Crocheting a stretchy infant tee shirt

This green shirt with the flower attached is version one. If you crochet tightly you may wish to use a size larger hook when chaining for the neck opening. This crochet recipe is easy to adjust by adding to the starting chain and adjusting neck opening size. You can use a cotton tee shirt as a measurement guide for different sizes. This needs to be worked with a finer, soft yarn such as DK or Baby Sport.

(The same idea can be used to create a pull over long or short sleeve sweater using worsted wt yarn, however, it will be much heavier and the fabric will be thicker. )

Here are my working notes:

One piece infant tee shirt
My Working Notes

Appliqués, such as a crocheted flower or bunny, are optional

I hook and DK wt. baby yarn

CHAIN 44

Sc across (43)

Pattern Rows:
1.) begin with sc and then alternate DC and Sc across; end with a sc.
2.) Chain 2 (not used as a stitch) begin with DC and the alternate sc and Dc across ending with a DC.

VERSION ONE:

Repeat these 2 rows until piece measures four-inches including base sc row.
( 12 pattern rows)
Fasten off

Join yarn with ss in first loop on opposite side of base sc row.
Chain one and sc in same loop and in next 10; chain 20 and miss 20 loops; sc in 21st loop and in each loop to end.

8 for each short sleeve

To work body of shirt work in pattern across center stitches (need odd number for sweater stitch)


Finishing:
With right sides together, using same yarn, sew up sides and sleeves. Place yarn needle into and through sides of stitches. Do not sew too tightly. Weave in loose ends.
Finishing neck on version one only; sc loosely around neck edge placing one sc in each shoulder seam.

Version 2:

Chain 44
Sc 43
Shoulders and neck opening:
Sc in 12 and fasten off
In 2O the Sc join yarn with a slip stitch; chain one; sc in same and it next 11;
Turn and chain one; Sc in 12; Chain 19; sc in 12 sc on opposite shoulder.
Turn and chain one; sc in each sc and in each chain across.
From here on work ‘sweater stitch’ until piece measures 4 inches from center shoulder (neck) line.
Fasten off. (11 pattern rows )


Body of shirt:
Count 2 stitches on each side and mark 9th with scrap of yarn or a bobby pin.

Mark right side of shirt with a yarn bow.

With right side facing attach yarn with slip stitch in first loop of starting chain.
Work in pattern the same as first sleeve section.
Fasten off and mark 9th stitch on each side as before.

Work in pattern across center stitches until desired length (5 or 5 ½ or 6 inches from under arm)

Pink Matinee Jacket For A Baby Girl

This is a little matinee jacket created for a great niece. It is a loose fitting . 3/4 sleeve jacket. The garment chest measures 22 inches and the armhole circumference is 8-inches. The ribbons are tied on over a sc and then secured on the wrong side of the jacket with needle and sewing thread.

I thought some of you might appreciate my sharing the process of crocheting from scratch.

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Baby Girls' Crocheted Matinee Jacket

H, K and G Hooks
DK wt baby yarn

SINGLE CROCHET SQUARE YOKE:
(This is the basic method for making a square, raglan type single crochet yoke)

With G hook chain 41 (sc yoke is worked with size G hook)

Row One: sc in 7; 3 sc increase, sc in 4; 3sc increase; sc in 14; 3 sc increase; sc in 4; 3sc increase; sc in last 7; turn and chain one

Rows 2 to 12: sc in each sc and work a 3 sc increase in the center sc of each 3 sc increase group.

FORM ARMHOLES/SLEEVE OPENINGS:

Single Crochet up to the center sc of the increase group; miss the shoulder/sleeve stitches; sc in center sc of next increase group; sc across back placing last sc in center of increase group; miss shoulder stitches; again sc in center stitch of increase group; sc in remaining sc.

Count the sc stitches you now have to work the body of the garment on.

BODY OF GARMENT:

This is where you decide what stitch pattern you wish to use. Next you need determine if your chosen stitch pattern is based on an odd or an even number of stitches.

