattern by Sian Brown

Published in How To Knit Beautiful Bags: 22 Gorgeous Designs.

Text © Sian Brown 2018. Photographs and design © Search Press Ltd 2018. Shared with permission from Search Press North America.

With simple garter stitch handles and top, this design features an attractive, basket-weave pattern for the body of the bag. Topped off with a delicate flower in a complementary colour using lightweight, mohair yarn, add some matching seed beads for a bit of sparkle and shine.

Notes from Underground Crafter

This pattern uses standard knitting pattern abbreviations. You can find a master list of abbreviations here.
The specific yarns used for the sample were 4 skeins of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in Mauve (A) and a small amount of Debbie Bliss Angel in Lilac (B).
The skill level for this pattern is listed as beginner. Several tutorials that are included in the book are not available with the excerpt. The following online resources are helpful alternatives.
- Deramores has a helpful video tutorial for the k2tog decrease used in this pattern here.
- Art of Knitting has a helpful video tutorial for seaming with the backstitch here.
- I have a helpful photo tutorial for seaming with the mattress stitch available here.

Equipment

Knitting Needles
- 4.5mm (UK 7, US 7)
Materials
- 4 balls of aran (10-ply/worsted) yarn in mauve (A); 50g/98yd/90m
- Small amount of 1–3-ply (lace weight) yarn in lilac (B); 25g/218yd/200m
- 16 lilac seed beads
- Magnetic closure
- Lining and wadding/batting: 36 x 29cm (14 x 11.5in)
- Lining for pocket: 18 x 33cm (7 x 13in)
- Interfacing for pocket: 15 x 15cm (6 x 6in)
Tension (Gauge)
- 24 sts x 32 rows over 10 x 10cm (4 x 4in) in pattern
Finished Size
- 33 x 26cm (13 x 10.25in) excluding handles

Instructions

Front and Back (Make 2)

With yarn A, cast on 63 sts.
Row 1: knit.
Row 2: purl.
Row 3 (RS): k4, *p7, k5, rep from * to last 11 sts, p7, k4.
Row 4: p4, *k7, p5, rep from * to last 11 sts, k7, p4.
Row 5: knit.
Row 6: purl.
Row 7: as row 3.
Row 8: as row 4.
Row 9: knit.
Row 10: purl.
Row 11: p5, *k5, p7, rep from * to last 10 sts, k5, p5.
Row 12: k5, *p5, k7, rep from * to last 10 sts, p5, k5.
Row 13: knit.
Row 14: purl.
Row 15: as row 11.
Row 16: as row 12.
These 16 rows form the pattern. Repeat three more times, then work rows 1–8 once more.
Work 30 rows knit.
Cast off.

Handle (Make 2)

With yarn A, cast on 8 sts. Knit until handle measures 40cm (15.75in).
Cast off.

Flower (Make 5 Petals)

Using yarn B held double, cast on 6 sts.
Row 1: knit.
Row 2: purl.
Repeat these 2 rows three more times.
Row 9: k2tog, k2, k2tog (4 sts).
Row 10: purl.
Row 11: k2tog twice (2 sts).
Row 12: purl.
Row 13: k2tog.
Fasten off.

Making Up

Press the main pieces of the bag under a damp cloth. Pin the flower petals to one side of the bag with the cast-on edges at the centre and sew in place. Sew the beads in the centre of the flower. With right sides facing, pin and sew the bottom seam using backstitch. Then sew the side seams using mattress stitch. Turn over the top border to half the depth, and slip stitch it in place. Pin and sew the handles to the inside top of the bag. Follow the lining instructions below to make and fit the lining and pocket, and the instructions below to fit the magnetic closure.

Lining

Lining is used to neaten the inside of the bags so that you do not see the back of the knitting. It also adds another layer, and gives the inside of the bags a splash of colour and print. Choose your own lining fabrics to personalise your bag.

