The Mother Lode

Crafts and Crochet

by

Chill Stopper Beanie

As a mom of three boys, it’s hard to “twin.” There aren’t many options for matching outfits! BUT I’ve enjoyed making us a few matching hats. I’m working towards creating more patterns for wearables for the family. Items where you can buy one or two patterns, a few colors of the same yarn, and make coordinating outfits for the whole family! Sounds great, right??!! I’m starting with this Chill Stopper set! There is a matching headband pattern here. The matching cowl comes out next week!

The Lion Brand Hue + Me is my new favorite bulky yarn! I still have a few skeins of my old favorite, Red Heart Soft Essentials, but I think it is discontinued. Two great things about this yarn: it’s super warm since it is a wool/acrylic blend, and the colors are AMAZING. Seriously you could pick a bunch of them randomly and they would look great together. I don’t know how they did it, some kind of color wizardry.

On to the pattern: you’ll need one skein of Lion Brand Hue + Me. From one skein I made an adult medium, child, and baby size, so even for a slouchy style adult size, I think one skein is enough. This beanie is easy! It’s a two row repeat that uses “crossed” half double crochet and single crochet in the FLO. You’ll need an 8mm crochet hook and scissors, tapestry needle, measuring tape. I added a removeable pom to mine and I’ve been wearing it everyday!

The PDF has a photo guide page to show the steps of the half double crochet row, as well as instructions to assemble the beanie. It’s available on ravelry and Etsy! You can work from the free version below, and if you need more help, head over and grab the PDF. It’s on sale through Feb 3rd! No code needed.

Supplies

  • 125-200 yards bulky (CYC 5) yarn, samples: Lion Brand Hue + Me, substitute: Red Heart Yarns Soft Essentials
  • crochet hook US size L (8 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
  • tapestry sewing needle
  • scissors and measuring tape
  • optional: pom/decorative buttons

Stitches

ch = chain

sc = single crochet

st/sts = stitch/stitches

FLO = front loop only

sk = skip

hdc = half double crochet

sl st = slipstitch

Notes

  • Finished dimensions: baby: 14 x 6.5 in, toddler: 16 x 7 in, child: 18 x 7 in, teen/adult sm: 20 x 8 in, adult med: 21 x 8.5 in, adult lg: 22 x 9 in, adult xl: 23 x 9 in
  • Sizes are marked with parentheses ( ) and stitch counts are marked at the end of each row in brackets [ ].
  • Pattern is worked flat and seamed at the end.
  • Work the slipstitches loosely. The slipstitch/single crochet portion will be the top of the hat.
  • The hdc row will be made by working in front of the previous stitch, not behind. Front is always the side of the work closest to you.

Gauge

4 in by 4 in swatch

12 sts in 8 rows of the pattern repeat which is:

Row 1: sc FLO

Row 2: (sk st, hdc, hdc in skipped st) repeat

Size Modification

Hats can be made in all sizes, and I want you to be able to modify this pattern to get the exact fit that you want! The stitch multiple for this hat is 2. That means you can add or subtract stitches to the beginning chain in multiples of 2 to make your hat taller or shorter. To get a slouchy fit to your hat, I suggest an extra 4 beginning chain stitches on the smaller sizes, and an extra 6 beginning chain stitches on the adult sizes.

The hat pattern repeat is in rows of 2. For the best look at the seam, you want the final row to be the hdc row. A great way to fit your hat is to have the person you are making the hat for give you a measurement around their head (go above the ears and across the eyebrows.) You want the hat to be about an inch smaller than that measurement (called head circumference.) This will ensure the hat fits without falling off! There are finished hat size measurements in the notes section. Use these to help you decide which size to make, and add or subtract rows in multiples of 2, according to your measurements for the best fit!

Baby (Toddler, Child) Leave 10 in tail at beginning for seaming

Row 1: Ch 17 (19, 21), sl st second st from hook and next three, sc each st across, ch 1, turn. [4 sl st, 12, (14, 16) sc]

Row 2: Sk first st, hdc next st, hdc in previously skipped st, *sk next st, hdc, hdc in skipped st, repeat from * to last 4 sts, sc last 4 sts, ch 1, turn. [12 (14, 16) hdc, 4 sc]

Row 3: Sl st FLO each of first 4 sts, then sc FLO each st across, ch 1, turn. [4 sl st, 12, (14, 16) sc FLO]

Row 4- 25 (29, 33): Repeat rows 2 and 3 respectively.

