Modification of Basic Crochet Stitches and Continued Pattern Reading

This will be my third post on how to crochet. This third post has been in the works for about a week or so now. A sudden surprise at my job occurred,one of my coworkers had to go on leave. I have been trying to balance my regular work, the additional work load and extra long hours at my normal 9-5 on top of caring for my son. Sometimes I wish there was more time in the day to do fun things, with that being said I want to discuss my third topic of modification.

Modification in crochet is the changing of normal stitches into something better and quite possible easier/faster for the crochet user.

In my last post, I discussed the chain stitch (Ch) and how there is another way to start your crochet projects. This type of modification is called the Foundation Crochet Stitch (Fcs).

Foundation Crochet (Fcs):

Chain (Ch) 3, insert hook into the front loop (Fl) of second and third chain from the hook,yarn over (Yo), pull through third front loop (Fl), yarn over (Yo), pull through two loops, yarn over (Yo) and pull through two loops, repeat till destination is reached.

Besides the normal one loop (Ol)/two loop (Tl) stitch starter after a chain stitch (Ch) or a  Foundation Crochet Stitch (Fcs) there are two other stitch modifications that I mentioned previously. Front loop (Flo) or back loop (blo) are used when starting out with two loops (Tl) facing you and can not be used when using the one loop (Ol) scenario (in other words two loop (Tl) must be present for this modification to work).

Front loop (Flo)

Back loop (Blo)

Note: Front loop and back loop can be used in conjunction with Single Crochet (Flsc & Blsc), Half Double Crochet (Flhdc & Blhdc), Double Crochet (Fldc & Bldc), Triple Crochet (Fltr & Bltc), etc.

On top of those two modifications, there are two more modifications that can used after the Foundation (either a Chain stitch or Foundation Crochet Stitch) and the second row (either Single Crochet, Double Crochet, etc).These are called Front Post (Fp) or Back Post (Bp).

Front Post (Fp)

Back Post (Bp)

 Note: Front Post and Back Post can be used in conjunction with Single Crochet (Fpsc & Bpsc), Half Double Crochet (Fphdc & Bphdc), Double Crochet (Fpdc & Bpdc), Triple Crochet (Fptc & Bptc), etc.

You can also add additional yarn overs to all basic stitches (St(s)) to create different patterns with the yarn, it is really all preference.

Here is an example of additional yarn overs:

Normal single crochet:

To complete a single crochet stitch (Sc), Insert hook into Chain (Ch) or stitch (St) and Yarn over (Yo), pull through chain (Ch) or stitch (St), Yarn over (Yo), pull through both loops leaving on one loop on the hook, repeat till destination is reached.

Modification Single crochet:

To complete a single crochet stitch (Sc), Insert hook into Chain (Ch) or stitch (St) and Yarn over (Yo), pull through chain (Ch) or stitch (St), Yarn over (Yo), pull through one loop leaving two loops on the hook, Yarn over (Yo), pull through both loops leaving on one loop on the hook, repeat till destination is reached.

One more modification I wanted to go over is the Reverse Crochet (Rc) stitches (St(s).I have only ever used the Reverse Single Crochet (Rsc) stitch but, you can use this modification with the other basic stitches as well (Half Double Crochet, Double Crochet and Triple Crochet). Reverse Crochet (Rc) stitches (St(s))are usually used when creating some type of border on a project.

Reverse Single Crochet:

To complete a Reverse Single Crochet Stitch, Chain 1 at the end of a row but do not turn, working backward insert hook into stitch, Yarn over (Yo), pull through stitch, Yarn over (Yo), pull through both loops leaving on one loop on the hook, repeat till destination is reached.

Reverse Single Crochet border 

My next post will be going over how to work in rounds instead of rows. I will also be working on a set of video tutorials of all the basic stitches, modification stitches and additional need to know knowledge. I believe a video can be worth more than a thousand pictures. I recently got the equipment to start filming and editing videos so, will see how it goes. I hope to get the hang of it so, I can provide better learning tools on my blog.

THE BASIC STITCHES & HOW TO READ PATTERNS

My now second post into the world of learning how to Crochet, so excited! After finishing a big project for my son, a sweater, it feels good to write again. Getting all the knots out of my fingers, lol.

There are many stitches but, it is easier to focus on a few and then branch out later. here it goes:

In Crochet, a project is started with a chain row or foundation row, this can be done in two different ways. Today I am only going to go over one. The second one is called the no-chain foundation row which is a little more complex so, I will be going over this is my next post.

To complete a chain row or foundation row (abbreviation for pattern reading Ch):

The initial part known as a slip knot always reminds me of how I learned to tie my shoes, make bunny ears with your shoelace, cross bunny ears, pull top bunny ear under bottom bunny ear and through the hole. I know there was a whole saying but, it has been ages that i don't remember it. Anyhow with a Chain (Ch) row you only have one bunny ear and yarn is your shoelace.

When you make a bunny ear the yarn is automatically crossed, the end part of the yarn should be on top of the yarn that is connected to your ball of yarn. What I do is wrap the yarn around my fingers and pull the end string through the hole in between my two fingers, not pulling it all the way through only enough to make another bunny ear.
***Note: make sure you have enough yarn length on the end part of the yarn***

Once done you should have an adjustable bunny ear to start the Chain (Ch) row, insert hook into the bunny ear and adjust bunny ear to fit your crochet hook. To complete one Chain (Ch), yarn over (Known as Yo or Yoh (yarn over hook) in pattern reading), pull yarn on hook through the bunny ear hole, repeat this until you reach the desired amount of Chain (Ch) stitches (St(s)).
***Note: yarn over (Yo) with the yarn attached to your yarn ball***

Here is a simple start to a pattern using Ch row:

Row 1: Ch 11 with A, turn (A refers to a specific color for a project, You could have multiple colors B, C and so on). (turn refers to turning back the way you started from) .