Lining the bags

Cut out the lining fabric and wadding/batting for the main bag, and lining fabric and interfacing for the pocket according to measurements given in each pattern (NB: if the print on the lining does not have a specific direction, cut in one piece and fold it at the centre. If it does, cut it in two pieces and sew them together with the seam at the bottom, keeping the print on the pocket going in the same direction as the lining).
Pin the wadding/batting to the lining if it is being used. Fold over to the WS a 1.5cm (5/8 in) seam allowance at the top of one side of the bag and machine stitch in place.
Fold the lining fabric for the pocket right sides together and press. It is neater to have the folded edge at the top of the pocket. If using iron-on interfacing, press this on now, with one edge against the fold. Sew one side and the top. Clip corner, turn pocket right side out and press again. Pin and sew the remaining seam.
Pin the seam allowance on the open side. Pin and sew the pocket in place around the sides and bottom, a little below the top at the centre.
Fit the magnetic closure now if you are adding one.
Pin the lining pieces together around the sides and bottom and try inside the bag for fi t, pinning around the top to check. Make sure that it fits well and adjust if needed (it is better for the lining to be slightly smaller than the bag in depth and width to avoid it looking loose).
Once the fit is adjusted, sew the side and bottom seams, RS facing.
Place the lining inside the bag, referring to the making up instructions, and pin to the knitted piece, then hand sew it in place.

Snap Fasteners

Snap fasteners are a practical way to fasten pieces together and easy to open and close. Choose a sewing thread close to the colour of the knitted pieces, and use a fine sewing needle. Doubling up the thread will make sewing on quicker and more secure.

How To Knit Beautiful Bags by Sian Brown Book Review with Flower Basket bag pattern via Underground Crafter - snap closure illustration 1

Snap fasteners come in two sections: a ball and socket (see above). The ball at the centre of one section presses or snaps tightly into the socket at the centre of the other.

How To Knit Beautiful Bags by Sian Brown Book Review with Flower Basket bag pattern via Underground Crafter - snap closure illustration 2

Decide where the snap fastener is to be placed. Secure the thread at the back of the work. Bring the needle up through one of the holes, around the edge and into the back. Repeat this a few times for each hole until the snap fastener is secure (see above).
For the second half of the fastener, position it to line up with the first half and repeat step 2.

Giveaway

Now that you’ve read my review of How To Knit Beautiful Bags: 22 Gorgeous Designs by Sian Brown and tried the Flower Basket bag pattern, I’m guessing you’re ready to get your hands on the book. Well, the nice folks at Search Press North America have set aside a copy for one lucky winner!

This giveaway is open to readers with mailing addresses in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, or other parts of Europe, except where prohibited by law. Enter by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, July 25, 2019. One winner will be chosen at random from the entries submitted via the Rafflecopter widget. The winner will receive 1 copy of How To Knit Beautiful Bags: 22 Gorgeous Designs, courtesy of Search Press North America. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cricut Basics: How To Customize a Pencil Case with Vinyl by How To Heat Press

Naomi from How To Heat Press is joining us for the first of three guest posts that will help you to explore your Cricut! Today, she’ll show you how easy it is to customize a pencil case with your Cricut and adhesive vinyl. She’ll share tips for using heat transfer vinyl (also known as iron-on), too. The best part is that once you master this project, you can use the same process to customize so many different projects with your Cricut and vinyl.

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation (at no added cost to you) if you make a purchase using these links. Photos in this post are © How To Heat Press and are used with permission.

About How To Heat Press

How To Heat Press was started by Naomi and Dan in 2016. They’ve been using heat press and cutting machines for years, and they love all the wonderful projects you can create with these machines. How To Heat Press provides information about heat press and cutting machines (with a focus on Cricut machines), heat press and Cricut tips and tutorials, and t-shirt business tutorials.

Show your support by following Naomi on Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

Cricut Basics: How To Customize a Pencil Case with Vinyl

Tutorial by How To Heat Press

Do you want to make a cool custom pencil case with Cricut?

This project is a Cricut Basic, but if you haven’t done it before, you’ll need to know a few things!

Depending on what your blank pencil case is made of, you could use adhesive vinyl or iron-on vinyl.