Row 26 (30, 34): Repeat row 2. Fasten off, leaving about 8 inches for cinching the top.

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Teen/adult small (medium, large, extra large) Leave 12 in tail at beginning for seam

Row 1: Ch 23 (25, 27, 27), sl st second st from hook and next three, sc each st across, ch 1, turn. [4 sl st, 18, (20, 22, 22) sc]

Row 2: Sk first st, hdc next st, hdc in previously skipped st, *sk next st, hdc, hdc in skipped st, repeat from * to last 4 sts, sc last 4 sts, ch 1, turn. [18 (20, 22, 22) hdc, 4 sc]

Row 3: Sl st FLO each of first 4 sts, then sc FLO each st across, ch 1, turn. [4 sl st, 18, (20, 22, 22) sc FLO]

Row 4- 35 (37, 39, 41): Repeat rows 2 and 3 respectively.

Row 36 (38, 40, 42): Repeat row 2. Fasten off, leaving about 8 inches for seaming.

Fold hat and seam the back together using the beginning tail with a tapestry needle and mattress stitch or whipstitch, whichever you prefer. Use end tail to cinch top of hat. Weave through the top of every other row, then pull tightly to cinch. You may then sew back and forth over the hole at the top to close it better, if necessary.

Again the premium version PDF in my pattern shops has tutorial photos like the one below, easy printing/digital viewing, and no ads! Check it out here on ravelry, or on Etsy.

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Chill Stopper Headband

I’m delighted with the turnout of this headband pattern! It’s cozy without being too thick, just right for keeping the chill off your ears in cold weather. I had 14 testers for this pattern, and a few of them made more than one. That’s when you know it’s a good pattern! I think you’ll love having this crochet pattern in your library as a staple for markets and gifting. There are six sizes, so you can make one for anyone! I like the way the crossed hdc stitches worked up in this headband, so I’m in the middle of designing a coordinating hat and cowl. Subscribe to my email list so you can get notified when the coordinating patterns come out in December.

Okay, I’m keeping this one short, because frankly, it’s late at night and I’m out of words! Let’s get to the pattern!

You can use the free version of the pattern below! It’s an easy, beginner pattern. If you need extra help with the stitches or forming the twist, you can get the low cost PDF on ravelry, Lovecrafts, or Etsy. It has photo tutorials to help with the tricky bits.

Supplies

  • 100 yards bulky (CYC 5) yarn, sample is Red Heart Yarns Soft Essentials in color Sugar Plum (Michael’s Loops and Threads Charisma or Hobbii Amigo Chunky would be good substitutes. The Amigo Chunky is on sale right now for Black Friday weekend!
  • crochet hook US size L (8 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
  • tapestry sewing needle
  • scissors and measuring tape

Stitches (US terms)

ch = chain

sc = single crochet

st/sts = stitch/stitches

FLO = front loop only

sk = skip

hdc = half double crochet

Notes

  • Finished dimensions: baby: 14 in, toddler: 16 in, child: 18 in, teen/adult sm: 20 in, adult med: 21 in, adult lg: 22 in around.
  • Stitch counts are marked at the end of each row in parentheses.
  • Pattern is worked flat and seamed at the end.
  • The right side is the side where the hdc stitches puff out more, pictured below.

Gauge

4 in by 4 in swatch

12 sts in 8 rows of the pattern repeat which is:

Row 1: sc FLO

Row 2: (sk st, hdc, hdc in skipped st) repeat

Written Instructions

Baby (Toddler, Child)

Row 1: Ch 13, sc in second st from hook and each st across, ch 1, turn. (12 sc)

Row 2: Sk first st, hdc next st, hdc in previously skipped st, *sk next st, hdc, hdc in skipped st, ch 1, turn. (12 hdc)

Row 3: Sc FLO each st across, ch 1, turn. (12 sc FLO)

Row 4- 27 (31, 35): Repeat rows 2 and 3 respectively.

Row 28 (32, 36): Repeat row 2. Fasten off, leaving about 8 inches for seaming.

Fold headband in half. Put the ends, right side together so that one end is halfway on top of the other end. Wrap the bottom end around the top and and weave the remaining tail through to create the twisted knot look.

