Life before Crochet

We were chatting last night about life before crochet as a profession, those days when you made things just for fun.

I had to go waaaaay back to when Mum and I would go to the wool shop, and buy ourselves some yarn and a new pattern. It was our pleasure to sit and knit together (Mum would always buy new knitting needles whether she needed them or not)!

We also embroidered together, and crocheted the edges of our creations, tea towels, linen hankies, tray cloths... If it stood still for five minutes, it was getting crocheted onto!

Later, when crochet took over as my full time job, we crocheted less together. Mum's eyesight isn't what it used to be, and she's lost her passion for crafting. (I worry that will happen to me some day too.)

Now and again though, I like to dig out my boxes of threads and lace. This was a lavender bag I made from a vintage coaster. I added the crochet trim, the chain and the beads. I must say, it's a bit lonely to embroider by oneself. My experience growing up meant that for me, sewing is preferably a past-time for ladies together, Jane Austen style.

My mum always says, "Nice things are nice things." It's true, isn't it? I'm very grateful for social media to helping us stay connected, from our living rooms to all the other places in the world where know we are all crafting away with the same heart.

Hope you have a lovely day, whatever you're making.

Nina x

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Thank you for your company - Nina x

 

My Christmas Gift to you!

It's almost Christmas again - woohoo! - that wonderful season of goodwill, good cheer and a wee dram of ...human kindness (ahem)!  We've a very kind neighbour who I suspect is the real Santa.  No beard, but he does sport bright twinkling eyes beneath a mop of shiny white curls and regularly delivers fragrant homemade cupcakes to our doorstep.

Christmas Mouse - free crochet pattern

The end of the year can sometimes be bittersweet, tinged with nostalgia. It pays to lean towards gratitude for what is, rather than lament what is not.  For me, this year has brought quite a few changes.  In Spring we laid yellow roses on the water in memory of my dad who passed away this March.  By Autumn I had signed up for an Art course and have renewed my passion for painting.  Painting is a way of processing my feelings the only way I know how - through creativity.  Dad was a painter and so I think I'm trying to communicate with him somehow.  I'm sure he'd be pleased, although probably not all that impressed!  If you're curious you can visit my Instagram page ninacouserart.

I've been buoyed by your company and companionship online throughout the year.  Thanks for being there throughout the highs and lows.  I appreciate you!

So this time it's my turn to deliver a little gift to you - this Christmas Gift Mouse crochet pattern!  It was a lovely challenge to write it - there are so many amigurumi patterns for Christmas critters out there but I knew I wanted to give them a warm character.  (My Nancy sees me in the white one but I think I should've swapped the teeth...!) 

The Christmas Mouse is easy to make (double crochets throughout) with minimal sewing.  I stuffed the body with grain at the bottom so that they stand up.  They're holding a Christmas cracker, but you could easily have them hold a star, a box or some chocolate.

I hope you enjoy a safe and Happy Christmas with those you hold dear. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

See you in 2022!

Love Nina x

Christmas Mouse - crochet pattern

Materials:

    • Approx 30g (50m/55yds) Alpaca yarn (Main Colour) – pictured here in yarn by Amberly Alpacas

    • small amount of red, pink, black, brown, silver, grey

    • 3mm crochet hook (or size to obtain a firm fabric)

    • darning needle

    • stitch marker (preferably lockable)

    • Toy Stuffing

    • Small amount of bean bag filling (or rice, lentils etc) to weight the base of the MOUSE

Special Stitches:

    • Magic Ring (link to video Tutorial: https://youtu.be/ag2qkyzaNAE 

    • Inc (increase): work 2dc in the same stitch

    • Dec (decrease over 2 separate stitches): *[insert hook in next stitch and draw up a loop]; rep from * once more, then yarn round hook and draw through all three loops

Notes to this Pattern:

    1. Pattern is written in UK terms

    2. Work snugly throughout

BEGIN – read all Notes

BODY – worked in a continuous spiral

Using Main Colour, make a Magic Ring (see Special Stitches Video Tutorial) (or else ch4 and join with a ss to form a ring, working over the tail as you go)
Round 1: Work 6dc in the ring, place marker in the front loop of the last stitch (keep moving the marker up at the end of each round)
Round 2: 2dc (=Increase - see Special Stitches) into each stitch around [12dc]
Round 3: *Inc in next st, 1dc in next st; rep from * around [18dc]
Round 4: *Inc in next st, 1dc in each of the next 2sts; rep from * around [24dc]
Round 5: *Inc in next st, 1dc in each of the next 3sts; rep from * around [30dc]
Round 6: *Inc in next st, 1dc in each of the next 4sts; rep from * around [36dc]
Round 7: *Inc in next st, 1dc in each of the next 5sts; rep from * around [42dc]
Rounds 8 to 26: Work 1dc into each stitch around [42dc]

Round 27: *1Dec (see Special Stitches), 1dc in each of the next 5sts; rep from * around [36dc]
Round 28: 1dc in each dc around
Round 29: *1Dec, 1dc in each of the next 4sts; rep from * around [30dc]
Round 30: 1dc in each dc around [30dc]
Round 31: *1Dec, 1dc in each of the next 3sts; rep from * around [24dc]
Round 32: 1dc in each dc around [24dc]

Fill a small bag with bean bag filling (or filling of your choice. I used dried barley). Place it in the bottom of your MOUSE. Stuff the rest of the MOUSE with soft toy stuffing, quite firmly.

Round 33: *1Dec, 1dc in each of the next 2sts; rep from * around [18dc]

Rounds 34 - 36: 1dc in each dc around [18dc]

Round 37: *1Dec, 1dc next st; rep from * around [12dc]

Add a little more stuffing if necessary.

Rounds 38 & 39: 1dc in each dc around [12dc]

Round 40: Dec around [6dc]

Fasten off with a long tail and sew the tip closed

NOSE Using White, make a Magic Ring: Work 6dc into the ring.  Fasten off with a tail for sewing.  Using a darning needle, pick up every loop of each stitch around and pull tightly to make the round ‘pop’.  Stitch onto the tip of the nose.

EARS (make 2) – Using Main Colour, work as Rounds 1 – 5 of the BODY [30dc]. Fasten off with a long tail. Stitch EARS in place between Rounds 25 & 26 of the BODY (secure about 5sts per EAR), leaving 4sts between each EAR.

HAT - Using Red, make a Magic Ring 

Rounds 1 - 3: Work Rounds 1 – 4 of BODY [18dc]

Rounds 4 - 6: Work 1dc into each stitch around, drawing up WHITE on last st.

Rounds 7 & 8 (White): 1dc in each dc

Slip stitch into next st, fasten off with a long tail for sewing. Tie ends together inside the Hat (you can use them as part of the stuffing)

Pompom for HAT – work as for NOSE.  

Stitch Pompom top of HAT through the centre.

Stuff HAT lightly with Toy Stuffing. Stitch to the head between the EARS using White, making sure the EARS are in front. 

TAIL – Using Main Colour, ch47, slip st in 2nd ch from hook, *[skip next ch, slip st into next ch] 5 times, 1slip st into each of the next 5ch; repeat from * to end. Fasten off with a long tail for sewing.  

Attach the tail to Round 1 of the body and stitch in place along the centre back (as far as Round 18), leaving the remainder of the TAIL free. Encourage TAIL to curl around into a spiral.

ARMS – Using Main Colour, ch19, starting in 2nd ch from hook, slip st into each ch to end. Fasten off with a long tail for sewing.  

Using a crochet hook, pull one end of the ARMS through Rounds 25 & 26 , leaving 5sts between.  Use the tails to sew the ends of the Arms together and also to attach the Cracker.

CRACKER – using Silver, ch7

Row 1: 1dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1dc in each chain across [6dc]

Rows 2 – 6: Ch1, 1dc in each st across.

Fasten off with a longer tail. Sew into a tube.  Tie a length of yarn tightly around each end, close to the edge.

EYES -  Using Black held double, make a few straight stitches (3sts wide) between Rounds 28 & 29, leaving 9 sts between. 

MOUTH – using Pink held double, make two straight stitches (5sts wide) between Rounds 34 & 35

WHISKERS - Using Grey, stitch 3x Whiskers at each side of the Nose between Rounds 35 and 36

I hope you have enjoyed this pattern.  May it bring comfort and joy to you and your family.