The pencil case I’m using for this project is only suitable for adhesive because it’s made of a type of flexible plastic. This would immediately melt if I applied heat. But if you had a blank pencil case made of fabric, you would use heat transfer vinyl (iron-on) instead.

How To Make A Custom Pencil Case

Here is what I am using to complete this project:

The Cricut Maker (Note from Underground Crafter: You could also use any Cricut Explore family cutting machine.)
EZ Craft USA Permanent Vinyl (the silver sheet)
Cricut Standard Grip Transfer Tape
Blank girls pencil case

Now let me show you how I customized this pencil case for my daughter.

1. Choose Pencil Case Design

The design I am using for this pencil case is very simple… It is just my oldest daughter’s name: Galilee!

Does that even justify being called a design? I’m not sure! Nevertheless, sometime the best designs are the most simple.

You can really put anything you like:

Make a text design like me
Choose a free SVG image
Use a combination of text and image

It’s up to you, and will depend on the surface area on your pencil case.

To make this simple design, I opened a new project in Cricut Design Space. I created a text box by clicking the text icon on the left menu, and then selected the font ‘Leckerli One’.

If you wanted to use this font yourself, and didn’t have it in Design Space already, you can find it free here on Google Fonts.

Once I had typed out the name, the text was spread out and needed to be joined up so that it would be cut as one piece.

Cricut Basics: How To Customize a Pencil Case with Vinyl by How To Heat Press for Underground Crafter | Cricut Design Space editing

To do this I selected the text and clicked ‘advanced’ and ‘ungroup to letters’ (top edit panel).

I was then free to shift the letters together so that they were touching. Once the letters were touching, I clicked weld (bottom right of the canvas).

Welding cannot be undone, so make sure everything is in the right place before clicking it. This makes the whole design a single layer that will be cut as one piece.

The final step before cutting was to size the design. I made this design 6 inches (15 cm) to fit the blank pencil case.

2. Cut Design in Adhesive Vinyl

Now I’m ready to cut the design out of adhesive vinyl.

Because I’m using vinyl, I do not need to mirror the design. If you are using heat transfer vinyl, you will need to mirror the design as it is applied in reverse.

Set material settings to ‘vinyl’ for Cricut Maker, or set the dial to ‘vinyl’ for Explore Air 2.

Adhesive vinyl goes color side up, and backing paper side down on cutting mat.

Cricut Basics: How To Customize a Pencil Case with Vinyl by How To Heat Press for Underground Crafter | Cricut Maker cutting vinyl

3. Weed Vinyl

Once your design has been cut, weed away the excess vinyl.

This just means pull away any piece of vinyl that you don’t want to end up on your pencil case (or other surface). The Cricut Basic Tool Set has the perfect tools for doing this.

Cricut Basics: How To Customize a Pencil Case with Vinyl by How To Heat Press for Underground Crafter | vinyl before weeding

5. Apply Transfer Tape

For this type of project, make sure you’re using the Standard Grip Transfer Tape, not the Strong Grip Tape!

Place the transfer tape over the weeded design. Press down from the middle of design towards the outer sides, one side at a time, to reduce the chance of air bubbles. Then burnish (rub/press down) with a squeegee (also included in the Cricut Basic Tool Set).

Remove the vinyl backing paper carefully to make sure all of the vinyl is stuck to the transfer tape.

Cricut Basics: How To Customize a Pencil Case with Vinyl by How To Heat Press for Underground Crafter | vinyl name in script font on transfer tape

6. Apply Vinyl To Pencil Case

The final step is to apply the vinyl decal to the pencil case.

You can measure out the perfect spot with a ruler, or just have a good guess as to where it will be centered (like I did).

Position the vinyl on top of the pencil case and start by pressing it down in the center of your design. From the center, press it down out towards one side, and then starting from the center again, press it down out towards the other side.

Once the whole decal is down, burnish it again to make sure it is stuck onto the pencil case.

Now start to remove transfer tape by rolling it back onto itself at a sharp angle, and slowly roll it back carefully, in case some has not stuck down.