Before I go into the next stitch I want to go over different ways to start the next row after a Chain/foundation row (Ch). There are at least 4 ways start the second row: Two loops (Tl), One loop (Ol), front loop (Flo) and back loop (Blo). I am going to go over the two basic ways to start, the other two I will go over in my next post.

Two loops (Tl) is when you insert your hook into the Chain (Ch) row that has two loops (Tl) showing on top.

Two loops on top

 One loop (Ol) is when your insert you hook into the Chain (Ch) row that has one loop (Ol) showing on top.

One loop on top

I usually go with the one loop (Ol) on top because it creates a cleaner looking edge underneath.

***Note: this is only used when crocheting after the the chain/foundation row (Ch). The two loops (Tl), front loop (Flo) or back loop (Blo) would need to be used after a stitch (St) row has been put over a Chain/foundation row (Ch).***

Onto the next stitch...

Slip stitch (abbreviation for pattern reading Sl St):

To complete a slip stich (Sl St), Insert hook into Chain (Ch) or stitch (St) and Yarn over (Yo), pull through chain (Ch) or stitch (St) and both loops leaving one loop on the hook, repeat till destination is reached.

Pattern continued-

Row 2: Sl St in the second Ch from the hook (Note: putting the stitch (St) in the second chain (Ch) is mostly done after a chain row (Ch) so, the stitch (St) can't easily come out), Sl St into the remaining 9 Ch spaces (Sp), Ch 1 (Note: The chain (Ch) 1 helps keep the row straight and at the proper height going into the single Crochet stitch (Sc)) and turn.

Row 1: Chain (Ch) &  Row 2: Slip Stitch (Sl St) together

Single Crochet (abbreviation for pattern reading Sc):

To complete a single crochet stitch (Sc), Insert hook into Chain (Ch) or stitch (St) and Yarn over (Yo), pull through chain (Ch) or stitch (St), Yarn over (Yo), pull through both loops leaving on one loop on the hook, repeat till destination is reached.

Pattern continued-

Row 3: Sc in the next stitch from the hook, Sc into the remaining 9 Sl St Sp(s), Ch 2 (Note: The chain (Ch) 2 helps keep the row straight and at the proper height going into a double crochet stitch (Dc)) and turn.

Row 1, Row 2 & Row 3: Single Crochet (Sc) together

Double Crochet (abbreviation for pattern reading Dc):

To complete a double crochet stitch (Dc), Yarn over (Yo), Insert hook into Chain (Ch) or stitch (St) and Yarn over (Yo), pull through chain (Ch) or stitch (St), Yarn over (Yo), pull through two loops leaving two loops on the hook, Yarn over (Yo), pull through the last two loops leaving one loop on the hook, repeat till destination is reached.

Pattern continued-

Row 4: Dc in the next stitch from the hook, Dc in the remaining 9 Sc Sp(s), Ch 3 (Note: The chain (Ch) 3 helps keep the row straight and at the proper height going into a Triple crochet stitch (Tc)) and turn. 

Row 1, Row 2, Row 3 & Row 4: Double Crochet (Dc) together

Triple Crochet (abbreviation for pattern reading Tc):

To complete a triple crochet stitch (Tc), Yarn over (Yo) twice, Insert hook into Chain (Ch) or stitch (St) and Yarn over (Yo), pull through chain (Ch) or stitch (St), Yarn over (Yo), pull through two loops leaving three loops on the hook, Yarn over (Yo), pull through another two loops leaving two loops on the hook, Yarn over (Yo), pull through the last two loops leaving one loop on the hook, repeat till destination is reached.

Pattern continued-

Row 5: Tc in the next stitch from the hook, Tc in the remaining 9 Dc Sp(s), Ch 1 (Note: The Chain (Ch) 1 helps keep the stitch (St) from coming out), fasten off and weave in ends.

Row 1, Row 2, Row 3, Row 4 & Row 5: Triple Crochet (Tc) together

One more thing I want to go over is that a pattern can be worked in rows (straight lines) or rounds (Circles). The pattern I did today was in rows, it was only meant to show you how to read patterns and work the stitches.

Hope you enjoyed my post today, my next post will be on modification of basic stitches and continued pattern reading.

Happy pattern reading!


© Hooking Rainbow 07/27/2013. All rights reserved.

HOW TO CROCHET-THE BASICS

Hi all, I have been absent for a few months...it usually gets pretty busy around April through the beginning of July for me. I work a regular 9-5 job on top of blogging, taking care of my big 18 month old and keeping my sanity. Year end (June) for the company usually ends up with extra work and long hour for a few months. I have been crocheting things here and there but, mostly from other peoples patterns...it relaxes me. On top of reading, got to love the mindless reading!

In May & June my family decided to come for a visit. Those two months also included me trying to potty train and to switch my son to his own bed. It finally just settled down a few days ago. I remember my mom crocheting along with me one day in June, realizing she didn't actually know any of the crochet stitch names or some basic crochet knowledge. It really surprised me since she taught me how to crochet before I started digging more into the crochet world. I learned so much just by surfing YouTube and Google. It got me thinking, that I should write up a few posts on the basics I learned, tricks/tips, pattern reading and crochet stitches to help other people learn to crochet as I did. Although I had to wait till I had some free time...

Then I was reminded by a friend who is just learning how to Crochet that I need to get on writing these posts. Here is goes, hope this helps all you out there learning to Crochet for the first time.


***Tricks/Tips***
When my mom started teaching me how to crochet, I had trouble keeping my yarn on the hook so, she found a solution: a Latch hook.The Latch hook helped me learn the technique of how to Crochet, the art of movement and keeping the yarn on the hook. The hook doesn't allow for smaller or bigger sizes projects as latch hook is ones size fits all kind of tool. However, it works well for training purposes and simple projects. Once the technique is down the transition to any size Crochet hook is very seamless.

