Warmer weather is so close.. and that means so are the cute little bralettes and crop tops that I adore. Here is one that I created last summer:
Bralette size medium :
Ch 16
Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, sc 14 st. Make 3 sc in the 15th ch. Make 14 sc around the back side of the ch.
Turn your work, make 1 sc in first 15 st. Make 3 sc in 16th st. Make 1 sc in the last 15 st.
Turn your work, make 1 sc in first 16 st. Make 3 sc in the 17th st. Make 1 sc in the last 16 st.
Turn your work, make 1 sc in first 17 st. Make 3 sc in the 18th st. Make 1 sc in the last 17 st.
Turn your work, make 1 sc in first 18 st. Make 3 sc in the 19th st. Make 1 sc in the last 18 st.
Turn your work, make 1 sc in first 19 st. Make 3 sc in the 20th st. Make 1 sc in the last 19 st.
Turn your work, make 1 sc in first 20 st. Make 3 sc in the 21st st. Make 1 sc in the last 20 st.
Turn your work, make 1 sc in first 21 st. Make 3 sc in the 22nd st. Make 1 sc in the last 21 st.
Turn your work, make 1 sc in first 22 st. Make 3 sc in the 23rd st. Make 1 sc in the last 22 st.
Turn your work, make 1 sc in first 23 st. Ch 3. Skip st #24. Make 1 sc in last 23 st.
Fasten off, weave in ends. Repeat for next cup.
Lay bra cups side by side where sides are touching. Using a yarn needle, sew cups together up to the 10th st. (Or where bra cups start to separate.)
Attach a ch of 40 to each side of the bra cup in the space at the top.
Body band:
For your custom size– make a foundation chain about 10 inches shorter than your regular bra’s band size.
Make 4 extra ch.
Starting in the 5th ch from hook, make 1 tr in each st all the way across.
Ch 4, turn your work. Starting in 2nd st, make 1 tr all the way across.
For edging- turn your work, ch 4. In the second ch from hook, make 3 hdc together (yo, insert hook, pull up a loop, yo, insert hook, pull up a loop, yo, insert hook, pull up a loop, yo, pull through all 7 loops.) Sl st into same ch.
Ch 3, skip a st and sl st into the next st of band.
This pattern goes right along with the Easter Egg Bag Pattern from a few days ago. I love all of the spring and Easter-themed items and these eggs are my FAVORITE. I started making them last year when we had 3 new babies in the family who could not partake in the delicious Easter candy but were perfectly suited for a cute little rattle. I have probably made 50 eggs since them. Most with rattle inserts but a few without (just stuffing) so feel free to omit the rattle and just make a cute Easter egg stuffy or decoration. Mix up colors and use that multicolored yarn that you just can’t figure out what to do with.. these eggs LOVE colors.
The pattern is so simple and quick to whip up. If you’d like to purchase an ad-free, printable pattern, you can click here.
Materials Needed:
• Worsted weight #4 yarn
• 4 mm crochet hook
• Yarn Needle
• Scissors
• Rattle Insert
• Stuffing/ Poly-fil
Abbreviations Used:
• Chain (ch)
• Stitch (st)
• Single Crochet (sc)
• Slip Stitch (sl st)
-Make a magic ring, ch. 1 (or ch 4 and slip st into the first ch)
1.) Sc 10 inside ring, pull to close. Sl st into first sc to join round. Ch 1. <10 st>
2.) Sc 2 in each st of round. Sl st into first sc to join round. Ch 1. <20 st>
3-6.) Sc 1 in each st of round. Sl st into first sc to join round. Ch 1. <20 st>
7.) Sc 1 into the first 3 st, sc 2 tog. Repeat until the end of round. Sl st into first sc to join round. Ch 1. <16 st>
8.) Sc 1 into each st until the end of round. Sl st into first sc to join round. Ch 1. <16 st>
9.)Sc 1 into the first 2 st, sc 2 tog. Repeat until the end of round. Sl st into first sc to join round. Ch 1. <12 st>
10.) Sc 1 into each st until the end of round. Sl st into first sc to join round. Ch 1. <12 st> Stuff egg/ insert rattle if desired.