Merry Christmas!

Nina x

Merry Christmas everyone!
Stay safe!

For the complete range of crochet patterns by Nancy Said visit https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/nancysaid 

Easy Autumn Hat - FREE crochet pattern

Easy Autumn Hat
~ quick and easy crochet pattern ~
 ~ Beginner friendly ~

 

Hello everyone!  It's that time of year when I wish the Summer away.  I'll regret it later of course - I haven't worn half my summer clothes - but as soon as I hear the first rustle of dry leaves, I'm all about AUTUMN!

I've fallen in love with this yarn: Jewelspun by Sirdar, which I bought from Lighthouse Yarns wool shop in Whitehead.  It's aran weight, comes in big 200g/500m balls, and some very lovely shades. I've made a small collection patterns with it already (Shawl, Hat and Gloves).  I'm sharing this Easy Autumn Hat pattern with you, partly to inspire you to make hats for charity this winter, but also because I've loved making it and I wanted to share the fun with you!

Materials:

 • 75g/190m/210yds Aran weight yarn*: 

- pictured here in Jewelspun Aran by Sirdar in Col. 0708 - each ball = 200g/500m/547yds 

- plus cream Aran by Cygnet Yarns in Shade 288 – each ball = 100g/210m/230yds    

*I used a 30g Cream for the Band (plus 45g Main Colour for the rest of the Hat) but you could use a single colour throughout if you prefer

    • 5mm crochet hook (or size to obtain Tension – see Note 2)

    • 4.5mm crochet hook 

    • darning needle

Easy Autumn Hat
printable version available from my Etsy Shop

Notes to this pattern

1. Pattern is written in UK terms

2. Tension: 

       - Band (4.5mm hook): 14sts x 12Rows = 7.5cm x 7.5cm

       - Main Hat (5mm hook): 16sts x 13Rows = 10cm x 10cm

Special Stitches

• dc (double crochet) = insert hook and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through two loops

• tr (treble) = yarn round hook, insert hook and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through first two loops, yarn over and draw through last two loops 

• decrease (double crochet two separate stitches together) = (insert hook into next stitch and draw up a loop) twice, yarn round hook and draw through all 3 loops

BEGIN – take time to check your tension for best fit

BAND Using 4.5mm crochet hook and Contrast Colour, loosely ch15 

(NB. The Band is worked sideways in turned rows before joining) (Tip: Tick off the rows as you go)

Row 1: 1dc into 2nd chain from hook and in each chain to end, turn [14dc]

Row 2: Ch1 (does not count as st), 1dc into the back loops only of each st across, turn [14dc]

Repeat row 2 until a total of 82 rows have been worked 

(Tip for counting: you should have 41 “ridges”)

Join to form a band: Holding the two short sides together, work 1 slip stitch through both thicknesses to join, working into the back loops only.  

Do NOT fasten off.

MAIN HAT SECTION - You will now work in joined rounds, around the edge of the Band

Round 1: Turn Band right side out.

Ch1, work 1dc into each row end of the Band, join with slip st to first dc [82dc]

CHANGE TO 5MM HOOK

- NB. If changing colour, join Main Colour now

Round 2: Ch2 (does NOT count as a stitch here and throughout), 1tr into same place as join, 1tr into each st around, join with slip st to top of first treble [82tr]

Round 3: Ch1 (does not count as stitch), starting in the same place as join, work 1dc into each stitch around, join with slip st to first dc [82dc]

Round 4: As Round 2 [82tr]

Round 5: As Round 3 [82dc]

Round 6: As Round 2 [82tr]

Round 7: As Round 3 [82dc]

Round 8: As Round 2 [82tr]

Round 9: Ch1, 1dc into each of the first 9sts, decrease over the next 2sts (for decrease see Special Stitches), *1dc into each of the next 9sts, decrease over the next 2sts; repeat from * around, ending with 1dc into each of the last 5sts, join with slip st to first dc [75dc]

Round 10: As Round 2 [75tr]