Latch Hook

Hook holding Styles:
There are two well known styles of holding a Crochet hook but, there is no real right way to hold a hook. There can be many possibilities of hook holding, it is just what feels most comfortable when Crocheting.

Pencil Grip

Knife Grip

Hook sizes: 

Hook sizes are different depending on brand, country and materials they are made from. It can be very confusing at times to figure out what the correct hook size is to use. Most patterns have a hook size listed and yarn also lists on their packaging the suggested hook size to be used.




Here is a simple conversion chart to help you out with Hook sizes.
Here is a page to help you choose the Correct hook.


***Tricks/Tips***
I find when I am crocheting if I want a bigger size item then a pattern calls for I go up a few hook sizes and I getting bigger result. The opposite goes for a pattern with a bigger hook. This is usually determined by gauge swatches, some patterns have them and some don't. If you find your Crochet tension is too loose then go down one to two hook sizes and if it is tight then go up one to two hook sizes.  

Yarn types:

There are 7 standard yarn weights, all used for different types of projects. Yarn weights range from fine to bulky yarns. Yarn packaging typically lists how to take care of the yarn, what hook size is recommended and the yarn weight of the yarn.

Here is a page to help you choose your Standard yarn weight for your project.
Here is a page to help you determine the care instructions for your Yarn care.



Other tools you will need for Crochet:

You will definitely need a good pair a scissors for cutting yarn and a metal tapestry needle for fastening off/weaving in ends.

When I was first learning how to weave in my end I would use my crochet hook to pull the yarn in and out of stitches I made in the last row of my work. This was very messy the yarn always came out. While I was looking through tutorials I found a way that was very invisible and held in place quite well.

See for yourself: Weaving in ends tutorial
   
My next post will be about the basic crochet stitches & pattern reading.

Hope this post helps all you new crochet fanatics.

Happy hooking!

© Hooking Rainbow 07/19/2013. All rights reserved.

Flower Corsage Wristlet

While I was working up the flower for my Aqua Flower Handbag I came up with a great idea. I was remembering back to my Junior prom when my date gave me a corsage. I remember wanting to save my corsage for my scrapbook but, it ended up being all gross and it lost its color (eventually it got thrown out). Why not make a unique corsage that you can keep without having to worry about it drying up, losing it's color or getting too gross to keep. You can get the colors to match the perfect dress on that special night. I would have loved one of these that night. Hope you enjoy this pattern.

Skill Level-Easy


Use a E hook-3.50mm

Abbreviations:
Ch-Chain
St-Stitch/Stitches
Sp-Space
Sk Sp-Skip Space
Sl St-Slip stitch
Sc-Single crochet
Hdc-Half double crochet
Dc –Double crochet
Blo-Bottom Loop Only




What you will need:
Scissors
Button
Needle to weave in ends

Color A-Red
Color B-Teal

Colors used:

Wristlet

With color B Ch 41, 1 Sc in the Second Ch from the hook Blo and in the next St, 1 Hdc in the next 2 St Blo, 1 Dc in the next 2 St Blo, 1 Hdc in the next 2 St Blo, 1 Sc in the next 2 Blo, Repeat 4 times. Fasten off.

With color A, Sc across, Ch 1 and turn.

27 Sc in the next 27 St, Ch 4, Sk 4 St, Sc in the next 3 St. Fasten off.

With color B 1 Sc in the Second Ch from the hook and in the next St, 1 Hdc in the next 2 St ,
1 Dc in the next 2 St, 1 Hdc in the next 2 St , 1 Sc in the next 2, Repeat 4 times.
Fasten off.

Note: You may need to adjust starting Ch count up or down depending on wrist width.

The flower pattern can be found here


Happy night!


© Hooking Rainbow 04/21/2013. All rights reserved.

Aqua Flower Handbag

This pattern sort of just happened. I was crocheting the other day watching movies with my husband and son. After a few hours I looked down and noticed I had made a cute little handbag. I decided it needed a flower so, I created a unique one to go with the bag. Hope you enjoy.

Skill Level-Easy


Use a E hook-3.50mm

Abbreviations:
Ch-Chain
St-Stitch/Stitches
Sp-Space
Sk Sp-Skip Space
Sl St-Slip stitch
Sc-Single crochet
Dc –Double crochet

BLO-Back loops only
FLO-Front loops only


What you will need:
Scissors
Needle to weave in ends

Colors used:
Color A-Teal
Color B-Aqua blue

Aqua Flower Handbag

Foundation:

With Color A Ch 42, Sc in the second Ch from hook BLO. 40 Sc in BLO, on other side of Ch row 41 Sc in FLO, join with Sl St. Add marker pin.

Round 1:
Sc around start and end at marker pin. Sk joined st Sp.

Round 2-10:
Sc around start and end at marker pin.

Round 11-31:

With Color B Sc around start and end at marker pin.

Round 32:
With Color A Sc around start and end at marker pin.

Round 33:
Sc 13, Ch 15, Sk 15 Sp, Sc 12, repeat from * end at marker pin.

Round 34-38:

Sc around start and end at marker pin. Fasten off and weave in ends.


Flower bottom

Round 1:

With Color A Ch 4, Sc into the fourth Ch from the hook, 20 Dc into the ring, Sl St to the first Dc.

Round 2:

Ch 15, Sl St into the same Sp, *Ch 15, Sl St into the next Sp, Repeat from * end at the Sp before the first Ch 15 Sp. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Flower top

Round 1:

With Color B Ch 2, Sc into the second Ch from the hook, 5 Sc into the same St, Sl St to Join.

