My Hook is on Fire

Sorry about not posting the pattern for the Granny Square hat yet. I ran out of the yarn I used for the squares. Didn't want to to work the hat with another brand because I was afraid it would throw off the gauge. We have had over 20 inches of snow in the past week. Had a power outage that lasted for almost a whole day and I am still trying to recover from a bad stomach bug. I've been out only once in the past week. Maybe a few more days before I am ready to venture out again. As long as I still have yarn, I am in good shape. In fact, I own so much of it, I could probably open a small store myself.

Have had a lot of time to work on a few projects on my to do list. I will share some of them and links to the patterns if I can find them.

These are Button up Cocoons I worked with a pattern from Red Heart.  This pattern did have a few new stitches but the instructions were clear and I didn't have any problems following them. It took me about 4 hours for each cocoon. I worked the hats in concession. The first one took a little longer about 40 minutes. Since I was familiar with the pattern, the second one only took about 30 minutes. I really like this set and it is now my new go to pattern.
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/button-baby-cocoon-and-hat

I finally took the time to learn the Crocodile Stitch. Made this little hat  and learned the stitch  watching a You Tube video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ebo8Rqgy4g
The stitch is labor intensive and eats a lot of yarn but it is well worth it. This little hat is very dense and warm. I am going to make myself a scarf using this stitch. Also thought about making another baby hat in red, adding a stem and leaves and sewing little black beads to the end of each petal. Would make a very cute little Strawberry hat. Don't you agree?

 Every little girl should own a Sailor Dress. Made the dress and cap from a pattern I purchased from Leisure Arts. My mind is already working on a pattern for a little boy to match this dress. Who knows, maybe sometime soon I can post it. Made some little MaryJanes in Navy to match the dress. Only finished those a few days ago. Made the dress about 4 weeks ago.

It was only a matter of time. I finally made my first owl hat. I used Fun fur for the outline of the ears and the braid. Most of my earflap hats and beanies are made using either single crochet or half double crochets. I think they are much warmer than those that are made with double crochets.

This is a hat I made for one of my granddaughters. She lives with several Pug friends. This is a purchased pattern. Ira Roth on Etsy is the designer. She has some very cute patterns and is a very talented.

This hat happened by accident. It started as a practice project. I was trying to figure out how to work the spiral. I knew it was just a matter of moving the front post double crochets in a pattern, but I wasn't quite sure how to work it with the increase rounds. I only had to undo a total of 2 rounds before it clicked. Before I knew it, another hat was done. This is also the same day I designed a new flower. It is the same Large 6 Petal flower I used for the Diaper set in my last post. My Mother-in law is now the proud owner of a new spring hat. It fits her perfectly.

A couple of Fun Mowhawk earflap hats I did in January. I made these out of I love this Yarn by Hobby Lobby. The only yarn I was able to purchase locally in Neon colors. Hobby Lobby is having a problem with the manufacturer of their yarn. The shelves are getting empty and I am not sure if they are going to continue selling the yarn I love to work with. These hats are best when worked with a single crochet. I cut my yarn about 5 inches and add 3 strands to the center line of the hat. I am working on a Peace sign and Skull and Crossbones to add to the sides. My 2 grandsons love their hats. They had people at Walmart stop them to find out, where they got their hats.

This hat was designed by my 6 year old granddaughter. This little girl knew what she wanted. The body of this hat is made using the Bobble stitch. I added 2 rounds of single crochets for each stripe of the trim. The final version also had small crochet bows at the end of the pig tails.

As you can tell, I love to crochet hats. They are a great way to work out new pattern and stitches. They work up quick and the possibilities are endless. Most of these hats are made, without to use of a pattern. Once you know the basic construction of the hat, it is very easy to design your own master pieces. If you need a little help, refer back to one of my previous posts on how to design and properly fit a hat. One day soon, I am going to figure out how to link back to previous posts. At this point I can only recommend looking at the menu.

