Crochet Flower Pattern (Advanced: Ridged Version)

Before I dive right into the pattern, you may have noticed JJCrochet and this blog have gotten a facelift! No more blue and black borders – the pink and cream/ tan/ gray theme is in charge of the show. I was getting tired of the old layout and wanted a site that was better from a design perspective, now that I spend a good majority of my time (real job) online. I never was much of a pink girl, but it’ll do.

Okay – so onto the pattern. I was crocheting a hat yesterday when I wanted to add a flower, but not a typical flower. I’ve made designs in the past and figured it was time I chronicled the unique style of crocheting ONTO of the stitches. Yes, you heard correctly – this flower is worked all in one piece. The third round that gives the raised, 3-D circle in the center is made by working on the sides of the stitches of Round 1.

If it sounds confusing, don’t worry – I’ve made a video showing what to do:

The crochet video is also a good introduction of how to make this style of flower and is super easy and simple enough for someone who know a few stitches. I’ve gotten feedback from other videos I’ve made that I crochet a bit too fast (guilty), so I tried to slow it down. Watching it back, it still might be too quick, but I tried to crochet as slowly as I could without poking myself in the eyes. {If you listen closely, I sigh twice in the video during my painfully slow crochet session.}

So here’s the pattern for the flower. Either follow it the whole way through if you’re an adventurous, advanced crocheter, or stop after Round 2. Whichever way you choose to go, you’ll still end up with a cute little flower.

Crochet Flower Pattern (with Ridged Center)

Materials

Size J crochet hook (or whatever sized project you’re working on)

Worsted weight yarn (I used my go-to favorite, Vanna’s Choice)

Instructions

Chain 3. Join with sl st to first chain to form ring.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as first dc), dc into loop. *Ch 3, 2 dc into loop*. Repeat around until you have 10 dc and five, ch-3 loops. Join with sl st into first ch-3 loop of round.

Round 2: Ch 1 (counts as first sc). Work 5 dc, 1 sc into ch-3 loop. (Skip 2 dc from previous round), Work *1 sc, 5 dc, 1 sc into ch-3 loop*. Repeat around to make 5 patterns. Join with sl st to first sc.

Congrats, you’ve made a flower! If you’d like to work the ridge at the center of the flower, continue on. If not, Fasten Off.

Center Ridge of Flower (Check out the video for extra clarity)

Slip stitch into top of first dc from Round 1.

Work 1 sc into side of each double crochet stitch from Round 1 (10 sc). Join with sl st to first sc. Chain 1(optional). Fasten off.

If you need a visual for how to work the ridge, check out the video – I promise it’ll help.

So there’s the flower – did you like this pattern? Did you try the ridge? I’d love to hear if you did. Post below in the comments and let me know how it went for you.

Crochet, Knitting, Projects

Baby Things: Crochet Hat & Knit Sweater

Two of my coworkers are having little baby boys! They’re not due til the fall, but I figured I’d get a head start on things. First up is a little guy’s crochet hat that’s modeled after the bigger men’s free crochet hat pattern I posted a few weeks ago.

I got this yarn from Jo-Ann Fabrics and was planning to use it to knit something. It’s one of those self-striping yarns, but it is painfully, painfully thin. After spending 30 minutes trying to make something using double pointed needles, I just wasn’t feeling it. So I got out my crochet hook and made this hat.

While watching a Netflix documentary.

On a Saturday night.

My life is riveting, I know.

Pattern has a few small adaptations from the original hat, but I’d be more than happy to write a specific pattern for this baby-sized hat if you’d like. Let me know.

Next up is a half-made baby sweater, modeled after this knitted baby sweater I made two years ago. It’s a free pattern on Ravelry called “Baby Sophisticate” and has become my go-to baby sweater (the 3,359 people on Ravelry that have made it agree). It’s a classic.

