Spring is upon us, although I’m bracing for the Spring showers, which seem to have started early here! Whether you’re looking for a quick Easter make, for that last minute gift or Easter basket filler, I’ve got some patterns to tempt you…and most of them are FREE… Hurrah!
How about this as a sweet Easter basket filler for baby. Using Oeko Tex standard 100 approved 100% cotton in a 4ply; these lovey’s are soft to snuggle and safe to chew on…and are sure to become baby’s best friend.
This luxurious set of reusable soft textured facecloths and squishy scrubbies would make the perfect Easter gift for baby, Mom’s-to-be, or just that special girl in your life. They are quick and easy to make, so are perfect to add that handmade touch to gift baskets.
Why not hook this beautiful baby blanket, ideal for the spring / summer. A beginner’s introduction to filet crochet, the pattern is free and gives instructions on how to size up for a bigger blanket too!
The simplicity and sweetness of this beautiful Spring tea cosy, makes it quick to make. Suitable for a beginner with a little experience of working in the round, this tea cosy is sure to keep your Easter cup of tea as warm as your freshly toasted hot cross bun!
Don’t forget to pop over to my socials to say hi…I would love to see what’s on your hook. @yarnyrobin
Happy Hooking!
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It’s my favourite time of the year and to celebrate I’m sharing my crochet pattern for my Twiddly Pumpkins. I just love the Autumn, when the nights draw in and home becomes my sanctuary. There is nothing like drawing the curtains, lighting the candles and settling down in your comfies to watch some good television and crochet the evening away. I love the crisp, cold but sunny mornings and the chill in the air that creeps in, the deeper into Autumn we travel. The renewal of the hot chocolate station in the kitchen and of course lots of lovely celebrations…Harvest, Bonfire night and Christmas. There is just so much sparkle to Autumn…It really is my happy place.
Home decoration really takes on a new meaning in Autumn and can be ramped up without being over the top. These twiddly pumpkins are a cute way to decorate your space and welcome Autumn into you home. Why not adorn your fireside mantle or create a centre table display.
They are a great stash buster and are quick to make. Which makes them ideal to gift or sell as they will cost you pennies to make! You can make them from any weight yarn in varying sizes and the pattern can easily be adapted in terms of size and stitch.
Why not join us at The Nest and get a monthly newsletter straight to your inbox, full of crochet goodness, early access to free patterns and exclusive discount codes.
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You will need to gather some supplies before you start. I recommend having a hunt through your stash to see what you’ve forgotten about and start there. You will also need a hook suitable for the yarn you have selected.
You will also need a pair of scissors, a darning needle, some polyester toy filling (fire safety satndard / EN71), some cinnamon sticks, a hot glue gun and some twiddly bits!
Twiddly bits are anything that you wish to decorate your pumpkin with. I used artificial leaves and berries, but you could use twine, ribbon or what ever else you fancy. Be creative and use what you already have. The cinnamon sticks make whimsical pumpkin stalks and they smell delicious too! Alternative stalks can be made from twigs from the garden to create a more rustic vibe.
This pattern is written using UK crochet terminology and the stitch abbreviations can be found below.
Gauge is not important for this project. You will find instructions for a small, medium and large pumpkin.
This pattern can easily be adapted to make smaller or larger pumpkins by adding or decreasing the number of chains in the starting chain. You can even change the stitch for a different textured pumpkin
Stitch Abbreviations:
Ch- chain
St – stitch
Slst – slip stitch
Dc – double crochet
Htr – half treble
BLO – back loop only
Dc: Insert hook into chain or under both loops of stitch, yarn over and pull through so there are 2 loops on hook, yarn over again and pull through both loops on hook.
Htr: Yarn over before inserting hook into chain or under both loops of stitch, insert hook, yarn over and pull through so there are 3 loops on the hook, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook.
