Category Archives: Crochet

baby, Crochet, Knit & Crochet, Patterns, Uncategorized

Oliver baby blanket

November 5, 2016 alaskaknitnat Leave a comment

I’ve said it before – I’m a short-attention-span crafter. If I can’t finish something in a few hours, I probably never will unless I’m really determined.

When my friend Kasandra had her first son, she asked me to knit him a blanket. It took me months to make and although it’s been much loved I vowed I would never knit another blanket. It’s just too monotonous.

So when Kasandra told me no one had yet made her second boy, Oliver, a special blanket, I decided to keep my vow and crochet him a blanket.

This pattern was simple and quick. I made the whole thing in a couple of weeks. The vertical stripes are unusual and the gaps between the crocheted spaces aren’t too big so it’s a nice piece of fabric.

Continue reading Oliver baby blanket →

Crochet, Knit & Crochet, Patterns

Northern Lights Memory Blanket — A free crochet pattern

March 8, 2015 alaskaknitnat 56 Comments

Hello Pinterest and AllFreeCrochet.com fans!

Thanks for checking out my Northern Lights Memory Blanket pattern. I have a little note for you. I wrote this pattern when I was a much less experienced crocheter. I don’t have a lot of experience writing crochet patterns and I have had a few people contact me about how the set-up rows are written in a confusing manner.

Unfortunately, as I’m a full-time working mom I don’t have the ability to recreate this pattern to check for errors. I based this pattern on the Granny Stripe Scarf from PurlSoho.com, so if you have difficulty following my pattern I recommend you read their instructions. Once the first few rows are set up it crochets very easily – just like a granny square. Instead of working in the round, though, you crochet back and forth.

Back to my original post:

A few weeks ago I tidied up my yarn collection and realized I have a whole lotta yarn. Too much yarn. I have a loose rule that I can’t buy more yarn until I use the last yarn I purchased. That doesn’t always work out, apparently.

I decided to work on a lap blanket to curl up on the couch with. I knew crochet was the way to go. It not only goes by more quickly than knitting but it also uses up yarn faster, which is just what I wanted. Instead of following a striped pattern, I opted to go with the flow. I started with some tripled up DK weight red wool I had used to knit a teeny tiny baby sweater. As soon as I reached the end of a skein I brought in a different skein.

As I crocheted along I was reminded of each project I had bought the yarn for. It was becoming a memory blanket. After I got through purple, the blanket was starting to remind me of the Aurora Borealis. I’ve not had the opportunity to see more than green and white with my own eyes, but the northern lights can be all colors of the spectrum.

I’m overjoyed with the end product. It’s every color I love and perfectly cozy.

Continue reading Northern Lights Memory Blanket — A free crochet pattern →

Crochet, Knit & Crochet, Patterns

Tapered Flower Headband — A Free Crochet Pattern

February 22, 2015 alaskaknitnat 14 Comments

I’ve been trying to polish up my site and I realized one of my most popular patterns was full of dead photo links. I also realized it wasn’t even a pattern but just some nice photos of my wearing a bunch of my headbands — pretty much useless to all of you! Instead of just updating the post, which was from three years ago, I figured I’d just start anew and reintroduce it.

This simple crocheted headband is my best-selling product. I sell out of it at Bella Boutique every holiday season. You can’t go wrong — it’s colorful and has a huge flower on it. I also love embellishing the back of the headband with a vintage button.

The pattern is inspired by Knitty.com’s Calorimetry Headband, which I like, but is really too wide for my head. I also get bored by the ribbing pattern. I wanted something that I could create quickly for my short attention span. I relied on this pattern for the base and then added a simple trim and my own flower pattern, instructions for which can be found here.

Many thanks to my old friend Laura for taking (and recovering) these shots. She was just starting out her photography business when these were taken and they are lovely!

Tapered flower headband | A free crochet pattern from Alaska Knit Nat — © Laura Stennett Photography

I originally made two versions of this pattern, one with worsted yarn and the other while crocheting two strands of worsted at the same time. I prefer the double stranded version because it’s fuller looking. You can do a single strand but you may have to extend the ends by a couple of rows.

Continue reading Tapered Flower Headband — A Free Crochet Pattern →

Crochet, Knit & Crochet, Patterns

Quick, Chunky Crochet Hat — A Free Pattern

February 8, 2015 alaskaknitnat 10 Comments

I knit a lot of gifts this last holiday season. With the completion of a belated scarf last week, I’m just about knitted out. I needed a new project that would satisfy my short attention span and was something different.

I found a simple crochet hat pattern on TangledHappy.com that used the herringbone half double crochet stitch. I’d never heard of it, but after a couple of video tutorials, it looked easy enough.