Round 2:

2 Sc in the next 6 St

Round 3:

6 Dc in the next St, Sl St, Repeat till Sp before first Dc of the round. Fasten off and weave in ends.

With Color A attach bottom flower to top flower. Then attach to hand bag and weave in ends.

When your done you can spread out the pedals or bunch them up.

Happy crafting.



© Hooking Rainbow 04/21/2013. All rights reserved.

Granny Toast Cupcake

Here is my latest creation, It's a modified granny square.

It's great for those up coming baby showers...I intend to make a baby diaper bag. You could also make baby blankets, purses, scarfs and many others with this pattern.

I have been wanting to make crochet diaper bag for quite sometime so, this should be fun.

Hope you enjoy this simple pattern as much as I do.

Use a I hook-5.50mm

Abbreviations:
Ch-Chain
St-Stitch/Stitches
Sp-Space
Sk Sp-Skip Space
Sl St-Slip stitch
Sc-Single crochet
Sctog-Single crochet together
Hdc-Half Double Crochet
Dc –Double crochet

Color A-Pink
Color B-Yellow
Color C-Red
Color D-Black

Granny Toast Cupcake

Row 1:
With color A-Ch 2, Sc in second Ch from hook,.3 Sc in the same St (Making half of a magic ring).

Row 2:
Turn, Ch 2, 1 Hdc in the next St, 2 Hdc in the next 3 St.

Row 3:
Turn Ch 3, 1 Dc in the next St, 2 Dc in the next 6 St.

Row 4:
Turn Ch 3, 1 Dc in the next St, 2 Dc in the next 12 St.

Row 5:
Ch 1, moving to the bottom 5 Dc in the Ch 3 Sp of the first Dc row, Sl St in the last Hdc Sp row, 5 Dc in the beginning half magic ring (to make a full magic ring),Sl St in the Ch 2 Sp of the Hdc row, 5 Dc in the last Dc of the first Dc row, Sl St in the Ch 3 Sp of the second Dc row. Fasten off.

Row 6:
With color B, Sc in the second Sp in from the fasten off point of color A, Sc in the next, Sk next Sp, 3 Hdc in the next Sp, Sk Sp, 1 Sc in the next 2 St, Sk Sp, 3 Hdc in the next Sp, Sk Sp, 1 Sc in the next 2 St.

Row 7-9:
Ch 1, turn, 1 Sc in the next 12 St. repeat for 2 more rows.

Row 10-12:
ch 1, Sctog, 1 Sc in the next 8 (6)-Row 11) (4)-Row 12) St, Sctog. repeat for 2 more rows.

Fasten off.

Round 1:
With Color C, Ch 2, 6 Sc in the second Ch from the hook. Sl St, pull tight and add st marker.

Round 2:
2 Sc in each St around,.Sl St. fasten off and set aside to attach to Cupcake later.

Weave in ends for cupcake.

Step  1:
With color D, Sl St to last St of the cupcake, Ch 3, 2 Dc in the same Sp.

Step 2:
Ch 1, Sk Sp, 3 Dc in the next St, repeat till end of color B.

Step 3:
Ch 1, Sk 2 Sp, 3 Dc in the next St, repeat till end of color A.

Step 4:
Repeat step 2 and Ch 1, Sl St to 1st Dc in Step 1. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Attach cherry to cupcake and add sprinkles. Either buttons, different color string or extra
small (tiny) pom poms. Or you can just not add sprinkles.

Happy Cupcaking!

© Hooking Rainbow 04/06/2013. All rights reserved.

My Vacation Projects!

I have been on vacation the last week or so just relaxing and an being with family! Since I was relaxing I decided to take a break from pattern making to make a few items from other people's patterns.

My first project was a crochet shirt from a book I bought a few weeks back.

You can find the listing on Amazon-Crochet that Fits

I did the edging on the arms and  bottom of the shirt different then the book...as it called for a Picot stitch but, mine came out too spaced apart. So I did this instead:

1 Sc, 2 Hdc, 2 Dc, 2 Tc, 2 Dc, 2Hdc, 1 Sc in the 5 ch space.

Abbreviations:

Sc-Single crochet

Hdc-Half Double Crochet

Dc –Double crochet

Tc-Tipple crochet

I think it came out pretty good for my first try at making clothing.


My second project was this cute little penguin amigurumi from another pattern book.

You can also find this listing on Amazon-Super Cute but, I found it in the store at a much cheaper price.

I used different yarn then the pattern called for since I didn't want to get up from my comfy chair to make a yarn store trip. I used:

Vanna's Choice Duckie for the beak instead of the yellow crochet thread 

Sugar n' cream  cotton White for the head and belly areas

Pound of Love Pastel blue-this was split really bad 

Red heart black for the feet.

I also used buttons for the eyes.

My third Project is still a work in progress and I am hopping to be done today. I still wanted to share with all of my readers. I know i have been focusing on crochet projects but, this one is actually my first fabric project here on the site so here it is:

A cute Owl pillow set:

I saw this photo the other day and really thought it was cute. I decided I wanted to make one. I free handed the cut out of the owl form and I have pinned it up to get ready for sewing. Hope to have my process on how I put it together soon.

Happy projects!

© Hooking Rainbow 03/31/2013. All rights reserved.

Featured on Jessie at Home!

I have been on vacation the last week or so there hasn't been many posts for new patterns lately. I will be picking back up later this week but, I do have a  few projects to share this weekend that I completed. As well as this cool news, I have been featured on Jessie at home as her guest blogger.

A few weeks ago a awesome lady named Jessie asked if I would be a guest blogger on her site...of course I said yes.

Here is her site: Jessie at Home

Here is the link to the post: Hooking Rainbows

I thought I would share this awesome news with all of my readers out there.

Happy hooking!

© Hooking Rainbow 03/30/2013. All rights reserved.

