Search Results for: c2c

I’ve had a ton of questions lately about where I get my crochet hooks that are seen in my photo and video tutorials. Thank you for asking! I decided that this warranted a whole blog post 🙂 There are many different options when it comes to crochet hooks and basically it comes down to what is most comfortable for you and what always you to create smooth and easy stitches. There is no right or wrong answer. It is 100% a personal preference. I am going to walk you through a few common options and then highlight what I personally prefer.

Let’s start with the basics. There are two types of standard hooks: a tapered hook (Boye brand) and an inline hook (Susan Bates brand). I am mentioning and comparing the Bates and Boye brands because these are the ones that are easily available in craft stores and online. Take a look at the throat of these crochet hooks and you will see a difference. The inline hooks have a head that is in-line with the handle of the hook. It also has a more or a point and the mouth notch is bit deeper. This is helpful for beginners as it grabs the yarn a little easier. The tapered hooks are have a head that extends past the handle of the hook and it’s typically a bit rounder and the notch at the mouth is also not as deep and smoother.

I prefer the Bates (inline) hooks because (for me personally) I am able to catch the yarn easier when I am making my stitches BUT I know PLENTY of crocheters hands down prefer the tapered hook. Try both and see what is right for you!

And no need to limit yourself to aluminum hooks. Crochet hooks also come in plastic, wood, resin, and bamboo. Lots of options!

Keep in mind that these hooks come in different sizes that coordinate with the weight of yarn you are working with. I almost always use a size H hook because I mostly work with worsted weight yarn.

Now let me get to the fun part!

POLYMER CLAY HOOKS

Many years ago, I began purchasing hooks with polymer clay handles. These are aluminum hooks (typically either Bates or Boye) that have polymer clay designs baked onto the handle. Why? Because not only are the designs fun, festive, and cute, but they create an ergonomic handle which is designed to ease pain and tension caused by the motions of crochet.

I have a hard time crocheting without a polymer clay handle. I use the pencil hold (meaning I hold my crochet hook like you would a pencil) and it feels very comfortable with a slightly thicker handle. The weight distribution of the hook in my hand is perfect and helps with the rocking motion when I’m stitching.

All of the polymer clay hooks you see in these photos were handmade by very talented designers. They spend a long time making the clay canes and reducing them. Here are some photos of the process by Jennifer of Day by Day Clay and Crochet

After creating cute character polymer clay canes and reducing and cutting them, they are rolled onto a clay handle and sanded, baked, and glazed. Each one is handmade! I haven’t ever made one myself so I hope I am doing her justice with my explanation! You can see Jennifer’s incredible work and process in her group Day by Day Clay and Crochet. And currently Jennifer and I have a fun gnome-themed collaboration going on! Ever month in 2022 she is creating a gnome crochet hook based on the season/holiday and I am creating a matching corner-to-corner crochet piece. You can purchase her hook each month in her Facebook group and you can find the crochet pattern right here on Repeat Crafter Me! Come see the January Gnome HERE.

So where can you buy these polymer clay hooks?

Many of these hooks I purchase are from Jennifer at Day by Day Clay and Crochet. This includes the gnome, penguin, and my favorite rainbow flower hooks pictured above, among many more. She has a private Facebook group where she lists hooks for sale as she finishes large batches. You can join her group and get all the details HERE.

Some of the hooks in the picture (like the panda that I use in my Ollie the O’Go Owl tutorial, gingerbread house, snow globe, etc) are from The Clay Bean Co. She also sells her hooks on her Facebook page as she creates small batches of finished designs. Find her HERE.

Another favorite designer of mine is The Polymer Clay Shed. She created the owl, cactus, gingerbread man, (among others) and she sells her hooks RIGHT HERE on Etsy.

This is not a sponsored post. I happily and eagerly love to support my fellow makers! I adore polymer clay crochet hooks and there are many more crochet hook designers that you can find just by googling, searching social media, and looking on Pinterest and Etsy.

I hope this helps you decide which hook is best for you!

A fun new twist on the basic Santa hat… A Gingerbread version! I love everything gingerbread themed for the holidays so I needed a hat to really get festive and complete my holiday attire. The hat works up very quickly using double crochet stitches. Bernat Super Value yarn in color Topaz is there absolute perfect gingerbread color so you are definitely going to want to stock up on this yarn. I will post some of my other gingerbread crochet designs using this specific yarn at the bottom of this post.

Materials:
– Bernat Super Value in Topaz, Berry Red, and White. Shop these colors HERE on Yarnspirations.com
– Size H Crochet Hook
– Two 1 inch black buttons (or smaller)
– Tapestry Needle
– Large Pom-Pom Maker (optional)
– Fabric or Hot Glue (optional)

NOTE: ALL HAT SIZES START THE SAME WAY. You will begin with the long hat tail. IF you want the tail shorter/longer you can decrease/increase the amount of continuous rows. 

NOTE: I’ve found that the “child/teen” size (the one with the 60 stitch count) fits the majority of people! I can wear it. All of my kids can wear it (ages 8, 10, and 12), and I’ve gifted it two adults (male and female) and it fit them perfectly as well!

Beginning of Hat:
With brown topaz yarn
Magic Ring, chain 2 and make 6 DC in ring, pull tight, join, chain 2
Round 2: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next, repeat around, join, chain 2 (9 DC)
Round 3: DC in each stitch around, join, chain 2 (9 DC)
Round 4: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 2, repeat around, join, chain 2
Round 5: DC in each stitch around, join, chain 2 (12 DC)
Round 6: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 3, repeat around, join, chain 2
Round 7: DC in each stitch around, join, chain 2 (15 DC)
Round 8: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 4, repeat around, join, chain 2
Round 9: DC in each stitch around, join, chain 2 (18 DC)
Round 10: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 5, repeat around, join, chain 2
Round 11: DC in each stitch around, join, chain 2 (21 DC)
Round 12: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 6, repeat around, join, chain 2
Round 13: DC in each stitch around, join, chain 2 (24 DC)
Round 14: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 7, repeat around, join, chain 2
Round 15: DC in each stitch around, join, chain 2 (27 DC)
Round 16: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 8, repeat around, join, chain 2
Round 17: DC in each stitch around, join, chain 2 (30 DC)
Round 18: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 9, repeat around, join, chain 2
Round 19: DC in each stitch around, join, chain 2 (33 DC)
Round 20: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 10, repeat around, join, chain 2
Round 21: DC in each stitch around, join, chain 2 (36 DC)
Round 22: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 5, repeat around, join, chain 2 (42)
Continue with pattern below, following the size you need.

Size: 3-6 months
Round 23-30: DC in each stitch around, join, chain 2 (42 DC)
join in white yarn
Round 31: HDC in each stitch around
Round 32-34: HDC in third loop all the way around, join, chain 2
Round 35: Slip stitch in third loop all the way around, join
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Size: 6-12 months
Round 23: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 6, repeat around, join, chain 2 (48)
Round 24-31: DC in each stitch around, join, chain 2 (48 DC)
join in white yarn
Round 32: HDC in each stitch around
Round 33-35: HDC in third loop all the way around, join, chain 2
Round 36: Slip stitch in third loop all the way around, join
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Preschooler
Round 23: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 6, repeat around, join, chain 2 (48)
Round 24: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 7, repeat around, join, chain 2 (54)
Round 25-32: DC in each stitch around, join, chain 2 (54 DC)
join in white yarn
Round 33: HDC in each stitch around
Round 34-37: HDC in third loop all the way around, join, chain 2
Round 38: Slip stitch in third loop all the way around, join
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Child/Teen:
Round 23: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 6, repeat around, join, chain 2 (48)
Round 24: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 7, repeat around, join, chain 2 (54)
Round 25: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 8, repeat around, join, chain 2 (60)
Round 26-33: DC in each stitch around, join, chain 2 (60 DC)
join in white yarn
Round 34: HDC in each stitch around
Round 35-38: HDC in third loop all the way around, join, chain 2
Round 39: Slip stitch in third loop all the way around, join
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Adult:
Round 23: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 6, repeat around, join, chain 2 (48)
Round 24: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 7, repeat around, join, chain 2 (54)
Round 25: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 8, repeat around, join, chain 2 (60)
Round 26: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 9, repeat around, join, chain 2 (66)
Round 27-34: DC in each stitch around, join, chain 2 (60 DC)
join in white yarn
Round 35: HDC in each stitch around
Round 36-39: HDC in third loop all the way around, join, chain 2
Round 40: Slip stitch in third loop all the way around, join
Fasten off and weave in ends.

HERE is Youtube tutorial on HDC in the 3rd loop

Cheeks (make 2):
with red yarn
Magic Ring, chain 1 and make 8 SC in ring, join, chain 1
Round 2: 2 SC in each stitch around, join, fasten off leaving long tail.

Stitch on a smile with a long strand of white yarn and your tapestry needle. I chose to use fabric glue to attach my smile (I wanted it to look seamless) and then I stitched the cheeks over each end of the smile.

Attach the button eyes in-between and slightly about cheeks.

Don’t forget to attached a large white pom-pom to the end of the hat!

More Gingerbread Crochet Projects:

Gingerbread Man

Gingerbread Apron

Gingerbread Tote

Gingerbread Blanket

Gingerbread Head Ornament

Gingerbread Advent Calendar

I’ve been getting so much great feedback about the border I’ve been crocheting onto my Puppy C2C Blanket that I thought I would make a separate post to walk you through it. I am using a modified version of the Block Stitch with HDC stitches. It works great as a border on C2C blankets but as I show you in this tutorial you can also use it as a Granny Square or continue rounds to make it into a large blanket!

I hope you love these Fall yarn colors as much as I do! I am using Bernat Super Value in Oatmeal, Forest Green, Aqua, Pumpkin, Gold, and Topaz. You can find the colors HERE on Yarnspiraitons.com

Grab your size H Crochet hook and lets get started!

HDC Block Stitch Granny Square

With Color 1
Round 1: Magic ring, chain 2 + 2 HDC in ring, chain 2, make 2 more HDC in ring, chain 2, make 2 more HDC in ring, chain 2, 2 HDC, chain 2 and join to first HDC, fasten off color 1
join in cream color yarn to any corner and chain 1
Round 2: SC + chain 2 + SC in corner, chain 2, SC + Chain 2 + SC in next corner, chain 2, repeat around and join to first SC, do not fasten off
Join in Color 2 and chain 2
Round 3: 2 HDC in all the chain 2 spaces, 2 HDC + chain 2 + 2 HDC in each of the corners, join
Round 4: Pull up cream color yarn and repeat Round 2 making a SC in between each of the 2 HDC’s and 2 SC + chain 2 + 2 SC in each of the corners.
Round 5: Join in Color 3 and repeat Round 3
Continue repeating rounds until the square is as big or small as you’d like.

Watch the video tutorial:

More details about the Puppy C2C blanket coming soon!

A fun surprise arrived in my mailbox today! The new Annie’s Halloween Special Issue is on sale and my Halloween C2C Blanket is on the cover! This adorable Corner-to-Corner Crochet pattern is one of 50+ frightfully fun patterns to crochet, knit, sew or quilt. This issue has everything you need for a fantastic fall! You can get your copy HERE for $9.99 (available for shipping or download).

Get the Annie’s Halloween Special Issue Magazine HERE

Here’s another fun Back to School pattern! This School Bus Granny Square can be made into blanket or used as the center embellishment for a tote bag or even made into a cute little pocket pouch! My kids are taking the bus for the first time ever this year (we never had bus service near our house until now) and we are so excited to make a sweet little gift out of this granny square for our bus driver!

Make this piece with Red Heart Super Yarn or any other similar worsted weight yarn in bright bus colors!

Materials:
– Red Heart Yarn in colors: Gold, Black, White, and Turqua.
Shop all colors HERE on Yarnspirations.com
– Size H Crochet Hook
– Tapestry Needle
– Optional: small red buttons, 1 inch yellow buttons, and any other things you’d like to jazz up your bus!

Finished Size: Approximately 6×6 inches

Starting with black yarn…
Chain 16, SC in second chain from hook and the rest of the way down chain,
Join in yellow yarn and chain 1, turn
Row 2-9: SC in each stitch across, chain 1, turn
Row 10-14: SC in first 2 stitches, join in white yarn, SC in next 11 stitches, SC in last two stitches, chain 1, turn (It helps to carry the yarn as you crochet to avoid weaving in a bunch of ends)
Row 15-17: SC in each stitch across (just yellow yarn), chain 1, turn
Do not fasten off
Now let’s work on the border…
Border Row 1: SC around each side of square. You will need to switch to black yarn along the bottom and then back to yellow for the other side of the square. On the rough edges of the square you will make 12 SC in yellow and and 2 SC in black. Make a SC + Chain 2 + SC in each corner.
Join in blue yarn…
Border row 2-4: SC in each stitch around and SC + Chain 2 + SC in each corner. If you want to add the wheels then you will switch to black yarn for 3 stitches on either side of the bus for rows 2 & 3. You can also add wheels on afterward by adding black buttons or crocheting circles (or half circles: magic ring, chain 1 and make 6 HDC in ring, do not join, pull tight).

Embellish!
Add on buttons for the lights (or crochet circles)
Add on a little license plate with felt or foam!
Lots of ways to customize this cute little bus!

And here are two more versions I made (and shared with you guys on my Repeat Crafter Me Facebook page). I’ve been playing around with different ways to embelish and design this granny square. As you can see, you can create your own unique version!

If you like this school bus project you may also like my School Bus C2C Blanket pattern available HERE on Yarnspirations.com!

Happy Easter! We are in Denver, Colorado right now visiting my new baby nephew! The kids are so excited to have a new little cousin and we can’t get enough of this sweet boy! We got him a cute little bunny onesie and I crocheted a little carrot to complete the Easter Day photoshoot 🙂 Of course this little carrot is a fun little crochet food pattern for any time of the year!

