Simple Knit Hat

I couldn't find a simple knit hat pattern using economical yarn that you didn't have to sew together at the end, so I created this pattern.  Since it is so close to Halloween, I've turned it into a pumpkin hat using crochet methods, but I really like how the hat itself fits so I'm sure I'll be using this pattern again.  The hat sits easily on my head, it is not stretched tight or snug, which is how I like it, and most importantly, I think it's super cute!

Size 8, 5 mm 16” circular knitting needles

5 mm double pointed knitting needles

Red Heart Super Saver yarn, or any Aran weight yarn

For pumpkin hat you'll need a 5mm crochet hook

First make a Simple Knit Hat with orange yarn:

Cast on 88 stitches on your circular needles, make sure your stitches aren’t twisted and join in the round. Don't forget to place a marker so you know where the start of your round is.

For hat brim:K2 x P2 around, for 10 rows

Knit around for 23 rows

Decrease rounds, switch to DPN’s when needed:

K2 tog, K6 repeat around

K around

K2 tog, K5 repeat around

K around

K2 tog, K4 repeat around

K around

K2 tog, K3 repeat around

K around

K2 tog, K2 repeat around

K around

K2 tog, K1 repeat around

K around

K2 tog around

Break yarn, thread it through remaining stitches, pull tight and weave inside hat to secure

Your Simple Knit Hat is done!

To make it into a pumpkin, using green yarn and your crochet hook:

Make 2 Curly stems
Chain 23
Starting in the 4 chain from the hook, put 3 DC in EACH chain to the end.
The yarn will start to spiral, if it gets wonky, just stop and twist the spiral the way it should go.  Cut a long tail so that you can attach to hat.

Make 2 Leaves
Chain 8
Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, crochet down the chain:
SC, HDC, DC, 2 DC, DC, HDC, SC

Make a picot — Chain 2, slip stitch in second Chain from the hook
Now work the same down the opposite side to create the other half of your leaf-
SC, HDC, DC, 2 DC, DC, HDC, SC

Slip stitch to secure your yarn, cut a long tail so that you can attach to hat.

Finish-
Gather one leaf and one curl. Put your crochet hook through the top of your hat, pull their yarn tails through to the inside.  Do the same for the other leaf and curl in a spot right next to the first, make sure you like where they are positioned, then tie the tails together inside the hat. 

Talenti Container Cover

I like repurposing old containers and using crochet to make them pretty.  When I recently polished off a container of Talenti Gelato that has a convenient screw top lid I knew it was a keeper.

This "pattern" is so simple to make I'm hard pressed to actually call it a pattern.  At least I can say it's perfect for beginners. It's basically single crochet done in the round, and all I've done really is count the stitches and rows for you.

Yarn I used:  Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn 446/ Meadow Dance
                      or you could use any size 4 medium weight yarn

Hook: Size H 5.00 mm

Talenti Gelato Container, One Pint (473 ml)
                       I bought mine at Walmart

PATTERN

Make a slipknot, Chain 40

Slip Stitch to beginning chain to join, making sure not to twist your chain

Single Crochet in same stitch as join, SC in each stitch around.

When you get back around to the beginning, crochet in the top of the first SC you made, and place a stitch marker there.  You've completed round 1.

Then continue SC in the round until you've completed 13 rounds, moving your stitch marker each round to help you keep count.

Once you've finished 13 rounds, skip a stitch, slip stitch into the next stitch, cut yarn and weave in ends.

*note* Yes, your cover will be slightly slanted due to working in the round.  Once you put it on your container, however, it's not very noticeable.  I much prefer working in the round to "slip stitch to join, chain one" because that method leaves a very noticeable seam down your project.

Oui Yogurt Jar Cover Crochet Pattern

I'm sure I'm not the only one who finishes a jar of Oui Yogurt and thinks that it's too nice to throw away.  I created a quick and easy pattern to make a crochet jar cover. 

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Stripes Favorite

Hook: 5mm

CH 30

Slip Stitch to beginning CH, making sure not to twist your work.

SC in same beginning CH, and in each CH around. 

Continue working in the round, SC in each stitch around for 8 rounds. Making sure to Place Marker in your beginning stitch to keep track of your starting point.

At the start of Rnd 9, SC2Tog*, then SC in each stitch around.

At the start of Rnd 10, Skip stitch (the SC2Tog from Rnd 9) and Slip Stitch in next stitch, Slip stitch in each stitch around.  Cut yarn and weave in ends.  