My newest project is a spiral pattern beanie. This is a new and very nice free pattern, I started this morning. I do not recommened working  this pattern without suffisiant amounts of caffein in your system. An hour later, starting it twice, I was stuck on round four. For some reason, my brain and hook did not want to work in unsisom on this pattern. This was one of those rare times, I had to put a project aside for a while. I will try again tomorrow. This pattern is perfect for a male and I thought it was very nice to use as a base for a bearded beanie. Will post some picture if I ever get it done.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/swirl-beanie

Don't Eat the Daisies Newborn Diaper Cover and Shell Beanie

Being snowed in for a week,  I had a lot of extra time to reduce some of my yarn stash. I have a lot of partial skeins and since baby items do not use a lot of yarn, I started to work on a baby hat. Out of a half a skein of of I love this Yarn in Periwinkle, I was able to make a hat, a diaper cover and cute slippers to complete the set. I love this color and it pares well with white. I added the Ladybug buttons as an afterthought. The results are adorable. If you like this pattern please leave a comment and join this Blog,  to keep  updated on any new releases.

The hat is worked with a simple large shell and V-stitch pattern. The diaper cover and slippers are half double crochets. They are all easy to make projects and work up very fast. 

Beanie Pattern

Size - Newborn 14 inch diameter and 5 1/2 inches deep. 

Supplies: Worsted weight yarn (I used Hobby Lobby's I love this yarn in Periwinkle and White). Small amount of yellow for center of flowers.

Size J - 5.50 mm Crochet hook

My stitch gauge for a 4 inch square is as follows: 14 hdc and 10 rows

Special stitch pattern: Beginning Large Shell: Chain 3, 2 dc, into same stitch. 

                                 Large Shell - 5 double crochet into same stitch

                                 Beginning V-stitch: Chain 4 (1 dc + ch 1 space) 1 dc in first stitch

                                 V - stitch - 1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc in same stitch

Chain 3 counts as 1st dc in each round.

With Main color (Periwinkle)

Rd 1: Ch 2, work 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Slip stitch to top of 1st sc. (6 sc)

Rd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st across. Slip stitch to top of 1st sc.  (12 sc)

Rd 3: Ch 1, sc in same st as chain, 2 sc in next st. 1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st. Repeat till end of rd. (18 sc)

Rd 4: Chain 3, 1 dc in same st. 1 dc in next st. 2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next st. Repeat for end of round. Slip stitch to top of chain 3. (27 dc)

Rd 5: Slip stitch into space between first 2 dc. work Beginning V-Stitch (ch 4, 1 dc). Skip next dc. Work 2 dc in space of single dc of previous rd. Skip next dc. Work V-stitch (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) into space between next 2 dc of previous rd. Skip next dc, 2 dc into single dc of previous rd. continue working V-stitch and 2 dc for end of rd. Slip stitch to 3rd ch of beginning ch 4.  (9 V-stitches, 18 dc)

Rd 6: Slip stitch into ch space of first V-stitch, Work Beginning Large Shell (ch 3, 2 dc) into ch 1 space. Sc in space between next 2 dc group. *Work Large Shell (5 dc) into next chain 1 space, sc into next space between 2 dc group*. Repeat from *-*. 2 dc in space of  Beginning shell. Slip stitch to top of ch 3. (9 Shells, 9 sc)

Rd 7: Ch 1, sc in same stitch. ch 1, *Work V-stitch on top of next sc, ch 1, sc in center of Large Shell (3rd dc), ch 1 *, repeat from *-* till end of rd. Slip stitch to top of 1st sc. (9 V-stitches, 9 sc, 18 ch 1 spaces)

Rd 8: Work Beginning Shell, sc in center of next V-stitch, shell, sc in center of next V-stitch till end of rd. 2 dc in same space as Beginning Shell. Slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. (9 Shells, 9 sc)

Rd 9 - 12 repeat rounds 7-8 2 times. 

Rd 13: change to CC (white). Ch 1, sc into same stitch and in each stitch around. Slip stitch to top of 1st sc. (54 sc)

Rd 14: repeat rd. 13, break yarn. (attach Large Loop Flower)

I am still working out additional sizing. I did one more hat using Vanna's Baby (slightly finer yarn, you might need to reduce size of hook slightly). I added 2 additional stitches to rd. 3 (20 sc) to get one additional shell repeat and 2 added 2 rows. This increased my dimensions to 16 1/2 inch diameter and 7 inches deep. This should fit size 18 - 24 months. Size can also be reduced, by eliminating all if the chain spaces between the sc and V- stitches.  Often a change in hook size will change the dimensions, to fit a slightly smaller or larger head. 

