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Thursday, April 14, 2016

Free Crochet Amigurumi Pattern: Cherry on top Cupcake

(Shown in (Cherries) Red Heart With Love Berry Red
(Pink Cupcake) Big Twist Value Light Rose & I Love This Yarn! Coffee
(Blue Cupcake) Red Heart Super Saver TurquaI Love This Yarn! Coffee &
Random bits of yarn for sprinkles)


I've been working on this group of cupcakes for a few weeks now, my son kept coming up with new ideas for topping the cupcakes but I think he's finally run out (maybe)! His crochet food collection has grown quite a bit this winter/spring! I've written the cupcake and cherry patterns here but the patterns for the strawberry, carrot & lemon/lime wedge are in separate posts for the sake of this post not running on forever and ever.

Below are the links to each pattern.


 Don't worry much about gauge, just be sure to work your stitches tight. 

Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!
-Jenni


Skill Level: Easy/Intermediate

Finished size: 2.5"W x 3.75"H (with cherry)

Supplies:
Worsted Weight Yarn in red for the cherry and 2 choice colors for the cupcake & frosting
Optional: Additional yarn in various colors for sprinkles.
Size G (4.0 mm) Crochet Hook
Tapestry needle
Stitch marker
Scissors
Polyfil
Optional: Small piece of cardboard

Abbreviations (US Terms):
BLO - Black Loop Only
Ch - Chain
Dc - Double Crochet
Fphdc - Front Post Half Double Crochet
Hdc - Half Double Crochet
Sc - Single Crochet
Sl st - Slip Stitch

Important Notes:
-Ch 1 does not count as a stitch.
-All joins are made with a sl st.
-Sc2tog counts as one sc.
-Your first stitch of each row will always be worked in the same space as your ch 1 or ch 2.
-This pattern uses the Magic Circle, if you do not know how to make a magic circle you can learn with my quick video here: https://youtu.be/64O9WVJucFA

Cupcake

With Cake color:

Row 1: Magic circle, ch 1, 6 sc in circle. Join. (6 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each around. Join. (12 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, *sc, 2 sc in next.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (18 sc)
Row 4: Ch 1, *sc in 2, 2 sc in next.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (24 sc)
Row 5: Ch 1, *sc in 3, 2 sc in next.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (30 sc)

Sew in your beginning end.

Optional: If you would like your cupcake to stand up perfectly, trace the circle you've made onto a piece of cardboard. Cut out the cardboard circle slightly smaller than the traced circle and then place the piece of cardboard into the bottom of the cupcake. The cupcake will stand without the cardboard bottom but this makes for a very nice flat bottom.


Row 6: In BLO: Ch 1, hdc in each around. Join. (30 hdc)
Row 7-11: Ch 1, *hdc, fphdc around next.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (15 hdc, 15 fphdc)
Fasten off.

Place a stitch marker in the front loop on the first hdc you made on row 11.



With Frosting color:

Join with a sl st in the back loop of any stitch.

Row 12: In BLO: Ch 1, sc in each around. Join. (30 sc)
Row 13: Ch 1, *sc in 8, sc2tog.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (27 sc)
Row 14: Ch 1, *sc in 7, sc2tog.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (24 sc)
Row 15: Ch 1, *sc in 6, sc2tog.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (21 sc)
Row 16: Ch 1, *sc in 5, sc2tog.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (18 sc)
Row 17: Ch 1, *sc in 4, sc2tog.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (15 sc)

Begin to stuff your cupcake and continue to do so as you go.
Now is also a good time to start stitching on sprinkles if you would like them.



Row 18: Ch 1, *sc in 3, sc2tog.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (12 sc)
Row 19: Ch 1, *sc in 2, sc2tog.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (9 sc)

Fasten off leaving a long end for sewing, sew hole shut and sew in end.


With Frosting color:

Hold the cupcake with the frosting top facing you.
Join with a sl st in the space your stitch marker is in, you can now remove the stitch marker.

 

Row 20: Ch 2, 2 dc in first. 3 dc in next and in each around. Join.

Fasten off and sew in ends.


