You are here: Home > Crochet
Archive | Crochet RSS feed for this section

Crochet Cowl Pattern with Infinity Loop – Free Pattern

By on December 28, 2010 in Crochet, Free Patterns, Projects

This chunky crochet cowl with an infinity loop is perfect for winter and as an added bonus, it crochets up fast.  It’d be the perfect last minute gift or a sweet winter treat for yourself.  Crochet cowl can be worn loose and long or wrapped around your neck twice to keep the winter breeze out.  If you’re looking for a smaller crochet cowl, check out this other free chunky cowl crochet pattern here: Heath & Heather.

Materials

Special Stitches

FCH – Foundation Chain (or single crochet): Chain 2. Insert hook in the first of two chains.  Yarn over, draw through loop (chain stitch just created). Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook. (Single crochet created). You now have two fch completed. *Insert hook in upper loop of stitch just created. Yarn over, draw through loop. Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook.* Three fch completed. Repeat from * to *across for desired number of chain stitches.

HHDC – Herringbone Half Double Crochet. Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch. Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook. (This will be a little awkward, but it’s correct. You might have to use your left thumb and forefinger to really hold the stitches so you can pull through both of them.) Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook.

Directions

FCH 77. Do not join.  [If the foundation chain scares you, just do a regular chain - it won't make that much difference in your cowl!]

Round 1: Chain 2 (counts as first HHDC now and throughout).  HHDC in each stitch across. (77 HHDC)

Round 2: Chain 2, turn.  HHDC in the BACK LOOP ONLY of each stitch across. (77 HHDC)  Working in the back loops only creates a slight ribbed effect.

Repeat Round 2 seven more times.

Fasten off, leaving a 12 inch tail.  Lay piece flat in a long rectangle.  Grabbing either end, bring short sides together.  Add a twist by flipping the right side once.  Match up sides and whip stitch together.  Weave in ends.

____________

To create the infinity loop, Instead of sewing the sides of your cowl together like this:

Right Side           Left Side

A                              A

B                               B

You should sew them together like this:

Right Side           Left Side

A                                B

B                                A

That’s it – your crochet cowl is finished! Show off your new crochet cowl in JJCrochet’s Customer Gallery or post your project on Ravelry.



Comments { 21 }

Merry Christmas, Crochet Style

By on December 26, 2010 in Crochet

Merry Christmas!  I hope today found you surrounded by those you love, decadent food, and general merriment.  For my family, Christmas included visiting both sides of the family, binge eating, opening lots of presents, and the singing of Christmas carols (although if you know us at all, when I say “singing” I actually mean shouting loudly and off-pitch noise making).  We are not musically gifted in the least.  I think we sang 3 different songs to the tune of Hark the Herold…

Our family also has a Christmas tradition that I started oh, about 6 years ago.  Every year, my brother and sister receive from me (their generous and talented sister) a priceless gift so rare and valuable no amount of money could ever buy:

FREE CROCHET LESSONS.

I know you won’t believe this, but they have YET to redeem them.

Maybe this year will be the year (although my brother violently ripped up his coupon and thew it away so I doubt it) they will finally learn to crochet.  It’s my Christmas wish that one day, they’ll learn. Despite their howls of laughter and swearing up and down they would rather poke their eyes out with a crochet hook before they’d learn to crochet, I will give them the same gift next year.

At the end of the evening, my father did attempt to crochet, but I don’t think he’s a natural. You might want to stick to the deer hunting, Pops. :)

For one last bit of Christmas cheer, I’ll leave you with a picture of our family tree (yes it’s true and not a joke – this is what we “put up” every year).

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, from our home to yours.

Comments { 0 }

Free Chunky Crochet Cowl Pattern

By on December 20, 2010 in Crochet, Free Patterns, Projects

Crocheted and Knitted Cowls are big and chunky and warm and totally IN this winter.  Why not make your own with our free crocheted cowl pattern?  This particular crocheted cowl is worked in a flat rectangle then whip stitched together, but you can easily work it in the round.