11.) Sc 2 tog all the way around. Sl st into first sc to join round. Ch. 1. <6 st>
Using a yarn needle & yarn, weave in and out of remaining st to close top of egg. Fasten off, weave in ends.
And that’s it! Please tag me in your photos on Instagram or hashtag #homesweetsimpson!
Easter is just around the corner and I have been having a ton of fun creating Spring and Easter- themed patterns all week. This Easter Egg Bag is so cute and customizable. I chose the colors yellow, purple, and pink for this bag, but feel free to mix it up with any colors that you like. My bag is slouchy and soft, but if you would like your bag to be more stiff and more like a basket, you can double your yarn or use thicker yarn.
-WORSTED WEIGHT #4 YARN IN 3 COLORS (LESS THAN ONE SKEIN IN
EACH COLOR). COLORS USED IN THIS PROJECT: YELLOW, PURPLE, AND
PINK.
– 4.5MM CROCHET HOOK
– SCISSORS
– YARN NEEDLE
Finally, temperatures start to fall and with that comes a nice, holly jolly, feeling. The holiday season is upon us! Now is the perfect time to start thinking about Christmas gifts for this year (maybe even a little late for some).
Crochet items are perfect gifts for all of your loved ones. Not only are they cute/useful, but they show your loved ones that you care for them so much that you would spent x amount of time working on that gift for them.
Over the years, I’ve gifted hundreds of crochet items to my friends and family. It took a little trial and error to figure out how to make gifts that people actually will like and I’ve figured out that while the item itself is important, how you personalize that item is what really MAKES the gift.
Some gift personalization examples are: colors, patterns and styles. If someone is in to neutral colors and minimalist designs, a neon colored hat would probably never be worn by that person. That same type of hat might be that persons most-worn item if had earthy colors, instead.
If you know that someone’s home is a farmhouse design style, you could make a throw, pillow, or coasters that really capture and add to that style. Or if someone is obsessed with a certain design like chevron, or if they love a character like Minnie Mouse, you can take that and make any plain item into one personalized just for them.
Really knowing the person that you are gifting to will help you create the best gift possible. Even if you don’t know the person well, or if you just can’t quite decide their preferred style, you can create some items that are suited to a broad range of individuals. Basic items that everyone uses or needs, in colors that flow with anything. White is always my go-to because it works with everything.
Now that you have a general idea of how to make a gift more personal to someone, let’s narrow it down and talk about specific items to crochet for Christmas gifts this year that people will want and actually use, too.
The images in this post are a combination of my own and my original patterns and some patterns are other’s in which their patterns are also linked.
Warm Items
Warm items to wear are the most appreciated items, especially in December. They don’t have to be boring either.
1. Hats
Matching mommy & me hats. Character/themed hats. Football team hats.
2. scarves
Regular scarves with tassels. Infinity scarves. Scarves with pockets. Cowls.
I love a good sweater, and I love them even more when I make my son a matching one!
6. Blankets
Everyone loves a good blanket. Make a decorative throw to match someone’s home décor, a warm bed blanket, or a baby blanket for the little ones. This is typically the most time consuming item.
Baby Items
Don’t we just love to make the baby items? They work up quickly and turn out oh so cute.
7. Car seat blankets
Regular blankets to match the nursery, and also to cover the car seat or stroller. A holiday themed blanket would be so cute for a baby’s first Christmas!
8. rattles and toys
I made these for little family members recently and they were a hit. I ordered a big pack of rattle inserts from amazon last year and I’ve made so many with them!
9. Baby clothes
There are endless clothing items that you could make for a baby but a cute sweater or cardigan would be a great Christmas gift!
10. baby shoes
They’re always so cute. Make a pair of baby Uggs, call them Bugs. (That’s a good one and you know it.)
Decorative Items
11. Pillows
Holiday decorative pillow, themed pillow, or a pretty bed pillow.
12. tea towels
Jewelry and Hair Accessories
You may not immediately think of jewelry when thinking about crochet items but they definitely are worth trying out!
13. Earrings
These are my favorite earrings, I wear them all of the time. My grandmother’s birthday is a day before mine and last year I made us a matching set!
