Moss Stitch Pouch - Free Pattern

 

This pattern has been available as a free download on Ravelry for some time. This year I'm giving some things a refresh, which means bringing some more free patterns to my blog. 

This one is a chunky textured pouch, that can be used to transport your crochet hooks and small projects, or maybe your phone, keys or make-up! Made with a soft cotton rope, it works up in no time at all.  Great for a beginner; written in US terms.

I love working with recycled textiles. For one reason, it's great to use a material that might otherwise go to a landfill - and there is nothing wrong with it! And it also provides a beautiful texture, it's chunky - and makes really quick and unique products. If you can't find the cotton rope yarn a t-shirt yarn or ribbon yarn makes a good substitute. (Shown below in 'ribbon' yarn')

An ad-free PDF is available on Ravelry 

Moss stitch is one of my favourite stitches - it works up fast, looks great, and only uses chains and single crochet (UK double crochet) I've also seen it referred to as linen stitch. You may like to also check the Neverending Story Shawl if you like Moss Stitch! It's a great stitch for beginners and a favourite sitch for established crocheters. 

Finished Measurements:

Width: 19 cm

Height: 10 cm

Materials:

Yarn: Cotton Rope (Macrame cord) 250 g, 90m  

Yarn alternative: Hoooked Ribbon XL (80% Cotton,20% Other; 72yrds/125g) 0.5 x ball used.

Hook: 12 mm

Notions: cotton thread to sew side seams, sewing needle

To line: 20 x 20 cm of fabric, cotton thread, sewing needle, (sewing machine can be used) optional buttons or fastenings

Gauge: 9 sts and 12 rows = 4" (10cm) in moss stitch

Use leftover yarn to create a tassel or other embellishment
 

Abbreviations (US terminology):

ch = chain

sc = single crochet

sk = skip

sp = space

st(s) = stitch(es)

rep = repeat

Chain 18.

Row 1: Miss 3 ch, *sc, ch, sk st, rep from * finishing with sc in last ch, turn. (8sc)
Row 2:  Ch 2, *sc into ch sp, ch 1, rep from * finishing with sc in final ch sp.
Repeat row 2 for pattern.
Complete 25 rows.
Without cutting yarn, ch 23 and sl st to 1^st ch to make wrist strap.

Finishing:
Fold into thirds, lengthwise. Fold end row (wrist strap) in, foundation chain end will fold over top. 
Sew side seams with cotton thread.
Add buttons or fastenings. Foundation chain spaces make perfect buttonholes.
To line:
Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, (RS together) Hem top edges by folding over 0.5 cm to WS, and pin in place, and sew (with either sewing machine, or hand sew)
Pin side seams and sew on WS. Pin lining in place in clutch, and sew in place along the top hem.

 

Sol Square: the Friendship Blanket CAL

 The Sol Square is part of the 2021 Friendship blanket CAL

This awesome CAL is hosted by Helen from Sunflower Cottage Crochet and is a collaboration of 25 designers, where each designer designed a square (or two) for this blanket.

How does the CAL work?

The CAL began on January 15th and will end on April 18th. A new square will be released every week on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 9 am GMT. Some of the squares will be available for download as a PDF with a coupon code that will be provided, and some will be available as a blog post. (Designer’s choice!)

All squares are made with an Aran/Worsted (#4) weight yarn.

(Ravelry Link)

Read my intro post here, which includes some yarn suggestions. 

The Sol square is a combination of many stitches, including puff stitches for texture! I was inspired by the sunflowers of the Sunflower cottage. 

Don’t want to wait?

If you don’t want to wait for each square to be released, or prefer your patterns organized together, you can get a bundle for all 40 squares patterns for only $10 (US) (only 25 cents per pattern)!

Grab the bundle HERE.

 

Keep reading for the free pattern. I have also provided an ad-free, premium PDF that is available to buy on Ravelry and will be uploaded to Etsy and Love Crochet as soon as possible (post will be updated once that has been completed) This paid version contains a chart. 

For the duration of the CAL, this PDF will be free to download on Ravelry -using the code: Squares

Code is case sensitive, but please get in contact if the code is not working for you. [email protected] 

Abbreviations (US terminology):

ch -           chain

sc –          single crochet

dc –  double crochet

hdc – half double crochet

hdcV –    half double V stitch

ps – puff stitch

sl st - slip stitch

sp/s – space/s

st/s – stitch/es

rep – repeat

( ) – indicate stitches worked in same st or sp

* * and [ ] – indicate section to be repeated

BLO – back loop only

Special Stitches (detailed at the end of the pattern)

hdcV

shell 

corner shell

puff stitch

standing sc (stsc)

standing dc (stdc)

standing hdc (sthdc)

magic ring

Materials:

Yarn: Any #4 worsted weight. Total used: 30g

Hook: US H (5.0 mm)
Notions: yarn needle
Gauge: 6 rows x 15 sts (dc) = 4 inches
Size: 9 inches
Skill level: Adventurous beginner

#friendshipblanket21

Pattern notes:

The pattern worked in rounds.
The pattern is written with a standing stitch and colour change at the start of each round. Standing stitches can be replaced with a starting chain, or preferred alternate method. 