Cricut Basics: How To Customize a Pencil Case with Vinyl by How To Heat Press for Underground Crafter | vinyl name in script font on pink glittery pencil case

A Custom Pencil Case

That’s all there is to it – now you can make vinyl designs to put on anything and everything!

To be honest the vinyl I used wasn’t the best quality, but it was super cheap!

I’ve used it before on other projects and it lasts well… it doesn’t crack, peel, or fade, but it’s just not as nice or easy to work with as something like Oracal 651.

What is Oracal 651 used for?

Any adhesive vinyl project really.

It’s another permanent vinyl that’s great for:

mug decals
car and window decals
permanent wall decal

However, the result with the much cheaper vinyl is still good, and my daughter loves it (which has got to be the most important thing).

Thanks for reading!

Crochet Pattern: Hippo Lovey by The Blue Elephants

Are you looking for a cuddly crochet lovey with an adorable amigurumi character a child can hug? Then you’ll love this guest post by Shehla from The Blue Elephants! This adorable Hippo Lovey is crocheted in one piece, leaving fewer ends to weave in and making the head even more secure for repeated huggings and washings.

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation (at no added cost to you) if you make a purchase using these links. Photos in this post are © Shehla Ahmed/The Blue Elephants and are used with permission.

About The Blue Elephants

Shehla Ahmed started knitting and crocheting in high school with the help of tutorials on YouTube. Since then, she’s created The Blue Elephants blog to share her designs and new projects, and to help others. You’ll learn how to crochet, knit, and get access to patterns that are fun and modern – but more than that, you’ll be part of a community of makers. A community of strong women who make things happen and empower each other to grow and share their unique gifts. Shehla’s goal here is to guide and teach you how to take your passions and create a business with them, to find joy in doing what you love no matter what others think, and to reach for the things you want in life.

Hippo Lovey

Crochet Pattern by The Blue Elephants

Hi, everyone! I’m so excited to be here sharing a pattern with you. For me, crocheting has always been about creating fun and unique pieces, so I always try to incorporate bright colors and little details in a way that beginners can enjoy, too. Some of my favorite things to make are plushies and crochet baby blankets, and today’s pattern is a combination of the two!

This adorable hippo lovey is a simple pattern that uses basic shapes and stitches. I sold these at my first craft fair a few months ago and they were a big hit, plus they’re quick to work up. Unlike most loveys that crochet the blanket part and the plushie part separately and seam them together, I wanted to work the head and blanket in one piece and eliminate that extra step. I also found that it made the join much more secure since you never break the yarn.

You could easily adapt this pattern for different animals, just by using the head of your favorite plush pattern and working the blanket in matching colors. You can even make the blanket different sizes if you want! I have a guide to sizing blankets available in my crochet planner, the Make It Happen Resource Pack on Etsy.

Materials

3.25mm crochet hook
4.00mm crochet hook
#4 worsted weight yarn – I used I Love This Yarn in Pastels and Caron Simply Soft in Blackberry
Fairfield World Poly- Fil Premium Fiber Fill
10mm safety eyes
tapestry needle
stitch marker

Abbreviations

ch – chain
DC – double crochet
SC – single crochet
sl – slip stitch

Pattern Notes

Skill level: Beginner
Sizing: Lovey measures 12″ x 12″ (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm)
Gauge: 2 blocks = 1″ (2.5 cm) in Blanket pattern.
Notes from Underground Crafter:
- This pattern uses U.S. crochet terminology.
- You can find helpful photo and video tutorials for the magic ring by Oombawka Design here.
- You can find a helpful photo tutorial for the invisible bind off by Petals to Picots here.