Diaper Cover 

Size - Newborn - 3 months. 

Worsted weight (4 medium) ( I used Hobby Lobby's I love this Yarn in Periwinkle and white for trim.) Small amount for yellow (center of flower). 

Size J - 5.50 mm crochet hook

Button 

Special Stitches: 2 hdc together. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yo pull up a loop, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over and pull a loop through (5 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all the loops on the hook. 

Rd 1: With Main Color, Chain 49, sc in 2nd chain from hook and in each stitch around. (48 sc) turn.

Rd 2: Ch 3, dc in each stitch around (48 dc) turn
Rd 3: Ch 1, sc in same stitch and each stitch around (48 sc) turn

Rd 4: Slip stitch into next 12 stitches, ch 2, hdc same stitch and in next 23 stitches (leaving rest unworked). (24 hdc), turn

Rd 5, Hdc in each stitch across (24 hdc)
Rd 6, 7, 8  Repeat rd 5

Rd 9: Chain 2, hdc together next 2 stitches, hdc next 20, hdc together last 2 (22 hdc)

Rd 10: Ch 2 hdc in each stitch (22 hdc), turn

Rd 11: Ch 2, hdc next 2 st together, hdc next 18, hdc together last 2 stitches. (20 hdc), turn

Rd 12: Ch 2, hdc in each stitch across. (20 hdc), turn.

Rd 13: Ch 2, hdc first 2 together, hdc in next 16 stitches, hdc last 2 together. (18 hdc), turn

Rd 14: Ch 2, hdc first 2 together, hdc in next 14 stitches, hdc together last 2 stitches (16 hdc), turn.

Rd 15: Ch 2, hdc first 2 together, hdc in next 12 stitches, hdc together last 2 stitches (14 hdc), turn
Rd 16- 23: Ch 2, hdc in each stitch around (14 hdc)

Rd 24: Change to CC, chain 1 sc around diaper cover putting 2 sc in corners of bottom edge and waistband. Slip stitch to top of 1st sc. Do not turn.

Rd 25: Chain 1, sc in each stitch around. Break yarn, weave in ends. 

Rd 26: repeat rd 25
Attach small flower.

                                            

Baby Slippers

Size: Newborn

Worsted Weight (4 medium). MC (I use Hobby Lobby's I love this yarn)

Size G hook - 4 mm

Special stitches: 2 hdc tog. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch,yo and pull up a loop, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over and pull a loop through (5 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all the loops on the hook.

Stitching in Back Loop only

                                                     

This is worked in the round, do not turn.

Rd 1: With CC (white) chain 10, hdc in 3rd chain from hook and in next 6 chains, 6 hdc into last chain. Working on opposite side of chain, 7 hdc evenly into loops, 5 hdc into last stitch, slip stitch to beginning hdc. (25 hdc)

Rd 2: Ch 1, sc in next 7 stitches, work 2 sc into next 5 stitches, sc in next 7 stitches, 2 sc in each of the next 5 stitches, slip stitch to top of 1st sc. (34 sc)

Rd 3: Ch 1, sc into next 7 stitches, (2 sc in next, 1 sc in next) repeat 5 times, sc in next 7 stitches, (2 sc in next, 1 sc in next) 5 times. (44 sc)
Rd 4: Change to MC. Ch 2, in front loops only  hdc in each stitch across, slip stitch to top of ch 2. (44 hdc)
Rd 5: Ch 2, hdc in each of the next 7 stitches, hdc together 7 times (total of 14 st), hdc in next 23 st, slip stitch to top of ch 2. (37 hdc)
Rd 6: Ch 2, hdc in each of the next 5 stitches, hdc together 6 times (total of 12 st), hdc in next 20 st, slip stitch to top of ch 2. (31 hdc)
Rd 7: Change to CC, ch 1, sc in each stitch across. (31 sc). Fasten off, weave in ends. Attach a small flower to top of each slipper.   

Large 6 Petal Flower

With Yellow, ch 4, slip stitch to first chain.

