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Free Knit Cowl Pattern – Chunky

My love affair with cowls continue, and that’s good news for you. Usually when I’m obsessed with things, I create patterns for those things so I can love them even more. I just wrote a post about cowls that includes a great sampling of crocheted and knitted designs. Of the bunch, one of my favorites is a thick, squishy, absolutely-chunky, knit cowl.

It’s a simple pattern. So simple you’ll hate yourself for not thinking it up first (although I’m sure this isn’t the first time this cowl’s been made).

Make one for yourself (I did) or make a couple for Christmas gifts for your friends (did this, too)

Materials

Size US 17 (12.75mm) Knitting Needles

1.5 skeins (160 yards) Lion Brand Thick & Quick – Wool Ease. You can also use any extra-chunky yarn.

Chunky Knit Eternity Cowl Pattern

CO 15 stitches.

Work Moss Stitch until you run out of yarn.

Moss Stitch

Row 1 – *K1, P1* across an odd number of stitches

Repeat Row until you have about 3 feet of yarn left.

Bind off.

Fasten off yarn, leaving a 12 inch tail. Using a large darning needle and yarn like thread, sew short sides together with a half-twist to give cowl an infinity loop. (For details on infinity loop, see bottom of post here.)

Cowl will measure 8.5 inches wide; 70 inches long. Voila!

Close up of knit moss stitch:

Moss Stitch Knit — Close up of knit “Moss Stitch” – See how the purls are worked on top of the knit stitches to give you little bumps?

Crochet, Photoshoots, Projects

Cowls & Cousins

So if you haven’t noticed, I’ve been on a “cowl kick” recently. I love them. The chunkier, the better.

With fall gearing up and my love of cowls in full swing, I couldn’t help but stock up on lots of cowl-making yarn tonight (like I need more skeins for my stash). 38 skeins to be exact.

Woops. 🙂

Most of this yarn will be turned into cowls and I think that warrants a FREE CROCHET COWL GIVEAWAY (posting about that next) WOO!

The family was also over for Thanksgiving which means for the first time in a while, I’ve had live models! A few of my younger cousins and my sister (a JJCrochet regular), were kind enough to model a few cowls for me. Unfortunately, all the eating slowed us down and we didn’t quite beat the setting sun, but we were able to get a few shots in.

I’m still undecided whether or not these wonderful winter scarves can jump across the gender gap. What’s your vote… Can guys wear crochet cowls??

And a few group shots. They were having fun:

You can make most of the crochet cowls in this mini cousin-photo shoot yourself using JJCrochet’s free crochet cowl patterns.

Crochet, Giveaways, Projects

Name This Crochet Hat Pattern – Get it for FREE

I spent the better part of today (read: 5 hours) writing a pattern for the ultimate crochet beanie and testing it in each size. If you’re a crochet designer you can relate.

You try something, it doesn’t work.

You rip it out and try again.

And again.

And one more time until you’ve gotten it perfect.

That’s what I finally have in this pattern: PERFECTION. I’ve written 2-3 drafts of this type of hat, but it never turned out quite right. The hats were fine, they just weren’t exactly what I wanted.

Enter in this baby, the *insert cool name here*. It’s a basic beanie pattern in 4 different sizes – baby, child, women’s, and men’s. You use a size H crochet hook (basic) and any worsted weight yarn (basic). I wanted to create a (basic) pattern that would be a crochet’s “go-to” hat pattern.

So here it is:

crochet beanie with flower — What would you name this hat pattern?

Now here comes the fun part: I’ll be releasing the pattern on 11/1. Remember “insert cool name here”? That’s where I need your help!

Submit your name for this pattern on JJCrochet’s Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=266367253400325&set=a.135105763193142.12207.130387266998325&type=1&theater. Get the most “likes” for your name and win a FREE copy of the _________ pattern.

Crochet, Projects

Crochet Cowl Pattern

Crochet cowl patterns come in all sorts and sizes, and I don’t have to tell you what everyone knows – cowls make the perfect fall accessories.

I love cowls and I’ve designed a couple crochet cowl patterns that I offer on my blog. But why stop there? I’ve also scoured the internet for other patterns so you can have your fill of crocheted cowls – choose whichever style suits your fancy. Get out those crochet hooks and enjoy! Click on any picture to access the free crochet cowl pattern.