Round 11: Ch1, 1dc into each of the first 7sts, decrease over the next 2sts, *1dc into each of the next 7sts, decrease over the next 2sts; repeat from * around, ending with 1dc into each of the last 3sts, join with slip st to first dc [67dc]

Round 12: As Round 2 [67tr]

Round 13: Ch1, 1dc into each of the first 5sts, decrease over the next 2sts, *1dc into each of the next 5sts, decrease over the next 2sts; repeat from * around, ending with 1dc into each of the last 4sts, join with slip st to first dc [58dc]

Round 14: As Round 2 [58tr]

Round 15: Ch1, 1dc into each of the first 3sts, decrease over the next 2sts, *1dc into each of the next 3sts, decrease over the next 2sts; repeat from * around, ending with 1dc into each of the last 3sts, join with slip st to first dc [47dc]

Round 16: As Round 2 [47tr]

Round 17: Ch1, 1dc into each of the first 2sts, decrease over the next 2sts, *1dc into each of the next 2sts, decrease over the next 2sts; repeat from * around, ending with 1dc into last st, join with slip st to first dc [36dc]

Round 18: As Round 2 [36tr]

Round 19: Ch1, 1dc into first st, decrease over the next 2sts, *1dc into next st, decrease over the next 2sts; repeat from * around, join with slip st to first dc [24dc]

Round 20: As Round 2 [24tr]

Round 21: Ch1, decrease around, join with slip st to first dc [12dc]

Round 22: Ch1, decrease around, join with slip st to first dc [6dc]

Fasten off with a long tail for sewing.  Thread the tail onto a darning needle.  Pick up each stitch around and pull gently to close.  Fasten off securely.

Sew in all ends. 

Easy Autumn Hat
beginner friendly crochet pattern
printable version available from my Etsy Shop

I hope you enjoy making this Easy Autumn Hat.  I want to make a dozen more!  I plan to make a man's version next so look out for that.

The pattern could be easily adjusted to suit other weights of yarn too. 

If you'd like a printable copy, or a copy in US crochet terms, you can download it from my Etsy Shop for a small fee https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1067746921/easy-autumn-hat-crochet-pattern?ref=listing_published_alert.  

You might also like to browse the other patterns in the Easy Autumn Range such as the Easy Autumn Shawl and Easy Autumn Gloves.

Matching Accessories in the Easy Autumn Range

Thank you so much for crocheting along with me!

(Summer forgive me)
Roll on Autumn! 

With love from Nancy x

    

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Poolside Coaster - FREE crochet pattern

Hello again, summer lovelies!  

Hands up who'd love to be sipping cocktails by the pool right now?  Or in a shady forest having a boozy picnic?  Ah, now you're talkin'.  (I prefer to keep my clothes on too.)

Poolside Coaster - crochet pattern

Since we're having a bit of a heatwave here in Northern Ireland, and maybe where you are too, I thought now would be the perfect time to share this fresh cotton coaster pattern with you. 

Let's face it, when the weather gets warm, it's even a challenge just to shuffle to the fridge and back, so the last thing you want is a huge crochet project on your lap.  This easy-ish Poolside Coaster is just right to crochet in the summer.  Please Note: if you'd like a printable copy of the pattern (which helps support this little business), visit my Etsy Shop

You will need five colours of aran/worsted weight yarn, preferably cotton.  I used:

   • Drops Paris Uni Colour Cotton (50g/75m/82yds/100%cotton) in the following shades:

      Col A White 1x ball (col 16)

      Col B Yellow x1 ball (col 14)

      Col C Pink x1 ball (col 06)

      Col D Green x1 ball (col 39)

      Col E Blue x1 ball (col 10)

    • 4mm hook

    • 1x Ball Ricorumi Lame by Rico in colour 002 Gold (10g/50m)

    • 3.5mm hook (for Gold embellishment)

PATTERN NOTES:

    1. Pattern is written in UK terms (for a US version please visit my Nancy Said Etsy Shop where you can purchase a printable copy for a tiny fee) 

    2. Gauge: 1Square = 10 x 10cm approx

    3. It is very easy to miss the top of the very first stitch after a corner.  Be sure to draw the corner stitches back so that you can find it – (see Video Tutorial Nancy Said Video Tutorials - YouTube)

