This is one of the easiest sweater patterns I’ve ever attempted. And I’m beyond pleased with the finished results—this sweater fits like a glove.
The sweater is created using a basic V-stitch. You crochet the back panel first, then the two front panels, seam everything together, add the sleeves, then add the cuffs and a border. I followed the given pattern to make the back and front panels and the sleeves, but I just made up my own simple sc in BLO border around the sweater and for the cuffs.
I used 2-1/2 skeins of Bernat Premium Tweeds (each 360yds/379m/7oz/198g) in Chocolate Tweed. It’s a super nice yarn to work with and is a good weight for a sweater.
I like this sweater so much, I’ll definitely be making another one in a different colour.
I used 2 balls of Facets (279 yds/256 m each), and a 5 mm crochet hook.
For the edging, I switched to a 6 mm hook, and used Loops & Threads Woolike yarn: a bit of Pumpkin Spice (A), and a bit of Golden Yellow (B). To make a larger shawl, simply continue crocheting rows until you reach your desired size.
Here is the edging pattern I used: Once shawlette is complete, use 6 mm hook to attach yarn A in the right corner of the bottom edge.
R1: Sc in each sp across, until you reach the mid-point ch-2 sp, [sc, ch 1, sc] in the ch-2 sp, and continue with sc in each sp until you reach the opposite end corner, turn.
R2: ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 6, sk next 6 sc, sc in next sc, rep from * to mid-point, [sc, ch 1, sc] in ch-1 mid-point sp, continue * across to end, turn. Fasten off A, attach B.
Repeat R2 using B. At the end, fasten off B and attach A. Repeat R2 using A, to complete one last row. Fasten off and weave in end. Block shawl to enhance shape.
I LOVE the craft of crochet. It’s easy once you’ve mastered the basic stitches. It’s portable, so you can take it anywhere. It’s inexpensive–there’s always a sale on yarn somewhere. It’s a truly relaxing pastime, as are most arts and crafts. And there are endless pattern ideas to engage in. I love it!
Here are some photos of my most recent makes over the past winter months. I’ll also include a pattern for my pocket scarf at the end.
MAKE #1: I felt like making a “straw bag” to tote around this summer. I picked up a couple of rolls of cheap jute string from the Buck store, got out my hook, and started crocheting simple sc stitches around and around. Also had some jute ribbon that I sewed around the top and tied into a bow. Then added some purse handles that I’d picked up at Fabricland a while back and had in my supply cupboard. On the back of the bag, I added an extra pocket that I’d embroidered with a ribbon flower. Voila…a durable straw bag.
MAKE #2: I had a ball of brightly coloured yarn in my stash that kept drawing my eye, so I decided to make a triangle scarf with it. It’s much prettier in person than in the photo and reminds me of a Caribbean sunset.
MAKE #3: Felt like doing something super-easy one evening in front of the TV, so I worked on this infinity scarf. The black section folds in half to make a collar, and the colourful variegated bobble stitches provide some texture. Looks great tucked into a black coat.
MAKE #4: I saw a simple pattern for a striped hat on the Web, so I chose a bunch of different colours to pair with white for this slouchy hat. It’s basically a simple rectangle crocheted with row after row of colour alternated with white… then either end seamed together… then the top end gathered closed. A pom pom is optional…I just preferred to leave it as is.
MAKE #5: I love pocket scarves. The pockets are so handy for carrying your phone or any other necessities when going for a walk or running errands, instead of having to bring a purse along with you. This is a very easy scarf to make. You can use your preferred colors in your choice of any worsted yarn. I’ve provided the pattern right below the image.
Three-Color Pocket Scarf 8” x 67” / 3 balls of any worsted yarn (157 yds each): A-1 ball navy, B-1 ball cream, C-1 ball blue/green variegated / 6 mm hook / Vst: (sc, ch 2, sc) in sp / Terminology: sc-single crochet; ch-chain; st-stitch; sk-skip; rep-repeat
With yarn A, ch 36 (or any multiple of 3).