Free Crochet Cowl Pattern

Materials

Special Stitches

FCH – Foundation Chain (or single crochet): Chain 2. Insert hook in the first of two chains.  Yarn over, draw through loop (chain stitch just created). Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook. (Single crochet created). You now have two fch completed. *Insert hook in upper loop of stitch just created. Yarn over, draw through loop. Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook.* Three fch completed. Repeat from * to *across for desired number of chain stitches.

HHDC – Herringbone Half Double Crochet. Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch. Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook. (This will be a little awkward, but it’s correct. You might have to use your left thumb and forefinger to really hold the stitches so you can pull through both of them.) Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook.

Directions

FCH 45. (If you can’t quite get the foundation chain, don’t panic!  You can do a regular chain 45 and still be fine.  A FCH just creates a stretchier base which will be better for your cowl, but either works!)

Round 1: Chain 2 (counts as first HHDC now and throughout).  HHDC in each stitch across. (45 HHDC)

Round 2: Chain 2, turn.  HHDC in the BACK LOOP ONLY of each stitch across. (45 HHDC)

Repeat Round 2 nine more times or until yarn ends.

Fasten off, leaving a 12″ tail to sew ends together.  Match short ends of rectangle and whip stitch together.  Weave in ends.

You’re finished! I’d love to see your new project and so would the world.  Show off your new crochet cowl in JJCrochet’s Customer Gallery or post your project on Ravelry.

Crochet Cowl Pattern - JJCrochet

Comments { 14 }

What Not To Crochet: Crimson Crochet Christmas Capris

By on December 20, 2010 in Crochet, Projects

You may be asking yourself, “Crocheted Capris? Not possible.  What does she really mean?”   Yes, I mean crocheted capris.  Pants that are entirely crocheted. Crochetwear that has been transformed into pants.  Before you see the picture, let me describe this project to you in adjectives: acrylic, tight, bumpy…disastrous.  They are surprisingly warm, though.  It’s like wearing a sweater on your legs.

I can only justify my (hideous) crochet work by saying it was not my idea.  The inspiration came from the 2004 premier issue of Knit 1 so if anyone’s to blame, it’s them.  Here’s the picture that started it all:

Although these pants never made a public appearance until this year, I crocheted them a few years ago so (fortunately) I don’t remember my original fascination.  I don’t know what it could have been that, upon seeing the picture, drove me to adapt the knitting pattern and make my own version of crocheted maroon gauchos.   Even saying that gives me chills.  But alas, I did.

My crocheted red pants remained tucked away in the bottom drawer of my dresser, a forgotten memory of a crochet project gone awry.  It was too hideous to display, yet too good to throw away.  Nothing could make me share my pants with the world and endure the inevitable ridicule and laughs of critics.  Nothing, except, for the Okie Pi Christmas Party of 2010.

Every year, two fraternities at my school put on a Christmas party filled with gingerbread decorating, ornament painting, pictures with Santa, Christmas caroling, and of course: the wearing of ugly Christmas sweaters.  As the Sweetheart of one of the fraternities (see: crocheted Omicron Xi sweater), I took it upon myself to be extra-festive.  And what’s more festive than crocheted red pants to celebrate Christmas?  I submit to you: nothing.  Actually, probably plenty.

But enough background story.  In the spirit of transparency, I’ll swallow my pride and let you be the judge:

Comments { 2 }

Crochet Hexagon Blanket – Part II

By on December 18, 2010 in Crochet, Crochet Hexagon Blanket, Projects

The crochet hexagon blanket I started a month ago continues to grow and I continue to fall more in love.  The blanket now consists of 61 hexagons.  That means I’m 38.36% finished with the blanket.  Woo!  Pictures below…

Comments { 0 }

How to Crochet a Flower – Video Tutorial & Free Crochet Pattern

By on December 8, 2010 in Crochet, Free Patterns, Videos

Learning to crochet a flower can be tricky, but I made this video tutorial to show you exactly how to make a basic 6-petal crocheted flower.  Follow along and you’ll be crocheting flowers in no time!  You will need  a few basic crochet stitches, but with a little practice you’ll get it!  Written instructions for the crochet flower are also included below.