Raincorn Purse

Ever since I saw an episode of Adventure Time and my brother raving about how awesome the show is I've wanted to make Raincorn in one of my creations. Since I have been making a lot of purses lately I decided that is what I was going to do. Raincorn is a cute little unicorn looking cartoon character, kind of looks like a scarf. Which is also another idea I am thinking about making but, maybe a hooded scarf. Anyways enjoy the pattern...lots of colors in the rainbow with this one. 

Skill Level –Advanced

What you will need:

Hook K 6.5 mm

Worsted weight yarn

Needle to weave in ends

Scissors
Poly Fill Stuffing

Abbreviations:

Ch-Chain

Sp-Space

Sk-Skip

Sk Sp-Skip Space

St-Stitch/stitches                                                                  

Sl St-Slip Stitch

Sc-Single crochet

Hdc-Half Double Crochet

Dc –Double crochet

BLO-Back loops only

FLO-Front loops only

What I used for colors:

Color A-Red

Color B-Yellow

Color C-Green

Color D-Blue

Color E-Purple

Color F-Pink
Color G-Light Pink

Color H-White

Color I-Black

Note: to change colors take hook out of loop, insert it into the next Sp to work and put the loop back on the hook. Pull Color A or B through one loop yarn over and pull through remaining loops on hook.

Raincorn Purse (Make 1)-

Foundation:

With Color A Ch 41. Sc in the second Ch from hook BLO. 39 Sc in BLO, on other side of Ch row 40 Sc in FLO, join with Sl St. Add marker pin.

Round 1:

Sc around start and end at marker pin. Sk joined st Sp.

Round 2:

2 Sc in the next st, 38 Sc to other side of stitch marker, 2 Sc in the next two st,  37 Sc to the stitch marker, 2 Sc in the last st.

Round 3:

2 Sc in the next 2 st,  37 Sc to other side of stitch marker, 2 Sc in the next four st, 37 Sc to the stitch marker, 2 Sc in the next 2 st.

Round 4-10:

*Sc around start and end at marker pin, repeat from * 6 times.

Fasten off color A.

Round 11-19:

With Color B Sc around.

Fasten off color B.

Round 20-28:

With Color C Sc around.

Fasten off color C.

Round 29-37:

With Color D Sc around.

Fasten off color D.

Round 38-46:

With Color E Sc around.

Fasten off color E.

Round 47-61:

With Color F Sc around.

Fasten off color F.

Weave in all ends.

Purse handles (Make 2)-

Foundation:

With Color B, ch 6, 1 Sc in the second ch from the hook (BLO), Sc BLO in the next 4 st, 1 Sc in the other side of the ch (FLO), Sc FLO in the the next 4 st, Sl St to join. add stitch marker inside work (the inside will be the outside).

Round 1:

Sc around (start and end at stitch marker).

Round 2:

1 Sc in the next 4 st, 2 Sc in the next st, 1 Sc in the next 5 st, 2 Sc in the next st (start and end at stitch marker).

Round 3 and on:

Turn work inside out, Sc around till length reaches 28 inches.

Attach to purse.

Head (Make 1):

Foundation:
With Color G Ch 2, 6 Sc into the second Ch from the hook, Sl St to join. pull cut string tight. attach st marker.

Round 1:

2 Sc in the next 6 St, Sk Sl St Sp from previous round.

Round 2:

2 Sc in the next St, 1 Sc in the next St, repeat to St marker.

Round 3:

2 Sc in the next St, 1 Sc in the next 2 St, repeat to St marker.

Round 4:

2 Sc in the next St, 1 Sc in the next 3 St, repeat to St marker.

Round 5-21:

1 Sc in the next St, repeat to St marker.

Fill with Polly fill stuffing, Sl St to close head ends together and fasten off. Attach to purse and weave in yarn ends.

Eye (make 1)-

Round 1:
With Color H Ch 2, 6 Sc in the second Ch from the hook, join with Sl St. Add St marker.

Round 2:

2 Sc in the next 6 St, Sk Sl St Sp from previous round. Fasten off Color H.

Round 3:
With Color I 3 Sc in the next St, 1 Sc in the next St, Repeat two times, Sl St in the next 7 St, Join with Sl St.

Fasten off color I, attach to head and weave in all ends.

Horn (Make 1)-

Round 1:
With Color H Ch 2, 6 Sc in the second Ch from the hook, join with Sl St-Pull tight. Add St marker.

Round 2:

1 Sc in the next 6 St, Sk Sl St Sp from previous round.

Round 3-4:

2 Sc in the next St,1 Sc in the next St, Repeat till St marker

Round 5-6:

1 Sc in the next St, Repeat till St marker. Fasten off, add poly fill stuffing and attach to head.

Arms (Make 2)-

Round 1:
With Color C Ch 2, 6 Sc in the second Ch from the hook, join with Sl St-Pull tight. Add St marker.

Round 2:

1 Sc in the next 6 St, Sk Sl St Sp from previous round.

Round 3:

1 Sc in the next St, 2 Sc in the next St, 1 Sc in the next 3 St, 2 Sc in the next St, 1 Sc in the next St.

Round 4-10:

Sc around till St marker. Fasten off Color C at the end of round 10.

Round 11-18:

With Color F, Sc around till St marker. Fasten off Color F at end of round 18.

Round 19-25:

With Color A, Sc around till St marker. Fasten off Color A at end of round 25.

Add poly fill stuffing and attach to purse.


Legs (Make 2)-

Round 1:
With Color C Ch 2, 6 Sc in the second Ch from the hook, join with Sl St-Pull tight. Add St marker.

Round 2:

1 Sc in the next 6 St, Sk Sl St Sp from previous round.

Round 3:

1 Sc in the next St, 2 Sc in the next St, 1 Sc in the next 3 St, 2 Sc in the next St, 1 Sc in the next St.

Round 4-7:

Sc around till St marker. Fasten off Color C at the end of round 7.

