Tag: free crochet pattern

Teacher Gift: Soup Bowl Cozy

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The turkey is eaten and now we are diving straight into the Christmas season. It’s time to gather gifts for everyone special in your life. I like to shop for presents. (I’m almost done already!) But some gifts are homemade.

Teachers are one of the most special people in my life. I know how hard that job is. I appreciate all the people pouring themselves into my kid. So I like to show my gratefulness with a handmade crocheted gift.

I have a couple of rules for teacher gifts.

  1. It has to be unique. I want it to be something they can’t find anywhere else. So I try to make an original design every year, or at least adapt something so it’s truly special.
  2. It has to be something I would give a friend. No nose warmers or kitchy stuff. If it’s decor, it should be beautiful. If it’s functional, it should be useful and beautiful.
  3. It has to be quick. I wish I had time to make a sweater for every person who impacts my life and makes it fuller. But I don’t have that kind of time. My kid has 16 (what?!) teachers, helpers, coaches, etc. so my goal is a 30-60 minute make.
  4. The most important rule: It can’t be about teaching. Your kid is surprised to see his teacher in the grocery store, but you and I know she is a person-who does other things besides teach. I promise after the first year of teaching, your kid’s teacher has a lifetime’s worth of “World’s Greatest Teacher” mugs and pencil holders with apple motifs. The gifts that stand out show appreciation for the teacher as a person.

This year, I designed a soup bowl cozy. The shape is like a quilted soup bowl hot pad someone made for me. It comes up and around the bowl to protect your hands from a hot dish. It will perfectly fit a large Corelle cereal or soup bowl.

I hope during the holiday break, loved ones can cozy up by the fire with a hot bowl of chili or hearty soup and veg out to Christmas movies. Make some for teachers and friends. Send them to distant family members you want to hug. Make a few for your own family to have ready for a warm winter meal.

Soup Bowl Cozy

Difficulty
Advanced Beginner

Finished Measurements
7 inches x 7 inches x 2 inches

Made to fit a large (6″) Corelle soup or cereal bowl

Materials
40 yds super bulky (#6)
Hook size US N (9mm)
Samples shown using Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick. I got 2 cozies out of each ball.

Gauge
9 sc/10 rnds = 4×4”/10x10cm

Notes

  • Pattern is written in US terms and
    Imperial measurements.
  • Work instructions in brackets [ ] the number of times indicated.
  • For a more finished look, instead of a standard sc3tog work it as follows: Insert hook in the next front loop 3 times and pull up a loop, yo and pull through both loops on the hook.
  • Find standard abbreviations here.

Bowl Cozy

Rnd 1: 8 sc in ML. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
8 sc

Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next st, [3 sc in the next st, sc in the next st] 3 times, sc in the same st as the first sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
16 sc

Rnd 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 3 sts, [3 sc in the next st, sc in the next 3 sts] 3 times, sc in the same st as the first sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
24 sc

Rnd 4: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 5 sts, [3 sc in the next st, sc in the next 5 sts] 3 times, sc in the same st as the first sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
32 sc

Row 5: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 7 sts, [3 sc in the next st, sc in the next 7 sts] 3 times, sc in the same st as the first sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
40 sc

Row 6: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 3 sts, sc3tog, sc in the next 3 sts, [3 sc in the next st, sc in the next 3 sts, sc3tog, sc in the next 3 sts] 3 times, sc in the same st as the first sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
40 sc

Row 7: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 9 sts, [3 sc in the next st, sc in the next 9 sts] 3 times, sc in the same st as the first sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
48 sc

Rnd 8: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 4 sts, sc3tog, sc in the next 4 sts, [3 sc in the next st, sc in the next 4 sts, sc3tog, sc in the next 4 sts] 3 times, sc in the same st as the first sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
48 sc

Rnd 9: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 11 sts, [3 sc in the next st, sc in the next 11 sts] 3 times, sc in the same st as the first sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
56 sc

Rnd 10: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 13 sts, [3 sc in the next st, sc in the next 13 sts] 3 times, sc in the same st as the first sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
64 sc

Weave in ends. Block as desired.

