Stained Glass Pillow Cover - Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern

Find the Stained Glass Crochet Pillow Cover ad-free PDF on Ravelry (each purchase helps my blog going and my family fed - thank you so much!)

OR Scroll down for the free pattern.

I'm granny square crazy! I can't even count how many different squares I've made.. but this may be my new favorite twist on the granny square!

I'm a sucker for texture so when I swatched up a sample of the bead stitch, I knew I had to make it into a granny square!

Although this stitch is gorgeous, making it in the round in a granny square makes it a bit wonky. The stitch counts and the overall shape is there.. but it needs major blocking if you want to make it as a blanket!

Since I wanted to skip the blocking, I decided to fold it up into a pillow cover without having to block it. Seaming up the sides took care of the kinks!

You can make this granny square as large or as small as you'd like. I had a 16" pillow insert so I chose to make it to fit the pillow. It's very easy to adjust the size as needed, it's just a repeat of the same row! 

MORE FREE CROCHET PATTERNS YOU WILL LOVE!

Bobbles and Stripes Granny Afghan  |  LOVE Pillow Cover  |  Granny Filet Afghan

For this Stained Glass Pillow Cover I used Caron cotton cakes - one of my favorite yarns to work with! I often find color changing cakes a challenge to work with because of the interruption of color changes in the least flattering places, but it works so well with this pattern! 

You can see the color changes in the pillow but you don't see (or easily notice) the abrupt color changes in this pattern. I think it makes such a cool visual pattern with the radiating color and all the texture!

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Pillow Cover Crochet Pattern

Materials

3 skeins Caron Cotton Cakes (Rose Whisper)

H/5.00mm hook

Pillow insert (16” shown)

Tapestry needle & Scissors

Pattern notes

If you will be making this as a afghan, you will need to block once finished.

Special stitch: Bead stitch is worked as follows: dc, *insert hook behind dc just worked (see photo), pull up a loop, repeat from * two more times, YO, pull through 5 loops on hook, YO, pull through last two loops.

Abbreviations (US terms):

Ch = chain, dc = double crochet, st = stitch(es), sl st = slip stitch, sp = space, sk = skip

Pattern

Round 1: Magic ring, Ch 3, dc, ch 3, *4dc, ch 3, repeat from * twice, 2dc, join to first ch 3, sl st into next st and into ch 3 sp

Round 2: (Ch 3, dc, ch 3, 2dc) in ch 3 sp from previous round, [*bead st, sk 1, repeat from * across, (2dc, ch 3, 2dc) in ch 3 sp from previous round] repeat 2 times, *bead st, sk 1, repeat from * across, join to beginning ch 3, sl st into next st and into ch 3 sp from previous row 

Repeat Round 2 until the diagonal measurement of the square (from one corner to the opposite corner) equals the size of your pillow insert.

Pillow Cover Assembly

Lay the pillow insert as pictured. Make sure the corner of the granny squares touch each other when folded inwards onto the pillow. If it is too small/large you will need to make more/take out rows.

Fold corners into each other and sew up the edges. Weave in ends.

Halloween Frankenstein Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern

This crochet frankenstein granny square is a part of my Halloween Blanket Crochet Along. Click here to see the other squares.

For Week #4 of the CAL we will be making 4 gray squares, 4 green squares, and 4 frankenstein appliques that will be sewn onto the gray squares.

This frankenstein is quick to make and super cute! You'll get them done in no time. :) Watch the video to help you through and find the materials needed & free written pattern below!

Frankenstein Applique Crochet Pattern

Materials
Green and Black yarn
G/4.00mm hook
2 6mm safety eyes
Tapestry needle & Scissors

Notes
Beginning chains do not count as stitch
Drop stitch: Make a half double crochet into the previous row (see photo 1)
Abbreviations (US terms)
Ch = chain, hdc = half double crochet, st = stitch(es), hdc2tog = half double crochet two together (half double crochet decrease)

Using black
Row 1: Ch 9, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and across, turn (8)
Row 2: Ch 1, hdc across, turn (8)
Change to green yarn
Row 3: Ch 1, hdc, drop st, hdc, drop st in next 2 st, hdc, drop st, hdc, turn (8)
Row 4-7: Ch 1, hdc across, turn (8)
Row 8: Ch 1, hdc2tog, hdc in next 4 st, hdc2tog (6)
Fasten off and leave tail for sewing onto granny square

Attach safety eyes and sew on mouth and scar with black yarn and tapestry needle

Learn how to Sew on Appliques to your granny square here!

