Browse Category by Crochet
Crochet, Projects

A Baby Blanket for Violet

It’s been a while since I’ve pulled out my crochet hooks. There’s no excuse (none!) except life has been busy with friends and work and enjoying all Toronto has to offer.

When our dear friends told us they were expecting their first child, I knew I had to crochet a blanket. There’s no better source (in my opinion) for baby blankets than Daisy Farm Crafts. I shared a few designs with the mom and she picked out this beautiful crochet mixed v-stitch blanket: https://daisyfarmcrafts.com/crochet-mixed-v-stitch-baby-blanket/.

My friends are naming their daughter Violet (love!) so the stripe of violet yarn was a subtle touch to her namesake.

Project details:

The pattern is mindless and easy – great to work on while watching TV or listening music.

The one thing I struggled with, however, was the border.

The pattern says, “Work one round of DC around the blanket, working 7 DCs for each gray section on the sides and 2 DCs for each color row on the sides.” I followed those instructions and should have checked my tension after the first couple stitches. It was too few stitches per row and I feel like the border ended up pretty tight. I stretched it and think it will be ok, but I wish there was a little more give. Next time, I’ll add a few more stitches around the border to help the blanket lay flat.

We can’t wait to love baby girl Violet and welcome this new life into the world. <3

Crochet, Free Patterns, Projects

3 Crochet Blankets – Link to Free Patterns

I’ve been on a blanket kick. Crocheting one for my condo during a long Toronto stay-at-home pandemic, and two for upcoming Grassel babies. My cousin and sister-in-law are due with girls and the blankets became the perfect projects.

Black and White Crochet Bobble Blanket - JJCrochet

I recently came across Daisy Farm Crafts. (And apparently I’m late to the party.) Sharing a few pics with my crochet friends let me know they’d been making Tiffany’s patterns for years. Years!

One browse of her website and you’ll see why.

Colorful, unique, clean, endless options. What’s there not to love?

Crochet blankets

I made three blankets from two patterns.

Pattern Details:

  1. A large black & white bobble afghan (54 x 65 inches)
  2. Two baby blankets-one pink, one gray- of triangles (32 x 36 and 34 x 40 inches)

The black and white afghan I made extra large (54 x 65 inches). I like to think I crochet fast, but even with some speed, I calculated that each “stripe section” – the couple white rows + one black row of each section – took me about an hour to complete.

There are 16 stripes total so probably close to 16-18 hours of solid crocheting. Hey, it was a good activity during the pandemic!

Crochet blank and white blanket

The baby blankets are close in size, but a hook change and different yarn caused the gray one to be slightly bigger. The pink/white one measures 32 x 36, while the gray/white one is 34 x 40 inches.

But how cute are those triangles?

They’re actually worked by carrying the white yarn throughout the rows. Less ends to weave in at the end, but sometimes it felt silly to carry white yarn across 9 gray stitches, just hoping it wouldn’t show through.

The white yarn does peak out every so often, but it’s barely noticeable (and I’m hoping the kids won’t notice).

Have you explored Daisy Farm Crafts’ library of gorgeous blankets? What have you made?

Crochet blankets - free pattern
Crochet, Free Patterns, Knitting, Projects

Easy Crochet & Knit Christmas Gifts

There’s nothing better than a handmade gift. It’s personalized, thoughtful and often cheaper than buying from a store. Christmas is the perfect time to delve into your stash and whip up a gift–or two!–for the special people in your life.

I picked these six projects because they’re great last-minute gifts. Some work up in less than an hour and none take longer than a few hours to knit or crochet. Most are also one-skein projects.

Free Patterns clockwise, starting from top left corner:

  1. Canvas Crochet Hat + Flower – Works up in just 10 rounds, single skein project. I make this one on repeat all year.
  2. Infinity Knit CowlKnit on big needles, textured and works up quickly. 1.5 skein project, only knitted project in the group.
  3. Snowbird Crochet Hat Pattern – Warm and textured with a ribbed crochet brim and finished with a pom-pom. (Learn how to make your own DIY pom!) I crochet this hat for close friends – the pom makes it a crowd favorite and my most requested style.
  4. Simple Men’s Crochet Hat Pattern with Roll-Up Brim – Perfect for men, though unisex. Squishy, textured and worked vertically, then sewn together at the side.
  5. Baby Crochet Hats – Great for beginners! Uses 50 yards and works up in less than an hour. Can be made with or without a rolled brim. Play around with colors and stripes to make hats for boy or girls.
  6. Short Crocheted Infinity Cowl – Wraps once around your neck for all the warmth without the bulk. One skein project and easy for beginners, would be great for a teacher or coworker.