BLO: Work stitch as stated, but in back loop of stitch only.
click the link above for a short video of working in the back loop
Small Pumpkin
Leave long tail, Ch17
Row 1: dc into 2nd ch from hook and each st along, turn (16dc)
Row 2 -19: in BLO, ch1, htr in next st and in each st along, turn (16htr)
Row 20: Ch1, dc in next st, and each st along (16dc) Fasten off leaving a long tail
Medium Pumpkin
Leave long tail, Ch22
Row 1: dc into 2nd ch from hook and each st along, turn (21dc)
Row 2 -24: in BLO, ch1, htr in next st and in each st along, turn (21htr)
Row 25: Ch1,dc in next st, and each st along (21dc) Fasten off leaving a long tail
Large Pumpkin
Leave long tail, Ch27
Row 1: dc into 2nd ch from hook and each st along, turn (26dc)
Row 2 -29: in BLO, ch1, htr in next st and in each st along, turn (26htr)
Row 30: Ch1,dc in next st, and each st along (26dc) Fasten off leaving a long tail
To assemble.
With ribs running vertically fold edges of pumpkin together and sew edges together using a simple running stitch or whip stitch to create a tube.
With darning needle, weave long tail in and out, around bottom of pumpkin (it does not matter which end this is)
Once completed pull long tail tightly to gather pumpkin and sew across middle in a zig zag to close neatly.
Fill pumpkin generously with toy stuffing.
Now with second long tail weave in and out along top edge and pull tight to gather top of pumpkin. Insert cinnamon stick towards the end of this process and pull the tail tightly. Wrap yarn a couple of times around base of cinnamon stick, take needle through the pumpkin and exit centrally at the bottom of pumpkin. Fasten off and weave in any loose ends.
To create the indentations in the side of the pumpkin you will take yarn through the middle of the pumpkin from top to bottom or vice versa. Always insert needle centrally at the top or the bottom of the pumpkin as indicated.
With new yarn, inset needle into bottom of pumpkin, leaving a tail at the bottom of the pumpkin and pull up through the middle of the pumpkin, so that your needle exits the top of the pumpkin, centrally. Take the yarn on the outside of the pumpkin and insert needle into the bottom of the pumpkin, back through the centre of the pumpkin and exit again at the top of the pumpkin and pull tight to create indentation in the side of the pumpkin.
Repeat this process taking the yarn on the opposite side of the 1st indentation to create a second indentation. Repeat around the pumpkin to create equal indentations all around. As a guide, segment the pumpkin into quarters and then in between each quarter.
Weave in any loose ends
Twiddly Bits
Now with a glue gun add your twiddly bits. If you do not have a glue gun consider tying or sewing twiddly bits into position.
When you make this project don’t forget to tag me in your social media as I would love to see your pumpkin creations Tag me using @yarnyrobin using #twiddlypumpkins
Another brand new pattern just off my hook and just in time for the Autumn. I must give a huge shout to @jenevs1981 on Instagram for this adorable photo above.
Bonnets are just perfect for little ones as the weather gets cooler as they stay on their little heads much better I find. This bonnet is the October Bonnet and has a traditional pixie point which gives the bonnet that instant adorable shape. Coupled with a soft ribbed brim and an oversized flower adding some cuteness and sass for the final look. This bonnet would be perfect to wear this Autumn / fall and ideal for photoshoots at the pumpkin patch or in the woods don’t you think?
This bonnet is easy and quick to hook up and comes in sizes
The pattern uses a pretty little V-cluster stitch which is easy to learn and creates a pretty textured bonnet. I have made a video tutorial of the stitch in case you want to check it out first and you can find that just here.
I chose Stylecraft Special Aran yarn to make my bonnet as they have an amazing colour range at affordable prices. However, the bonnet can also be made from any worsted / aran weight yarn of your choosing…just check your gauge is correct as per pattern instructions and your good to go!