Granny Square Pattern

Use J/6.00mm hook

Chain 2 in beginnging of round does not count as stitch

Abbreviations (US terms)
Ch = chain, dc = double crochet, hdc = half double crochet, st = stich(es)

Dimensions: Approx. 6.5" square

Round 1: Magic ring, Ch 2, 10dc into magic ring, join to first dc
Round 2: Ch 2, 2dc into each st around, join to first dc
Round 3: Ch 2, *dc, hdc into next 2 st, dc, [2dc, ch 2, 2dc] all in one st, repeat from * , join to first dc (8 st per side)
Round 4: Ch 2, *dc until you get to the ch 2 space from previous row, [2dc, ch 2, 2dc] all in ch 2 space, repeat from * , dc in next 2 spaces until you get to the beginning of the round, join to first dc (12 st per side)
Round 5: Ch 2, *dc until you get to the ch 2 space from previous row, [2dc, ch 2, 2dc] all in chain 2 space, repeat from * , dc in next 4 spaces until you get to the beginning of the round, join to first dc (16 st per side)
Fasten off and weave in all ends.

The video for the granny square is the same as the Christmas square EXCEPT use a J/6.00mm hook and fasten off after the 5th row. The square will be approx. 6.5"

Don't want to wait for the next part? You can purchase the entire pattern for the Halloween blanket here on Ravelry!

Don't forget to share your progress on the Facebook group or tag me on Instagram! I absolutely love seeing everyone's creativity!

To get notifications of when the next part goes live, you can sign up for my email list here.

Best Free Crochet Patterns - In Stitches Link Up Party #15

This week's link up party for the best free crochet patterns are a good mix of summer projects as well as patterns to get you ready for Christmas!

Find the links below for the top 5 free crochet patterns from this week's round up!

1. East Plant Hanger by Joy of Motion

2. Goldenrod Tank Top by Winding Road Crochet

3. The G G Cardigan by Yarnutopia

4. Amigurumi Reindeer by Grace and Yarn

5. Dog Bone Stocking by Posh Pooch Designs

Keep Scrolling for more free patterns! Be sure to click on your favorites at the bottom!

Find more free crochet patterns in past week's link up parties here!

Every other Monday, you will find a round up of the Top 5 Best Free Crochet Patterns! Plus, we (the hosts) will be sharing our own latest free crochet patterns on our blog. Throughout the week, links will be added so be sure to keep an eye on what others have to share as well!

If you are a crochet blogger that has free patterns to share, this is a great party for you to get your work out there! Simply follow the instructions below to 'link up' your free crochet patterns each week. If you are in the top 5 (most clicked patterns), your pattern will be shared and promoted by all of the crochet bloggers hosting this party! You can find more details below.

I am hosting this link up party right here on Maria's Blue Crayon, as well as on, Nicki's Handmade Crafts, Naztazia, Salty Pearl Crochet and The Unraveled Mitten. We are really excited to start this link up party and hope you join along!

Be sure to check out our social media pages and follow us for more crochet patterns and inspiration!

Find our newest and free crochet patterns at the links below!

• Halloween Witch Granny Square by Maria's Blue Crayon
• Foldable Christmas Tree by Nicki's Homemade Crafts
• Mermaid Tears Shawl by Salty Pearl Crochet
• Crochet V Scarf by Naztazia
• Merry and Bright Throw by The Unraveled Mitten

Ready to join In Stitches - The Best Free Crochet Pattern Party?

Want to add your link? Please remember to link to your actual project URL and not your homepage URL, and use the name of your project or post, not your own name. Just click the blue “Add Link” button below!

Please visit at least one other link, you just might find a new favorite project! AND – your clicks are how we determine which projects to feature each week! Feel free to leave a comment at the pattern link to provide feedback and show support.

No Etsy stores, Facebook pages, giveaways, or other link parties. Just blog posts to your actual crochet patterns that are accessible for FREE!

If your project gets featured as a top link, please do not submit that same project to future parties. We want to party fair! :)

Now let's get this party started! Please remember that the links below are shown in random order and are not shown according to when they were submitted or how many votes they received so far.

An InLinkz Link-up

Halloween Skeleton Granny Square Free Pattern

This crochet skeleton granny square is a part of my Halloween Blanket Crochet Along. Click here to see the other squares.