Materials:
– Orange worsted weight yarn. I recommend Red Heart Super Saver in color Carrot!! So perfect, right?!
– Green worsted weight yarn. Red Heart Super Saver in Spring Green is perfect for this project.
– Size H Crochet Hook
– Polyfil Fiber Stuffing
– Tapestry needle

Carrot Pattern:
with orange yarn
Magic ring, chain 1 and make 4 SC in ring, join to first SC, chain 1
Round 2: 2 SC in first stitch, SC in next, repeat around, join, chain 1
Round 3: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1
Round 4: 2 SC in first, SC in next 2, repeat around, join, chain 1
Round 5: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1
Round 6: 2 SC in first, SC in next 3, repeat around, join, chain 1
Round 7: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1
Round 8: 2 SC in first, SC in next 4, repeat around, join, chain 1
Round 9: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1
Round 10: 2 SC in first, SC in next 5, repeat around, join, chain 1
Round 11: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1
Round 12: 2 SC in first stitch, SC in next 6, repeat around, join, chain 1
Round 13: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1
Round 14: 2 SC in first stitch, SC in next 7, repeat around, join, chain 1
Round 15-17: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1
Round 18: SC Decrease, SC in next 7, repeat around, join, chain 1
Round 19: SC Decrease, SC in next 6, repeat around, join, chain 1
Round 20: SC Decrease, SC in next 5, repeat around, join, chain 1
change to green yarn
Round 21: SC in each stitch around, join, fasten off leaving long tail.
Use your tapestry needle to sew top closed. Weave in ends.

Green Stem:
With green yarn
Chain 20, SC in second chain from hook and the rest of the way down chain, (don’t fasten off) chain 20 again, SC in second chain from hook and the rest of the way down chain, (don’t fasten off), chain 20 one last time, SC in second chain from hook and the rest of the way down chain. fasten off and stitch the green stem to the top of carrot.

Baby Julian is also loving the Bunny C2C Blanket!

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Home for the Holidays! We sure have been spending a lot of time at home these days. Especially with all the stay-at-home orders. I decided to embrace this 2020 theme of “home” and work up a cozy winter blanket that is perfect the season!

It started with a Corner-to-Corner Crochet square of sweet little house/cabin in beautiful winter blue colors from the Red Heart Super Saver yarn line. I then used simple stitches to crochet a big border. You could make this blanket as large as you’d like by continueing the border pattern. Very simple! My blanket is about 40 by 40 inches.

Materials
– Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in colors Blue, Light Periwinkle, Light Blue, Cafe Latte, and White.

If you are making the blanket exactly as I did, you will only need one skein of each except the light blue (you will need 2 of that color). If you plan on making the blanket bigger I suggest buying at least 2 skeins of each color. Shop the yarn HERE on Yarnspirations.com

– Size H Crochet Hook
– House Pixel Graph. Download HERE
– Tapestry Needle

I used the C2C (corner-to-corner) technique to crochet the house square.  Follow THIS VIDEO DEMONSTRATION by The Crochet Crowd for more explanation on how to crochet C2C afghans. My square is about 17 x 17 inches when finished

VERY IMPORTANT: Instead of the traditional C2C method of using DC’s and chain 3’s to make each pixel, I used HDC’s and only chained 2 (and chained 5 instead 6 on the increase stitches). I like the way the overall stitches look tighter and neater. You can absolutely use the traditional method! Keep in mind that it will take a little bit more yarn and your overall project will be larger (which isn’t a bad thing!)

You could also use SC or DC stitches to crochet this as a graphgan!

After you have finished the Corner-to-Corner House, you will then start crocheting in rounds around the square. Below is a step-by-step tutorial of each row.

NOTE: I did join and chain 1 (or 2 if it’s a DC stitch) at the end of each round. I found that it helps to make extra corner stitches on your DC rounds. So for instance if you are using the DC then your corners will be 2 DC + chain 2 + 2 DC and if you are using SC for a particular round then it will be SC + chain 2 + SC in the corners.

Border Round 1:
SC in the spaces between each “pixel square”, chain 2 in between each SC. When you get to the corners make a SC + chain 2 + SC in each.

Border Round 2:
Make 2 SC in each chain 2 space all the way around. Make a SC + chain 2 + SC in each corner.

Border Round 3:
Change to brown yarn.
SC in each stitch around. Make a SC + chain 2 + SC in each corner.

Border Round 4:
Switch to dark blue yarn
DC in each stitch around. Make 2 DC + chain 2 + 2 DC in each corner.

Border Round 5:
Switch to Periwinkle color yarn
HDC in each stitch around. Make a HDC + chain 2 + HDC in each corner

Border Round 6:
Switch to white yarn
SC in each stitch around. Make a SC + chain 2 + SC in each corner.

Border Round 7:
Make bobble stitches every 10 stitches. So you will start by making a bobble (see video on how to do this) and then SC in the next 9 stitches, make a bobble in next, and repeat. Do not make bobbles in the corners. Make a SC + chain 2 + SC in each of the corner stitches. It’s ok if the bobbles aren’t exactly 9 stitches apart.

Border Round 8:
SC in each stitch around. Make a SC + chain 2 + SC in each corner.

Border Round 9:
Switch to Periwinkle color yarn
HDC in each stitch around. Make a HDC + chain 2 + HDC in each corner

Border Round 10:
Switch to dark blue yarn
DC in each stitch around. Make 2 DC + chain 2 + 2 DC in each corner.

Border Round 11:
Change to brown yarn.
SC in each stitch around. Make a SC + chain 2 + SC in each corner.

Border Round 12-16:
Switch to light blue yarn
DC in each stitch around. Make 2 DC + chain 2 + 2 DC in each corner.

After Round 16, repeat Round 3-11.
Make one last round of DC in the light blue and then add a bobble edge! I used the same technique as the bobbles in the blanket except to make them stand along along the edge you will make a SC then chain 4, Bobble in the 3rd chain from hook and slip stitch in the last chain, SC in next 9 stitches and repeat.

Not ready to make a final edge? Feel free to continue with the entire sequence for as big as you’d like to make your blanket!

Home Sweet Home!
I hope you love this cozy winter blanket! Please tag me on social media if you make it using #RepeatCrafterMe or @RepeatCrafterMe

Crochet hats make great gifts and are fun to wear all year round! If you are looking for a trending design and a cute hat pattern, look no further! I designed this Crochet Sloth Hat in six different sizes so you can make one for all ages!

You can find my pattern over at Yarnspirations!
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FREE PATTERN!

I used Bernat Super Value yarn which is a super versatile worsted weight yarn. And do you recognize this color?! It’s Topaz brown and believe it or not this one of my absolute favorites! I run out of this color all the time because I use it so much. It’s perfect for Gingerbread Men, Gingerbread Houses, Moose Hat, Bear Hat, Turkey Hat, UGG Boots, Owls, and MORE!

Shop Bernat Super Value in TOPAZ at Yarnspirations.com

Get the free CROCHET SLOTH HAT pattern HERE

Can’t wait to see your cute sloth hats! Tag #Yarnspirations and #RepeatCrafterMe on social media if you make one!

Baby Leo loves his sloth hat! And it matches his Sloth Blanket! Check it out HERE. (Leo is my friends baby!)

Beautiful Fall colors and a beautiful story to go along with this blanket. About a year and a half ago I made a customized C2C blanket for my sons wonderful teacher and her husband. Her name is Valerie (Val) and his name is Edward (Ed) and when you put the letter “u” in the middle, it spells “VALuED” !! Isn’t that the most adorable thing you’ve ever heard?!

Unfortunately a few months after I made the custom C2C blanket, Ed was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and he fought so incredibly hard. Ed passed away about a month ago and our school community is just devastated. Special teachers and souls come into your life and Mrs Meyers and her husband are truly special, caring, and all around good people. She helped my middle son when he was struggling in school and we are very grateful.

I wanted to do something for her but wasn’t sure what…

Then she posted on social media that many of her friends and family members had been visited by dragonflies shortly after Ed’s passing. She even said that there was a cluster of drangonflies in her yard. They were “dragonflyED!” I knew at that moment what I wanted to do. Make her a dragonfly crochet blanket! I used a soothing Fall color palette to bring her warmth and comfort.

I used this pixel graph to first create the dragonfly square in the middle. I crochet rows of single crochet stitches (one single crochet = one square in the pixel graph) and carried the purple yarn when I got to the dragonfly image.

Materials:
Bernat Super Value – Mulberry (3 skeins)
Bernat Super Value – Steel Blue Heather (2 skiens)
Red Heart Super Saver – Country Blue (one skein)
Read Heart Super Saver – Gold (one skein)
Read Heart Super Saver – Cornmeal (one skein)
Bernat Super Value – Natural (one skein)
Size H Crochet Hook
Dragonfly Pixel Graph
Tapestry Needle

Finished Size = approximately 55 x 55 inches

The pattern is simple.
Once you crochet your single crochet square (it doesn’t have to be a perfect square) from your pixel graph, you will now work in rounds.
with neutral
DC in each stitch around make 2 DC + chain 2 + 2 DC in each the corners, join, chain 2
Continue this pattern of making double crochet stitches in each stitch around and a 2 DC + chain 2 + 2 DC in each of the corners. Feel free to change colors like I did:
1 round of Neutral
3 rounds of Cornmeal
5 rounds of Gold
7 rounds of Country Blue
9 rounds of Steal Blue Heather
11 rounds of Mulberry

So simple! And you could even make this blanket with any sort of design in the center.

Happy Fall! Sending warmth and comfort to all of you. Hug your loved ones tight and I’m sending lots of love and prayers to the Meyers family.

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Here is the last piece of the Celebration C2C Blanket before I join all the squares! I was originally going to make a Happy Birthday Banner but decided on “Celebrate” so we could use this blanket for multiple occasions! For instance, my husband and I just celebrated our Anniversary and this would have been the perfect piece to have out during our special day!

But I am providing you with a few different graphs. You can make a “Happy” banner for the top and a “Birthday” banner for the bottom OR “Happy Birthday” in one banner across the top OR “Celebrate” as I did!

I also decided to surface slip stitch with the brown yarn around each letter of CELEBRATE so that it would really pop!

Some of you may have see my social media posts yesterday. I lost at yarn chicken and ran out of the off white (natural) color I was using for the background of my project. And I only had a tiny little corner to go! So after thinking about it, I started rummaging through my finished projects and realized that I used the same yarn color on my Bunny Blanket! I took out part of the border and used the yarn to finish the banner. It will be easy to re-crochet the border of the bunny blanket when I get a new skein of Bernat Super Value yarn in color natural.

Here are the 9 squares and all the details about the project. I will be posting the finished blanket and the joining technique soon!

Cupcake C2C Crochet Square

Present (Gift Box) Crochet Square

Balloon C2C Crochet Square

Music Note C2C Crochet Square

Ice Cream Cone C2C Crochet Square

Party Popper Crochet Square

Birthday Candles C2C Crochet Square

Piñata C2C Crochet Square

Cake C2C Crochet Square

Not sure if any of you are familiar with the game of Mahjong but if you are obsessed with the game like I am, this crochet creation is for you! I recently learned how to play American Mahjong with a few local girls and the game (I kinda compare it to Rumikub) is a great game to help sharpen your mind an excellent social activity (It’s best to play with 4 players). This blanket is made up of the tiles called Bams (because they look like bamboo). The number 1 Bam is a Bird instead of a number. That is why it looks different.

Materials:
-Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in Soft White and Paddy Green (only one skein of each)
– Bernat Super Value Yarn in Berry Red and Royal Blue
– Size H Crochet Hook
– Tapestry Needle
– Pom-Pom Maker (optional)
– Bam Mahjong Tile Graphs. Download HERE for free.

Finished Size: 25 x 20 inches. This is a small blanket.
You can always continue the border to make it larger!

I used the Corner-to-Corner Crochet technique (C2C) to create each of the tiles. If you aren’t familiar with the C2C technique, I have a video class available HERE for purchase that teaches you this technique! The Crochet Crowd also has a very helpful video tutorial for FREE that shows you the basic technique of corner-to-corner crochet. Check that out HERE.

All of the tiles were crocheted using C2C. The number 1 Bam is a Bird so I crocheted a white 7×9 pixel C2C piece and then free-handed a surface slip stitch bird on it. You can find a tutorial for Surface Slip Stitching HERE.

After each C2C tile was finished, I crocheted a round of SC in white around the border and then an additional round of the border in green. Be sure to make a SC + chain 2 + SC in each of the corner stitches.

Then I stitched all the tiles together using a long strand of yarn and my tapestry needle.

Add one round of Single Crochet stitches to the entire blanket and add 4 pom-poms to the corners!

Next I need to work on a Joker blanket!

***You may make and sell products from my patterns but if you do I ask that you link back to my post. Please do not copy and post this pattern and claim it as your own. Please do not re-publish photos as your own. 

Want more free patterns? Keep in touch on my Repeat Crafter Me Facebook Page for new pattern sneakpeeks and when they will be available on my blog! And feel free to post pictures of your finished hats and/or links to your shops on my Facebook wall so all can see. Be sure to also follow me on Instagram! I love when you tag me (@repeatcrafterme)!

I’m having so much fun crocheting plaid that I felt inspired to do one more project! I created a fun plaid bordered blanket that I crocheted as a graphgan. I used DC stitches and crocheted each row, carrying my yarn as I switched colors. Then I used white Bernat Pipsqueak yarn to make a fuzzy soft polar bear head for the middle! But you could put any kind of embellishment you want in the middle. Maybe a moose or a brown bear?! So many possibilities!

I worked up a simple color pixel graph so you can see the color changes. This graph would work really well as a C2C blanket! As I mentioned above, I used DC stitches. Each square on the graph is equal to 4 DC stitches across and then another 4 on top of that.

Materials:
For the Plaid: 
Bernat Super Value in Berry Red, Black, Redwood Heather
For the middle part: Heather Grey
For the Polar Bear:
Bernat Pipsqueak Yarn in White
Bernat Super Value in Natural and White
Shop all colors of Bernat Super Value on Yarnspirations.com
– Size H Crochet Hook
– Tapestry Needle

Finished Size: approximately 32 x 32 inches

Main Blanket:
With black
Chain 102, DC in 3rd chain from hook and in next 3, change to redwood heather, DC in next 4, change back to black, DC in next 4, change back to redwood heather, DC in next 4, repeat between black and redwood heather the rest of the way down chain, chain 2, turn.
Row 2: DC with black in each black DC from previous row, DC in redwood in each redwood DC from previous row. You should now have 25 squares. 13 black, and 12 redwood. Fasten off yarn.
Row 3-4: with redwood heather, DC in first 4 stitches, change to berry red and DC in next 4, change back to redwood and DC in next 4, change back to red and DC in next 4. repeat until end of row.
Row 5-6: Continue plaid pattern alternating between black and redwood
Row 7-8: Continue plaid pattern alternating between redwood and red
Row 9-10: Continue plaid pattern alternating between black and redwood
Row 11-12: with redwood, DC in first 4, with red DC in next 4, with redwood DC in next 4, with red DC in next 4, with red DC in next 4, CHANGE TO GRAY and DC in next 60, change to redwood and DC in next 4, 4 DC in red, 4 DC in redwood, 4 DC in red, DC in last 4 in redwood.
Row 13-14: with black, DC in first 4, with redwood DC in next 4, with black DC in next 4, with redwood DC in next 4, with black DC in next 4, CHANGE TO GRAY and DC in next 60, change to black and DC in next 4, 4 DC in redwood, 4 DC in black, 4 DC in redwood, DC in last 4 in black.
Repeat rows 11-14 until you reach row 48. Fasten off gray after row 48.
Row 49-50: 4 DC in black, 4 DC in redwood, repeat sequence until end of row. Fasten off yarn.
Row 51-52: 2 DC in redwood, 4 DC in red, repeat sequence until end of row. Fasten off yarn.

