Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Yarn Review – Fluff of the Andes

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Fluff of the Andes is a super-bulky yarn that truly lives up to its name, offering knitters and crocheters a delightfully fluffy and soft texture that’s perfect for a variety of projects. Comprised of 100% Highland Wool, this yarn boasts an excellent balance of structure, loft, and drape, making it a versatile choice for fashion pieces, accessories, and even last-minute gifts.

One of the standout features of Fluff of the Andes is its quick and easy crochetability. With a knitting gauge of 2.5 stitches per inch on 15 (10mm) needles, projects in this yarn practically fly off the needles, making it perfect for those times when you need a finished piece in a hurry. Additionally, the single-ply construction adds to its softness, creating a finished product that’s as cozy as it is stylish.

Another highlight of Fluff of the Andes is its wide range of vibrant colors, which include both solids and heathers. From bold brights to sophisticated neutrals, there’s a shade to suit every taste and project. Plus, with each 200g ball offering 109 yards of yarn, you’ll have more than enough to bring your creative vision to life.

In terms of care, Fluff of the Andes is hand washable and should be dried flat to maintain its shape and texture. Overall, this yarn is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to add a touch of luxury and warmth to their next knitting or crochet project. Whether you’re creating a cozy cowl, a statement sweater, or a snuggly blanket, Fluff of the Andes is sure to impress.

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.