LTL Baby Bonnet

1 Comment
Shown with Ruffle Brim

My friends at Let Them Live help women in difficult times facing hard decisions. According to the website, 73% of women have abortions because of financial burden. “No mother should have to choose between paying bills or her baby’s life.” Support from Let Them Live allows moms to choose life for their babies. The children born with the help of Let Them Live celebrate new life with the mothers by giving handmade gifts such as blankets, hats, and clothing.

You can support this organization financially by going to their website and offering a donation or pledging monthly support. My maker friends can also help by making items for donation. For details and questions about making baby items, contact Amy (IG prolifeknitter) at amy.d@letthemlive.org.

Here is a pattern for a cute baby bonnet they would love to gift to a mom and her baby. After you make some for Let Them Live, you can make more for your family and friends, church and local charities. I hope this is a pattern you will return to time after time for an heirloom to celebrate new life!

Shown with Scallop Brim

LTL Baby Bonnet

Difficulty
Advanced Beginner

Finished Measurements
Newborn (6-12 Months, 12-24 Months, Toddler, Child)
Crown measures 14 (15, 16, 17, 19) inches

Materials
Any yarn (recommend worsted or smaller)
Hook appropriate for yarn
Samples shown using DK (#3) yarn and US G hook (4mm)

Gauge
20 dc/10 rnds = 4×4”/10x10cm (not critical)

Notes

  • Pattern is written in US terms and
    Imperial measurements.
  • Pattern was tested using DK weight yarn, but yarn weight and gauge is not critical because instructions are all given in measurements rather than stitch count.
  • Work instructions in brackets [] the number of times indicated.
  • Find standard abbreviations here.

Crown

Rnd 1: In Magic Loop, 10 sc. Join to the first st with a sl st.
10 sc

Rnd 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a st throughout), 2 dc in each st around. Join to the first st with a sl st.
20 dc

Rnd 3: Ch 2, [2 dc, dc] around. Join to the first st with a sl st.
30 dc

Rnd 4: Ch 2, [2 dc, dc in the next 2 sts] around. Join to the first st with a sl st.
40 dc

Continue increasing as established until Crown measures 4.5 (4.75, 5, 5.5, 6) inches across. You will have a multiple of 10 sts.

Last Rnd of Crown: (This is now the RS) Ch 1, working in the blo sc in each st around. Join to the first st with a sl st. Turn.

Brim

You will now work in Rows.

Row 1 (WS): Ch 1, sc in the first st, [ch 3, sk next 3 sts, sc in the next st] until approximately 1.5 (1.5, 2, 2, 2.5) inches are left unworked. The number of stitches unworked does not matter. Turn.

Row 2 (RS): Ch 3 (counts as a dc throughout), 4 dc in the next ch-3 sp, [sk sc, 4 dc in the next ch-3 sp] across to the last sc, dc in the last sc. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in the first st, ch 3, sk next 4 sts, [sc between the 4th st of one set of dcs and the first st of the next set, ch 3, sk next 4 sts] across to the last st, sc in the 3rd ch of the turning ch. Turn.

Repeat Rows 2 & 3 until work measures 2.25 (2.5, 2.5, 2.75, 3) inches from Magic Loop or until desired length.

Choose a Ruffle or a Scallop for finishing.

Ruffle

End Brim with a Row 2.

With WS facing and working in the blo, sl st in each st across Brim. Turn.

Ch 4, working in the blo of the last row of the Brim (this is the loop opposite from the sl st row), tr in the same st, 2 tr in each st across. Finish off.

Scallop

End Brim with a Row 3.

Sl st in first st, [4 dc in ch-3 sp, sl st in the next st] across. Finish off.

Ties

The ties are made with a crocheted I-cord. If you prefer, you can use a simple chain or sew on a knitted I-cord instead.

Create a crocheted I-cord as follows. Leaving a 48-inch long tail, make a slip knot. * Make a loop on your hook by bringing the long tail over the hook front to back, yo with working yarn, and pull through both loops. Repeat from * until I-cord measures 12 inches.

Drop the long tail. With RS facing, sc evenly along the left edge of Brim, sc in each unworked st on the Crown, sc evenly along the right edge of the Brim.

Pick up a second 48-inch strand and continue making an I-cord for 12 inches.

Finish off. Weave in ends. Block as desired.

Tech edited by Fiat Fiber Arts.