Let's say you have an even number and need an odd number - in this case you can rip out (frog) the last sc row (where you formed the armholes) to the center of the back and work an increase there.

Another choice is to place increases, evenly spaced that will adjust the stitch count. This will at the same time add some fullness. This can be done by working a sc increase row or by going back and re-doing the previous ( arm hole forming) row.

You might also decide to work a "beading row" to thread ribbon through at some point; perhaps below the arm hole forming row. To create a beading row you work either sc or dc ; chain one and miss one stitch; and then make another sc or dc in the next across the row ending with a chain one, miss one, sc or dc in last.

After 7th DC cluster row on body do not cut yarn; sc across hem and up side of front ( with right side of garment facing); change to SMALLER SIZE G hook when sc yoke is reached; sc around neck; down other side of yoke; changing back to LARGER SIZE H hook when DC Cluster rows are reached, join in first sc and fasten off.)

I have chosen to use alternate DC with 3DC cluster stitches in the little jacket I am making. (need odd number of stitches - 83)

SLEEVES: These are worked in the round right on the garment; the same as in the crochet Baby Boys' Matinee Jacket. (30 sc around sleeve on right side and then change to H hook and then turn and work same stitch pattern as body; Chain 3 for first DC ; alternate 3 DC cluster and DC; end with a 3 DC cluster and join with slip stitch in top of beginning chain 3; turn and chain one. After 4th DC cluster round work one more sc row; CHANGE TO SMALLER SIZE G HOOK; work one more cluster round; change to SIZE F HOOK; sc crochet around ( 30 sc); join in first sc; do not turn; work sc decrease over first 2 sc; sc around; work another sc decrease over last two sc; join in first sc and fasten off.)

WORKING NOTES:
After working the first pattern stitch row I decided it would look better if a larger, size H, hook was used at this point. Also to make the stitch pattern come out right I needed to skip on stitch at the end of the first row ( the cluster stitches are thick and the missed stitch does not show).

Also because this stitch pattern shows up best on the "wrong side" I am working one more sc row with the G hook before starting the fancy stitches and will work a row of sc in between each fancy row.

When working the sleeves it helps to count the stitches as they are worked on each sc round.

FINISHING: Weave in loose ends. Add ribbon or crocheted ties at neck and at last sc row before body of garment. Button loops and buttons can be used in place of ties.

Baby Boy Crochet Matinee Jacket Pattern

This little jacket is prettier in person than in the photo. This was created for a baby boy in our family circle and was inspired by matinee jackets I have knit. Ribbon ties can be used in place of the crocheted ones. I often use either the Bernat Baby Softee DK wt. yarn or the Red Heart Baby Soft which is a baby sport wt. Both are soft, come in a good variety of colors and are in a price range that is considerate of those of us who must really pinch our pennies, nickles and dimes. These are excellent quality acrylic yarns. Also, they are locally available and can be ordered on line as well.

Here is my recipe. You are invited, as always, to make your own changes.

Bernat Baby Softee DK wt.baby yarn
Size G & F Hooks

G hook is for the yoke, body and sleeves.

F hook is for the sleeve edging, ties and neck edging.


With G hook Chain 41

ROW 1 :sc in 7, 3sc inc, sc in 4; 3 sc inc., sc in 14., 3sc inc., sc in 4, 3 sc inc., sc in last 7

ROW 2: sc across working 3 sc increase in center st of ea previous 3 sc inc,

ROW 3: Chain 2 and then DC in ea sc making a 5 DC inc. in center st of ea 3 sc inc. on previous row

ROW 4: Chain 2 and then Dc in ea DC making a 3 DC inc. in center DC of ea 5 dc inc. group.

ROW 5 to 8 : Chain 2 and then DC in ea DC making a 3 DC inc. in center of each 3 DC inc. group.