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Teen/small (medium, large)

Row 1: Ch 15, sc in second st from hook and each st across, ch 1, turn. (14 sc)

Row 2: Sk first st, hdc next st, hdc in previously skipped st, *sk next st, hdc, hdc in skipped st, ch 1, turn. (14 hdc)

Row 3: Sc FLO each st across, ch 1, turn. (14 sc FLO)

Row 4- 39 (41, 43): Repeat rows 2 and 3 respectively.

Row 40 (42, 44): Repeat row 2. Fasten off, leaving about 8 inches for seaming.

Fold headband in half. Put the ends, right side together so that one end is halfway on top of the other end. Wrap the bottom end around the top and and weave the remaining tail through to create the twisted knot look. Don’t forget, if you struggle with this part, the PDF version has tutorial photos to help. It’s available on ravelry, Lovecrafts, and Etsy.

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The Double Stripe Scarf

Part of the joy of making is giving that which you’ve made with your own hands to others! Of course, thoughtfully choosing a gift from a store is a beautiful thing. I don’t know anyone who gives exclusively handmade gifts; there simply isn’t time in our modern society, and that’s okay. BUT when you do have time and desire, it is almost magical to gift someone a handmade item. There aren’t too many feelings better than when the recipient loves it and uses it! Maybe holding newborn babies, birthdays for a beloved grandparent, and trips with best friends are better. Maybe.

At the start of this year, my husband ASKED me to make him a scarf. I immediately and excitedly took him to my craft room (yarn bomb hazard area.) We chose two colors from my stash and I thought deeply about how to design something he would wear that wasn’t boring. My husband’s taste in clothing is complicated. If he could, he would wear Virginia Tech/ Philadelphia Eagles sportswear 24/7. When that’s not appropriate, he likes clothing that isn’t too loud but still uses color. Every now and then he’ll like a wacky print just to keep me on my toes. So I took a classic ribbed look scarf and added the stripes in a unique way to create this scarf just for him, and he wore it every day for the rest of winter!

I am calling this primarily a men’s scarf because that’s who I designed it for, but it could really be made to please anyone! Add a few stitches at the end of the foundation row and make it a bit longer, use two super vibrant colors with wild fringe. Make the entire scarf in one color, gather the two short ends, and attach pom poms for a fun young feel. Anything goes with this EASY pattern. Several of my testers for this pattern created projects on ravelry if you want to check their ideas! I can’t wait to see what you create!

The free version of this beginner pattern is right here for you! There is also a 6 page PDF available in all of my pattern shops if you would like to print it out for easy couch crochet time: ravelry, LoveCrafts, and NEW Etsy! Then you can mark your rows easily and use the 3 photo tutorial pages.

Supplies

  • 2 colors of worsted weight yarn, 275-300 yds each (sample uses Lion Brand Heartland in colors Grand Canyon and King’s Canyon
  • crochet hook US size H (5mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
  • tapestry sewing needle
  • scissors and measuring tape

Stitches

ch = chain

sl st = slipstitch

st/sts = stitch/stitches

hdc = half double crochet

hdc in 3rd loop (see notes)

fhdc = foundation half double crochet

sc = single crochet

hdc sl st = half double slipstitch

Notes

Gauge

4x4in = 19 st 13 rows hdc in the 3rd loop

Instructions

Row 1: (A) Fhdc 230. (The PDF includes a full tutorial for this stitch.)

Row 2: (A) Ch 1, turn, hdc in the 3rd loop of the first st, hdc in the 3rd loop each st. (230 hdc)

Row 3-10 (A) Ch 1, turn, hdc in the 3rd loop of the first st, hdc in the 3rd loop each st across until last st, hdc into turning ch. (230 hdc)

Row 11-12 (B) Ch 1, turn, hdc in the 3rd loop of the first st, hdc in the 3rd loop each st across until last st, hdc into turning ch. (230 hdc)

Row 13-14 (A) Ch 1, turn, hdc in the 3rd loop of the first st, hdc in the 3rd loop each st across until last st, hdc into turning ch. (230 hdc)


.