Snout:
with natural/cream yarn
Chain 10, DC in 3rd chain from hook and next 6, 3 DC in last, now working on other side, DC in each stitch, 3 DC in last, join to first DC, chain 2 (20 DC)
Round 2: 2 DC in first, DC in next 6, 2 DC in next 4, DC in next 6, 2 DC in last 3, join, chain
Round 3: 2 DC in first 2, DC in next 7, 2 DC in next 7, DC in next 7, 2 DC in last 5
Fasten off leaving long tail

Nose:
with black yarn
Magic ring, chain 2, make 6 DC, HDC, 4 SC, HDC and join, pull tight and fasten off.

Eyes: make 2
with black yarn
Magic ring, chain 1 and make 10 SC in ring, join, fasten off leaving long tail.

Stitch nose onto snout and create a little smile with black yarn if desired.

Head:
Holding a strand of pipsqueak and a strand of Bernat super value (or any worsted weight yarn) in white.
Chain 36, DC in 3rd chain from hook and the rest of the way down, chain 2, turn
Row 2-9: DC in each stitch across, chain2, turn (34 DC)
Row 10: DC Decrease, DC in next 30, DC Decrease over last two, chain 2, turn (32)
Row 11: DC Decrease, DC in next 28, DC Decrease over last two, chain 2, turn
Row 12: DC Decrease, DC in next 26, DC Decrease over last two, chain 2, turn
Row 13: DC Decrease, DC in next 24, DC Decrease over last two, chain 2, turn
Row 14: DC Decrease, DC in next 22, DC Decrease over last two, chain 2, turn
Row 15: DC Decrease, DC in next 20, DC Decrease over last two, chain 2, turn
Row 16: DC Decrease, DC in next 18, DC Decrease over last two, chain 2, turn
Row 17: SC Decrease, SC, HDC, DC, TC in next 15, DC, HDC, SC, SC Decrease over last two, fasten off leaving long tail.

Ears: make 2
Chain 11, DC in third chain from and rest of the way down chain, chain 2, turn
Row 2: DC in each stitch across (9 DC)
Row 3: DC Decrease, DC in next 5, DC Decrease over last two
Row 4: DC Decrease, DC in next 3, DC Decrease over last two
Fasten off leaving long tail

Stitch snout and eyes onto head and then stitch head/ears onto blanket. You could even make a second head for the backside!

I finished off the blanket with one round of SC stitches for the border and then made 4 large black pom-poms for the corners.

Look how well the Bernat Super Value colors match Zoe’s store bought buffalo plaid dress!! It’s pretty much an exact match!

***You may make and sell products from my patterns but if you do I ask that you link back to my post. Please do not copy and post this pattern and claim it as your own. Please do not re-publish photos as your own. 

Want more free patterns? Keep in touch on my Repeat Crafter Me Facebook Page for new pattern sneakpeeks and when they will be available on my blog! And feel free to post pictures of your finished hats and/or links to your shops on my Facebook wall so all can see. Be sure to also follow me on Instagram! I love when you tag me (@repeatcrafterme)!

It’s been a long time since I hosted a giveaway so today is the day! I am so grateful for all of your support and for following along on social media. I am blown away by your positivity and encouragement each day. I’ve been collecting some fun crochet books and accessories over the past few months and have put them all in a big basket that I will happily ship to one of you! This giveaway is open worldwide so don’t hesitate to enter using the Rafflecopter Widget at the bottom of the post!

What’s in the basket? Let me go through everything! And click the hyperlinks provided to purchase many of these items now instead of waiting to see if you win 🙂

Bernat Super Value Yarn:
I am giving you 6 skeins of Bernat Super Value yarn! This is a worsted weight yarn that I use for many of my projects. The yarn is easily washable and comes in over 50 shades so it’s perfect for so many cute crocheted pieces!

Athena’s Elements Yarn Tote:
I love this yarn tote so much that I actually own two! It is made and sold by Athena’s Elements HERE on Amazon and it is the perfect project storage organizer that lets you work tangle free, great for on-the-go and travel, and is sturdy with many pockets for all your tools.

Corner-to-Corner Lap Throws for the Family Book:
You know how much I love Corner-to-Corner Projects so a few years ago I wrote this C2C book! It features 5 cute beginner designs with graphs and how-to make the stitches included. Read more about the book HERE.

My Friend Charlie Book:
This is an adorable Children’s Book about a Penguin named Charlie. After the story, you will find a crochet pattern on how to crochet the cute penguin! Written by Samanta Fornino of FollowtheCrochet. Buy it HERE on Amazon.

GoodKnit Kisses Yarn Project Organizer & Workbook:
My friend Kristen at GoodKnit Kisses has created the most amazing project organizer and workbook! This book includes 130 tear-out worksheets for knitters, loom knitters, and crocheters. It includes project planning sheets with pattern, yarn and tool information to keep you on track with extra graph and note pages. Read more about this book and buy it now HERE.

Amamani Puzzle Balls:
Amamani is short for Amigurumi Amish Animals. They are based on the traditional Amish puzzle ball, and, as such, come apart into three segments, or rings, which have to be assembled to form your animal. You can buy this popular book HERE.

Crochet Starter Kit:
The essentials you need to get you started crocheting are all here. The kit contains five Susan Bates crochet hooks (US sizes G, H, I, J and K), one afghan hook, two yarn needles, and a Knit Chek. An instruction book with simple instructions and clear diagrams make learning easy. The book contains sixteen projects to make and includes left hand instructions. Buy it HERE.

Powered by Coffee & Yarn Mug:
The most adorable mug I have ever seen! And the words ring true for me because not one day goes by without my coffee and yarn! This mug is available for purchase at Hobby Lobby stores on the Yarn Aisle endcap.

Crochet Ball Earrings:
Cute Crochet Ball Earrings! I love these! A great way to celebrate your love of crochet by wearing these earrings by Maura Houston. Available in multiple colors and for purchase HERE on Amazon.

Enamel Pins:
Another adorable yarn novelty item from Hobby Lobby! A set of 4 enamel pins that say “Yarn Queen” “Yarn Makes Me Happy” “Let’s Roll” and “Skein on Girl.” Attach them to your project totes!

Llama Notecards:
Write your favorite person a note or a thank you on these cute llama notecards! They are blank inside. Found at Hobby Lobby stores!

Llama Ruler:
Cute ruler in the shape of a llama! A fun design and accessory to add to your crochet tools and essentials!

Now Enter the Giveaway using the Rafflecopter Widget Below!
Giveaway is open worldwide. One winner will be announced via e-mail. Giveaway open from 5/18/2019 – 5/25/2019.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I’m so happy to see the excitement around this new project I’m working on! I’m creating a Corner-to-Corner (C2C) blanket but this time I am using the Granny Stitch! The granny stitch is a crowd favorite and I’m so excited to show you that you can use this stitch while working diagonally in the corner to corner format. I’ve created a video for you with a small swatch of this project. This was the easiest way to teach both the increases and decreases. The finished blanket that I am working on will be in a separate blog post that is coming soon! There is a very special story behind this project and the colors I chose to use but I want to save that for later 🙂

Materials:
– Caron One Pound yarn in Cream and Soft Pink. 
– Caron Jumbo yarn in Baby Rainbow. 
Shop HERE at Yarnspirations.com
Get 20% off Caron One Pound with Code RCMCARON20
offer valid: May 14 to 30, 2018
– Size G Crochet Hook
– Tapestry Needle

Granny Stitch =  3 DC + chain 1
Puff Stitch =  Yarn over, insert the hook in the stitch, yarn over, draw the yarn through the stitch, yarn over, and draw the yarn through the 2 loops on the hook. In the same stitch, repeat until you have 6 loops on your hook, yarn over, and pull through all the loops.

C2C Granny Stitch Pattern:
Starting with yellow
Magic Ring, Chain 4 + 3 DC + Chain 1 + DC all in magic ring, pull tight, chain 4, turn
Row 2: working in first chain space, 3 DC + chain 1, working in last chain space, 3 DC + chain 1 + DC, chain 4, turn
Row 3: working in first chain space, 3 DC + chain 1, working in next chain space, 3 DC  + chain 1, working in last chain space, 3 DC + chain 1 + DC, chain 4, turn
Row 4: working in first chain space, 3 DC + chain 1, working in next chain space,3 DC + chain 1, working in next chain space, 3 DC  + chain 1, working in last chain space, 3 DC + chain 1 + DC, change to pink yarn, chain 4, turn
Row 5: working in first chain space, 3 DC + chain 1, working in next chain space, 3 DC  + chain 1,working in next chain space, 3 DC  + chain 1, working in next chain space, 3 DC  + chain 1, working in last chain space, 3 DC + chain 1 + DC, change to rainbow yarn, chain 5, turn
Row 6: Special Stitch (Puff Stitch) in this row!! Totally optional.
working in first chain space, Puff Stitch + chain 2, continue Puff Stitch + chain 2 in the rest of the chain spaces until last space, Puff Stitch + chain 2 + DC, change back to pink yarn, chain 4, turn
NOTE: Continue pattern as you’ve been doing with increases until ready to decrease. The tutorial below will now shows decreases for my small sample square but you will most likely want to create a larger blanket.
Row 7: SKIP first chain space, make 3 DC + chain 1 in next chain space, continue the granny stitch (3 DC + chain 1) in all chain spaces until you reach the last chain space, DC in last chain space, change to yellow yarn, chain 4, turn
Row 8: SKIP first chain space, make 3 DC + chain 1 in next chain space, continue the granny stitch (3 DC + chain 1) in all chain spaces until you reach the last chain space, DC in last chain space, chain 4, turn
Row 9: SKIP first chain space, make 3 DC + chain 1 in next chain space, continue the granny stitch (3 DC + chain 1) in all chain spaces until you reach the last chain space, DC in last chain space, chain 4, turn
Row 10: SKIP first chain space, make 3 DC + chain 1 in next chain space, 3 DC + chain 1 in next chain space, DC in last chain space, chain 4, turn
Row 11: SKIP first chain space, make 3 DC + chain 1 in next chain space, DC in last chain space, fasten off and weave in ends.

Check back soon to see my finished Granny Stitch C2C blanket! I do have one more little twist to it and a fun little back story about the blanket to tell you guys! If you get started on the C2C granny stitch be sure and tag me on social media using the hashtag #RepeatCrafterMe and if you use the same yarn please be sure to tag #Yarnspirations 🙂

*** You may make and sell products from my patterns but if you do I ask that you link back to my post. Please do not copy and post this pattern and claim it as your own. Please do not re-publish photos as your own.***

Keep in touch on my Repeat Crafter Me Facebook Page and my Repeat Crafter Me Instagram Page for new pattern sneak peeks and when they will be available on my blog! And feel free to post pictures of your finished hats and/or links to your shops on my Facebook wall so all can see.

New yarn hit stores this week and it is perfect for all your outdoor decor! Bernat Maker Outdoor is the first yarn that is specifically made for outdoor use because it’s mold and fade resistant! Available in both both striking solid shades and coordinating stripes. It is available only at JOANN Stores. Shop online HERE!

Here are the details:

• 68% Acrylic, 32% Nylon
• Gauge 5: Chunky
• Weight: 8.8 oz, 249 yds
• Knit Gauge: 12 sts and 17 rows with a 8 mm (U.S. 11) knitting needle
• Crochet Gauge: 9 sc and 10 rows with a 8 mm (U.S. L/11) crochet hook
• Machine Wash and Dryable

Check out Zoe and I during our unboxing video HERE.

The stripes yarn worked perfectly for these half and half color corner-to-corner squares. So I would start with the white and then switch to the dark blue part of the yarn for the second half of the C2C square. You will have to clip off and re-attach but the ball of yarn was just about the right amount to make these squares one at a time!

Materials:
– One ball of Bernat Maker Outdoor yarn in Stripes and Coordinating ball of solid yarn.
– Size J Crochet Hook
– Tapestry Needle
– 12 x 12 weather resistant pillow insert – like THIS one (amazon affiliate)

Here is the pixel graph you should follow. I made 4 half color squares using the Bernat Maker Outdoor stripes yarn and the corner-to-corner crochet method.

Once I made 4 of them I arranged them in different layouts. Thanks for all your votes on social media. You really can’t go wrong with any of these!

Ultimately I decided on version #1… and I am going to admit that I am kinda regretting this decision LOL! I think I should have gone for more intricate pattern like 2, 4, or 5.

I joined the squares using yarn and my tapestry needle. Be careful when weaving in your ends! Unlike worsted weight yarn where you can weave the ends through the 4-ply fibers, you have to work around the tubular strands of this yarn.

I made a backing for my pillow – just a solid blue C2C square that is 14 x14 pixels.
Here is the graph:

SC around the edges of both pieces and then SC them together. I only made SC stitches in the back loops of the edge stitches.

Stuff with a water resistant pillow! SC closed.

Thanks to JOANN stores for letting me try out this all new one-of-a-kind yarn! If you make something using Bernat Maker Outdoor please be sure to use the hashtags #Bernat #BernatMakerOutdoor and #JOANNstores on social media!

One of the most frequent questions I get asked is how do I weave in my ends, especially on corner-to-corner (C2C) crochet projects. I’ve posted a few quick videos on my Facebook page a few times over the years, but thought it warranted a full blog post to clear up any confusion!

The method I use is pretty simple: with your tapestry needle, weave in the strand 3-5 times within the same color square as the yarn strand and snip! You want to make sure you don’t weave your end in a straight line, otherwise there is a chance your project could come unraveled. So purposely weave from differently angles and directions.