For Week #3 of the CAL we will be making 4 gray squares, 4 green squares, and 4 skeleton appliques that will be sewn onto the gray squares.

This skeleton is one of the easiest appliques! You'll get them done in no time. :) Watch the video to help you through and find the materials needed & free written pattern below!

Skeleton Applique Crochet Pattern

Materials

White and black yarn

G/4.00mm hook

Tapestry needle & Scissors

Notes

Abbreviations (US terms)

Ch = chain, hdc = half double crochet, st = stitch(es)

Using white

Round 1: Magic ring, 10 hdc in ring, join to first hdc (10)

Round 2: Ch 2, 2hdc in each st around, join to first hdc (20)

Round 3: Ch 2, *2hdc, hdc, repeat from * around, join to first hdc (30)

Round 4: Ch 2, *2hdc, hdc in next 2 st, repeat from * around, join to first hdc (40)

Fasten off and leave tail for sewing onto granny square

Eyes

Using black yarn

Round 1: Magic ring, 7 hdc in ring, join to first hdc

Fasten off, leave tail for sewing onto granny square.

Make 2 eyes

Sew eyes onto circle

Sew on mouth using a tapestry needle and black yarn

Learn how to Sew on Appliques to your granny square here!

Granny Square Crochet Pattern

Use J/6.00mm hook 

Chain 2 in beginnging of round does not count as stitch

Abbreviations (US terms)

Ch = chain, dc = double crochet, hdc = half double crochet, st = stich(es)

Dimensions: Approx. 6.5" square

Round 1: Magic ring, Ch 2, 10dc into magic ring, join to first dc

Round 2: Ch 2, 2dc into each st around, join to first dc 

Round 3: Ch 2, *dc, hdc into next 2 st, dc, [2dc, ch 2, 2dc] all in one st, repeat from * , join to first dc (8 st per side)

Round 4: Ch 2, *dc until you get to the ch 2 space from previous row, [2dc, ch 2, 2dc] all in ch 2 space, repeat from * , dc in next 2 spaces until you get to the beginning of the round, join to first dc (12 st per side)

Round 5: Ch 2, *dc until you get to the ch 2 space from previous row, [2dc, ch 2, 2dc] all in chain 2 space, repeat from * , dc in next 4 spaces until you get to the beginning of the round, join to first dc (16 st per side)

Fasten off and weave in all ends.

The video for the granny square is the same as the Christmas square EXCEPT use a J/6.00mm hook and fasten off after the 5th row. The square will be approx. 6.5"

Hoooked Zpagetti Yarn Review PLUS Free Crochet Rug Pattern

If you've never used t-shirt yarn before, you gotta try it! I got to try the popular Hoooked Zpagetti yarn from Love Crochet and it's fantastic! I'm going to tell you all about it plus there is a free downloadable crochet pattern at the end for the rug I made with it!

So let's start with the details of the Hoooked Zpagetti yarn.

Hoooked Zpagetti Yarn Details

• 90% recycled cotton, 10% other recycled fibers
• 131 yards per skeins
• Super Bulky yarn
• Care instructions: Hand wash and lay flat to dry
• Find it at LoveCrochet.com

First Impressions

This is a lot of yarn! Although each skein is 131 yards, it's super bulky so you get a good amount! 

I was also pleasantly surprised at the softness of the cotton. If I were to cut up one of my t-shirts, I don't think it would be as soft as this recycled cotton yarn. 

One thing I did notice about the yarn when I was working with it is that the thickness was not consistent throughout, specifically the white color I used. (The dark gray color I used was consistent throughout). It did not effect the outcome of my project, but it's just something that caught my eye when I was using it.

Crochet Pattern

This t-shirt style yarn is perfect for rugs, so I made a simple rug with striping! I will be using them for my bathroom and I'm already loving how thick and sturdy it feels under my feet.

I went with a really simple stitch except I mixed it up just a bit. I used the moss stitch (also known as linen stitch and many other names) but instead of doing the traditional single crochet with this stitch, I swapped it for half double crochets for a looser stitch (plus it works up much more quickly!).

My puppy has already partially claimed it.. his favorite spot to snooze during the day is in the bathroom (although I find it a rather odd spot to sleep) so he will be using it a lot!