Each project (except the baby hats) use Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick. If you read my blog, you know it’s some of my favvvorite yarn. Squishy, thick and comes in rich hues. Every Black Friday, my sister and I trek to Michael’s and buy no fewer than 50 skeins – enough to last the winter… and then some.

If you don’t have Super Bulky (6 weight) yarn, you could always use two strands of worsted weight held together and see if that gives you the right thickness. Then again, it’s Christmas so it’s ok to splurge on nice yarn. You’re investing lots of time into making hand-knit or hand-crocheted gifts and your friends and family deserve the best!

Do you have go-to projects when you need a quick gift? Share your last-minute crochet and knit gift patterns in the comments. I’d love to see what you’re working up this year.

Cheers, Warm Hugs & Merry Christmas!

<3 Jayna

Crochet, Free Patterns, Projects

Canvas Hat – Free Crochet Pattern

Free easy crochet hat pattern for beginners by JJCrochet

This Canvas crochet hat takes 100 yards of yarn and can be worked up in less than an hour.

It’s perfect for those last minute gifts or instant gratification projects. 

The pattern is named “Canvas” because it’s my tried-and-true, go-to crochet hat pattern! I use it as the base for a lot of projects, choosing to add a brim, flower, or pop of color to create a different look each time.

For a men’s hat, simply leave off the flower and you’ve got a nice basic hat for your man.

Free beginner crochet mens hat pattern

Play around with the gauge, sizing and style to create your own canvas hat pattern.

Grab your favorite chunky yarn and enjoy!

Materials

  • Size K crochet hook
  • 1 skein chunky yarn: Lionbrand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
  • Large Sewing or daring needle

Hat Directions

Ch 3. Join with sl st to form ring.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as first dc). Work 11 more dc into ring. (12 dc)

Round 2: Ch 2, dc in same stitch. Work 2 dc into each stitch around. (24 dc).

Circle should measure 4″ in diameter. Check gauge. If hat is too small, use a J or L sized crochet hook. Don’t be afraid to go up a size or two – the yarn is big and bulky so it can handle it!

Crochet circle

Round 3: Ch 2. Work 1 dc into same stitch. Work *1 dc into next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch. * Repeat around. Join with sl st. (36 dc)

Rounds 4 – 10: Ch 2. Work 1 dc into each stitch around. (36 dc)

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Note: If hat is too small, add 2-3 stitches in Round 4 by increasing every 9 stitches. Try on your hat to make sure it fits your head!

Free easy crochet flower pattern

Flower Directions

Chain 3. Join with sl st to form ring.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as first dc). Work 1 dc into ring. Repeat *Ch 3, 2 dc into ring* until five, chain-3 loops are made. Sl st in first chain-3 loop to join.

Round 2: Into each chain-3 space work: *1 sc, 5 dc, 1 sc*. Work petal repeat into each chain-3 space around, skipping dc stitches. 5 Petals.

Leave a long tail, fasten off. Sew onto left side of hat.

PDF version of the Canva Hat Pattern also available on Etsy.

Easy crochet flower pattern for beginners
Crochet, Free Patterns, Projects

Simple Men’s Crochet Hat

You know when the Netflix show is so good, you just need a simple pattern? Something mindless, square, yes interesting.

This simple men’s crocheted hat works up with 1 skein in 1 hour.

Materials

  • Size K crochet hook
  • 1 skein chunky yarn: Lionbrand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
  • Large Sewing or daring needle

Directions

Foundation chain 26 + 1. A foundation chain will make your base chain stretchy. If that’s too adventurous, just do a regular Chain 26 + 1. Turn.

Row 1: Work 1 sc in each stitch across. Ch 1, turn. (26 stitches)

Row 2: Work 1 sc in back loops only of each stitch across. (26 stitches)

Repeat Row 2, working in back loops only of each row, until you have a rectangle 16 inches long.

Your rectangle should measure 11 inches tall by 16 inches wide.

Fold rectangle in half so short ends line up and ‘ridges’ are vertical. Join ends by working 1 sc into each stitch across to stitch the two ends together. 26 stitches.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail of yarn (about 8 inches).

With a darning needle, loosely thread yarn all around the open end. 12 or so big stitches. Pull tight, closing the hole like a drawstring to form the top of the hat.

If you’d like a smaller brim, make fewer than 26 chains at the beginning. The great part about this hat is that you can try it on before you end off to make sure it’s just the right size.

Make your own? I’d love to see your version in the comments!

Crochet, Projects

Wrapped Shell Stitch Hat

Got out the chunky yarn and crochet hooks this weekend. Whipped up this quick little guy.

crochet wrap-stitch hat

I didn’t write a pattern down, but can if there is interest!