I have quite a few pals who will get a few this year. But lets be honest, I made more for myself.
Bags
17. drawstring bAG
This was my most-sold item this summer, and for good reason. They are useful and cute. They can be made extremely girly or masculine. The colors are completely up to the individual, as well as the flap cover.
This scarf is a winter-fashion staple. It works up quickly, this one took less than 2 hours for me. It can be made in any color, or made to be wider/longer as there is no set rule for # of chains or rows. Only 2 stitches are used in the entire project and the rows repeat exactly the same. I’m sure you will love this piece so let’s dive right in to it.
You can continue with the pattern below, or you can download the ad-free, printable pattern here.
If you do not know the stitches used in this pattern, check out the how-to blog post here.
Foundation Scarf Crochet Pattern- Beginner Friendly Abbreviations/Stitches Used:
Stitch (st)
Chain (ch)
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
Treble Crochet (tr)
Materials Needed:
Worsted Weight #4 Yarn
4.5 mm Crochet Hook
Yarn Needle
Scissors
*Note- scarf can be made as a regular scarf or as an infinity scarf. An infinity scarf can be made in 2 ways: 1. Join to first chain after last foundation chain. 2. Sew ends together after scarf is finished. I’m choosing to sew my ends together after my scarf is finished to complete my infinity scarf. If you choose to join ends of foundation chain, you just need to slip stich to join after each row.
Let’s Begin!
1.Ch 203 *(see notes)
2.Starting in in fourth ch from hook, make 1 tr in each st across <200 st>
3.Ch 1, starting in first st, make 1 hdc in each st across. <200 st>
4.Ch 3, starting in first st, make 1 tr in each st across. <200 st>
5. Repeat #3-4 2 more times.
6. Fasten off, if you need to join ends to make infinity scarf: lay ends right side facing each other, and whip stitch together. Weave in ends.
That’s it! Please let me know if you loved this pattern by tagging me in your photos on instagram or using #homesweetsimpson.
In dreaming of cooler weather, I decided to make a few winter accessories today. I didn’t think I would love this ear warmer headband THIS much but I am obsessed! I’m excited to share this pattern with all of you because it’s a quick and simple project that I know you will love.
The stitches uses in this project are simple to do, even though I had to remix the traditional bean stitch and kind of combine it with a puff stitch to get the look I was going for. No worries though, it’s very simple and I explain in the pattern below just how to do it.
Click here if you would like to purchase the ad-free, printable, PDF pattern.
Or click here if you would like to purchase a finished product.
Otherwise, let’s dive right into the pattern!
Wild West Ear Warmer Headband
Abbreviations/Stitches Used-
Chain (ch)
Stitch (st)
Modified Bean Stitch (mbs)
Single Crochet (sc)
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
*Modified Bean Stitch: (Yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop- 3 times <7 loops on hook>, Yarn over, pull through first 6 loops on hook <2 loops on hook>, Yarn over, pull through last 2 loops.)
Materials Needed:
Worsted Weight #4 yarn in 4 colors- small amount of each color. (You may use any colors but mine were: cream, light brown, red, and baby blue for the first one and cream, light brown, burgundy, and lavender for the second.)
Scissors
Yarn Needle
5 mm crochet hook
Pattern:
*Color Cream
Ch 68
Starting in third ch from hook, make hdc in each st across <66>
*Switch Color to Light Brown
Ch 1. Starting in first st from hook, sc in each st across <66>
Switch color to Baby Blue
Ch 3. Starting in first st from hook, make a mbs in each st across <66>
Switch color to Light Brown
Repeat row #3
Switch color to Cream
Ch 2, Repeat row #2
Switch Color to Light Brown
Repeat row #3
Switch Color to Red
Repeat row #4
Switch color to Light Brown
Repeat row #3
Switch color to Cream
Ch 2, Repeat row #2.
Fasten off, weave in ends.
Lay both end pieces beside each other overlapping in the middle. Fold one side over the back and the other side over the front making a “c” with both sides. Pictured below.
Using a piece of yarn and your yarn needle, stitch them together.