Round 8-13:

With Color F, Sc around till St marker. Fasten off Color F at end of round 13.

Round 14-19:

With Color A, Sc around till St marker. Fasten off Color A at end of round 19.

Add poly fill stuffing and attach to purse.

Hair (Head)-Cut 24 pieces about 30 inch long fold and hook into head. Cut to style.

Hair (Tail)-Cut 1 Long string 210 inch long fold into fours. Cut another string 30 inches long tie in the middle of the first string folded in fours a few times. Attach to bottom of the purse and cut to desired length and style.

Happy hooking.

© Hooking Rainbow 03/18/2013. All rights reserved.

Happy St. Pat's Day

Here is a simple four leaf clover pattern for this fun holiday. What will you make with it? A few things that come to my mind are: a clover scarf, clover earrings, a clover broach, a clover barrette and a clover applique. Have fun exploring...maybe you will find that pot of gold over the rainbow!


Skill Level –Easy

What you will need:

Hook Size J 6 mm
worsted weight yarn
Needle to weave in ends
Scissors

Abbreviations:
Ch-Chain
St-Stitch/stitches                                                              
Sl St-Slip Stitch
Sc-Single crochet
Hdc-Half double crochet

Four Leaf clover-


Foundation:
Ch 7, 1 Sc in the second Ch from the hook, 1 Sc in the next 4 St, 14 Sc in the next St, join to other side of Ch, turn.

Round 1:
1 Sc in the Second Ch from the hook, 3 HDC in the next St, Sl St in the next 2 St, 3 HDC in the next St, Sl St in the next 2 St,  3 HDC in the next St, Sl St in the next 2 St, 1 Sc in the next St, 3 HDC in the next St, 1 Sc in the next , Sl St in the next St. Fasten off, pull middle String tight and weave in ends.

Happy pot of gold finding!

© Hooking Rainbow 03/17/2013. All rights reserved.

His & Her Hand Towels-Wedding Gifts Part 2

Here is the second part of the wedding hand towel gift post. I had issues with doing the mustache for my vision. I first tried a few patterns but, none of them were really quite right. The one I settled on was very large and wide in some areas...I then realized that I might have wanted a thinner version so, I worked up pattern for that as well. Enjoy!

Skill Level –Easy

What you will need:

Hook Size H 5 mm
Cotton worsted weight yarn
Needle to weave in ends
Scissors

Abbreviations:
Ch-Chain
Sp-Space
Sk-Skip
Sk Sp-Skip Space
St-Stitch/stitches                                                                
Sl St-Slip Stitch
Sc-Single crochet
Hdc-Half double crochet
Dc-Double crochet
Tc-Triple crochet

Towel-(Color B-I used light blue)

Foundation:

Ch 3. Insert hook into the second Ch from the hook (both loops), Yarn over pull through both loop Ch, yarn over pull through one loop, yarn over pull through two loops. Insert hook last Ch (both loops) and yarn over and pull through the st, yarn over pull through one loop, yarn over pull through two loops. Ch 1, * Insert hook into first St from hook and yarn over and pull through the St, yarn over pull through one loop, yarn over pull through two loops. Insert hook into next St and yarn over and pull through the St, yarn over pull through one loop, yarn over pull through two loops. Ch 1, Turn and repeat from * until desired Length (I did 30 inches) Sl St to join.

Row 1-20:

Ch 1, Insert hook into first Sp (going to the left across foundation), yarn over and pull through the st, yarn over pull through one loop, yarn over pull through two loops, * Insert hook into next Sp, yarn over and pull through the St, yarn over pull through one loop, yarn over pull through two loops, repeat from * to end of work.

Mustache-

I used this pattern on my original project but, I found it was very big and wide. For my smaller thinner version see below: 

Color A-I used White)-Make 2

Ch 12, 1 Sc in the second Ch from hook, 1 Hdc in the next St, 3 Dc in the next st, 1 Tc in the next St, 3 Dc in the next St, 1 Hdc in the next St,  Sl St to the next 2 St, 1 sc in the next st, 4 sc in the next St, 3 Sl St in the next 3 Sp below.

Attach together and add to towel.

Find part 1 here

Happy hooking!

© Hooking Rainbow 03/10/2013. All rights reserved.

Thought I would Share

I finally got sometime to do a small photo shoot with a two of my friends in my basic ear flap hat...I wanted to share the pictures with all of you!

Here is the pattern:

Hooking Rainbows Basic Ear Flap Hat

Enjoy the pictures, Ready 1,2,3!

Happy Day!

© Hooking Rainbow 03/07/2013. All rights reserved.

Nerdy Owl Purse

I finally was able to put this into pattern format...Hope you have a hoot of a time making this Owl purse as I did. I know my son had a ton of fun posing for the pictures!

Skill Level –advanced

What you will need:

Hook K 6.5 mm

Worsted weight yarn

Sewing machine

Thread

Rotary cutter

Needle to weave in ends

Scissors

Abbreviations:

Ch-Chain

Sp-Space

Sk-Skip

Sk Sp-Skip Space

St-Stitch/stitches                                                                 

Sl St-Slip Stitch

Sc-Single crochet

BLO-Back loops only

FLO-Front loops only

Sc2tog-Single Crochet 2 together

Nerdy Owl Purse

Foundation:

With Color A Ch 41. Sc in the second Ch from hook BLO. 39 Sc in BLO, on other side of Ch row 40 Sc in FLO, join with Sl St. Add marker pin.

Round 1:

Sc around start and end at marker pin. Sk joined st Sp.

Round 2:

2 Sc in the next st, 38 Sc to other side of stitch marker, 2 Sc in the next two st,  37 Sc to the stitch marker, 2 Sc in the last st

Round 3:

2 Sc in the next 2 st,  37 Sc to other side of stitch marker, 2 Sc in the next four st, 37 Sc to the stitch marker, 2 Sc in the next 2 st.