ROW 9: Arm hole row; Chain 2 and then Dc in each DC to first 3 DC inc; work 2 DC in center stitch; skip shoulder stitches; work 2 DC in center stitch of 3 DC inc.; DC in ea Dc to next 3 DC inc.; again work 2 DC in center stitch; skip over the shoulder stitches; work 2 DC in center of 3 DC inc.; DC to end of row.

BEGIN BODY OF GARMENT:

ROW 10 to 19: Chain 2 and then Dc in each DC to end of row. Do not fasten off at end of last DC row. Turn and chain one to start edging.

(OR repeat ROW 10 until desired length.)

Scalloped edging:
Chain one; sc in first stitch; “chain 2 and miss next stitch; sc in next”.
Repeat between “and “.
Fasten off. Weave loose end in neatly on wrong side.

TIES AND NECK EDGING:
Change to a size F crochet hook.

Chain 36. (leaving a 4-inch tail)
Attach chain to bottom of first DC below the 2 sc at the neck.
Work 4 sc up to the corner (place end of hook through sides of stitches and not around them).
Work 3 sc in first beginning chain loop to turn the corner.
Sc in each chain loop around neck; working 3 sc in last chain loop.
Work 4 sc down side and one in bottom of first DC.
Chain 36 and fasten off, again leaving a 4-inch tail (OR chain 37; slip stitch in second chain from hook and in each chain; sc in each sc around neck and slip stitch in each chain) fasten off, knot ends and trim.

SLEEVES:

Join yarn with a slip stitch bottom of sleeve opening; chain one; 3 sc in side of DC and sc in each st around;3 sc along remaining edge; join with ss in first sc;(28 stitches; just be sure to have the same number of stitches on each sleeve)

Chain 3 for first DC and DC in each sc around; join with ss in 3rd chain of first sc; Continue to chain 3 and work DC rounds until there are 7 rounds on the sleeve. Join and turn as before; chain one CHANGE TO F HOOK and sc in each stitch around. Fasten off.

Work second sleeve the same way.

NOTE: I use a lot of plain vanilla DC and agree with my daughter who proclaimed DC to be a 'very pretty' stitch all by itself. Double crochet compliments both plain colored yarn or a print, speckled or multi color yarn.. and is a stitch that helps to show off the yarn. Also, a well made DC hat, cardigan, jacket, vest and so on will show off the baby rather than the garment. It is the baby who should first receive the compliments and attention :-)

How to create a basic neck down crochet raglan

A FROM SCRATCH SQUARE YOKE (INFANT Size)

This neck-down yoke works for a variety of layette garments including cardigans, jackets, kimonos, vests and dresses.

When making a neck down yoke the basic idea is to work increase rows until the shoulder section measures to equal
the proper armhole depth or sleeve/armhole opening width (circumference).

I have chosen to use an F hook and soft, DK wieght yarn (Bernat Softee Baby). The smaller hook produces a neater,
daintier stitch which looks more in keeping with how small young infants are.

begining chain
1- 7- 1- 4- 1- 14- 1- 4- 1- 7

(total of 41 chain stitches)

The 1 at the bginning represents the chain that will be gobbled up when the first sc is made. (I decided to begin
the yoke with a nice, neat sc row.)

There are 7 chains for each front; 4 for each shoulder, and 14 for the garment back.

Each 1 in between the numbers represents a chain where a 3 sc increase will be worked.

Basically the back needs to be double the size of the front, and each shoulder is about half the size of each front.

Because I need this to have a soft feel and also need it to work up more quickly I have chosen use double crochet as the main stitch.

For a nicer looking edge the chain 2 at the beginning of each row will not be worked into or counted as stitch.

(This also creates a fabric edge that is more stable and easier to work stitches into if need be.)

A 3 DC increase is worked in the center sc of each 3 sc increase group.

NOTE ABOUT INCREASES:
I prefer the 3 dc group as I end up with a more tailored look and a slightly sloping shoulderline which fits nicely
- and there are no holes which at times will detract from the design. Using the 3dc increase is more organic ;
meaning it blends in and grows naturally within the fabric.

When working single crochet rows one may use different types of increases; for example a group of 3 sc; or 5 sc or sc - chain 1 - sc.