Agape Love Shawl Crochet Version and 9 Tips for working with Mohair

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Happy Valentine’s Day! Treat your Valentine or yourself to this soft, luxurious scarf designed by Judy Busby at Jems Luxe Fibers and translated to crochet by me, Katie Clark.

Agape Love is an unconditional love that transcends and persists regardless of the circumstance.  Agape is the Greek term for Love – the highest expression of love – a pure and  selfless thing.

This shawl is a fun and quick crochet using minis and mohair.  Every row begins with decreases that shapes this colorful shawl.  Have fun with your colors and let it reflect the love you’ve experienced, how it has shaped and reshaped you.  God’s love for you and me is passionate, pure and beyond anything we’ve ever experienced, accepting us as we are.  He reminds us of our worth and beauty as His daughters.  He loves us with unconditional Agape Love.  God is Love!

Judy Busby, Jems Luxe Fibers

If you’ve never used mohair, you’ll find it takes some patience to work with. So before we get into the pattern, let me give you a few tips for working with mohair.

Tip #1

Use a larger hook or needle to retain loftiness. The wonderful thing about mohair is the silky halo of fiber that surrounds the core. Using a hook or needle that is too small will compact the fibers, negating the effect.

Tip #2

Work loosely. For the same reason as above, use a gentle hand. Or if you have a tendency to stitch tightly, go up another size or two.

Tip #3

Hold with another yarn to add softness, halo & warmth. The fibers aren’t just beautiful. They are very useful for insulating. Used alone, mohair is surprisingly warm. So adding it to another yarn will make your finished piece that much warmer.

Tip #4

Ask your LYS to wind your yarn. Especially if you’ve never used mohair before, because it is so clingy. You don’t want to be frustrated with your yarn before you even begin your project. If you must wind it yourself, try loosening fibers before winding by gently spreading the strands apart to keep them from matting together as you wind.

Tip #5

Do not work cake or ball from inside. I’m a work-the-ball-from-the-inside kind of girl. I do it even when it’s not recommended. Except for mohair. Ever. The fibers pull on each other and you end up with a big mess. Ask me how I know.

Tip #6

Use excellent lighting. This is always important, but especially when using mohair. The halo can make the core strand difficult to see. Good lighting can help and if you really can’t make out your stitches, try holding it up to the light.

Tip #7

Don’t worry so much about mistakes. The halo hides a lot. But if necessary, hold your work up to light to check.

Tip #8

Be patient when taking out stitches. It’s inevitable that you will have to take some out eventually. But try not to get frustrated. Don’t pull so hard that you rip the core, but don’t be afraid to tear fuzz to separate the strands.

Tip #8

Most of all, be patient! It’s is different than any other fiber. But the soft luxurious mohair is worth it!

Now on to the Agape Love Shawl Crochet Version!

Agape Love Shawl

Difficulty
Beginner

Finished Measurements
Approx. 90 inches by 6 inches

Materials
Agape Love Minis and Nimbus Set

or

1 skein Jems Luxe Fibers Nimbus in Ruby Red MC
1 mini skein Jems Luxe Fibers Luxe Sock in each of these colors
Aphrodite CC1
Rubellite CC2
Agape CC3
Ruby Red CC4
Apple of Discord CC5

US Size N (9mm) hook

Tapestry needle

Gauge
3 sc = 1 inch
Gauge not critical

Begin Shawl
Holding MC and CC1 together, ch 270 loosely.

Row 1: Working in back loop of ch, sk first ch, sc3tog, sc across to last 3 chs, sc3tog. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc3tog, sc across to last 3 sts, sc3tog. Turn.

Rows 3 & 4: Rpt row 2.

*Break CC1. Pick up CC2 and hold it together with MC.
Rpt row 2 five times (or as many times as desired if you have extra yarn).

Rpt from * for each mini skein. Finish off both strands. Weave in ends. Block as desired.

Terms and Conditions

Patriotism during Hard Times

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During this hard time, I want to give some encouragement! Look to your neighbors, friends, and even your social media friends. Together, we are Americans. Whether you look to the future with optimism or hesitancy, remember God is sovereign and America is sustained by His blessing! ❤

Colossians 1:16

“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”

I wanted to give you this free pattern to support and encourage my fellow Americans. Just so you know, I felt it important to release is as soon as possible, so it hasn’t been tested. Please email me if you have comments or suggestions for this pattern. If you would like to support me to allow me to continue to write patterns, the Patriotic Beanie is also available for purchase as a PDF download.