Notes:  

Oui jars are tapered at the top, so the decrease rounds--Rnd 10-- is the top of your work.

The slip stitches in Rnd 10 not only serve to create a nice border, but also helps tighten up your cover so it fits the tapered jar better.

Yes, your cover will be slightly slanted due to working in the round.  Once you put it on your jar, however, it's not very noticeable.  I much prefer working in the round to "slip stitch to join, chain one" because that method leaves a very noticeable seam down your project.

*Pics of SC2Tog. Single Crochet Two Together.  Written out: you insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull through, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over, pull through, you should have three loops on hook, yarn over, pull through all three loops.

Chunky Beanie

I’m all about the look of over-sized stitches lately so on my latest trip to the store I picked up the thickest yarn I could find, which happened to be blanket yarn from Bernat.  Even though the name calls for blanket making, I was set to make myself a beanie.  I never did mind being a little different.

The yarn is labelled as a Super Bulky Size 6 yarn if you want to substitute for something you already have.  If you want to use the same yarn I did, it only cost $3.96 at my Super Wal-Mart and there was enough left over to make a pom-pom for the top of your hat if you’d like.  This hat worked up fast, and is sooooo deliciously soft, yet machine washable.  Even though it’s as simple as could be to make, the over-sized stitches give it a modern look and I’m totally in love with it!

Bernat Blanket Yarn

Color: Dark Grey

Hook: Size P 11.5 MM

Round 1: 12 DC in Magic loop, slip stitch to join (12)

Round 2: Chain 3, DC in same stitch, 2DC in each stitch around, slip stitch to join    (24)

Round 3: Chain 3, DC in same stitch, DC in next, *2 DC in next, 1 DC in next* repeat around, slip stitch to join   (36)

From here on out, your chains after the slip stitch do NOT count as a stitch

Rounds 4 and 5: Chain 3 (does not count as a stitch) DC in same stitch and in each stitch around, slip stitch to join (36)

Rounds 6 and 7: Chain 3 (does not count as a stitch) In back loops only, DC in same stitch and in each stitch around, slip stitch to join (36)

Round 8: Chain 1, (does not count as a stitch) In back loops only, SC in same stitch and in each stitch around, slip stitch to join (36)

Weave in ends.

Tiny Pouch - Perfect for EOS Lip Balm or Other Trinkets

I saw an idea for a similar pouch, but did not have the correct size yarn that was called for so I was inspired to create my own pattern.

This is a perfect project for Christmas gifts — quick, easy, cheap, you can use scrap yarn, you can adorn them differently if you’d like, and most people like and can use lip gloss. It would also make a great tooth fairy pouch.  My mother collects coins, and this is a great way to gift a coin or two.  Whatever small trinket will fit inside, people have always been delighted when receiving this pouch as a gift!

If you’re not familiar with EOS lip gloss, it goes on clear and is widely available, including at Wal-Mart. I see it near the check-out line shelves at the registers.

Abbreviations:
SS = Slipstitch
SC = Single Crochet
SC2Tog= Single Crochet 2 stitches together
FPDC = Front Post Double Crochet
BPDC = Back Post Double Crochet

(Tip- These are not my video's, but reference YouTube if you're unsure of how to do these stitches, examples of SC2tog here Post stitches here)

Materials

Yarn - I used Red Heart Super Saver- whatever colors, as many different colors as you’d like, and this is such a small project you can use scraps.  Red Heart is an Aran weight yarn if you need to substitute.

Hook Size - F or 3.75 MM

Darning Needle

Optional for Owl - sewing needle and thread, 2 buttons

Instructions

For Pouch:

Round 1

Magic circle, SC 6, SlipStitch to join, chain 1 Stitch Count= 6

Round 2

2 SC in each stitch around, SS join, Chain 1 Stitch Count= 12

Round 3

*2 SC in first stitch, SC in next* repeat around, SS join, Chain 1                                          Stitch Count= 18

Round 4

*2 SC in first stitch, SC in next 2* repeat around, SS join, Chain 1                                       Stitch Count= 24

Rounds 5 - 9

SC in each stitch around, SS join, Chain 1                                                                            Stitch Count= 24

Round 10

*SC2Tog, SC in next 3* repeat around, last repeat you will only SC in next 2, SS join, Chain 1
                                                                                                                                               Stitch Count= 19

Round 11

*FPdc in first, BPdc in next* repeat around, SS join and fasten off, weave in ends. 