Free Crochet Flower Pattern

Materials

  • Any size crochet hook (I used size “J”)
  • Small amount of any yarn (~20 yards).  I used Vanna’s Choice Solids.

Directions

Chain 4, join with sl st to form circle.

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc now and throughout), 11 more dc into circle (12 dc).  Join to first dc with sl st.

Round 2: Ch 4 (counts as first sc + ch 3).  *skip 1 st, sc in next st, ch 3*  Repeat around until beginning.  Join by making a sc in first ch-3 stitch. (Six, ch-3 spaces).

Round 3: Ch 3.  4 more dc in first ch-3 space.  Sc.  In next ch-3 space work *1 s, 5dc, 1sc*  Repeat around until beginning.  Join to first sc with sl st.  (6 Petals)

Fasten off.  Weave in ends.

Tada – You’ve made a flower!

Comments { 3 }

Crochet Hexagon Blanket – Part I

By on November 16, 2010 in Crochet, Crochet Hexagon Blanket, Projects

My blog is a bit drab, don’t you think?  It’s missing pictures of mesmerizing crocheted hats, dazzling yarns, and lavish crochet projects.

I apologize, but offer a remedy: snapshots of my newest project:  a crocheted Hexagon afghan.  This hexagon afghan is a custom order for a wonderful customer that I’ll be tracking through its inception. (speaking of Inception, good movie).

Hexagon Blanket Yarn

Project Deets: Inspired by the Crochet Hexagon Blanket on Attic 24‘s Blog

Yarn: Rowan Handknit Cotton

Hook: Crochet hook size E (3.5mm)

Completed Hexs as of 11-15-2010: 38 of 159

First Few Hexagons of the Crochet Hexagon Blanket

Top Right of Crochet Hexagon Blanket

Progress as of 11-15-10

It’s been incredible watching the afghan grow as I add each crocheted hexagon.  And with Attic 24′s Crochet Hexagon How-To, it’s been a breeze.  I especially appreciate her join-as-you-go technique to connect each hexagon as it’s made.  Would it be helpful if I did a video tutorial of how to crochet one of the hexagons?  Hmm… possibly in the works…

Comments { 2 }

Free Crochet Giveaway

By on July 31, 2010 in Crochet, Giveaways

JJCrochet’s on Facebook.  Visit our page to become a fan.  If you “like” JJCrochet, you’ll:

  • Be the first to view new products
  • Know which craft shows JJCrochet will be attending
  • Be able to submit your feedback
  • Oh, and did we mention WIN FREE CROCHET STUFF?!

Yep, that’s right.  “Like” JJCrochet on Facebook and you can start getting all these benefits, plus you can enter JJCrochet’s free crochet giveaway.  From July 28 – August 4th, you can enter to win three of these beautiful prizes:

Coral Summer Crochet Beret. Retail Value: $25

Teal Bamboo Flower Headband with Button. Retail Value: $9.00

Crocheted Coral Headband with Buttons

How do you enter?  It’s as easy as posting a comment on Facebook.  No, really.  To enter, simply leave a comment on any/ all items you like and you’ll be entered to win those hand-crocheted items from JJCrochet.  No strings attached.  Winners will be randomly selected and notified on August 4th.

It’s our way of saying thanks to YOU for your support of all things JJCrochet.  So spread the word, tell your grandma (who might go into shock when she hears about the marriage of “that Face-book thingy” and her time-honored art of crochet), tell your friends, tell your sister, and like JJCrochet!

Comments { 0 }

Free Coffee Cozy Crochet Pattern: FPF

By on July 16, 2010 in Crochet, Free Pattern Friday, Free Patterns

It’s Friday already?  Alrighty then, time for another free crochet pattern as part of JJCrochet’s Free Pattern Friday.

I woke up this morning and was brainstorming what I could make and offer as a free crochet pattern for FPF.  I wanted something quick for summer, something useful, something practical.  Something people could make that would work crochet into their everyday routines.  A couple months ago one of my good friends, C.J., suggested I made crochet coffee cozies.  I instantly loved the idea, but hadn’t gotten around to crocheting up a prototype until today.  So thank you, C.J. for your inspiration!