Rd 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 11 dc into ring. (12 dc)

Rd 2: Change to MC (white). Ch 1, sc in same st, *ch 3, skip next dc, sc in next stitch*, repeat from *-*. Slip stitch to first sc. *(6 ch 3 spaces)
Rd 3: Slip stitch in first chain space, ch 1 (1 sc, 1 hdc, 3 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc) in each chain space around. Slip stitch to first sc. (6 petals made)
Rd 4: Ch 2, Working behind petals,sc around post of next petal (insert hook from back around post). ch 8, slip stitch into sc at the beginning of ch just made, *ch 2, sc around post of next pedal, ch 8, slip stitch into sc at the beginning of chain*. *-* Repeat around all petals, slip stitch into first sc. (6 ch 2 and 6 ch 8 loops)
Rd 5: Slip stitch into first ch 8 space, sc, hdc, 6 dc, ch 1, 6 dc, hdc, sc in first chain 8 space (large petal made). To anchor and close the petal, slip stitch into sc of the previous rd, ( first sc below beginning of ch 8 space.(Sorry, was going to have picture but camera is out of batteries). Slip stitch into next chain 8 space and repeat as for previous petal. Repeat 4 more times. Slip stitch into first sc. Fasten off, leaving long tail to attach flower. (6 large petals)

Small 5 Petal Flower

Make 3, (2 for slippers and 1 for diaper cover)

Rd 1: With yellow, ch 2, 10 sc in 2nd ch from hook, slip stitch to top.

Rd 2: With MC (white), ch 1, * (1 sc, 2 hdc) in next stitch, (1 dc, 2 hdc, 1 sc) in next stitch* (first small petal made). Repeat from *-* for remainder of rd. Slip stitch to beg. chain 1. Fasten off, leaving long tail to attach flower. (5 small petals)

This pattern has not been tested. If you find any errors please let me know, so I can make any corrections necessary.

Another set I made using the pattern. This time I opted for butterflies.

This Pattern is my original design and not to be posted or reproduced on any website, or printed version. You may use your finished project for any purpose. If you wish to share this pattern, please only provide a link back to the pattern.

Added the PDF Version, hope this makes it easier to save this pattern to your computer.

Spring Flower Granny Square Shoulder Bag

Part 2: Making the Bag

Sorry, it took me a bit longer than anticipated  to post the pattern for the bag. I've been a bit under the weather and a little slow in getting things done. This is a cute bag to take to the beach or the pool. It consists of 16 Granny Squares with center flower (see previous post). For my bag I used Hobby Lobby's I love this yarn in several colors. I used 4 different colors for the flowers in the square and the coordinating Ombre (Seaside) to compliment my colors. The white was worked with Red Heart Super Soft. I used a size H hook. Gauge is not important. This is a great stash bust project.

My finished bag measured: 16 inches deep (from top of peak to bottom of bag) and 13 1/2 inches wide.      

The most difficult part is the assembly of the squares. I took a lot of pictures of this process to make it as easy as possible. 

Work 16 squares, weave in loose ends.

Assembly:

This bag is assembled in a pin wheel fashion. First, sew 4 of your squares together to create the bottom center square. Lay out your pattern as pictured below.

Sew the center 4 pieces together. When laying out your pattern, keep in mind that the 2nd square in a row will be folded and attached to the empty space of your center square. The center square will the the folded bottom of the bag when it is fully assembled. This is helpful to remember, when laying out different colored squares. 

Hint: Before sewing the pieces together I recommend pinning or basting the squares with large running stitches of a contrasting color. It is easier to pull one unsecured piece of string than it is to take apart securely stitched squares.

Test the layout of your squares before sewing them together. If you are satisfied with your color layout. Securely attach the squares. I do a flat seem by holding squares right side together and whip stitch only the outside loops of the sc's on both squares. See: http://www.patonsyarns.com/images/glossary/FlatSeamCrochet.jpg 

You can also crochet a flat seam using this tutorial: http://www.crochettoday.com/how-to/how-seam-together-crochet

Once you have all of the squares secured into the pinwheel, it is time to attach the rows. Start by folding one row onto the next in this manner. (see picture above). The square in the center will be folded in half. Remember, the finished bag will have peaks and is not a rectangle. The extra square in the row will create one of the peaks. Again, I  recommend basting all of the rows before sewing. 

This is how your bag should look with 3 of the seems attached. Remember, when assembling the rows, the 4th square of the row, will become the 3rd square in the next row. 

Wrong side of bag with all of the squares fully attached. 

Once all of the squares a securely sewn together, remove all basting stitches and dew in any loose ends. Now it is time to attach the handles and finish the top of the bag. 

