The waistcoat stitch is a lovely little thing and you can make beautiful yet easy and fast-worked stitch patterns with it.
Let me show you.
Bunny Egg usually hangs out around Easter enjoying the company of Junior Egg.
Hence, the pattern for Bunny Egg has been updated and now includes Junior Egg. The two of them love that ♥
The 2-in-1 pattern is available at Ravelry, LoveCrafts or you can purchase it in the StoneGnome Payhip store. It's available in English and Danish.
If you want to try Junior Egg for FREE, then you'll find Junior right here.
Updated. This post has been updated as of March 2023
Skill level
The pattern is written for crocheters that are familiar with amigurumi. Difficulty level is intermediate/advanced. There are a few special stitches like BLO and Puff stitches. They are slightly modified, but - of course - explained.
Junior is the easiest one to make, while you might need a little peace, glasses and good light when you make the legs for Bunny Egg.
Size and Yarn
The Easter Egg will be around 6.5cm tall (2.6") if you work with the recommended hook size 2-2.5mm (US 0-B1 or steel 4, UK 14-13).Use regular cotton yarn for amigurumi.
It could be something like Scheepjes Cotton 8 or similar.
Colors could be:
- 502 white
- 710 grey
- 649 soft coral (or 715 nude).
- 639 Burned Orange.
I tried Scheepjes Organicon (Ravelry link), which was soft and lovely to work with. Even a bit thick and fluffy in the right way. Totally recommend this for a luxury project and if the egg is for decoration purposes only.
However, if you plan to use the Easter Egg as a toy, the yarn might get a little worn out faster than other yarn. At least that is what I experienced when I used it for samples and had to frog it several times.
More versions
Margie helped test and proofread the original patterns. Check out her latest colorful Junior Eggs from 2023 or her very, very cute Bunny Egg on Instagram.
Thank you Margie for being such a patient and positive tester and proofreader.
Thank you Margie for being such a patient and positive tester and proofreader.
Enjoy the pattern and Easter!
Related blog post: Junior Egg
This heart was made for#WorldHeartDay (sep 2022), but it also works perfectly for Valentines Day.
Use the heart to remind you of what is important in your life and what makes you happy. ❤
Use the heart to remind you of what is important in your life and what makes you happy. ❤
Written Pattern
Use any yarn and hook that works for you. I used Scheepjes Catona and hook 3.5 mm (US E/4- UK 9)
Abbreviations
(US terms)
ss - slip stitch
ch - chain
sc - single crochet
hdc - half double crochet
dc - double crochet
[ ] - all in the same stitch
Make a Magic Ring. Work 1st round in the Magic Ring.
Round 1
Ch 1, 3 dc, 2 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 2sc, 3 dc, ch1 and 1 sc in the ring.
Pull the magic ring semi-tight.
Round 2
sc in the chain, (2dc in the next st) x 4,
1 hdc in the sc, 1 hdc in the hdc,
[1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 hdc] in the dc,
1 hdc in the hdc, 1hdc in the sc,
(2dc in the next st) x 4,
1 sc in the chain, 1 ss in the sc.
Pull the magic ring as tight as possible (don't break the yarn). Cut the yarn and pull at the last loop on the hook till the strand is free. Pull tight and weave in ends.
Pattern Chart
If you prefer a chart, then see below. I will post these on Instagram too.
Round 1 starts at the red dotted line. Round 2 starts at the blue dotted line.
❤ StoneGnome
If you want more hearts, then check out my other small heart posts. I love hearts ❤
Make an angel display for a crocheted necklace or a beaded crochet necklace. The display can be used for selling items at a market, if you attend an exhibition, or maybe for a special gift.
However, one of my necklaces comes with a tight bracelet. I wanted the necklace and the bracelet to be on the same display, which required the bottom of the template to be rather wide compared to the top of the template. Otherwise, the distance between the two would be too big.
Carefully fold it, so the back flaps overlap with about 1cm (0.4in), and glue the part that overlaps.
I've used heavy 190g A4 paper with a very smooth surface, so I sewed a couple of stitches on the back to make the necklaces and the bracelet stay in place. I've seen others cover the display with wallpaper or likewise and I'm guessing a rougher surface will prevent the necklaces from slipping.
I made the display in 2017 for an exhibition I was attending with other textile and yarn freaks; weavers, filters, knitters, and crocheters. I wanted to present my crocheted necklaces in a nice way.
UPDATE: Due to requests, this writing and the templates below have been updated in January 2023.
First, I found a template (and tutorial) at Georgia P Designs. There are cones for bracelets, a cone for a necklace, and a flat-back necklace display stand.
However, one of my necklaces comes with a tight bracelet. I wanted the necklace and the bracelet to be on the same display, which required the bottom of the template to be rather wide compared to the top of the template. Otherwise, the distance between the two would be too big.
After playing around for a little while, I ended up with a display shaped like angel wings.
The files are available from my google drive. You can get a full-size copy from the links.