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So, there we have the October Bonnet. I think this pattern would make a lovely baby gift or a new-born photo prop too. It would also be ideal if you are a finished piece crochet seller or of course if you just fancy making it for that special little person in your life.
Look out for my easy peasy pumpkin pattern…I will post it here in the next few days as a FREE pattern or you can get it FREE (Sept 23 only) by joining my email list as it is featured in this months email. I also have a fun Panda Beanie which I still have to tell you about, but if you can’t wait for that pop over to my Instagram and you will find it there. So do pop back won’t you, I love having you here and don’t forget to come and say hi over on Instagram @yarnyrobin or on facebook @baby yarnyrobin…I would love to see what’s on your hook at the moment!
This is my latest pattern fresh of my hook and just in time for the Autumn. I must give a huge shout to @mamma_o_85 on Instagram for this adorable photo above. You can imagine how it made my heart sing when I was tagged into it and then given permission to share as well.
Bonnets are just so timeless and they are one of my favourite patterns to design…I have a few more ideas sketched out, but it takes a lot of time to write them up and edit them, but I will work through them one by one.
This Baby Fox Bonnet was really fun to design and the pattern has been fully pattern tested to. You will find it is easy and quick to hook up and comes in sizes
I chose Brushed Alpaca Silk yarn by Drops in pale rust, rainforest dew and grey for my baby fox bonnet; as it has a slight fuzz, is incredibly lightweight and is soooo soft. However, the bonnet can also be made from any worsted / aran weight yarn of your choosing…just check your gauge is correct as per pattern instructions.
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So, there we have the Baby Fox Bonnet. I think this pattern would make a lovely baby gift or a new-born photo prop. It would also be ideal if you are a finished piece crochet seller or of course if you just fancy making it for that special little person in your life.
I promise I will pop a post for the yarny little bumble bee here as a free pattern, hopefully before the end of August!! I also have plans for pumpkins in the pipe line as well as a beautiful Panda hat too! So do pop back won’t you, I love having you here and don’t forget to come and say hi over on Instagram @yarnyrobin or on facebook @baby yarnyrobin…I would love to see what’s on your hook at the moment!
This beautiful little bumble bee is currently FREE in July’s newsletter which you can sign up to just here…
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These cute little bees have so many uses. I’m currently making lots to send into Forest School for the children to count with, play hide and seek with and to spark conversations about just how important our bees are!
They would also be really great if you sell at markets as they are quick and easy to make. They would be great as magnets, pin badges, class mate gifts, decorations for wreaths and a whole host of other decorations! Let your mind run free!!
Fancy getting this crochet macaron pattern for FREE…here’s how! Sign up to my email list ready for June’s newsletter and get this perfect macaron pattern for FREE!! I’m thinking Teddy bears picnics and tea parties by the paddling pool
Macarons and cupcakes
Pattern is a written pattern and suitable for beginners with some knowledge of basic stitches. The pattern includes 20 step by step pictures to assist you.
Stitches used are UK – double crochet and slip st (US – Single crochet and slip stitch)
Materials you will need: 4 ply cotton yarn (the pattern recommends Drops Safran but this can be substituted)(3.0mm) crochet hook or other size to obtain gauge although gauge is not imperative. Tapestry needle scissors and small amount of polyester toy filling (fire safety standard / EN71) stitch marker (optional)
Join my monthly email list and get this macaron pattern FREE aswell as 30% off this crochet cupcake pattern- offer valid up to the end of June 2023
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Spring is upon us, although I’m bracing for the April showers, which seem to have started early here! Whether you’re looking for a quick Easter make, for that last minute gift or Easter basket filler, I’ve got some patterns to tempt you…and most of them are FREE… Hurrah!
How about this as a sweet Easter basket filler for baby. Using Oeko Tex standard 100 approved 100% cotton in a 4ply; these lovey’s are soft to snuggle and safe to chew on…and are sure to become baby’s best friend.