I realized I never posted WIP (work-in-progress) photos of things I make since I am an impatient crocheter/ knitter and tend to whip things out, but I thought I would share my mid-project progress. Yesterday, I finished the body and have the sleeves and collar left to complete. Should be a good project for later this week.

Oh, and just to prove that I’m not being completely lazy this weekend, just know that I’m going to Cedar Point today. And using my SEASON PASS. So no pity for the sad, Saturday-night crocheter here!

What have you made this weekend? I’d love to see what you’re working on. Do you have any good baby patterns? I’m thinking maybe some booties to go with the hat or even some to match the sweater. Hmmm… new projects brewing already…

Uncategorized

Life

There are things in life more wonderful than crochet. I know – blasphemy, right?

In the past two weeks, I have been a bridesmaid twice – once for my older brother’s wedding (Brother Bill) and the second for my good friends, Rachael and Andrew. It is weekends like these that make me high on the beauty of life.

Brother Bill got married in Pittsburgh; Rachael in Buffalo. The great thing about being in back-to-back weddings, though, is most of the prep work is only done once. I’m already tan and my nails are done. I would jokingly tell people, “This is as good as I can possibly get right now!” I believe the bobby-pin count after wedding #1 was 75. (A hairstyle that takes 75 bobby pins is out of control, if you ask me.)

The two weddings were different – one a family one, the other for two good friends. The weeks leading up to the weddings required different amounts and different types of work, yet both were equally special. I am so thankful to have been a part of Brother Bill & Ahsley’s lives for 23 years and to have spent 4 years in college with Andrew and Rachael.

Weddings are an especially sweet time of seeing old friends. I got to see people I haven’t seen in over a year since we graduated college and it was great to catch up. The funny thing is, with good friends, you can be 600 miles apart, but when you get together, it’s like no time has passed. Those are friendships worth maintaining.

I’m sorry for the nostalgia and emotions I’m sharing (this is a big step for me), but I wanted to share my thoughts with you, blog reader. Coming off these wedding weekends, it helped me put things in perspective, and I’d encourage you to do the same.

Life is about “weddings”, in the larger sense of the word. It’s not about the bridesmaids dresses or the center pieces. It’s not about all you can achieve at work, or how clean (or not clean) your room might be. It’s about inviting others to speak into your life and investing time to be a part of theirs. It consists of those moments standing proudly with your friends as they make a commitment before God to grow together. It means creating memories and enjoying the different personalities and quirks and ideas of others.

It means creating community.

I am so blessed to have been a part of not one, but TWO beautiful weekends this month. How could life get any better? I pray God’s love and continued blessings over the new marriages (and for my brother to hurry up and start having kids – Aunt Jayna needs some kiddos)!

And now, since there is nothing more enjoyable than looking at other people’s wedding pictures (yeah right), here are some glimpses into my life:

Kiss — There’s a long story behind this one, but essentially, I’ve been the third wheel for the past 5 years…HA

Go enjoy your “wedding weekends” and fabulous life – More crochet things next time, promise!

Crochet, Free Patterns, Videos

Crochet Headband Pattern – Free

I received a lovely comment today from “my biggest fan, Stephanie” and was so inspired, I pulled out the hooks and made a crochet pattern. Not only did I make a new pattern, but I was feeling so motivated, I also created a video showing how to make the headband. Please forgive my post-workday hair.

The pattern in itself is not complicated, but it can be a bit confusing to understand. Also, I believe I say “interwined” in the video which I am almost 100% positive is not a word in the English language. Oh well, ha, I can’t be bothered with silly things like pronunciation while I’m crocheting!

This headband creates a really unique looking pattern without any effort. If you can make a chain, know how to slip stitch, and can count, you can crochet this little guy. I grabbed a skein of yarn, found my crochet hooks, and 5 minutes later this little guy was born. Enjoy!