Since this pattern is so easy, I'm offering the ad-free PDF printable/downloadable for free to everyone.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE PDF PATTERN HERE

Enjoy!

Halloween Witch Granny Square Crochet Pattern

This crochet witch granny square is a part of my Halloween Blanket Crochet Along. Click here to see the other squares.

For Week #2 of the CAL we will be making 4 gray squares, 4 purple squares, and 4 witch appliques that will be sewn onto the gray squares.

This little witch will be the most labor intensive out of all the squares, but it's not hard! Watch the video to help you through and find the materials needed & free written pattern below!

Witch Applique Crochet Pattern

Materials
Green, purple, black, orange yarn
G/4.00mm hook
2 6mm safety eyes
Tapestry needle & Scissors

Notes
Beginning chains don’t count as stitch
Loop stitch: (hold working yarn around index finger) insert hook into st, grab the yarn from behind the index finger as well as the yarn in front of the index finger, pull up a loop (at this point you can pull the working yarn to make the loop smaller or pull the loop to make it bigger), yarn over, pull through all loops on hook. This will create a loop on the backside of your work.
Abbreviations (US terms)
Ch = chain, hdc = half double crochet, st = stitch(es), hdc2tog = half double crochet two together (decrease)

Using green
Round 1: Magic ring, 10 hdc in ring, join to first hdc (10)
Round 2: Ch 1, 2 hdc in each st, join to first hdc (20)
Round 3: Ch 1, *hdc, 2hdc repeat from * around, join to first hdc (30)
Round 4: Ch 1, *hdc in next 2 st, 2hdc, repeat from * 4 times
Fasten off green yarn and leave tail for sewing onto granny square.
Flip over circle and join orange to first stitch of round 3 (see photo 1)
Ch 1, loop st in each st around, join to last st of round 3 (see photo 2)

Photo 1

Photo 2

Hat
Using black
Row 1: Ch 13, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and across, fasten off (12)
Attach purple yarn 3rd st in on black piece
Row 2: Ch 1, hdc in next 8 st, turn (8)
Change to black
Row 3: Ch 1, hdc2tog, hdc in next 4 st, hdc2tog, turn (6)
Row 4: Ch 1, hdc2tog, hdc in next 2 st, hdc2tog, turn (4)
Row 5: Ch 1, hdc across, turn (4)
Row 6: Ch 1, hdc2tog, hdc2tog (2)
Fasten off and leave tail for sewing onto granny square.

Face
Attach safety eyes
Use black yarn and tapestry needle to sew on mouth
Use green yarn and tapestry needle to embroider nose. Use a running stitch, keep overlapping the same stitch 8-10 times.

Learn how to Sew on Appliques to your granny square here!

Granny Square

Use J/6.00mm hook 

Chain 2 in beginnging of round does not count as stitch

Abbreviations (US terms)

Ch = chain, dc = double crochet, hdc = half double crochet, st = stich(es)

Dimensions: Approx. 6.5" square

Round 1: Magic ring, Ch 2, 10dc into magic ring, join to first dc

Round 2: Ch 2, 2dc into each st around, join to first dc 

Round 3: Ch 2, *dc, hdc into next 2 st, dc, [2dc, ch 2, 2dc] all in one st, repeat from * , join to first dc (8 st per side)

Round 4: Ch 2, *dc until you get to the ch 2 space from previous row, [2dc, ch 2, 2dc] all in ch 2 space, repeat from * , dc in next 2 spaces until you get to the beginning of the round, join to first dc (12 st per side)

Round 5: Ch 2, *dc until you get to the ch 2 space from previous row, [2dc, ch 2, 2dc] all in chain 2 space, repeat from * , dc in next 4 spaces until you get to the beginning of the round, join to first dc (16 st per side)

Fasten off and weave in all ends.

The video for the granny square is the same as the Christmas square EXCEPT use a J/6.00mm hook and fasten off after the 5th row. The square will be approx. 6.5"

Find the video on how to sew on the witch to the granny square here.

Don't forget to share with my on my Facebook Group and/or Instagram!

How to Design a Crochet Cardigan and Write the Pattern in Multiple Sizes

Do you enjoy designing and making your own crochet patterns/items? Have you been wondering how to design a cardigan or where to start? In this post, I'm going to go over basic construction, sizing, and how to write up patterns for multiples sizes without actually having to make multiple sizes.