Instructions

Head

Round 1: With your main color of yarn and smaller hook, create a magic loop (see Pattern Notes) and work 6 SC into it. Pull the loop closed and use a stitch marker to mark the first space. You’ll be working in continuous rounds for the entire pattern.
Round 2: Inc in each space by working 2 SC into each (12).
Round 3: *SC, inc* around (18).
Round 4: *SC 2, inc* around (24).
Round 5: *SC 3, inc* around (30).
Round 6: *SC 4, inc* around (36).
Round 7: *SC 5, inc* around (42).
Rounds 8-16: SC around for 9 rounds.
Insert the eyes on the 6th round from the last increase round and about 4 stitches apart. You can play around with the placement, but once you’re happy with it, secure the backings. Start to add in the stuffing now.
Round 17: *SC 5, dec* around (36).
Round 18: *SC 4, dec* around (30).
Round 19: *SC 3, dec* around (24).
Round 20: *SC 2, dec* around (18). Finish adding stuffing.
Round 21: *SC, dec* around (12).
Round 22: Decrease around (6). Do not cut the yarn!

Blanket

Work the blanket from the bottom of the head to keep it all in one piece. This is going to be a basic granny square pattern that’s anchored at the base of the head.
Switch to larger hook and ch 2.
Round 1: DC twice by going through the opening of the bottom of the head and catching the space on the opposite side. This is to bring the sides together and close the hole. *Ch 2, DC 3 through the next space and the space across it*, twice. Ch 2, and work 3 DC into a space on the head, ch 2 and slip stitch to the top of the ch 2 that started the round. You’ll have 3 blocks around the 6 stitches from the opening and 1 block just anchored to a stitch.

Round 2: Ch 2 and turn. DC 2 into the next ch-2 space, ch 2, DC 3. *Ch 2, DC 3 into the next ch-2 space, ch 2, DC 3.* Repeat around and slip stitch to the beginning of the round. (8 blocks)

Round 3: Ch 2 and turn. *DC 3 into the ch-2 space. Ch 2, and into the corner space: DC 3, ch 2, DC 3.* Repeat around and slip stitch to the beginning of the round. (12)
Round 4: Ch 2 and turn. *DC 3 into the next 2 ch-2 space. Ch 2, and into the corner space: DC 3, ch 2, DC 3.* Repeat around and slip stitch to the beginning of the round. (16)
Round 5: Ch 2 and turn. *DC 3 into the next 3 ch-2 space. Ch 2, and into the corner space: DC 3, ch 2, DC 3.* Repeat around and slip stitch to the beginning of the round. (20)
Round 6: Ch 2 and turn. *DC 3 into the next 4 ch-2 space. Ch 2, and into the corner space: DC 3, ch 2, DC 3.* Repeat around and slip stitch to the beginning of the round. (24)
Round 7: Ch 2 and turn. *DC 3 into the next 5 ch-2 space. Ch 2, and into the corner space: DC 3, ch 2, DC 3.* Repeat around and slip stitch to the beginning of the round. (28)
Round 8: Ch 2 and turn. *DC 3 into the next 5 ch-2 space. Ch 2, and into the corner space: DC 3, ch 2, DC 3.* Repeat around and slip stitch to the beginning of the round. (32)
Round 9: Ch 2 and turn. *DC 3 into the next 6 ch-2 space. Ch 2, and into the corner space: DC 3, ch 2, DC 3.* Repeat around and slip stitch to the beginning of the round. (36)
Round 10: Ch 2 and turn. *DC 3 into the next 7 ch-2 space. Ch 2, and into the corner space: DC 3, ch 2, DC 3.* Repeat around and slip stitch to the beginning of the round. (40)
Round 11: Switch to the yarn for the border. Ch 2 and turn. DC 4 into the middle DC of the block, then SC into the next ch-2 space. DC 5 into the middle of the next block, and SC into the next ch-2 space. Work from * around and bind off at the end of the round. Use an invisible bind off (shown below/see Pattern Notes) for a clean finish.

Snout

Round 1: With your main color of yarn, create a magic loop and work 6 SC into in. Pull the loop closed and use a stitch marker to mark the first space.
Round 2: Inc in each space by working 2 SC into each (12).
Round 3: SC, inc around (18).
Round 4: SC 2, inc around (24).
Round 5: SC 3, inc around (30).
Rounds 6-10: SC around for 4 rounds.
Round 11: SC 3, dec around (24).
Round 12: SC 2, dec around (18). Add a small amount of stuffing and bind off leaving a long tail for sewing the snout onto the face.