Row 15-16 (B) Ch 1, turn, hdc in the 3rd loop of the first st, hdc in the 3rd loop each st across until last st, hdc into turning ch. (230 hdc)

Row 17-18 (A) Ch 1, turn, hdc in the 3rd loop of the first st, hdc in the 3rd loop each st across until last st, hdc into turning ch. (230 hdc)

Row 19-27 (B) Ch 1, turn, hdc in the 3rd loop of the first st, hdc in the 3rd loop each st across until last st, hdc into turning ch. (230 hdc)

Row 28 (B) Ch 1 turn, hdc sl st in the 3rd loop of the first st, hdc sl st each st across. (230 hdc sl st) Fasten off.

I hope you loved making this scarf! I can see this as a staple I-want-to-make-something-for-someone-but-I-don’t-know-their-style because it is so versatile, and works up pretty fast, too. Tag me on Instagram @motherlodecrafts ! I would love to see your work!

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Almost Stripes Ear Warmer

So here’s a question: are you an idea person or an execution person?

I’m totally an idea person. This doesn’t mean I can’t or don’t execute my goals, it just means that I find it easy to create, to think of something new to do, or to figure out something. My strength does NOT lie in prioritizing which ideas will be most fruitful or which things I can actually accomplish in any given time. Some people thrive on planning and organizing and I absolutely have to work at it. My closets are always a mess. My craft room is tidy only for photographs and my yarn, well, it is partially sorted. But I have a wealth of ideas for things to make and different stitches to try, so I think if I keep pushing myself, I can keep going with my little crochet design business and make it work! If I continue to get out of my comfort zone of chaos, I will be able to share some really wonderful things with you over the next few months.

I’m just about to listen in on a webinar by the amazing Crochetpreneur and I even have a folder for Instagram hashtags so I can use them to my advantage. I looked at 2021 planners today at Michael’s. It’s October and I’m thinking ahead to 2021? Who even am I? I’m going to keep holding myself accountable for doing things like that instead of staying up til 1am reading Nora Roberts.

Well, if you aren’t one of my best pals reading this just to check in and you are actually here for a pattern, let’s get to it!!!!!! (And if you are one of my best pals, thanks for the support!)

The Almost Stripes Ear Warmer is a sibling of the Almost Stripes Beanie! It’s a little easier and works up more quickly. There are 7 sizes from newborn to adult large. You’ll need two colors of worsted weight (4) yarn and two crochet hooks, (5.5mm and 6mm.) You could likely use a scrap of yarn for the accent color. I really like the way this pattern turned out and I hope you like it, too!

You can purchase a low cost PDF of this pattern here through Ravelry! It has photo guides to help with some of the stitches if you haven’t done them before.

Materials

  • Worsted weight (4) yarn (samples are Lion Brand Heartland and Basic Stitch) may use two colors for stripes as written if desired. Color A approx 150-200 yds, Color B approx 20 yds
  • Crochet hooks: 5.5 mm and 6 mm or two hooks needed to meet gauge
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry needle
  • Measuring tape

Gauge

7 rows of 15 DC stitches = 4 in x 4 in with 5.5 mm hook (If you go up a hook size to meet gauge, you would use a 6 mm hook for the gauge swatch, if you need to go down you will use a 5 mm hook for the gauge swatch.) Alternatively, the length of the brim per size is listed in the notes section. You may complete the first three rows and check for length to match the desired size.

Abbreviations

  • Ch = Chain
  • DC = Double Crochet
  • HDC = Half-Double Crochet
  • Sc = Single Crochet
  • LS = Linen Stitch (Ch 1, sk st, Sc)
  • FPHDC = Front Post Half-double Crochet
  • BPHDC = Back Post Half-double Crochet
  • DC BLO = Double Crochet Back Loop Only (the loop farthest from you)
  • DC FLO = Double Crochet Front Loop Only (the loop closest to you)
  • st = stitch
  • sk = skip 
  • FHDC = Foundation Half Double Crochet

Notes

  • The first section has the pattern for the baby/toddler sizes, the second section is the child/adult sizes. 
  • Parentheses indicate different stitch counts for different sizes: {newborn (3-6 months, 6-12 months, toddler)} and {child (teen/adult small, adult medium/large)}  
  • Instructions between [ ] are repeated
  • This hat is constructed as a rectangle, then seamed to make a twist finish. 
  • The brim of the hat should be approximately the following in length:
    • Newborn: 11-12 inches
    • 3-6 months: 12-14 inches
    • 6-12 months: 14-16 inches
    • Toddler: 16-17 inches
    • Child: 18 inches
    • Teen/Adult small: 20 inches
    • Adult medium/large: 22 inches
  • Size adjustments should be made in multiples of 2. 
  • Where LS is used, you’ll stitch into the chain spaces from the previous LS row. 
  • Turning chain counts as a stitch.
  • Do not carry color A and B throughout. Fasten off and weave in ends. 

