featured – Crochet blog

Free Galentines Coffee Cup Cosy…

Published on January 25, 2022January 5, 2023 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin6 Comments

It’s been a while since I gave you a free pattern and I really wanted to share something with you to celebrate Galentines Day, which is only a couple or so weeks away now. What’s more I’ve teamed up with my favourite coffee brand at Campfire Coffee, so you can grab 15% off some seriously awesome premium craft coffee to gift with your cosy or to sup yourself. Just use code

YARNYROBIN15

(campfire coffee offer entitles you to 15% off your order, one use per person and not valid on subscription orders)

I recommend the coffee bags for great coffee on the go!

This cute coffee cup cosy has a cute ribbed top brim and a chic lacy body made from clusters of v stitches, before nipping in at the base with a band of double crochet stitches and being finished with a yarny little heart.

The pattern is simple and quick to hook up and can be made from stash… just perfect for gifting and treating your best friends with or of course yourself!

You will need:

a small amount baby / sport weight yarn. I used Scheepjes stone washed in Moon Stone and Red Jasper. Pattern does share how to make cosy smaller or larger, so dk yarn will work also.

3.5mm hook,

darning needle to weave in the ends.

Abbreviations used UK terminology (American terminology in brackets)

st – stitch

slst – slip stitch

ch – chain

dc – double crochet (sc -single crochet)

htr – half treble crochet (hdc – half double crochet)

tr – treble crochet (dc – double crochet)

dtr – double treble (tr – treble crochet)

Turning ch does not count as a st unless otherwise stated

V cluster st – in same st, 2tr, ch1, 2tr (in same st 2dc, ch1, 2dc)

We will start by making the ribbed brim.

Ch5

Row 1: Dc in second ch from hook and in each st along (4dc), ch1 turn,

IN BACK LOOPS ONLY

Row 2: Dc in each st along, ch1 turn (4dc)

Rows 3 – 33: repeat row 2 (increase or decrease rows in rib to fit around your cup. Rib number of rows must however be a multiple of 3, remember the cosy will stretch) join rib ends with a slst to form a circle, ch1

Round 1: work 33 dc into top of rib, ch2 (or dc the equivalent number to rows in your rib eg/ 30 rows in rib then 30dc in row 4)

Round 2: * v cluster in 1^st st, miss 2sts,* repeat * – * to end of round, join with a slst in top of ch2 (11 v clusters)

Round 3: ch2, *v cluster in ch 1 of previous round* see picture below. Repeat * – * all around, slst in top of ch2

Round 4 – 6: repeat round 3

Round 7: ch1, dc in first st, *miss a st, dc in next st* repeat all around, slst in top of ch1 (29dc)

Round 8 – 10: ch1, dc in each st around, slst in top of ch1 (29dc) fasten off at end of round 10.

In accent colour make heart. If you would like more of a photo tutorial for this click here otherwise follow the instructions below.

Ch2

Round 1: 10dc into 2nd ch from hook, slst in to top of 1^st dc form a circle

Round 2: Ch 1, 2dc into each st around (20dc)

Round 3: Ch4 (counts as a dtr), 1dtr in the next 3 sts, 1tr in next 4sts, 1htr in next st, dc in next st, ch3, slst into same space (this creates a picot), dc in next st, 1htr in next st, 1tr in next 4 sts, 1dtr in next 4 sts, slst in to ch1 of beginning ch4.

Round 4: ch4 (counts as a dtr), 3dtr into next 3sts, (these are actually the chains from previous round) 1tr in next 3 sts, 1htr into the next st, 1dc in next 4sts, slst in picot space, ch3, slst in to same space (picot made), 1dc in next 4 sts,1htr in next st, 1tr in next 3 sts, 1dtr in next 4sts,

slst in to the cleft of the heart to finish. Fasten off leaving a long tail and sew to cosy, weaving in any loose ends.