Cherry

With Red:

Row 1: Magic circle, ch 1, 6 sc in circle. Join. (6 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, *sc, 2 sc in next.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (9 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, *sc in 2, 2 sc in next.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (12 sc)

Now is a good time to secure your beginning end.
If you want a stem on your cherry pull this end through to the right side of the cherry after securing it. Tie a knot as close as you can to the cherry and tie another knot about an inch or two away from the cherry. Trim.


Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each around. Join. (12 sc)
Row 5: Ch 1, *sc in 2, sc2tog.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (9 sc)
Row 6: Ch 1, *sc, sc2tog.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (6 sc)

Fasten off leaving a long end to sew the cherry to the top of the cupcake.

Sew cherry to the cupcake then sew in your end.


Free Crochet Pattern: Tiny Carrot

(Shown in Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Kelly Green & Terracotta)

Skill Level: Easy

Finished Size: 2.25" (with stems)

Supplies:
Worsted Weight Yarn in orange & green
Size G (4.0 mm) Crochet Hook
Tapestry Needle
Scissors
Poly-fil

Abbreviations (US Terms):
BLO - Back Loop Only
Ch - Chain
Sc - Single Crochet
Sc2tog - Single Crochet 2 Together
Sl st - Slip Stitch

Important Notes:
-All joins are made with a sl st.
-Your first stitch is always worked in the same space as the ch 1.
-Sc2tog counts as one sc.
-This pattern uses the Magic Circle, if you do not know how to make a magic circle you can learn with my quick video here: https://youtu.be/64O9WVJucFA

Row 1: Magic circle, ch 1, 6 sc in circle. Join. (6 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, *2 sc, sc in 2.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (8 sc)

If you haven't already, sew in your beginning end.

Row 3-7: Ch 1, sc in each around. Join. (8 sc)

Stuff carrot before moving on.

Row 8: In BLO: *Sc2tog.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (4 sc)

Fasten off leaving a long end, sew top of carrot shut.

Now using green yarn, cut 3 strands about 4" in length. Use your needle to add each strand to the top of the carrot then knot all three strands together and trim to an inch or so in length.


This pattern was originally written as a topper for a cupcake, they compliment the cupcake well!

You can find the cupcake pattern here: With a Cherry on top Cupcake


If you would like to make even more carrots, I have free patterns for additional sizes which you can find here: Baby Carrots  and here: Large Carrots


Free Crochet Amigurumi Pattern: Strawberry


Skill Level: Easy

Finished Size: 2" x 1.25" (including stems)

Supplies:
Worsted weight yarn in red, white & green
Size G (4.0 mm) Crochet Hook
Tapestry Needle
Scissors
Poly-fil

Abbreviations (US Terms):
BLO - Back Loop Only
Ch - Chain
Sc - Single Crochet
Sc2tog - Single Crochet 2 Together
Sl st - Slip Stitch

Important Notes:
-All joins are made with a sl st.
-Your first stitch is always worked in the same space as the ch 1.
-Sc2tog counts as 1 sc.
-Gauge is not important for this pattern just be sure to work your stitches tight so your stuffing doesn't show through.

Row 1: Ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next, 3 sc in last.

Rotate piece to the right so you can work on the opposite side of the foundation chain.

Sc in next, 2 sc in next. Join. (8 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in first, sc in 2. 2 sc in each of the next 2, sc in 2, 2 sc in last. Join. (12 sc)
Row 3-7: Ch 1, sc in each around. Join. (12 sc)

Before moving on, use white yarn to stitch on little seeds.


Row 8: In BLO: Ch 1, *Sc in 2, sc2tog.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (9 sc)

Fasten off leaving a long end to sew your opening shut.


Now, the final step is adding the little green stems. Cut 3-5 strands of green yarn about 4" in length, then use your needle to slip each piece through the top of the strawberry. Tie each piece on with a knot, knot a 2nd time to secure yarn. Trim to about an inch in length.



This pattern was originally written as a topper for a cupcake, they compliment the cupcake well! 

