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)

Finished HDC Child's Jacket !!

Finished my week end crochet from scratch project and I am very pleased with the outcome!

Did the worked on sleeves differently than planned in my notes - so that they are nicely tapered. Now to take a photo.

This will be even warmer worked in wool or a wool blend. Would like to donate these to the Children In Common knitting project, however, I don't know that they will accept crocheted garments?

My husband suggests that I make a matching hat. Good idea :-)

Here are my continued working notes:

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THe JACKET I AM MAKING:
8 hdc rows (sleeve section measures 8-inches)on row 9 I made a hdc increase before each hdc- Dc - hdc increase.

Worked 18 hdc row on body of jacket.

End with 2 sc, slip stich across on right side, ss on side of front tthen sc up side, 3 sc in corner, sc around
neck edge, 3 sc in corner, sc down front, ss at end, turn, ss in next st and sc up in each sc on side; turn, chain
one and sc back down, ss in last, turn, chain one; sc in each sc,ss in firs sc on neck edge, turn chain one and sc
down, ss in last and fasten off. This completes a firm button band.
Mark where button holes should be made.
Button hole band. Attach yarn on right side at bottom of other front. Work sc tightly up side; chain 2 and miss two
stitches for each button hole, Turn, chain one and change to smaller (H) hook; sc in each stitch, 1 sc over each
chain 2. Turn and ss in each sc up to neck (LOOSELY); ss loosely around neck and down button band.
Sleeves; I Hook ; 33 sc on right side; then work hdc rounds. I decided to not turn the rounds.On second hdc round
work hdc decrease over last 2 stitches.On 6th hdc round again decrease over last 2. On 11th round again decrease
over last 2. At end of 14th round decrease again. At end of 16th round decrease again. Work 2 more rounds. Change
to smaller H hook and work 2 rounds of sc and then a round of slip stitch.
(This recipe will also create a nice, short. 3/4 or long sleeved sleeve shirt when worked with sport or baby yarn.)
The hdc rounds spiral and leave a decorative diagonal trail which appears on the opposite sides of each sleeve. This is not unattractive and does not detract from the looks of the jacket. Gives those who look to criticize something to point out :-)

The sleeve can be folded up to form a cuff making it easy to change between a 3/4 length and long sleeve.

Now to properly write out the recipe (pattern).

Working on made to measure child's jacket

This week end I began working on a made to measurements, crocheted child's cardigan, jacket. This could also be a vest. After some experimenting I chose to use a size I crochet hook and half double crochet stitches for the main fabric.

I am using Red Heart Super Saver 'Sugar & Spice' ; which is one of my favorites for children and toddlers as it goes well with denim clothing and is suitable for either a boy or a girl.

Crochet fabric is often thicker and sturdier making it perfect for outer wear when a close stitch patten such as half double or single crochet is used.

You are welcome to make use of my working notes:
( Now that I have a lap top computer it can be used to jot down notes and measurments in either Note Pad or Word Pad. These can then be saved in a document folder. A tape recorder can also be used to take notes. Perhaps I will also see if there is a way to take verbal notes using the pc microphone?)

WORKING NOTES FOR HDC JACKET / VEST:
1-8-1-5-1-16-1-5-1-8

To make raglan increase: hdc-dc-hdc; and then one next increase row work increase in the DC in each increase group.

Chain 47
sc in 8, inc, sc 5, inc, sc 16, inc, sc 5, inc, sc in last 8
chain 2 ( not worked into as a stitch ); hdc in ea sc and inc in each DC ( 4 increases)
repeat above row until needed sleeve opening circumference is reached...less about one inch
form sleeve openings/armholes:
hdc in each stitch to first DC work 2 DC in the DC; skip shoulder stitches; work 2 DC in next Dc; hdc across back to nest DC; work 2 DC in the Dc; skip shoulder stitches; work 2 DC in Dc and hdc in each remaining stitch.
work body of jacket in rows of hadc until desired length

NOTES:
Work sleeves onto sleeve openings in the round; turning each round; shape by changing to size smaller hook 3 rounds from cuff; work sc cuff; or work sc in blo and made cuff that can be turned up.



THE JACKET I AM PRESENTLY MAKING:
This is a heavier cardigan/jacket; hdc is used for warmth and to create a more solid fabric.
8 hdc rows (sleeve section measures 8-inches)
on row 9 I made a hdc increase before each hdc- Dc - hdc increase.

I may not have enough of the sugar and spice yarn on hand to complete the jacket. Will know when it comes time to do the sleeves.

Also need to decide whether to do a zip up front or button up?

(When this is finished I will write out a complete recipe and share a photo)

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 :-)

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

Basic Crocheted Neck Scarf

A crocheted neck scarf is simply a narrow length of crocheted fabric.

Dressy scarves meant to be worn as a decorative accessory are typically smaller. These are often crocheted with light weight and/or specialty yarns. Open, lacy stitch patterns are the most popular for an accent scarf.

Mufflers (winter neck scarves) are meant to be warm and are best made with stitches ( and hook size) that create a more solid fabric. Crochet mufflers are thicker than knit ones and require more wool or yarn. Alternating sc and dc rows work well and produce and attractive fabric. Plain dc, a closed shell stitch, hdc or dc alternated with rows of sc also produces a nice scarf. I like to use a hook that is large enough to produce a softer, more supple fabric without the stitches being too open (or full of holes).

All you need to do is to chain to the desired width and work till the scarf is long enough. To work a particular stitch pattern it will be needful to know how many multiples of a number to chain - or weather you need an even or uneven number to work on.

Hatter Chatter.. about crocheting hats..

When ever I have created a crochet hat or cap recipe (pattern) it will have been the result of need or special request. The camoflage hat was designed to fill a request made by one of our grown up sons. He wanted a particular fit and manly look. Of course you are not required to use camoflage yarn :-)

When I crochet a hat in the round I make certain to leave a 4 to 6 inch tail when starting the begining ring and then after a few rounds I give that tail a good hard yank to cinch the hole closed. The remainder is then woven in on the inside of the hat and trimmed.

All hats that are crocheted in the round are based on the same basic templete; begin at the center and work increase rounds untill crown is desired circumference. You then contiunue to work rounds with out making increases and stop when your hat is long enough. Even fancier, floppy brimed, roll brim, tams and visored caps start out life the same way.

I hope you will use my basic recipes to create your own!

About crocheting doll clothes..

Many of the free "premie" and baby patterns shared online should work very well as doll clothes. I have tried only one of these patterns myself ( the onsie .. with out the booties). Over the years I have come up with my own recipes for doll clothing; including planning and writting down recipes for basic yokes and bodices that can be used to make dresses, cardigans, coats, vests and so on. The begining neck line, bodice, yoke and waist band are basically the same in any crochet garment pattern.

Onsie and Booties ( has a photo)http://www.craftown.com/baby/pat18.htm