Crochet Cowl Patterns

crochet cowl pattern - caron — Bellyflower Infinity Scarf by Caron

cc4 — Candy Color Ripple Cowl by Lionbrand

crochet cowl pattern - crimson owl — Convertible Cowl by The Crimson Owl

crochet cowl pattern - jjcrochet — Crochet Cowl Pattern – JJCrochet

Posting this was not a good idea. I’m looking over at the skeins of chunky yarn next to my closet and thinking I just might have to go crochet one now, woops. Which cowl pattern is your favorite?

Free Patterns, Knitting, Projects

Chunky Knit Fall Hat – Open Lace Design (Free Pattern)

So I went to our public library this weekend and found they have 300 million knitting and crochet books. Okay, maybe not 300 million, but close. Coming from suburbia where I was lucky to find 10 knitting books at my local library (no joke), this was heaven.

I checked out a few books and promptly went to buy more yarn.

I started knitting a chunky sweater, but when that failed, I ripped it out and went back to what I know: knitting hats.

There’s something about knitting on a Sunday afternoon that just feels right. So homey, so relaxing – a great way to start a new week. I want to apologize in advance for the lack of good pictures, but, my dear blog reader, I will share with you because I know you will not judge. Perhaps when I’m home again, I can bribe my sister to model, but I couldn’t wait share with you so here it is:

Slouchy Knit Hat/ Beret for Fall

We’ve been having colder weather here the past week in Ohio and I thought it was only fitting to create a slouchy/ chunky/ knit beret. I’m not sure if I had seen a hat like this recently or it was only a design that existed in my mind, but I worked a simple lace pattern to create this hat. I wanted a hat that was open and not really a wear-out-in-the-freezing-cold-hat, but more of a look-at-me-i’m-cute fall hat.

I would also caution that the instructions that follow provide more of a framework for knitting this hat rather than step-by-step instructions. If you’re an advanced beginner knitter and aren’t afraid to experiment, you’ll be fine. If you’re a newbie knitter and like to follow instruction verbatim, try it – you might surprise yourself!

Knit Fall Hat Pattern

Materials

Size 17 (12.75mm) US knitting needles

1 Skein Bernat Roving (I used the “Bark” color) or any bulky weight yarn.

Directions

CO 32

Rows 1 – 5: Work K2, P2 ribbing. (32 stitches)

This next part requires you to get creative, but you can do it. Read the directions below so you know what you’ll have to do.

For the next row (Row 6), you want to increase a couple stitches so your hat is a little slouchy. There’s no rhyme or reason to my increasing, I just worked increased until I went from 32 to 38 stitches. To make increases, randomly work *K1, YO, K1* (instead of K1, Yo, SKK) every so often in Row 1. This is you chance to be creative – mix it up and bit and experiment!

Row 6 (RS): *K1, YO, SSK*. Last two stitches – K2.(Remember to randomly increase so you end up with 38 stitches).

Row 7 (WS): *P1, Yo, P2Tog*. Last two stitches – P2. (38 stitches)

Repeat Rows 6 and 7 until hat measures 7 inches from beginning, ending with a purl/ WS Row (Row 7).

It’s time to get creative again for the decreases. Don’t worry – you can do it!

Next Row: K1, *SSK, YO, SSK*

Next Row: P1, *P2Tog, Yo, P2Tog*

Repeat Rows ^ twice more.

Final Decrease Row: *SSK, SSK, YO, SSK, SSK*

Final Decrease Row: *P2Tog, Yo, P2Tog*

Repeat 2 Final Decrease Rows until hat measures 9 inches from beginning and only a few (7-8) stitches remain.

Cut yarn. Weave through remaining stitches on needle. Sew up side seam of hat.

And there you have it – your semi-creative knit slouchy hat that’s perfect for winter!

Projects

Fall Wreath from Yarn & Fake Flowers

After seeing this beautiful wreath on Pintrest (by Itz Fitz), I just KNEW I had to make one for my new apartment. We live on one of the top floors of our building and every. door. is. the. same. No color, no personality, just plain purple doors.

I haven’t crafted anything lately and my hands were-a’ itchin’. It’s (almost) fall so what better way to welcome in the season that with a fall-themed wreath.

A (not-so-quick) trip to Pat Catan’s and I came home with the supplies for my wreath:

Materials

12″ foam wreath form
Two little bunches of fake flowers – orange and yellow
One bunch of brown bally things
About 2 dozen Straight Pins
One skein of brown yarn (I used 100% wool Vickie Howell Yarn because it was kinda fuzzy and I liked the fuzz)

I didn’t take a lot of pictures of the process, but it’s pretty self explanatory. Simple instructions follow.

Wreath How-to Directions

1. Pin the end of you yarn to your wreath then begin to wrap yarn over the tail to hide it. (Tip: I found by making a small knot then sticking a pin through the knot made the yarn stay on the wreath better than just sticking a pin through a normal piece.)