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook, sk next ch, *(sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch, sk next 2 chs, rep from * to last 2 chs, sk next ch, sc in last ch, turn.
Row 2: ch 1 (does not count as a st), sc in first sc, *(sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch-2 sp, rep from *, sc in last st, turn.
Rep Row 2 until piece is approx. 23” long. Fasten off yarn A, attach Yarn B.
Rep Row 2 until piece is approx. 21” long. Fasten off yarn B, attach Yarn C.
Rep Row 2 until piece is approx. 23” long. Fasten off. Weave in end.
Optional: Can add fringe or tassels to either end if you like.
Pockets: Make one pocket with yarn A, and another one with yarn C.
Ch 21, and follow same pattern as above for scarf. Crochet enough rows to measure 5.5” long.
Make each pocket approx. 5.5” W x 5.5” L and position as shown in photo, then whipstitch around edges to attach to scarf.
If you can crochet, you can make one-of-a-kind, waterproof coasters.
Just crack open the cassette case, remove the spool of film, and start crocheting.
Here’s the simple pattern I used:
Materials: 6 mm hook, scissors, stitch marker, yarn needle
Terminology: ch = chain; sc = single crochet; dc = double crochet; sl st = slip stitch; st = stitch; pm = place marker; rep = repeat; sp = space; sk = skip
COASTER
Make a ring: ch 4 and sl st in first ch to join.
Round 1: ch 1 (does not count as a st), sc 9 times in ring (pm in first sc), sl st in first sc to join. (9 sc)
Round 2: ch 1, 2 sc in each sc around (pm in first sc), sl st in first sc to join. (18 sc)
Round 3: ch 1, 2 sc in first sc (pm in first sc), 1 sc in next sc, *(2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next sc), rep from * around, sl st in first sc to join. (27 sc)
Round 4: ch 2, 4 dc in same sp, ch 1, sk next 4 scs, 5 dc in next sc, ch 1, *skip 4 scs, 5 dc in next sc, ch 1; rep from * around, sk last 4 scs and sl st in top of beginning ch 2. Fasten off and use yarn needle to weave in loose end.
Featuring WOW colours and convenient pockets for carrying your phone and car keys, it’s a scarf that’s as great-looking as it is functional.
Materials: Red Heart super saver yarn (or any worsted weight yarn in your desired colours) (7 oz/198 g/364 yds/333 m), 1 ball black, 1 ball hot pink / 6 mm hook
Instructions: You will make 2 panels, one in each colour, each panel approximately 9” wide x 31” long (unblocked). Then, with right sides together, you will seam together the ch-37 end of each panel, using a yarn needle and piece of black yarn. Next, you will make two pockets: one in black, the other in hot pink. The pockets are each approximately 7” wide x 5” deep (unblocked), or you can make them to your desired size.
Scarf Panel #1: Using hot pink, ch 37
Row 1: 3 dc in fifth ch from hook; skip 3 chs; sc in next ch; *ch 3, 3 dc in same ch as sc, sk 3 chs, sc in next ch; repeat from * to end. Turn.
Row 2: ch 4; sc in first ch-3, ch 3, 3 dc in same space as sc, *sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, 3 dc in same sp; repeat from * to end, ending with sc in last ch-3; turn.
Repeat Row 2 until approximately 31” long. Fasten off and weave in end.
Scarf Panel #2: Using black yarn, repeat same process above to make Scarf Panel #2.
Finishing Scarf piece:
Seam both panels together as described in Instructions above.
Pocket #1:
Using hot pink, ch 25 and repeat the same instructions given for Panel Row 1 and Row 2. Repeat Row 2 until pocket is about 5” deep, or repeat a couple more rows if you want a deeper pocket. Leave a long tail for sewing onto scarf.
Pocket #2:
Repeat above instructions, using black yarn.
Using long yarn tail and yarn needle, sew black pocket onto pink panel, and pink pocket onto black panel (placement as shown in photo).
This shawl pattern is one of the easiest I’ve worked on. It’s really just a case of repeating two rows over and over until you reach your desired length.