Crochet Headband Pattern

Materials: Size H (5.0mm) crochet hook and a few yards of worsted weight yarn

Directions

Chain 25

Chain 5, work a slip stitch into the top of the 25th chain (first circle made)

Flip your work to make the slip stitch easier to work (optional – watch the video for clarification, I promise it’s not as complicated or advanced as it sounds!)

*Chain 5, slip stitch into previous circle. Flip work.*

Repeat from * to * around until you have 28 circles.

Chain 25 (creates second headband tie).

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Let me know if these instructions and video helped and if you could actually crochet the headband yourself. Sometimes, I forget that even though things make sense to me, it doesn’t do any good unless others can understand them, too. Let me know if you try your hand at making this headband.

Crochet, Crochet Ripple Blanket, Projects

Crochet Ripple Blanket – Part 2

I can’t believe I’ve only posted about the crochet ripple blanket ONCE since I began. I’m ashamed, really. Currently, there are 29 colored stripes (116 rows) of this beautiful rainbow afghan.

Just like any large crochet project, I’ve noticed ebbs and flows in my desire to work on it. Some months, it’s 20 rows, other times, it’s 2. But that’s all part of crocheting. I”ve already covered the details behind this blanket so I won’t bore you with more text. Onto pictures!

If, after viewing these pictures, you don’t want it to instantly be summer, there is something wrong with you. Please seek help. Happy Monday, everyone!

Crochet

One Spunky Girl

One of my favorite things as a business owner is receiving an online order from a friend. It’s like a little surprise. Normally when an order comes through from my Etsy store, I get an e-mail listing the item purchased and the buyer’s information. The information is there and I take it in, but seeing your friend’s name in the “buyer” section comes as a slight shock.

If you sell crochet things, I’m sure you can relate. Most orders from friends tend to come in the form of verbal “suggestions”. You’re more than willing to crochet things, but when your friends say things like “I’d love a black scarf!” over Friday night dinner, you never know how serious they truly are.

That’s why Emily’s order meant so much to me. She treats JJCrochet like a real business and is thoughtful in her support. It’s rare to find a friend like that.

I knew Emily in college and, though in different sororities, we never seemed to notice. As is clear from the pictures, Emily (affectionately known as “Rexy”), is just bursting with life. She brights up rooms with her smile and contagious laugh. She’s a bright ray of sunshine. Emily is one spunky girl.

A couple weeks ago, Emily purchased a ruffle crocheted headband and a summery crochet headband. Because she is a dear friend, I also included a special gift when I packaged up her items – A red cowl that I knew would look great with her dark hair.

Emily surprised ME the other day by sending an e-mail with beautiful pictures. I told her I had to share them on my crochet blog. Thank you, Emily, for being a wonderful friend and for all the joy you’ve brought to me and everyone else in your life. Keep living the dream!

Craft Shows

Craft Show Quotes

I was looking through some old pictures when I found these images. They’re pics of my booth from a very muddy, very wet craft show last fall (as evidenced by the smudges on the glass). Seeing these again made me chuckle so I thought I’d share. I remember making these quotes the night before the show and thinking that I was just soooo funny.

I don’t know about that, ha, but maybe you’ll enjoy them too. Would these quotes have inspired you to buy a hat?

Crochet, Free Patterns, Projects

Free Crochet Bird Pattern – 3rd Project

The day continues with the third project of “my big crochet idea“: a free crochet pattern for birds! Inspired by Kathleen’s post: “I’d love to see these cute little birds!! http://pinterest.com/pin/44613852528533507/” I got to work as soon as I saw the picture.

After three tries, I finally crocheted what I deemed to be a good bird shape. How cute are they?! So adorable. They take only minutes to make and a few yards of yarn.

Materials

Size G (4.25mm) crochet hook

Worsted weight yarn

Free Crochet Bird Pattern

Chain 4, join with sl st to form ring

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as first dc), 14 more dc into ring (15 sts)

Round 2: Ch 1 (counts as first sc). Into same stitch, work [dc, 5 trc, dc, sc]. (Bird head). Sc in each of next 10 sc (around bird belly). Into next stitch, work [sc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, sc] (bird tail). Sc in each of next 3 sc (bird back).

