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Crochet Love · Crochet & Tunisian Crochet · Studying, Developing, and Teaching Crochet Techniques

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If you haven't met the cute Junior Egg already, let me introduce you now. He/she likes to sit in a nest of yarn - or hang from a twig or a tree. And the Junior Egg pattern is free!
Crochet Easter Egg - Junior
Years ago, right before Easter, the kids and I played with paper and cardboard and we came up with an egg with legs because it was pretty easy to draw and cut out and glue.

We loved it! We thought the result was eggcellent. An egg with a lot of personality. So I thought. Why not make a crochet version? 

Materials

  • Hook size 2-2.5mm (US 0-B1, UK 14-13)
  • Scissors
  • A long piece of scrap yarn to use a stitch marker
  • Filling
Yarn
Cotton yarn with yardage around 170m/50gr (186y/1.76oz)
A tiny bit of white and orange.

Spiral Note
The egg and leg are worked in a spiral. Working in a spiral means working in continuous rounds without ending each round with a slip stitch. Put your scrap yarn stitch marker in place, when a round is done, and continue with the next round immediately. The yarn stitch marker show what round you are working on.

Abbreviations (US terms)
  • ch = chain
  • sc = single crochet
  • inc = increase. Make two sc in the same stitch.
  • dec = decrease. Work 2 sc together. 
  • 3dec = decrease by working 3 sc together. 
  • () = repeat instructions between parentheses as many times as directed – OR throughout the round/row.
  • [] = the number of stitches in a round or row.

Junior Egg Pattern

Work in a spiral.
  1. Begin with 5sc in a magic ring. Pull tight. [5]
Increase with 5 stitches in each round like this:
  1. 1 inc in each stitch all the way. [10]
  2. (inc, 1 sc) 5 times. [15]
  3. (sc, inc, sc) 5 times. [20]
  4. (inc, 3 sc) 5 times. [25]
  5. (2 sc, inc, 2 sc) 5 times. [30]
  6. (inc, 5 sc) 5 times. [35]
Round 8-15. (8 rounds in total). Work straight up now – no increases. 1 sc in each stitch. [35]

For shaping the top of the egg, I recommend invisible decreases*: Insert the hook into the front loops of the next 2 stitches right after each other (do not yarn-over in between). Yarn-over and pull through two loops. Yarn-over and pull through the last loop.
*Don't make invisible decreases if you plan to turn the backside out like I sometimes to do.

  1. 1 sc, (dec, 15 sc) 2 times. [33]
  2. (9 sc, dec) 3 times. [30]
  3. (4 sc, dec, 4 sc) 3 times. [27]
  4. (7 sc, dec) 3 times. [24]
  5. (3 sc, dec, 3 sc) 3 times. [21]
Add fill. Add more fill after the next couple of rounds.
  1. (5 sc, dec) 3 times. [18]
  2. (2 sc, dec, 2 sc) 3 times. [15]
  3. (1 sc, dec) 5 times. [10]
Remove your marker. The closing off is not worked in full rounds.

Closing Off the Egg
Cut a long yarn end. Expand the loop on the hook and pull until the yarn end is out and the work secured.

Attach a needle to the yarn end. Insert the needle into the front loop of every stitch all the way around (9 stitches). Pull tight and the hole closes.

Only if needed, secure the yarn again, by weaving it in and out a couple of times.
Use the yarn end for hanging the egg on a twig.

Related blog post: The Easter Bunny Egg pattern


Bunny Egg and Junior Egg
Bunny Egg & Junior Egg

Leg

Work in a spiral.

Foundation option #1: Ch 5. Slip stitch it into a ring. [5]
Foundation option #2: Magic Ring with 5 sc. [5]

1-6) Sc all the way for 6 rounds.
 
7) Toe: Ch 4.
 
8) Use the back bumps of the chains. Skip the first and slip stitch into the next three.
9) Slip stitch into the middle of the foot through front and backside.
10) - 11) Repeat line 7-8.
12) Slip stitch into the left side of the foot.
13) - 14) Repeat line 7-8.
15) Slip stitch into the side of the foot again.

Finishing Off
Cut a long yarn end and pull the yarn end through the slip stitch.

Pull the yarn through the leg, so both yarn ends are at the top of the leg. (Find the nearest ’hole’ to pull it through. Use a needle or your hook).

Make another leg.

Sew the legs on the egg. Place them somewhat on the same side. ’Fold’ the legs, with the toes pointing forward and the ’knees’ slightly bend.

