Monthly Archives: December 2012

Mama’s Stitchery Projects patterns made the Top 100 of 2012 lists on AllFreeKnitting, AllFreeCrochet, and AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns. Thanks to all of you for making that possible.

The first row of an afghan with homespun or bouclé or other knobby style yarn can be frustrating. This afghan does not require finding chain stitches, even for the first row. The lacy shells keep the afghan light even with a heavier yarn.

This pattern was designed to be easy for homespun or bouclé style yarns, but it can be made with just about any yarn. Make it in a solid color or with as many color changes as you like.

The example is made in Lion Brand Homespun.

Size:
This blanket can be made any size. Five widths are given in the directions.

Materials:
Yarn – Sizing given for Bulky yarn but other weights can be used
Size K (6.5mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet
tr = triple crochet

Instructions:
Instead of a beginning chain, the blanket is begun with a first row of chain and tr spaces.

There is also a tutorial video available.

For these widths, start with this number of chain and tr spaces:
34.75″ = 31
39.25″ = 35
43.75″ = 39
48.25″ = 43
52.75″ = 47

Row 1: Ch 3, tr in first ch, (ch 3, tr in last ch sp) until you have made desired number of tr/ch spaces, making an odd number of them.

Do not turn.

Row 2: Ch 3. Without turning the work, make a dc over tr just made. Working across the tr stitches, (4 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) over next tr, ** skip 1 tr, (4 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) over next tr . Repeat from ** across to the last tr stitch. Work (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) over last tr.

Row 3: Ch 3 and turn. Dc in ch-1 sp. In each ch-2 sp across the row, make 4 dc, ch 2, 1 dc. (Dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-3 space at end of row.

Repeat row 3 until afghan is desired length. Complete with this last row:

Last Row: Ch 3 and turn. Dc in ch-1 sp, ch 2, sc in ch-2 of shell, ** ch 3, dc in sp between shells, ch 3, sc in ch-2 of next shell. Repeat from ** across all the shells. Ch 2, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-3 space at end of row. Finish off and weave in end.

The blanket can be made in a solid color or can be made with any number of color changes. The best way to make a color change is to finish all but the very last pull through of the two loops of the last stitch of a row. Cut yarn with a few inches of tail and join with new color next to stitch. Pull new color through last two loops. Weave in ends.

Edits: Added a finishing row on 10/27/2013.

You can make this simple little scarf in an hour with one skein of bulky yarn. Stripes of V-stitch and double crochet make this simple scarf far from plain.

The example is made with Lion Brand Jiffy, a bulky yarn. The scarf can be made with lighter weight yarns and smaller crochet hooks. You can add beginning chains in multiples of 3 to make the scarf the width you like.

Size:
The example is 5” by 52”

Materials:
3 oz (85 g)/135 yds of bulky yarn
Size K (6.5 mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet
v-stitch = dc, ch, dc in same stitch or space

Instructions:

Chain 16. The scarf can be made wider by adding 3 chains for each v-stitch wider.

After first row make all stitches in both loops.

Row 1: Dc in fourth chain. Dc in each chain to end of chain.

Row 2: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second dc, dc in each of dc across to end. Dc in top of turning chain.

Row 3: Ch 3, turn. V-stitch in third dc, (skip 2 dc, v-stitch in next dc) across to last dc and turning chain. Dc in top of turning chain.

Row 4: Ch 3, turn. V-stitch in each v-stitch ch sp across to last dc and turning chain. Dc in top of turning chain.

Row 5: Ch 3, turn. (Dc in the first dc of the v-stitch, dc in the chain space, dc in the other dc of the v-stitch) in each v-stitch across the row to the end. Dc in top of turning chain.

Row 6: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second dc, dc in each of dc across to end. Dc in top of turning chain.

Repeat rows 3-6 until scarf if the length desired. Finish off, secure and weave in end.

You can make this simple little scarf in an hour with one skein of super bulky yarn. After the first row, all stitches are made in spaces, so the work goes quickly not having to find stitches if you have knobby yarn.

The example is made with Red Heart Light and Lofty, a super bulky yarn. The scarf can be made with lighter weight yarns and smaller crochet hooks. You can add beginning chains in multiples of 3 to make the scarf the width you like.

Size:
The example is 6” by 52”

Materials:
4.5 oz (127 g)/105 yds of super bulky yarn
Size N/P (10 mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet

Instructions:

Chain 11. The scarf can be made wider by adding 3 chains for each block wider.