SPECIAL STITCHES:

    • Magic Ring – Video Tutorial here Nancy Said Video Tutorials - YouTube (Alternatively you can ch4 and join with a slip st to first chain to form a Ring)

    • htr (Half Treble) = yarn over, insert hook and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through all three loops on hook

    • Surface Crochet – bring the Gold yarn up between any stitch of Rounds 6 &7 from the underside of the work, *insert hook into next stitch and draw the yarn through both the stitch and the loop on the hook; repeat from * all around – for a video tutorial visit Nancy Said Video Tutorials - YouTube 

BEGIN

Using Col B Yellow and 4mm hook, make a Magic Ring (see Special Stitches)

Round 1: Ch3 (counts as first tr here and throughout) 2tr into the ring, *ch2, *3tr into the ring; repeat from * twice more, then ch2, join with slip st to top of beg-3ch.  Fasten off Col B 

[4 Blocks and 4 corner spaces made]

Round 2: Join Col C Pink to any corner space, ch3 (counts as first tr), 6tr in same space, *skip next tr, 1htr in next tr (= central tr of Block), skip next tr, 7tr into next corner space; rep from * around, ending with skip last tr, join with a ss to top of beg-ch3.  Fasten off Col C.

Round 3: Join Col D Green to any htr, ch2 (counts a first htr), *1dc into each of the next 3tr, (1htr, 1tr, ch1, 1tr, 1htr) all into next tr), 1dc into each of the next 3tr, 1htr into next htr; rep from * around, ending with 1dc into each of the last 3tr, join with a ss to top of beg-ch2.  Fasten off Col D.

Round 4: Join Col E Blue to any corner ch1-space, ch3 (counts as 1dc, ch2), 1dc in same space, *1dc into next tr (see Note 3), 1dc in next htr, [ch1, skip next dc, 1dc into each of the next 2sts] three times, then work (1dc, 2ch, 1dc) all into next corner space; repeat from * around, join with a ss to first chain.  Fasten off Col E.

Round 5: Join Col A White to any corner-space, ch1, (1dc, ch1, 1dc) in same place, *1dc into each of the next 3sts, 1dc into skipped stitch 2 rows below, [1dc into each of the next 2sts, 1dc into skipped stitch 2 rows below] twice, 1dc into each of the next 3sts, (1dc, ch1, 1dc) into next corner space; repeat from * around, join with ss to first dc.  DO NOT fasten off.

Round 6 (Col A White): Ch1, work 1dc into each stitch around, working (1dc, ch1, 1dc) into each corner space, join with a ss to first dc

Round 7: As Round 6.

Fasten off and sew in all ends.

Embellish with a round of surface crochet - see Special Stitches and Video Tutorial

GOLD EMBELLISHMENT (optional)

Using Gold yarn and 3.5mm hook, work a round of Surface Crochet (see Special Stitches) between Rounds 6 and 7. (Alternatively, if your skills allow, you could embroider a round of chain stitch instead)

And there you have it!  Uncork that wine, or boil that kettle for a cuppa.  These are some delightful coasters to cheer up your aperitif.  I wish we were sipping together - I'd bring the biscuits!

If you've enjoyed this pattern then you might also like other crochet patterns in the Poolside Range:

1) Poolside Placemat crochet pattern which uses the same square motif worked on the diamond:

Poolside Placemat - crochet pattern

2) Poolside Tote Bag crochet pattern 

 

Poolside Tote Bag - crochet pattern

Let me take this opportunity to say I hope you're all keeping well during this Summer 2021.  Thank you so much for being there and following along.  I miss you!

Nina x

Nancy Said - crochet patterns

For the full range of easy-to-read crochet patterns visit Nancy Said - Etsy Shop

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A warm hello from me! x

Floral Half Square (Triangle) - FREE crochet pattern

Floral Half Square (Triangle)

Hello again, here is the Floral Half Square, companion motif to the Floral Square (see my previous Blog post).  This triangle allows you to form a different shape when added to the squares.  For example, you can create a V shape if you're making a cardigan or sweater, or add a little triangle to the top of bags where you might attach handles.  Try googling "Granny Square Sweaters" or "Granny Square Bags" and you'll get the idea.