Tie off and weave in any ends and turn your work so that your seam is to the inside.
And you’re done!
Please tag @homesweetsimpson on instagram or use the #homesweetsimpson hashtag so that I can see your finished products!
Until next time, stay safe and stay happy. Xo, Hannah!
I first made one of these drawstring bags many years ago. I think I was about 13 and at that point, every project I made, I was just making up as I went. I’ve made so many of these bags ever since for baby shower gifts, birthday presents and personal use. The other day, I found that old pattern that was written down on the back of a coloring page while I was cleaning out old folders. This pattern is the exact pattern I wrote at 13, the only difference is the added flap on the front.
This project is simple to make. It’s rated advanced beginner because we are working in the round which is tricky for someone just starting out. If you’re new to working in the round, no worries. Check out this post to figure out how to do it!
Drawstring Bag with Flap Cover- Crochet Pattern | Advanced Beginner
Materials needed:
-WORSTED WEIGHT #4 YARN IN 3 COLORS (LESS THAN ONE SKEIN IN
EACH COLOR). COLORS USED IN THIS PROJECT: YELLOW, WHITE, AND
BLUE.
– 4MM CROCHET HOOK
– SCISSORS
– YARN NEEDLE
– BUTTON
– NEEDLE/THREAD TO SEW BUTTON ON
*CH 1, does not count as a st in this pattern. Unless stated otherwise, crochet into the very first st of the row.
BODY OF BAG
YELLOW:
Make a magic ring, ch 1. (or ch 4, sl st to join ring, ch 1)
1. Make 10 sc inside ring, sl st in first sc to join round. Ch 1.
2. Make 2 sc in each st around. Sl st in first sc to join round, ch 1. <20 st>
3. Make 1 sc in the first st., 2 sc in the next. Repeat for rest of the round. Sl st in first sc to join round, ch 1. <30 st>
4. Make 1 sc in first 2 st., 2 sc in the next. Repeat for rest of round. Sl st in first sc to join round, ch 1. <40 st>
5. Make 1 sc in first 3 st., 2 sc in next. Repeat for rest of round. Sl st in first sc to join round, ch 1. <50 st>
6. Make 1 sc in first 4 st., 2 sc in next. Repeat for rest of round. Sl st in first sc to join round, ch 1. <60 st>
7. Make 1 sc in first 5 st., 2 sc in next. Repeat for rest of round. Sl st in first sc to join round, ch 1. <70 st>
8-16. Make 1 sc in each st. all the way around. Sl st in first sc to join round, ch 1. <70 st>
CHANGE COLOR TO WHITE
17-19. Make 1 sc in each st. all the way around. Sl st in first sc to join round, ch 1. <70 st>
CHANGE COLOR TO BLUE
20-26. Make 1 sc in each st. all the way around. Sl st in first sc to join round, ch 1. <70 st>
CHANGE COLOR TO WHITE
27-29. Make 1 sc in each st. all the way around. Sl st in first sc to join round, ch 1. <70 st>
CHANGE COLOR TO YELLOW
30-36. Make 1 sc in each st. all the way around. Sl st in first sc to join round, ch 1. <70 st>
CHANGE COLOR TO WHITE
37-39. Make 1 sc in each st. all the way around. Sl st in first sc to join round, ch 1. <70 st>
CHANGE COLOR TO BLUE
40. Make 1 sc in each st. all the way around. Sl st in first sc to join round, ch 1. <70 st>
41. Make 1 sc in each st. all the way around. Sl st in first sc to join round, ch 4. <70 st>
42. Make 1 tr in each st. all the way around. Sl st in first tr to join round, ch 1. <70 st>
43-44. Make 1 sc in each st. all the way around. Sl st in first sc to join round, ch 1. <70 st>
CHANGE COLOR TO WHITE
45-46. Make 1 sc in each st. all the way around. Sl st in first sc to join round, ch 1. <70 st>
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
.
FOR STRAPS
Yellow: Ch. 152
1. Beginning in 3rd ch from hook, make 1 hdc in each st.
Fasten off/weave in ends.
Repeat for next strap.