I didn’t have the hook size the pattern called for, but I had something close, so I used what I think was an N size hook (it’s unmarked for some ridiculous reason). This made the gauge off for the original pattern so I had to wing it, which is why I’m posting a pattern on my blog. I also added contrasting trim and pompom.

These are incredibly quick to complete. I made two yesterday and one this morning. They are a great way to use up excess yarn, especially if you double up worsted weight and crochet two strands at once, which I did with the blue hat shown in this pattern.

Quick, Chunky Crochet Hat with Pompom — A Free Pattern from Alaska Knit Nat

Materials:

1 skein of chunky yarn such as Lopi or Lion Brand Thick and Quick OR two strands of heavy worsted yarn crocheted together as one strand.

1 skein of contrasting yarn, weight can vary

Size N crochet hook

Darning needle

Two toilet paper tubes (opional)

Sharp scissors

Removable stitch marker

Continue reading Quick, Chunky Crochet Hat — A Free Pattern →

Crochet, Knit & Crochet, Patterns

Retro Crochet Chevron Skirt

October 19, 2014 alaskaknitnat Leave a comment

Recently a friend gave me a stack of old needlecraft magazines from the ’70s and ’80s. Most of the patterns are hilariously hideous, but there are a few that are pretty classic.

I’m more of a hat, scarf and mittens type of crocheter, but I was intrigued by a crochet chevron skirt from a 1981 magazine. This pattern I haven’t yet attempted, but I think it’s the only crochet clothing I’d be willing to wear (and not just on Halloween).

I’ve transcribed the pattern with the hopes that someday I will reference this post and actually make it. But if any of my readers attempt it before I do, please email me a photo of the finished product!

Retro Crochet Chevron Skirt

Sizes:

To fit 36-38 [40-42]-inch hips.

Length when hanging 26.75 inches

Materials:

Total of 16 [22] oz. (450 [600] grams) of worsted yarn (about 6 oz. each for colors A,B,C,D)

Size F crochet hook

1-inch wide elastic

7-inch zipper

needle and thread

Gauge:

15dc and 7.5 rows to 4 inches in plain dc; 17dc to 4 inches in chevron

Back and front (make 2)

Using A, make 148[172] ch.

Base Row: 1 dc into 4^th ch from hook, 1dc into each of next 10ch, work 3dc tog. Over next 3ch, 1 dc into each of next 10ch, 3dc into next ch, repeat from * to end, but finish last repeat 2dc into last ch instead of 3dc. Turn. 145 [169] dc.

Next Row: 3ch to count as 1dc, 1dc into first dc, *1dc into each of next 10dc, work 3dc together, 1 dc into each of next 10dc, 3dc into next dc, repeat from * to end, but finish last repeat 2dc into turning ch of previous row and join B on last dc. Turn.

Repeat the last row, working 2 rows each in B, C, D, A, B, C and D and join A on last dc – so completing 16 rows from the beginning.

1^st decrease row: Using A, work 3ch, skip first dc, 1dc into each of next 10dc, * work 3dc together, 1dc into each of next 21dc, repeat from * to end, but finish last repeat 1dc into each of last 1dc. Turn.

Next row: 3ch, 1dc into first dc, * 1dc into each of next 9dc, work 3dc together, 1dc into each of next 9dc, 3dc into next dc, repeat from * to end, but finish last repeat 2dc into last dc, and joint B on last dc. Turn. Using B, repeat the last row twice more, joining C on last dc of second row.

2^nd decrease row: Using C, work 3ch 1 dc into each of next 9dc, * work 3dc together, 2dc into each of next 19dc, repeat from * to end, but finish last repeat 1dc into each of last 10dc. Turn.

Next row: 3ch, 1dc into first dc, *1dc into each of next 8dc, work 3dc together, 1dc into each of next 8dc, 3dc into next dc, repeat from * to end, but finish last repeat 2dc into last dc, and join D on last dc. Turn. Using D, repeat the last row twice more, joining A on last dc of second row.

3^rd decrease row: Using A, work 3ch, skip first dc, 1dc into each of next 8dc, * work 3dc together, 1dc into each of next 17dc, repeat from * to end, but finish last repeat 1dc into each of last 9dc. Turn.

Next row: 3ch, 1dc into first dc, *1dc into each of next 7dc, work 3dc together, 1dc into each of next 7dc, 3dc into next dc, repeat from * to end, but finish last repeat 2dc into last dc, and join B on last dc. Turn.

Continue in this way, working in stripe sequence and patters as now set, decreasing on every 4^th row, as before until 61 [71] dc remain.