On double crochet increase rows you might choose to use a group of 3 or 5 DC; or a shell of 2 DC - chain 1 - 2DC;
or DC -chain 1 - DC.

You might sometimes place an even row worked ( with no increasing) in between the increase rows.

And then another time you might begin with, for example, a 5 DC increase and then change at some point to a 3 DC increase.

The closed group increases produce a more solid raglan line while the open shell decreases will result in a raglan line defined by a slanting row of holes or eyelets.

Garment body:

When it comes time to begin the body; chain 2 as usual and DC across to the first 3 DC increase group. Work 2 DC in
the center stitch; skip over the shoulder stitches and work 2 DC in the center stitch of the next increase group;
Dc across back working 2 DC in the center stitch of the next 3 DC group; again skip the shoulder stitches and work
2 DC in the center stitch and then DC to end.You will notice that this row will ( in this case) add about one inch
to the sleeve opening circumference.

I worked 8 increase rows on yoke of this little sweater and then began the body portion.

Needed to work 12 rows on the body and then one row of sc at the hem ( on right side).

SUGGESTED NECK FINISHIING & TIES:Chain 33 and then sc around neck edge ( sc in each begining chain loop); skip one loop on either side of each
shoulder section; chain 34; slip stitch in second chain from hook and in each chain; slip stitch in each sc along
neck edge and then in each of the first 33 chains, fasten off. Knot ends and trim. If desired a second set of ties
can be made on the edges of the 8th or 9th DC row down from the neck edge.

SLEEVE SUGESTIONS:

FOR VEST: attach yarn on right side at bottom of arm hole and work one round of single crochet (27 sc in this case)

FOR SAQUE OR CARDIGAN: work sc as above and then work rounds of DC for desired sleeve length. Decrease on last
round by working a decrease at the begining or end of the round. Edge with a round of single crochet. Join and turn
each new round so that the sleeve will retain the same alternating row texture as the yoke and body.

OTHER FINISHING SUGGESTIONS:
When making a cardigan I sometimes work a single crochet button band on one side of the front and a corresponding
sc button hole band on the other.
Crocheted or purchased appliques can be sewn on.

NOTE ABOUT JACKETS:
When crocheting a jacket or vest meant to be worn as an outer garment keep in mind that these will need to be loose
enough and with arm holes and sleeves that will fit comfortably over clothing. A regular cardigan or vest can be
made to fit more closely.

Using different hook sizes or a different yarn ( perhaps baby, sport or worsted weight will result in a different
look and will affect the finished size.) Also, if your tension is tighter or looser than mine this will also
produce a different gauge.Using an F hook and DK wt. baby yarn my gauge here is: 5 DC rows per 2 inches and 5 DC
stitches per one inch.

Anyway, this is basically how I work out basic, plain DC "neck down" raglan garments of all sizes... with
variations on the theme (of course!).
If you are unsure of yourself you might wish to begin by creating vests, cardigans and jackets for a baby doll.

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I copied and pasted the above notes from Notepad on my pc and they came out a bit odd. Need to remember to use Word Pad instead!

Wide Brim Crochet Hat Pattern

I wanted an old fashioned, wide brimmed hat... one that fit well and that has a gently stiff, medium wide brim. This is what I came up with. My husband says I ought to add a few flowers or ribbons.

GRAMMY BEE'S SUNDAY HAT

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My Fancy Red Hat
Red Heart Super Saver or Classic 4 ply worsted wt. acrylic yarn
Size G Crochet hook

Donot join rounds, use scrap of contrasting color yarn or bobby pin to mark start of each round.

Crown:
ROUND ONE:Chain 6 and join with a slip stitch to make a circle.
Chain one and work 10 sc in circle.

ROUND TWO: 2 sc in each sc around (20 sc)

ROUND THREE: sc in one and then increase in the next around.

ROUND FOUR: sc in two and then increase in the next around.