So are we ready?  Let's go!!

You will need: Four colours of yarn: Ochre, Pink, Green and Cream.  I used double knitting yarn and a 4mm hook, but just use what you have handy to practice.

NB. Pattern is written in UK crochet terms

SPECIAL STITCHES

• Magic Ring - (for a Video Tutorial visit https://youtu.be/ag2qkyzaNAE)
• Htr (half treble) - yarn over hook, insert hook and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through all three loops
• Large Puff = *yarn over hook, insert hook and draw up a loop to the height of a treble; rep from * five times more, then yarn over and draw through all 13 loops on hook
• Small Puff = *(yarn over hook, insert hook and draw up a loop to the height of a treble), twice, then yarn over and draw through all 5 loops on hook
• LT (Long Treble) = yarn over hook, insert hook and draw up a slightly longer loop than usual, then (yarn over hook and draw through two loops) twice

BEGIN – HALF SQUARE

Using Ochre, make a Magic Ring (see Special Stitches) (or else ch4 and join with a ss to form a ring)

Row 1: Ch2, 1htr into the ring (counts as first Small Puff made - see Special Stitches), *ch2, Small Puff into the ring; repeat from * 3 more times, fasten off Ochre [5 Small Puffs]

Row 2: Without turning, return to the start of the Row. Join Pink to top of first Puff, ch2, 1Small Puff into the same place, *ch3, 1Large Puff (see Special Stitches) into next space; repeat from * 3 more times, then ch3, 1Small Puff into the top of the last Puff, fasten off Pink [6 Puffs]

Row 3: Without turning, return to the start of the Row. Join Green to top of first Puff, ch4 (counts as (1tr, ch1), 3tr into next ch3-space, *ch3, skip next ch3-space, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) all into next ch3-space, ch3, skip next ch3-space, (3tr, ch1, 1tr) all into last space, fasten off Green.

Row 4: Without turning, return to the start of the Row. Join Cream to 3rd of beg-ch4, ch4 (counts as (1tr, ch1), 3tr into very next ch-1space, *1tr into each of the next 3tr, 3Long Trebles (see Special Stitches) into the next space between Puffs on Round 2 (enclosing the 3ch from the round below), 1tr into each of the next 3tr**, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) all into next corner space; repeat from * across to **, then work (3tr, ch1, 1tr) all into last space, fasten off Cream.

Row 5: Without turning, return to the start of the Row. Join Ochre to first ch1-space, ch1 (does not count as stitch), 2dc into same space, 1dc into each tr to corner space, 3dc into corner space at point, 1dc into each st across to end, ending with 1dc into last ch1-space, 1dc into top of last tr, fasten off Ochre.

Sew in all ends.

And there you have it, a beautiful little triangle motif which would look great all by itself to create lots of other designs.  It's exciting to think of all that potential, don't you think!  I can feel my heart rate galloping at the ideas flooding in.

I hope you've enjoyed this pattern.

Here's a handy video tutorial for one of my favourite ways to join Squares and Triangles https://youtu.be/tTLsg_LkcFQ

I've got lots more free patterns here on this blog, and you're cordially invited to browse the rest of my crochet patterns available for instant download in my Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/nancysaid

Enjoy the rest of your day!

Nina x

Happy crocheting everyone!

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Floral Granny Square - FREE crochet pattern

Hey everyone, hope this finds you surrounded by yarn, books, a cuppa, telly on, phone by your side, bad of sweeties nearby. Let's go!

Floral Square crochet motif

Grab four colours of yarn: Ochre, Pink, Green and Cream.  I used double knitting and a 4mm hook, but just use what you have to practice.