Snip yarn fairly close to your project! If you have woven the strand in tightly, it won’t come unraveled!

With C2C crochet, your will sometimes get squares of the same color that are unconnected. Use your ends to your advantage! Weave the yarn over both corners of the squares that you want connected to perfect the design and image you want on your blanket.

Here is full video tutorial on how I weave in my ends!

Finished blanket post coming soon!

It’s no secret that I love C2C (Corner-to-Corner) crochet projects! And one question that  has been asked several times is “how do you make your graphs?” In this post I show you exactly how I create my graphs (short answer is Excel and Photoshop) and I also give you links to other tools you can use to create your own graphs as well!

I like to customize my own graphs and to do that I start with Microsoft Excel to create the numbered grid.

Highlight a section (I am using a small grid as an example) then go up to the “apply borders to the selection” button in your overhead menu and select “all borders.” This will give you the grid. Then you can click on the individual boxes to all sides (or just the right side and bottom) of the grid to number each box! Select the entire grid and the numbers and copy your selection.

Open Adobe Photoshop. Got to File > New > click OK. Then paste the grid into the blank file. Rasterize your layer in the layers pallet. At this point you can go ahead and fill in your squares with the paint bucket tool from your tool bar.

BUT if you need a little inspiration or help, you can use free clip art as your background image.

In this case I googled “Heart Clip Art” and chose a basic heart shape to copy and past into a new layer in photoshop. That serves as my outline in the background.

With my paint bucket tool,  I fill in the boxes to create a similar heart. Keep in mind that  you are creating a pixelated picture. So your heart won’t have smooth edges like a drawn heart. The trick is to work on the inside of your shape and not fill in every single box along the edge of your clip art.

When I am done filling in my boxes I flatten the layers and save my file! All done and ready to print out to crochet my next corner-to-corner project!

Don’t have Photoshop? Don’t worry!

Here are some other websites and applications that you can use to create your own graph:

1. Just use Excel! You can color the boxes in without having to switch over to Photoshop. Select the square you want to fill in and go to the paint bucket tool in your tool bar. You can choose a color from the paint bucket drop down menu.

2. Make your own graph with graph paper and colored pencils! I show you how to do this in THIS LIVE FACEBOOK video.
3. www.stitchfiddle.com
4. Pixel Art App for smart phones. See my post about this HERE.
5. MyPhotoStitch.com
6. www.C2CGraphs.com
7. Jordans Custom Crochet Graphs And The Hooker Next To Him
8. Bitchin graph
9. Crochet graph lobby
10. Teach Me Graphghan
11. For written instructions you can use www.CrochetWordCharts.com
12. Jilly’s Crochet Design
13. Pic2pat.com
14. Two Magic Pixels

In  addition to the list above, there are many more crochet graph groups on Facebook. Type “Crochet Graphs” in the search bar on Facebook and you will see many private and public groups that you can join!

Do you have a favorite place to create graphs that I didn’t mention? Or another technique you use? Would love to hear about it in the comments!

Happy New Year! It’s almost 2018! And to celebrate I thought I would whip up a little C2C (corner to corner) crochet banner! Each number is crocheted separately so the project goes pretty quickly. I used the fun and festive Caron Simply Soft Party Yarn that has speckles of metallic woven throughout. This piece really sparkles and shines in person! Add a little fringe and tassels for extra flair!

Materials:
– Caron Simply Soft Party Yarn in Silver and Black. Shop these colors and more shades in the same line HERE on Yarnspirations.com.

– Size H Crochet Hook. I am using the Furls Odyssey Hooks!
– Tapestry Needle
– Pixel Graph – Download HERE.

I used the Corner-to-Corner (C2C) method to crochet the graph.If you aren’t familiar with the C2C technique, I have a video class available HERE for purchase that teaches you this technique! The Crochet Crowd also has a very helpful video tutorial for FREE that shows you the basic technique of corner-to-corner crochet. Check that out HERE.

Once all of your numbers are done, add a little fringe to the bottom!

To string up, crochet a long chain (200 chains or more) and then slip stitch all the way down chain. Weave long chained rope in between the C2C squares as in picture bellow.

Have a safe and healthy New Year! Be sure to stick around and see all the new projects and FREE crochet patterns I have in store for you in 2018!

*** You may make and sell products from my patterns but if you do I ask that you link back to my post. Please do not copy and post this pattern and claim it as your own. Please do not re-publish photos as your own.***

Keep in touch on my Repeat Crafter Me Facebook Page for new pattern sneak peeks and when they will be available on my blog! And feel free to post pictures of your finished hats and/or links to your shops on my Facebook wall so all can see.

Ahhhh, Sweet November! I love this time of year as Thanksgiving preparations are in full swing and the holiday music is blasting on the radio and my favorite Christmas movies are on TV. Perfect time to cozy up and crochet!

Time to decorate your dinner table and no better way to do that than to add some crochet accents! I made a crochet table runner with the words “Give Thanks” along the center. Crochet Oak Leaves add a little flair to each end! Follow the pixel graph below or to make it super simple you can choose to make a solid color C2C runner!

The Caron Simply soft line of yarn has the perfect autumn colors for this project AND you need less than a skein of each! As you can see from the picture, I have a little ball of the Bone color left!

Materials:
– Caron Simply Soft in Dark Sage, Autumn Red, Pumpkin, Gold, Taupe (not pictured) and Bone. Shop all colors HERE on Yarnspirations.com.
– Size H Crochet Hook
– Give Thanks Pixel Graph. Download it HERE.
– Tapestry needle

Finished Size: Approximately 48 inches long and 8 inches wide (not including the leaves)

Download the Give Thanks Graph HERE.

I used the Corner-to-Corner (C2C) method to crochet the graph.If you aren’t familiar with the C2C technique, I have a video class available HERE for purchase that teaches you this technique! The Crochet Crowd also has a very helpful video tutorial for FREE that shows you the basic technique of corner-to-corner crochet. Check that out HERE.

Instead of the traditional C2C method of using DC’s and chain 3’s to make each pixel, I used HDC’s and only chained 2 (and chained 5 instead 6 on the increase stitches). This allowed me to have a smaller overall runner and tighter stitches but you can absolutely use DC stitches if that is more comfortable for you!

When you are done crocheting the main part of the runner you will need to make two triangles for each end. Just begin doing a normal C2C until it gets to 7 stitches across the top. Next you will want to transform the edge of your triangle with ridges to a smooth edge so you can sew it onto either end of your runner. See a full tutorial of this HERE when I made my Valentine’s Day runner.

Next you will work on the border.

Round 1: SC in the spaces along the edge between each pixel square and chain 2. So you will SC + Chain 2 repeating along the entire edge of your runner. Make a SC + Chain 2 + SC in the very tip of each end of your runner.

Round 2: 2 DC in each chain 2 space along the edge.
Round 3: Switch to green. 2 DC between each 2 DC cluster from the previous row. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Lastly, crochet a few Fall Oak Leaves for the ends! This pattern can be found in the new Yarnspirations Holiday Cheer Thanksgiving Lookbook! It is a simple and repetitive pattern that won’t take you very long to make.

If you also have your eye on the crochet pumpkins in the pictures above, you can also get that free pattern in the Yarnspirations Holiday Cheer Thanksgiving Lookbook!

Get the FREE Caron Harvest Pumpkin Pattern HERE

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

As promised, here is a better look at how to crochet the Candy Cane Border around blankets and afghans! I used this edging on both my Gingerbread House Advent Calendar  as well as my Christmas Lights Blanket and it really gave both pieces the most perfect (and festive) finishing touch! But beyond the Christmas holiday, the candy cane border works in any color combo on any blanket! Give it a try!

You will need two skeins of yarn in different colors. I am using Bernat Super Value in Green and Red but you can use any two colors you’d like!

Use the same size crochet hook that you used on the main portion of your project. I am using a size H crochet hook.

I am going to demonstrate this technique around a small granny square but apply this tutorial to crochet around larger blankets and projects!

Watch the video tutorial or use the picture tutorial below!

Starting at any point along the edge of your project, attach color #1 (in this case red) and chain 4. Leave hook hanging and in next stitch, attach color #2 (in this case green) and chain 4.

Put hook back in red loop and SC to join to next open stitch (the stitch next to the green) and chain 4. You are essentially overlapping the red chain 4 over the green chain 4.

Now do the same with the green. SC to join the green chain 4 to the next available stitch and chain 4.

Keep going in same pattern sequence!

Don’t be intimidated by the corners! Keep doing what you have been doing, just make 4 stitches in each corner (2 green and 2 red).

When you get to the end…

You will either have two scenarios….

Scenario #1 (as pictured below): your pattern lines up and you can just go ahead and slip stitch to attach the red chain 4 to the bottom of the beginning red chain 4 and then slip stitch to attach the green chain 4 to the bottom of the first green chain 4 you made.

Scenario #2 (as shown in the video tutorial): your pattern won’t line up and you will need to skip a stitch. No harm in skipping a stitch! You won’t be able to tell! You just want to make sure that you keep the red/green alternating pattern.

Pictures below: The green will be joined to the bottom of your starting green chain. And the red will be joined to the bottom of your starting red chain.

All that’s left is weaving in ends!

With only 22 weeks to go until Christmas, now is a great time to get started on some holiday crocheting! This Crochet Christmas Lights Blanket can be one of those projects you do on the side since it consists of crocheting THESE Christmas Lights Granny Squares. Make one a day or one a week! Lot of time to pick of this project and then put it down whenever you feel like.

Get the Pattern (and video tutorial!) for the Christmas Lights Granny Squares in THIS POST

Material List for Entire Project:
– Bernat Super Value Yarn in Berry Red, Lush Green, Bright Yellow, Magenta, Carrot Orange, Soft Grey, Black, White, and Peacock Blue. Shop all colors at Yarnspirations.com.
– Size H Crochet Hook
– Tapestry Needle

Finished Size: Approximately 35×25. Add more squares to make it longer and wider!!

Once you have made as many of the Christmas Light Granny Squares you’d like, I will now show you how to join them, add a border, and “string” the bulbs together using the surface slip stitch. The blanket pictured only has 20 squares and in person is actually pretty small. Baby blanket size. I recommend you do around 40 squares for a decent size blanket.

Feel free to block your squares! I highly recommend the Chetnanigans BlocksAll Blocking Board! You can purchase it HERE:

Use the mattress stitch to join the squares. You will line up all your squares in the layout you want them and stitch along the seams vertically and then horizontally – all the way across. Just like you are lacing up a shoes, work under the SC stitch and then over and back under the SC stitch on the opposite side. This short video tutorial should help!

Now lets get started on the border!
You will need Bernat Super Value yarn in Berry Red and Lush Green, and Soft Grey (shop these colors at Yarnspirations.com) and a size H crochet hook.
Round 1: With Soft Grey yarn, SC around the entire blanket making 2 SC + 2 chains + 2 SC in each corner. Join red yarn, chain 2
Round 2: DC in each stitch around making a DC + chain 2 + DC in each corner, join
now you will begin on your candy cane border
Round 3: with red chain 4 in first stitch, remove hook leaving chain 4 dangling. Join with green in next stitch and chain 4, remove hook leaving green chain 4 dangling. Put hook back in red chain 4 and SC to join to next open stitch (the one after the green chain 4) and chain 4, remove hook leaving red chain 4 dangling. Put hook back in green chain 4, SC to join to next open stitch, chain 4 and remove hook, continue all the way around making a total of 4 chain 4’s in each corner (two red and two green). Join to bottom of beginning chain 4.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Watch this quick video tutorial to get the hang of it! A full tutorial on the candy cane border is in the works and will be posted in a week!

PICTURE AND VIDEO TUTORIAL ON HOW TO CROCHET THE CANDY CANE BORDER IS NOW AVAILABLE HERE

Now lets use the surface slip stitch to “string” the Christmas light bulbs together!
With black yarn and size H crochet hook, surface slip stitch a curvy line, joining at the tops of each light bulb. Make it unique and unplanned! Go with the flow! If you mess up, just unravel and start again! I started in the bottom right hand corner and made one continuous “string” until I got the top left hand corner. I hope the video below helps!

Here is a view of the blanket over my 3 year old (almost 4 year old!) so you can get an idea of the size! Again, I highly suggest adding more squares if this is for an adult or a couch throw.

The backside of the blanket is not as pretty as the front but still cute and I say totally reversible! I don’t think you have to be embarrassed about covering the back.

Back of the blanket:

PS – not my usual photography here… we were staying a Lake House with the family when I finished this project 🙂

Happy Christmas in July!

Fellow Crochet Laura Jukes made a Corner-to-Corner crochet version of this blanket! I love this idea and spin-off of the my original! She followed the pixel graph below (found on Pinterest –  I can’t find the original picture post). Thanks for Laura for sharing this with us!

Have you seen the new Yarnspirations Bernat POP! yarn?! Similar to the popular Caron Cakes yarn except Bernat POP! is a 100% acrylic. Originally it was sold exclusively in select Walmart stores but it’s now available for sale online at Yarnspirations.com in 12 beautiful shades! Once I laid eyes on Bernat POP! I had a project in mind… butterflies! Because the yarn is self-striping, I knew it would be perfect to naturally create the color of the butterfly wings. And once I got started on this project I knew I was on to something! Right now I am creating a series of 6 butterflies using 6 different shades of Bernat POP! When I am finished I will post a “Part 2” to this project and show you how to make a border, join, and piece this project together. Are you as excited as I am?!

First the yarn!

I used Bernat POP! in colors:
Paisley Pop
Blue Blaze
Violet Vision
Scarlet Sizzle
Planetary
Lipstick On Your Collar

You will only need one cake of each color for each butterfly. The color change you see in my butterflies is the natural color change!

I’m not quite finished yet but I know you guys are anxious for the pattern. I don’t want to keep you waiting any longer!

First you will need to download the graph. Don’t worry, the written pattern is below as well.
You can absolutely crochet this graph any way you’d like: SC, DC, C2C, etc. But I used DC stitches and this is what I recommend for this particular project to achieve the same size and striping as what you see in my pictures.

Finished Size = 29 inches wide x 19 inches tall

Keep in mind that I made TWO DOUBLE CROCHET stitches for every square box you see on the graph. Follow the graph working row by row (back and forth) making two DC for every box you see. I left the wings of the butterfly blank because that is where you will be using the Bernat POP color! I am also providing the written pattern below if that is easier for you!