Round 4-10:

*Sc around start and end at marker pin, repeat from * 6 times.

Round 11-42:

With Color B *Sc around start and end at marker pin, repeat from * 3  times.

With Color A *Sc around start and end at marker pin, repeat from * 3  times.

Repeat every other color 8 times.

Round 43-60:

With Color B *Sc around start and end at marker pin, repeat from * 17  times. Sl St at end.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Note: to change colors take hook out of loop, insert it into the next Sp to work and put the loop back on the hook. Pull Color A or B through one loop yarn over and pull through remaining loops on hook.

Purse handles (make 2)-

Foundation:

With Color C, ch 6, 1 Sc in the second ch from the hook (BLO), Sc BLO in the next 4 st, 1 Sc in the other side of the ch (FLO), Sc FLO in the the next 4 st, Sl St to join. add stitch marker inside work (the inside will be the outside).

Round 1:

Sc around (start and end at stitch marker).

Round 2:

1 Sc in the next 4 st, 2 Sc in the next st, 1 Sc in the next 5 st, 2 Sc in the next st (start and end at stitch marker).

Round 3 and on:

Turn work inside out, Sc around till length reaches 28 inches.

Attach to purse.

Owl eyes (make two)-

Foundation:

Color C, Ch 2, 6 Sc in the second Ch from the hook, Sl St to join add St marker.

Row 1:

2 Sc in the next 6 St, Sk joined Sl St

Row 2:

Color D, 2 Sc in the next St, 1 Sc in the next St repeat to stitch marker.

Row 3:

2 Sc in the next St, 1 Sc in the next 2 St repeat to stitch marker.

Row 4:

2 Sc in the next st, 1 Sc in the next 3 St repeat to stitch marker.

Row 5:

2 Sc in the next St, 1 Sc in the next 4 St repeat to stitch marker.

Row 6:

Color C, 1 Sc in the next St repeat to stitch marker.

Fasten off, attach to Bag (weave in ends).

Note: I used a big picture of glasses to use a a template to cut out the fabric in glasses shape...I used Google image search to find the one i liked. I sewed the glasses right onto the owl eyes with a sewing machine but, you can hand stitch too.

Owl Nose:

Foundation:

Color B, Ch 8, Sc into the second Ch from the hook, 1 Sc in the next 6 St, ch 1 and turn.

Row 1:

Sc2tog, sc in the next 3 st, Sc2tog, Ch 1 and turn.

Row 2:

Sc2tog, Sc in the next st, Sc2tog, Ch 1 and turn.

Row 3:

Sc2tog, Sc in the next st, Ch 1 and turn.

Row 4:

Sc2tog.

Fasten off and attach to glasses.

Owl belly ruffles:

I had no real pattern for this part except to do a crocodile stitch in the shape of a pyramid (I did two rows of Color A & Color B, and alternated with Color C in between them). I watched a you-tube tutorial on how to do the stitch. I can't remember the exact one I watched but, here is a link to one I found when I did a Google search (By Crochet Geek):

How to Crochet Crocodile Stitch

Owl wings:

Cut 2 pieces of fleece for owl wings (width 7 inch & length 8 inches)

Note: I used rotary cutter on the fabric to add holes so, I could attach the wings to the crochet bag. I crochet  into the fabric and bag with a Sl St. 

Happy Crafting.

© Hooking Rainbow 03/06/2013. All rights reserved.

Frog Prince Purse

I have been thinking about how to get more spring in my projects! I was thinking about frogs the other day and this cute purse idea popped into my head. Hope you enjoy making this project...Kiss your work and make a prince! A Frog Prince purse that is:)

Frog Prince Purse

Skill Level –advanced

What you will need:

Hook K 6.5mm

Worsted weight yarn

Large googly eyes

Needle to weave in ends

Scissors

Abbreviations:

Ch-Chain

Sp-Space

Sk-Skip

Sk Sp-Skip Space

St-Stitch/stitches                                                                  

Sl St-Slip Stitch

Sc-Single crochet

Hdc-Half Double Crochet

Dc –Double crochet

BLO-Back loops only

FLO-Front loops only

What I used for colors:

Color A-Spring green

Color B-Hunter green

Color C-Grass Green

Color D-Teal blue

Color E-Dark blue

Color F-Yellow
Color G-Black

Frog Purse-

Foundation:
With Color A Ch 41. Sc in the second Ch from hook BLO. 39 Sc in BLO, on other side of Ch row 40 Sc in FLO, join with Sl St. Add marker pin.

Round 1:
Sc around start and end at marker pin. Sk joined st Sp.

Round 2:
2 Sc in the next st, 38 Sc to other side of stitch marker, 2 Sc in the next two st,  37 Sc to the stitch marker, 2 Sc in the last st

Round 3:
2 Sc in the next 2 st,  37 Sc to other side of stitch marker, 2 Sc in the next four st, 37 Sc to the stitch marker, 2 Sc in the next 2 st.

Round 4-8:
*Sc around start and end at marker pin, repeat from * 4 times.

Round 9-40:
With Color B *Sc around start and end at marker pin, repeat from * 31  times.

Round 40-60:
With Color A *Sc around start and end at marker pin, repeat from * 19  times. Sl St at end.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Note: to change colors take hook out of loop, insert it into the next Sp to work and put the loop back on the hook. Pull Color A or B through one loop yarn over and pull through remaining loops on hook.

Purse handles (make 2)-

Foundation:
With Color E, ch 6, 1 Sc in the second ch from the hook (BLO), Sc BLO in the next 4 st, 1 Sc in the other side of the ch (FLO), Sc FLO in the the next 4 st, Sl St to join. add stitch marker inside work (the inside will be the outside).