C.J.’s Crochet Coffee Cup Cozy

Materials

  • Size E (3.5mm) crochet hook
  • Size F (4.0mm) crochet hook
  • Small amount Worsted Weight Yarn.  I used Vanna’s Choice Solids.

Directions

With smaller hook (size E), Chain 25. Join with sl st to first chain.

Round 1: Using larger hook, Ch 2 (counts as first hdc now and throughout), hdc in each st around (25 st).  Join to first hdc with sl st.

Round 2: Ch 2.  *Ch 1, skip 1 st, 2 hdc in next st*  Repeat around until beginning.  Ch 1, 1 hdc in same last st.  Join to first hdc with sl st.

Round 3: Ch 2.  1 hdc in first ch-1 space.  *2 hdc in next ch-1*  Repeat around until beginning.  Join to first hdc with sl st.  (Note: Do NOT ch-1 between each hdc cluster.)

Round 4: Ch 2, hdc in each st across (25 st).

Round 5: Repeat Round 2

Round 6: Repeat Round 3

Round 7: Using smaller hook, Ch 2, hdc in each st across (25 st).

Fasten off.  Weave in ends.

Choose different colors for each round or alternate a striping pattern.  Below is the color scheme for the two coffee cozies pictures:

Crochet Coffee Cozy 1

  • Round 1: Bright Coral
  • Round 2: Gray
  • Round 3: Purple
  • Round 4: Bright Coral
  • Round 5: Purple
  • Round 6: Gray
  • Round 7: Bright Coral

.

.

Crochet Coffee Cozy 2

  • Round 1: Olive Green
  • Round 2: Grass Green
  • Round 3: Grass Green
  • Round 4: Olive Green
  • Round 5: Grass Green
  • Round 6:  Grass Green
  • Round 7: Olive Green

Experiment with your own colors to create your very own crochet coffee cozies to match your style.  They’re reusable, easy to wash, and a greener alternative to paper covers.  Happy crocheting!


Comments { 13 }

FPF: Two Crochet Flower Patterns

By on July 10, 2010 in Crochet, Free Pattern Friday, Free Patterns

It’s Friday again so that means free patterns.  Yay!  Happy Free Pattern Friday (FPF)!

Today, I’m giving you two different crochet flower patterns to try out.  The perfect accent for your summer project!  One pattern is a basic, 5-petal flower crocheted in the round and the other is a crochet rosette that’s rolled and sewn at the end.  Different techniques create two different looks, but equally beautiful crocheted flowers.  Of the two, which one’s your favorite?

Crochet Flower Pattern 1: 5-Petal Puff Stitch

Materials

  • Small bit of any yarn.  I used Vanna’s Choice, worsted weight yarn.
  • Any crochet hook you’d like.  I used a size H (5.0mm).

Special Stitches

Puff Stitch (PS): *Yo, insert hook in loop.  Yo, draw up a loop.  Yo, draw through 2 loops.* (<– I like to think of this as the first part of a regular dc if that helps.  Just leave off the last “yo, pull through 2 loops” you’d normally do when crocheting a dc.)  Repeat from * to * twice more.  4 loops on hook.  Yo, pull through all 4 loops.

Directions

Ch 3, join with sl st to form loop.

Round 1: ch 2, PS, ch 4.  *PS, ch 4*  Repeat from * to * 4 more times.  5 Puff Stitches total.  Join to first PS with sl st.

Round 2: Into each ch-4 space work, *sc, 5 dc, sc*.  To join, sl st in top of first ch.

Fasten off, leaving a 10 inch tail to weave onto a hat, pin, purse, sweater… whatever you’d like!

Crochet Flower Pattern 2: Rolled Rosette


Materials

  • Small bit of any yarn.  I used Vanna’s Choice, worsted weight yarn.
  • Any crochet hook you’d like.  I used a size F (4.0mm) to form a tighter rosette.
  • Darning needle

Note: Flower is worked horizontally, then rolled and sewn to create a bud.  If it sounds confusing, don’t worry, it’s not – pictures below so you know just what to do!

