free patterns

Springtime Bolero Crochet Pattern

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Today I finally have a new pattern for you all!

Crochet Circle Cardigan

Do you remember the Springtime Cardigan in this post?

Well I have tweaked the things that needed tweaking and decided on calling it a bolero and… ta-dah! A crochet pattern freebie for you all 🙂

This bolero is a very forgiving fit which means it will comfortably fit a child from ages 2-5. I hope to work on a bigger size… particularly an adult version at some time in the future… but I’m afraid no promises as to when that might be!

There is a fair bit of terminology and stitch guidance at the beginning here but stay with me, keep scrolling and you will find the pattern! 😉

Crochet Circle Cardigan

As usual, you may sell any items you crochet using my pattern with the due design credit given but the pattern is not to be reposted or sold….. it is available for FREE here! :) Thankyou.

Supplies
Stylecraft Special DK (two colours or as many as you like!)
7mm hook
darning needle
Button

Terminology/Handy Hints

To fit ages 2-5.

Read the pattern through first! 😉

Tension Gauge – 13 treble stitches across 7 rows = 10cm square

I use UK terminology in all of my patterns.

st(s) = stitch(es)
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
ss = slip stitch
dc = double crochet (single crochet US)
tr = treble crochet (double crochet US)
dtr = double treble crochet (treble crochet US)
dtr4tog = double treble crochet 4 together (decrease)

double treble crochet(dtr) [tr for the US] – Yarn over hook twice, insert hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull yarn through stitch (4 loops on the hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook (3 loops left), yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the hook (2 loops left), yarn over and pull through all remaining loops. (double treble crochet complete)

dtr4tog – *Yarn over hook twice, insert hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull yarn through stitch (4 loops on the hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook (3 loops left), yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the hook (2 loops left)* work this** through 3 more times working into the next 3 sts, yarn over and pull through all remaining loops on the hook. (decrease complete)

Tall Cluster – This is essentially a dtr4tog worked over 3 stitches not 4, the 2nd and 3rd dtrs are worked into the same stitch. *Yarn over hook twice, insert hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull yarn through stitch (4 loops on the hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook (3 loops left), yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the hook (2 loops left)* work this ** twice into the next st and then once more into the following third stitch, yarn over and pull through all remaining loops on the hook. (cluster complete)

Short Cluster – This is the same as above but worked in trebles not dtr. *Yarn over, insert hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull yarn through stitch (3 loops on the hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook (2 loops left)* work this ** twice into the next st and then once more into the following third stitch, yarn over and pull through all remaining loops on the hook. (cluster complete)

Pattern

R1) Chain 4, slip stitch into 1st chain to form a ring

R2) ch3, work 13tr into the ring, ss to close the round (14sts)

R3) ch4, work (tr, ch) into each stitch, ss to close (28sts)

R4) ss into the next chain space, (ch3, 2tr) in this space, then 3tr in each ch sp around, ss to close (42)

R5) Work a Tall Cluster chaining 4 in place of the 1st dtr, ch3, *Tall Cluster, ch3* repeat** to end, ss to close (56)

R6) ss into ch sp, (ch4, tr, ch, tr, ch) in this space, (tr, ch, tr, ch, tr, ch) in each ch sp around, ss to close (84)

R7) ss into ch sp, (ch3, tr) in this space, 2tr in each ch sp around, ss to close (84)

R8) Work a Tall Cluster chaining 4 in place of the 1st dtr, ch3, *Tall Cluster, ch3* repeat** to end, ss to close (113)

R9) ch4, (dtr, ch, dtr, ch, dtr, ch) in the next 6 ch spaces, ch20, skip 4 ch spaces, (dtr, ch, dtr, ch, dtr, ch) in the next 7 ch spaces, ch 20, skip 4 ch spaces, (dtr, ch, dtr, ch, dtr, ch) in the next 6 ch spaces, (dtr, ch, dtr ch) in the next ch sp, ss to the top of the starting chains (160)

R10) ss into ch sp, (ch3, tr) in this space, 2 tr in each single chain space around. In the long chain spaces work 23tr. Ss to close. (162)

R11) Work a Short Cluster chaining 3 in place of the 1st tr, ch2, *Short Cluster, ch2* repeat to end, ss to close (162)

R12) ch4, (tr, ch, tr, ch, tr, ch) in each ch sp around, (tr, ch, tr ch) in the last ch sp, ss to the top of the starting chains (324)

R13) ch3, *2tr in the next ch sp, 2tr in the next ch sp, 1tr in the next ch sp*, repeat all the way round, working the last single tr in to the same space as the original ch3, ss to close. (271)

R14) Work a Tall Cluster chaining 4 in place of the 1st dtr, ch, *dtr4tog, ch* repeat all the way round, ss to close. (136)

This is the start of the edging, so a good natural place to change colour if you want to.
R15) The following round is worked only in the previous decrease stitches not in the chain stitches.
ch3, 7tr in the same st, ch1, dc in the next st, ch2, (2tr, ch, 2tr) in the next st, ch2, dc, ch1, *8tr, ch1, dc, ch2, (2tr, ch, 2tr), ch2, dc, ch1*, repeat** to the end 17 repeats total, ss to close. (357)