First, I'm going to tell you: I am not by any means a professional/expert crochet cardigan designer. The information below is what has worked for me and a starting point/guide that may help you in your endeavors in designing your own cardigan!

I have received many questions of how to design a cardigan. Mainly - where to start and sizing. Get ready, because I'm going to give you every bit of information I know.

I've only designed two cardigans thus far but they turned out looking like cardigans so I think I have just a bit of wisdom to share with you!

Basic Construction

This is where you want to start when you want to design a cardigan. Sketch out the basic construction you want it to be - which is basically 3 rectangles (two front panels and a back panel) plus your sleeves (which are more or less rectangles too).

Sleeves can be made in the round once you have your back and front panels seamed together or you can make them separately as rectangles, sew up the side, and then sew them onto the cardigan. I've done them both ways - I did find it easier to crochet in the round once the cardigan panels were seamed together, that way I could periodically try it on.

I encourage you to look through your wardrobe or go to the mall and look at the construction of cardigans. You will quickly see that they are (for the most part) basic shapes that you can replicate by crocheting.

Another thing to think about is, although the basic consruction/shapes are the same, there are different ways to make a cardigan. You can make it from the top down and vice versa. You can also make it from side to side, which I did for my Poppy cardigan that you can see here.

For my Heartland Cardigan, I made the back panel first and continued to crochet on the back panels for the front panels for less sewing. You can see the Heartland Cardigan here.

So you basically need to make rectangles or some sort of 4 sided shapes then seam them together.

Sizing

If you use any resource for making a cardigan you need to use The Craft Yarn Council.  They have a Standard Body Measurements/Sizing Chart. They also have a Fit Chart and Length Chart, which is very very very valuable.  I was totally unaware that I had to actually ADD inches to my measurements depending on what sort of fit I wanted (ex. loose, fitted, etc). Trust me, you will want to look at this chart.

Basically, these charts tell you all the measurements you need to make your cardigan for a certain size (XS-5X).  The specific measurements I look at when designing a cardigan is bust, cross back (shoulder to shoulder), sleeve length, upper arm, and armhole depth. 

Jot down the measurements (don't forget to add inches according to the Fit chart) for the size you want to make. I usually put the measurements where I sketched out your basic construction to have a clear visual image. If you're making multiple sizes, I recommend making multiple sketches and writing down all the measurements for each size.

Writing Pattern for Multiple Sizes

Once you have made a sample/cardigan for yourself and it fits well, you may want to write up the pattern for multiple sizes. 

You probably don't want to make multiple cardigans in multiple sizes to figure out the pattern and good news for you, you don't have to!

All you need is that handy dandy sizing chart and a gauge swatch in the stitch you will be using for the cardigan. If you aren't familiar with gauge swatches, I wrote a post about why it's important and how to check it here.

Once you've made a gauge swatch, jot down how many stitches/rows in the amount of area you measured. A typical gauge swatch is 4" x 4" but I typically measure 1"-2" for my gauge (you will see why in the next paragraph).

Typically I will work on the back panel of a cardigan first. Once I figure out how many stitches I have per inch, I will multiply that by what I want the width of the back panel to be. That will give me the number of stitches I need to start my back panel.

For example, let's say for every 1" there are 3 stitches and I want the width of the back panel to be 18". I would multiply 18 x 3 and that will give me the number of stitches I need across. Make sense?

To figure out how many rows for the length of the cardigan you would do the same thing. (length in inches you want the cardigan to be multiplied by how many rows per inch from your gauge swatch).

With that being said, you will also have to figure in the multiple of your stitch. Depending on what stitch you are using, you may have work in multiples of 2, 3, 4, etc.

Example: If you stitch is a multiple of 3 and you figure you need 29 stitches to make it your width, you would then just bump that number up to 30 to make is a multiple of 3.

Factors to Think About when Designing a Cardigan

Some things you want to think about when making a cardigan are:

• How long do I want it? 
• What type of fit? Loose? Oversized?
• What kind of stitch/texture do I want? Flowy? Lacy? Sturdy?
• How do I want the front panels to look? Tapered? Flowy?
• What type of edging do I want on the cardigan?
• Length of sleeves
• Do I want a solid color or color scheme?

These are just a few things you may want to think about to guide you when designing a cardigan.

How to Calculate Yardage for Finished Garment

If you are writing a pattern, you may want to list how many yards of yarn the person will need in order to make the size of their choosing. You can do this WITHOUT having to make the garment!

