Small Crochet Basket (Free Pattern)

This little basket is one of my favorite things to make. It's quick and easy but very cute and elegant. It can be used not only to store small items but also as part of your decor. 

You can get this free pattern on Ravelry. 

Just follow the link: BASKET 

HAPPY CROCHETING!

Miniature Crochet Kite (Pattern)

A friend asked me to make her a small doll holding a kite. And the kite had to be diamond shaped, 4 colors. So, I needed to make triangles which I didn't know how to make at the time. I was very fortunate to find this TUTORIAL. You can make your kite as big or as small as you'd like but this is how I made the one for my friend.

Materials:

1. Aunt Lydias size 10 crochet thread (4 colors of your choice)
2. Crochet hook size 10 or 1.30 mm (I use Boye)
3. Floral wire (26 gauge)
4. DMC cotton perle size 12 thread - ecru
5. Sewing needle
6. Scissors
7. Fabric stiffener (optional)
8. Glue gun

Notes:
1. Abbreviations:
ch - chain, sc - single crochet, sc2tog - single crochet 2 together (decrease), st(s) - stitch(es)

2. The pattern for the boy is based on this pattern in my Etsy shop: 3 Inch Doll

Pattern:

Triangles (x 4):

ch 9
row 1: start with 2nd ch from hook, sc2tog, 1 sc in each; ch 1 and turn - 7 sts
row 2: 1 sc in each; ch 1 and turn - 7 sts
row 3: sc2tog, 1 sc until the end; ch 1 and turn - 6 sts
row 4: 1 sc in each; ch 1 and turn - 6 sts
row 5: sc2tog, 1 sc until the end; ch 1 and turn - 5 sts
row 6: 1 sc in each; ch 1 and turn - 5 sts
row 7: sc2tog, 1 sc until the end; ch 1 and turn - 4 sts
row 8: 1 sc in each; ch 1 and turn - 4 sts
row 9: sc2tog, 1 sc until the end; ch 1 and turn - 3 sts
row 10: 1 sc in each; ch 1 and turn - 3 sts
row 11: sc2tog, 1 sc until the end; ch 1 and turn - 2 sts
row 12: 1 sc in each; ch 1 and turn - 2 sts
row 13: sc2tog, 1 sc until the end; ch 1 and turn - 1 st
row 4: 1 sc - 1 sts

Fasten off and weave in the ends. Sew the 4 pieces together using the DMC cotton perle size 12 thread or sewing thread. If you have never joined crochet pieces together, this TUTORIAL will be very helpful.

After sewing the pieces together, you may spray the kite with fabric stiffener and let dry.

Bows (x 4):

We will crochet around the chain to make the bows.
ch 7
1 hdc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 hdc in 3 chs, 4 hdc in last ch; (continue on other side of ch), 1 hdc in 3 chs, 3 hdc in last; sl st to join to 1st hdc

Fasten off.

Use the ends to tie the middle to shape the bow. Do not cut the ends after making the bow. We will need them later.

Prepare the wire:

Cut 3 pieces of wire. Note: measurements below are of the wire with the thread already around it. Cut the pieces longer so it's easier to wrap the wire around them.

Finished measurements:

1.5 inches

3 inches

11 inches

Wrapping the thread (DMC size 12, ecru):

1. Tie a knot at one end of the wire you just cut.

2. Put a small amount of fabric glue on that same end of the wire and wrap the thread. You only need to use glue at each end of the wire but not in the middle. The glue will secure the thread.

3. Once finished with the wrapping, wait a little for the glue to dry completely and cut the wire to the lengths listed above.

Putting the kite together:

Tie the bows around the 3 inch wire. Leave enough space on each end (1 end needs to be glued to the kite and the other will be bent to secure the bows). Glue the bows to the wire with the glue gun for more stability and cut the ends.

With the glue gun glue the 1.5 inch piece of wire to the back of the kite.

Now glue the 11 inch piece to the back of the kite. And then glue the piece with the bows next to the longest piece of wire (at an angle).

And your kite is finished!

Heart Shaped Box Tutorial (Tiny Valentine's Day Gift)

I made this giraffe a while ago and he just needed something to hold. I thought a little heart shaped candy box would be the perfect thing for him. 

 You can find the tutorial for this cute box for FREE here: Candy Box Tutorial

And the pattern for the giraffe is available in my shop here: Tiny Giraffe Pattern

Enjoy!

Tiny Crochet Balloons

I love making mini balloons. They are perfect for any or no occasion. And they are super easy and quick to make.

My pattern changes every time. I don't think I have made two balloons exactly the same way but here's one way I make them.

And if you don't know how to crochet but you really like these balloons, I can make them for you. Just follow this link.