Now, just make as many cosy’s as you have best friends and don’t forget to grab 15% off some awesome coffee to complete your gift by using code

YARNYROBIN15

over at Campfire Coffee while you can!

campfire coffee offer entitles you to 15% off your order, one use per person and not valid on subscription orders

XXXXX

Angelece baby blanket – Free Pattern

Published on February 17, 2021January 29, 2023 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin9 Comments

I am very pleased to share with you my pattern for this beautiful baby blanket; it has been sitting half written in my documents for a couple of years now…so, it’s about time it saw the light of day!

I made mine from a cotton mix, which means it has a scrumptious drape and I’ve finished it with cute little tassels on each corner. A beginner’s introduction to filet crochet, this pattern uses chain, double crochet and treble stitches. On trend in pretty mint, (but you can make yours in whatever colour you choose) the blanket measures approx. 60cms x 66cms, ideal pram blanket size. Details of how to up-size the blanket can be found in the pattern details below.

If you would prefer to download a PDF copy available in both UK and US versions of the pattern, you can purchase just here for less than a cup of coffee!

So, lets talk yarn. I used Women’s Institute Home Cotton – Aran weight in Light Blue 100g and I used 3 balls. A good alternative to this is Lion Brand Prima Cotton. But, any aran weight yarn would also be suitable, however a cotton blend lends itself to a beautiful drape and lighter weather conditions, which hopefully will be here with us very soon.

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You will also need

5mm hook

Scissors

Darning needle

Card to make tassels – an old cereal box will do!

The pattern is written using UK crochet terminology and the stitch abbreviations can be found below. I have included US terminology in blue if you wish to convert. You may wish to use a stitch marker to indicate the last stitch of each row. Turning chain counts as a stitch throughout the pattern unless otherwise stated. Repeats are marked by asterisks *.

Stitch Abbreviations:

Ch- chain / chain (US) St – stitch / stitch (US)

Slst – slip stitch / slip stitch (US) Tr – treble / double crochet (US)

Dc – double crochet / single crochet (US)

Dc: Insert hook into chain or under both loops of stitch, yarn over and pull through so there are 2 loops on the hook, yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook.

Tr: Yarn over hook, insert hook into chain or under both loops of stitch, yarn over and pull through so there are 3 loops on hook, yarn over again and pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through last 2 loops on hook.

Gauge is not so important for this project, although I have given you a gauge guide below. To make this blanket larger or smaller, adjust your starting chain by multiples of 12 to desired width and hook more or less rows to desired length. Remember increasing the size of the blanket will require more yarn than stated in this pattern.

14tr x 7 rows = 4″x4″ / 10cms x 10cms

So, lets get started shall we? To begin ch87

Row 1: 1tr in 3rd ch from hook, 1tr in next 10sts, *ch1, miss next st, 1tr in next 11sts* repeat from * – * to end, ch3 (counts as 1tr) turn

Row 2: 1tr in next 10sts, *ch1, miss next st, 1tr in next 11sts,* repeat from * – * to end, ch3 (counts as 1tr) turn.

Row 3 – 4: repeat row 2

Row 5: repeat row 2 but at end of row ch4 (counts as 1tr + ch space) turn.

Row 6: miss next st, *1tr, ch, miss next st* repeat * – * to end of row, finishing with a tr stitch, ch3 (counts as 1tr) turn.

Rows 7: 1tr in next 10sts (ch space counts as st), *ch1, miss ch space, 1tr in next 11sts* repeat from * – * to end, ch3 (counts as 1tr) turn.

Rows 8 – 10: repeat row 2

Row 11: repeat row 5

Row 12: repeat row 6

Rows 13: repeat row 7

Rows 14 – 16: repeat row 2

Row 17: repeat row 5

Row 18: repeat row 6

Row 19: repeat row 7

Rows 20 – 22: repeat row 2

Row 23: repeat row 5

Row 24: repeat row 6

Row 25: repeat row 7

Rows 26 – 28: repeat row 2

Row 29: repeat row 5

Row 30: repeat row 6

Row 31: repeat row 7

Rows 32 – 34: repeat row 2

Row 35: repeat row 5

Row 36: repeat row 6

Row 37: repeat row 7

Row: 38 – 40: repeat row 2

Row 41: repeat row 5

Row 42: repeat row 6

Row 43: repeat row 7

Rows 44 – 46: repeat row 2

Row 47: repeat row 2, ch 1, turn, do not fasten off.