Instructions

Newborn (3-6 months, 6-12 months, toddler) 

Row 1: With 5.5 mm hook and color A:  Foundation Half Double Crochet 54 (60, 64, 70.) Turn upside down, Ch 1. (This will have you working in the wider stitches you’ve made in the foundation.) 

Row 2: [FPHDC in 1st st. BPHDC in next st.] Repeat until one stitch left. HDC in last st. Turn, Ch 1. {27 FPHDC, 26 BPHDC, 1 HDC (30/29/1, 32/31/1, 35/34/1)}

Row 3: [BPHDC in 1st st. FPHDC in next st.] Repeat until one stitch left. HDC in last st. Turn, Ch 1. {27 BPHDC, 26 FPHDC, 1 HDC (30/29/1, 32/31/1, 35/34/1)}

Row 4: Switch to 6 mm (larger) hook. DC in 1st st. DC in each st to end of row. Turn. {54 DC (60, 64, 70)}

Row 5: LS across row, ending with Sc in the turning chain. Turn. Change to color B. {27 Sc, 26 Ch (30/29, 32/31, 35/34)}

Row 6: LS across row, ending with Sc in the last st. Turn. Change to color A. {27 Sc, 26 Ch (30/29, 32/31, 35/34)}

Row 7: LS across row, ending with Sc in the turning chain. Turn. {27 Sc, 26 Ch (30/29, 32/31, 35/34)}

Row 8: Ch 1. DC in each st to end. Change back to 5.5 mm hook. Turn. {54 DC (60, 64, 70)}

Row 9: Ch 1. HDC each st to end. Turn. Ch 1. {54 HDC (60, 64, 70)}

Row 10:  [FPHDC in 1st st. BPHDC in next st.] Repeat until one stitch left. HDC in last st. Turn, Ch 1. {27 FPHDC, 26 BPHDC, 1 HDC (30/29/1, 32/31/1, 35/34/1)}

Row 11: [BPHDC in 1st st. FPHDC in next st.] Repeat until one stitch left. HDC in last st.  Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. {27 BPHDC, 26 FPHDC, 1 HDC (30/29/1, 32/31/1, 35/34/1)}Weave ends except for fastening off tail.

See photo tutorial below for sewing to make the twist.  

Child (teen/adult small, adult medium/large)

Row 1: With 5.5 mm hook and color A:  Foundation Half Double Crochet 80 (84, 90.) Turn upside down, Ch 1. (This will have you working in the wider stitches you’ve made in the foundation.) 

Row 2: [FPHDC in 1st st. BPHDC in next st.] Repeat until one stitch left. HDC in last st. Turn, Ch 1. {40 FPHDC, 39 BPHDC, 1 HDC (42/41/1, 45/44/1)}

Row 3: [BPHDC in 1st st. FPHDC in next st.] Repeat until one stitch left. HDC in last st. Turn, Ch 1.{40 BPHDC, 39 FPHDC, 1 HDC (42/41/1, 45/44/1)}

Row 4: Switch to 6 mm (larger) hook. DC in 1st st. DC in each st to end of row. Turn. {80 DC (84, 90)}

Row 5: LS across row, ending with Sc in the turning chain. Turn. Change to color B. {40 Sc, 39 Ch (42/41, 45/44)} 

Row 6: LS across row, ending with Sc in the last st. Turn. Change to color A. {40 Sc, 39 Ch (42/41, 45/44)}

Row 7: LS across row, ending with Sc in the turning chain. Turn. {40 Sc, 39 Ch (42/41, 45/44)}

Row 8-9 : Repeat row 7. 

Row 10: Change to color B. LS across row, ending with Sc in the last st. Turn. 

Row 11: Change to color A. LS across row, ending with Sc in the last st. Turn.  