ROUND FIVE: work even (sc around with out any increases)

ROUND SIX: sc in 3 and then increase in the next.

ROUND SEVEN: work even

ROUND EIGHT: sc in 4 and then increase in next around.

ROUND NINE: work even

ROUND TEN: sc in 5 and then increase in next around

ROUND ELEVEN: work even

ROUND TWELVE: sc in 6 and then increase in next around

ROUND THIRTEEN: work even

ROUND FOURTEEN: sc in7 and then increase in next around

ROUND FIFTEEN: work even

ROUND SIXTEEN: on this round only; sc in the BLO (back loop only) of each sc around

SIDES OF CROWN:

ROUND 17: sc in 7 and then decrease in next around

ROUND 18: work even

ROUND 19: work even

ROUND 20: work even

ROUND 21: work even

ROUND 22: work even

ROUND 23: work even

BEGIN BRIM:
ROUND 24: working in BLO (this round only) sc in 7 and then increase in next around

ROUND 25: work even

ROUND 26: work even

ROUND 27: sc in 4 and then increase in next; and then at end of round sc in 3 and inc in last.

ROUND 28: sc in 2 and then increase in next: and then at end of round sc in one and inc in last.

ROUND 29: work even

ROUNDS 30 to 35: work even

V STITCH TRIM:

Join and chain 4.
Double Crochet in same stitch.
Chain one.

*Skip one stitch.
Work a V ST in next ( dc-chain one-dc).
Chain one.*
Repeat between * and * around.

End with chain one and join with a slip stitch in 3rd chain of begining chain 4.
Fasten off.

Weave in loose ends on inside of hat as invisibly as possible.
(Pull on the yarn "tail" on inside of hat to cinch up the starting ring.)
Feel free to make any changes. The brim can be worked differently. Also the crown can be used as a base for a different hat design.

Decorate to your heart's desire :-)

Anne , April24, 2007

A Just Right Crochet Cloche Hat

Last evening I used my HDC (Half Double Crochet) hat recipe to tailor a hat that fits me just right. Not too tight or too loose. I'd call this a cloche (close fitting) hat. I designed my original HDC hat to be a versatile starting place and to show off what multi colored (variegated ) yarn can do; for this hat I used Red Heart's "Stars and Stripes" (red, white and blue). This should fit most ladies and is a nice "chemo cap" when made with a soft yarn.

Here are my working notes:

H hook
Red Heart Super Saver or Classic or similar type yarn

Work HDC hat, medium size, total of 16 rounds.
Chain one and work 2 rounds of single crochet,
Change to size G hook and work one more round of sc.
Join in first sc and fasten off.

This is also pretty in plain colors.

Basic Crocheted Ladies Beret

Using a size H crochet hook work same as half double crochet hat up to the increase round for a small hat.

Work even for a total of 12 hdc rounds.

Chain one and work one round of single crochet.

Change to a size G hook and work 2 more rounds of single crochet.

On next round of sc skip over 4 stitches around evenly spaced ( equal distance apart).

Try on hat to see how it fits. (This will help you decide wether or not to change to a size F hook for last two rounds.)

Work 2 more rounds of sc.

Since I need a tighter fit I change to the size F hook. This beret is one of my favorites. It fits nicely and is a becoming style for an older lady ( or a young lady!). When we are older wearing hats help to hold in needed body heat.. did you know we can loose about 80 per cent of our bady heat right through the top of our heads?!

This is a basic pattern that can be made using different types and colors of yarn, worsted wieght cotton or wool for different looks and to match different outfits.

Round Shell Edged Dish Cloth

Materials:
Worsted weight kitchen cotton
Main color and small amount for shell edging
(A cone of the main color and a ball of the edging color will make several dish cloths)
Size G crochet hook
Large eye, blunt wool needle (for weaving in loose ends)
Small, sharp needlework scissors

Stitches Used:
Slipknot
Chain stitch (ch st)
Double Crochet (DC)
Slip stitch (sl st)

Terms Used:

Ch 1 (chain one)
Inc (Increase)
FO (fasten off)
Beg ch (beginning chain)
Ea (each)
Sk (skip)
Rnd (round)
WS (wrong side)
RS (right side)

Method:
This project is worked in rounds.