This luxurious set of reusable soft textured facecloths and squishy scrubbies would make the perfect Easter gift for baby, Mom’s-to-be, or just that special girl in your life. They are quick and easy to make, so are perfect to add that handmade touch to gift baskets.
FREE crochet Spring Printable PDF
For the month of April 2023 only, if you sign up to my email list, you will receive a pdf for these beautiful spring printable mini tags and postcards, perfect for printing on your choice of card stock (I recommend business card stock) and attaching to your hand-made gifts this Spring / Easter. Please allow 24 hours for your email to update.
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Why not hook this beautiful baby blanket, ideal for the spring / summer. A beginner’s introduction to filet crochet, the pattern is free and gives instructions on how to size up for a bigger blanket too!
The simplicity and sweetness of this beautiful Spring tea cosy, makes it quick to make. Suitable for a beginner with a little experience of working in the round, this tea cosy is sure to keep your Easter cup of tea as warm as your freshly toasted hot cross bun!
Don’t forget to pop over to my socials to say hi…I would love to see what’s on your hook. @yarnyrobin
This is a super cute and quick make, so perfect to hook if you have an upcoming craft fair or if you wanted to make in time for Valentines Day as a treat for yourself or as a Galentine’s gift for your Bestie! The pattern is only available in adult size at the moment, hopefully I can carve out some more time to grade it for other sizes.
I get lots of questions about where I get my labels for my hats…the answer is Etsy! My labels are cork labels made from 100% sustainable material that is vegan. There are lots of custom sellers, so if you are looking for some labels or tags go and check them out.
The pattern is suitable for beginners and just uses a double crochet stitch (single crochet stitch), and some decrease stitches. It is important not to have your tension very tight or the teeny, tiny hearts become pinched. I used Stylecraft Softie which is a chunky yarn blend 20% wool 80%acrylic. I did try with some other chunky yarn, but I got the best results with the Softie, it just gives a subtle amount of drape which feels lovely to wear.
You can also purchase a printable PDF of this pattern which is available in both UK and US crochet terms over in my Etsy shop for less than a cup of coffee which you can access just here
Yarn – chunky / bulky see further below for recommended yarns.
20% superwash wool 80% acrylic blend
Adult – approx. 95g
Main colour – approx..80g
Accent colour approx. 15g
Size Guide.
Adult – to fit head circ. 22” / 55.8cms
Measurements are approximate and I advise you measure the intended head wherever possible. This beanie allows for a 2” / 5cm negative ease (the amount of stretch)
Stitch Abbreviations.
Ch – chain
Slst – slip stitch
Dc – double crochet
Hs – Heart stitch
Dec – decrease
BLO – work st into the back loop only (see photo at back of pattern)
Dc: Insert hook into chain or under both loops of stitch, yarn over and pull through so there are 2 loops on hook, yarn over again and pull through both loops on hook.
Hs: Insert hook under both loops of stitch, in accent colour – yarn over and pull through so there are 2 loops on hook (1st loop in main colour, 2nd loop in accent colour), in main colour – yarn over again and pull through both loops on hook to complete st. See top tip below! See Pic 1 – 4
Dec: decrease st worked over 2 stitches: insert hook under both loops of stitch, yarn over and pull through so there are 2 loops on your hook, insert hook into next st, yarn over and pull through so there are 3 loops on your hook, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.
Top Tip:
When working the heart stitch and you yarn over and pull through in accent colour, pull loop up a little higher than you would for a regular dc stitch as this helps to keep the heart lying flat instead of pulled too tight.
Pattern Notes.
This pattern is written using UK crochet terminology and the stitch abbreviations can be found below.
Ch1 does not count as a stitch throughout the pattern unless otherwise stated. Repeats are marked by asterisks *.
The hat is worked by making the ribbed brim and joining one end to the other to form a circle. The main body of the hat is then worked in rounds.