Free crochet pattern - Junior Egg

Thank you to Sofiia Norah Rasmussen for helping me test this with short, short notice.

If you want ideas of how to make a colored version, then check what Margie did on Instagram and give her a little love.

Enjoy!


Note. The original blog post is from March 2017. The latest update is of March 2021.

Share and Selling Note
You are welcome to share or sell any products you make from my patterns. :)
Read more about copyright and selling here.


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Suddenly there were Bernie Sanders' mittens all over. What a joy and GREAT inspiration :) Like many other yarn geeks, I've tried to see if I could figure out the color pattern of the mittens.
I'm not sure, though I will make the actual mittens. However, I do have quite a detailed idea of HOW I would do it and maybe this could be of interest to you?

I would crochet in the round in waistcoat stitches (ws), so the mittens got the knitted feeling and would be as warm and cozy as they look at the photos of Bernie Sanders.

The Color Pattern

I had great fun making the color pattern. I used a drawing app on my iPad, that can do grids and layers, but I can also recommend StitchFiddle if you want to make your own stitch pattern and be sure your gauge works well.

Related blog post: From Image to Crochet Chart

Here is my green version of the color pattern. Choose whatever color you like.
Bernie Sanders mittens in green

Sketching Bernie Sanders Mittens

This is ONLY A SKETCH, but if you are interested in trying, you are welcome to use it. I will also gladly help you if you stumble upon something here, that you need help with.

Hook. Use a 5mm hook
Yarn. Stretchy wool yarn blend with yardage around 200m/50gr. Fingering (or possible Sport).

- - -
Foundation. Chain 30-42 to start with. A number divisible by 3. (Might need a swatch to test the gauge). Turn the chain row into a circle with a slip stitch. Work in a spiral.

Cuff ribbing. Crochet *2 ws, 1 ch* for several rows.

From cuff to hand. Waistcoat stitches only. Increase evenly in the first round (maybe two rounds). You will need a number of stitches divisible by 4 - plus 3 extra stitches (like 32+3=35).

Because. The color pattern is made of repeats of 4 stitches and the root of the thumb could require 3 stitches.

Make a couple of extra rounds. 2-4 rounds I think.

The Thumb
Below is how I would try to make the thumb. I would begin the colorwork right after starting the thumb part. So read both parts now.

Place two stitch markers with 3 stitches between them. The stitch markers mark the beginning and end of the hand. In between them is the thumb.

The middle stitch will be worked normally all the time. Increase when working into the other two stitches next to the stitch markers.

Increase at every second round or what works for you. Move the stitch markers up accordingly. Always increase in a stitch right next to the stitch marker and on the thumb-side of that stitch marker.

Once the base of the thumb is done, simply skip the thumb stitches and continue with the hand part (= skipping all the thumb stitches between the stitch markers).

Do the thumb-increase for something like 5cm (2inches).

Color Work
After initiating the thumb, I would start working on the color pattern as well. The stitch markers marking the thumb are placed in the first and last stitch of the hand. These are also the last and first stitches of the colorwork. So just pretend the thumb isn't there when you look at the color diagram.

Use a solid color for the thumb - or carry through the color from the color pattern.

Color Change Tips
Prepare a color change by changing yarn when you do the last YO-pull-through of a stitch. (Right before the visual color change).

Carry the un-used yarn color on the wrong side of the work or hide it by crocheting over it.

Finalizing the Hand

Carry on with the colorwork until you have about an inch left of the desired length of the mitten. Decrease on both sides at every round now.

Hopefully, you are now working with the dark color and don't have to figure out the colorwork at the same time.

Finalizing the Thumb
Crochet the rest of the thumb in any color. Work straight up till it is long enough and then decrease all the way around.

Would You like to Try?

Would you like to try? I'll be here to help you if you run into trouble. And who knows. Hubby asked for fingerless gloves long ago. One day, I might make him a pair using the color pattern above.

Have fun :)


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Let us end the year by being kind to ourselves and each other. I have a FREE little heart-shaped crochet love for you. 
Crochet a little heart with a crocheted string
Hang it on the Christmas tree, as decor for a present or just make one if you need a break during the holidays. 

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To all the little stars in the world. Crochet a little star or two. 
Crocheted Stars

In a few weeks, it is December 1st. I'm not good at being ahead of the season, but this year my sweet kids started making little ornaments a while ago, so I joined them. 

Making the star pattern was a bit frustrating at first. :) Sometimes making things very simple is difficult. I also wanted it to somehow match the Valentine's heart, which can be used as a Christmas decoration as well.
Read more: See more hearts at Stonegnome

I think they will look good together in a window or at the Christmas tree.