Handles and top of bag: Attach yarn to center single crochet of any peak. (see photo below).

Chain 55 and attach to center single crochet in next peak. Break yarn. Repeat for other side (handle). Do not break yarn. At this point I do need to offer an apology. I am unable to give any stitch counts from this point on. My notes on this were written on the back of a pattern instead of my notebook. I cleaned off my desk and sent a bunch of papers through the shredder. Since the top of the bag is very easy to do and I have photos for the instructions, I didn't have the heart to undo all of my hard work and re-write the pattern for this. 

The top of the bag and the handles are worked in continues rounds. Once you attach the chain 55 to the top of the last peak, continue with single crochets down the square until you reach the valley ( were 3 squares meet. Single crochet together the last stitch of the square you are working on and the first stitch of the next square coming back up. (See photo below.)

Single crochet all stitches. Single crochet in all 55 chain stitches of the handle, catching in one loop only. Repeat this pattern until the end of the row. (The section of squares between each handle will remain unworked for now.) 

Rd 2: Repeat row 1, as before, sc together the last and first stitches of the squares in the valley. In this round you will also sc together the last stitch of the peak of the square and first stitch of the handle. Single crochet all the way around (over both handles and all of the squares worked in the previous round.)

Rd 3: Slip stitch through all stitches of the previous round, break yarn. 

Previously unworked section and other side of handles:

Rd 1: Attach yarn to unworked section at the top of peak where handle meets the square. Repeat as before. Single crochet around all unworked stitches, Sc together in valleys of bag and sc all stitches of handle (working in both loops of other side of starting chains).

Rd 2: Repeat round 1, sc around all stitches.

Rd: 3: Slip stitch into all sc of previous round. Repeat all steps for other unworked section and handle. Break yarn and finish all loose ends. 

Part 3 in this series is the matching Spring hat using the flowers and a modified version of the square. Hoping to post this pattern before the end of this week. 

Easy Granny Square with Center Flower

Part 1: The flower and square

This is a simple granny square measures about 5 X 5 inches. The center flower is about 2 inches in diameter. used a medium worsted weight yarn and a H hook. The flower consists of single crochet center and 8 popcorn stitches making up the pedals. I wanted a square small enough to be used in several projects, with the flower being the center piece. After making a large number a small flowers, I chose this simple popcorn flower because I love the way in stands above the square and adds a lot of dimension to the finished product. By itself it is small and plain but using it in conjunction with the square, it really pops. 

Special Stitches

Beginning popcorn: Chain 3, wk 4 dc into same stitch. Drop the loop from hook, insert hook from front to back into top of chain 3. Pick up the dropped loop. Yarn over and draw through all loops on hook. 

Popcorn: 5 dc into same space. Drop loop, insert hook from front to back into top of first dc. Pick up dropped loop, yarn over and draw through all loops on hook.

Helpful hint. Since there are a lot of color changes, it is helpful to work over as many loose ends as possible to cut down on the number of ends that need to be worked in later. 

Insert hook from front to back into first  stitch

The Flower:

For the center I chose yellow and worked the pedals in a different color.

Rd 1: (center) Like any project worked in the round, there are several ways to work this round. Choose the one you prefer. Work either 8 sc into a magic loop, slip stitch into first sc. 

2nd method: Chain 4 slip stitch into first chain. Chain 1 and sc 8 into ring. Slip stitch  to top of first sc.                           

3rd method: Chain 2, work 8 sc into 2nd chain from hook, slip stitch to first sc. Fasten off or change color for pedal  round. 

Finished Center

Rd 2: (pedals) I prefer to fasten off and start joining the new color with a sc to any sc of the first rd. This gives this flower a neater finish. (You can also with alternating color chain 1, sc into first sc.) Chain 3, sc into next stitch, chain 3, sc into next stitch. Repeat until you have 8 chain 3 loops. Slip stitch into first sc and into first chain 3 loop. 8 chain 3 loops.

Rd 3: Work beginning popcorn (see top), chain 1, into next chain work popcorn (see top), chain 1. work popcorn, ch 1 into each remaining chain. Slip stitch to the top of chain 3 of beginning pedal. Fasten off. 8 pedals made.