Work 7 rows, so ending 2 rows in D, joining A on last dc of 3^rd row.

Next row: Using A, work 1 ch, skip first dc, *sc into next dc, 1hdc into each of next 2dc, 1dc into each of next 3dc, 1hdc into each of next 2dc, 1sc into next dc, repeat from * to end, finishing 1sc into last dc. Turn.

Work 4 rows in sc. Fasten off.

To Finish:

Do not block. Using a backstitch seam, join side seams leaving 7 inches from top edge open. Sew in the zipper. Work catch stitch casing over elastic on wrong side at waist. Press seams lightly according to type of yarn used.

Crafts, Crochet, Knit & Crochet, Knitting, Uncategorized

Dear Knitting and Crochet Followers…

October 19, 2014 alaskaknitnat 3 Comments

I realized that lately I’ve only been writing cooking-related posts and I just wanted to reach out to all my fellow knitters and crocheters. I’ve been a busy little bee with my needles and hooks, so stay tuned. I’ll have something for you soon!

Xoxo,
Natasha

Crochet, Knit & Crochet

Crochet Candyland Cowl

February 3, 2013 alaskaknitnat 1 Comment

Chunky cowls are in. Crochet is in. Color is in. Let’s do this!

I tinkered with a couple of large crochet hooks this weekend and decided to use up some of my yarn stash by making a cozy, some might say yummy, cowl. This only took a couple of hours to make and only uses one type of crochet stitch, so it’s perfect for a beginner or a sourdough who just wants to race through her bits of yarn.

You’ll be crocheting two strands of yarn at once to make it chunky so you’ll have to make separate balls out of your already existing skeins. What’s really handy is if you are able to find both ends of one skein because then you could crochet with them at the same time without having to make an extra ball.

The other great thing about this pattern is that it doesn’t have to be exact. If you end up with more stitches than you’re supposed to you won’t be able to notice. Just wing it! It’s also up to you how you want to change colors as you go. I did it one time where I brought in the new color as I went and another time I finished each row, drew up the end through the last loop and then brought up the new color on the next round. Whatever makes more sense to you is what I would do.

Materials:

Various colors of worsted yarn.

Size P crochet hook

Darning needle

Directions:

Crocheting with two strands at the same time, chain 52 stitches. I like to do the foundation-free method, which can be found here. This way I don’t have one row that’s wider than all the rest. Slip stitch into the first stitch, creating a big loop.

1. Bring in your next color by chaining 2 stitches. DC into each stitch all the way around, making 2 DC in the last stitch. Slip stitch to the top of the first DC.

2. Bring in the new color and Ch 2. DC all the way around and slip stitch into the top of the first DC.

Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you have 58 stitches or 13 rows, whichever comes first.

Cut yarn and draw up through the last loop. Weave in all the ends. I weave them in as I go, but you could also tie the bits of yarn to one another and clip them short.

Crochet, Knit & Crochet

Crochet a Flower Headband

August 8, 2012 alaskaknitnat 5 Comments

At long last I have finally caved into mainstream fashion and I’ve gone and made a flowered headband. You know the ones — tapered with a big flower on the side? They are cute, don’t get me wrong, but I was never into knitting them and then I realized the other day — I was never into KNITTING them. But what about crochet?

I actually admire Knitty.com’s Calorimetry Headband. I’ve made it before, although slightly altered because I feel as though it’s too wide for my head.

But honestly, I hate purling. All you do is knit 2, purl 2 for the whole pattern and it’s enough for me to stay away.

Last weekend I set out looking on Ravelry for a simple crochet headband pattern. I ended up finding a crocheted version of the Calorimetry Headband. As a knitter by nature, I needed a crochet pattern I could understand. This one was simple and best of all, much quicker than knitting.

I decided to take this basic pattern and embellish it with a border and a flower. Pizzazz!

But I didn’t stop there. In case you don’t know me very well, when I get on a new kick I don’t stop. So I made five more. Then I decided to double the yarn and WOWEE it made it really pop. So I made four more.

And choosing the button in the back is half the fun!

So how are these pretty headbands made? LET ME TELL YOU!

First, I followed the instructions here but I used a J hook instead. I also think doubling up the yarn is much nicer, but that’s up to you. If you only have one ball just make another ball from it or use the end from the inside at the same time as the outside, if that makes sense.

Once you’ve completed the basic headband, with your contrast color start making single chains all around the outside of the headband. I didn’t put the hook into individual stitches, but instead I stuck the hook in the ch2 gaps at each end. When you’ve gone all the way around, slip stitch into the first SC and weave in all the ends.