A few moths ago, I remember seeing this stitch – I think it was used in a hat or a scarf. It’s worked similar to a shell stitch except you do this weird, yarn-over/wrap around thing that covered the top parts of stitches.

If ever there is a pattern, a video will be accompanying it, ha, don’t worry.

Materials:

  • 1 skein Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick
  • Size K crochet hook

Hat is worked from the bottom up. I started with a brim of 6 HDC in back-loops only short rows. Then I crocheted 4 rounds (yes, only 4!) in the shell wrap-around stitch, decreasing in certain intervals.

The hat crochets up quickly. Would also look cute with a pop up-top. I like how the variegated yarn looks in the tall, swoopy shell wrap-around stitches.

Crochet, Free Patterns

Crochet Pumpkins (+ Link to free pattern)

With fall around the corner, how can you *not* make crochet pumpkins? Work them up in a velvet yarn and you’ve got yourself an adorable autumn decoration.

Crochet Pumpkin Pattern

I loosely followed Malloo Knit’s free pattern: https://mallooknits.com/adorable-crochet-pumpkins-pattern/.

My variations:

  • Bernet Velvet yarn (a few yards)
  • Size J crochet hook (6.0mm)
  • Tissue to stuff it (instead of fiberfill – desperate times!)

The crochet pattern for the pumpkin is very simple. It’s a large rectangle.

Once you make a rectangle, stitch the short ends together. You’ll have a tube. To make the pumpkin, you whip stitch both ends together and pull tightly.

The secret to making it look like a pumpkin is how you end it off. After you sew both ends and pull the yarn tight, you finish it by pulling the thread from one side the entire way through to the other side. From the top center of the pumpkin to the bottom. Then fasten off. This gives the pumpkin a “pucker” at the top.

Chain 15 or 16. Work rows of sl sts (back loops only). Sew together and finish off. Make the stems by working 3-4 chairs and sc in each stitch back. Little nub looks cute!

Enjoy these crochet pumpkins! Make the pattern with velvet or normal, worsted weight yarn. Pick a look that matches your place and color scheme. Either way, you can’t go wrong. Enjoy.

crochet pumpkin

Crochet, Free Patterns, Projects

Easy Baby Crochet Hat

Easy Baby Crochet Hat Pattern

This easy baby crochet hat takes 50 yards of yarn and can be worked up in less than 30 minutes. I wanted something quick and easy that I could make while watching Netflix. (We’ve all been there on a Friday night, no?)

Grab the small ball of yarn that’s been in your stash and give it purpose.

This baby hat uses basic stitches and is crocheted in just 9 rows. Yes, seriously – that’s it! Let’s go!

crochet baby hat

Baby Crochet Hat Pattern

Materials:

  • Size G (4.25mm) crochet hook
  • 50 yards medium weight yarn (I used Vanna’s Choice)

Size:

Hat will fit a newborn-ish baby. Not a fresh-out-of-the-mama baby, but the type of baby you see when you’re finally able to visit your friend and her 1 month old baby. 🙂

Hat is 5.5 inches wide, 4.5 inches tall.

To make a smaller or larger hat, size up or down with your hook. I think using a size F hook would make a “newborn-newborn” size hat.

Directions: 

Round 1: Chain 3. Do not join into ring. Skip 2 chain and work 9 DC into the next chain (the first chain you made, further away from your hook). Join with sl st. (10 DC)

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as first DC). DC into same stitch. Work 2 DC in each stitch around. Join with sl st. (20 DC)

Round 3: Ch 2. DC into same stitch. Work *1 DC into next stitch, 2 DC in next stitch. * Repeat around. Join with sl st. (30 DC)

Round 4: Ch 2. DC into same stitch. Work *1 DC in each of next 3 stitches, 2 DC in next stitch * Repeat around. Join with sl st. (38 DC)

Rounds 5-8: Ch 2. Work 1 DC in each stitch around. Join with sl st. (38 DC)

Round 9: Ch 1 (counts as first SC). Work 1 SC in each stitch around. (38 SC). Fasten off.

For a hat with a roll-up brim: Work pattern as written, but repeat Round 5 for Rounds 5-11, followed by a Round 9 (which is your new Round 12). If you’d like a longer hat, simply work more rows.

crochet baby hat with brim

Yes, it’s that easy. Enjoy!

 

Crochet, Free Patterns, Projects

Snowbird Crochet Hat – Free Pattern

I’ve got a confession. I recently purchased 2.65 miles (????!!) of my favorite yarn, Lionbrand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick. I found “bonus pack” skeins from Michael’s and picked up oh, just a couple… It was too good of a sale to pass up!