Note: I got the idea for this from an old round, thread dish cloth that I still have. This version works up quicker and makes a nice gift or exchange item.

RECIPE (Instructions):


Leaving about a 4-inch “ tail” make a slip knot to place over your crochet hook.

Round One: Chain four. (The first three chains here count as the first dc.) Work 12 DC in the fourth ch from the hook. (Work over the yarn tail as well.) Join with a sl st in the top of the beg ch 4. [13 DC]

Round Two: Ch 3 and work one DC in the same place as the ch 3(ch 3 is counted and used as a st on each rnd) Inc in each DC around (this means to work 2 dc in ea st). Join as before.

Round Three: Ch 3 and one DC in same place as ch 3; DC in next st: **Inc in next; DC in next** (Repeat between ** and** around). Join as before.

Round Four: Ch 3 and one DC in same place; one DC in ea of next two DC; **Inc in next; DC in ea of next two around. Join.

Round Five: Ch 3 and one DC in same place; DC in ea of next three DC; **Inc in next; DC in next three** (Repeat between ** and ** around)

Round Six: ch 3 and one DC in same place; DC in ea of next four DC; ** Inc in next; DC in ea of next four** ( Repeat between ** and ** around). Join as before.

Round Seven: ch 3 and one DC in same place; DC in ea of next five DC; ** Inc in next; DC in next five** (Repeat between ** and ** around). NOTE: CHANGE TO EDGING COLOR BY PULLING IT THROUGH LAST 2 LOOPS OF LAST DC ON THIS ROUND.) Cut off old color leaving abut 3 or 4 inches. ( I knot the “tails” of the old and new color together on the WS and then weave them in. The knot will not show and will be more secure.)

Round Eight: EDGING; Ch one and sc in same place ; sk next st and work a **shell
( DC – ch 1 – DC – ch 1 – DC) in next st; sk next st; sc in next; sk next st ** Repeat between ** and ** to last st. Sk last st and sl st in first sc made.

Fasten Off (FO): pull up about a 2 or 3 inch loop. Cut yarn and pull through. You will have about a four inch tail.

Weave in and secure loose ends.

HANGING LOOP:

Use same color yarn as used for edging.

Method one: Leaving a four-inch “tail” chain ten or twelve tightly. Fasten off leaving a four-inch tail. Using your crochet hook, and working with the RS facing, pull one tail through one each side of round one. Knot tails together 2 or 3 times on the worn side. Cut off excess yarn.

Method two: Leaving a four inch tail, and with RS facing, work a single crochet ( or a sl st) over one side of round one. Chain 10 or 12 tightly and sc (or sl st) around opposite side of round one. Pull “tails” through and knot to secure on WS. Clip off excess yarn.

August of 2006

Double Crochet Crochet Camoflage Cap

Size H hook
Camouflage yarn

~~This hat fits a big man ! For medium size omit the last increase round and for a smaller hat omit the last two increase rounds and work a total of 12 rounds.~~

Notes: ch2 to begin rounds. Do not use or count the ch 2 as a stitch. To increase (inc) work 2 dc in the same stitch. On each increase round you will work a given number of dc and then inc in the next stitch.

Ring (chain 3 and work 12 Dc in third chain from hook)


Round 1: inc around to 24
Round 2: inc in e/o (every other stitch)
Round 3: dc 2/inc (double crochet in 2 and then increase in next)
Round 4: dc 3/inc
Round 5: dc 4/inc
Round 6: dc 5/inc
(81 dc)
Rounds 6 to 12 work even ( 12 rounds total)
join
turn, ch one
sc in first DC, make sc decrease, continue to sc around making 3 more evenly spaced decreases (77 sc)

Cuff:
sc in blo (back loop only) around
join
ch2
work 3 rows of hdc for cuff
edge loosely with slip stitch