Row 1: 3 dc in 5th chain from hook, (skip 2 ch, 3 dc in next chain) to end of chain.

Row 2: Ch 4, turn. In each sp between 3 dc groups, make 3 dc across row to end. 3 dc in ch-4 sp.

Repeat row 2 until scarf is desired length. Finish off and weave in end.

The first row of an afghan with homespun or bouclé or other knobby style yarn can be frustrating. This afghan does not require finding chain stitches, even for the first row. This pattern was designed to be easy for homespun or bouclé style yarns, but it can be made with just about any yarn. Make it in a solid color or with as many color changes as you like. It is quick to make and shows the ripple pattern of a self striping yarn.

The example is made in Sensations Rainbow Boucle.

Size:
This blanket can be made any size. Five widths are given in the directions.

Materials:
Yarn – Sizing given for worsted weight yarn but other weights can be used
Size I (5.5mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet
tr = triple crochet

Instructions:
Instead of a beginning chain, the blanket is begun with a first row of chain and tr spaces.

There is also a tutorial video for this afghan and a chart.

For these widths, start with this number of chain and tr spaces:
31″ = 37
36″ = 43
41″ = 49
46″ = 55
51″ = 61

Row 1: Chain 3. Tr in first chain. This forms the first chain and tr space. Form each additional space by chaining 3 and doing a tr on the tr of the prior space. Make a number of chain and tr spaces that is a multiple of 6 plus 1. Do not turn.

Row 2: Ch 5. Without turning the work, rotate so that the following is worked across the tr created in the first row. Over first tr work 3 dc. Work 3 dc over each of the next two tr. Skip one tr. Work 3 dc over each of the next two tr. ** Over the next tr work 3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc.  Work 3 dc over each of the next two tr. Skip one tr. Work 3 dc over each of the next two tr. Repeat from ** to end of row. Over the last tr work 3 dc, ch 2, dc.

Row 3: Ch 5 and turn. Work 3 dc in the ch-2 sp. (Skip 3 dc and work 3 dc in the space between that dc and the next one) two times. Skip 6 dc. (Work 3 dc in the space between that dc and the next one, skip 3 dc) two times. **Work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in the ch-3 sp. (Skip 3 dc and work 3 dc in the space between that dc and the next one) two times. Skip 6 dc. (Work 3 dc in the space between that dc and the next one, skip 3 dc) two times. Repeat from ** to end of row. Work (3 dc, ch 2, dc) in ch-5 sp.

Repeat Row 3 until blanket is length desired.

Alternate edging for bottom and sides – at end of last row, instead of ch 2 and 1 dc, make ch 3 and 3 dc. Continue down side making 3 dc in each loop. In first loop of bottom, make 3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc. 3 dc in each of next two loops, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next loop, 3 dc in each of next two loops, skip a loop, 3 dc in each of next two loops, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next loop, 3 dc in each of the next two loops, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in last loop of the bottom. 3 dc in each loop of the side. Finish off and weave in end.

The blanket can be made in a solid color or can be made with any number of color changes. The best way to make a color change is to finish all but the very last pull through of the two loops of the last stitch of a row. Cut yarn with a few inches of tail and join with new color next to stitch. Pull new color through last two loops. Weave in ends.

The shell rows and stripe rows of this blanket have a very gentle ripple. This blanket can be made in a solid color or in as many colors as you wish. The example is made in worsted weight acrylic yarn.

Size:
This blanket can be made any size. Five widths are given in the directions.

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn
Size I (5.5mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet
sc = single crochet

Special stitches:
dc5tog – double crochet 5 stitches together (uses five stitches, decreases by four stitches) – [Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over and pull up loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops] 5 times (6 loops on hook), yarn over, draw through all loops on hook.

Special notes about dc5tog in this pattern:
The dc5tog used in the first row of this pattern uses 5 chain stitches. On sequent rows, it is going to be formed over a stitch and two adjacent chain spaces. The stitch before the dc5tog will be a dc in a ch sp. The first two yarn over and inserting hook will be in this same ch sp. The third will be in the sc or dc that is next. The fourth and fifth will be in the next ch sp.

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 48 plus 9.

There is also a chart available.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:
32.75″ = 153
43″ = 201
53.25″ = 249
63.5″ = 297
73.75″ = 345

After the first row, make all stitches in both loops.

Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next ch, 3 dc in next ch, dc in each of next 21 ch, dc5tog (uses next 5 ch), dc in each of next 21 ch, ** 5 dc in next ch, dc in each of next 21 ch, dc5tog (uses next 5 ch), dc in each of next 21 ch. Repeat from ** across to last 4 ch. 3 dc in next ch, dc in each of last 3 ch.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first dc, sc in each of next 3 dc, ** ch 3, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, (ch 3, skip 3 dc, sc in next dc, ch 3, skip 3 dc, dc in next dc) twice, ch 3, skip 5 dc, sc in dc5tog, ch 3, skip 5 dc, dc in next dc, (ch 3, skip 3 dc, sc in next dc, ch 3, skip 3 dc, dc in next dc) twice, ch 3, skip 1 dc, sc in next dc. Repeat from ** across to last 2 dc and turning ch. Sc in each of next 2 dc. Sc in top of turning ch.

Row 3: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second sc, dc in next sc, 4 dc in next sc, skip ch-3, sc in next dc, skip ch-3, ** 7 dc in next sc, skip ch-3, sc in next dc, skip ch-3. Repeat from ** across to last 4 sc. 4 dc in next sc. Dc in each of last 3 sc.

Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first dc, sc in each of next 3 dc, ** ch 3, skip 3 dc, dc in next sc, ch 3, skip 3 dc, sc in next dc. Repeat from ** across to last 2 dc and turning ch. Sc in each of next 2 dc. Sc in top of turning ch.

Row 5: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second sc, dc in next sc, 3 dc in next sc, (3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in dc, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in sc) twice, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in dc, dc in ch-3 sp, dc5tog (uses 2 in ch-3 sp, 1 in sc, 2 in next ch-3 sp), dc in ch-3 sp, dc in dc, (3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in sc, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in dc) twice, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, ** 5 dc in sc, (3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in dc, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in sc) twice, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in dc, dc in ch-3 sp, dc5tog (2 in ch-3 sp, 1 in sc, 2 in next ch-3 sp), dc in ch-3 sp, dc in dc, (3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in sc, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in dc) twice, 3 dc in ch-3 sp. Repeat from ** across to last 4 sc. 3 dc in next sc, dc in each of last 3 sc.

Row 6: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second sc, dc in each of next 2 dc, ** ch 3, skip 1 dc, (sc in next dc, ch 3, skip 3 dc, dc in next dc, ch 3, skip 3 dc) twice, sc in next dc, ch 3, skip 5 dc, dc in dc5tog, ch 3, skip 5 dc, (sc in next dc, ch 3, skip 3 dc, dc in next dc, ch 3, skip 3 dc) twice, sc in next dc, ch 3, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc. Repeat from ** across to last 2 dc and turning ch. Dc in each of next two dc. Dc in top of turning ch.

Row 7: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first dc, sc in each of next 3 dc, ** skip ch-3, 7 dc in next sc, skip ch-3, sc in next dc. Repeat from ** across to last 2 dc and turning ch. Sc in each of next two dc. Sc in top of turning ch.

Row 8: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second sc, dc in each of next 2 dc, ** ch 3, skip 3 dc, sc in next dc, ch 3, skip 3 dc, dc in next sc. Repeat from ** across to last 3 sc.  Dc in each of next 3 sc.

Row 9: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second dc, dc in next dc, 3 dc in next dc, (3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in sc, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in dc) twice, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in dc, dc in ch-3 sp, dc5tog (uses 2 in ch-3 sp, 1 in dc, 2 in next ch-3 sp), dc in ch-3 sp, dc in sc, (3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in dc, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in sc) twice, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, ** 5 dc in dc, (3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in sc, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in dc) twice, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in dc, dc in ch-3 sp, dc5tog (uses 2 in ch-3 sp, 1 in dc, 2 in next ch-3 sp), dc in ch-3 sp, dc in sc, (3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in dc, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, dc in sc) twice, 3 dc in ch-3 sp. Repeat from ** across to last 3 dc and turning chain. 3 dc in next dc, dc in each of last 2 dc, dc in top of turning ch.

Repeat rows 2 through 9 until afghan is desired length. End with either a row 5 or 9. Finish off and weave in end.

The blanket can be made in a solid color or can be made with any number of color changes. The best way to make a color change is to finish all but the very last pull through of the two loops of the last stitch of a row. Cut yarn with a few inches of tail and join with new color next to stitch. Pull new color through last two loops. Weave in ends.