DOWNLOAD THE BUTTERFLY PIXEL GRAPH HERE

Another important piece of info is that the Chain 3 counts as the first DC in the beginning of each row. Here is a visual of where to start the first stitch in each row so you don’t accidentally make an extra DC.

Here is a quick video tutorial on how I carried the black and white yarn in the middle portion of the butterfly.

Materials:
– Bernat POP! Yarn (1 skein for each butterfly) Shop all colors at Yarnspirations.com.
– Bernat Super Value in White and Black (approximately1 skein for every two butterflies)
– Size H Crochet Hook
– large tapestry needle

w = white
b = black
pop = Bernat POP!

Important: chain 3 counts as your first DC of every row.

(w) Chain 94, DC in 4th chain from hook and rest of the way down chain (92 DC – the chain 3 counts as DC), chain 3 turn

Row 2: (w) DC in first 25 stitches, (b) 10 DC, (w) DC in next 20 stitches, (b) DC in next 10, (w) DC in next 26 stitches, chain 3, turn

Row 3: (w) DC in first 21, (b) DC in next 16, (w) DC in next 16, (b) DC in next 16, (w) DC in last 22, chain3, turn

Row 4: (w) DC in first 19, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 10, (b) DC in next 6, (w) DC in next 12, (b) DC in next 6, (pop) DC in next 10, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in last 20, chain 3, turn

Row 5: (w) DC in first 17, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 12, (b) DC in next 6, (w) DC in next 12, (b), DC in next 6, (pop) DC in next 12, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in last 18, chain 3, turn

Row 6: (w) DC in first 15, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 16, (b) DC in next 6, (w) DC in next 8, (b) DC in next 6, (pop) DC in next 16, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in last 16, chain 3, turn

Row 7: (w) DC in first 13, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 18, (b) DC in next 6, (w) DC in next 8, (b) DC in next 6, (pop) DC in next 18, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in last 14, chain 3, turn

Row 8: (w) DC in first 11, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 20, (b) DC in next 6, (w) DC in next 2, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in next 2, (b) DC in next 6, (pop) DC in next 20, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in last 12, chain 3, turn

Row 9: (w) DC in first 11, (b) DC in next 2, (pop) DC in next 24, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in next 2, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in next 2, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 24, (b) DC in next 2, (w) DC in last 12, chain 3, turn

Row 10: (w) DC in first 11, (b) DC in next 2, (pop) DC in next 26, (b) DC in next 12, (pop) DC in next 26, (b) DC in next 2, (w) DC in last 12, chain 3, turn

Row 11: (w) DC in first 11, (b) DC in next 2, (pop) DC in next 26, (b) DC in next 12, (pop) DC in next 26, (b) DC in next 2, (w) DC in last 12, chain 3, turn

Row 12: (w) DC in first 11, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 26, (b) DC in next 8, (pop) DC in next 26, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in last 12, chain 3, turn

Row 13: (w) DC in first 13, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 24, (b) DC in next 8, (pop) DC in next 24, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in last 14, chain 3, turn

Row 14: (w) DC in first 13, (b) DC in next 8, (pop) DC in next 20, (b) DC in next 8, (pop) DC in next 20, (b) DC in next 8, (w) DC in last 14, chain 3, turn

Row 15: (w) DC in first 15, (b) DC in next 12, (pop) DC in next 14, (b) DC in next 8, (pop) DC in next 14, (b) DC in next 12, (w) DC in last 16, chain 3, turn

Row 16: (w) DC in first 15, (b) DC in next 60, (w) DC in last 16, chain 3, turn

Row 17: (w) DC in first 9, (b) DC in next 10, (pop) DC in next 22, (b) DC in next 8, (pop) DC in next 22, (b) DC in next 10, (w) DC in last 10, chain 3, turn

Row 18: (w) DC in first 7, (b) DC in next 8, (pop) DC in next 26, (b) DC in next 8, (pop) DC in next 26, (b) DC in next 8, (w) DC in last 8, chain 3, turn

Row 19: (w) DC in first 7, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 30, (b) DC in next 8, (pop) DC in next 30, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in last 8, chain 3, turn

Row 20: (w) DC in first 5, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 32, (b) DC in next 8, (pop) DC in next 32, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in last 6, chain 3, turn

Row 21: (w) DC in first 5, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 32, (b) DC in next 8, (pop) DC in next 32, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in last 6, chain 3, turn

Row 22: (w) DC in first 5, (b) DC in next 2, (pop) DC in next 34, (b) DC in next 8, (pop) DC in next 34, (b) DC in next 2, (w) DC in last 6, chain 3, turn

Row 23: (w) DC in first 5, (b) DC in next 2, (pop) DC in next 34, (b) DC in next 8, (pop) DC in next 34, (b) DC in next 2, (w) DC in last 6, chain 3, turn

Row 24: (w) DC in first 5, (b) DC in next 2, (pop) DC in next 32, (b) DC in next 12, (pop) DC in next 32, (b) DC in next 2, (w) DC in last 6, chain 3, turn

Row 25: (w) DC in first 5, (b) DC in next 2, (pop) DC in next 30, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in next 2, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in next 2, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 30, (b) DC in next 2, (w) DC in last 6, chain 3, turn

Row 26: (w) DC in first 5, (b) DC in next 2, (pop) DC in next 28, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in next 4, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in next 4, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 28, (b) DC in next 2, (w) DC in last 6, chain 3, turn

Row 27: (w) DC in first 3, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 26, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in next 6, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in next 6, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 26, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in last 4, chain 3, turn

Row 28: (w) DC in first 3, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 24, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in next 6, (b) DC in next 2, (w) DC in next 4, (b) DC in next 2, (w) DC in next 6, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 24, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in last 4, chain 3, turn

Row 29: (w) DC in first 3, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 22, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in next 6, (b) DC in next 2, (w) DC in next 8, (b) DC in next 2, (w) DC in next 6, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 22, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in last 4, chain 3, turn

Row 30: (w) make one DC, (b) DC in next 6, (pop) DC in next 20, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in next 6, (b) DC in next 2, (w) DC in next 12, (b) DC in next 2, (w) DC in next 6, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 20, (b) DC in next 6, (w) DC in last 2, chain 3, turn

Row 31: (w) make one DC, (b) DC in next 6, (pop) DC in next 18, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in next 6, (b) DC in next 2, (w) DC in next 16, (b) DC in next 2, (w) DC in next 6, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 18, (b) DC in next 6, (w) DC in last 2, chain 3, turn

Row 32: (w) make one DC, (b) DC in next 6, (pop) DC in next 16, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in next 36, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 16, (b) DC in next 6, (w) DC in last 2, chain 3, turn

Row 33: (w) make one DC, (b) DC in next 8, (pop) DC in next 12, (b) DC in next 4, (w) DC in next 40, (b) DC in next 4, (pop) DC in next 12, (b) DC in next 8, (w) DC in last 2, chain 3, turn

Row 34: (w) make one DC, (b) DC in next 12, (pop) DC in next 4, (b) DC in next 6, (w) DC in next 44, (b) DC in next 6, (pop) DC in next 4, (b) DC in next 12, (w) DC in last 2, chain 3, turn

Row 35: (w) make on DC, (b) DC in next 20, (w) DC in next 48, (b) DC in next 20, (w) DC in last 2, chain 3, turn

Row 36: (w) DC in first 3, (b) DC in next 14, (w) DC in next 56, (b) DC in next 14, DC in last 4, chain 3, turn

Row 37: (w) DC in each stitch across (92 DC)

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Paisley Pop

Scarlet Sizzle

Blue Blaze

Violet Vision

Planetary

Lipstick On Your Collar

In the next post I will show you what border I am using and how to join these butterflies to make a larger afghan!

So tell me, which color is your favorite?!
Personally, I really love how the Scarlet Sizzle turned out!

My crochet buddy Tamara Kelly (the talent designer behind the blog Moogly) wrote a book! And it’s a massive compilation of fast and easy projects for around your house. “Quick Crochet For the Home: 20 Projects to Liven Up the Room” has decor ideas to suit any crocheter and yarn lover! I personally love to add a few handmade touches around my house and I found so many projects in this book that I had to immediately put on my to-do list. One project that I couldn’t wait to start was the Chevron Cuddles Blanket! It first appealed to me because I noticed you follow a pixel graph to create the blanket (kinda like my C2C projects!) and you only need to use one stitch: the double crochet. I was able to crochet this blanket in 2 days so it really was a quick to work up! Yay for repetitive stitches! Plus it took less than one skein of each color (I used Bernat Super Value yarn). This will make such a lovely baby gift!

Francis the Fox pictured with the blanket. You can find the free fox pattern HERE.

This lovely pink version is the one featured in the book 🙂

Tamara is known for her easy to follow patterns and tutorials which definitely carried over into her book. Tons of stitch graphs, detailed instructions, and beautiful photos included on every page. Speaking of pages, there are 126 of them in this book! You will be getting your money’s worth and more! You can purchase the book right now on AMAZON! Treat yourself!

Here is a peek at some of the other fabulous projects in the book! The PURPLE POUF is amazing!

Congrats Tamara! Follow her crochet blog Moogly HERE.

I have more exciting news for you guys! A little over a week ago I told you guys that I authored my first book, Corner-to-Corner Lap Throws for the Family. Everyone has been so supportive. You blew me away with the kinds words and purchase orders, making my book a #1 Best Seller on Amazon in the crocheting category! Yay! Well now I am excited to tell you that in addition to the book, I also filmed a video class with Annie’s!! Learn Corner-to-Corner Crochet teaches you the C2C technique and walks you through each step of how to make an adorable baby blanket by following the graph, crocheting each stitch, changing colors, adding borders, joining, and more! This is a step-by-step video so you actually see first hand how it is done. Many of you have been asking for a C2C video tutorial for some time now and I hope this online video class will answer all of your questions and show you how easy this technique truly is!

I encourage you to take a look at the promo video so you can get and idea of what is included in my video class:

In Learn Corner-to-Corner Crochet you’ll learn how to:

• Work the corner-to-corner pattern to make solid and multicolored squares.
• Read and work from a graph to create adorable animal squares.
• Join squares into a blanket using Mattress Stitch.
• Add single crochet edging to squares and the outside edge of your blanket.

Class includes complete step-by-step instructions and graphs to complete a precious animal-themed baby blanket. This special blanket will be the hit of the next baby shower! The lucky mom-to-be will be thrilled to receive such a thoughtful gift.

Annie’s online classes include downloadable and printable class patterns in PDF format in addition to the online video content. You can view online classes at your convenience, 24/7, 365 days a year from any mobile device, both tablet and non-tablet (phones, iPod Touch, etc.) but classes are best viewed on tablets or computers. All Annie’s online classes and DVDs have closed captioning.

CLICK HERE to find more class information and to purchase for immediate download! 
For one week only you can enjoy 20% off the purchase price! Enter keycode ZIMCRNR at the checkout or CLICK HERE for the coupon!
(this coupon expires October 21st at midnight)

Annie’s films their classes in the small Amish town of Berne, Indiana. I flew out there this past summer and it was such a cool experience to see what goes into the making of a crochet class and to explore the little  town. Here are a few fun pictures of my trip!

The Clock Tower in downtown Berne.

Behind the camera! Coffee was a must during the long days of filming 🙂

I had the pleasure of meeting fellow crochet Jennifer Pionk of A Crocheted Simplicity!
Keep your eye out on her blog because she has a video class coming out soon too!!

Now how about a GIVEAWAY!! Enter to win my class Learn Corner-to-Corner Crochet for FREE!
There will be two winners drawn to increase your chances! Open worldwide! Enter using the rafflecopter widget below.

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I have something exciting to tell you guys! I wrote a crochet book! And it features one of my favorite techniques: C2C crochet! Corner-to-Corner Lap Throws for the Family includes 5 super cute designs: Woodland Animals, Snowman, Simple Stripes, Sheep, and a Sweet Dreams Baby Blanket. If you aren’t familiar with C2C, instead of a written pattern, you follow a pixel graph which allows you to incorporate virtually any character or image you want into a crochet blanket. Don’t worry, this book includes detailed how-to instructions, step-by-step photos, charts, and written instructions all in a 20 page softbound book published by Annie’s Publishing!

CLICK HERE TO BUY IT NOW

The woodland animal blanket has 4 parts to it: a fox, owl, hedgehog, and raccoon! So you are actually getting 4 designs in one blanket that you can mix and match or use individually. You won’t be able to resist this one and it’s perfect for the Fall season!

The super cute snowman is going to be a big hit this winter! An easy design that you must add to your Christmas crochet to-do list!

If you are new to the C2C technique, you may want to start with simple stripes! A bold look that works up quickly. You will get the hang of it in no time – I promise!

A little sheep makes a cute rug or extend the border to make the blanket even larger! A detailed tutorial on how to crochet borders around your blankets is outlined in the book 🙂

Sweet dreams little one! You can even include writing in your C2C blankets! The moon and star design is adorable plus you can feel free to easily change the background color.

Currently, Corner-to-Corner Lap Throws For the Family is available on Amazon for Pre-Order or you can BUY IT NOW straight from the Annie’s Publishing website in two formats: The paperback book for $8.99 or electronic download. Electronic download is available as a PDF and in formats compatible with your e-reader.

Thank you so much to all my Repeat Crafter Me readers and social media followers who have supported me through my years of blogging and crocheting! I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to write a book without your encouragement and love of my patterns and designs. Your positive comments and reassuring words have kept me going 🙂

I would like to GIVE AWAY 5 copies of my book! 5 winners will each receive a copy of Corner-to-Corner Lap Throws for the Family. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Open worldwide!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I’ve been enjoying the last few weeks of summer with a little coffee and crochet at the beach! That’s the benefit to living in Southern California, there is a beach around every corner and I am taking full advantage. Even with my toes in the sand, you won’t find me without my crochet tote and iced coffee 🙂 And Starbucks has all the summer essentials! I love being able to pick up their newest beverages in the grocery stores including Starbucks Refreshers Revitalizing Energy with Coconut Water in two flavors – Black Cherry Limeade & Peach Passion Fruit, Starbucks Doubleshot Energy Coffee Drinks, and everyones favorite Starbucks Bottled Frappuccino drinks!

Starbucks has the trendiest tumblers and I couldn’t resist stocking up on a few new ones 🙂 You gotta check out THIS Pineapple Tumber!

Of course I can’t talk about coffee without giving you a little coordinating craft! These Crochet Coffee Mug Keychains are  so cute and simple to make! A fun little accessory for every coffee lover!