Ears (make 2)

Round 1: With your main color of yarn, create a magic loop and work 6 SC into in.
Round 2: Inc in each space by working 2 SC into each (12). Bind off leaving a long tail.

Assembly and Finishing

Now let’s assemble the features. Start by positioning the snout just below the eyes and using the tail yarn and a tapestry needle to sew it into place using a whip stitch. Then bring the remaining yarn through the snout to embroider a few straight stitched as the nostrils. Fasten off and weave the tail into the snout to hide the end.

Fold the ears in half and position them onto the head. Use the tail yarn and a few simple stitches going through the ear and 2 spaces on the head to sew it into place. Weave in all the ends and trim the excess yarn to finish!

And you’re done! I hope you enjoyed making this crochet hippo lovely. If you make her, tag me @_theblueelephants on Instagram so I can see your versions. I’ll be sharing a pattern for a full-bodied plushie of this hippo on my blog soon so be sure to head over there and subscribe so you don’t miss it.

© 2019 by Shehla Ahmed (The Blue Elephants) and published with permission by Underground Crafter. This pattern is for personal use only. You may use the pattern to make unlimited items for yourself, for charity, or to give as gifts. You may sell items you personally make by hand from this pattern. Do not violate Shehla’s copyright by distributing this pattern or the photos in any form, including but not limited to scanning, photocopying, emailing, or posting on a website or internet discussion group. if you want to share the pattern, point your friends to this link: https://undergroundcrafter.com/blog/2019/07/15/crochet-pattern-hippo-lovey-by-the-blue-elephants/. Thanks for supporting indie designers!

36+ Handmade Gift Ideas for Women

36+ Free Handmade Gift Ideas for Women via Underground Crafter

Welcome to the second roundup of the Christmas in July Make Along! This week’s theme is gifts for women, and I’ve searched the web to find you 36 handmade gift ideas, including 17 free crochet patterns, 7 free knitting patterns, and 12 free sewing patterns. If you still need more inspiration, I’ve included links to several more roundups with 165 more ideas!

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation (at no added cost to you) if you make a purchase using these links. All photos are © the respective designers and publishers and are used with permission.

If you’re just hearing about the Christmas in July Make Along, you can find out more here. 29 bloggers have teamed up to bring you 31 days of handmade gift ideas and the chance to win one of 17 great prizes!
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2019 Christmas in July Make Along with Underground Crafter - text on a white background with pine cones

36 Handmade Gift Ideas for Women

Roundup by Underground Crafter

17 Free Crochet Patterns

These patterns include wearable and toteable accessories and garments for women in a range of sizes.

36+ Free Handmade Gift Ideas for Women via Underground Crafter - crochet pattern collage

Left column, from top to bottom:

THE Necklace by ACCROchet: This recipe-style pattern is easy to customize as a necklace or bracelet.
Divine Lotus Triangle Scarf by Sweet Potato Crochet Creations: This beautiful, lightweight cowl is made with a super fine (#1/sock/fingering) yarn.
Glencoe Tartan Poncho by Hopeful Honey: This beautiful poncho updates the classic tartan look.
Mysa Sweatshirt Sweater by One Dog Woof: This beginner-friendly garment pattern is available in 6 sizes from XS through 2X.

Second column, from top to bottom:

Shades of Pink Infinity Scarf by Nana’s Crafty Home: This gently textured accessory is made with a self-patterning yarn that does all the colorwork for you!
Copenhagen Cowl by Fiber Flux: This delicate and feminine cowl pattern includes a video tutorial.
Victoriana Shawl by Underground Crafter: This luxurious and lacy shawl is crocheted using two skeins of hand dyed yarn.
Sweet Honeycomb Super Wrap by Stitch in Progress: This beautiful and colorful shawl includes a video tutorial for the special stitch pattern.