This blog gives you a step by step on what you need to do to calculate the amounts!

There is both a guesstimate way and a more calculated way. It's definitely a good tool to use!

Find the blog post on how to calculate yarn estimates for your projects.

Now that you have some basics on how to design a cardigan, I hope you take the plunge and give it a try! I would love to see what you come up with. Tag me on Instagram @mariasbluecrayon

Best Free Crochet Patterns - In Stitches Link Up Party Week #14

Get the best free crochet patterns right here at the In Stitches Link Up Party! Scroll below to find all the free crochet patterns, plus check out all the new free crochet patterns being submitted at the bottom!

Find all the links below for the top 5 best free crochet patterns!

1.  Amy Doll by Grace and Yarn
2.  Citus Doormat by Joy of Motion
3.  Everythings Beachy Bag by Nana's Crafty Home
4.  Ridged Baby Booties by Crystalized Designs
5.  Sunny Day Beach Coverup by A Crocheted Simplicity

Keep Scrolling for more free patterns! Be sure to click on your favorites at the bottom!

Find more free crochet patterns in past week's link up parties here!

Every other Monday, you will find a round up of the Top 5 Best Free Crochet Patterns! Plus, we (the hosts) will be sharing our own latest free crochet patterns on our blog. Throughout the week, links will be added so be sure to keep an eye on what others have to share as well!

If you are a crochet blogger that has free patterns to share, this is a great party for you to get your work out there! Simply follow the instructions below to 'link up' your free crochet patterns each week. If you are in the top 5 (most clicked patterns), your pattern will be shared and promoted by all of the crochet bloggers hosting this party! You can find more details below.

I am hosting this link up party right here on Maria's Blue Crayon, as well as on, Nicki's Handmade Crafts, Naztazia, Salty Pearl Crochet and The Unraveled Mitten. We are really excited to start this link up party and hope you join along!

Find our most recent free crochet patterns on our blogs!

• Bobbles and Stripes Granny Afghan by Maria's Blue Crayon
  
•  Gingerbread House by Nicki's Homemade Crafts 

• Sweet Simple Handbag by Naztazia

•  Bonnaroo Baby Boho Bag by Salty Pearl Crochet

• Honeycomb Cabled Beanie by The Unraveled Mitten

Be sure to check out our social media pages and follow us for more crochet patterns and inspiration!

Ready to join In Stitches - The Best Free Crochet Pattern Party?

Want to add your link? Please remember to link to your actual project URL and not your homepage URL, and use the name of your project or post, not your own name. Just click the blue “Add Link” button below!

Please visit at least one other link, you just might find a new favorite project! AND – your clicks are how we determine which projects to feature each week! Feel free to leave a comment at the pattern link to provide feedback and show support.

No Etsy stores, Facebook pages, giveaways, or other link parties. Just blog posts to your actual crochet patterns that are accessible for FREE!

If your project gets featured as a top link, please do not submit that same project to future parties. We want to party fair! :)

Now let's get this party started! Please remember that the links below are shown in random order and are not shown according to when they were submitted or how many votes they received so far.

An InLinkz Link-up

Halloween Blanket Crochet Along - Free Pattern

Hello and welcome to the Halloween Blanket Crochet Along! Here in this post, you will find information about the crochet along as well as each week's assignment/pattern for the week! 

Read all the information then scroll down to see what you will need to do for each week and for the link to the patterns!

Are you smiling? I'm smiling. I know a lot of you have been waiting a whole two weeks of this crochet along to start!

Okay, so first thing is first.. if you want to purchase the whole pattern straight away, I have the PDF printable/downloadable on Ravelry that you can grab here. (Every sale helps me keep my blog going and my family fed - thank you from the bottom of my heart!)

Next, shall we discuss details?

If you haven't already - find the materials list here and go grab your supplies!