View my previous blog post on how to crochet a flower. Then stitch the flower with a darning needle to wherever you’d like the flower to be. Pretty simple!

Crochet, Knit & Crochet, Patterns

How to Crochet a Simple Flower

March 5, 2012 alaskaknitnat 2 Comments

Ok, I did a less-than-adequate job of explaining how I crocheted a flower for the baby hat I knitted yesterday, so I decided to take some photos in the hopes that it’s a bit more clear.

I used two different colors so the steps are easier to follow. Please keep in mind that although I crochet lefty, the steps are still the same, just reversed.

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn
size G or H crochet hook

Abbreviations:
SC = single chain
HDC = half double chain
DC = double chain

Click on photos to enlarge.

Step 1:
Make a magic circle and make 10 SC stitches into it. Draw the circle in tight and slip last stitch to the first SC.

Step 2: *Chain 5, skip a stitch, slip into the next stitch. Repeat * to end of round and slip in first ch of the round. You should have a sort of mini flower right about now.

Step 3: In the first loopy area, *SC, 2HDC, DC, 2HDC, SC. Repeat * in the remaining four loopy areas.

Step 4: This is where I changed colors, but you could keep it the same color if you wish. Heck, it’s your flower! You’ll be working behind the petals you just created, making slip stitches into the SC stitches you made in step 1. First, slip stitch in first stitch so it stays in the back of the flower. Next, slip into the next stitch. *Chain 8, skip a stitch, slip into next stitch. Repeat * till end of round. Slip next stitch to the first SC. You should now have five more loops behind the first set of petals.

Step 5: In the first loopy area, *2SC, 2HDC, 3DC, 2HDC, 2SC. Repeat * for the next four loopy areas, thus making five more petals that are offset from the first layer of petals. Slip next stitch to the first SC.

Step 6: Cut yarn leaving a 10-inch tail and draw through the remaining loop. Weave in all ends with a darning needle.

I hope this makes more sense for you!

baby, Crochet, Knit & Crochet, Knitting, Patterns

Jazz Baby Hat

March 4, 2012 alaskaknitnat 4 Comments

My friend Blaze is about two weeks ahead of me in her pregnancy. She had a boy last year she named Lyric and she’s getting ready to have a girl whom she is calling Jazz. Can you guess she’s a singer?

With a name like Jazz I thought I should knit her a baby hat with some real flair. None of this pale pink stuff — I’ve got to go purple and red!

And I’ve finally learned to crochet a flower. This was the original reason I taught myself to crochet and that was almost two years ago. I now have the skills to make one without referring to a pattern. I will try to write out how I made it.

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn (I used Vanna White yarn)
Size 8 double point needles (or a really long circular if you know the Magic Loop method)
Size H crochet hook (it could be smaller, but I only have two sizes)
Darning needle

Directions for hat:
Cast on 64 stitches. K1, p1 ribbing for 5 rounds
Knit in stockinette stitch for 25 more rounds, or till piece is about 4 inches tall.
Decrease as follows: *K2tog, k6*, repeat till end of round.
K 1 round
*K2tog, k5*, repeat till end of round.
K 1 round
*K2tog, k4*, repeat till end of round.
K 1 round
*K2tog, k3*, repeat till end of round.
K 1 round
*K2tog, k2*, repeat till end of round.
K 1 round
*K2tog, k1*, repeat till end of round.
*K2tog*, repeat till end of round.

Cut yarn leaving a 12-inch tail. Weave ends through remaining eight loops using a darning needle. Weave in end yarn.

Crochet flower:

I apologize for my poor pattern writing skills. I hope you are able to figure it out! Maybe tomorrow when I have daylight again I’ll take step-by-step photos.

Abbreviations:

SC = single crochet

HDC = half double crochet

DC = double crochet

Round 1: Make a magic ring and SC 10 stitches into ring. Join with slip stitch to first SC.

Round 2: Chain 5, skip a stitch, slip into next stitch. Repeat four more times and join to first SC again. You should have five loopy things.

Round 3: SC once into first loopy area, then 2HDC, 1DC, 2HDC and 1 SC into same loopy area. Repeat with four remaining loops. Join to original SC.

Round 4: Skip one stitch from the first round and slip stitch into the stitches between the ones you single chained in round 2. Chain 8, skip stitch, slip into next stitch, chain 8, skip stitch, continue around till you have five new loopy things. Join with first slip stitch you made in this round.

Round 5: 2SC into first loopy, 2HDC, 3DC, 2HDC, 2SC into same loopy thing. Repeat with the remaining four loopy things. Cut yarn leaving a ten-inch tail and draw through the last loop. Weave in ends to back of flower.

Using a darning needle sew the flower in place.