Now to add the border

Along the horizontal edges of the blanket you will dc into st as normal. Along the vertical edges of the blanket you will have to make a dc around the post of each tr at the end of each row.

1dc in each stitch to end, ch2, dc in same st (corner made). You will now be making dc stitches along the vertical edge of the blanket. 2dc per post to next corner, ch2 dc in same st (2^nd corner made). 1dc in each st to end, ch2, dc in same st (3^rd corner made), repeat 2dc per post on final vertical edge, placing last dc in same space as ch1 at end of row 47, ch2 and slip stitch and fasten off to finish.

Make 4 chunky tasssels and sew securely to each corner. If you are not sure how to make tassels here is a great youtube tutorial to get you started…they are easy to make and will finish your blanket with style.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THGfiIFnhjI

This pattern including all photos are the property of Nicola Florence at ayarnyrobin.wordpress.com. 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.

I hope you enjoy making this blanket. I would love to see your makes; the easiest way to do this is to share them on your social media by tagging me, @yarnyrobin #angeleceblanket it will honestly make me do a happy dance!

You can also follow me on Instagram @yarnyrobin and on facebook as Baby_yarnyrobin for discounts and latest updates.

xxxxx

How to add a ‘knit look’ crochet ribbed brim to a top down hat…video tutorial

Published on January 24, 2021February 19, 2021 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobinLeave a comment

Once you try this brim…you wont go back to chunky front post, back post brims!

Yes, that;s right…I love this crochet brim for my hats because it is less chunky, has a ‘knit look’ finish and makes my beanies have a lovely snug and comfortable fit and I will show you how to make your own ribbed brim for top down construction hats right here.

Now, if you have been with me a while you will know that a video tutorial is a first for me, so I would appreciate your feedback as it has taken forever to put together!

The pattern for ‘My Best Beanie’ has also taken me a long time to write and edit, and is now available just here. I have made this a pattern for all the family as it is written for sizes newborn right through to large adult. If you prefer a more traditional bonnet, I have a pattern for those too…just here.

Let me know what you think? Should I do other free crochet tutorials and if so what would you like tutorials on?

xxxxx

Baby Bear Bonnet – New pattern release…

Published on March 28, 2020February 19, 2021 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin5 Comments

Oh my days…I hope everyone is well and staying safe…what strange and frightening times we are living in! I am still having to work, but the rest of the Robins are tucked up tight at home with Mr R for safe keeping.

Photo credit: with thanks to @homeandangelmum on instagram

In between my shifts for the last 4 weeks I have been trying to distract myself by pattern writing…and today I have been able to release my offering of this adorable baby bonnet. It has taken me 4 weeks to write, get pattern tested, product tested and edited, so it has kept me well distracted from the worry in this world.

(If you want to skip the rest of this post, you will find a 20% off coupon code at the bottom of this post!)

Photo credit: with thanks to @kyliesianmed on instagram

This beautiful baby bear bonnet is sure to make a perfect baby shower gift for a precious little one. Or indeed this cute little bonnet would make a sweet photo prop to take along to a newborn photoshoot. Of course, it would also be great for dress up and everyday wear too!

What do you think?

Photo credit: with thanks to @mrslozmiller on instagram

Fancy hooking your own beautiful baby bear bonnet? This beautiful pattern is easy and quick to hook up and comes in sizes

Newborn
0 – 3 months
3-6 months
6 – 9 months
9 – 12 months
1 – 2 years
2 – 5 years

Materials you will need:
Aran / worsted weight yarn – pattern recommends Stylecraft special, but any aran/ worsted yarn may be used (5.0mm) crochet hook
Tapestry needle
Tape measure
stitch marker (optional)

The pattern is written using UK crochet terminology and has a handy conversion of stitches into US terminology provided in the pattern notes.

You are welcome to sell what you make using my patterns – I hope this bonnet sells well for you! Please do include a link or reference to my shop for the pattern. This pattern including photographs are copyright protected and you are not permitted to reproduce, redistribute, copy, share or re-sell.