Make a magic ring
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc) 11dc, sl st to 3^rd ch. (12dc)
Round 2: (stsc, 1ch) in any st, (1sc, 1ch) in each st around, sl st to stsc. (12sc, 12ch)
Round 3: (stsc, 2ch) in any ch-sp, (sc, 2ch) in next sp, and every ch-sp around, slst to stsc. (12sc, 24ch)
Round 4: (sthdc, 1ch, hdc, 1ch) in any ch-sp, (hdcV, 1ch) in next ch-sp, and every sp around, .(12 hdcV, 12ch)

Round 5: Ch 2 (not counted as st) (ps, 3ch) in ch-sp of any hdcV, *sk next ch-sp (ps, 3ch) in next ch-sp, rep from * around (12 ps, 36 ch)
Round 6: (stdc, 3dc, 1ch) in any ch-3 sp, (4dc, 1ch) in next ch-3 sp and every sp around. (48 dc, 12ch)
Round 7: (stdc, dc, 3ch, 2dc, 1ch) in any ch sp, *[(shell, 1ch) in next ch] twice, 1ch, corner shell, 1ch, rep from * twice, [shell, 1ch] twice. (8 shell, 4 corner shell, 12 ch)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Round 8: (stdc, dc) in any ch-3 sp, *BLOdc in each st and ch to next ch-3 sp, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in ch-3 sp, rep from * twice, *BLOdc in each st and ch to next ch-3 sp, (2dc, 2ch) in ch-3 sp, slst to stdc. (100dc, 8ch)
Round 9: (stdc, dc) in any ch-2 sp, *BLOdc in each st and ch to next ch-2 sp, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in ch-2 sp, rep from * twice, *BLOdc in each st and ch to next ch-2 sp, (2dc, 2ch) in ch-2 sp, slst to stdc. (116dc, 8ch)

Special Stitches

hdcV:  (hdc, 1ch, hdc) worked in same sp

Shell: (2dc, 1ch, 2dc) worked in same sp

Corner shell: (2dc, 3ch, 2dc) worked in same sp

Puff stitch: [yo, insert the hook in stitch, yo, pull up loop] 3 times in same st, yo, pull through all 7 loops on hook.

Standing sc (stsc): yo, insert hook in st, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook

Standing dc (stdc): yo twice, insert hook in st, yo, pull up loop, [yo, pull through 2 loops on hook] twice

Standing hdc (sthdc): yo twice, insert hook in st, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through 3 loops on hook. 

Stdc tutorial: can be found here.

Magic ring tutorial: can be found here.

I hope you enjoy the square! If you'd like to keep up to date with my designs - sign up for my newsletter

Don't forget to share your squares on social media!

Happy Crocheting 

Emma. 

Yarn Review - 'Lionbrand' Mandala

 I've been using Lionbrand Mandala and a rebranded version for some time now, (although I've kind of stuck to one colourway) and I'd like to kick off a new series of yarn reviews with it

This post contains some affiliate links, opinions are my own.

Lionbrand Mandala is a large 'cake' yarn - 540m/590 yards, 150g/5.3 oz - this cake is bigger than your standard ball of yarn - You'll be able to make a lot from one ball.

 Mandalas are 100% acrylic, although you'll find some variations available. They are a weight 3 (light) which is usually referred to as an 8ply in Australia. It's a soft acrylic, that I've found to be very versatile. Blankets, clothing, toys - I've had great results for everything. 

Mandalas change colours throughout the cake - usually only repeated once in each cake - these colour changes can be abrupt, depending on the colour - For example, a pink to purple may fade into each other, but then change to white. The colours work well together, so if you've found yourself struggling with colour selection, a mandala may take out some of the pain for you! I have cut and restarted when I found a colour change too distracting, but for the most part, I just let them flow. 

Even though I've stuck to Nymph colourway - there is a wide range of colours and combinations.

My small Cupcake Tunic was made in Lionbrand Mandala in 'Wood Nymph'

Pattern available at Yarnish.com.au

I got two Cupcake tunics out of one cake - as you can see, this second one got more of the pink in it! 

Remember when I said I've stuck to one colourway! Well, it's true - I also used wood nymph to make the Sunset Poncho (available at Ravelry and LoveCrafts)  In the background are some other mandala creations! 

Overall, I've great results using Mandalas, I've found them to be affordable, the extra length gives you bang for your buck, as well as being soft, easy to use, and easy to follow the care instructions.

I hope you enjoy my yarn review!