Materials:
– Worsted Weight Yarn in main mug color, brown, and a strand of black to stitch on the mouth.
– Size G Crochet Hook
– 6mm Safety Eyes (only if you want to add a face)
– Poly-fil fiber stuffing (or scrap yarn to stuff your mug)
– Keychain rings. I purchase mine on Amazon. HERE is my affiliate link!
– Tapestry needle

Abbreviations:
Magic Ring
SC = Single Crochet
SC Decrease = Single Crochet Decrease

Mug Pattern:
With main mug color
Magic ring, chain 1 and make 10 SC in ring, join to first SC and chain 1
Round 2: 2 SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1
Round 3-7: SC in each stitch around, join chain 1
Round 8: in front loops only, SC in each stitch around, join, chain 10, slip stitch down chain (this is your handle), fasten off leaving long tail. Secure both ends of handle onto side of mug using a tapestry needle and loose end.
Round 9: with brown yarn and working in the back loops of round 8, SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1
Round 10: SC decrease, SC in next, repeat around, join, chain 1
Add safety eyes, stitch on mouth, and stuff with poly-fil or scrap yarn.
Round 11: SC decrease until closed. You may need to use your tapestry needle to stitch the last of it closed. Leave long tail to stitch on keychain ring.

So why am I talking coffee you ask? In case you missed some of my previous posts, I am part of the Starbucks blogger community! You already know my love of crochet, but my love of coffee is strong too and they make a perfect pair! So a few times a year I will be reviewing a Starbucks beverage and bringing you a coffee related craft project!

If you enjoyed this post, you may like my past Starbucks projects:

Starbucks Fall Coffee and Pumpkin Spice Paperclip Bookmarks

Thank you to Starbucks for providing product for me to review. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions about the coffee and other products are 100% my own!

Are you loving the new Bernat Maker Home Dec yarn as much as I am but need some project inspiration?! Look no further! Yarnspirations has published a brand new lookbook full of free patterns using Bernat Maker Home Dec yarn! The Cast Away ebook is full of summer themed projects. I love the breezy beachy feel to each one and immediately had to make the Catch A Wave pillow! You can download the lookbook HERE to see all of the projects. If you haven’t had a chance to pick up the Bernat Maker yarn yet, you need to get your hands on some. It’s a tubular yarn with a soft, jersey t-shirt feel that is perfect for home projects likes rugs, blankets, and pillows! Available for purchase at Michaels Craft Stores and Yarnspirations.com.

The Catch A Wave pillow was such a fun project and great addition to my Southern California decor! By following a pixel graph, I used SC stitches to create the wave picture on the front of the pillow. BUT don’t feel limited. That graph would make such a nice C2C project as well!

So I have to make a confession… I didn’t weave in my ends 🙂 I hid them on the inside of my pillow! This pillow is for my personal home decor so I’m not too worried about it, but if you are giving it as a gift I would suggest securing those ends. But it was nice to be able to make color changes and fasten off my yarn in many spots and not worry about those darn ends!

Here is a little video of me stitching up the last side of the pillow:

Get the FREE Yarnspirations Cast Away Lookbook HERE

Can’t wait to see your waves!
Be sure to tag @repeatcrafterme and @yarnspirations when you share your projects on social media!

Don’t forget about my Reversible Spike Stitch Pillow also made with Bernat Maker Home Dec yarn!
It compliments the Catch A Wave pillow nicely 🙂 You can find the pattern HERE.

Recently I stumbled across a neat crochet tool and immediately felt the need to show you guys this awesome product! My Crochet Project Bible is handy-dandy notebook that you can use to record and track up to 50 of your crochet projects! This eliminates confusion as to what type of yarn and size hook you are using, where the pattern is, and more… especially when you have multiple works in progress!

The inside cover pages include a useful guide on recommended sizes, stitch abbreviations and so on, plus plenty of space for notes, amendments, doodles or diagrams!

You can log all of your crucial project info along with any notes you like to make as you work through a project. I REALLY LOVE the graph pages. In the picture above I sketched out my Bright and Bulky Bernat Square Blanket and made notes about the pattern. But for those of you who are C2C obsessed like me the graph paper is going to really come in handy! I have a new C2C (corner-to-corner crochet) design in progress but wasn’t quite ready to show you guys 🙂

You can purchase My Crochet Project Bible by Stationery Geek HERE.

And be sure to follow Stationery Geek on their social media site! You don’t want to miss their other awesome products!
Stationery Geek FACEBOOK
Stationery Geek TWITTER
Stationery Geek INSTAGRAM
Stationery Geek WEBSITE

I am personally giving away two My Crochet Project Bible notebooks!
Giveaway is open worldwide. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to Lucy, Chief Geek at Stationery Geek for providing with a copy of My Crochet Project Bible to review. I was not compensated for this post and all thoughts and opinions about the product are my own. Giveaway is hosted and funded by me (Repeat Crafter Me)! 

If you are addicted to Corner-to-Corner (C2C) crochet graphgans like I am, you may be anxious to start creating your own graphs. It’s actually really simple – so easy a kid can do it! With the help of the PixelArt App my boys have been drawing lots of pixel graph pictures. And I’ve been having fun making them come to life with crochet!

There are many websites and applications that you can use to create freehand Pixel Graphs. Here is a list of several to get you started:
PixelArt App is what my kids use. A very simple 16×16 graph with just a handful of colors that are easy for them to select with a touch of a finger.

But for a larger graph and more color options you will want to use one of the sites listed below!

Pixelartor.com
Makepixelart.com
Piskelapp.com
Pixelartmaker.com
Pixilart.net

Looking for pre-made pixel graphs and characters? Browse Perler Bead Patterns (also called Melty or Fusion Beads) on sites like KandiPatterns.com or use Google Images and search for “Perler Bead Patterns” or “Cross Stitch Pattern.” Friendship Bracelet Patterns is another good resource and keyword to search for. Don’t forget to browse Pinterest as well!

Stay tuned for a follow-up blog post on how to transform a picture into a pixel graph!

Corner-to-Corner crochet graphgans are made by working in one corner and working diagonally as you follow the graph, crocheting squares for every pixel box. (each square is made up of a chain 3 + 3 DC stitches). I have a few video demonstrations in THIS POST.

Looking for a line of yarn with lots of color options? Bernat Super Value has a wide selection and is a wonderful worsted weight yarn to work with! See all 80 shades HERE.

One of my closest friends just had a baby boy! I knew I wanted to crochet her something but wasn’t sure what… But after picking up a set of Just One You Made by Carter’s set of lion themed items, I knew exactly what I would make! This Little Lion Lovey blanket is quick and easy! A 21 x 21 C2C (corner-to-corner) project that you can easily crochet in an afternoon. This graph pattern is just slightly bigger than my Christmas Squares! Add a thick border to give it a bit more width, length, and a pretty finished edge.

Materials:
– Size H Crochet Hook
– Worsted Weight Yarn. I used Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in Toffee, Silver Blue, Beige, and White. Love that these colors matched the Carter’s set perfectly!
– Tapestry Needle

Finished size: approximately 21 x 21 inches including the border. The graph is also 21 x 21 squares. About big enough to be a carseat blanket or just a comfort lovey blanket.

I used the graph from THIS math coloring page but made a few alterations. You can download my edited version HERE.

Here is the written pattern for the color changes:
Row 1: 1 Blue
Row 2: 2 Blue
Row 3: 3 Blue
Row 4: 4 Blue
Row 5: 5 Blue
Row 6: 6 Blue
Row 7: 7 Blue
Row 8: 8 Blue
Row 9: 2 Blue, 1 Beige, 6 Blue
Row 10: 7 Blue, 1 Beige, 2 Blue
Row 11: 2 Blue, 2 Beige, 3 Blue, 2 Brown, 2 Blue
Row 12: 3 Blue, 1 Brown, 2 Blue, 4 Beige, 2 Blue
Row 13: 2 Blue, 5 Beige, 4 Brown, 2 Blue
Row 14: 3 Blue, 3 Brown, 1 Blue, 5 Beige, 2 Blue
Row 15: 2 Blue, 6 Beige, 5 Brown, 2 Blue
Row 16: 3 Blue, 2 Brown, 1 Beige, 2 Brown, 5 Beige, 3 Blue
Row 17: 4 Blue, 4 Beige, 2 Brown, 2 Beige, 3 Brown, 2 Blue
Row 18: 3 Blue, 2 Brown, 2 Beige, 1 White, 2 Brown, 5 Beige, 3 Blue
Row 19: 3 Blue, 2 Beige, 1 Blue, 2 Beige, 2 Brown, 2 White, 2 Beige, 3 Brown, 2 Blue
Row 20: 3 Blue, 2 Brown, 3 Beige, 2 White, 2 Brown, 4 Blue, 1 Beige, 3 Blue
Row 21: 3 Blue, 1 Beige, 3 Blue, 3 Brown, 3 White, 1 Beige, 1 Brown, 1 Beige, 2 Brown, 3 Blue
Stare Decrease Rows
Row 22: 3 Blue, 2 Brown, 2 Beige, 2 Brown, 2 White, 2 Brown, 4 Blue, 1 Beige, 2 Blue
Row 23: 2 Blue, 1 Beige, 2 Blue, 3 Brown, 1 Beige, 2 White, 1 Brown, 2 Beige, 3 Brown, 2 Blue
Row 24: 3 Blue, 2 Brown, 2 Beige, 1 Brown, 3 Beige, 2 Brown, 2 Blue, 1 Beige, 2 Blue
Row 25: 2 Blue, 1 Brown, 1 Blue, 3 Brown, 5 Beige, 3 Brown, 2 Blue
Row 26: 3 Blue, 2 Brown, 4 Beige, 2 Brown, 5 Blue
Row 27: 4 Blue, 3 Brown, 1 Beige, 1 Brown, 1 Beige, 3 Brown, 2 Blue
Row 28: 3 Blue, 2 Brown, 2 Beige, 2 Brown, 5 Blue
Row 29: 4 Blue, 3 Brown, 1 Beige, 3 Brown, 2 Blue
Row 30: 3 Blue, 4 Brown, 5 Blue
Row 31: 4 Blue, 5 Brown, 2 Blue
Row 32: 3 Blue, 2 Brown, 5 Blue
Row 33: 4 Blue, 3 Brown, 2 Blue
Row 34: 8 Blue
Row 35: 7 Blue
Row 36: 6 Blue
Row 37: 5 Blue
Row 38: 4 Blue
Row 39: 3 Blue
Row 40: 2 Blue
Row 41: 1 Blue

Border:
With blue
Round 1: SC around making 2 SC on the edge of each “pixel square.” In the corners make SC + 2 Chains + SC all in one stitch.
Round 2-3: SC in each stitch around except SC + 2 Chains+ SC in the corners.
Change to Beige
Round 4-6: SC in each stitch around except SC + 2 Chains+ SC in the corners.
Change White
Round 7: SC in each stitch around except SC + 2 Chains+ SC in the corners.
Round 8: To make the Slanted Scallop Border: *DC + HDC +SC all in stitch, skip one stitch, Slip stitch to next, continue from * around. Except the corners: Make 4 DC in each corner.

Roll it up and tie with a ribbon! A “[Hand]Made with Love” tag completes the package.
I found the one pictured at Michaels Craft Store.

Nervous about starting a C2C project? Not sure where to begin or how to read the graph? Stay tuned for a detailed tutorial on how to make a C2C blanket coming next week! Featuring this cute Owl design which will be available on the Lion Brand Yarn Blog 🙂
Add it to your to-do list!

It’s finished! I am proud to show you my completed Crochet Christmas Character Afghan! This was a really fun project that turned into an impromptu CAL (crochet-along) and ultimately becoming a creative outlet for so many of you who were following along. I gave you 9 squares and you guys ran with it, creating handfuls of other Christmas themed pixel squares! I love seeing everyones version of this project. Be sure to use the hashtag #ChristmasCharacterAfghan and tag me @RepeatCrafterMe when posting on social media!

So lets talk a little about this project!

Finished Size: 65×50 inches

It consist of 9 square graphs that are 25×25 pixels. I used the C2C (corner-to-corner) technique to crochet each square.  Follow THIS VIDEO DEMONSTRATION by The Crochet Crowd for more explanation on how to crochet C2C afghans.  I used a size F (3.75mm) hook and worsted weight yarn . Specifically Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice  in Kelly Green, Fern Green, Silver Grey, Scarlet Red, Honey, Toffee, Mustard yellow, Little Boy Blue (this color is being discontinued), Colonial Blue, Black, White, Pink, Cranberry (dark red), Beige, and Terracotta orange. I am not sure exactly how much of each color I used since I picked through my stash, ran out to get yarn when needed, and carried leftover from one square into the next… to be on the safe side for each square I would suggest getting two of the colors that are main background colors or frequently used in the square (like Santa’s beard).

VERY IMPORTANT: Instead of the traditional C2C method of using DC’s and chain 3’s to make each pixel, I used HDC’s and only chained 2 (and chained 5 instead 6 on the increase stitches). This allowed me to have a smaller overall afghan square, measuring approximately 15×15 inches. You can absolutely use the traditional method but your square will be much larger and your overall afghan will be much larger as well once you sew them all together.

You do not have to use the C2C method either! You can take this graph and make a standard SC graphgan. This will produce nice small squares (think 25 single crochets wide and tall) that will be perfect for a standard size blanket. You could also make Pixel Granny Squares and use the graphs I post to create separate character blankets. There is also the Bobble Stitch method as well! So many ways to use these graphs!

All of the pixel graphs are available for free download and have written patterns for the colors changes. Use the highlighted links below to view each individual post.

1. Santa 
2. Christmas Tree
3. Frosty the Snowman
4. Santa’s Sleigh
5. Elf
6. Gingerbread Man
7. Wreath
8. Rudolph 
9. Christmas Stocking
10. Candy Cane BONUS square and other pixel graph options
11. Merry Christmas Banners

How to connect your squares and make a border:

First thing you will need to do is determine what color you want to join your squares with and use for the border. As you can see I chose white! It took me 3 skeins for all the borders and joins.

DC around all of your squares, making a DC + 2 chains + DC in each corner.
NOTE: you should have already SC around each square in that specific squares background color.