Use code

STAYATHOME20

for 20% off pattern price valid until 04.04.2020.

Stay safe lovelies.

xxxxx

Cupcake Trio Crochet pattern

Published on January 31, 2019February 19, 2021 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin9 Comments

I am so ridiculously excited to tell you about my brand new crochet pattern for these deliciously scrumptious cupcakes...

I wanted to crochet some cupcakes a while ago, but I couldn’t find a pattern that was just what I was looking for, so I set about hooking my own and writing my own pattern.

I have had so much fun playing around and getting the pattern just how I wanted it.

I wanted my cupcakes to be plump and have an amazing icing swirl and I wanted them to be embellished with cute and delicious toppings.

These cupcakes would look just divine as a table display for a special occasion and would also make a very special play set for a children’s kitchen. The pattern is for all 3 cupcakes:

Mint oreo swirl

Strawberry swirl

Cookie swirl

The finished cupcake is approx. 9cms tall and is made in dk cotton.

You may also be interested to know that this pattern has been fully pattern tested by a great team of crocheters. Click below for the pattern…

Crochet Cupcake Trio

I have had so much fun making these…I hope you do also.

XXXXX

Five Fabulous Free Crochet Tea Cosy Patterns…

Published on May 1, 2018December 29, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin15 Comments

There are now 5 fabulous unique and quirky tea cosies available in the Grandma Collection.

A very special and sassy collection of tea cosy crochet patterns designed by me and dedicated to the inspirational women in my life.

There is the loom flower topped ‘Mary cosy’ with beaded detail.

The ‘Mabel cosy’ is adorned with bright buttons and lace for some feminine chic.

Pretty beaded flowers bedeck the ‘Dot cosy’

The ‘Florence cosy’ will add a large dose of fun to your teapot with a fluffy oversized pompom and woven ribbons.

and the ‘Kathy cosy’ offers understated off the shoulder glamour in traditional granny stitch style.

Each patterns is free and comes with a photo tutorial. They are easy to hook and make great weekend projects; which makes them the perfect gift for tea lovers.

Which one is your favourite?

I hope you will have fun hooking these great tea cosies.

xxxxx

The Grandma Collection ©2018 and the associated cosies are designed by Nicola Florence @ayarnyrobin.
I would love to see your makes and you can share on social media by using the following hashtags
#ayarnyrobin #yarnyrobin @yarnyrobin
These patterns to include the photos are the property of Nicola Florence at ayarnyrobin.wordpress.com. You can’t modify, resell or share these patterns / photo’s as your own. You can sell finished items made from it, but please mention with a link that the item is made using ayarnyrobin.wordpress.com pattern.

crochet v stitch blanket, rainbow blanket

Very V blanket tutorial

Published on August 30, 2016January 10, 2023 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin20 Comments

Thank you for your lovely comments about my latest blanket off the hook…the ‘Very V’ blanket.

It really is very simple to hook, so I thought I would put together a little tutorial, as I have not done one for a while and because I have some rare time off on my own. The tutorial can be found below. You can also check out my latest free pattern The Angelece baby blanket by clicking on this link.

So, clearly this is not an original pattern. I say that from the offset because of copyright and all of that. Let’s be honest…the humble ‘v stitch’ has been around for years. But this is my tutorial in case you want to have a crack for yourself and you have never done a ‘v stitch’ and you are a visual kinda gal or guy.

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Here we go!

Final measurements: 132cms x 120cms / 52″ x47″

I used Stylecraft special dk , for it’s durability, softness and price! The colorway I used:

Lipstick x 1 ball

Meadow x1 ball

Saffron x 1 ball

Violet x 1 ball

Spice x 1 ball

Lobelia x 1 ball

Storm blue x 1 ball

Cream x 3 balls

You will also need a 4mm hook and a darning needle to weave in those ends!

Of course if you are using different yarn then you may need to use the recommended hook size for your chosen yarn; and of course you can alter the finished size by hooking more or less chains to start.

Your hooking tension (we are all different) may also mean you need more or less chains to start with.