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Bird Beak

Join yellow yarn at base of your bird’s head. Ch 4, sl st back into the stitch where you joined your yarn.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Bird Eye

With black or white yarn and a big yarn needle, sew a couple stitches onto your bird’s face for an eye.

Free Crochet Bird Pattern — The dirty side of pattern writing...

Crochet, Free Patterns, Projects

A First – Free Crochet Snake Pattern

This is today’s second project of my big crochet idea, but it’s certainly a JJCrochet first. If you follow my blog, you know I tend towards wearable items (most of which are geared towards girls).

But what better way to “shed my skin” then with this latest project. Prompted by Juliana’s post on JJCrochet’s Facebook page, I designed and crocheted a reptile.

Yes, you read that correctly, a repitle. A snake, to be exact. It’s kinda cute… right?

Juliana’s request: “That is really nice of you! Ok, I know there are lots of patterns for snakes, but I have some leftover wool-ease thick and quick in greys that would make a cool snake. Do you think you could give me direction (or pattern) for a snake using thick and quick (since all the patterns I’ve found use thin yarn). Or maybe using thick and quick for a snake wouldn’t work? It was just a thought!”

I had some Wool-Ease Thick & Quick here with me and thought this would be a fun crochet project so I began. Free pattern below so you can make your very own snake. I hope you enjoy yours, Juliana!

Materials

Size L (8.0 mm) crochet hook

50 yards super chunky yarn. I used Lion Brand’s Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in “Grey Marble”

Free Crochet Snake Pattern

Starting at snake tail: Ch 8, join with sl st to form ring

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as first hds), Work 1 hdc in each chain (8 hdc). Join with sl st to first hdc

Rounds 2 – 25: Ch 2, do not turn. Hdc in the FLO (front loops only) of each st around (8 hdc). Working in only the front loops of each stitch will give the snake a “textured”, scale-y look.

Repeat Round 2 for as long as you want your snake to be.

Begin working the snake’s head.

Round 26: Ch 2, 2 hdc in each the FLO of each stitch (16 hdc).

Rounds 27 – 28: Ch 2, do not turn. Hdc in the FLO (front loops only) of each st around (16 hdc).

Round 29: Decrease Round. Ch 2, hdc 2 tog in next two sts and in each st around (8 hdc).

Rounds 30 – 31: Ch 1, sc in each st around (8sc).

Fasten off.

Whip stitch the bottom and top of your snake together.

Snake Eyes

Size J (6.0mm) hook

Worsted Weight black yarn

Chain 3, join with sl st to form ring.

Round 1: ch 1, work 9 more sc into ring (10 sc).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing onto the snake’s face. Make two eyes. Sew onto the snake’s head.

Snake’s Tongue

Size L (8.0 mm) crochet hook

Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick Yarn in “Cranberry”

Think of making the snake’s split tongue like a Y

Chain 8, fasten off. (the straight long part of the “Y”)

Join yarn at the end of where you fastened off, Chain 4. Fasten off (one “prong” of the “Y” made)

Join yarn at the same point where you fastened off, Chain 4. Fasten off (the other prong of the “Y”).

Weave in ends.

Sew tongue to your snake face. Enjoy?

Crochet, Free Patterns, Giveaways, Projects

Free Crochet Pattern – Baby Headband for Girls

The first project made from my big crochet idea is this sweet little girl’s headband. It’s very simple and a basic pattern for anyone to make for a newborn in their life.

Maria responded to my request, “I’m so excited about this idea. I’m 8 and a half months pregnant, I’ve been looking for a simple and easy newborn dress pattern but if that’s too big maybe a nice headband with flower or flowers for spring? Thanks”

Instead of tackling a bigger project like a newborn’s dress, I instead designed a headband. Maria, I’ll be mailing this out to you next week . Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your daughter… I hope she enjoys her new headband!

