Free Crochet Pattern! Skinny Sashay Scarf - No Ruffles!

I have a confession to make: I *highly dislike* ruffled sashay scarves! I prefer a feather boa anyday. I don't like making them, or the way they look, but I *LOVE* the yarn! It's metallic and sparkly and soft, and comes in fabulous colors. 

I found a bunch in my stash the other day and decided to solve this problem. This pattern is fast, simple, and there are no ruffles involved :) Hope you enjoy! 

The Skinny Sashay Scarf: 

Material/Notes:

- 2 1/4 skeins of Red Heart sashay yarn, in "boogie" or other color

- Q  / 15mm hook

- large tapestry needle

- stitches: dc = double crochet, ch = chain

- American crochet terms
- I used the "invisible join" method and it worked just fine with Sashay yarn to add a new skein! 

1. Ch 92, dc in 3rd, dc across, be sure to dc in top loop only, join new skein when needed in that row. In last stitch dc 3 times around (see pic below) (92)

2. Move beginning ch "knot" and continue to dc, do not turn, and continue using only the top loop left over from your starting chain (92). Tie off and sew in ends.

3. Cut 10 even lengths of yarn, knot to form fray. I did mine around 10" each, 5 on each side. Customize however you want!

Left: dc around beginning ch

Right: the end of your scarf after dc-ing around

Done! Easy! Fast! Happy Hookin!

-Claire 

***this and all patterns on this site are copyrighted to Horizontal Designs, The Gimpy Hooker and not to be reproduced or copied without permission. PS - You may legally sell finished products from ANY pattern! 

The Dude Hat - A free crochet pattern!

It's finally here! The Dude Hat crochet pattern! 

Coordinates with The Dude Scarf free pattern, and is very easy, fast, customizable, and a great last minute gift for the dude (or dudette!) in your life. The stitch combination creates a wavy slouchy kind of look, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out! I hope you are too!

Materials: 
- 1/2 skein of worsted weight yarn (Color A), I used Woolite Cincinnati Green
- 1/3 skein worsted weight accent color (Color B) a Navy Blue of unknown origin :)
-  5.5 mm hook
- Yarn needle for sewing in ends

Notes/Abbreviations:
- DO NOT TURN, join at the end of each round with a slip stitch
- To begin each round, ch 1, then do your first stitch in the same (this creates a more seamless look), I will NOT write Ch 1 at the beginning of each round, please assume it and do it :)
- Pattern is in USA terms
-Finished measurement is 22-24" depending on yarn and tension (mine was 23", I tend to have medium tension)
- You can carry your yarn color changes, or cut and weave. I carried mine, just remember this is a slouchy-ish hat so leave some give on your carry "tails". I used the "invisible join" method.
- Abbreviations: sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, dc = double crochet, tc = triple crochet, st = stitch, sk = skip, * indicates repeat

PATTERN

1. Color B: Create a Magic Ring, dc 6 times into the ring (6)
2. 2 Hdc around (12)
3. Color A: 2 tc in each around (24)
4. *Hdc 2, hdc next 3* around (30)
5. *hdc next 2, 2 hdc* around (40)
6. Color B: *2 tc, tc next 3* around (50)
7. Color A: *hdc next 5, 2 hdc* around - hdc remaining stitches in round (58)
8. *2 tc, tc next 2* around (87)
9. Hdc around (87)
10. Color B: tc around (87)
11. Color A: hdc around (87)
12. Tc around (87)
13. Hdc around (87)r
14. Color B: hdc, sk 1 (to decrease), *hdc next 10, sk 1* around (78)
15. Dc around (78)
16. Color A: dc around (78)
17. Color B: *hdc 15, sk 1 (to decrease)* around, hdc remaining stitches (72)
18. Color A: sc around to finish/create border. You could keep going at this point to make the hat slouchier, or do whatever finishing border you like!

That's it! Please let me know if you find my stitch counts are off at all, I made two of these to double check, but would love the feed back!

THANKS DUDES! Happy hooking!
-Claire

 ~Patterns/Picture Copyright~ 
Feel free to use free crochet patterns for whatever purpose you like, but please link back to us. Please do not copy and post any patterns and claim as your own, but you may use links that direct to this blog post. You may share photos that include the Horizontal Designs text only, and use of photos or altering of photos without express permission is prohibited and copyright protected.  

Free Men's Hat Crochet Pattern on Friday! (and more)

I'm back! Took a little hiatus, had some medical and personal stuff to take care of, will be blogging regularly again now.