Row 12: Ch 1. DC in each st to end. Change back to 5.5 mm hook. Turn. {80 DC (84, 90)}

Row 13: Ch 1. HDC each st to end. Turn. Ch 1. {80 HDC (84, 90)}

Row 14:  [FPHDC in 1st st. BPHDC in next st.] Repeat until one stitch left. HDC in last st. Turn, Ch 1. {40 FPHDC, 39 BPHDC, 1 HDC (42/41/1, 45/44/1)}

Row 15: [BPHDC in 1st st. FPHDC in next st.] Repeat until one stitch left. HDC in last st. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. {40 FPHDC, 39 BPHDC, 1 HDC (42/41/1, 45/44/1)} Weave ends except for fastening off tail.

Let’s form the twist! It’s easier than you think, I promise:

Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need any help with this ear warmer pattern! Find me on Instagram @motherlodecrafts or send a message in Ravelry!

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The Flower of the Sun Earrings

Get it?! Like the “power” of the sun? I’m too much, sometimes, I know. Anywayyyyyyyyyy this past Spring, E’Claire Makery had a cool blog hop with a free crochet pattern everyday. One of the days was the Spring Rain Earrings by Amber Bliss Calderon and I thought how fun it would be to make them for my mom for Mother’s Day! I ordered the supplies for them, but of course they didn’t have everything at Joann Fabrics due to Covid (it ruins everything.) I eventually got all the materials and now I can’t stop making crochet earrings! They are so quick and satisfying which is perfect for me. I’ve been testing earring patterns for the absolutely fabulous Chalia’s Craft and let me tell you, some friends of mine are getting some pretty earrings this Christmas!

Since I was making all these earrings this summer, I decided to design my own pattern! Originally I designed a flower with smaller beads, but because those beads were actually too small for the thread, I had to change my plan. In working with my materials, I ended up with this sun pattern that is so happy and pretty! I fixed the flower to work with the correct size beads, but I’m not blind, I know the sun is what shines in these two earring patterns!

The free pattern is below, and I’ve got a few pictures here in the blog post, but if you’d like the full photo tutorial, you can purchase the PDF here on Ravelry or LoveCrafts for $3! If you add that to the cost of some crochet thread and earring findings, you can make these earrings for only a few dollars a pair! (For the first pair I ever made, I was able to use the earring wire from an old pair of earrings that I don’t wear anymore to see if I actually liked doing it before I bought a pack of findings. Just a thought if you’ve got beads and crochet thread but no earring wires!)

Materials 

  • Aunt Lydia’s size 10 Crochet Thread (samples are color Maize and Wood Violet)
  • Fabric stiffener or starch spray
  • 1.5 mm steel crochet hook
  • Tapestry needle 
  • Scissors
  • Fish Hook earring findings
  • Small craft/ jewelry pliers
  • Pins and a blocking mat
  • 6/0 glass seed beads 
    • 64 for 2 flower earrings
    • 32 for 2 sun earrings

Abbreviations

  • Ch = Chain
  • Sc = Single crochet
  • sl st = slipstitch
  • st = stitch
  • sk = skip
  • Sc FLO = Single crochet, front loop only
  • Sc w/bead = Single crochet with bead
  • Ch w/bead = Chain with bead

Notes

  • There is no gauge necessary for this pattern, basically: crochet as tightly as you can to achieve the best look. 
  • Fabric stiffener and pins will really help the finish of crochet earrings.
  • There are a few ways to chain and single crochet with beads. For this pattern, you will use the back facing method, where you do not push the bead through the chain or slide the bead to the front, it simply stays on the back. When you finish the earrings, what is typically the wrong side (facing away from you) is actually the finished right side of these earrings. 
  • If you need help figuring out the beaded stitches, there are some great tutorials on YouTube. This one from Interweave Craft is helpful, and check out the tutorials by Chalia’s Craft.

Instructions

Before you begin, thread all the beads you will need onto the crochet thread. I like to thread 2 earrings worth at a time and put a few extra beads on just in case I counted wrong. If you don’t have a bead threader, you can moisten the end of the thread. You can also spray with some of the fabric stiffener, allow to dry, and then slide the beads on easily.

(Make 2)

Make a magic ring. Ch 1.