For Drawstring:

Chain 60, knot the ends. (I used a lighter to hold heat near the ends to melt the yarn where I cut it, but this is optional)  Weave in and out between the front and back posts of Round 11 on your pouch.

You have a complete pouch at this point if you’d like to be done!  

Or you can embellish them a bit in any way you’d like.  Here are instructions for the owl and peace sign pictured, but you could crochet and sew on a flower, heart, your friend’s initial, etc…

Tip: I like to make note of the seam where the rounds join, keep that to the back, and sew the embellishments to the front.

For the Owl:

Make 2 eyes- Magic Circle, SC 6 in the ring, Slipstitch join, Ch 1, 2 SC in each around for 12, SS join, fasten off, and leave long tail for sewing.

Use thread to sew a button on to each eye.  

Then use your long tails to sew both eyes on the pouch, I like to make sure the sides touch. 

Using yarn, a darning needle, and the picture for reference, sew a triangle between the eyes to make a beak, going vertical several times first, then finish up with a couple horizontal stitches across the top to make it look neat.

For the Peace Sign:

Magic Circle, SC 6 in the ring, Slipstitch join, Ch 1, 2 SC in each around for 12, SS join, fasten off, and leave long tail for sewing.

Using yarn, a darning needle, and the picture for reference, sew around the perimeter just underneath the loops to make a circle, form the side legs of the peace symbol, then work your way up the middle.  Tie off, hide ends in the back, sew your symbol to your pouch.

(I’ve also used this same method to stitch on the initial of a friend I’m gifting to)

I made this pattern FREE because I'd love for others to make it, but please do not use my pictures. You may refer to my pattern, but please link back to my blog. DO NOT COPY AND PASTE. You are totally welcome to sell your finished projects! 

If you’d like to see the post I was inspired by, check out Briana K Designs.  She uses DK weight yarn if that’s what you have!

http://fun.brianakdesigns.com/kissablelips/

Short Mason Jar Cozy Pattern

My favorite of all the shapes and sizes of mason jars is the 8 oz wide mouth half pint jars, or as I like to think of them, the short and squatty ones! I like that it has a wide mouth, but is short so you can easily reach what's inside. I often use these for storage of my notions, and when I'm gifting jams I like to use smaller jars so I can have more to give out. Putting a crocheted cozy around the jar makes it so the gift is useful long after the jam is gone. Even if you aren't into canning, you could fill it with candy or trinkets, or honestly, I would love a decorated jar even if it was empty. After a quick Google search I couldn't find a pattern for this shape so I decided to make one myself.  Hope you have fun with it! 

Notes before you begin:

Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. I like to use a Bobby pin, but you can use safety pins, a piece of yarn, or buy specially made stitch markers. 

If you have trouble knowing where to begin when crocheting in the round, I found it helps me to count backwards from the hook. 

Hook size: 5.5 MM

Yarn:  Aran (heavy worsted) weight- I used Red Heart Super Saver Mulberry Mix

Stitch Key:

CH: chain(s)

SL ST: slip stitch

SC: Single Crochet

HDC: Half-Double Crochet

DC: Double Crochet

BLO: Back Loop Only

Special stitch: ****

HDC2TOG, I'm not sure this is even a legit stitch, but here's what I mean by it:

Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, pull through yarn, 3 loops on hook, insert hook in next stitch, pull through yarn, 4 loops on hook, yarn over and pull through all 4 loops. 

Pattern for 8 oz wide mouth half pint jars

CH 4, SL ST join with initial CH. 

Round 1

6 SC in the loop. 

        (Do not join, continue in spiral, make sure to place a marker at the start of each round)

Round 2

*2 SC in each stitch around (12)

Round 3

*2 SC in next stitch, 1 SC in next stitch* repeat from * around to the end (18)

Round 4

*2 SC in next stitch, 1 SC in next 2 stitches* repeat from * around to the end (24)

Round 5

*2 SC in next stitch, 1 SC in next 3 stitches* repeat from * around to the end (30)

Round 6

*2 SC in next stitch, 1 SC in next 4 stitches* repeat from * around to the end (36)

Here's what your piece should look like at the end of Round 6

Don't mind the safety pins in this picture, I was using them during designing to mark where the corners should go.  This was also my prototype, so you see the line/seam going down the middle? It is from joining and then chaining 1 at the start, and I didn't like it. I tested another piece (the blue one pictured at the end) in continuous rounds and it came out much cleaner.  That's the way the final pattern is written.