Friday - The Dude Hat free crochet pattern launches! So excited to finally get this to you - just in time for last minute gifts for your dudes! Coordinates with the Dude Scarf! It's slouchy and soft and has a fun customizable pattern, sized to fit a man's head. 

What else have I been up to? Learning to make organic soap, and boy am I in trouble! It's incredible addictive - and so much fun! I'll be sharing a few recipes I came up with to give away as Holiday gifts.

More patterns are coming (see pics below of a few, I have 32 in the cue!). Some are free and some paid, but I can't wait!!!

Hope everyone is staying ahead of their yarn Christmas gift to-do list - I sure am not! 

Have a great day hookers and crafters :) 

-Claire

The Gabriella Blanket is now a FREE crochet pattern!

In light of all the new patterns I have coming out - and just because - I'm making The Gabriella Blanket a FREE PATTERN!

Named for my daughter, it's made with soft Red Heart Baby Clouds yarn (but you could use any chunky yarn) and can be customized to basically any size!I love the soft vintage tones and color combo.


Step by step instructions and suggestions for customizing when making your squares...

 And detailed instructions on joining and finishing the edging....

This makes a super soft, very durable blanket that my whole family loves. It has held up over the past year as well, even with toddler wear and tear, no frayed ends after lots of washing!

 

Hope you enjoy it as much as we do! You can download the pattern from Ravelry HERE.

Happy hooking! Please share pictures of squares/blankets and I'll post them on Facebook!
--Claire

FREE PATTERN TUTORIAL: How to use fabric flowers with crochet and knit items!

I love crochet flowers, don't get me wrong, but I have absolutely fallen in love with the shabby/vintage style flowers that are so popular. When you combine the two, and add them to a hat, a create a clip for a scarf, shawl, or headband, they are luscious! In my opinion, they take your designs up a notch, add an extra touch of chic, and stand out from the "standard" adornments on handmade yarn items.


Are they appropriate for everything? NO. But they have their place. So here is a little tutorial with a simple free crochet flower pattern, and how to add layers of fabric flowers and rhinestones to finish the look.



Now - I'm not referring to the yucky fake kind of flowers that are trying to hard to look real, mind you, made of vinyl and fake silk looking junk. I'm talking the chiffon, the real satin, and the various prints and textures you just can't do with yarn.

Yes, these are all available in both The Gimpy Hooker for smaller quantities and mixes, and the Shabby Peacock Shack for bulk orders at a discount. The reason I started supplying these is because I love them so much, and my clients do to!

FREE CROCHET PATTERN: Marvelous Mini Stocking Ornament

I actually made these last year, and I'm really happy I kept the pattern because I'm making them again this year, they are great gifts you can make with scraps and are super fast (ninja crochet!). I even made a German colored one for my MIL!

 

 

 

 

Materials:

- Very little yarn, any weight
- Suggested hook size for yarn
- In the red stocking, I  used Lion Hometown Chunky yarn (with hook size 8), and RH Super Saver in White (hook size 5.5mm)
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

FREE CROCHET PATTERN: Plum Twist Headband! Super fast.

PLUM TWIST HEADBAND / HAIR WRAP

This was an on the fly, super fast creation when I needed a hair accessory NOW. Isn't it nice to be able to make the things you need last minute?

This is a very easy, customizable, and quick pattern I wanted to share, so here it is!


Materials/Notes:
* Worsted Weight Yarn, 1/8 skein, scraps, very little (you get the point!), I used Caron Simply Soft in Plum
* 8 mm hook
* This pattern uses the lattice stitch (one of my fav's!), which has a basic pattern of *dc-ch 1-sk 1* while dc-ing into the ch space. 
* You could easily add rows to this to make it thicker/wider, and play with the hook size. I wanted   mine to be lacy looking, and using a larger hook with WW yarn creates that effect. Try a smaller hook for a "tighter" look. If you do this, you may want to increase your foundation chain.
* To wrap this around your head for this look, hold it at the base of your neck with an even length to each side of you (behind your head). Then wrap over your head, twist twice, and pull back down to the base of your neck. Tie off.

The HD Crochet Pattern Shop Is Coming!

They are almost ready! I am putting finishing touches on my first few official crochet patterns that will be for sale, and the testers are hard at work (or will be) double checking my designs. 

I have been publishing free patterns for a bit now, the single stitch and simple designs, and I plan to continue to do so. But a gal's gotta eat! So I'm excited to launch this portion of my business, as I love the design aspect of crochet.