Crocheted star and heart

Below is the crocheted star pattern. Have fun ❤️

Star Pattern

While working on the pattern it can be difficult to see the star shape. The further you get, the better it should be, and once blocked and shaped, it should be just how you want it.

Little star: around 5cm wide (2")
Medium star: around 6cm wide (2.4").

  • hook size 2.25-2.5mm (US: B/1, UK 13)
  • cotton yarn. Yardage around 170m/50g (185y/1.76oz)
  • optional. A stitch marker.
  • glasses, if needed.
Abbreviations (US terms)
ss = slip stitch
ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
tr = treble crochet
yo = yarn over
[ ] = instructions for the medium star

Foundation
Chain 30 [medium star, chain 40]. Join with a ss to make a ring.
Optional. Turn the work, so you can see the back bumps of your chains. Hook into the back bumps.

1) chain 3
2) 1 dc and 1 hdc in the base of the 3 chains
3) 1 hdc in the next chain [medium star, repeat the line]

Now make a cluster-decrease of two hdc with a skipped chain between. like this:

4) yo, insert the hook into the next chain and pull up a loop
5) skip a chain
6) yo, insert the hook into the next chain and pull up a loop
7) yo and pull through all 5 loops on the hook

Continue with:

8) 1 hdc in the next chain [medium star, repeat the line]

Star point
Tip: when working a lot of stitches into a single chain, the chain right AFTER might get very tight. Avoid it being tight by inserting a stitch marker into it before you start the previous group of stitches.

9) (optional. Place a stitch marker in the second chain from the hook)
    Make 5 stitches in the next chain (= the first chain from the hook): 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 tr, 1dc, 1hdc

Continue with:

10) (optional. Remove the stitch marker)
      1 hdc in the next chain [medium star, repeat the line]

Repeat from line 4 until you reach the last star point, which is already halfway done.
(The initial 3 chains you made in the beginning, are substituting the tr.)

11) In the base of the 3 chains make two more stitches: 1hdc, 1dc

Join with a ss, cut the yarn, and secure it by pulling it through the last loop on the hook. Sew in the yarn end from your foundation chain. Make it come out at the top of the star. Use the two yarn ends for hanging up the ornament.

Wash and block* it for a perfect shape and you've got a star!

Let me know if you find any typos in the pattern. ❤️


*Wash and block
I highly recommend blocking for the best final touch.

Handwash the star. Press out excess water by wrapping it in a towel. Place the star on a flat surface and pull the outer and inner star points till you are happy with the shape. Use water-safe needles and a foamboard or likewise if you prefer - I just do it freehand.

The star points can be pointed or more rounded. Let the star dry.

Make a Whole Family of Stars

You might have figured out by now how to make an even bigger star. Every time you add 10 more chains to the foundation row you go up one size. And the line with 1 hdc is also repeated once more (lines 3, 8, 10).

I tried and ended up with 4 different sizes of stars. After blocking and a little nursing, even the bigger one got very good.

Crocheted star family

I'm not sure how far you can go and keep the shape, but feel free to try :) Just be aware that the larger the star, the more wobbly it will be and you might need to use stiffener if it is to be hung up.

Tag me on Instagram @stonegnomedesign to show me your star(s).


Enjoy!


Sell & Share
You are welcome to sell/share any products you make from my patterns. For further information look at Copyright and Selling

Snowflakes

If you like crocheted Christmas ornaments, try the two snowflakes too - Snowflake 1 and Snowflake 2
Crocheted snowflakes


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Evie's FREE ear warmer pattern is ready.
Crochet a Flexible Ear Warmer
It doesn't take much yarn to make. Find the pattern at Ravelry or LoveCrafts now.

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Wet, cold, hot, sunny, cold, warm. When the weather is indecisive like this, we better be prepared. Here is a UNIQUE 3-piece pattern with hat, cowl, and fingerless gloves.

3 pieces. A UNIQUE set. Hat, cowl, fingerless gloves.

Did you try the free Evie's - Fingerless Gloves pattern yet? If not, it is still available for free. Try thee gloves and you might want the full set.

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Here is a fast little pattern for you. Light and airy fingerless gloves.


The drape is great and the gloves are stretchy with a thin, rolled cord-like edging.

This blog post is updated October 2020

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The Infinity Scarf is now available as a written pattern too.
StoneGnome Infinity Scarf

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This border is bold and flexible and can be used with all kinds of projects. It is also the 4th and final part of the StoneGnome Infinity Scarf.
Crochet a bold Flexible Border. Almost like an iCord.