The files are available from my google drive. You can get a full-size copy from the links.
Make the printed side the back of your cone. The print on the template files is rather pale, so it doesn't show through the paper.
If you can't print close to the edges, you can shrink it a bit (your printer dialog should help you with this) - OR you can ignore the missing print at the margins. It should be fairly easy to guess where to cut. Use the dotted line as a guide for the front tip.
If you can't print close to the edges, you can shrink it a bit (your printer dialog should help you with this) - OR you can ignore the missing print at the margins. It should be fairly easy to guess where to cut. Use the dotted line as a guide for the front tip.
Carefully fold it, so the back flaps overlap with about 1cm (0.4in), and glue the part that overlaps.
I've used heavy 190g A4 paper with a very smooth surface, so I sewed a couple of stitches on the back to make the necklaces and the bracelet stay in place. I've seen others cover the display with wallpaper or likewise and I'm guessing a rougher surface will prevent the necklaces from slipping.
The Exhibition
The keywords for the exhibition in 2017 were to show some of the many different things you can do with yarn and textiles. It used to be an annual recurring event in Gudhjem Museum (Denmark, Bornholm). The last years have been hard on exhibitions due to lockdowns and restrictions, but hopefully, there will be more yarn and textile exhibitions in the future.I enjoyed the beaded crochet work a lot, so I might also need the displays again one day.
Read more: Beaded Crochet Rope Necklace
Links to Display Ideas
Here are a couple of other display ideas and templates in case you need something special.- Georgia P. Designs templates and tutorial
- A Plywood Jewelry Pyramid tutorial can be found at Collectivegen.com (former 'A Pair & Spare'), which also posted templates for a couple of Wooden Jewellery Holders in May 2022.
- 3 other DIY Necklace displays are present at Tutorial De Artisana (eng: Craft Tutorial)
It's time for Christmas Crocheting.
Here are links to some free Christmas crochet patterns to you from StoneGnome.
Here are links to some free Christmas crochet patterns to you from StoneGnome.
Little ornaments are great to crochet and hang in the window or on a Christmas tree. They are also pretty fast to make, which is excellent if you have busy days or just need something easy to make.
I love the crochet snowflakes. They are small, bright, and last all winter as window decorations. And btw, there are two different versions. The second snowflake might have been hiding, so use the link below :)
I also love hearts; you can use them for more yearly occasions. And then of course the pretty stars. Very easy and relaxing to make.
World Heart Day
Snowflake #1
Snowflake #2
A Little Christmas Heart
Sibling Stars
Double HeartChristmas Crochet Ideas
If you get into it and suddenly have a lot of crochet beauties, then use the crocheted items as part of your Christmas wrapping for a more personalized look and feel on the presents. Or make a tree branch mobile by hanging ornaments on a pretty curly branch from the garden.
Happy Christmas Crocheting!
Crochet your own decorated eggs. Use a basic egg
and change colors as you wish for nicely decorated eggs.
If you use waistcoat stitches for your egg you get different options. Like small, heart-shaped dots ♥
This adorable double heart is double love. Give it to someone extra special or make it for your own joy.
The heart ornament is made in one piece, so there is no sewing the parts together in the end.
The innovative crochet pattern is great as a winter project. Tricky Triangles is a mandala presenting a new way to crochet in the round.
The mandala will be soft and drapey and excellent for making a pillow or you can make it a decorative table topper. There are a lot of other possibilities for hexagons if you google it.
The Mandala
I'm not sure if the level of it is beyond basics or advanced. It might more be a matter of preferences and whether you can find a hook that works for you.
It's colorwork and it requires you to make somewhat uniform stitches. The main stitches are slip stitches and waistcoat stitches. If you are not sure whether these stitches suit you or not, try the FREE introduction pattern Tessa's Triangles first.
Tricky Triangles comes with a 30% introductory discount. The discount is only available on Payhip or Ravelry and runs out in 2 weeks (Nov. 18th Copenhagen time). Use the coupon code TRICK to get the discount.
The mandala pattern is available in English (US terms) and Danish.
Get the pattern at Ravelry, at LoveCrafts, or right here via my new Payhip Store.
Yarn, Hook sizes, and Final Sizes
In theory, you can use any three yarn balls and a relatively large hook. Preferably a hook with a relatively small head. For the best result, the yarn should be uniform and soft, with a smooth look.
The yarn I have used is very soft and likable, so I can certainly recommend it.
Peppermint and Licorice
Hook size 5mm (H-8). It gets around 30cm (11.8") wide.
Scheepjes Organicon/Bamboo Soft.
Organicon - 220 Broken Almond
Bamboo Soft – 263 Smokey Diamond (dark)
Bamboo Soft – 264 Antique Silver (grey)
Hook size 5mm (H-8). It gets around 30cm (11.8") wide.
Scheepjes Organicon/Bamboo Soft.Organicon - 220 Broken Almond
Bamboo Soft – 263 Smokey Diamond (dark)
Bamboo Soft – 264 Antique Silver (grey)
(Big) Red.