To attach straps:
Decide which side of the bag that you want to be the front. Lay bag with front side facing you. Take one strap and weave it in and out of treble crochet stitches from right to left on the front and back of bag. Both ends of the strap should be coming out of the left side of the bag. Repeat the opposite way with the next strap. Pull both sides of the straps and bag should pull closed.
Using a yarn needle and yellow yarn:
Take both ends of the strap on each side and attach them to the left and right
corners of the bottom yellow row of the bag.
FOR FLAP COVER:
Yellow Ch 11
1. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, make 1 sc into first 9 st.
Make 3 sc in next st.
Make 1 sc in next 9 st along back of ch. Ch 1, turn
2. Make 1 sc in first 10 st.
Make 3 sc in next st.
Make 1 sc in last 10 st.
Ch 1, turn.
3. Make 1 sc in first 11 st.
Make 3 sc in next st.
Make 1 sc in last 11 st.
Ch 1, turn.
CHANGE COLOR TO WHITE
5. Make 1 sc in first 13 st.
Make 3 sc in next st.
Make 1 sc in last 13 st.
Ch 1, turn.
6. Make 1 sc in first 14 st.
Make 3 sc in next st.
Make 1 sc in last 14 st.
Ch 1, turn.
CHANGE COLOR TO BLUE
7. Make 1 sc in first 15 st.
Make 3 sc in next st.
Make 1 sc in last 15 st. Ch 1, turn.
8. Make 1 sc in first 16 st. Ch 4. Skip next st.
Make 1 sc in last 16 st. Ch 1, turn.
9. Make 1 sc in the first 16 st. Make 7 sc inside of ch.
Make 1 sc in last 16 st. Ch 1, turn.
Shell stitch border row:
10. Make 3 dc in first st.
Skip next st.
Sl st in the next st.
Repeat pattern as follows for the rest of the row:
– Skip 1 st.
– Make 5 dc in next st.
– Skip next st.
– Sl st in next st. *Your last st of row should be sl st.
Fasten off leaving a long tail to attach flap to bag. Attach flap to back of bag by using a yarn needle or by using your hook and sc. Make sure to face the wrong side of flap up when stitching so that the seam is to the inside of bag.
Weave in any ends.
Lay your flap over and decide where to place your button. Using a large
button and a sewing needle with embroidery thread or regular sewing thread,
sew on button securely to the front of bag.
Crocheting in the round is a method used for crocheting items such as hats, stuffed animals, granny squares, bags, and a multitude of other items. Learning how to crochet in the round will broaden your ability to create products. Many people use a magic ring to start their round, but for a beginner, it’s easier to start with a chain as your ring.
Different patterns will instruct your number of chains to be different and other type of stitches may be used as well, but the technique will still be the same.
You will need:
#4 Worsted Weight Yarn (Light in color and not textured will be the easiest to learn with)
5mm Crochet Hook
Start with a slip knot on your hook
Chain 4
Slip stitch into the first chain you made. This creates a circle.
Chain 1. (This is to increase your height for the next row. It is not a stitch, you will not work into it.)
Make 6 single crochet into your circle. *Pull your loop up through the middle of the circle, not into the chains.
Slip stitch into the first single crochet that you made.
The rest will now be worked into the top of your stitches like normal.
You have just crocheted the first round! To do the second round:
Chain 1
Make 2 single crochet into every stitch around. (Total of 12 single crochet at the end of this round)
Slip stitch into the first single crochet of that round.
That’s it! You’ve just learned to crochet in the round. The pattern that you’re following will give you the specific number of stitches and the type of stitches to use but it will all be similar to this technique.
Today, I’m going to be teaching you the 4 most basic and commonly used crochet stitches – Single Crochet (sc), Half Double Crochet (hdc), Double Crochet (dc), and Treble Crochet (tr). The projects you can make using just these 4 are endless. This is the second post following the beginner’s guide to crochet which teaches you how to do a slip knot on your hook, how to make your foundation chain and how to do slip stitches.
Start off with your foundation chain using as many stitches as needed for your project. Just for practice, I recommend doing a chain of at least 10 and repeating over and over again until you’re comfortable in your stitches. Make sure you’re not doing your foundation chain too tight or it will make working into it very difficult. If you find that you keep making it too tight, use a larger hook for the foundation chain and then switch back to your regular hook to work the stitches.
