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!
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.
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.
Foundation option #1: Ch 5. Slip stitch it into a ring. [5]
Foundation option #2: Magic Ring with 5 sc. [5]
Finishing Off
Thank you to Sofiia Norah Rasmussen for helping me test this with short, short notice.
More minor changes might happen too. We'll see.
Here is a beautiful open Valentine's Heart for you. It is a free pattern.
Use it for decoration or as a bookmark.
Here is a free snowflake pattern for you, that can bring bright snow into your life.
Use it for Christmas or use it as decoration, when other Christmas decorations are put away and everything feels a bit empty and dark.
Make a nice decoration for your bottle of water. Use it as nice touch or for more practical reasons.
Everybody brings a bottle of water at the fitness center or at a field trip. Some of the bottles look very much alike, and occasionally it can be difficult to find the right one.
Here is a pattern for a bottle decoration, that makes your bottle unique.
Need boot cuffs - or just want to practice slip stitches? Use the boot cuffs as decoration, to stay warm or to give the boots a nice soft top.
Bymami has this exquisite pattern package with 5 different succulents. I wanted to try one with variegated yarn, and then I made a tuft of (sea)grass as well to create a sea theme. This might be a good way of spending leftover yarn.
Get links and patterns here.
When it is too warm to wear a hat, but your ears get cold, then a headband might be what you need. Here is a free pattern for you.
A FREE pattern is out. It is a Mini Neck warmer made of the Tunisian Top Stitch Rib.
It fits a variety of sizes and will keep your upper chest warm under your jacket.
Go have a look. You can find the free pattern at LoveCrafts and on Ravelry.
The back of the Tunisian Top Stitch has similarities to a chain mail - at least when using a large hook. I made a chain mail costume for our boy. I'll show you how to make one too.
The project is fast and it doesn't matter, if you make a little mistake here and there. So feel free to try even if you just learned to do the Tunisian Top Stitch.
This is a detailed guide, not a make-it-in-5-different-sizes pattern. Grab your yarn, measure tape, a shirt of approximately the right size and your creativity.
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?
Abbreviations (US terms)
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.
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.- Begin with 5sc in a magic ring. Pull tight. [5]
- 1 inc in each stitch all the way. [10]
- (inc, 1 sc) 5 times. [15]
- (sc, inc, sc) 5 times. [20]
- (inc, 3 sc) 5 times. [25]
- (2 sc, inc, 2 sc) 5 times. [30]
- (inc, 5 sc) 5 times. [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.
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.- 1 sc, (dec, 15 sc) 2 times. [33]
- (9 sc, dec) 3 times. [30]
- (4 sc, dec, 4 sc) 3 times. [27]
- (7 sc, dec) 3 times. [24]
- (3 sc, dec, 3 sc) 3 times. [21]
- (5 sc, dec) 3 times. [18]
- (2 sc, dec, 2 sc) 3 times. [15]
- (1 sc, dec) 5 times. [10]
Closing Off the Egg
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 & 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.
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.
15) Slip stitch into the side of the foot again.
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.
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.
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.
You are welcome to share or sell any products you make from my patterns. :)
Read more about copyright and selling here.
Let us end the year by being kind to ourselves and each other. I have a FREE little heart-shaped crochet love for you.
Hang it on the Christmas tree, as decor for a present or just make one if you need a break during the holidays.
To all the little stars in the world. Crochet a little star or two.
Below is the crocheted star pattern. Have fun ❤️
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.
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.
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").
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
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]
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
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
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]
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.
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
Evie's FREE ear warmer pattern is ready.
It doesn't take much yarn to make. Find the pattern at Ravelry or LoveCrafts now.
The world changes and so does a few things here.
Last Chance of free gloves
It's your last chance of getting Evie's gloves pattern for free. Find the gloves at Ravelry or LoveCrafts.
The reason is, an ear warmer is about to join Evie's Eternities accessory set. This will be the new freebie of the set.
Last Newsletter
If you have signed up for newsletters, this might also be the last newsletter you get like this. I'm migrating to another mailer-system. At least I hope, I will. If you don't see anything from me in near future, then check your spam folder. 📧More minor changes might happen too. We'll see.
A Personal Update
I have been silent for a while, I know.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
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.
This is my X-mas present for you.
This is my X-mas present for you.
There is a new pattern in town - or actually 2-in-1. You get both for FREE for a short while.
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.
Use it for decoration or as a bookmark.
Use it for Christmas or use it as decoration, when other Christmas decorations are put away and everything feels a bit empty and dark.
Christmas gets closer every day. All full of love and (Xmas) hearts. Here is a free heart pattern for you.
I'll guide you at the beginning of the diagram as well as at the parts, when new things happen. So even if you are a newbie, you should be able to finalize this.
I'll guide you at the beginning of the diagram as well as at the parts, when new things happen. So even if you are a newbie, you should be able to finalize this.
Everybody brings a bottle of water at the fitness center or at a field trip. Some of the bottles look very much alike, and occasionally it can be difficult to find the right one.
Here is a pattern for a bottle decoration, that makes your bottle unique.
Get links and patterns here.
It fits a variety of sizes and will keep your upper chest warm under your jacket.
Go have a look. You can find the free pattern at LoveCrafts and on Ravelry.
The project is fast and it doesn't matter, if you make a little mistake here and there. So feel free to try even if you just learned to do the Tunisian Top Stitch.
This is a detailed guide, not a make-it-in-5-different-sizes pattern. Grab your yarn, measure tape, a shirt of approximately the right size and your creativity.