R16) ch3, tr in next 7 sts, ch1, (2tr, ch, 2tr) in the cluster ch sp, ch1, *tr in the next 8 sts, ch1, (2tr, ch, 2tr) in the ch sp, ch1*, repeat ** to the end, ss to close. (255)

R17) ch3, tr in next 7 sts, (2tr, ch, 2tr) in the cluster ch sp, *tr in the next 8 sts, (2tr, ch, 2tr) in the ch sp*, repeat ** to the end, ss to close. (221)

R18) ch3, *(2tr, ch, 2tr) in the space between the 4th and 5th tr of the previous round – the centre of the fan, ch2, 8tr in the cluster ch sp, ch2*, repeat ** to the end, ss to the first tr to close. Fasten off. (289)

Darn in any ends you have and at this point I would recommend blocking. I just did a quick pin out and steam block with my iron but it made the world of difference to the drape. Now all that is left to do is add a button if you wish. My daughter has two now, one with and one without, I personally prefer it with. The pattern of this bolero is lacy enough that it doesn’t really need a specific buttonhole just use any hole already there!

I hope you enjoy this pattern! If you have any feedback or questions for me just let me know in the comments below 🙂
If you do make a bolero for a little person in your life and use Instagram I would love to see! Please tag me @ourlovelylittlelife and use the hashtag #springtimebolero 😉

Naomi-16

 

The Bertie Tie & Beatrix Bag Patterns

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For those of you who want to add the little accessories onto your bears in order to make them either a Bertie or a Beatrix, here they are! Find the free Bertie & Beatrix Bear pattern here!

bertie tie

The Bertie Tie

Supplies
Stylecraft Special DK (or any dk weight yarn)
3mm crochet hook
darning needle

As always I am using UK terminology here…

The Pattern

R1) chain 2
R2) In 2nd chain from the hook, 2dc (2)
R3) Turn, ch1, 2dc in each stitch (4)
R4) Turn, ch1, 2dc in the first st, dc in the next 2 sts, 2dc in the last st (6)
R5) Turn, ch1, 2dc in the first st, dc in the next 4 sts, 2dc in the last st (8)
R6) Turn, ch1, 2dc in the first st, dc in the next 6 sts, 2dc in the last st (10)
R7) Turn, ch1, dc in each stitch across (10)
R8) Turn, ch1, dc2tog, dc in the next 6 sts, dc2tog (8)
R9) Turn, ch1, dc in each stitch across (8)
R10) Turn, ch1, dc in each stitch across (8)
R11) Turn, ch1, dc2tog, dc in the next 4 sts, dc2tog (6)
R12-15) Turn, ch1, dc in each stitch across (6)
R16) Turn, ch1, dc2tog, dc in the next 2 sts, dc2tog (4)
R17-32) Turn, ch1, dc in each stitch across (4)
R33) Turn, ch1, dc2tog, dc2tog (2)
R34-95) Turn, ch1, dc in each stitch (2)
R96) Turn, ch4, slip stitch in the 3rd chain from hook, ss into the last stitch. Fasten off.

There you have it. One complete miniature tie for a Bertie Bear!

beatrix bag

The Beatrix Bag

Supplies
Stylecraft Special DK (or any dk weight yarn)
3mm crochet hook
darning needle

As always I am using UK terminology here…

Ok, truthfully this is more of a method than a true pattern!

I simply made a 7 round granny square but I used half trebles instead of the traditional treble stitch. For the time being I am going to assume you don’t need me to write this pattern out for you… unless I’m told otherwise 😉

Fold 3 corners of the square into the centre, creating an open envelope shape. Join the two seams together using double crochet, continuing in one fluid row outlining the open flap as you go. See arrows below as a guide!

beatrix-bag-guide

The strap is simply crocheted onto the back, starting around the post of one of the treble stitches on the rear corner of the bag.

beatrix-bag-strap

R1) ch3, and work 3 trebles.
R2-24) Turn, ch3 and make a treble into each treble from previous round.
R25) Slip stitch across the strap, around the post of a treble on the opposite corner of the bag to attach. Fasten Off.

Alternatively, you can just crochet a simple strap separately and stitch it on to the bag!

I realise this has been a very brief walk through what I did! I hope it is clear enough, I have been struggling to find the time to write this up! If there any problems or anything that is just not explained enough please let me know and I will do my best to help!

Naomi x2

Teeny Tiny Heart Sandals {Crochet Pattern}

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I have a new crochet pattern for baby sandals!!!

ttheartsandalsmain

You might know my Flower Power Sandals pattern, this started as a simple variation of that…. and ended as a complete redesign!

These sandals are, I think, a great improvement, they are double soled for sturdiness, a better fit, less stitching together is required and I am actively working on the patterns for multiple sizes.

Also they are adorable!