Happy Crocheting,

Emma

4 Leaf Clover - free crochet pattern.

Today I'm sharing an older design of mine - that has been a free Ravelry download for some time (and will remain so!) 

This clover can be made as either a three-leafed Shamrock (the official symbol of Ireland and St Patrick) or as a four-leafed lucky clover.  Instructions are given for DK weight yarn, but this pattern can be used with any weight yarn and equivalent hook.

Originally written in 2013 – Updated in 2019. Written in US terms.

It's a pretty easy pattern - the hardest part might be weaving in all the ends! It's cute and quick, and makes great accessories for St Patrick's Day! 

Materials:

Yarn: 20 g DK yarn in Emerald

Hook: 4.0mm

Abbreviations (US terminology):

ch = chain

dc = double crochet

tr = treble crochet

sl st = slip stitch

st(s) = stitch(es)

Leaf:

With Emerald yarn, make a chain of 4

Work all of the following in the first ch: 3 tr, 3 dc, 1 ch, 1 tr, 1 ch, 3 dc, 3 tr, 3 ch, sl st .

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Repeat to make the desired amount of leaves - 3 or 4!

 

To join:

Make a chain of 5 (the stalk) and sl st to the point of one leaf. Sl st around the leaf, when you reach the centre between the two ‘bumps’ sl st back into centre of the leaf, sl st to point of next leaf and repeat to join all leaves.

Weave in ends. 

I hope you enjoy it!

Happy Crocheting,

Emma

The Friendship Blanket CAL

This post contains affiliate links 

The Friendship Blanket CAL is the brainchild of Helen from Sunflower Cottage Crochet. 25 designers have teamed up to bring you 41 squares! Each square will be 9 inches, uses worsted weight yarn, and can be assembled to make a blanket. Pick and Mix which squares you want to make! The running theme is texture - and friendship!

What yarn to use?

The patterns are written for Worsted/Aran Weight yarn- some suggestions are:

Paintbox Simply Aran  100% Acrylic, 100g/3.5 oz - 60 colours to choose from!

Yarn and Colours Epic - 100% cotton, 50g -101 shades of pure cotton!

What am I using?

I'm using a yarn found at the Australian chain 'Spotlight' called

Spot Saver USA style (200 g/100% acrylic) 

I'll be using pumpkin (pictured) Peacock and Grey. 

How to join in?

I'll be updating this post every few days to update the new square releases, you can also follow Sunflower Cottage- the host of the CAL

Helen's Square kicks things off - you can find the pattern of the first square: the Friendship Square, here on the Sunflower Crochet Blog. 

If you'd like to read Helen's original post, that kick's off the CAL - click here.

All squares will remain free for the duration of the CAL. 

You can use the tag #Friendshipblanket21 to see what others are posting on social media.

Of course, I jumped at the opportunity to join in, but you'll have to wait to see my square! 

And, for those who just can't wait - there is the option of purchasing the entire CAL right now. You can click this link for the bundle (affiliate link)

Click on the photos below to be taken to each individual pattern. I will be updating the post to add all 41 squares! This post will remain once the crochet along has finished, as a way to find all the squares. I won't have any control over links that are no longer valid, 

Post Update: April 2th April 2021 - All the patterns are live - I just need to catch up on linking them all properly in this post. 

I've also written a follow-up post, with links to everything I think you'll need. 

Square 1: Friendship Square

 

Square 2: Pretty Petals

 

Square 3: Lauren

Square 3: Rambling Roses

Square 4: 

Square 5: Illusion Square

Square 6: Diamond Bliss

Square 7: Omatra Square

Square 8: Raised Diamonds

Square 9: Ara Square

Square 10: Argyll Square

Square 11: The Kindred Square

Square 12: The Eclectic Square

Square 13: Kinship Square

Square 14: Tapestry Heart

Square 15: Friendship Blanket Square

Square 16: Connection Square

Square 17: Sweet Stripes

Square 18: Sol Square

Square 19: Dolphin Stitch

Square 20: Cross Puff Square 

Square 21: Zamni Square

Square 22: Sun and Stars

Square 23: Lasting Links

Square 24:

Square 25: Synergy

Square 26: Sedge Stitch 

Square 27: Arianrhod Square

Square 28: Harmony Square 

Square 29: Crochet Cluster Stitch

Square 30:  Rialto Square

Square 31: Friendship Star

Square 32: Crochet Lace Square 

Square 33: 

Square 34: Integrity Square 

Square 35: Communion Square

Square 36: Malachia Granny Square 

Square 37:  Companion Square

Square 38: Fellowship Square

Square 39: Waffle Stitch Square

Square 40: Circle of Friends Square

Square 41: Brindisi Bobble 

What an incredible list! Make a few squares, or make them all! Don't forget there is still the option to purchase the full bundle right now. You can click this link for the bundle (affiliate link)