2. Continue winding around the wreath until your entire wreath is covered. I found it easiest to wind the yarn around about 10 times then push the yarn down with my hands to keep it nice and tight.

3. Once your wreath is covered, you can decide what you’d like to put on it. I got fake flowers and pulled the green plastic stuff off them and just stuck them on with my straight pins. I even added in some brown bally-things which I think look nice. Again, just break apart and pin those babies down.

Continue adding things to the side of your wreath until it’s exactly what you want.

And there you have it! Your very own autumn/ fall wreath. I really enjoyed making this wreath. I fulfilled my crafty need AND have a beautiful fall wreath for my apartment door. I hope it brings some cheer to the people passing outside our door. Win-win-win.

Crochet, Projects

Star Baby Blanket Crochet Pattern

It is with great remorse that I retract my previous statement that, “I don’t make afghans”. Because as you’ll soon see, I guess I do.

I worked for 6 months on this hexagon crocheted afghan and just recently finished another crocheted baby blanket – the STAR. I was commissioned to make this baby blanket by my brother’s future MIL’s niece… I’m not sure we’re even related. But regardless, she will have a lovely hand-crocheted baby blanket for her little guy.

Project Details

Pattern: Rainbow Ripple Baby Blanket by Celest Young

Yarn: Worsted Weight and Sport Weight Yarn from Stash – approx. 3 skeins total

Hook: Crochet hook size H (5.0mm)

I found the pattern to be interesting enough to keep my attention, but repetitive enough to be done while listening to music. The baby blanket grows very fast, but the last couple of rows took about 20 mins a piece and you feel like you’re never going to finish. If the afghan was any larger, I think I’d give up!

I’m hoping the new mom likes this baby blanket for her little tyke. What do you think?

Crochet, Crochet Hexagon Blanket, Projects

Crochet Hexagon Blanket is Finished!

Since its inception on November 15, 2011, I knew this crocheted hexagon blanket was going to be breath-taking. With over 17 different colors combinations in a wonderful yarn, how could it not be? I knew this would be a one-of-a-kind crocheted afghan.

Project Details:

Inspired by Attic 24’s Crocheted Hexagon Blanket (free hexagon how-to crochet pattern can be found on her crochet blog)
Yarn: Rowan Hand-Knit Cotton
Crochet Hook: Size E
Time it took to make working on-and-off: 5 1/2 Months (while finishing my 8th semester and graduating from college!)
Intended use: High school graduation gift for a lovely girl
Worth it factor (WIF): YES! I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

As I was recently reminded, I said in one of my posts that, and I quote, “I don’t crochet afghans”. But with two crocheted afghans under my belt (this hexy one and another hexagon baby blanket), I’m starting to be converted to the world of crocheted afghans.

Afghans are different than crocheting hats. In a way, they’re therapeutic. Especially afghans made from motifs. Completing a large project is more satisfying. Watching something grow piece-by-piece is exciting. It’s all about the thrill and there’s nothing like a crocheter’s high. Wait, or is it a runner’s high? Whatever – crocheting and running are the same as far as I’m concerned. (But don’t listen to me – clearly I’m no runner.)

Well, hexy is finished and I am so very proud of her. I mailed her off a few weeks ago to live at her new home. Thought saying goodbye was bittersweet, I’m overjoyed knowing she’ll be sharing her rainbow of joy with others for years to come.

I wish you all could see the beauty of this blanket in person, but these pictures will have to do.

Knitting, Projects

Knitted Baby Sweater – Rainbow

I recently visited a local yarn store that opened by my house. It’s cute. They remodeled a downstairs and sell novelty yarn and pottery. A few weeks ago, I spotted a store sample hanging by the window: A cotton knitted baby cardigan.

Now I’m not planning on having kids for a few years (have to find me a man first), but who can resist a miniature sized anything? I found the pattern from Plymouth Yarns and upon seeing it was “free with yarn purchase”, I made a yarn purchase.

Free pattern in hand and two skeins of Fantasy Naturale in Rainbow and I was ready to knit.

Detail of the Lace Raglan Top-Down Sleeve
The pattern worked up fairly quickly and I’m pleased with how it turned out. I followed the pattern exactly except I didn’t make the sleeves as long so it’s a 3/4 length knitted baby cardigan instead. It was a top-down raglan knit so super easy and minimal seams – just what a crocheter/ dabbling-knitter needs!

I especially like the bold color palette. You don’t normally see babies in brights, but I rather like it. What do you think?