Materials:
1. Aunt Lydia's size 10 crochet thread (colors of your choice)
2. 1.30 mm crochet hook
3. Polyfil
4. Sewing needle
5. Scissors
6. Stitch marker
7. Glue gun
8. Wire

Abbreviations:
mr - magic ring
sc - single crochet
hdc - half double crochet
sl st - slip stitch
st(s) - stitch(es)
ch - chain
rnd - round

Balloon:
mr, ch 1, 7 sc in the ring
Pull tight to close
round 1: 2 sc in each stitch - 14 sts
round 2: 1 sc, 2 sc in next stitch (repeat 7 times) - 21 sts
rounds 3 - 6: sc around - 21 sts
round 7: 1 sc, sc2tog (repeat 7 times) - 14 sts
round 8: sc around - 14 sts
round 9: sc2tog (repeat 7 times) - 7 sts (stuff the balloon before finishing this rnd)
round 10: sc around
round 11: 2 sc in each st - 14 sts
round 12: sl st in 2 sts
Fasten off and finish off following this tutorial.

Cut your wire (about 3 inches long). Insert in balloon and glue with the glue gun.

Bow: (leave long tails)
ch 8
row 1: 1 hdc in 2nd ch from hook; 1 hdc in each st; ch 2 and turn - 6 sts
rows 2 - 15: 1 hdc in each st; ch 2 and turn - 6 sts

Fasten off and sew both side together. Fold in half and wrap the left over thread several times in the middle. Make sure to pull tight the first time to shape the bow. Tie a knot on the back of the bow.

Ch 12 - 20 with the left over thread

Put the balloons together and wrap thread around the middle of the wire. Wrap several times and glue with the glue gun to secure. Glue the bow on the thread you just wrapped around the wire.

I hope you liked this pattern.

Let me know what you think in the comments. :-)

HAPPY CROCHETING!!!

How to Crochet Tiny Pumpkins for Halloween (Free Pattern)

Every fall season I get to make a lot of these tiny pumpkins for my customers. This year is going to be the last year I sell them in my shop. So, I thought why not share the pattern with you here. This pattern is SUPER easy. But if you have any questions, please let me know in the comments. And don't forget to share pics of your creations!!!

Here's what you need:

Materials:
1. Crochet thread: Aunt Lydias, size 10 (two colors - one for the pumpkin and one for the stem)
2. Crochet hook: 1.30 mm
3. Polyfil
4. Thin wire
5. Glue gun
6. Fabric glue
7. Scissors

Notes:
1. Crochet in the round. Don't join rounds with sl st.
2. The pumpkins come in three different sizes. Pattern is given for them separately. 
3. The stem for the pumpkins is made the same way. Instructions for the stem are given at the very end.

Abbreviations:
mr - magic ring
sc - single crochet
sc2tog (decr) - single crochet 2 together (decrease)*
*Use the invisible decrease technique.

Pattern:
Smallest

Mr, ch 1, sc 8
Rnd 1: 2 sc – 16
Rnd 2: 1 sc, 2 sc – 24
Rnd 3: 1 sc, 1 sc, 2 sc – 32
Rnd 4 – 9: sc around
Stuff the pumpkin with a very small ball of polyfil or cotton. Your pumpkin should be half empty. That will allow you to have the bumps on top.
Now you will sc2tog until you are left with a small hole (just big enough to insert the wire).

Medium: 

Mr, ch 1, sc 8
Rnd 1: 2 sc – 16
Rnd 2: 1 sc, 2 sc – 24
Rnd 3: 1 sc, 1 sc, 2 sc – 32
Rnd 4: 1 sc, 1 sc, 1 sc, 2 sc – 40
Rnd 5 – 12: sc around
Stuff the pumpkin with a very small ball of polyfil or cotton. Your pumpkin should be half empty. That will allow you to have the bumps on top.
Now you will sc2tog until you are left with a small hole (just big enough to insert the wire).

Largest:

Mr, ch 1, sc 8
Rnd 1: 2 sc – 16
Rnd 2: 1 sc, 2 sc – 24
Rnd 3: 1 sc, 1 sc, 2 sc – 32
Rnd 4: 1 sc, 1 sc, 1 sc, 2 sc – 40
Rnd 5: 1 sc, 1 sc, 1 sc, 1 sc, 2 sc – 48
Rnd 6 – 15: sc around

Stuff the pumpkin with a very small ball of polyfil or cotton. Your pumpkin should be half empty. That will allow you to have the bumps on top.



Now you will sc2tog until you are left with a small hole (just big enough to insert the wire).






Stem:



Fold the wire in half and then fold it in half again. Your stem should be about 2 inches long (you can make it longer or shorter depending on the size of the pumpkin you are making). 

Insert the glue gun into the hole of the pumpkin and put glue inside. Then quickly place the wire and press. 
Now place a tiny dot of glue close to the wire and press the brown thread you will be using for the stem. This will secure the thread and will make it easier for you to wrap it around the wire. 




Take your fabric glue and put some to the base of the wire and some on the actual pumpkin. Start wrapping the wire around tightly. You don't need to put anymore fabric glue until you get to the top. 

Once you are close to finishing, put more fabric glue and keep wrapping the thread around the wire until it's all covered. Cut the thread and secure the end with the fabric glue.

Once the glue is dry, spray a little fabric stiffener on the pumpkin only and shape the pumps.

I hope you like this pattern. I'd love to see your creations, so please feel free to share them with me here.