For practicing new stitches, it’s best to use a medium weight yarn that is light in color so you can see your stitches better, and a 5mm crochet hook.
Single Crochet (sc)
Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook. Yarn over, pull through the first loop. (You now have two loops remaining on hook.) Yarn over, pull through the last two loops.
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
Yarn over, insert your hook into the 3rd chain from your hook. Yarn over, pull through the first loop. (You now have 3 loops on hook) Yarn over, pull through remaining 3 loops.
Half Double Crochet
Double Crochet (dc)
Yarn over, insert hook into the 4th chain from hook. Yarn over, pull through first loop. (You now have 3 loops on your hook.) Yarn over, pull through first two loops on hook. Yarn over, pull through last two loops on hook.
Double Crochet
Treble Crochet (tr)
Yarn over twice, insert your hook into the 5th chain from hook. Yarn over, pull through first loop. (You will now have 4 loops on hook.) Yarn over, pull through first two loops. Yarn over, pull through next two loops. Yarn over, pull through last two loops.
Treble Crochet
Repetition is key for mastering any crochet stitch. These will feel more natural the more you practice them. Until next time, stay safe and happy crocheting!
I’m not really a hair person. I like to look put together but most of the time, I cannot be bothered to do anything with my hair besides brush it. Now that it’s getting hot, between sweat and the humidity, any type of heat styling is useless by time I get to my destination.
I quit wearing makeup, mainly because my skin gets angry and lashes out in the form of cystic pimples and blackheads. I can think about foundation and get a pimple. (Yes, I’ve tried numerous BB creams and acne treatment ones as well. Yes, my skin care routine is consistent but I digress.) Not only has my lack of makeup made me feel more free, and helped my acne, it’s also saved me a lot of time. Still, not time I wish to spend on my hair. I needed something quick and stylish for my hair. That’s where the idea for this hair scarf came in. It’s perfect for adding a little flare to my untamed locks. I’ve made multiple colors to tie in the colors of whatever outfit I’m wearing. It’s almost as if I’m putting a lot of effort into my hair style. Don’t tell anyone otherwise.
This crochet project is so easy and quick to make. You can make multiple ones in a single day and quickly have all the colors you need. I wear mine tied in the front like a knotted headband. Perfect for when I have my hair in a messy bun! I also like the same style when my hair is down. Tying them around a bun with the ends hanging down in the back is really cute too! These hair scarves are stretchy so I make them so they’re pulled tight when tied to stay in place.
Materials Needed:
Worsted Weight #4 Yarn
5 mm Crochet Hook
Scissors
Yarn Needle
Abbreviations/ Stitches Used:
Stitch (st)
Chain (ch)
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
Double Crochet (dc)
Double Crochet Decrease (dc dec)
*Notes- Ch. 1 is a turning chain that does not count as a stitch. In every row, begin your work in first stitch unless stated otherwise. Most people use ch. 2 for double crochet but I choose to use just 1 because I prefer the look in this project.
I do not single crochet around this project for clean edges, I like the look of textured edges in this hair scarf. You could single crochet around your hair scarf if you choose but keep in mind that it will make your project a bit wider.
Let’s Get Started!
Ch 2
Row 1: Make 1 hdc, 1 dc, and another hdc in second ch from hook.
Row 2: 1 dc in first two st. 2 dc in last st.
Row 3: 1 dc in first 3 st. 2 dc in last st.
Row 4: Make 1 dc in each st along row. (5 st)
Row 5-41: Repeat row #4
Row 42: 1 dc in first 2 st. 1 dc dec in second st. 1 dc in last st.
Row 43: 1 dc in first st. 1 dc dec in second st. 1 dc in last st.
Row 44: 1 dc in first st. 1 dc dec in second.
Fasten off, weave in any ends.
I hope you enjoyed this sweet and simple pattern. I’d love to see your finished projects. Please tag @homesweetsimpson in your Instagram photos and follow for more patterns and updates. Until next time, stay safe and happy crocheting!