I knew with all this yarn, I had to come up with a classic crochet pattern I’d like. Something that was quick to make, had texture and I wouldn’t get bored crocheting. And so after a few frogggings, the snowbird hat was born.

The hat is crocheted from the brim up. It uses half-herringbone double crochet and relies on decreasing to shape the top. It’s probably not good for beginners, but if you’ve been crocheting and are familiar with a few stitches and typical hat construction, give it a try!

crocheted ribbed hat brim

Materials

85 yards of chunky yarn – I used Lionbrand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Fisherman (1 skein)

Size K (6.5mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations & Special Stitches

HDC – half double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch. Yarn over, pull through one. Yarn over, pull through 3 loops.

HHDC – half herringbone double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch. yarn over, pull through 2 loops. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops.

SC2TOG – single crochet two together. Worked across two stitches: insert hook into first stitch, yarn over, pull through one. Insert hook into second stitch, yarn over, pull through one. Yarn over, pull through 3 loops.

Directions

Brim is worked by making a long, skinny band.

To begin the brim:

Chain 5 + 2 (counts as first HDC). Work 1HDC into each of 5 stitches across. [6 HDC]

Row 2 – 26: Ch 2 (counts as first HDC), turn. Working in back loops only, HDC into each stitch across. [6 HDC). This will give it a textured “ribbed” look.

Slip stitch short ends together. This is the brim of your hat!

crochet hat band bottom up

To begin the hat body: 

Hat is worked in the round, do not turn between Rounds.

Round 1: Chain 2 (counts as first HHDC, half herringbone double crochet). Working across long side of brim, work 39 HHDC. Join with slip stitch to top of chain 2. [40 HHDC]

Rounds 2 – 5: Chain 2, work HHDC in each stitch around. Join with slip stitch to top of chain 2.  [40 HHDC]

Round 6: Chain 2, work 7 HHDC. *SC2TOG, 8 HHDC*. Work from * to * around for 5 decreases. Join with slip stitch to top of chain 2. [35 HHDC] Note: HHDC stitches are the same height as SC so while it feels odd to use SC as a decrease  next to HHDC, it will look ok!

Rounds 7 – 9: Chain 2, work 4 HHDC. *SC2tog, 5 HHDC*. Work from * to * around. Join with slip stitch to top of chain 2.

Round 10: Chain 2, work one SC. *SC2tog, 2 HHDC*. Work from * to * around. Join with slip stitch to top of chain 2.

Round 11: To tightly close top of hat, work one slip stitch into every other stitch around.

Repeat Round 11 again if needed. About 5 stitches should be remaining.

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Sew top of hat closed. Attach a pom or leave plain – whatever you’d like!

chunky cream crochet hat

Crochet, Knitting, Projects

Chunk Knit & Crochet Hats with Pom-Poms!

If you’re like me, you’ve probably seen the chunky knits and pom-pom hats that are E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E. J.Crew, Burbery, L.L. Bean, American Eagle, Loft, etc. etc. As a hooker, I’m obsessed. They’re the perfect blend of warm texture and a little playful fun!

Of course, there’s no integrity in purchasing one from a big-box store, so I decided to knit my own.

While running errands on Wednesday, I found myself in Michael’s (I swear I don’t know how that always happens!). I started perusing the yarn aisle even though, you know, I don’t need anything. The deals were too good, the skeins were too cozy.

I let my guard down and envisioned a weekend of chunky cables and pom-poms. So I bought 22 skeins of yarn and 16 pom-poms. Oh the shame!

(Fun note: the fuzzy pom-poms are actually keychains that are attached to the metal with a small elastic band. A little prying apart of the attachments and I had a simple way to sew onto the hats using the elastic loop.) 

I’ve worked up 4 hats yesterday and this morning:  two cable knit black hats, one cream and another crocheted maroon one. The black and cream ones are based off a pattern from Premknits, the Braided Cable Beanie Pattern ($4.99).

I hate (hate!) knitting in the round (the tubes always twist and turn on me) so I modified the pattern so I could knit on my ever-trusty straights. After following most of the pattern for two hats, I decided to scale it down to only 5 cables instead of 6 and I like how that looks. Less yarn, less time, less bulk.

The crocheted maroon hat was a pattern I made up as I went along and didn’t write down. I can if there’s interest! It takes some time since you have to go back and work slip stitches onto some stitches after you finish to give those 5 rounds their lines of texture.

I love how these knit pom-pom hats are turning out! It’s fun to experiment and see how each one is a little different.