Materials

Size E crochet hook

45 yards Worsted Weight yarn. I used Lionbrand Wool-Ease Worsted Weight in “Natural Heather” and some extra pink yarn.

Button for center of flower (optional)

Finished size

Headband measures 13 inches in diameter + stretch; 1.25 inches high

Crochet Headband Pattern for Newborn Girls

Fch 50. Join with sl st to form ring. (for instructions on how to work the “foundation chain” (fch), check out this post)

Round 2: ch 2 (counts as first sc + ch 1). Skip next stitch. *sc, ch 1, skip next stitch*. Repeat around. (25 scs, 24 ch-1 sts)

Rounds 3 – 5: ch 2, *sc in ch-1 space, ch 1*. Repeat around (25 scs, 24 ch-1 sts).

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Open Chain Flower

Ch 3, join with sl st to form ring.

Round 1: chain 9 (counts as first sc + ch 8). Ch 12, sc into ring. *Ch 8, sc, Ch 12* Repeat around until you have 5 loops/ petals (3, ch-8 loops, 2 ch-12 loops). Join to first sc with sl st.

Round 2: Working in back sc of previous round, sc. *ch 13, sc in next sc*. Repeat around until you have 5, ch-13 loops/ petals.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail of yarn to sew flower onto headband.

Sew flower onto left side of headband (button center optional).

Crochet, Projects

My Idea: Free Crochet Patterns Instantly

Good morning! I woke up, looked out my window, and saw a white fluffly layer of snow. I knew it. I’m not going anywhere today. That’s when I got an idea. You might say I’m an old spinster, or even anti-social, but stay with me.

Here’s the deal: I’m sitting here with my crochet hooks, camera, and a pile of yarn. I’m in the pattern-writing mood. This means I’m here to help. If you’ve been scouring the web for a crochet pattern that you can’t seem to find, look no more.

You + Idea + My Brain = Free Crochet Pattern

Today and today only (February 25th) I am your personal-pattern generator. If you need a crochet pattern for something, I will crochet the item for you and post the free pattern. Does this sound cool or is it just me, still in my post wake-up haze?

Here’re the deals:

Leave what you want me to crochet in the comments
Pictures are helpful
Thorough descriptions are even better
In favor of creating a couple free patterns for people, please no large items (nothing bigger than a hat/ scarf – ie. no afghans or sweaters).
I’ll crochet the item, write a pattern, then post the free pattern here on my crochet blog

Oh, and I also forgot, but I’d like to give the finished item to the person who requested the pattern. I’ll mail it out to you later this week. You get a totally free item, the world gets a free crochet pattern. It’s a beautiful ideal!

So yep, that’s the deal.

What do you want me to crochet?

Crochet, Free Patterns, Guest Post, Projects

Crochet Beard Pattern: Free Pattern for Hat

When people find I crochet, it’s a matter of weeks–days sometimes– before they ask if I can make one project: a crochet beard hat. Friends, family, and strangers have e-mailed, texted, even posted pictures on my Facebook wall, requesting this odd item.

Crocheted beards hold some inexplicable intrigue.

That’s why I was delighted to come across Lauren Strasser, a crochet designer who blogs about life at The Production Department. Lauren has been crocheting since she was 15, but really started cranking things up when she was 19.

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Reasons you need to make this project, this weekend:

It’s freezing out there!
The lumberjack look is so hot this season.
St. Paddy’s Day leprechaun costume?
My beard is way comfier than this beard.

I had been wanting to make a beard hat for awhile, but all the patterns I could find online weren’t quite what I was looking for. My wish list included: a big enough mouth space, ear coverage, and full chin coverage.

So I made my own and now you can too.

