Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

CRAFTBITS CROCHET SCORES!

by

Have you checked out the free crochet patterns at this blog’s parent site recently? Go to www.craftbits.com and click on ‘crochet’ on the left side of the screen. There are scads of great free patterns there! Here are a few of my personal favorites:

Teddy Go Round Afghan

teddy go round baby afghan, crochet, craftbits, babyghan

How cool is this granny-inspired bag made from recycled grocery bags?

recycled bags crocheted purse, craftbits, crocheted grocery bags, granny inspired crochet

Here’s a vintage look beaded doily that is just lovely:

vintage look beaded doily, crochet, craftbits

This would make a cute pool cover-up. Summer will be here before you’re ready!

flamenco wrap, pool cover up, crocheted wrap, craftbits

This little felted bag is a real beauty. Think of all the ways you could use it.

crochet felted bag, irma’s felted crochet bag, craftbits, wool felting

And, finally, wouldn’t this make a nice treat for Mom? Quick, easy, and attractive – a pillowghan.

pillowghan, pilloghan, crochted 12 in squares, craftbits

The craftbits site has lots of other free projects for crochet, knitting and any number of other crafts. It’s great to have such a good source of free goodies for us crafters. So many of our family and friends appreciate the thought and care that goes into a lovingly handmade gift. Visit often as they’re always adding something new!

Check out our NEW Facebook page for Crochet. This page is only about Crochet!! Free pattern links, tips tricks and tutorial videos. We will be sharing it all to the ONE SPOT.  Make sure you LIKE the new Crochet Facebook Page so you don’t miss out. Crochet Facebook Page.

Check out this amazing book with over 100 different Granny Square patterns

Have you read?

Free Christmas Worry Worm Crochet Pattern With a Printable Gift Card

There’s something rather lovely about a handmade gift that says, “I was thinking of you,” without needing a large box, expensive supplies or three weeks of frantic crocheting.

Our Christmas worry worm is a sweet little example. It has a curly body, a smiling embroidered face and a pointed Santa hat, plus a decorative printable gift card that turns a small crochet project into a thoughtful festive present.

And yes, those little leftover balls of Christmas yarn finally have a job. Apparently, keeping them all was entirely reasonable.

A Christmas Twist on the Crochet Worry Worm

If you’ve enjoyed our original crochet worry worm project, this Christmas version offers a different construction and a festive finish.

The body is a narrow crochet corkscrew, while the head is a separate, lightly stuffed ball worked in continuous rounds. A small hat with a contrasting brim completes the character.

What I particularly like about this design is that the Christmas detail comes from the colours and that tiny hat. There are no fiddly fingers, miniature boots or elaborate accessories to sew together. The curly body gives it plenty of personality all by itself.

What Skills Will You Need?

This free Christmas worry worm crochet pattern uses chains, single crochet, increases, decreases and slip stitches. You’ll also need to work a magic ring, embroider a simple face and sew the three components together.

I’d describe it as an easy project for someone comfortable with basic crochet stitches and ready to try small amigurumi pieces. The tiny hat rounds may require a little patience, especially if you usually make blankets with a lovely big hook.

The materials are straightforward: DK or 8-ply yarn, a 3 mm hook, a little stuffing, black embroidery thread and a yarn needle.

Choose smooth yarn so you can see your stitches clearly. Fluffy yarn might look festive in the ball, but finding four tiny stitches in a magic ring is quite enough excitement without hiding them under eyelash fibres.

Make Santa, Elf or Snowy Christmas Versions

The same construction works in several Christmas colour combinations:

  • Traditional Santa: A red curly body, cream head and red hat with a white brim.
  • Christmas elf: A green body and green hat with a contrasting red brim.
  • Snowy Christmas friend: A white body and head, finished with a red-and-white Santa hat.

The faces are embroidered, and the hat tip has a few white stitches rather than a separate pompom. Keep those details simple and let the colour combinations do the decorating.

If seasonal variations are your weakness, our Easter bunny worry worm pattern is another idea to save for your next round of small handmade gifts.

The Printable Christmas Gift Card Makes It Feel Special

The accompanying printable card is the detail that brings this project together.

Watercolour-style poinsettias, holly, red bows and gold accents frame a short verse, with To and From lines for your message. A pale green space on the right holds