( 2005)

Half Double Crochet Hat

Half Double Crochet Multi Color Yarn Hat

H or G hook (G makes a tighter hat which I prefer)
variegated, print or multi color worsted weight acrylic yarn

ring ( chain 2 and work 10 sc in second chain from hook)

10sc
join and chain 2 ( does not count as a stitch)

Round 1: hdc inc around to 20

Round 2: hdc inc in every other

Round 3: hdc 2 inc

Round 4:hdc 3 inc

Round 5: work even hdc around

Round 6: hdc 4 inc

ROUND 7:

hdc 5 inc (small)

hdc 6 inc (medium)

hdc 7 inc (large)

Work even to desired length

End with one or more rows of sc

Cuff (optional):

Turn and work round of sc in back loops.
Ch 2 and work 3 or more rounds of hdc (or how ever many needed for desired cuff depth.) End with round of sc, reverse sc or slip stitch.

( 2005)

Crochet Double Strand Cotton Potholder

*Double Strand Cotton Pot Holder*

These are quick, pretty and easy to crochet and work very well.Pot holders MUST be made with cotton. Acrylic yarns will melt!Using an I/9 crochet hook and holding 2 strands of worsted wt. kitchencotton together chain 19. Single chain in first ch from the hk and in ea chto the end.Turn and ch one. From here on continue to turn and ch one at the end of ea row and sc inthe blo (back loop only) of each previous sc.When the pot holder is square (as long as it is wide) continue to crochet an edging all around:Edging: 3 sc in ea cnr (corner) and *sc-ch1-sc* along ea of the 4 sds (sides).Fasten off and tie each of the double tails securely. Snip off excess loose ends.Annie Barnhart pahb 2004

NOTE: To make a hanging loop chain how ever many you need ( 8 or so) at one corner.

Optional Edging: work plain single crochet or half double crochet around.

31 January 2006

NOTE: This is my favorite cotton pot holder. Try using one strand of a light colored yarn and one dark. These wash and wear well and make nice, useful gifts.

Crochet Finger Puppets Pattern

Miniature Theatrical Troupe

Basic People Puppets

Materials:
Size G crochet hook
Blunt, large eye wool needle
Small amounts of worsted wt. Classic yarn
Yarn scraps for embroidering features

These are quick, easy and fun to make. With a bit of imagination the variety and variations are pretty much endless. We keep these in a basket to bring out when children come to visit. Even the grown up children have fun playing with these. Pa calls these our “Theatrical Troupe” .

Working notes and tips:

Change yarn color to represent the puppet’s face (head) and clothing.

When changing yarn color pull new color through last two loops of stitch and then cut off the old color. Knot twice and then trim the tail ends. The knot will be on the inside of the puppet and will not show.

To fasten off yarn slip stitch in next stitch. Cut yarn and remove hook. Pull yarn through. (Don’t pull through the loop.) Weave in loose end on inside of puppet.

To make hair thread yarn through wool needle. Insert needle under a crochet round and bring through on the other side of the round. Pull through desired length of yarn ; cut yarn. Knot once or twice. You will have 2 stands of yarn hair.

To make braids pull yarn through to make long strands (about 7 inches each). Knot yarns and then continue knotting. Trim ends to about ¼ inch. Tie yarn or ribbon bows on ends of braids (optional).

A pencil box makes a nice storage container for your miniature theatrical troupe.

BASIC PUPPET:

Work in rounds. Don’t join rounds. Use yarn scrap to mark the first stitch of each new round.

1.) Chain two and work 4 single crochet in the second chain.
2.) Increase ( 2 sc) in each of the 4 sc. [8 sc]
3.) Increase (Inc) in first sc,;sc in each of next 2 sc; inc in next sc; sc in next 2; inc in next and sc in last. [11 sc]
4.) Work even on 11 sc.
5.) Continue to work even on the 11 sc until puppet is desired size.