Lets start, are you ready?

Abbreviations used are below and are English terminology.

Ch = chain stitch

Chs = chains

Tr = treble stitch (double crochet in US terminology!)

St = stitch

Slst = slip stitch

Sp = space

Pattern order I used:

Row 1: Cream

Row 2: Lobelia

Row 3: Violet

Row 4: Cream

Row 5: Storm blue

Row 6: Meadow

Row 7: Cream

Row 8: Saffron

Row 9: Spice

Row 10: Cream

Row 11: Lipstick

Row 12: Indigo

Row 13: Cream

Row 14: Violet

Row 15: Storm blue

Row 16: Cream

Row 17: Meadow

Row 18: Saffron

Row 19: Cream

Row 20: Spice

Row 21: Lipstick

Row 22: Cream

NB/ the first and last row form the edging for the top and bottom of the blanket so use the colour you wish to edge the blanket in, for row 1.

Chain 175 in cream

(This gave me about a 1m 15cm /42″ length of Ch. But any odd number of Chs will work to suit the size blanket you are wishing to hook!).

2tr in 5th ch from hook,

miss a ch, 2tr in next ch

miss a ch, 2tr in next ch

miss a ch, 2tr in next ch

Repeat * – * across the row.

Finishing with 1tr in last ch. Change colour. As shown below, I change colour by completing half of the process for the last tr (ie/ leave two loops on the hook). Complete last part of tr in new colour as shown.

I find this makes colour changes more secure. These ends should be tied to secure further. Top tip! leave the ends long (approx. 10cms) so that weaving in is easier.

Turn. Ch3 (counts as 1tr)

2tr in the middle of set of tr’s of previous row

Continue along the row.

finishing with 1tr in top of 3rd ch on previous row.

Change colour. Turn.

And that’s it!

Top Tip!! Weave in the ends every few rows.

Repeat rows 1-22 x5 times.

Then repeat rows 1 – 13 to finish body of blanket. And if you did not adhere to the top tip above…now is the time to weave in those ends!

InstagramCapture_a30fea23-613a-4f2f-8788-4163b29b22dd

I’ve gone all minimalistic for the edging because the blanket itself is simply stunning in this colourway and I did not feel like it needed something fussy to detract from its beauty.

This is what I did.

The first and last row (in cream if you have been following this colourway) form the edging for the top and bottom of this blanket. In cream / your chosen edging colour join in the space at the bottom right of your blanket as shown.

Ch 3 and slst into the top st of the first tr/ch3 of 1st row.

Ch1, 2tr in same sp

2tr in next sp (the sp is the gap between the side of the first sts of each row), 2tr in next sp.

Continue along the edge until you come to the top corner. 2tr in last sp, ch 1, 1tr in same sp.

Then slst into the top st of the first tr/ch3 of last row as shown. Fasten off. Repeat for the other side of the blanket.

Finally, in Lobelia (or your chosen colour) join in any st of edge with a slst.

Slst in each st around edge of blanket. Fasten off and weave in loose ends. And that is it, you should now have one of these to snuggle under…or reluctantly gift.

Well done if you got this far.

I really hope you have found this tutorial easy to follow. I welcome feedback, so let me know how you got on and if you want to share your picture of your finished make you can in the comment section below.

I would love to see what you have made.

xxxxx

Top 5 things to crochet when it's hot and number 1 is ironic!

Little Leaf pattern

Published on February 17, 2016February 19, 2021 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin19 Comments

wp_20160217_21_40_10_pro — ‘A yarny little leaf’ designed by Nicola Florence @ayarnyrobin.wordpress.com….February 2016

On a very wet afternoon, just the other day, I began to hook up some little leaves. Simple I thought, no pattern required.

After a couple of tweaks here and there, this is what my trusty hook had produced. I think they are rather sweet, so I thought I would share this little leaf pattern with you. To download a pdf version just click here, or full instructions can be found below.

Little Leaf Pattern.

I used drops cotton dk and a 3.5mm hook. All instructions are using English terminology.