Hook size 8mm (L-11). The red is approximately 37cm (14.5") wide.
Scheepjes Merino Soft.
645 Van Eyck (orange)
621 Picasso (red)
623 Rothko (dark red)
Hook size 8mm (L-11). The red is approximately 37cm (14.5") wide.
Scheepjes Merino Soft.645 Van Eyck (orange)
621 Picasso (red)
623 Rothko (dark red)
Yarn Packages
Littlebugz.dk made yarn packages for both versions. It might be of most relevance if you live in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway - or close. She is good at adding discounts on yarn packages for my patterns.
Have a look at the yarn packages at Littlebugz.
FYI. A lot of the yarn I use is sponsored by Littlebugz.dk. Littlebugz then makes yarn packages for my patterns. And in case you wonder. Littlebugz doesn't sponsor my opinion or anything other than the yarn 😊
Thank You
Thank you to all that have helped me out. Janelle did a great job before it was even a pattern. She helped me with terms and the structure of the written pattern. Then Anita Reinehr came in early to do a superb tech edit. Unusual yes, but with a new thing, it felt important to do a tech edit before having the pattern tested.
Finally, a lot of people did testing. Some just partly, some only on the early Tessa's Triangles. Thank you to all of you too; Pamela Tan, Robyn Kaltea, Ruth Lister, Jess Wells, and more.
Here is a nice little FREE spider web pattern.
ss = slip stitch
ws = waistcoat stitch
-blo = back loop only
** = repeat all the way around
A waistcoat stitch is a single crochet stitch, where you insert the hook between the legs of the previous stitch.
Foundation
Note. Work 2 ws in the first stitch of the round too, but skip the color change.
Finish Off
Cut the yarn.
Expand the last loop till the yarn end is through.
Weave in the ends.
Use it for a coaster or make more rounds and use it as a table topper. Once you get the pattern it is very simple and you decide how big you want it.
Yarn and Hook Suggestions
You can make it of any yarn you want and then a relatively large hook. Btw, I recommend a dark but NOT BLACK yarn, to begin with. It is VERY difficult to find the right places to insert the hook, when using black yarn and working with waistcoat stitches.
I’ve tried two combos that worked well for me:
Mixed Fingering Yarn (Semi-light)
Mixed Fingering Yarn (Semi-light)
- Wool yarn blend (orange) and cotton yarn (black). Both with yardage around 210m/50gr (230yds/1.76oz)
- Hook size 4 mm (US G-6)
Cotton Yarn - Fingering
- Cotton yarn for amigurumi with yardage around 170m/50gr (186yds/1.76oz)
- Hook size 5 mm (US H-8)
If you are making a coaster meant for warm chocolate, tea, or coffee, you should use pure cotton yarn.
Instructions
The spider web pattern is based upon Tessa’s Triangles (a hexagon pattern). You can find tips and secrets in Tessa’s Triangles that can be useful for the spider web as well.
Abbreviations
sc = single crochet stitchss = slip stitch
ws = waistcoat stitch
-blo = back loop only
** = repeat all the way around
A waistcoat stitch is a single crochet stitch, where you insert the hook between the legs of the previous stitch.
Start with the web color (dark).
Foundation
6 loose sc in a magic ring. Add a stitch marker between the legs of each stitch if it helps you.
Join the round with an ss-blo in the first sc.
Note. This is a tricky part as the first sc can be pulled at so much, that you can’t find where to insert the hook when doing the ws. This is why I recommend attaching stitch markers right after making the magic ring.
Round 1)
Note. This is a tricky part as the first sc can be pulled at so much, that you can’t find where to insert the hook when doing the ws. This is why I recommend attaching stitch markers right after making the magic ring.
Round 1)
*ws in the current sc (change color to orange while pulling up the last loop of the ws),
ss-blo in the next sc while changing color again *
ss-blo in the next sc while changing color again *
Note. Work the final ss-blo into the first ws of the round.
Round 2)
Round 2)
*ws in the current ws (change color to orange while pulling up the last loop of the ws),
ss-blo in every ss,
ss-blo in every ss,
ss-blo in the next ws while changing color *
Round 3-4)
Repeat round 2
Round 5-6)
Repeat round 2, but without the color changes.
More Rounds
Work round 2-6 as many times as you want.
Repeat round 2
Round 5-6)
Repeat round 2, but without the color changes.
More Rounds
Work round 2-6 as many times as you want.
Final Two Rounds
Round 7)
Repeat round 2
Round 8)
ws in the current ws (change color to orange while pulling up the last loop of the ws),
* ss-blo in every ss,
ss-blo in the next ws while changing color,
ss-blo in the next ws while changing color,
2 ws in the current ws (change color to orange while pulling up the last loop of the second ws) *
Note. Work 2 ws in the first stitch of the round too, but skip the color change.
Finish Off
Cut the yarn.
Expand the last loop till the yarn end is through.
Weave in the ends.
Happy Halloween!