Round 1:
Sc around (start and end at stitch marker).

Round 2:
1 Sc in the next 4 st, 2 Sc in the next st, 1 Sc in the next 5 st, 2 Sc in the next st (start and end at stitch marker).

Round 3 and on:
Turn work inside out, Sc around till length reaches 28 inches.

Attach to purse.

Frog head-

Foundation:
Color C, ch 2, 6 Sc into the second ch from the hook. join with Sl St.mark with a stitch marker.

Round 1:
2 Sc in the next st, repeat 6 times (12) Sk Sl St Sp from previous round.

Round 2:
2 Sc in the next st, 1 Sc in the next st, repeat to stitch marker.

Round 3:
2 Sc in the next st, 1 Sc in the next two st, repeat to stitch marker.

Round 4:
2 Sc in the next st, 1 Sc in the next three st, repeat to stitch marker.

Round 5:
2 Sc in the next st, 1 Sc in the next four st, repeat to stitch marker.

Round 6:
6 Sc in the next St, Sl St in the next St, 1 Sc in the next three St, Sl St in the next St, 5 dc in the next St, Sl St in the next 3 St, 5 dc in the next St, Sl St in the next St, 1 Sc in the next four St, Sl St in the next St, 6 Sc in the next St, Sl St in the next St, 1 Sc in the next eighteen St, Sl St in the next St.

fasten off and weave in ends.

Frog eyes (make two)-

Foundation:
Color C, ch 2, 6 Sc into the second ch from the hook, Sl St to join, mark with stitch marker.

Round 1:
2 Sc in the next Sp, repeat 5 times. Sk Sl St Sp.

Round 2:
1 Sc in the next Sp, repeat 11 times

Round 3:
Pull through starting yarn end to outside where st marker is and Insert googly eye piece on the other side, Sk first St, Sc in the next Sp, Sk next St, Sc in the next, Sk next St, Sc in the next, Sk next st, Sc in the next, Sk next st, Sc in the next st, Sl St in the next.

Fasten off, weave in ends and attach to frog head


Frog mouth (make two)-

Color D, ch 2, 6 Sc in the second ch from the hook, join with Sl St.

Fasten off.

Insert Color G in needle to make mouth stitches on frog head...attach the two color D Frog mouth works to ends (one on each end).

Frog legs (make two)-

Foundation:
Color C ch 8, Sc in to the second ch from the hook, 1 Sc in the next 6 St, ch 1, turn, 1 Sc in the next 7 St, 1 Sc in the next 7 St on the opposite side of the Sc row, ch 1, turn.

Row 1:
1 Sc in the next 6 St, 3 dc in the next 2 St, Sc in the 6 St.

Fasten off and attach to purse (weave in ends).

Frog Feet (Make two)-
Foundation:
Color C, ch 6, 1 Sc in the second ch from the hook,  1 Sc in the next 4 St, ch 1 turn

Row 1-4:
1 Sc in the next 5 st, ch 1 turn

Row 5:
Sl St in the next St, 3 Hdc in the same St, Sl St in the same St, Sk next st, 3 Hdc in the next st, Sl St in the same St, Sk next St, 3 Hdc in the next St, Sl St in the same St.

Fasten off and attach to purse (weave in ends).


Frog hands (Make 2)-

Foundation:
Color C, Ch 6, 1 Sc in the second Ch from the hook,  1 Sc in the next 4 St, Ch 1 turn

Row 1-2:
1 Sc in the next 5 st, Ch 1 turn

Row 3:
Sl St in the next St, 3 Hdc in the same St, Sl St in the same St, Sk next St, 3 Hdc in the next St, Sl St in the same St, Sk next St, 3 Hdc in the next st, Sl St in the same St.

Fasten off and attach to purse (weave in ends).


Frog Belly-

Foundation:
Color A, Ch 2, 6 Sc in the second ch from the hook, Sl St to join add St marker.

Row 1:
2 Sc in the next 6 St, Sk joined Sl St

Row 2:
2 Sc in the next St, 1 Sc in the next St repeat to stitch marker.

Row 3:
2 Sc in the next St, 1 Sc in the next 2 St repeat to stitch marker.

Row 4:
2 Sc in the next st, 1 Sc in the next 3 St repeat to stitch marker.

Row 5:
2 Sc in the next St, 1 Sc in the next 4 St repeat to stitch marker.

Row 6:
2 Sc in the next St, 1 Sc in the next 5 St repeat to stitch marker.

Row 7:
2 Sc in the next St, 1 Sc in the next 6 St repeat to stitch marker. Fasten of color A.

Row 8:

Color C, 2 Sc in the next St, 1 Sc in the next 7 St repeat to stitch marker.

Row 9:

2 Sc in the next St, 1 Sc in the next 8 st repeat to stitch marker, Sl St.

Fasten off color C and attach to purse (weave in ends).


Frog bow-

Foundation:
Color E, Ch 11, Sc in the second Ch from the hook, 1 Sc in the next nine St.

Row 1:
1 Sc in the other side of the Ch row, 1 Sc in the eight St, Sl St to join.

Row 2:

1 Sc in the next ten St. Sl St to join.

Fasten off, weave in ends. Take a pieces of yarn and tie it in the middle to make a bow shape.


Frog crown-

Foundation:
Color F, Ch 10, Sc in the second Ch from the hook, 1 Sc in the next eight St.

Row 1-6:
ch 1, turn, 1 Sc in the next nine St.

Row 7:
Ch 2, 1 Hdc , Ch 2, 2 Hdc in the same St, Sl St, *2 Hdc in the same St, Ch 2, 2 Hdc in the same St, Sl St, Repeat 1 time from *.

Fasten off, attach to frog head/bag and weave in ends.


Happy hooking.

© Hooking Rainbow 03/06/2013. All rights reserved.