Back of pedals

Finished Flower

Working the square:

Rd 1: I used mint green for this round. With sc attach yarn to any chain one space between pedals. Chain 3, sc into chain 1 space of next pedal. Repeat for a total of 8 chain 3 loops. Slip stitch into first loop made. 8 chain 3 loops total.

Rd 2: Chain 3, 2 dc into same space. Chain 1, in next chain 3 loop work corner (triple crochet, chain 1, triple crochet, chain 1, triple crochet), chain 1. In next chain 3 loop work 3 dc cluster, chain 1. repeat corners, chain 1 and clusters,chain 1 (ending with corner, chain 1) Slip stitch into top of beginning chain 3 space. Fasten off. 4 leaf corners and 4 clusters made. 

Rd 3: With color of your choice (I used white) attach with slip stitch to any chain 1 space between corner leaf and first cluster of previous rd. Chain 3, 2 dc into same space. (Beginning cluster made)

Work cluster into next ch 1 space. (Skip next triple crochet and chain 1 space). Into center triple crochet of previous round, work corner (3 dc, chain 2, 3 dc). Into next chain 1 space between leaf and cluster of previous rd (skip next sc and triple crochet), work 3 dc cluster, work cluster into next chain space, work corner into next center triple crochet. Repeat pattern for end of round. Slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. 8 clusters and 4 corners made.

Rd 4: Slip stitch into next 2 dc and into next space. Work as for previous rd. Clusters into spaces between clusters and corners into ch 2 corner spaces. Slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. 12 clusters and 4 corners made. Fasten off.  (If you would like to make a bigger square continue rounds in this manner until square is desired size.)

Rd: 5 Using contrasting color (I used an ombre yarn matching the colors of my flowers) attach with sc to any corner space,(leaving a long tail to stitch squares together). sc in corner and in each stitch across, with 3 sc in each corner space. In last corner space work 1 sc, slip stitch to top of first sc. Fasten off, leaving long tail for attaching squares. 

Like any granny square, this square can be used for a lot of projects. I think this would make a very pretty afghan. I have already worked it into a cute summer hat and I am currently working on making a matching Tote or Shoulder bag. Will post the patterns very soon. I am in the process of assembling the Tote. Need to rework the hat. When I did my original calculations, I forgot to take the dept of the circle into account. This hat comes down to my eyes. Live and learn! 

Omitted last 2 rounds of the square. This hat has a total of 6 squares. 

Close up of the flower in the hat. 

Since these are my original patterns, please don't claim as your own. You have my permission to post the patterns on your Blog or Website as long as you link back to my Blog, giving me credit as the designer and original source. 

Lacy Crochet Bow with Center Flower

Can you tell I love bows? Not only are bows very pretty, they are also a very versatile accessory. They can be attached to brooch pins, hair clips or sewn on, to add instant flair to any project. Someone posted a photo  of a bow on one of the crochet Facebook pages I like. Other than a few photos and Chinese symbols, there were no directions on how to make it. I liked the lacy look of this bow and after studying the photos, I had a pretty good idea of how it was made. 

This is a very easy pattern. The body of the bow consists of chain spaces and the flower is simple. One layer with 6 pedals. I used Caron Simply Soft and a size H hook. The Chinese version was made with 2 strands of fine crochet thread. My finished bow measures 5 inches by 2 inches.  I haven't tried making this bow with bulkier worsted weight yarn. I like the dainty look of the finer yarn because it gives it more of a lacy look. 

This bow is worked in the round.

Chain 60, slip stitch to the first chain, being careful not to twist the chain. 

Rd 1: Chain 3, skip 2 chains, slip stitch into 3rd chain. Repeat till the end of round, slip stitch in to first stitch.

Rd 2: I worked the rest of this bow in one continues round, using the starting tail as my guide to the end of my rounds. You can also mark the first loop with a piece of yarn. Chain 3, slip stitch into first loop. Chain 3, slip stitch into next loop. Continue in this manner until your bow is the with you need. Mine was 2 inches without the border. Fasten off.

Border: With contrasting color, attach yarn with single crochet to any chain 3 space of the last round. If you don't now how to attach with single crochet, attach yarn into center of chain, chain 1, sc in same space.

Chain 3, double crochet into the the sc you just made.