NB. Pattern is written in UK crochet terms

SPECIAL STITCHES

• Magic Ring - (for a Video Tutorial visit https://youtu.be/ag2qkyzaNAE)
• Htr (half treble) - yarn over hook, insert hook and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through all three loops
• Large Puff = *yarn over hook, insert hook and draw up a loop to the height of a treble; rep from * five times more, then yarn over and draw through all 13 loops on hook
• Small Puff = *(yarn over hook, insert hook and draw up a loop to the height of a treble), twice, then yarn over and draw through all 5 loops on hook
• LT (Long Treble) = yarn over hook, insert hook and draw up a slightly longer loop than usual, then (yarn over hook and draw through two loops) twice

BEGIN

Using Ochre, make a Magic Ring (For a Video Tutorial visit https://youtu.be/ag2qkyzaNAE) (or else ch4 and join with a ss to form a ring)

Round 1: Ch2, 1htr into the ring (counts as first Small Puff made - see Special Stitches), *ch2, 1Small Puff into the ring; repeat from * 6 more times, then ch2, join with ss to top of first Small Puff, fasten off Ochre [8 Small Puffs]

Round 2: Join Pink to any ch2-space, ch2, 1Large Puff (see Special Stitches) into the same space, *ch3, 1Large Puff into next space; repeat from * around, ending with ch3, join with ss to top of first Large Puff, fasten off Pink [8 Large Puffs]

Round 3: Join Green to any ch3-space, ch3, (2tr, 2ch, 3tr) all into same space (= Corner made), *ch3, skip next ch3-space, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) all into next ch3-space; repeat from * around, ending with ch3, join with ss to top of beg-ch3, fasten off Green.

Round 4:  Join Cream to any corner space, ch3, (2tr, 2ch, 3tr) all into same space, *1tr into each of the next 3tr, 3Long Trebles (see Special Stitches) into the next space between Puffs on Round 2 (enclosing the 3ch from the round below), 1tr into each of the next 3tr, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) all into next corner space; repeat from * around, join with ss to top of beg-ch3, fasten off Cream.

Round 5: Join Ochre to any tr, ch1 (does not count as stitch), 1dc into each st around, working 3dc into each corner space, join with a ss to first dc, fasten off Ochre.

Sew in all ends.

Ta-dah!  You've now made a lovely square!  You're cordially invited to show it to anyone with eyes, then make another cuppa to celebrate.

You could make many of these and join into a blanket, cardigan, cushion cover, handbag, glasses case, waistcoat, tablecloth, basket, gloves, scarf...oh my there is no end of designs!

Here's a handy video tutorial for one of my favourite ways to join Squares https://youtu.be/tTLsg_LkcFQ

I hope you've enjoyed this.

I've got lots more free patterns here on this blog, and you're welcome to browse the rest of my crochet patterns in my Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/nancysaid

Enjoy the rest of your day!

Nina x

Happy crocheting everyone!

Nancy Said Etsy Shop - blissfully easy-to-read crochet patterns

Nancy Said YouTube Channel - video tutorials from Beginner to Advanced

Candy Cane Blanket - FREE crochet pattern

Welcome to the wonderful world of Candy Cane! 

Candy Cane Blanket
finished size approx 120x105cm

Did someone say free Candy? I'm in!  I grew up in a sweet shop so I definitely have a sweet tooth (and plenty of fillings.  My favourite sweets were Peppermint Creams, oh how I devoured them by the pounds)!

This pattern has a slow-ish first row, but after that, whoosh!! You'll be flying in no time.  And don't let all the words put you off.  Watch the little video and you'll be raring to go.  It's quite an addictive pattern.  Once you've found your rhythm, I think you'll love it.

Let's get started!

Woolly Aran in Cream by Cygnet Yarns - 
comes in 200g balls (I used x3 of these)

Grousemoor Aran in Red -
comes in giant 400g balls - 
I used 1x of these

You will need*:

- 600g/1200m aran weight yarn in Cream - pictured here in Woolly Aran Shade 2742 by Cygnet Yarns (200g/396m)

- 400g aran weight yarn in Red - pictured here in Grousemoor Aran Shade 1386 by Cygnet Yarns (400g/660m)

- 6mm hook and 5.5mm hook

*PSSST! If you'd like to have a printed version of this pattern you can purchase one here

Also, consider using this pattern as a stash buster to use all your little balls of aran.  I do recommend having a neutral background colour though, such as the cream I used here.

