Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Crochet For Baby Jack

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cro harper 1 0714

 

So, I did not have  a wonderful time crocheting this baby afghan, but it was a work of love.  Baby Jack is the first grandson of some dear friends of mine.  The grandparents have three sons of their own and a cute little granddaughter who is almost four years old.  For the granddaughter, Lily, who was born near Christmas, I had made a round ripple afghan that resembled a poinsettia.  So, to continue with the theme, I chose a round ripple for baby Jack.

The pattern I used – with some variations of my own design – is no longer available via a regular website.  See more about this below.  However, there are many round ripple patterns online and I’ve used others with equal success.  Now, about the color choices.  I used Caron Simply Soft in the colors that were chosen by the mom.  While I would not have chosen this color combination, I’m pleased with the results.  Since gauge is not of great consequence when making a baby afghan, using a true worsted weight yarn would work well here.  And, with a fingering weight yarn, you just add more rows to make the afghan the size you prefer.

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Since I , like many crocheters, use a pattern as a guideline – sometimes just a suggestion – to create the finished project.  I thought the afghan looked a bit feminine for a baby boy, so I played around with some ideas to make the afghan look more boyish.  I think the last few rows I created did the job.  With the detail in the picture, I believe you can see how I just added a spike stitch to create a bit of contrast and visual interest that felt more masculine to me, finishing off with a simple row of single crochet rather than any other sort of edging.  I also added a simplified picot (single crochet, chain one, single crochet in base of first single crochet) to make the points more exact – also a masculine touch.

Having two deadlines to meet – carpal tunnel surgery in a week and grandparents heading to Texas to see the grandson for the first time – I didn’t have the luxury of time to do more exploration of stitches to change up the design even more.  But, as I said, I’m pleased with the results.  The idea was to create something special and made with love for a very special baby boy.  I think this is it!

Note:  The web address from which I printed off this pattern is this:

http://www.angelfire.com/tx5/angelcrafts/patterns/roundripple.html

This does not appear to be an active link.  It may be available on the Wayback Archive.  if you find an active link for the pattern, please let me know!

Looking for more Crochet patterns using the Ripple stitch check these out on Etsy?

More Crochet?

Comments

  4. Very L?VELY, Jd! Like you… Gray and Yellow?!? Maybe a Sweater for an Ol’Folk… Smile! Spike Stitch? I wasn’t sure if it’s also called L-O-O-NG DC or SC. Anyhows, Wonderful Afghan!

  5. Very L?VELY, Jd! Like you… Gray and Yellow?!? Maybe a Sweater for an Ol’Folk… Smile! Spike Stitch? I wasn’t sure if it’s also called L-O-O-NG DC or SC. Anyhows, Wonderful Afghan!

  6. I Love that color combination, while looking for colors to update my home, I am finding that gray is the new beige in many decorating publications. you are right in style!

Have you read?

Pattern Review: Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern

The Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern is one of those fun wearable crochet projects that has just the right mix of retro charm and modern festival style. If you have been seeing granny square bucket hats popping up everywhere and thinking, “I could make that,” this pattern is a lovely place to start.

This crochet bucket hat is worked in the round using granny-style clusters, giving it that familiar textured look without requiring you to join lots of separate squares. That is a definite win if, like me, you enjoy the look of granny motifs but don’t always feel emotionally prepared for a mountain of seams and ends.

The pattern uses worsted weight #4 yarn, with cotton or a cotton blend recommended, which makes sense for a summer hat. Cotton gives the hat a bit more structure and keeps it feeling breathable rather than floppy and sweaty. You’ll need around 80g of yarn, a 5.5mm crochet hook, scissors, and a yarn needle. The finished hat is designed to fit a head circumference of approximately 51–55cm / 20.1–21.7 inches, which puts it in the adult small/medium range.

What I like about this pattern is that it includes practical fit notes rather than pretending every head and every crocheter’s tension is magically the same. The granny mesh has stretch, and the pattern suggests trying the crown on after Round 5 before continuing with the body section. That is such a useful little check-in point, especially with hats, because nobody wants to finish the whole thing only to discover it either perches on top like a teacup or slides down over your eyes like a lampshade.

The instructions are written in US crochet terms and include a clear stitch key covering chains, clusters, double crochet, repeats, slip stitches, and spaces. The pattern also explains how the rounds are closed, how the beginning chain functions, and how to count the clusters at the end of each round, which is helpful for keeping the shape on track.

The construction is straightforward: you begin at the crown, continue down into the sides, and then work the brim. The brim shaping comes from an increase round that helps kick the edge outward into that classic bucket hat shape. Rounds 15–17 then hold steady to smooth out the brim edge, giving the hat a neat finish without making the shaping feel overly complicated.

I would call this an easy to confident beginner crochet pattern rather than a very first crochet project. You’ll want to be comfortable working in the round, counting repeats, and making double crochet clusters. Once the rhythm clicks, though, it becomes a relaxing, repeat-friendly project — the sort of crochet you can work on while half-watching TV, provided you don’t lose count during the increase rounds. Ask me how I know.

This pattern also has great colour-play potential. The yellow version feels sunny and wearable, the scrap yarn version has brilliant festival energy, and a red-and-green version would make a surprisingly cute Christmas market hat. It would also be a good stash-busting crochet project if you have leftover cotton yarns hanging around from dishcloths, bags, or summer tops.

Overall, the Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat is a cheerful, wearable crochet pattern with strong Etsy appeal. It hits that sweet spot between nostalgic granny square style and modern handmade fashion, making it a great pattern for festival outfits, summer wardrobes, handmade gifts, and market sellers looking for a trendy crochet accessory.

Best for: confident beginners, granny stitch lovers, summer crochet projects, festival fashion, scrap yarn makes, and crocheters who want a wearable project that feels fun rather than fussy.