Details:

Pattern Name: Fantasy Naturale Top Down Baby Sweater

Yarn: Fantasy Natural (2 hanks)

Needles: Pattern called for size 9, I used US 8 (and even then I thought my gauge was loose)

Size: 6 months

Projects, Sewing

JJ…Sew?

Finals Are Over. College is over…. Forever. I graduated this weekend. Here’s proof–The Sibs (Brother Bill and Anna) and Me with my diploma.

But graduation, though exciting, is not the reason for this post. A wonderful little skirt I created is the reason for writing. After taking finals, packing up my apartment, graduating, hauling everything home only to unpack it, I needed to seriously de-stress.

So I decided to sew.

Now don’t freak out, but since I’ll be starting a grown-up job in a couple of weeks (hello real world!), I decided to make something work-appropriate. I wanted something simple to sew yet classic and fresh. After a productive trip to JoAnn’s (where I used my JoAnn Fabric VIP Card for the first time), I found some amazing green and white fabric with a floral print. I’m a sucker for anything classic with a young vibe.

I also picked up a vintage belt at the new Goodwill that just went in by my house for $1.00. See, great things do happen when you’re away at school for 4 years! And here is the end result:

I used New Look Pattern # 6843, Skirt Style C as the pattern. To accommodate the aforementioned vintage belt, I made belt-loops, another first for me. I think they turned out quite well and complete the skirt. Anyone else out there sew as well as knit or crochet? Perhaps I should change the name of my business from JJCrochet to JJ…Sew? You know what they say, “Crafty in one… crafty in many.” Wait, actually, I don’t think they say that – maybe it’s just me!

Crochet, Free Patterns, Projects

Crochet Flower/ Star Pattern

It’s 1:30am Wednesday morning so naturally, I grab my trusty J crochet hook and a skein of yarn, fully intending to crochet a flower. The funny thing with free-form crochet, though, is you can start out with one idea and end with a completely different project. Ever been there?

Instead of crocheting a flower, when I was finished, I looked down and saw I’d crocheted a sharp-looking flower or a 6-point star. I don’t know if the mustard-yellow yarn was sending my brain a subconscious message or if this is what I get for crocheting past midnight, but whatever the cause, I present to you this non-flowery, very pointy, crocheted star.

Pictures, free instructions, and full crochet pattern follow. I’ve never created a picture tutorial, but figured I’d try it out. Let me know if it was helpful – Enjoy!

Step-by-step beginner crochet instructions for a free crocheted flower.

Materials: Any size crochet hook (I used a size J) and worsted weight yarn.

Size: My crocheted flower/ throwing star measures 5 inches across, point to point.

Step 1: Chain 4.

Step 2: Join with slip stitch to form ring.

Step 3: Chain 2 (counts as first half-double crochet).

Step 4: 11 more half-double crochet into center of ring. (12 HDC total) Join with slip stitch to top of chain 2.

Step 5: Chain 5 (counts as 1 single crochet + chain 4). *Skip 1 stitch. Single crochet in next stitch. Chain 4.* Repeat around to create 6 petals. Join by working a single crochet inside the first petal.

Step 6: Slip stitch counts as first single crochet. 1 half-double crochet, 2 double crochet, chain 4, 2 double crochet, 1 half-double crochet, 1 single crochet. *Skip single crochet and into next chain-4 petal work: 1 single crochet, 1 half-double crochet, 2 double crochet, chain 4, 2 double crochet, 1 half-double crochet, 1 single crochet.* Join by working a slip stitch into first stitch.

Step 7: You’re finished! Cut yarn, fasten off, and enjoy your new “flar” (crocheted flower-star).

Crochet, Crochet Hexagon Blanket, Projects

The Calm Before the Storm: Hexy Part IV

I am 10 hexagons away from finishing Hexy. Yes, you read correctly ten. T-E-N. Ten. That means I’ve crocheted 149 hexagons – crazy! It seemed like a few months ago that we began this journey together, hexy and me. I guess it has been 5 months. It’s bittersweet as I start crocheting the eleventh and final row of Hexy. Now is not the time to get sentimental, though (that will be the next post.) For now, let’s focus on the progress.

Hooray for crocheting! Hooray for hexagons blankets!

Here’s hexy’s progress so far:

*Caution, it’s an overload of crocheted hexagons below*

Crochet Hexagon Afghan

After the 10 final hexagons are crocheted, I will be putting on a scalloped border to finish. I can’t wait until it all comes together. Only a few more weeks…

Let me know what you think about hexy’s close-to-completed state in the comments!