Difficulty
Advanced Beginner

Finished Measurements
Head Circumference in inches
Baby (Toddler, Child): 14 (16, 18)
Adult S (L): 20 (22)

Materials
1 ball each Knit Picks Stroll (50g/231 yds)
in these colors:
Cobblestone Heather (Gray)
Sapphire Heather (Blue)
Strawberry (Red)
White (White)

10 or more White Star buttons (not recommended for baby or toddler hat)

US Size F (4mm)hook

Tapestry needle

Gauge
22 dc = 4 inches
14 rows = 4 inches

Notes

• For sizing, measure your head and choose the size that is the next size smaller than your measurement.

• Before beginning, I reccommend highlighting the instructions for the size you will be making.

• Ch 2 at beginning of rnd does not count as a stitch throughout.

Crown Shaping

Note: As you work the crown shaping, change to Blue as noted for each size.

Rnd 1: Using Gray and working in magic lp, ch 1 (does not count as a st), 10 sc. Join w sl st to first sc.
-10 sc

Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join.
-20 dc

Rnd 3: Ch 2, [dc in next st, 2 dc in next st] around. Join.
-30 dc

Rnd 4: Ch 2, [dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st] around. Join.
-40 dc

Rnd 5: Ch 2, [dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st] around. Join.
-50 dc

Rnd 6: Ch 2, [dc in next 4 sts, 2 dc in next st] around. Join.
-60 dc

Rnd 7: Ch 2, [dc in next 5 sts, 2 dc in next st] around. Join.
-70 dc

For Baby (Toddler) 14 (16), finish off Gray. Join Blue and work next 1(2) rnds in pattern using Blue. Then continue to next section.
-80 (90) dc

Rnd 8: Ch 2, [dc in next 6 sts, 2 dc in

next st] around. Join.
-80 dc

For Child (18), finish off Gray. Join Blue and work next 2 rnds in pattern using Blue. Then continue to next section.
-100 dc

Rnd 9: Ch 2, [dc in next 7 sts, 2 dc in next st] around. Join.
-90 dc

Rnd 10: Ch 2, [dc in next 8 sts, 2 dc in next st] around. Join.
-100 dc

For Adult S (20), finish off Gray. Join Blue and work next rnd in pattern using Blue. Then continue to next section.
-110 dc

Rnd 11: Ch 2, [dc in next 9 sts, 2 dc in next st] around. Join.
-110 dc

For Adult L (22), finish off Gray. Join Blue and work next rnd in pattern using blue. Then continue to next section.
-120 dc

Rnd 12: Ch 2, [dc in next 10 sts, 2 dc in next st] around. Join.
-120 dc

Continue Blue Field

Continuing working in Blue, work even until you have a total of 3 (4, 4) 5 (6) rnds of Blue complete. Finish off Blue.

Red and White Stripes

Note: To change colors, complete last stitch in old color to the last yo. Instead of working yo in old color, draw up the last lp in new color. Do not finish off old color. Instead, run the strand up loosely to the next row.

Rnd 1: Using Red, ch 2, fpdc in first st, dc in next 4 sts, [fpdc in next st, dc in next 4 sts] around, changing to White at the end of last st.

Rnd 2: Using White, rpt rnd 1, changing to Red at the end of last st.

Rpt rnds 1 & 2 until you have 4 (6, 8) 8 (10) rnds of stripes. Rpt rnd 1 once more. Finish off Red and White.

Ribbing

Rnd 1: Using Gray, ch 2, dc in each st around. Join.

Rnd 2: Ch 2, fpdc in first st, bpdc in next st, [fpdc, bpdc] around. Join.

Rpt rnd 2: 2 (2, 2) 3 (3) more times. Join.

Finish off.

Sew buttons in Blue Field as desired. Do not use buttons for Baby or Toddler hat. Instead, use White to embroider lazy daisy stars to Blue Field as illustrated below.

Weave in ends.

Abbreviations

beg = beginning
ch(s) = chain(s)
dc = double crochet
fpdc = front post double crochet
lp(s) = loop(s)
rnd = round
rpt = repeat
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)