Third column, from top to bottom:

Chic Plaid Wristlet by The Stitchin’ Mommy: This quick and trendy project is great for wearing to a casual night out.
Chimera Scarf by A Crocheted Simplicity: This textured triangle scarf uses a self-striping yarn to keep colorwork easy.
Neopolitan Scratch and Sniff by Jessie At Home: This striped poncho fits beautifully on a range of body types.
Journey Bag by City Farmhouse Studio: This beginner-friendly project uses a self-striping yarn to do all the colorwork.

Right column, from top to bottom:

Everly Headband Cowl by Made with a Twist: This convertible project can be worn as a headband or a cowl and has a beautiful floral embellishment.
Uptown Poncho by Crochet Dreamz: This knit-look, buttoned poncho includes a video tutorial for the special stitch pattern.
Francesca Boot Cuffs by The Lavender Chair: This quick-to-make accessory is perfect for a last-minute gift or to use to stock a handmade gift closet.
Winter Solstice Dress by Dora Does: This simple, ribbed dress is sized to fit a US size 4-6/UK size 8-10.
Coming soon: A pattern by E’Claire Makery (not pictured)

7 Free Knitting Patterns

These patterns includes quick and easy projects, complex projects, and lots of colorwork! Shown clockwise from top left corner.

36+ Free Handmade Gift Ideas for Women via Underground Crafter - knitting pattern collage

In Succession Earwarmer by EyeLoveKnots: Thiseasy earwarmer works up quickly in bulky yarn and is available in 4 sizes from toddler through adult large.
Gingham Sweater by Sewrella: This stranded colorwork sweater pattern is available in 7 sizes from XS through 3XL.
Starburst Lace Yoke Cardigan by ABC Knitting Patterns: This classic cardigan is available in 6 sizes from S through 3XL.
3-D Cowl by Hooked for Life: This plush, textured cowl includes a video tutorial.
Introspection Shrug by Brome Fields: This simple, oversized knit pattern includes a video tutorial for attaching the sleeve.
The Ultimate Scarf by LeeLee Knits: This stylish, beginner-friendly scarf pattern uses bulky yarn to create plush coziness.
The Willow by Handy Little Me: This two-color beanie works up quickly using super bulky yarn.

12 Free Sewing Patterns

These patterns include bags, scarves, headbands, spa gifts, and more!

36+ Free Handmade Gift Ideas for Women via Underground Crafter - sewing pattern collage

Left column, from top to bottom:

Best Oven Mitts by Sew What Alicia: This pattern includes both PDF files and SVG cut files if you want to cut your fabric on a cutting machine.
Striped Leather Bag by Sisters, What!: This pattern includes step-by-step tutorial pictures.
Weighted Flaxseed Eye Pillow with Case by Underground Crafter: This easy peasy sewing pattern makes the perfect gift for the woman who needs some relaxation and self-care time!
Easy Knotted Headband by Mary Martha Mama via AllFreeSewing: This quick gift makes a great accessory to keep hair out of the face in winter winds.

Center column, from top to bottom:

Origami Bag by Sew Different: This crossbody bag has a paper crafts look.
Vintage DIY Belt by I Heart Naptime via AllFreeSewing: This pattern includes instructions for sewing your own decorative bow to attach to a pre-made or handmade belt.
Reversible Sleep Mask by Try It Like It Create It: This project is the perfect gift for anyone who needs to catch a few extra zzzzzs.
Simple, Cozy DIY Blanket Scarf by Create Enjoy via AllFreeSewing: This easy peasy scarf can be made with plaid fabric like in the sample or in other prints for different looks.

Right column, from top to bottom:

DIY Tea Towel Apron by Heather Handmade: Make a cute and quick apron gift using tea towels! This pattern includes a video tutorial.
Cozy iPhone Scarf by Sewing Rabbit via AllFreeSewing: This scarf includes a hidden pocket for a smartphone.
Double Zipper Pouch by Always Expect Moore: This little clutch is perfect for a short trip out of the house and includes a tutorial for inserting the zipper.
Faux Leather Glasses Case via AllFreeSewing: This faux leather case uses cotton fabric to add a bright pop of color to this case.