I promised to show you the border today, but don't despair if you are still working on the flames stitch patterns.

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Learn how to expand the Little Flames pattern and add shadows.
StoneGnomes Crocheted Infinity Scarf

Last time we did the Little Flames. There are many other ways of doing patterns with waistcoat stitches and chains, though. So, let's try one.

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Today I’ll show you how to do the first cable-like stitch pattern.

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Happy Valentines! Let us do the first part of the StoneGnome Infinity Scarf. I have released the new video for the CAL.
StoneGnomes Crocheted Infinity Scarf - The Beginning

I'll recommend that you watch the full video at least once. There are several tips in there, you might need. Later, you can get back here and use the notes for a better overview.

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The introduction is now available on YouTube. :)

See the video or read about the scarf here.

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The scarf is lovely, isn't it? If you want one too, join me for a Crochet-Along (CAL).
StoneGnome Infinity Scarf Pattern

I've made the first video recordings of how to make my StoneGnome Infinity Scarf and I will have an introduction ready next Friday.

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Need something new for setting the table? Maybe something that isn't too formal, but still adds a touch of style.
crochet table runner made from Bamboo Soft

Try this new crochet pattern and make an elegant table runner.

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The other day a YouTube follower told me she missed me posting on YouTube. Yeah! That is the best motivation for sharing new things.
Infinity Scarf Crochet Cal Coming Up

And I do have something new for you in the pipeline.

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This December has been all about rain and rain and rain, so I've made a free snowflake pattern that pair up well with the one I made almost two years ago.
Free Snowflake Crochet Pattern

This is my X-mas present for you.

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I've used the lovely Twinkle for my snowflakes and thought I'ld share a few notes with you.

Scheepjes Twinkle Yarn

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I see a lot of questions these days about how to get circles like Rozeta* - but also squares - to lay flat and avoid the wonky look.
Dahlia Washcloths being a bit wonky
How to avoid the Wonky Look on your crocheted items

There are more things you can do to avoid wavy edges.

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The pattern for the Dahlia Washcloths is ready! Bring the Summer into your home with these delicious washcloths.
Soft Crochet Washcloths

Make them of very soft cotton and you will have the softest washcloths ever.

You find the pattern at LoveCrafts, Ravelry and also at LittleBugz as part of a yarn package. It is available in English and Danish. (At LoveCrafts, find the Danish version here).

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There is a new pattern in town - or actually 2-in-1. You get both for FREE for a short while.
Awa's Sweet Eternity Scarf and Cowl

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The waistcoat stitch is a lovely little thingy and you can make beautiful yet easy and fast worked stitch patterns with this. Let me show you.
Waistcoat stitch and stitch pattern tutorial

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December is calling for cozy crochet projects. I know, I'm looking forward to peace and quiet* and my crochet projects! I've found a few links for free projects you might want to try.

Free Crochet Patterns for Xmas


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Double Honeycomb Mesh Pattern
Here is a new stitch pattern. The Double Honeycomb Mesh pattern. Use it for a triangular summer shawl or for a scarf.
Double Honeycomb Mesh Pattern

We took a break the other day and went to the beach. I grabbed one of my older ideas on the way out and got this little beauty for you.

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You really don't need that little knot in the beginning of your next crochet project. Here is a video showing how to avoid it.

It works with regular crochet as well as Tunisian and it doesn't matter how you like to hook into your starting chain.

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A Crocheted Heart for Mother's Day
Crochet a heart for Mother's Day.

A Crocheted Heart for Mother's Day

This one doesn't need blocking, but it is still super cute and easy to do.
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Crochet with 3 strands of yarn
Working with 3 strands at once is fast and gives you a different and softer look than a bulkier yarn does - and you might save yarn too.

Crochet with 3 strands of yarn

See here how to do it without getting into a big mess and get some tips about yarn usage, hook size etc.

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We love new stitches. And being an experienced crocheter, you might sometimes think, you have seen it all.

A Lovely HDC Variant

Then a new stitch pops up and makes everyone excited.

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Here is a beautiful open Valentine's Heart for you. It is a free pattern.

Valentines Heart - crochet pattern

Use it for decoration or as a bookmark.

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Here is a free snowflake pattern for you, that can bring bright snow into your life.

Free Crochet Snowflake Pattern

Use it for Christmas or use it as decoration, when other Christmas decorations are put away and everything feels a bit empty and dark.

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