Halloween Blanket Crochet Along Details

• This crochet along will run from July 7th until September 1st for a total of 9 weeks.
• I will release each part/assignment for the week on my blog for free every Saturday 12pm (EST).
• I will announce on Facebook and through my email list when I release each assignment/pattern.
• Once the crochet along is over, everything will remain on my blog for free.
• Each week will be accompanied by a video tutorial along with the written pattern.
• Share your progress in my facebook group Maria's Yarn Friends or tag me on Instagram @mariasbluecrayon, I love seeing all your work - it's the best part of this crochet along! I look forward to seeing all of your creativity!
• If you have questions, you may post in the Maria's Yarn Friends facebook or email me mariasbluecrayon@gmail.com
• Yarn substitution suggested (if you don't want to use Red Heart Super Saver) is I Love This Yarn! from Hobby Lobby. Other worsted weight yarns are thinner compared to the Red Heart. (See next bullet point)
• If you are using a 'thinner' worsted weight yarn as a substitute, you will want to use a smaller hook size (probably an H/5.00mm). This will result in a small square size so to counter the smaller size, add a row to your granny square pattern. This is easily done by repeating the last row of the granny square.

Assignments/Patterns for each week

Click any of the weeks below to find the patterns for that week.
Links will become available each Saturday at 12pm (EST).

If you don't want to wait - purchase the entire pattern here on Ravelry!

Week #1 Assignment/Patterns
Week #2 Assignment/Patterns
Week # 3 Assignment/Patterns
Week #4 Assignment/Patterns
Week #5 Assignment/Patterns

Week # 6 Assignment/Patterns
Week #7 Assignment/ Patterns
Week #8 Assignment/Patterns
Week #9 Assignment

Halloween Ghost Granny Square Crochet Pattern

This little ghost is part of the Halloween Granny Square Blanket. Click here to go back to other squares.

Week #1 Assignment: Make 4 gray square, 4 purple square, 4 ghosts and sew them onto the gray squares.

This little ghost is easy and quick to make! Find the free crochet pattern below or use the video tutorial to make this ghost applique!

Free Pattern

Ghost applique

Materials

White and black yarn

G/4.00mm hook

2 6mm safety eyes

Tapestry needle

Scissors

Notes

Beginning chains do not count as stitch

Abbreviations (US terms)

Ch = chain, hdc = half double crochet, tr = treble crochet, st = stitch(es), sl st = slip stitch

Using white yarn

Round 1: Magic ring, ch 1, 10 hdc in ring, join to first hdc

Round 2: Ch 1, 2hdc in each st, join to first hdc

Row 3: Ch 1, hdc in next 7 st, turn

Row 4-5: Ch 1, hdc across, turn

Row 6: Ch 1, *3hdc, sl st, repeat from * , 3hdc in last st

Fasten off, leave tail for sewing onto gray granny square

Arms

Attach white yarn to right side of ghost body on the side of Row 3 (See photo 1 & 2)

Ch 3, tr in same st as ch 3, ch 3, sl st into next st

Fasten off

Attach yarn to left side of ghost head (see Photo 3)

Ch 3, tr, ch 3 in same st as ch 3, sl st into next st

Fasten off

Face

Attach 6mm safety eyes

Use black yarn and tapestry needle to sew on mouth

Photo 1 shows where yarn will be attached for right arm of ghost (side of row 3).

Photo 2 shows where to slip stitch when slip stitching into the next stitch to complete the arm.

Photo 3 shows where to attach yarn (right arrow) and where to slip stitch (left arrow) to finish up the left arm.

Find the video tutorial on how to sew appliques onto the granny square here.

Granny Square

Use J/6.00mm hook 

Chain 2 in beginnging of round does not count as stitch

Abbreviations (US terms)

Ch = chain, dc = double crochet, hdc = half double crochet, st = stich(es)

Dimensions: Approx. 6.5" square

Round 1: Magic ring, Ch 2, 10dc into magic ring, join to first dc

Round 2: Ch 2, 2dc into each st around, join to first dc 

Round 3: Ch 2, *dc, hdc into next 2 st, dc, [2dc, ch 2, 2dc] all in one st, repeat from * , join to first dc (8 st per side)

Round 4: Ch 2, *dc until you get to the ch 2 space from previous row, [2dc, ch 2, 2dc] all in ch 2 space, repeat from * , dc in next 2 spaces until you get to the beginning of the round, join to first dc (12 st per side)

Round 5: Ch 2, *dc until you get to the ch 2 space from previous row, [2dc, ch 2, 2dc] all in chain 2 space, repeat from * , dc in next 4 spaces until you get to the beginning of the round, join to first dc (16 st per side)

Fasten off and weave in all ends.

The video for the granny square is the same as the Christmas square EXCEPT use a J/6.00mm hook and fasten off after the 5th row. The square will be approx. 6.5"



Be sure to share your work on Maria's Yarn Friends facebook group or tag me @mariasbluecrayon on Instagram! I love seeing your work!