Slst – slip stitch

st – stitch

ch – chain

dc – double crochet

htr – half treble

tr – treble

dtr – double treble

Central Vein

Ch8, slst into 2nd ch from hook, then slst into each remaining 6ch and fasten off.

Leaf Body

Join chosen colour thread to 1st st at bottom of leaf vein. Ch1, dc in next st, htr in next st, tr in next st, 2dtr in next st, tr in next st, htr in next st, dc in same st (you should now be at the top of the vein).

ch3, dc in same st, htr in same st.

You now need to reverse the pattern down the other side of the leaf. This time working in the back loops only.

So, tr in next st, 2dtr in next st, tr in next st, htr in next st, dc in next st, slst in next st. Fasten off to finish and weave in ends.

Happy little leaf hooking

xxxxx

‘A yarny little leaf’ designed by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin.wordpress.com….February 2016.

Share this:

Like this:

If you would prefer to download a PDF copy available in both UK and US versions of the pattern, you can purchase just here for less than a cup of coffee!

I hope you enjoy making this blanket. I would love to see your makes; the easiest way to do this is to share them on your social media by tagging me, @yarnyrobin #angeleceblanket it will honestly make me do a happy dance!

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

XXXXX

Share this:

Like this:

There are now 5 fabulous unique and quirky tea cosies available in the Grandma Collection.

A very special and sassy collection of tea cosy crochet patterns designed by me and dedicated to the inspirational women in my life.

There is the loom flower topped ‘Mary cosy’ with beaded detail.

The ‘Mabel cosy’ is adorned with bright buttons and lace for some feminine chic.

Pretty beaded flowers bedeck the ‘Dot cosy’

The ‘Florence cosy’ will add a large dose of fun to your teapot with a fluffy oversized pompom and woven ribbons.

and the ‘Kathy cosy’ offers understated off the shoulder glamour in traditional granny stitch style.

Each patterns is free and comes with a photo tutorial. They are easy to hook and make great weekend projects; which makes them the perfect gift for tea lovers.

Which one is your favourite?

I hope you will have fun hooking these great tea cosies.

xxxxx

Share this:

Like this:

Thank you for your lovely comments about my latest blanket off the hook…the ‘Very V’ blanket.

Here we go!

Final measurements: 132cms x 120cms / 52″ x47″

I used Stylecraft special dk , for it’s durability, softness and price! The colorway I used:

Lipstick x 1 ball

Meadow x1 ball

Saffron x 1 ball

Violet x 1 ball

Spice x 1 ball

Lobelia x 1 ball

Storm blue x 1 ball

Cream x 3 balls

You will also need a 4mm hook and a darning needle to weave in those ends!

Of course if you are using different yarn then you may need to use the recommended hook size for your chosen yarn; and of course you can alter the finished size by hooking more or less chains to start.

Your hooking tension (we are all different) may also mean you need more or less chains to start with.

Lets start, are you ready?

Abbreviations used are below and are English terminology.

Ch = chain stitch

Chs = chains

Tr = treble stitch (double crochet in US terminology!)

St = stitch

Slst = slip stitch

Sp = space

Pattern order I used:

Row 1: Cream

Row 2: Lobelia

Row 3: Violet

Row 4: Cream

Row 5: Storm blue

Row 6: Meadow

Row 7: Cream

Row 8: Saffron

Row 9: Spice

Row 10: Cream

Row 11: Lipstick

Row 12: Indigo

Row 13: Cream

Row 14: Violet

Row 15: Storm blue

Row 16: Cream

Row 17: Meadow

Row 18: Saffron

Row 19: Cream

Row 20: Spice

Row 21: Lipstick

Row 22: Cream

NB/ the first and last row form the edging for the top and bottom of the blanket so use the colour you wish to edge the blanket in, for row 1.

Chain 175 in cream

(This gave me about a 1m 15cm /42″ length of Ch. But any odd number of Chs will work to suit the size blanket you are wishing to hook!).

2tr in 5th ch from hook,

miss a ch, 2tr in next ch

miss a ch, 2tr in next ch

*miss a ch, 2tr in next ch*

Repeat * – * across the row.

miss a ch, 2tr in next ch