When working Rounds 3 and 5 and subsequent repeats carry non-working yarn along the round (see pic 5)
When working rounds 4 and 6 and subsequent repeats drop accent colour yarn and pick up again on next round
Top Tip:
When working a dc in round above heart st, insert hook into side of heart as shown in Pic 6 as this will make it easier.
Yarn Suggestions.
Stylecraft Softie chunky is the recommended yarn for the pattern, but here are some similar substitutes…
King Cole Timeless Chunky
King Cole Big Value Baby Soft Chunky
King Cole Shadow Chunky
Red Heart Gemstone
Bernat Wavelength
Gauge
It is very important to check your gauge to ensure your beanie will fit.
To do this make a gauge swatch in the yarn you will be using for the body of the hat. If this matches the gauge, you’re good to go! If your swatch is too big, try using a smaller hook to obtain correct gauge. If your swatch is too small, try using a larger hook to obtain correct gauge.
Using chunky / bulky yarn swatch 11dc x 14 rows = 4” x4” (10cm x 10cm)
Please do not modify, resell, publish in part or in full, or share this pattern or photo’s as your own.
You may sell finished items made from this pattern, I hope it becomes a hot item for you; but please credit, with a link, that the item is made using @yarnyrobin pattern.
Please also tag your makes on your social using #miniheartbeanie @yarnyrobin because I love to see what you make!
In main colour
Row 1: Ch8, dc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch along, turn do not ch1 (7dc)
Row 2 – 62: IN BLO dc in each st across, turn do not ch1 (7dc)
Slst row 62 to beginning row to form a circle. Turn brim inside out so the seam is on the inside. We will now be working in rounds around the brim of the hat.
Working with right side facing you in main colour
Round 1: ch1, 64dc evenly around top of brim – 2dc in first and last st then aim to place a dc at the top of each rib, join with a slst to 1st dc (64dc)
Round 2: ch1, dc in each st around, join with a slst to 1st dc (64dc)
Round 3: ch1, dc in same st, hs * dc, hs * repeat around, last st is a hs, slst to top 1st dc (32dc / 32hs)
Round 4: repeat round 2
Round 5: ch1, hs in same st, dc * hs, dc * repeat around, last st is a dc, slst to top of 1st hs (32hs / 32 dc)
Round 6: repeat round 2
Repeat Rounds 3 – 6: 2 more times(total of 8 rounds)
Round 15: repeat round 3
Round 16: repeat round 2
Round 17: repeat round 5
Round 18: ch1,dc in same st,decrease * dc,decrease * in each st around, skip last st, slst into 1st dc (21dc / 21dec)
Round 19: ch1,dc in same st,decrease * dc,decrease * in each st around, st, slst into 1st dc (14dc / 14dec)
Round 20: ch1,decrease in each st around, skip last st (13dec)
Hat measures 8.5” from brim to crown
Fasten off cutting yarn leaving a long tail approx. 20cms from hat. Thread darning needle and weave in and out of the top loops of last round. Pull the end tight to gather and secure with a few stitches. Weave in any loose ends. Now add your pom (see end of pattern for details)
Add pom
Add a faux fur pom to complete the look. Or alternatively make your own pom. I added a Trimits pompom as they tie into the hat easily, which makes them really easy to remove for when you want to launder your beanie.
If you are making your own pom you have a couple of options. You could use a pom pom maker however, I favour making my pompoms using the method my Grandma taught me; using 2 pieces of cardboard. I like my pompoms to be really full and lush and so I wrap each pompom with a minimum of 3 layers of yarn. My card circles have an outer diameter of approx. 4.5” / 11cms.
TOP TIP: If making your own poms leave long tails when you tie your pompoms off as it will make attaching them to your hat much easier. If your pompoms are in a different colour to your hat, tie your pompoms off with the main colour of the hat as it makes weaving in the ends much neater.
REMEMBER: IF MAKING YOUR OWN POM YOU WILL NEED MORE YARN THAN STATED IN THIS PATTERN.