I will be working on a photo tutorial but as I’m sure you appreciate that is a lot of work and I have yet to find the time! But it is coming soon!

Edit: This is a long post already with just one size written out (I don’t know why I started with 6-9 months?!) but I am going to leave it as is and put the other sizes into a single PDF download. I think it will be clearer, and it will have the bonuses of being available offline and easily printable. Keep a look out at the weekend!!!

Edit 26/5/15: I have recently had lots of requests for the pdf file and different sizes for this pattern… I am SO sorry! This is not currently available which is why it cannot be found at this time. It is my intention to put them up but it still requires some work and I have a new baby and other responsibilities that must currently come first. My sincere apologies for any disappointment!

As usual, this is a FREE pattern, please do not sell or reproduce this pattern elsewhere. You are welcome to sell items you make from my patterns but please give design credit and when relevant please link back here. Also, please do not use any of my photos without my express permission and giving appropriate credit. Thank you!

Teeny Tiny Heart Sandals (6-9 months)

Materials:
2 or 3 colours of aran weight cotton yarn (Rico Creative Cotton or Drops Paris are good)
3.5mm, 3mm & 2.5mm hooks
darning needle

I’m using UK terminology, these are the stitches and abbreviations being used.
st(s) = stitch(es)
ch = chain
ss = slip stitch
dc = double crochet (single crochet U.S)
htr = half treble (half double U.S)
htr2tog = half treble 2 together
tr = treble (double crochet U.S)
RS = right side

This pattern makes one sandal beginning to end, work through twice for the pair!

Sole (make 2)

Using a 3.5mm hook chain 15.

R1) Work 3dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in the next 6 ch, htr in the next ch, tr in the next 5 ch, 7tr in the last ch. Working along the opposite side, tr in the next 5ch, htr in the next ch, dc in the next 6 ch. DO NOT FASTEN OFF. If it is helpful to you place a marker in the last st and move up each round.

R2) Beginning in the top of the first st of the previous round.
2dc in the next 3 sts, htr in the next 13 sts, 2htr in the next 5 sts, htr in the next 13 sts.

R3) Beginning in the top of the first st of the previous round.
[htr in the next st, 2htr in the next st] 3 times, htr in the next 13 sts, [htr in next st, 2htr in next st] 5 times, htr in the next 13 sts. Slip stitch in to the next st and fasten off.

Place the two soles wrong sides together. Starting at the centre stitch of the heel end slip stitch the soles together.
(I used a contrasting colour here that I would also use for the heel, toe strap etc.. but this is up to you.)

Heel

Turn the sole so that the back loop (not the ‘v’) of the slip stitches is facing you, these single loops are what we will be stitching in to.

R1) Find the centre of the heel which should be between to sl sts, count along 9 sts to the right, this is your starting point.
Using a 3.5mm hook, join your yarn and ch2 (these chs do NOT count as a st), starting in the same st, htr in each of teh next 18 sts.

R2) Turn your work, ch3 (DOES count as a st), temporarily drop this yarn but DO NOT fasten off, skip a st and join a new colour, [ch2, tr, ch1, tr, htr] in the next st, *skip 3 sts, in the next st [htr, tr, ch1, tr, htr]* repeat ** twice more, fasten this colour off. These are your heart clusters.

R3) Pick up your original yarn, *sl st into the back loop of the first st of the heart cluster, dc into the ch space, sl st into the back loop of the 3rd heart st, tr into the 2nd sk st of previous round* repeat twice more, then sl st into the back loop of the first st of the heart cluster, dc into the ch space, sl st into the back loop of the 3rd heart st, tr into the last sk st.

R4) Turn your work, ch1 (do NOT count as a st), dc in each st across.

R5) Turn your work, ch1, *htr in the next st, htr2tog starting in the same st, htr in the finishing st of the htr2tog, sl st in the next st, sl st in the next st*, repeat ** to the end, finishing with only one sl st, fasten off.

Ankle Ties

Using a 2.5mm hook, ch 40, sl st to the first st on the top left side of the heel, sl st in the next st, fasten off.
Repeat attaching to the right hand side.

Toe Strap

The toe strap is crocheted into the same sl st back loops as the heel. Starting on the right hand side of the sandal as it faces you, count along 9 sts, this is your starting point.

R1) Using a 3.5mm hook, ch2 (do NOT count as a st) htr in the same st as ch2, htr in next two sts. (This is back towards the heel)

R2-9) Turn work, ch2 (do NOT count as a st) htr across.

R10) sl st into the opposite side of the sole, starting in the 7th st down from the heel. (You should be crocheting towards the toe end.) Fasten off.

Heart

Using a 3mm hook, make a magic circle, into it ch2, 5 htr, ch1, tr, ch1, 5 htr, ch2, sl st. Pull the circle to a tight close and fasten off leaving long tail ends.

Using the tail ends stitch the heart to the centre of the toe strap.

You are done!

ttheartsandalsIG

Hopefully you have a pair of sandals that look something like these!

Please feel free to leave me a comment if you have any questions, or just to say hi!

Happy Hooking!

Naomi x2