Round 7

1 SC in next 2 stitches, 1 HDC in next 2 stitches, *3 DC all in next stitch, 1 HDC in next 2 stitches, 1 SC in next 4 stitches, 1 HDC in next 2 stitches* repeat from * 3 times, 3 DC all in next stitch, 1 HDC in next 2 stitches, 1 SC in next 2 stitches (44)

Here's what your piece should look like squared off at the end of Round 7

Work the next 3 rounds in the Back Loop Only

Round 8-9

1 HDC in BLO in each stitch around (44)

Round 10 ****Still working in BLO, refer to special stitches above for the HDC2TOG****

1 HDC in next 4 stitches, *HDC2TOG twice, 1 HDC in next 7 stitches* repeat from * 3 times, HDC2TOG twice, 1 HDC in next 3 stitches (36)

This last round gives a nice clean finish to the top and also tightens it up a bit

Round 11

Skip 1 Stitch, Sl St in each stitch around and to join, fasten off, weave in end. 

Work your jar inside the cozy and enjoy your cozy little squatty jar! 

You can find me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southbycrochet/

I'd love you to share your pics, with the hashtag #shortmasonjarcozy

I made this pattern FREE because I'd love for others to make and enjoy it, but please do not use my pictures, and if you refer to it in any way, please link back to my blog.  You may sell any finished products, as long as you credit this blog and me as the pattern writer.  Thank you!!

Pattern for 8 oz wide mouth half pint jars without Pictures

CH 4, SL ST join with initial CH. 

Round 1

6 SC in the loop. 

        (Do not join, continue in spiral, make sure to place a marker at the start of each round)

Round 2

*2 SC in each stitch around (12)

Round 3

*2 SC in next stitch, 1 SC in next stitch* repeat from * around to the end (18)

Round 4

*2 SC in next stitch, 1 SC in next 2 stitches* repeat from * around to the end (24)

Round 5

*2 SC in next stitch, 1 SC in next 3 stitches* repeat from * around to the end (30)

Round 6

*2 SC in next stitch, 1 SC in next 4 stitches* repeat from * around to the end (36)

Round 7

1 SC in next 2 stitches, 1 HDC in next 2 stitches, *3 DC all in next stitch, 1 HDC in next 2 stitches, 1 SC in next 4 stitches, 1 HDC in next 2 stitches* repeat from * 3 times, 3 DC all in next stitch, 1 HDC in next 2 stitches, 1 SC in next 2 stitches (44)

Work the next 3 rounds in the Back Loop Only

Round 8-9

1 HDC in BLO in each stitch around (44)

Round 10

1 HDC in next 4 stitches, *HDC2TOG twice, 1 HDC in next 7 stitches* repeat from * 3 times, HDC2TOG twice, 1 HDC in next 3 stitches (36)

This last round gives a nice clean finish to the top and also tightens it up a bit

Round 11

Skip 1 Stitch, Sl St in each stitch around and to join, fasten off, weave in end

Crochet Minion Headband Pattern

We have a baseball team here in my town for college kids to play in during the summer, and every 4th of July they do a nice fireworks show after the game.  The fireworks are beautiful, and there's nothing more American than baseball so of course the place gets packed. To get a seat you have to get there really early.  To pass the time I brought my hook and yarn, and set to work on a friend's request to make something inspired by the Minions.  (Yes, we are grown women, but we are regular movie goers and the new Minions movie is on our schedule. You're never too old to have some fun!)  Not wanting to do anything too complicated, I decided on a headband.  She loved it!

And so did everyone seated around us.  It was so popular, I thought I would come home and write out the pattern so others could make one too.  The second go around I made it with two eyes, and added options. Here's the pattern--I hope you or your kids will have fun wearing them, especially if you're going to the theatre!

Supplies
Yarn:
Medium 4 worsted weight.
I used Crafter's Secret from Hobby Lobby, but Red Heart Super Saver or whatever you have would work great, too!

Black
Brown
White
Grey
Blue
Yellow

Hook Size I (5.5 mm)
Darning needle

Notes:
US Terms
SC = Single Crochet
I think the blue keeps the minion theme, but if you don't have blue yarn, you could just do the whole headband in yellow.