You can also purchase a printable PDF of this pattern which is available in both UK and US crochet terms over in my Etsy shop for less than a cup of coffee which you can access just here
It’s been a while since I gave you a free pattern and I really wanted to share something with you in time for Christmas…I’m not sure I’ve entirely reached my goal as it is already Christmas Eve! Anyway better late than never and the really good news is this takes under an hour to make, so if your stuck for that last minute gift, this is perfect
This striking, seasonal cup cosy features textured popcorn stitches and embroidered snowflake finished with a little bit of sparkle.
You will need:
a small amount of chunky yarn. I used Stylecraft Softies stone washed in Denim and cream.
5mm hook,
darning needle to weave in the ends.
Beads x 17
Glue gun to attach beads or you could sew them into position.
Pattern Notes:
Abbreviations used UK terminology (American terminology in brackets)
At the end of each round join with a slst and ch1. Ch 1 does not count as a st throughout pattern
Repeats are marked by *
To prevent your starting chain from twisting ch 5, remove hook from active loop and insert through 1st ch made
Stitches:
st – stitch
slst – slip stitch
ch – chain
dc – double crochet (sc -single crochet)
Dc2tog – decrease / Sc2tog – decrease (US)
Dc: Insert hook into chain or under both loops of stitch, yarn over and pull through so there are 2 loops on hook, yarn over again and pull through both loops on hook.
PC: Popcorn st –5dc in same st, pull up active loop on your hook and remove hook, insert hook in 1st dc (just count back 5dc), catch the active loop of the 5th dc, draw the active loop through 1st dc
Dc2tog – decrease st worked over 2 stitches: insert hook under both loops of stitch, yarn over and pull through so there are 2 loops on your hook, insert hook into next st, yarn over and pull through so there are 3 loops on your hook, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.
Let’s go!
Ch30 (or adjust chain to fit your cup, just keep ch a multiple of 2)
Join with a slst to form a ring
Round 1: dc in 1st st and in each st around (30dc)
Round 2: dc in 1st st and in each st around (30dc)
Round 3: repeat round 2
Round 4: dc in the next 10sts, *PC, dc* to end of row
Round 5: dc in 1st st and in each st around (30dc)
Round 6, 8 & 10: repeat Round 4
Round 7, 9 & 11: repeat Round 5
Round 12: repeat Round 5
Round 13: dc2tog, dc in each st around (29dc)
Round 14: dc2tog, dc in each st around (28dc)
Round 15: dc in 1st st and in each st around (28dc)
Weave in any loose ends.
In accent colour yarn, hand embroider a simple snowflake. Embroider a simple cross and then add a diagonal cross. Now add a ‘v’ to the end of each point. Weave in any loose ends. Add a bead to each point around the snowflake and one in the centre. Beads can be hand sewn for security or glued into position with a hot glue gun!
It’s been a little while since I dropped by, but I have been busy pattern writing. I hope you are all well and being creative; and if you’re not then I’m sending you lots of love.
This beautiful Baby Bear Beanie, was actually one of the first hat patterns I ever scribbled down and I have made lots over the last few years. So it feels right that it is finally written up properly!
This pattern is a top down construction and has instructions for 2 different ways to finish the brim. Option 1 – features a ‘knit look’ ribbed crochet brim which is not bulky, unlike most crochet hats. I have provided a link within the pattern to a video tutorial on how to crochet the brim.
Option 2 is a chunky ribbed brim which uses front treble and back treble post stitches.
This beautiful pattern is quick to hook up, so just perfect if you need to whip one up quickly and it comes in sizes
Materials you will need: Aran / worsted weight yarn – pattern recommends Stylecraft special, but any aran/ worsted acryllic yarn may be used (5.0mm) crochet hook or hook needed to acquire correct gauge Tapestry needle Tape measure Pins stitch marker (optional)
A perfect little pattern to keep precious heads warm this Autumn.
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