Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

NOAH AND HIS ARK

by

I love the Noah’s Ark baby afghan that appears on the cover of the May, 2008 issue of Crochet!

Reading the pattern got me to wondering. I’ve seen several other crochet interpretations of the Noah’s Ark theme. So, I went looking for them online. Here’s what I found:

noah’s ark crochet cross stitch ecrater afghan
http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=1722002

Here’s one that was auctioned on ebay.com. It’s a 3D version of the ark with the thread pattern for sale:

noah’s ark crochet 3D thread pattern

I couldn’t find the source of this pattern that was made in size 10 thread. It looks like quite an undertaking, likely one I wouldn’t attempt, so I didn’t bid on it.

Crochet Cabriolet (Cro8http://members.aol.com/Cabri/crochet.htm) has 5 pages devoted to an extensive Ark and animal collection. It’s a beauty! Here’s one picture from that site:

noah ark crochet cabriolet crochet pattern with animals
http://members.aol.com/ChetOlet8/noahark4.htm

The CrochetCabriolet version comes with a detailed story of how it was created and assembled. An ambitious project!

This one is in a Leisure Arts book – if you like patterns that begin with wording something like ‘make 350’ of some tiny square!

noah’s ark crochet afghan leisure arts

Another good looking one is here – at a reasonable price for the pattern:

noah’s ark at afghans4u.com crochet

http://www.afghans4u.com/noah’s_ark

Here’s a nice variation on the theme and a free pattern:

noahs ark tote bag crochet

noah’s ark at afghans4u.com crochet

Biblical themes are, of course, timeless. Noah’s Ark appeals to adults and children equally. I like the idea of making a blanket with the Ark on it and small animal toys, a la amigurumi, for the baby to hold and play with. Of course, most any interpretation of this pattern works for me – except the one that begins something like ‘make 300’ of some square. Just can’t go for those. Not only do I not want to make 300 of anything, I certainly don’t want to JOIN those and then weave in all the ends. I would then be crazier than people probably thought Noah was all those years ago!

Comments

  1. The last picture looks like a bag. I cannot get the pattern from the link. Can you check the link and repost it?

  2. I am trying to find leaflet# 101122 from House of White Birches. Its called Crochet Noah’s Ark. It is a toy, an ark tote with crocheted animals and noah. If anyone knows anyone who has it or where to find it, email me. Thanks

  3. Hello. I’m seeking the Noah’s Ark crochet pattern by Stephen Reedy from AA 1991. I’m missing 3 pages (3/4, 5/6, 7/8) and would love to connect with anyone having a copy. Please contact me @ [email protected]

  4. Wendy: do you still need the missing pages of crochet Noah’s Ark -1991- by Stephen Reedy from Annie’s Attic? I have this pattern

Have you read?

Vintage Crochet Baby Dress Pattern Review

There is something especially charming about a vintage baby dress pattern, and this Crocheted Cutie Dress #3112 has all the details that make older crochet designs so appealing.

The dress features a neatly shaped bodice, short sleeves, contrast stripes and a full lace skirt with a scalloped finish. It has that classic heirloom look without feeling overly formal, which makes it suitable for birthdays, family photos, baby showers or simply as a special handmade outfit.

One of the nicest things about this design is the balance between the structured upper section and the much softer, more decorative skirt. The bodice is worked in a simple repeating texture, while the skirt opens into a detailed lace pattern that gives the dress plenty of movement and fullness. The white trim around the neckline, sleeves and hem also helps define the shape beautifully.

The pattern includes instructions for sizes 1 and 2, with the second size shown in parentheses throughout. As with many vintage patterns, the sizing does not line up neatly with modern age labels, so it is important to check the gauge and finished proportions rather than relying on the size number alone.

This would be best suited to an intermediate crocheter, or a confident beginner who is comfortable reading traditional pattern instructions. The design uses chain stitches, single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, colour changes, shaping, repeated lace sections and separate pieces that are sewn together during finishing.

The sleeves and collar are made separately and attached to the completed bodice. The back is finished with three buttons, giving the dress a practical opening while keeping the front clean and decorative.

The original version uses pink and white mercerized crochet cotton, but the design works beautifully in more modern combinations too. Sage and cream give it a soft botanical feel, lemon and white make it fresh and summery, while orange and ivory create a much warmer retro look.

Because the pattern was originally written for vintage crochet cotton and a steel hook, I would strongly recommend making a gauge swatch before beginning. Modern threads and hook-sizing systems can vary, and the bodice needs to fit correctly before the lace skirt is added.

The professionally reformatted PDF is much easier to follow than an unedited scan. It keeps the original stitch counts and construction while improving spacing and readability. It also includes a modern mockup and the original vintage reference image, which is helpful when visualising the finished shape.

Overall, this is a lovely pattern for anyone who enjoys making vintage-inspired baby clothes. The lace skirt is the real highlight, but the striped bodice and matching collar give the finished dress a polished, complete look.