Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Not Just For Sledding – Crochet Beanie with mask and ear flaps

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April Draven Sledding Hat

 

I ran across this crafty winter hat that April designed for herself when she and her daughter were sledding.  For me (who seldom sleds), it’s a perfect hat for St. Louis’ very cold, damp, windy, wintry days when I walk outside.  I must protect my mouth and throat from the cold wind or my asthma will flare up.  Scarves work ok – but seldom stay in place for a full hour long walk.  The mouth-covering buttoned to this hat looks like the perfect solution for me.  I might forgo the braids, but they’re awfully cute.  I also like the top knot treatment.  That looks so much like what I add to hats for little ones.  I call them worms.  Anything that adds a little height on me is a good thing.  LOL.

April has oodles of hat designs, some for sale on her etsy site and many for free on her blog .  There are about thirty free patterns on her blog (not all hats).  If you are into Twilight, Zelda, or other fantasy themes, April is likely to have a design for you.  She has dolls, too.  And a free mitten pattern that’s easy as pie.

Twilight Bella Mittens

To spiff up those mittens, you can add the pretty embellishment that April created.

There are a lot more goodies on April’s blog and at her Etsy shop.  This young woman has quite the creative mind.  If you’d like to tackle your first ever charted pattern, one of her hats with a charted insert might be the perfect project for you.  Take some time to nose around her blog.  You’re sure to find something to tempt you to pull out yarn and hook right away.  For me, the Sledding Hat is a must-make project, well worth the modest $3.00 price tag for the pattern.

Looking for more Beanie patterns to Crochet? Check out these Crochet Patterns on Etsy 

Have you read?

The Pancake Market Bag – Free Crochet Pattern

Looking for a lightweight, stylish, and oh-so-practical tote to take with you everywhere this season? The Pancake Crochet Market Bag might just become your go-to favorite. Whether you’re heading to the farmers market to grab some fresh produce, packing snacks and sunscreen for a relaxed summer stroll, or dashing out the door for a quick last-minute errand, this bag is ready to tag along.

It’s surprisingly roomy—big enough to carry all your essentials (and then some!)—yet it folds up small enough to tuck into your car or coat closet without fuss. The openwork stitch gives it a breathable, airy texture that’s super satisfying to crochet and even more delightful to carry. Plus, it’s endlessly reusable and eco-friendly, so you can ditch the plastic and feel great about your handiwork.

I stitched mine up using a warm mustard cotton I had on hand (a little stash buster win!), but honestly, this pattern would look beautiful in just about any color. Try a bold berry for a pop of personality, a classic cream for a minimalist vibe, or even stripes if you’re feeling playful. Once you’ve made one… fair warning: you’ll probably want to make more!

Let’s dive into the pattern!

 What You’ll Need:

 Finished Measurements:

  • Approximately 15” wide x 13” tall (not including handles) 

 Stitch Abbreviations (US terms):

  • ch – chain 
  • sc – single crochet 
  • dc – double crochet 
  • sl st – slip stitch 
  • st(s) – stitch(es) 
  • sk – skip 
  • rep – repeat 

 Special Notes:

  • The base is worked in joined rounds. 
  • The body of the bag is stitched in the round, but you won’t be joining after each round—just keep going in a spiral and use a stitch marker to track the first stitch. 
  • The handles are created by chaining across stitches, then the final edge is reinforced. 

 Let’s Crochet the Base:

Round 1: Begin with a magic circle, ch 1. Work 8 sc into the ring. Pull it tight and join to the first sc with a sl st. (8 sts)
 Round 2: Ch 1, make 2 sc in each st around. Join. (16 sts)
 Round 3: Ch 1, sc in first, 2 sc in next—repeat from * to * around. Join. (24 sts)
 Round 4: Ch 1, sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next—repeat around. Join. (32 sts)
 Round 5: Ch 1, sc in next 3, 2 sc in next—repeat. Join. (40 sts)
 Keep increasing in this manner, adding one more sc between increases each round until you reach 80 sts (about Round 9).

 Build the Bag Body:

Now switch to working in continuous rounds.

Rounds 10–13: sc in each st around. (80 sts)
 Round 14: [dc in next, ch 1, sk 1]—repeat around. (approx. 80 sts depending on exact starting point)
 Round 15: dc in ch-space, ch 1—repeat.
 Rounds 16–25: Repeat Round 15.

Alternate a few more rounds of single crochet with rounds of [dc, ch 1] to build height and texture. Keep going until the bag measures about 12–13” tall from the center of the base.

 Add the Handles:

Next Round (handle setup):

  • sc in next 12 sts 
  • ch 30 (for handle), sk 15 sts 
  • sc in next 25 sts 
  • ch 30, sk 15 sts 
  • sc to end of round. 

Final Round: sc around, placing 1 sc in each sc and 1 sc in each ch across the handle chains. This gives the straps some strength and a nice finish.

Fasten off and weave in all ends. Give your bag a little stretch or light steam block if needed.

 Tips:

  • Cotton yarn gives the bag structure and durability. 
  • You can easily size up the bag by adding more rounds to the base before beginning the body. 
  • Try using multicolor yarn for a fun summer vibe.