Chain 3, single crochet into next ch 3 space. Double crochet into sc just made, chain 3, sc into next space. Continue to the end of round, slip stitch into first sc. Fasten off.

Now working on opposite side of bow (60 starting chain). Attach yarn with sc to any slip stitch of the first row. Do not crochet into the spaces. Work the same as for other side only this time you crochet into the slip stitches of the first round. Fasten off, work in ends.

I like to tri- fold my bows and stitch the center so it will hold it's shape. Fold bow in half and fold top and bottom edge of the bow to the fold in the center.

To make the center piece of the bow: Chain 16, sc in 2nd chain from hook and into each stitch to end of row. Chain 1, turn. Sc in each stitch across. Fasten off, leaving a longer tail. Attach enter to bow, slip stitch closed in center of back. 

Flower: Rd 1, for center of flower, chain 4 and slip stitch to first chain or into magic ring work 16 dc. First chain 3 + 15 dc. Slip stitch to top of chain 3. Fasten off.

Rd 2: With contrasting color attach with sc to any dc of previous round. Chain 4, skip 2 dc, sc into next, chain 4 skip next 2 dc, sc into next. Continue till end of round, slip stitch to first sc. 6 chain 4 loops. 

Rd 3: Chain 1, sc into first loop, 1 hdc, 2 dc, 1 triple crochet, 2 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc into same loop. (first pedal made.), sc into next loop and repeat as for 1st loop. Make 4 more pedals, slip stitch to first sc. Fasten off. 

Work in ends, leaving one tail for attaching flower to bow. Center flower to center of bow and sew in place. 

The size of this bow can be easily changed by adding more sc to round 1 in multiples of 3 and adding more rounds to the bow. 

Easy Crochet Spring/Easter Hats - Free Pattern

According to the Groundhog, winter is almost over. I for one, am ready for spring. When I was organizing my stash of yarn, I found a few skeins in pretty pastel colors. Just what I needed to deal with the winter blahs. Since I had just purchased a few more skeins of white, I decided to make some pretty hats for spring.
Less than a couple of hours later, the first one was finished.

These hats are very easy to make. If you know how to work a simple Granny Square and you can single crochet, making this hat is a breeze. How do you turn a square into a round? All you need to do is to offset your corners. I work my corners into the space right after the last corner of the previous rows. This is only done on increase rounds. Once you have the desired size of your circle, the body of the hat is worked, without any corners. 

Since the body of this hat is worked in double crochets witch are taller stitches, you may need to experiment with different sizes of you hooks or using thinner or thicker yarns to get the size you need. I used Caron One Pound Baby and a size I hook. It is a worsted weight yarn. Since I crochet fairly tight, I usually go up one size in hooks, than is recommended for the yarn. If you crochet loose, you may want to use a slightly smaller hook.

If you like your brim to have a more ruffled look, simply increase the number of stitches in the beginning of the brim. To keep it flat, make fewer increases and work more single crochet rounds, without adding any extra stitches between your increase rounds.  Experiment and in no time you can design your own hats without having to use a pattern. 

The size of hat I wrote the pattern for, should fit a teen/small woman. It took 6 increase rounds. To work this for a toddler, you would only need 5 increase rounds. For teens and adults, add 1 or to increase or corner rounds to get the size you need. 

Body of the hat

With Magic Circle or chain 5 slip stitch to first chain to form a circle.

Rd 1: Chain 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc - first cluster made, (ch 1, 3 dc, ch 1) repeat 3 more times. Slip stitch to the top of ch 3. 12 dc and 4 ch spaces.

Rd 2: Slip stitch over next 2 dc and into first chain 1 space. ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc (first corner made). 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc in next 3 ch spaces. Slip stitch in top of beginning ch 3. 24 dc and 4 ch spaces.

Rd 3: Slip stitch next 2 dc and into next ch space. Chain 2, 2 dc in ch space, * in space before next 3 dc group work corner (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc), in next space 3 dc*, repeat *-* 3 times, slip stitch to top of chain. 36 dc and 4 chain 1 spaces

Rd 4: Slip stitch into first space, ch 2. 2 dc into first space, 3 dc in next space (corner space of previous rd.), 3 dc, chain 1, 3 dc in next space. 2 dc in each of the next 2 spaces, work corner into next space. Repeat till end of rd. slip stitch. 48 dc and 4 chain 1 spaces.