I stitched my squares together by weaving the yarn with a tapestry needle under the tops of the double crochets, back and forth… almost like you are lacing it together. Then I went around the other side and did the same thing. This makes a very solid, tight join which you will need for this heavy blanket. I’m not sure if this stitch has a technical name. It is close to the mattress stitch but not exactly.

After all of your squares and the top and bottom banners are sewn together, you are ready for your border!

With white, DC around the entire edge make a DC + Chain 2 + DC in the corners. Then using red yarn, crab stitch (this is a reverse SC) around the entire blankets making a Crab stitch + Chain 1 + Crab stitch in the corners. I think THIS VIDEO gives a good visual on how to make the crab stitch. 

And just because I know you are all curious, here is what the backside of the blanket looks like!

I hope you have enjoyed this project as much as I have! If you need help with your C2C squares, feel free to join my Repeat Crafter Me Crochet Facebook Group! Hundreds of fellow crocheters are also working on this project, asking good questions and getting great answers!

*** You may make and sell products from my patterns but if you do I ask that you link back to my post. Please do not copy and post this pattern and claim it as your own. Please do not re-publish photos as your own.***

Want more free patterns? Keep in touch on my Repeat Crafter Me Facebook Page for new pattern sneak peeks and when they will be available on my blog! And feel free to post pictures of your finished hats and/or links to your shops on my Facebook wall so all can see. Be sure to also follow me on Instagram! I love when you tag me (@repeatcrafterme)! NEW!! I would love for you to join my brand newprivate Facebook group: Repeat Crafter Me Crochet. Tons of kind and supportive women with crocheting skills of all levels. Post your current projects, ask questions, and get inspired!

I promised you one last embellishment to the Crochet Christmas Character Afghan! A top and bottom Merry Christmas word border are the final pieces of my blanket and now I will be able to stitch it together (tutorial on that coming soon!). The word graphs are worked corner-2-corner like the rest of the blanket. I turned my graph sideways and started working for the bottom right up to the top left. Since these graphs aren’t square, you will need to make increase rows on one side and decrease rows on the other side for most of the pattern. Follow THIS VIDEO DEMONSTRATION by The Crochet Crowd for more explanation on how to crochet C2C afghans. Just like my squares I used a size F (3.75mm) hook and worsted weight yarn . Specifically Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice  in White and Scarlet Red (for the background and words), and Little Boy Blue, Mustard, Scarlet, and Fern Green for the Christmas lights.  And just like before I used HDC’s instead of the traditional C2C method of using DC’s.

If you are just joining in, you can find the squares to make this Christmas Character Afghan by following the links below:

1. Santa 
2. Christmas Tree
3. Frosty the Snowman
4. Santa’s Sleigh
5. Elf
6. Gingerbread Man
7. Wreath
8. Rudolph 
9. Christmas Stocking
10. Candy Cane BONUS square and other pixel graph options

I do want to mention that the only problem with the word graphs is that the backside is a mirror image… meaning that the words will be backwards when you flip the afghan over.

This is what the back looks like:

You can download the Merry Christmas Pixel Graph HERE

Written pattern for the “MERRY”  and “CHRISTMAS” color changes by fellow crocheter and RCM follower, Claudia Melgar! Thanks Claudia!

Color Chart:
W = White
R = Red
B = Blue
Y = Yellow
G = Green
BL = Black

Row 1 to 8 all White (W)
Row 9 – 1W 3G 5W
Row 10 – 5W 4G 1W
Row 11 – 2W 4G 5W
///////////// START DECREASE //////////////
Row 12 – 6W 3G 2W
Row 13 – 3W 4G 4W
Row 14 – 4W 4G 3W
Row 15 – 4W 3G 1BL 3W
Row 16 – 3W 1BL 2G 5W
Row 17 – 2W 3Y 6W
Row 18 – 5W 4Y 2W
Row 19 – 3W 4Y 4W
Row 20 – 5W 3Y 3W
Row 21 – 4W 4Y 3W
Row 22 – 3W 4Y 4W
Row 23 – 5W 3Y 1BL 2W
Row 24 – 2W 1BL 2Y 6W
Row 25 – 11W
Row 26 – 11W
Row 27 – 2W 1R 8W
Row 28 – 7W 2R 2W
Row 29 – 3W 2R 6W
Row 30 – 3W 4R 4W
Row 31 – 5W 4R 2W
Row 32 – 2W 1R 1W 1R 3W 1R 2W
Row 33 – 2W 1R 3W 1R 4W
Row 34 – 3W 1R 3W 1R 3W
Row 35 – 2W 1R 1W 2R 1W 2R 2W
Row 36 – 2W 1R 1W 5R 2W
Row 37 – 3W 2R 1W 2R 3W
Row 38 – 3W 1R 1W 2R 1W 1R 2W
Row 39 – 2W 1R 2W 2R 1W 1R 2W
Row 40 – 2W 3R 2W 1R 3W
Row 41 – 2W 1R 1W 2R 1W 2R 2W
Row 42 – 2W 1R 1W 5R 2W
Row 43 – 3W 2R 1W 2R 3W
Row 44 – 3W 1R 1W 2R 1W 1R 2W
Row 45 – 2W 1R 2W 2R 1W 1R 2W
Row 46 – 2W 3R 3W 1R 2W
Row 47 – 2W 1R 4W 2R 2W
Row 48 – 2W 1R 4W 2R 2W
Row 49 – 3W 2R 1W 1R 4W
Row 50 – 2W 1R 1W 3R 1W 1R 2W
Row 51 – 2W 2R 1W 2R 1W 1R 2W
Row 52 – 2W 3R 1W 2R 3W
Row 53 – 4W 2R 1W 2R 2W
Row 54 – 2W 1R 1W 2R 5W
Row 55 – 2W 1R 1W 4R 3W
Row 56 – 2W 4R 1W 2R 2W
Row 57 – 3W 3R 5W
Row 58 – 4W 3R 4W
Row 59 – 5W 2R 4W
Row 60 – 3W 2R 6W
Row 61 – 7W 1R 3W
Row 62 – 2W 1R 8W
Row 63 – 11W
Row 64 – 6W 3B 2W
Row 65 – 2W 4B 5W
Row 66 – 4W 4B 3W
Row 67 – 3W 3B 5W
Row 68 – 3W 4B 4W
Row 69 – 4W 4B 3W
Row 70 – 2W 1BL 3B 1W 3R 1W
Row 71 – 1W 4R 1W 2B 1BL 2W
Row 72 – 5W 4R 2W
Row 73 – 2W 3R 6W
Row 74 – 4W 4R 3W
Row 75 – 3W 4R 4W
Row 76 – 3W 1BL 3R 4W
Row 77 – 5W 2R 1BL 3W
///////////// START DECREASE //////////////
Row 78 – 10W
Rows 79 to 87 all White (W)

Color Chart:
W = White
R = Red
B = Blue
G = Green
BL = Black

Row 1 to 8 all White (W)
Row 9 – 1W 3B 5W
Row 10 – 5W 4B 1W
Row 11 – 2W 4B 5W
///////////// START DECREASE //////////////
Row 12 – 6W 3B 2W
Row 13 – 3W 4B 4W
Row 14 – 4W 4B 3W
Row 15 – 4W 3B 1BL 3W
Row 16 – 3W 1BL 2B 2W 1R 2W
Row 17 – 2W 2R 7W
Row 18 – 6W 3R 2W
Row 19 – 2W 1R 1W 2R 5W
Row 20 – 5W 1R 5W
Row 21 – 2W 1R 2W 1R 5W
Row 22 – 2W 1R 1W 2R 1W 2R 2W
Row 23 – 3W 2R 1W 3R 2W
Row 24 – 2W 2R 1W 2R 1W 1R 2W
Row 25 – 2W 5R 1W 1R 2W
Row 26 – 3W 2R 1W 2R 3W
Row 27 – 2W 1R 1W 2R 1W 1R 3W
Row 28 – 2W 1R 1W 2R 1W 2R 2W
Row 29 – 3W 2R 1W 3R 2W
Row 30 – 2W 2R 1W 2R 4W
Row 31 – 5W 2R 4W
Row 32 – 3W 4R 1W 1R 2W
Row 33 – 2W 2R 1W 4R 2W
Row 34 – 5W 3R 3W
Row 35 – 4W 3R 4W
Row 36 – 4W 2R 5W
Row 37 – 2W 1R 3W 2R 3W
Row 38 – 3W 1R 3W 2R 2W
Row 39 – 3W 2R 3W 1R 2W
Row 40 – 5W 2R 4W
Row 41 – 5W 2R 1W 1R 2W
Row 42 – 2W 3R 3W 1R 2W
Row 43 – 2W 2R 3W 2R 2W
Row 44 – 2W 1R 3W 3R 2W
Row 45 – 2W 1R 1W 2R 2W 1R 2W
Row 46 – 2W 1R 2W 1R 5W
Row 47 – 2W 1R 2W 1R 5W
Row 48 – 2W 1R 1W 2R 1W 2R 2W
Row 49 – 3W 2R 1W 3R 2W
Row 50 – 2W 2R 1W 2R 1W 1R 2W
Row 51 – 2W 1R 2W 2R 1W 1R 2W
Row 52 – 3W 2R 2W 1R 3W
Row 53 – 2W 1R 1W 2R 1W 2R 2W
Row 54 – 2W 1R 1W 5R 2W
Row 55 – 3W 2R 1W 2R 3W
Row 56 – 3W 1R 1W 2R 1W 1R 2W
Row 57 – 2W 2R 1W 2R 1W 1R 2W
Row 58 – 2W 3R 1W 2R 3W
Row 59 – 2W 1R 1W 2R 1W 2R 2W
Row 60 – 2W 1R 1W 2R 1W 2R 2W
Row 61 – 3W 2R 1W 2R 3W
Row 62 – 2W 5R 1W 1R 2W
Row 63 – 2W 1R 2W 2R 1W 1R 2W
Row 64 – 3W 2R 3W 1R 2W
Row 65 – 2W 1R 4W 2R 2W
Row 66 – 2W 1R 4W 1R 3W
Row 67 – 3W 2R 6W
Row 68 – 2W 1R 2W 2R 4W
Row 69 – 5W 2R 1W 1R 2W
Row 70 – 2W 3R 2W 3G 1W
Row 71 – 1W 4G 2W 2R 2W
Row 72 – 5W 4G 2W
Row 73 – 2W 4G 5W
Row 74 – 4W 4G 3W
Row 75 – 3W 4G 4W
Row 76 – 3W 1BL 1G 1W 1G 4W
Row 77 – 5W 2G 1BL 3W
///////////// START DECREASE //////////////
Row 78 – 10W
Rows 79 to 87 all White (W)

FELIZ NAVIDAD version by Claudia as well!

Color Chart:
W = White
R = Red
B = Blue
Y = Yellow
G = Green
BL = Black

Row 1 to 8 all White (W)
Row 9-1 in 3 g 5 w
Row 10-5 in 4 g 1 w
Row 11-2 w 4 g 5 w
///////////// START DECREASE //////////////
Row 12 – 6W 3G 2W
Row 13-3 w 4 g 4 w
Row 14-4 w 4 g 3 w
Row 15-4 w 3 g 1 BL 3 w
Row 16-3 in 1 BL 2 g 5 w
Row 17-2 w and 6 w 3
Row 18-5 w 4 y 2 w
Row 19-3 w and 4 w 4
Row 20-5 in 3 y 3 w
Row 21-4 w and 3 w 4
Row 22-3 w and 4 w 4
Row 23-5 in 3 y 1 BL 2 in
Row 24-2 w 1 BL 2 y 6 w
Row 25 – 11W
Row 26 – 11W
Row 27 – 11W
Row 28 – 8W 1R 2W
Row 29 – 2W 1R 8W
Row 30 – 8W 1R 2W
Row 31 – 2W 1R 8W
Row 32-4 in 5 r 2 in
Row 33-2 w-6 r 3 w
Row 34-2 w-6 r 3 w
Row 35-2W 1R 5W 1R 2W
Row 36-2 in 1 r 4 in 2 r 2 in
Row 37-3 in 2 r 3 in 1 r 2 in
Row 38-2 in 1 r 2 in 2 r 1 in 1 r 2 in
Row 39-2 in 1 r 2 in 2 r 1 in 1 r 2 in
Row 40-3 in 2 r 3 in 1 r 2 in
Row 41-2 in 1 r 4 in 2 r 2 in
Row 42-2 in 1 r 4 in 2 r 2 in
Row 43 – 3W 2R 6W
Row 44-5 in 2 r 1 in 1 r 2 in
Row 45-2 in 1 r 2 in 2 r 4 in
Row 46-3 in 2 r 3 in 1 r 2 in
Row 47-2 in 1 r 4 in 2 r 2 in
Row 48-2 in 1 r 4 in 2 r 2 in
Row 49-3 in 2 r 1 in 1 r 4 in
Row 50-2 in 1 r 1 in 3 r 4 in
Row 51-5 in 2 r 1 in 1 r 2 in
Row 52 – 2W 3R 6W
Row 53-2 in 1 r 4 in 2 r 2 in
Row 54-2 in 1 r 4 in 2 r 2 in
Row 55-3 in 2 r 1 in 1 r 4 in
Row 56-2 in 1 r 1 in 3 r 4 in
Row 57-5 in 2 r 1 in 1 r 2 in
Row 58 – 2W 3R 6W
Row 59 – 7W 2R 2W
Row 60 – 2W 1R 8W
Row 61 – 11W
Row 62 – 11W
Row 63 – 11W
Row 64 – 6W 3B 2W
Row 65 – 2W 4B 5W
Row 66-4 in 4 b 3 in
Row 67-3 in 4 b 4 in
Row 68-3 in 4 b 4 in
Row 69-4 in 4 b 3 in
Row 70-2 in 1 BL 1 b 1 in 1 b 1 in 3 r 1 in
Row 71-1 in 4 r 1 in 2 b 1 BL 2 in
Row 72-5 w 4 r 2 w
Row 73-2 w 4 r 5 w
Row 74-4 in 4 r 3 in
Row 75-3 in 4 r 4 in
Row 76-3 in 1 BL 1 r 1 in 1 r 4 in
Row 77-5 in 2 r 1 BL 3 in
///////////// START DECREASE //////////////
Row 78 – 10W
Rows 79 to 87 all White (W)

Color Chart:
W = White
R = Red
B = Blue
G = Green
BL = Black

I’m thinking of stringing the light bulbs together by weaving a stranding of black yarn through the tops… I didn’t like my first attempt so I will try again when my mind is fresh! But I wanted to throw out that idea as well!