Round 1: 8 Sc into magic ring. Pull to close the ring and sl st to the 1st Sc. (8 Sc)

Round 2: Ch 1. 2 Sc in each Sc around. Sl st to the 1st Sc. (16 Sc)

Round 3: Ch 1. *Sc FLO in 1st st, Sc w/bead FLO in same st, Sc FLO next st. Repeat from * 7 times. Sl st to 1st Sc. (8 Sc with bead, 16 Sc)

Do not fasten off, continue with round 4 in either Sun or Flower below:

Flower:

Round 4: *Ch 1, Ch w/bead 3 times, Ch 1. Sk 2 st, sl st next st. Repeat from *7 times. Ch 4 and sl st in same st as last sl st. (20 ch, 24 Ch w/bead, 9 sl st) 

Sun:

Round 4: *Ch 4, Ch w/bead, Ch 4. Sk 2 st, sl st next st. Repeat from * 7 times. Ch 4 and sl st in same st as last sl st. (68 Ch, 8 Ch w/bead, 9 sl st)

Finish off and weave in ends on the back of the earring with a tapestry needle. Put some fabric stiffener in a paint cup and use a small paintbrush to apply to the back side of the earring. Pin in place as pictured.. Put two pins inside the little loop you made with the Ch-4 and sl st at the end of the last round. This will be where you attach the earring finding. Use paintbrush to apply the liquid to the front of the earring, going in between beads to reach as much of the crochet thread as you can to achieve the most structure for your earring. Allow to dry at least two hours. Attach earring finding to the little loop at the top. Wear your new crochet jewelry proudly!

 

The last few steps of making the Flower version. The PDF has photos like this of every step!
How to pin the sun in place to form the shape! So cute!

If you need any help with the pattern, feel free to leave a comment here or message me on Instagram: motherlodecrafts

I’d love to help you bring these earrings to your life!

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DIY Crochet Flower Wreath

The very first crochet item I ever made was a wonky scarf for my mom. It was uneven FOR SURE. I ended up crocheting a flower to add to it, and it did help it look a little better. It was still bad, though, haha. With practice comes consistency, and the last several larger projects I’ve made have really shown me how much muscle memory my hands have gained in keeping stitches even in size. So, if you are just starting out, or creating a project here and there, know that with practice and time comes consistency to make a beautiful piece!

In the meantime, there are many crochet flower patterns that are easy to follow and require only a few simple stitches. They are very forgiving since they are attempting to mimic real flowers, which aren’t uniform anyway. You can easily master a few different flower designs and work them up in your favorite colors to adorn anything! They are popular on headbands, pillows, and occasionally garments. I’ve seen a few wreaths out there that are entirely made from crocheted flowers. I wanted to mimic that but with a little less time and a little more simplicity.

Read on for how I created this Crochet Flower wreath!

stick wreath with crocheted flowers

I bought this gorgeous Lion Brand Yarn called Coboo made from cotton and bamboo. The colors are so pretty and it’s very silky soft. I bought three colors from JoAnn Fabrics to create this bold spring wreath and I’m so happy with how it turned out. The stick wreath form I got at Michael’s for like 5 bucks, and since I just attached the flowers with wire, I can use the wreath form again if I want to create something else!

Step One: Choose your yarn. Any yarn will do for making flowers. For these, I wanted smaller, tightly stitched flowers, so I used the Coboo yarn which is a weight 3 yarn. Coordinate your hook with your chosen yarn. Again, I was going for smaller with mine, so I went down a hook size from the recommendation on the yarn package. (I used an E hook.)

Step Two: Crochet flowers in varying sizes, about 6. Here is an easy pattern by Crochet 365. This tutorial from Love Life Yarn I used for the larger carnation flowers. Then crochet two leaves to go with the flowers. You can find a simple leaf pattern from MamaChee. Weave in the ends of everything and cut the excess yarn.

crochet leaf

Step Three: Arrange the flowers and leaves on the wreath so you can plan which shall go on first and which shall overlap on top. Attach the leaf at the top using floral wire. Cut a length of floral wire of about 8 inches. Bend in half and feed part of it through the back of your leaf. Once it feels securely part of the leaf, weave the wire onto the sticks of the wreath as you would a Christmas pick. For the flowers, I bent a bit of the length of wire at the top, then I stuck it through the center of the flower at the back sideways and bent it in the center of the flower, so as to have two lengths of wire coming from the center. These lengths I wound together and then placed into the wreath and wove a bit around the sticks. Continue attaching each element until your desired effect is achieved!

back of crochet flower

I hope you liked this project! I’m already envisioning a sunflower one in the height of summer, wouldn’t that be lovely!?

Front door wreath

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