Rd:5 slip stitch into first space. Ch 2, 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc in same space, work 3 dc in next space, 3 dc in next space, 3 dc in next space, 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc in next space. Repeat to end of rd. 60 dc 4 chain spaces 

Rd 6: slip stitch into first space, ch 2, 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc in same space. If you are still increasing your circle, work pattern as before. 3 dc groups in spaces and corner (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in spaces following corner of the previous round. Once desired circle diameter is reached, work rounds with groups of 3 dc only. No chain spaces between groups. 

To get a child sized hat I had to do 5 increase rounds and my flat circle measured 6 inches. For size teen or small woman I needed to do 6 increase rounds. If you are having a hard time getting the circle measurement you need, go up or down a size in hooks, or skip 2 corners on the last increase rd. Working the pattern -make corner, skip next corner, make corner, skip last corner. This way you are only gaining 6 stitches instead of 12. 

For Teen/Small woman I needed to do 16 rounds total. Since I am adding a large brim the measurement of my hat was 7 inches deep. Shorter than I would have done for a beanie. 

Brim: I worked 6 increase rounds for a total of 72 stitches for the body of the hat. The brim is worked in single crochets and increases throughout the rounds of the brim. The pattern I use is to gradually increase the number of stitches in my rounds.

Rd: 1 single crochet in each stitch around. Mark last stitch since you are now working in continues rounds. 

Rd 2: Sc first 8, 2 sc in next stitch, repeat through end of rd. 80 sc

Rd 3: Sc first 7, 2 sc in next stitch, sc next 8, 2 sc in next, sc next 8, 2 sc in next, repeat increasing every 9th stitch) till end of rd. 89 sc.

Rd 4: Sc first 8, 2 sc in next, sc in next 7, 2 sc in next, sc in next 7, repeat increasing every 8th stitch, till end of rd. 100 sc

Rd 5: sc in every stitch 100 sc

Rd 6: sc first 8, 2 sc in next, sc in next 6, 2 sc in next, sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next. repeat increase every 7th sc, in last repeat you should have 8 stitches work increase in last. 114 sc

Rd 7: increase every 6th stitch 133 sc 

Rd 8: increase every 6th stitch, last repeat work repeat into last (7th) sc. 155 sc

Rd 9: sc in every stitch across 155 sc

Rd: 10: work increase in every 5th stitch 186 sc 

Rd: 11: work increase every 5th stitch last increase 6th stitch 223 sc

Rd 12: work increase every 4th stitch, last increase in 3rd 278 sc.

Rd: 13 sc in every stitch  278 sc

Rd: 14: work increase every 3rd stitch, last increase in 2nd stitch 370 sc

Rd: 15 and 16, sc in every stitch.

Add border of your choice. I like using a simple scallop border for my hats. The pattern is very simple.  Single crochet into first stitch, Chain 2, double crochet into same stitch as single crochet, skip 2 stitches, single crochet into 3rd stitch, chain 2 double crochet into single crochet, repeat until end of rd. slip stitch into first double crochet. 

If you used fewer or more increase rounds on the body of the hat, the pattern for increasing rounds in your brim is much the same. The sc makes for a dense and stiff brim. Work your increases as close as possible to the increases of the previous rounds. By keeping the increases close together, it creates a wave. If you like a more ruffled look, start by increasing rd 2 every 3rd sc instead of every 9th. Work sc rounds for most of the rest of the brim. If you gain or loose a stitch in any rd of this brim, it's no big deal. No need to find the mistake and re-do. I don't use a pattern, I simply work by feel. This is just to give you an idea of how to do it. 

Flowers: Pattern for flower in first photo I found at: http://bonitapatterns.tumblr.com/post/22424919278/here-goes-a-free-pattern-for-a-croco-flower-its

Flower for last (pink hat) Free Irish Rose pattern http://www.maggiescrochet.com/free-patterns-c-33.html?zenid=8df875fcc51ad47258b6540e47134139

Flower for Peach hat is a simple 3 layered flower. Pattern is easy to find, I crochet it without a pattern.

Be creative, have fun. Decorate your hat with your favorite flower or accessory. If you have any problems working this pattern or find any mistakes, please let me know. I will be glad to help you along as much as I can. 

 Please don't copy and redistribute this pattern or my photos as your own.