Patterns will cost between $0.99 and $3.99, and once enough are ready we will have a big launch sale, with two for one deals!!! I also plan to do discounted coordinating sets of patterns.

Here is a sneak peak of some of my original crochet designs that will be available, and baby/kids designs will come in multiple sizes for the same price/pattern:

The Sunrise Slouchy Beanie

FREE CROCHET PATTERN: Bohemian Baby Hat

I've had a lot of requests for this hat pattern to match the Bohemian Baby Bib, so here it is!

You can make this set, both the bib and hat, with under one skein of worsted weight yarn easily (and the mittens!).

This pattern is for a Newborn-3 month hat, with finished measurements based on THIS chart, which I use as my hat measurement go-to resource from Slugs on the Refrigerator, which is a great site if you have not checked it out.

This is a really easy, kind of "standard" increasing hat pattern using double crochet's. If you find any issues please let me know!

FREE CROCHET PATTERN: Vintage Style 12" Baby Doll Dress

I had been scouring the internet for free baby doll patterns, and was not finding much that didn't look old fashioned and drab. My daughter has the Melissa and Doug 12"doll, and her outfit was just atrocious! That doll deserves to look fabulous!

So... I had a late night crochet on the fly session and came up with what I think is a fairly snazzy (and easy!) vintage inspired doll dress. 

I have only made this once, if you find any issues with the pattern please let me know!


Due to multiple requests, I made a printable PDF for this pattern! You can find the link at The Yarnheads Project HERE. Please take a look around while there and consider making a hat or scarf for a homeless man, woman, or child!

The Dude Scarf pattern is in a new E-book!

I'm very excited and honored that All Free Crochet featured my pattern for the Dude Scarf in their latest E-Book:

Man Crafts: 10 Free Patterns to Crochet for Men

The scarf is even on the cover :)

This book has great gifts to make for Father's Day or next Christmas, I'll be using a few myself. I'm vowing to not wait until November to start hookin for my family and friends! 

Enjoy!

-Claire

FREE CROCHET PATTERN: Watermelon Cowl Infinity Scarf

There is nothing quite like WATERMELON. Love the colors, taste, and how refreshing it is.

These bright fun colors in this cowl and funky zig-zag pattern are easy and can be customized to fit your needs. I added an adjustable flower with a hidden button so you can change the style up as needed. It has a wide neck and sits off the shoulder, perfect for the cool nights in spring/summer.

Find the finished item in our Etsy shop HERE.

Free Pattern!

Free Pattern/Project: Crochet Rope Headband and Fabric Bow

ARRRRHHHG! THAR BE PIRATES!

Well, not really. But -  I love pirates, and found some cool pirate fabric, and wanted to make something not insanely obvious that can be worn to show my love of all things nautical and pirate-tastic.

This project is extremely easy, involved very little sewing (I did mine by hand!), includes a super quick crochet headband, and you can customize it to suite whatever theme you prefer.   

The cool thing (IMO) is that the bow is on a clip, so you can use it on this headband, directly in your hair, or on a bag, scarf, or where ever you want to clip it. And you end up with a cute stand alone headband as well.

I was not feeling well this day, so completed the whole thing from my bed! Please pardon the wrinkled bed cover in all the pictures. 

Free Crochet Pattern: Lacy Evening Scarf

As the winter winds down, and the evenings still stay cool in spring, this lightweight (easy!) open design scarf will keep you warm and is quite pretty....dare I say sexy?

It's a lovely deep peacock blue with scattered sequins, just enough bling to make it dressy, or be worn with jeans casually.  


Find it in our ETSY shop at a great price, because it works up quickly. 

10% Off Coupon!

Right now, if you go LIKE our Facebook page, you get a 10% coupon for everything and anything in the shop. 




I'll apply it to any custom orders as well.  So go LIKE our page!

Free Pattern: The Dude Scarf!

I recently had a male friend request a scarf, and wanted to make something masculine but with a bit of texture. This pattern has just enough to make it interesting, but is not too overwhelming.


If you don't feel like making this, you can order it on Etsy HERE.