Make the goggle eyes, choose if you want to do a one-eyed minion or two:
When making the eyes, crochet over your ends when you can, but do not worry too much about your ends because you won't be able to see them when you sew the eyes to the headband.

Make a slip knot in black, chain 4, join with first chain to make a loop, fasten off.

Join with brown in back loop only, chain one, put 2 SC in same loop, 2 SC in each back loop around for 8 total, fasten off.

Join with white, chain one, put 2 SC in same loop, 2 SC in each loop around for 16 total, join with slip stitch.

Chain one, 2 SC in same loop, 2 SC in each loop around for 32 total, LEAVE YOURSELF A LONG TAIL and fasten off.  You will use the white tail later to sew the eyes to the headband.

Using a safety pin as a stitch marker to help me know where to join--in the first SC, not the chain 1.

Accidentally cut the tail too short, don't be like me!!

Join with grey, in order to get the grey part to 'stand up' to simulate the look of goggles this will NOT be an increase round, so you will chain one, put 1 SC in same loop, and 1 SC in each loop around, fasten off.  (Use optional invisible join for a cleaner look.)

Skip ahead if you don't need these
Invisible join instructions:
After you're done with the last SC in the grey round, cut the yarn giving yourself plenty to work with and pull it through.  Thread it on your darning needle.

From the front, thread the needle underneath the loops of the first SC of the round (the one you are joining to, in the same spot you would have put your crochet hook.) Pull it snug, but not too tight.

Now thread your needle down the back loop only of the last SC of the round, the last one you just made.  You should have made a stitch that looks like all the others, which is why it is called the invisible join!

If you do not choose to do the optional notches, you can skip to the headband part here.

If you look at a picture of a minion's goggles, you will see 'notches' on the sides, so I decided to crochet some on mine for a more authentic look, but you don't need to if you don't want to bother.  I only did this when making the two-eyed minion because it was easy to use the tail end of the yarn. If you wanted to do this on the one-eyed minion, you would have to tie a scrap piece of yarn on the opposite side of the goggle, then continue with instructions.

After the invisible join, weave your needle through a stitch, and then remove the darning needle.Using your crochet hook, chain 4, then pull yarn through.  

Thread darning needle, secure the end of the notch to the side of your goggle, and weave end.

Goggle eye is done! Repeat if you need two.

Headband:
Make a slipknot in blue, then chain enough to fit around the head of whoever will be wearing the headband.  As a guideline, for both my friend and me, adult females, it was chain 70.  Chain more for a larger head, less for smaller heads.  Smooth out your chain on your table to make sure it is straight, then carefully pull the end around and slip stitch to the first chain to make a loop. It is easy at this point to get your headband twisted, so make sure it is right before you slip stitch.

After the slip stitch, chain 1.  SC in next stitch, SC in each stitch around.  Slip stitch to join, fasten off. (Sometimes it is hard to know where to put your hook when working the first row of SC, the needle in the first picture shows where you should be putting your hook. )

Join with yellow, *chain 1, SC in next stitch, SC in each stitch around.  Slip stitch to join round.  Repeat once from * then fasten off. You will have two rounds of yellow.

Safety pin showing where you should join the round, in the first SC, not the chain one.

Join with black,  *chain 1, SC in next stitch, SC in each stitch around.  Slip stitch to join round.  Repeat once from * then fasten off. You will have two rounds of black to simulate the goggle strap.

Join with yellow, *chain 1, SC in next stitch, SC in each stitch around.  Slip stitch to join round.  Repeat twice from * then fasten off for three rounds of yellow.

Weave in your ends, and the headband is done!

Using the long tail of the white, sew your goggle eyes on to the headband.  If you made notches, make sure you line them up on either end with the black strap.  If you have any imperfections where you started your rounds in the headband, sew the goggle eyes over that spot to hide the problem.  You might want to position and pin the eyes down before you sew because it can be tricky trying to hold them in place.

Optional Minion hair
I didn't add any minion hair to mine because you can't see it amongst my own black hair, but if you want, save the ends you cut off from the black rounds in the headband…

…tie them around a couple of the stitches next to your goggles, and you've got minion hair!

Here's another pic of the first one-eyed minion headband I made while at the ball field.  It doesn't have the options like the blue, or the notches, but it is still plenty cute!  

I made this pattern FREE because I'd love for others to make it, but please do not use my pictures, and if you refer to it in any way, please link back to my blog.  Also, I do not suggest you sell any finished products, but that's between you and the Minions!!