I loved using the foundation chain (fch) stitch in this pattern. The foundation chain lets the beard be stretchier than using a plain chain would allow. And stretch is key when you’re pulling this hat on like a face mask.

The foundation chain also makes the mustache area just a tiny bit thicker and we don’t want any wimpy mustaches around here. Here’s how to do the foundation chain (dch): Chain 2 Insert hook into 2nd chain from hook.

Yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through both loops (1 loop on hook). First fch made.

For remaining fch stitches, insert hook under the strand to the left (if crocheting right handed) of the hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over pull through two loops.

What you’ll need for the beard:

Red Heart worsted weight yarn (about 50 yards)
Size K crochet hook

Ready? Let’s go!

Crochet Beard Pattern

Fch 31

Row 1: Chain 1 (counts as first sc now an throughout), * dc, sc *, repeat * to * 15 more times (31 stitches).

Row 2: Chain 2 (counts as first dc now and throughout), * sc, dc *, repeat * to * 15 more times (31 stitches).

Rows 3-8: Repeat rows 1 and 2.

Row 9: ch 1 (Counts as first sc), *dc, sc* 5 times (11 stitches), fch 9, (up to 20 stitches). Skip 9 stitches. Work *sc, dc* 5 times, end with another sc. (31 stitches total)

Row 10: Repeat Row 2 (31 stitches).

Fasten off.

Optional step: Hold the beard up to your face, look in the mirror, and laugh until your sides hurt. Now sew the beard to a hat.

11/1/12 Update: After many requests, a pattern for a smaller beard for kids is included in the comments and posted here below:

Instructions for Kid’s Sized Beard

Fch 19

Row 1: Chain 1 (counts as first sc now an throughout), * dc, sc *, repeat * to * 9 more times (19 stitches).

Row 2: Chain 2 (counts as first dc now and throughout), * sc, dc *, repeat * to * 9 more times (19 stitches).

Rows 3-8: Repeat rows 1 and 2.

Row 9: ch 1 (Counts as first sc), *dc, sc* 2 times, dc. (11 stitches), fch 7, (up to 20 stitches). Skip 7 stitches. Work *sc, dc* 2 times, dc. End with another sc. (19 stitches total)

Row 10: Repeat Row 2 (19 stitches).

Fasten off.

I used this men’s free crochet hat pattern (from JJCrochet). Here the hat is inside out to show approximate placement I like. The beard goes smack dab in the middle of the hat then the front tilts up an inch or two. Just sew along the edges of the beard, not all the way to the edge of the hat. You’ll see why soon.

One more cool thing about this hat; even with the beard sewn in, it can be worn as a plain hat. just fold the hat in and off you go! (This is why you only sewed along the edge of the beard back there.)

Crochet Beard Hat Pattern — I think it looks like a football helmet when it’s turned inside out… Anyone else?

You are now the proud owner of a beard hat! Gift it away, stay warm outside, and make up a stack for your jealous friends. If you already have too many projects in process and don’t have time for this one, you can head over to my blog and order a custom made crochet beard.

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Many thanks to Lauren for creating this fantastic pattern and allowing me to share it.

Currently, my workplace is participating in “Full Beard February” (no joke – it’s a real thing), but being a girl, I was feeling left out. After Lauren’s pattern – no more! I was so excited for this beard pattern and immediately tested it out to make myself some facial hair.

I can confirm it is the most bizarre, most wonderful thing I have crocheted for myself in a while. I tried the beard on, checked myself out in the mirror, and laughed myself silly. I guarantee it’ll be an instant hit when you crochet one.

Lauren’s favorite yarn to crochet with is Red Heart worsted weight and her least favorite chore around the house is vacuuming the stairs. The best part about her day is her lunch time where she spends her a few precious minutes crocheting or reading. During the week, she teaches 25+ preschoolers at her church and couldn’t be happier. To learn more about Lauren’s crochet work, visit her at The Production Department.