 If you DO want to make it, here is the pattern:

Materials:

• 2 balls (plus a little more for fringe if you want it) of  worsted weight yarn, I used Wool Ease Forest Green
• 9 mm hook
• Scissors for fringe

Pattern:

• Holding 2 strands together, Ch 16
• HDC into 2nd Ch, and across row (14 hdc's), Ch 3
• *Tc across row (14 tc's), Ch 2
• Hdc across row (14 hdc's), Ch 2     
• Hdc across row*
• Repeat until you run out of yarn, preferably ending with a single hdc row to match your beginning row. It measures approx 7"W by 60" W.   
• For optional fringe: I tied 2 pieces of about 10" of yarn in each stitch on both end 
  
  Abbreviations and Tips:
  
  
  • Ch = chain
  • hdc = half double crochet
  • tc = triple crochet
  • Be sure to chain loosely at the end of each row to make sure you get your 14 st in each row, and are not ending up with banged up finders trying to pry open that last stitch open (not speaking from experience - I swear!)
  • Stretch your scarf as you go. I find with this yarn it keeps the spacing and ends more even.
   

That's it! Hopefully the dude (man or woman) in your life will enjoy this scarf!
---Claire







And here is a picture of my friend Jason that was just sent, sporting his Dude Scarf!

~Patterns/Picture Copyright~ 
Feel free to use free crochet patterns for whatever purpose you like, but please link back to us. Please do not copy and post any patterns and claim as your own. You may share photos that include the Horizontal Designs text only, and use of photos or altering of photos without express permission is prohibited and copyright protected.   


 

Free Crochet Pattern: TWO Super Easy Hearts

It's that time of year.....
Valentine's Day fast approaches, and you may need and easy heart applique pattern. My patterns are worked in joined rounds, as I was not happy with how the others I had tried out were looking and they got a bit confusing.  

I used this batch to make hair pins, and a few larger ones that will go onto headbands. I used a variety of yarns, hooks, and stitch combinations before coming up with 2 that I liked best. I am not providing yarn or hook info for that reason, play around and have fun with your scraps! These take very little yarn to make, and are fast and easy.

FREE Crochet Pattern: Anchor Applique Tutorial

Want to add something nautical to your project? 
I was making a Navy scarf for my Dad, and could not find a (free) pattern anywhere online that I liked - so I made one up!

This anchor with a rope wrapped around is made in 4 pieces that are stitched together, as I found that this method made the lines much sharper and defined than others I had seen. I plan to use this on some funky Rockabilly pieces and cute baby hats in the future. And of course anything involving Navy pride for family.

Tutorial/Pattern:

Materials:

• 5 mm hook
• I used Lion Wool Ease WW Oxford Grey for the anchor (Color A), and Red Heart WW Latte for the rope (Color B)
• Needle to stitch pieces together 

Free Crochet Pattern: Vintage Ruffled Curtain Tie Backs

This is a quick and easy (and super cute!) way to whip up curtain tie backs that are versatile, customizable, and use up scrap yarn.

They can be hooked on to wall hardware, or tied around your curtains without anything extra. They can be looped once for a looser look, or looped multiple times. The yarn used is very stretchy, so you have a lot of options!  I looped mine twice, and don't have them attached to anything.

Materials:

• I used Red Heart Shimmer Yarn (Teal), but you can use any yarn 
• 5mm hook, adjust according to your yarn size
• A large button, or other ornamentation to tie your loop over
• Yarn needle

 Stitches/Abreviations:

• ss = slip stitch
• ch = chain
• dc = double crochet
• st = stitch

 Pattern: 

• Ch 75 (or whatever length you want)
• Row 1: dc into 4th st, this counts as 2 dc's, then dc in to the next st. *2 dc's in next st, 1 dc in next st* and repeat across row.
• Row 2: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc into next 2 st. *2 dc in next stitch, then dc in to next 2 st's* and repeat across row. Do not tie off.
• I stopped here. You could make yours thinker and keep increasing by adding a single dc to each*repeated increase* - for example: Row 3 would be *2 dc in st, dc into next 3 st* and so on.
• Once you have the desire amount of rows, at the end of your final row, ch 10. Then form a loop and ss into your last dc. This will be your loop that goes around your button. Tie off and weave in any ends.
• Attach a button to the other end of the piece, tie off and secure yarn, and that's it! Enjoy!

  
 Other custom ideas (I'll try some of these when I have time!): Adding beading, using cool vintage fabric covered buttons, using fuzzy or unique textured yarn, the possibilities go on and on. Have fun!
      
***Feel free to use free patterns for whatever purpose you like, but please link back to my post. Please do not copy and post this pattern and claim it as your own. You may share photos that include the Horizontal Designs text only.