Directions

Ch 20 +1 (counts as first sc)

Row 1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook and each st across (21 sc).

Row 2: Ch 1.  *Skip next st, [hdc, ch 1, hdc, ch 1, hdc, ch1] into next st. *  Repeat from * to * until two sts remain.  Ch 1, sc in last st.

Fasten off, leaving a 12 inch tail.

You should now how a curved piece that looks a little something like this:

On the side opposite your long 12-inch tail, tightly roll the rose along the bottom chain.  Like this:

All rolled?  You should have a budding rosette that’s ready to be sewn up.  Using a darning needle, weave long tail back and forth through the flower to anchor everything down.

Confused by the puff stitch or not sure how to sew up the rosette?  Leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail and I’d be happy to help.  Happy Crocheting!

Crochet your flowers with others on Ravelry: 

Comments { 2 }

25 Hours of Labor and an Afghan is Born

By on June 27, 2010 in Crochet, Projects

You might remember this post where I challenged myself to crochet an afghan in a day.  What was special about this challenge was three things:

  1. As stated before, I DON’T crochet afghans
  2. This wasn’t one of those quickie 5 hours patterns; this afghan required crochet and sewing together 33 individual motifs
  3. Used a size G crochet hook.  Not the ideal hook size when looking to bang out an afghan in a day

I was up to the challenge and finished this afghan in 25 hours.  Yes, one hour longer than my original goal of completing it in a day.  One measly little hour.  BUT, I will say that I didn’t try all that hard, either.  Sure I crocheted a ton more than I typically do during the day, but I had a leisurely dinner with a friend, got 8 hours of sleep…. so, ya know. I could have finished the afghan in one day if I really *tried*.  At least that’s what I tell myself.

Pros of the project:

  • Finished in almost a day
  • Used up scrap yarn
  • Ignited a new love of working with bright colors
  • Instant Baby Gift

In love with this baby blanket?  This crocheted baby blanket is available for sale in my Etsy store OR make your own  using the free crochet baby blanket pattern found here.

Comments { 1 }

Twisted Crochet Necklace Pattern:: Free Pattern Friday

By on June 11, 2010 in Crochet, Free Pattern Friday, Free Patterns

Today’s Free (Crochet) Pattern Friday is a simple necklace to dress up a plain outfit.  I call it Twister. Simple, easy, fast… chic.

Materials

Size G crochet hook

25 yards of any worsted weight yarn

Directions

Round 1: Ch 90.  Join to beginning ch with sl st.

Round 2: Ch 95, twist chain 6-7 times around Round 1.  Join to beginning ch with sl st.

Round 3: Ch 100, twist chain 6-7 times around Rounds 1 & 2.  Join to beginning ch with sl st.

Fast off, weave in ends.

Enjoy!

Comments { 0 }

Crochet Hexagon Blanket… In a day?

By on June 8, 2010 in Crochet, Projects

I came across this awesome hexagon design for an afghan.  The only problem?

I don’t crochet afghans.

They take too long, give me visions of creap-o acrylic, and I can’t understand why someone would choose a blanket made from yarn over am-in-a-spa? squishy fabric.  I don’t even like saying the word.  Afff-ghan.  af-GHAN.  af-a-gan.  Ew.

I can’t control my fingers, though, and when they see something they like, they must crochet it.

I’ve modified the pattern a bit so I only do 5 rounds in each hexagon (the pattern calls for 7) because I noticed it was after the 5th round that I would start to get bored.  See, I was serious about this whole hating afghans things.

But I’ve been working since around 11am and 5 hours later, here’s my progress.  I must say that I’m really enjoying this pattern.  In fact, I’ve kinda been addicted to it.

I’ve made it my goal to get it finished by tonight.  Ambitious?  Maybe, but we’ll see.  I have 22 hexagons finished and figure I only have 11 more to go.  Average in at 9 minutes/ square, that’ll take me around 2 hours + seaming… might be a late night.

Comments { 2 }