Need help with your C2C squares? Join my Repeat Crafter Me Crochet Facebook Group! Hundreds of fellow crocheters are also working on this project, asking good questions and getting great answers!

Want to continue your Crochet Christmas Character Afghan or replace a square that you already made? Then this post is for you! I have added a bonus square into the mix: A Candy Cane! And because there are still so many different Christmas icons and images that weren’t included in my version of the blanket, I am including links to a variety of other graph ideas below! Many of my readers have been coming up with alternate graph patterns and posting them in my Repeat Crafter Me Crochet Facebook Group. Feel free to join us!

You can find the 9 original afghan squares and directions on how I’m making these squares by following the links below:

1. Santa 
2. Christmas Tree
3. Frosty the Snowman
4. Santa’s Sleigh
5. Elf
6. Gingerbread Man
7. Wreath
8. Rudolph 
9. Christmas Stocking

CLICK HERE to download the Candy Cane Pixel Graph

Written pattern for the color changes by fellow crocheter and RCM follower, Claudia Melgar! Thanks Claudia!

Row 1 to 10 all Little Boy Blue (LBB)
Row 11 – 1LBB 1W 9LBB
Row 12 – 4LBB 3FG 2LBB 2W 1LBB
Row 13 – 1LBB 3SR 2LBB 2FG 5LBB
Row 14 – 5LBB 2FG 2LBB 4SR 1LBB
Row 15 – 2LBB 4SR 1LBB 2FG 6LBB
Row 16 – 7LBB 1FG 1LBB 4SR 3LBB
Row 17 – 4LBB 4W 2FG 2DG 5LBB
Row 18 – 5LBB 3DG 1FG 4W 5LBB
Row 19 – 6LBB 3W 1FG 3DG 1FG 5LBB
Row 20 – 6LBB 3FG 1DG 3W 7LBB
Row 21 – 5LBB 1FG 2LBB 2SR 5FG 6LBB
Row 22 – 7LBB 3FG 1DG 5FG 6LBB
Row 23 – 6LBB 4FG 3DG 2FG 8LBB
Row 24 – 9LBB 2SR 1DG 1FG 1DG 3FG 7LBB
Row 25 – 7LBB 2FG 1LBB 1DG 2FG 3W 9LBB
///////////// START DECREASE //////////////
Row 26 – 8LBB 3W 2FG 2DG 9LBB
Row 27 – 9LBB 1DG 2FG 4W 7LBB
Row 28 – 6LBB 4SR 2FG 2DG 8LBB
Row 29 – 8LBB 1DG 2FG 1LBB 4SR 5LBB
Row 30 – 4LBB 4SR 2LBB 2FG 8LBB
Row 31 – 12LBB 3SR 1W 3LBB
Row 32 – 3LBB 3W 12LBB
Row 33 – 7LBB 2W 3LBB 3W 2LBB
Row 34 – 2LBB 3W 2LBB 1SR 2W 6LBB
Row 35 – 6LBB 1W 2SR 1LBB 2SR 2W 1LBB
Row 36 – 1LBB 4SR 1W 1SR 2W 5LBB
Row 37 – 5LBB 1W 2SR 1W 3SR 1LBB
Row 38 – 1LBB 2SR 2W 2SR 5LBB
Row 39 – 5LBB 2SR 3W 1LBB
Row 40 – 1LBB 3W 1SR 5LBB
Row 41 – 6LBB 2W 1LBB
Row 42 to 49 all Little Boy Blue (LBB)

Other options! Remember that if you want these to be included in the Christmas Character Afghan the graphs need to be 25×25 pixel squares. All original graphs and their creators can be found in my Repeat Crafter Me Crochet Facebook Group. Check the “Files” tab in the group to find PDF printables of many of these.

Gingberbread House

and

Snowflake by Anna M. Wesołowska

Gingerbread House and Ornament by Kat Gemson

Angel, Wise Men, Mary & Joseph, Manger, and Star by Laura Reddish of Oh Sew Crochet. All of her graphs include written patterns as well and are available on her Facebook page: Oh Sew Crochet.

Penguin by Kimmy Vasfaret

Penguin by Ingrid Trevino

Updated Penguin by Joanne Sullivan

Christmas Pudding by Elemelo Crafts & Crochet. The full graph and written pattern is available on her FB page!

Noel by Molly Helton

Nutcracker by Jenny Cartmill

Grinch by Maggie Diaz

Are you thinking a Halloween C2C blanket would be fun? SPRE: Patterns & Design has got you covered! She is doing a Halloween version of my Christmas Afghan! Find the first 4 Halloween graph patterns HERE.

Here it is! The last square in the Crochet Christmas Character Afghan!! The Christmas Stocking (complete with presents sticking out of the top), is another iconic image that couldn’t be left out of the blanket. But check back in the next couple days for a bonus square and links to some other Christmas pixel square ideas if you want to continue the blanket or replace one or two of your current squares you may not be happy with. I will also be posting directions on how to finish the blanket including adding a few embellishments, joining the squares, and adding a border!

If you are just joining in, you can find the links to the other 8 squares below!

1. Santa 
2. Christmas Tree
3. Frosty the Snowman
4. Santa’s Sleigh
5. Elf
6. Gingerbread Man
7. Wreath
8. Rudolph 
9. Christmas Stocking

I am using the corner-to-corner (C2C) technique. You can see my first C2C graphgan HERE that has a how-to video. But I am told that most people have success learning how to make a C2C afghan by following THIS VIDEO DEMONSTRATION by The Crochet Crowd.

Each pixel graph in my blanket is 25×25 pixel squares. I used a size F (3.75mm) hook and worsted weight yarn. For this particular square I used Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice  in Silver Gray (for the background), Scarlet Red (for the sock), White (for top of sock) Fern Green and Mustard Yellow (for holly Berry), Colonial Blue and Little Boy Blue (for the blue present), and Pink and Cranberry (for the pink present).  For each of these squares you will need about two skeins of the background color and possibly two of any color that makes up the main image (like white for Santa). Otherwise you will need only one skein of the other colors.

VERY IMPORTANT: Instead of the traditional C2C method of using DC’s and chain 3’s to make each pixel, I used HDC’s and only chained 2 (and chained 5 instead 6 on the increase stitches). This allowed me to have a smaller overall afghan square, measuring approximately 15×15 inches. You can absolutely use the traditional method but your square will be much larger and your overall afghan will be much larger as well once you sew them all together. As is, my finished blanket will be big enough for a twin size bed… possibly even larger!

You do not have to use the C2C method either! You can take this graph and make a standard SC graphgan. This will produce nice small squares (think 25 single crochets wide and tall) that will be perfect for a standard size blanket. You could also make Pixel Granny Squares and use the graphs I post to create separate character blankets. There is also the Bobble Stitch method as well! So many ways to use these graphs!

CLICK HERE to download the Christmas Stocking Graph!
(Note: I noticed the toe of my stocking was looking a little boxy… so I added in a couple additional red pixels to the graph below after I had finished crocheting my square. The toe is now slightly more rounded and will look even better!)

Several crocheters and generous followers of RCM have been taking these pixel graphs and writing out the color changes as they make their squares. I will add the written pattern for these color changes as they are shared with me!

Written pattern for the color changes by fellow crocheter and RCM follower, Claudia Melgar! Thanks Claudia!

Row 1 to 10 all Silver Grey (SG)
Row 11 – 1SG 5SR 5SG
Row 12 – 5SG 6SR 1SG
Row 13 – 1SG 7SR 5SG
Row 14 – 5SG 8SR 1SG
Row 15 – 1SG 9SR 5SG
Row 16 – 5SG 10SR 1SG
Row 17 – 1SG 11SR 5SG
Row 18 – 5SG 12SR 1SG
Row 19 – 1SG 13SR 3FG 2SG
Row 20 – 2SG 3FG 1YM 13SR 1SG
Row 21 – 1SG 13SR 4FG 3SG
Row 22 – 4SG 2W 1FG 1W 12SR 2SG
Row 23 – 2SG 12SR 1W 2FG 2W 4SG
Row 24 – 4SG 3W 1FG 2W 11SR 3SG
Row 25 – 3SG 11SR 2W 2FG 2W 1CB 4SG
///////////// START DECREASE //////////////
Row 26 – 3SG 2CB 2W 1FG 3W 10SR 3SG
Row 27 – 3SG 4SR 2SG 3SR 6W 2CB 3SG
Row 28 – 2SG 1LBB 1CB 1LBB 6W 2SR 3SG 3SR 3SG
Row 29 – 9SG 1SR 6W 1CB 3LBB 1SG
Row 30 – 1SG 2LBB 2CB 6W 9SG
Row 31 – 8SG 6W 2CB 1LBB 2SG
Row 32 – 1SG 2LBB 1CB 1P 5W 8SG
Row 33 – 8SG 4W 2P 1SG 1LBB 1SG
Row 34 – 3SG 1P 1C 3W 8SG
Row 35 – 8SG 2W 3P 2SG
Row 36 – 2SG 1P 1C 1P 1W 8SG
Row 37 – 8SG 4P 1SG
Row 38 – 2SG 1C 9SG
Row 39 – 8SG 2C 1SG
Row 40 to 49 all Silver Grey (SG)

Need help with your C2C squares? Join my Repeat Crafter Me Crochet Facebook Group! Hundreds of fellow crocheters are also working on this project, asking good questions and getting great answers!

Rudolph the red-nose reindeer, had a very shiny nose! Remember when I said the Snowman square was my favorite? Well I think I have a new favorite! Rudolph and his bright red nose has now joined the Crochet Christmas Character Afghan! He is square number 8 of 9 Christmas themed C2C crochet squares and when they are all finished, I will stitch them together into one large afghan! As I finish each square, I will post the graph and reveal the next character/image in the blanket. Feel free to work along with me!

If you are just joining in you can find the other squares through links below:

Square #1: Santa

Square #2: Christmas Tree

Square #3: Frosty the Snowman

Square #4: Santa’s Sleigh

Square #5: Elf

Square #6: Gingerbread Man

Square #7: The Wreath

I am using the corner-to-corner (C2C) technique. You can see my first C2C graphgan HERE that has a how-to video. But I am told that most people have success learning how to make a C2C afghan by following THIS VIDEO DEMONSTRATION by The Crochet Crowd.

Each pixel graph in my blanket is 25×25 pixel squares. I used a size F (3.75mm) hook and worsted weight yarn. For this particular square I used Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice  in Mustard Yellow (for the background), Toffee (for the main head color), Honey (for face and ear accents), Scarlett Red (for the nose and mouth), Black (for eyes and mouth outline), White (for the nose shine), and Chocolate (for the antlers – but you could also use black).  For each of these squares you will need about two skeins of the background color and possibly two of any color that makes up the main image (like white for Santa). Otherwise you will need only one skein of the other colors.

VERY IMPORTANT: Instead of the traditional C2C method of using DC’s and chain 3’s to make each pixel, I used HDC’s and only chained 2 (and chained 5 instead 6 on the increase stitches). This allowed me to have a smaller overall afghan square, measuring approximately 15×15 inches. You can absolutely use the traditional method but your square will be much larger and your overall afghan will be much larger as well once you sew them all together. As is, my finished blanket will be big enough for a twin size bed… possibly even larger!

You do not have to use the C2C method either! You can take this graph and make a standard SC graphgan. This will produce nice small squares (think 25 single crochets wide and tall) that will be perfect for a standard size blanket. You could also make Pixel Granny Squares and use the graphs I post to create separate character blankets. There is also the Bobble Stitch method as well! So many ways to use these graphs!

CLICK HERE to download the Rudolph Graph!
(I left the background blank to save you some ink!)

Several crocheters and generous followers of RCM have been taking these pixel graphs and writing out the color changes as they make their squares. I will add the written pattern for these color changes as they are shared with me!

Written pattern for the color changes by fellow crocheter and RCM follower, Claudia Melgar! Thanks Claudia!

Row 1 to 7 all Mustard Yellow (M)
Row 8 – 3M 2T 3M
Row 9 – 2M 4T 3M
Row 10 – 3M 5T 2M
Row 11 – 1M 7T 3M
Row 12 – 4M 3T 3H 1T 1M
Row 13 – 1M 1T 4H 3T 4M
Row 14 – 4M 3T 5H 1T 1M
Row 15 – 1M 1T 1H 2B 2H 4T 4M
Row 16 – 4M 2T 1B 1T 2H 1B 1R 1B 1H 1T 1M
Row 17 – 1M 1T 1H 1B 1R 1B 2H 1T 2B 1T 2M 2H 1M
Row 18 – 1M 4H 2T 1B 2T 2H 1B 1R 2H 2M
Row 19 – 2M 1T 1H 3B 1H 10T 1M
Row 20 – 2M 8T 2R 1B 1H 1B 2H 1T 2M
Row 21 – 2M 2T 4H 3R 6T 4M
Row 22 – 5M 6T 1W 2R 4H 1T 3M
Row 23 – 3M 2T 3H 1T 1R 1W 1R 4T 7M
Row 24 – 7M 5T 3R 1T 2H 3T 3M
Row 25 – 4M 6T 2R 5T 1M 2C 5M
///////////// START DECREASE //////////////
Row 26 – 5M 3C 13T 3M
Row 27 – 3M 4T 1B 7T 3C 5M
Row 28 – 3M 4C 7T 2B 3T 3M
Row 29 – 3M 3T 1B 7T 2M 2C 3M
Row 30 – 2M 2C 3M 9T 4M
Row 31 – 4M 8T 4M 2C 1M
Row 32 – 7M 7T 4M
Row 33 – 5M 4T 1C 7M
Row 34 – 6M 2C 3T 1H 4M
Row 35 – 4M 2T 2M 1C 6M
Row 36 – 5M 2C 1M 2T 1H 3M
Row 37 – 2M 1H 2T 1M 3C 4M
Row 38 – 3M 3C 2M 1T 1H 2M
Row 39 – 1M 1H 1T 2M 1C 1M 2C 2M
Row 40 – 2M 2C 3M 1T 1H 1M
Row 41 – 1M 1T 5M 1C 1M
Row 42 to 49 all Mustard Yellow (M)

Hope you are enjoying this Christmas Crochet-Along! Stay tuned for square #9- the last square!

Need help with your C2C squares? Join my Repeat Crafter Me Crochet Facebook Group! Hundreds of fellow crocheters are also working on this project, asking good questions and getting great answers!