In these trying times, there’s absolutely nothing better for the soul than having one or more beloved hobbies to lean on. When you have a creative passion to turn to, you reap a wealth of healthy benefits:
Working toward a goal that you’re passionate about gives you a sense of purpose, which makes you feel happy and content.
Working with your hands as you immerse yourself in a project of your choosing is beyond relaxing. It’s the next best thing to meditation!
When you complete a project, you feel new stirrings of excitement as you think about the next.
Seeking out and experimenting with fresh ideas and new challenges takes you on a learning journey that never ends—your mind is ever expanding onto new pathways to discovery.
Finishing a project gives you a deep feeling of accomplishment. It’s a confidence-builder.
You are never bored. Your hobby is always there, waiting for you to dive in.
You learn more about yourself. Hobbies help you to explore and discover new skills, as well as unearth hidden talents that you may never have realized you had.
It’s this simple: not only is it FUN to create new things, the act of doing so fills you with pure JOY!
With that said, here are some projects I’ve finished over the past few months. I still have to write out the patterns for some of them, which I’ll post for you at a later date.
Happy hobbying to you!
Toronto Blue Jays baseball cap and booties for a special new babyLittle drawstring bagEaster bunny headbandLemon meringue slouchy hatGrey & cream pocket scarfBlue jeans blue crocheted hippie skirtTeal tie topRose lace topPen & ink doodle drawing: The most priceless things are wild and freePen & ink doodle drawing: You already have what you’re looking for
Why fiddle around with a hat and a scarf when you can wrap up in an all-in-one hoodie cowl! This super-warm accessory is handy to have for outdoor winter walks. Best of all, it’s easy enough for a beginning crocheter to make.
Materials 2 balls Bernat Roving yarn (100 g/3.5 oz/109 m/120 yds), Colour: Lichen / 10 mm hook / 3 medium-sized buttons to blend with yarn colour / Finished piece is 38” L x 11” W before blocking or finishing.
Instructions Ch 48
Row 1: (sc, hdc, dc) in third ch from hook; *skip next 2 chs; (sc, hdc, dc) in next ch; repeat from * to last 3 chs; sk next 2 chs, hdc in last ch, turn.
Row 2: ch 2; *(sc, hdc, dc) in next dc; repeat from * to end; hdc in top of turning ch-2, turn.
Repeat Row 2 until piece is approx. 11” deep.Finishing: Block first, then fold in half lengthwise and seam approx. 10” down from fold. Sew on 3 buttons (spaced as shown) and use spaces between stitches to fasten over buttons.
This is an ideal project for using up scrap yarn! These Mug Hugs make great gifts for coffee/tea lovers, and they’re useful for protecting hands from a hot cup. So easy to make—they’re perfect for beginner crocheters.
Hook: 6 mm hook for ceramic coffee mug; 5 mm hook for disposable takeout coffee cup Yarn: Your yarn of choice (can use either worsted weight or Bernat handicrafter cotton) Other: Yarn needle, scissors
Larger Mug Hug for a ceramic mug: Ch 32.
Row 1: hdc in third ch from hook and in each across, turn.
Row 2: ch 1, hdc in same space and in each across, turn.
Repeat Row 2 until piece is approximately 3.5” deep.
Using your yarn needle, sew short sides together for about ½” from the top and bottom, leaving approximately a 2-1/2” opening for the mug handle. Can just leave this part open, or sew a small button at one edge of the handle opening, and use one of the spaces on the opposite side as the button hole (as shown in photo).
Smaller Mug Hug to fit disposable cup: Ch 25, slip stitch into first chain to make a ring, taking care not to twist.
Round 1: sc in each chain around, slip stitch into first sc to join.
Round 2-4: ch 3, dc in each sc around, slip stitch into top of ch-3 to join.
Round 5: sc in each dc around, slip stitch into first sc to join. Fasten off and weave in end.
Embellish using your favourite pattern of crocheted flowers, hearts or any other applique-type embellishment. Or use felt embellishments. Or use embroidery—the sky’s the limit!
Create-a-holic Writer 