Lady Wearing A Full Dress:

Head: work 5 rounds
Dress: Work one round even in dress color. And then increase in every other sc on next round [ 7 rounds}
Slip stitch into firs sc of next round and chain 2 (for first double crochet). Double crochet in each sc around and join with a slip stitch in the second chain of the chain 2.

Hem: Chain one and sc in the first dc ** chain one and sc in next sc ** Repeat between ** around. Fasten off .

Tie a yarn bow on front of dress.

Baby :

Head: 4 rounds in skin color
Gown: 4 rounds in color of choice ( or pink for girl and blue for boy)
Hem: sc, ch 1, sc picot trim ( same as on lady’s dress)

Girl with long braids:

Head: 4 rounds
Dress: change to pink yarn . Work in back loops around on round 5.
Round 6: slip stitch into next SC and chain two for first DC; **2 DC in next sc; one Dc in next** Repeat between ** around. Two Dc in last SC. Join in top of chain 2.
Round 7: chain two and DC in each DC around. Join as before.
HEM: Chain one and work 2 sc in same place; SC in next and inc in next around. Fasten off.

Braids : Cut two 14 inch lengths of yarn in hair color. Thread needle . Insert threaded needle under one side of round one and bring out on the other side. Pull yarn through until the two ends are even. Remove needle and knot yarn over the round. Continue making knots and then trim and fray the ends. ( To fray all you do is to separate the yarn plies with your fingers.)

Basic Hat:

Work in Rounds:
1.) Chain 2 and work 5 sc in second chain.
2.) Increase in first sc; sc in next 4 sc; Inc; sc in last 4.
3.) Work even on 12 sc.
4.) Slip stitch around and fasten off.

Hat with brim:

Work first three rounds of basic hat.
Working in the back loops of each sc : inc in each of the 12 sc around on round 4. Fasten off.


NOTE: Use the two hat patterns as a starting place to create you own.

Christmas hat: red yarn with white trim and a a top knot of white yarn

Top knot on hats is made the same as yarn hair, Separate ply for a frizzy look ( I like to do this with hair).

HAVE FUN WITH THIS!!

28 August 2006

Child or Infant Crocheted Hat or Cap

This is my own crochet recipe and I have used it many times. The hats can be made plain following the instructions exactly - or you may add your own details and make any changes your heart desires. However, it will help to first make one or more plain vanilla hats ( which are very nice on thier own). Using different types of yarn or wool will create different looks. The instructions are meant for 4 ply worsted wieght yarn such as the Red Heart Classic or any yarn with a similiar thickeness. These practical hats work up fairly quick and look cute on the little ones.

Simple Double Crochet Cold Weather Caps
(Infant and Child's Sizes)

I hook and 4 ply worsted weight yarn

Last 3 or 4 or so DC rounds are turned up to form a ear warmer cuff.

Starting at crown of hat:

*Form ring by wrapping yarn twice around index finger and then pulling a loop of the working yran through with your crochet hook. **Chain 2 and then work 18 DC in the ring. Join in the top of the first Dc with a slip stitch and then chain 2 to begin the second round. Pull yarn tail to tighten circle. The ch 2 is not used or counted as a stitch.

(*Or chain 4 or 5, join to form a ring , chain 2 and work 18 DC in the ring.)

(**If you prefer you have my permission to chain 3 for the first DC rather than 2.)

Second Round: DC in same place as the ch 2 and then increase by making 2 DC in the next stitch; Dc in next and inc in next around. Join as before and chain 2. (=26 Dc)

Third Round: DC in two and increase in next stitch around. Join as before. Chain 2. (=36 DC)

Fourth Round: DC in 3 and increase in next around. Join and chain 2.
(=45 stitches )

Stop here for infant's cap (15 inch circumference). Continue to work even for ten more rounds (or until desired length).

Fifth Round: DC in 4 and increase in next stitch around. (=55 stitches)

Stop here for toddler's size ( 18 inch circumference) cap. Continue to work even for 10 or 11 more rounds on 55 stitches.

Edging: sc in 3, increase in next around.