Notes to this pattern:

1. Pattern is written in UK terms

2. Pattern is worked over any odd number of foundation chains

3. Carry the yarn loosely up the side of the work where possible to save sewing in ends

4. Gauge: 8 Rows x 5 Forked Puffs = 10x10cm

5. Finished size = approx 120x105cm

Special Stitches:

• FP = Forked Puff (4htrTogether over 2 spaced stitches (or over 2 Spaces on subsequent rows) – for a Video Tutorial on this stitch visit https://youtu.be/4gcEVX8joUM: (yrh, insert hook into the first indicated chain/space and draw up a tall loop) twice, skip 2chains, (yrh, insert hook into next indicated chain/space and draw up a loop) twice, yrh and pull through all 9 loops on hook
• Htr (half treble) = yrh, insert hook into indicated place and draw up and loop, yrh and draw through all three loops on hook
• Puff = (yrh, insert hook into indicated place and draw up a long loop) three times, then yrh and draw through all 7 loops

There are a lot of words to the Forked Puff stitch, but it's pretty simple to actually make so I recommend you watch the video if you prefer a demonstration

BEGIN

Using 5.5mm hook and Cream, ch163 (see Note 2)

Row 1: [Yrh, insert hook into the 4th chain from the hook and draw up a tall loop] twice, skip next two chains, [yrh, insert hook into the next chain and draw up a tall loop] twice (=9 loops on the hook), then yrh and draw yarn through all 9 loops (= Forked Puff made – see Special Stitches and video tutorial), **ch2, work another Forked Puff as follows: [yrh, insert hook into the same chain as the last “leg” of the previous Forked Puff and draw up a loop] twice, skip 2chains, [yrh, insert hook into the next chain and draw up a loop] twice, then yrh and draw yarn through all 9 loops; repeat from ** across, ending with ch1, then work 1htr into the same last chain, turn [53 Forked Puffs made]

Row 2: Ch3 (counts as first Htr, ch1), Work 1FP over the first ch1 space and the next ch2-space, *ch2, work 1FP working the first leg into the same space as the last “leg” of the previous FP and the next space; repeat from * across up to and including the space just before the turning chain, ending ch1, then work 1htr into the same last space, turn

Rows 3 to 8: Work as Row 2, changing to Red on the last stitch, dropping Cream but do not fasten off (see Note 3)

--- CHANGE TO 6MM HOOK ---

Rows 9 and 10: Using Red, work as Row 2, changing to Cream on the last stitch, dropping Red but do not fasten off

Rows 11 and 12: Using Cream, work as Row 2, changing to Red on the last stitch, dropping Cream but do not fasten off

These last 4 Rows establish the colour sequence.  Continue using 6mm hook,  changing colour every two rows until a total of 17 Red Stripes have been worked, drawing up Cream on the last stitch.

Fasten off Red.

--- CHANGE TO 5.5MM HOOK ---

Work a further 8 rows in Cream, do not fasten off

EDGING – worked along the two long sides only - using 5.5mm hook

Rotate work 90’ to work along the side

>>Ch2, work 1Puff (see Special Stitches) around the edge of the first row (i.e. around the turning chain), ch1, *1Puff around the turning chain of the next Row end, ch1; rep from * to the end of this side, ending with 1Puff into the last Row end, then work 1htr into the 2nd of the turning chain.  Fasten off.

Rejoin Cream to opposite side and repeat from >>.

Fasten off and sew in all ends.

I hope you enjoy making this blanket!  The end result is so plush and cosy, I can totally imagine using this for my socially distanced garden visits.  Plus, I think it would make a cosy shawl or scarf too. 

Happy crocheting everybody!

Thanks so much for being part of Nancy Said.  I couldn't do it without you!

Check out the rest of my Etsy Shop!

You can find more free patterns here on my Blog and over 100 easy-to-read crochet patterns in my Etsy Shop.  I'm also active on Facebook and Instagram.  (Twitter still confuses me.)

Elements Shawl
Crochet pattern available here

Booklovers' Gloves crochet pattern
available here

Chunky Picnic Blanket
crochet pattern available here

Gelato Gloves
Crochet pattern available here

Sweet Sixteen Blanket
crochet pattern available here

Welcome to the wonderful world of crochet! See you soon!

Nina xx

www.nancysaid.com