You can find the cupcake pattern here: With a Cherry on top Cupcake


Free Crochet Pattern: Lemon or Lime Wedge


(lemon) Red Heart With Love Daffodil & I Love This Yarn Sungold)

Skill Level: Easy/Intermediate

Finished Size: 2" x 1.25"

Supplies:
Worsted weight yarn
     -For Lime: White, Light Green & Dark Green
     -For Lemon: White, Light Yellow & Dark Yellow
Size G Crochet Hook
Tapestry Needle
Scissors
Poly-fil

Abbreviations (US Terms):
Ch - Chain
Sc - Single Crochet
Sl st - Slip Stitch

Important Notes:
-All joins are made with a sl st.
-Your first stitch is always worked in the same space as the ch 1.
-Stitches listed between the following brackets [ ] indicate a group of stitches that need to be worked into the same space.
-This pattern uses the Magic Circle, if you do not know how to make a magic circle you can learn with my quick video here: https://youtu.be/64O9WVJucFA


With White:

Row 1: Magic circle, ch 1, 6 sc in circle. Join. (6 sc)

Fasten off leaving a long end (about 12") for using later.

With Lighter Color:

Join with a sl st.

Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each around. Join. (12 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, *sc, 2 sc in next.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (18 sc)

Fasten off.

With White:

Join with a sl st.

Row 4: Ch 1, *sc in 2, 2 sc in next.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (24 sc)

Fasten off, sew in ends except for the end indicated to leave long, set aside.


(Peel)

With Darker Color:

Row 1: Ch 8, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in 5, 3 sc in last.

Rotate piece to the right so you can work on the opposite side of the foundation chain.

Sc in next 5, 2 sc in last. Join. (16 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, 3 sc in first, sc in 6, [3 sc, ch 2, sl st to top of sc] in next, 3 sc in next. Sc in 6, [3 sc, ch 2, sl st to top of sc] in last. Join. (24 sc)

Fasten off leaving a long end for sewing.

Now holding together the lighter colored piece to the peel with the wrong sides facing each other, use your needle to sew the edges of the pieces together. I chose to only sew through one loop on the light side, this is optional. Stuff as you go but do not over stuff.


Next, use the white long end to create the different sections of the lemon/lime.
Sew in ends.



This pattern was originally written as a topper for a cupcake, they compliment the cupcake well!

You can find the cupcake pattern here: With a Cherry on top Cupcake


Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Free Crochet Pattern Tutorial: Granny Square

(Shown in Red Heart Super Saver Glow Worm, Red Heart With Love Hot Pink & Daffodil)

I've been trying to use up lots of odds & ends from my yarn collection and granny squares are just perfect for that! I made a fun little flipogram a couple weeks ago on Instagram for a granny square and thought I would write up a tutorial here. For my squares I am using a size J hook & worsted weight yarn (red heart with love is my favorite for this project) but you can use any yarn for this project, just adjust your hook size to the recommended hook size on your yarn label. 


Skill Level: Beginner/Easy

Finished Size: 9" x 9"

Supplies:
Worsted Weight Yarn, approx. 100 yd. per 9 row square
Size J (6.0 mm) Crochet Hook
Tapestry Needle
Scissors

Abbreviations (US Terms):
Ch - Chain
Dc -Double Crochet
Sk - Skip
Sl st - Slip Stitch
Sp - Space

Gauge: Each dc cluster should measure approx. 3/4"

Important Notes:
-3 dc = dc cluster
-All joins are made with a sl st.
-These brackets [ ] indicate a group of stitches that all need to be worked in the same space.
-The beginning Ch 2 of each row counts as a dc.
-This pattern uses the magic circle, you can find a short tutorial here if you do not already know how to make a magic circle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64O9WVJucFA


Row 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 2 dc in circle, ch 2. 


(click images to enlarge)

*3 dc in circle, ch 2.* Repeat *to* 2 more times.




Pull circle tight and join. (12 dc)


Row 2: Sl st over next sp, sl st into ch sp. 


[Ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] all in ch 2 space. 



*Sk 3 dc, in next ch sp: [3 dc, ch 2, 3dc].* Repeat *to* 2 more times. Join. (24 dc)




Row 3: Sl st over next sp, sl st into ch sp. 


[Ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] all in ch 2 space. 


Sk 3 dc, 3 dc between dc clusters.



*Sk 3 dc, [3 dc, ch 2, 3dc] all in next ch 2 sp. Sk 3 dc, 3 dc between dc clusters.* Repeat *to* 2 more times. Join. (36 dc)




3 rows completed. 

Now, you can continue on for as many rows as you would like, working
[3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in each corner space & working 3 dc between each dc clusters.

You can even continue on to blanket size! I've made many blankets with a simple granny square for the base. For a super easy edge just sc around in each dc and work [3 sc, ch 2, 3 sc] into each corner space!

Below is a baby blanket size granny square I crocheted a while ago, changing colors after 2 rows and using Vanna's Choice worsted weight yarn in Colonial Blue, Kelly Green & Silver Grey.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Free Crochet Pattern Tutorial: Ammo Shoulder Belt for Toy Dart Bullets


My four boys have always been big Nerf fans and last weekend my youngest came to me wanting something to hold his ammo, he described exactly what he wanted and this was our results! The tutorial as written is in his size but you can easily adjust the beginning chain to make this belt slightly larger. Writing this out was no easy task but I hope I've explained it well enough for you to understand, I suggest scrolling through the photos before starting to give you an idea of the construction of the belt.

For my example I used Hobby Lobby's I Love this Yarn for the Camo portion but I've suggested Red Heart Super Saver because it's more readily available. Either will work just fine. My little guy and I would love to see your finished Ammo Belts, if you would like to share feel free to upload to my facebook page here: www.facebook.com/byjennidesigns or add to your Ravelry projects here: Ammo Shoulder Belt

Thanks for stopping by!
-Jenni


Size: Kids 5+ years

Supplies:
Red Heart Super Saver in black & camouflage
Size I (5.5 mm) Crochet Hook
Stitch Markers
Tapestry Needle
Scissors

Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms):
Ch - Chain
Dc - Double Crochet
Dc2tog - Double Crochet 2 Together
FLO - Front Loop Only
Rs - Right Side
Sc - Single Crochet
Sl st - Slip Stitch
Sp - Space

Gauge:
3.5 dc & 2 rows = 1"

Important Note:
-Joins are made with sl st.


Shoulder Belt

With Black:

Ch 140, join.
Place chain over child's head, placing one side of the chain on the shoulder and the other side of the chain should be at about the child's hip. The chain should not be tight against their body, you want it to be slightly loose.

Row 1: Ch 2, dc in each around. Join.
Row 2-5: Ch 2, dc2tog, dc in next and in each around.

Fasten off after row 5.
Join with camo yarn in the same space as you fastened off in.

Row 6: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next and in each around.

Fasten off.


Bullet Pocket

Now, place the belt on your child again with row 6 closest to the neck and with the yarn ends on the child's shoulder (as shown below). Then you need to mark where you want your bullets to go, I marked off a total of 48 stitches.


After marking your stitches, you can remove the belt from the child.

Using camo yarn:

Quick note: Before joining in the next row leave a long end for sewing later.

Row 7: In FLO: Join with a sl st in the space you marked closest to the fasten off. Sc in each across until you reach your 2nd stitch marker.


Row 8-12: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each across.
Row 13: Ch 1, turn, sc in each across.

After row 13, you need to sl st down the side of the pocket you just made.


Ch 1, sc in the next open space on the belt portion.


Sc in next and in each around. Join to the first sc you made on the belt and fasten off leaving a long end.  


Use the ends on the sides of the pocket you created to sew the sides of the pocket down to the belt. Sew in your ends.

Next, decide if you want to sew each bullet space or if you want to sl st around every other bullet to create the spaces. Below you can see how I slip stitched around every other bullet.


To sl st, I first placed a bullet into the pocket all the way to the right then I joined just to the left of the bullet, started to sl st down, placed the 2nd bullet in the pocket then worked my way around the bottom and up the side then fastened off. Repeat to end. Our belt ended up fitting 11 bullets.


Now, sew in all those nasty ends.

Place on child and now you have a soldier ready for a nerf battle!