Crochet Tip: How to Sew Appliques onto Crochet

Sewing appliques onto squares can be tricky if you want a clean look on the back.

When sewing crochet appliques onto blankets or other pieces of crochet, it is ideal to not see any of the sewing on the back.

This video tutorial will help you achieve that!

I have many blankets that consist of appliques being sewn onto granny squares. Find all the free patterns below!

Woodland Afghan

Ocean Afghan

Christmas Afghan

Llama and Cactus Afghan

Halloween Afghan

Bobbles and Stripes Granny Square Blanket - Free, Easy Crochet Pattern

Scroll down to get the free crochet pattern for this large granny square blanket that you can make in any size!

Get the pattern as an ad-free printable/downloadable on Ravelry. Each and every sale means the world to me - it keeps my blog running and my family fed! Thank you!

One of my favorite things about granny squares is that you don't have to be limited to basic stitches. For this granny square pattern, I used both a bobble stitch and double crochet to make a gorgeous texture! Plus I used multiple colors for a fun look! 

When LoveCrochet graciously gave me some of a new line of yarns they had out, I immediately knew it would be perfect for a blanket!

The new line of yarn is called Main Street Yarns and is currently exclusively on their LoveCrochet website. You can check out all the colors they have here.

This yarn is 100%acrylic, but if you didn't know before you felt it, you may have thought differently! This yarn is so super squishy soft and I still gush over it when I talk about it.

The only way I know how to describe feeling the skein of yarn is it feels like you're squishing a sheep's wool! It's that soft!

It also worked up beautifully and it's what every acrylic worsted weight yarn should be! Soft, a bit shiny (not too much), squishy, and feels wonderful to work with.

Since the yarn was so squishy and I knew it would give a fantastic drape, I added in some bobbles for texture that I knew wouldn't end up being stiff.

The bobbles slow you down a bit after doing a row of double crochets, but totally worth it! They're easy to make and gives such a gorgeous pop of detail to the blanket. I'm in love!

Even my new pup loves the finished blanket. He basically has claimed it as his own and that's okay, because I don't have any babies for the baby sized blanket I made!

If you're not ready to make this blanket just yet -

PIN it on your Pinterest boards for later!

OR

Purchase the ad-free version & Save it to your Ravelry for safe keeping!

Follow the video below for the tutorial or keep scrolling for the free written pattern!

Materials

Worsted weight yarn

Yarn used in photo: Main Street Yarns in Off White, Bright Teal, and Bubblegum Pink (one skein each)

I/5.50mm hook

Tapestry needle and Scissors

Pattern notes

This granny square can be made as small or large as you’d like by repeating Rounds 2-3.

Chain 3 in the beginning of each round counts as a double crochet

Modified bobble stitch is made as follows: *YO, insert hook in st, pull up a loop, repeat from * 3 times (inserting hook in same st each time), YO, pull through all 9 loops, ch 1

For stripe effect, change color after each round.

Dimensions: Blanket pictured is 34" square using 3 skeins of Main Street Yarn

Abbreviations (US terms):

Ch = chain,  dc = double crochet, st = stitch(es), sp = space, sl st = slip stitch, YO = yarn over

Pattern

Round 1: Magic ring, Ch 3, dc, ch 3, *4dc, ch 3, repeat from * twice, 2dc, join to first ch 3, sl st into next st and into ch 3 sp

Round 2: (Ch 3, dc, ch 3, 2dc) in ch 3 sp from previous round, [*bobble st, sk 1, repeat from * across, (2dc, ch 3, 2dc) in ch 3 sp from previous round] repeat 2 times, *bobble st, sk 1, repeat from * across, join to beginning ch 3, sl st into next st and into ch 3 sp from previous row 

Round 3: (Ch 3, dc, ch 3, 2 dc) all in ch 3 sp from previous round, *dc across, (2dc, ch 3, 2dc) in ch 3 sp from previous round, repeat from * 2 times, dc across, join to top of the beginning ch 3, sl st into next st and into ch 3 sp from previous row

Repeat Round 2-3 until your square reaches the desired measurements.

It's no secret that I love granny squares. I think I spent half of my blogging career making them! Especially with my themed afghans that I love so much.

Woodland Afghan // Ocean Afghan // Christmas Afghan 

 Halloween Afghan // Llama Cactus Blanket