I plan on gifting a few as Christmas gifts  since they work up quickly and everyone loves a good hat. Might also be on the hunt for some new pom-poms, but TBD, it’s going to take me some time to use up the other dozen…

Crochet

Crochet Star Garland for Christmas

After eating Thanksgiving left-overs for dinner, it’s time to decorate my apartment for Christmas! Carols are playing, crochet hooks are out, my balsam candle is lit and a glass of merlot is poured.

I found this great star pattern from Persia Lou and knew it’d be the perfect accompaniment to the minimalistic Christmas decorations on my bar cart. The stars were festive, they were crocheted, they were PERFECT.

crochet garland bar cart

I followed Alexis’ instructions exactly, minus the blocking since there’s no time for that when you’re too excited. If you look closely, you’ll spot my crochet hook on the bar cart – I told you there was no time for formalities – I wanted to see how this looked hung up!

Because I skipped the blocking, the stars do look more like flowers with rounded instead of pointy petals so I might make some DIY blocking liquid (equal parts glue + water), but TBD on that.

I made 5 stars using cream Vanna’s choice worsted weight yarn and joined them together with a chain of burlap string I had left over from another craft project. For the burlap cord, I used a K hook (same as for the stars) and did 13 chains between each star, joining as I went.

Materials

  • 30 yards Vanna’s Choice yarn
  • Size K crochet hook
  • 5 yards Burlap cord – I used some from Ms. Sparkle & Co.

crochet star garland

I love how it turned out. So festive! So fun! If you’re looking for a quick, easy crochet project to make your house look festive this Christmas, I highly recommend this pattern by Alexis at Persia Lou. https://persialou.com/2015/12/crochet-star-ornaments-free-pattern.html

I could see the crochet stars being great as tree ornaments, light switch hangers or laid down on a counter top – really anywhere you need some extra cheer!

Crochet, Free Pattern Friday, Free Patterns

Easy Men’s Crochet Hat Pattern for Beginners

Looking for an easy, uncomplicated men’s crochet hat pattern? Something that’s good for a beginner? Search no more!

I’ve written out the pattern and avoided crochet abbreviations so you know exactly what to do. Sized for a man, but will also fit women’s heads, too.

Easy Men's Crochet Hat Pattern

This simple men’s crochet hat pattern is easy. No frills, no weird stitches, just a tried and true shape that’s guaranteed to fit the guy in your life. Make one for your brother, you hubby, your friend or mailman. Side note: I have curly, thick hair which means I need a bigger hat. This hat fit my head so don’t let the “men’s” part of the title scare you away – this would be just as good for a women as a guy! 

All you need to know is how to make a double crochet, single crochet, chain stitch and slip stitch.

Grab your hooks and let’s go!

Easy Men's Crochet Hat Pattern

Men’s Crochet Hat Pattern

Skill Level: Easy

Materials:

Size: Men, Adult, Women

 

Directions

Chain 3, slip stitch into first chain to form loop.

Round 1: Chain 2 (counts as first double crochet now and throughout). Work 12 more double crochet into ring. Slip stitch into top of chain 2 to join into a circle. (13 double crochet total).

Round 2: Work 2 double crochet into each stitch around. Join with slip stitch to top of chain 2. (26 double crochet total).

<<Stop and measure work to check your gauge! Laid flat, circle should measure just under 3.25 inches across. If smaller or larger, adjust your hook size or yarn.>>

Crochet Gauge

Round 3: Work 2 double crochet into first stitch, 1 dc into the next stitch. Repeat pattern of *2 1 2 1 double crochets* around. Join with slip stitch to top of chain 2. (39 double crochet total).

Round 4: Work 2 double crochet into first stitch. 1 dc into each of the next 7 stitches. Repeat pattern of *2 double crochet…. 7 double crochets into next 7 stitches…. 2 double crochet into the next stitch* around. It’s ok if you don’t end perfectly. Join with slip stitch to top of chain 2. (46 or 47 double crochet).

Rounds 5 – 13: Double crochet into each stitch around. (46 or 47 double crochet).

Round 14: Chain 1 (counts as first single crochet). Single crochet in each stitch around. Slip stitch to top of chain 1 to join. Fasten off. (46 or 47 double crochet).

Crochet Men's Hat Close Up

You did it! This pattern is basic and simple enough that you can customize to your liking. You can add a stripe in of a different color for Round 11. Or maybe you’d like to make a fold-up brim? Simple repeat Round 5 a couple more times and your hat will be longer so you can fold up the ends.

I’d love to hear if you make your very own men’s hat for someone. Leave a comment below!

Related Posts: 

Close Up Men's Crochet Hat