Helen Wilkinson from Sunflower Cottage Crochet is hosting her Preemie Crochet Challenge again this year. Each day a new baby crochet pattern by an indie designer will be featured. For each pattern you download, we are asking for one item to be donated to a charity for preemies or hospital of your choice.
Last year was absolutely fantastic, and the support and pledges from other designers and crocheters within the crochet community was fabulous. We are hoping that 2021 will be no different! Our goal is to surpass the pledge count from last year (which was over 22,000 pledges!) and are aiming for over 30,000 this year!
You can read about why this challenge means so much to us at Sunflower Cottage Crochet HQ here
HOW DOES THE CHALLENGE WORK?
Each day at 8am London time, the blog post will be updated with that day’s featured pattern.
I will give you the code and links you need. If the designer has a blog, you will be directed there for more information about the pattern; if not you will be taken directly to Ravelry.
You will decide if you would like that pattern.
By accepting the free PDF download, you are pledging to donate at least one made item from that pattern to a Preemie charity/organization/NICU/family of your choosing.
The patterns below will be categorized as the event progresses to make it easier for you to establish which patterns are still available, which are available free on the designers blog, and which are now only paid patterns. The first pattern will be the featured pattern for that day.
We have kept a round up of last year’s patterns that were donated to the challenge for your reference. Many of the patterns are still available free on the designers blog and a couple will always be free on Ravelry! You can check out that post here.
Today’s featured pattern – Easy Crochet Blanket by Underground Crafter
Marie has donated this pattern to us for the challenge this year! Marie refers to this as an easy crochet blanket, so it is suitable for all skill levels. You could pick out a couple of colors to use, go with one or literally just grab your scrap bucket and get making! Once you have made one to donate you could easily keep going and make a bigger scrapghan! Oh my goodness, the possibilities are endless!
Have you started your back-to-school crochet yet? Get started with this adorable School Bus Hoodie for your little one’s first day of kindergarten. On sale for $2.00 today only!
Rnd 1: With gray yarn, ch 2 (or magic ring), 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join. Work in continuous rnds throughout unless otherwise specified.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (12 sc).
Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (18 sc).
Rnd 4: *Sc in each of next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, * repeat around (24 sc).
Rnd 5: *Sc in each of next 3 sc, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (30 sc).
Rnd 6: *Sc in each of next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (36 sc).
Rnd 7: *Sc in each of next 5 sc, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (42 sc).
Rnd 8: *Sc in each of next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (48 sc).
Rnds 9-16: Sc in each st.
Rnd 17: *Dec, sc in next 6 sts,* repeat around (42 sc).
Rnd 18: *Dec, sc in next 5 sts,* repeat around (36 sc).
Rnd 19: *Dec, sc in next 4 sts,* repeat around (30 sc).
Rnd 20: *Dec, sc in next 3 sts,* repeat around (24 sc). Stuff head with Fiberfil.
Rnd 21: *Dec, sc in next 2 sts,* repeat around (18 sc).
Rnd 22: Sc in each st.
Rnd 23: *Dec, sc in next st,* repeat around (12 sc).
Rnd 24: Sc in each st. Complete stuffing.
Rnd 25: *Dec around (6 sc). Join with sl st. Fasten off leaving 6” length. Thread this length through needle and pull through outer loop of remaining 6 sts. Pull tight to close.
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st,* repeat 3 times (12 hdc).
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts,* repeat 3 times (16 hdc).
Row 5: Ch 1, turn, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 3 sts,* repeat 3 times (20 hdc). (For bull elephant, work additional 2 rows with 4 inc evenly spaced across row.)
Sl st in base of 1st st of Row 3 to tuck top of ear down.
Fasten off leaving length for sewing. Sew 1 ear to each side of head with tops of ears at Rnd 9 of head. Leave the bottom half of the ear dangling.
TRUNK:
Rnd 1: With gray yarn, ch 2 (or magic ring), 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join. Work in continuous rnds throughout trunk.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (12 sc).
Rnd 3: Working in BLO, sc in each st.
Rnds 4-10: Working in both loops, sc in each st.
Rnd 11: 2 sc in each st (24 sc). Fasten off leaving 12” length for sewing. Sew trunk to front of head at Rnds 11-17.
EYES:
Rnd 1: With black yarn, ch 2 (or magic ring), 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join with sl st. Fasten off black.
Rnd 2: With white yarn, 2 sc in each st (12 sc). Join with sl st. Fasten off white leaving length for sewing. Sew eyes to face at Rnds 7-10.
RUFFLE:
Rnd 1: With pink yarn, ch 20. Join with sl st. Work 3 dc in each ch. (60 dc). Join with sl st.
Rnd 2: Work 3 dc in each st (180 dc). Join with sl st. Fasten off leaving 12” length for sewing. Sew ruffle to bottom of head.
LEGS: (Make 2)
Rnd 1: With gray yarn, ch 2 (or magic ring), 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (12 sc).
Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (18 sc).
Rnd 4: *Dec 4 times, sc in next 10 sts (14 sc).
Rnds 5-16: Sc in each st. Fasten off leaving length for sewing.
With pink yarn, embroider 4 toes at decs in Rnd 3. Stuff legs leaving last ½” empty. Lay legs flat and sew to bottom of head approximately 1” apart.
C2C BLANKET CHART:
C2C BLANKET DIRECTIONS:
Row 1: With pink yarn, ch 6, dc in 4th, 5th, and 6th chs from hook. This makes your first C2C square.
Row 2: Ch 5, turn, dc in 3rd, 4th, and 5th chs, join with sl st in top of previous square. Ch 2, work 3 dc in ch space of previous row. Working in the same manner for each inc row will create a new square in each row.
Row 3: Ch 5, turn, dc in 3rd, 4th, and 5th chs, join with sl st in top of previous square. *Ch 2, work 3 dc in ch space of previous row, * repeat once.
Row 4: Ch 5, turn, dc in 3rd, 4th, and 5th chs, join with sl st in top of previous square. *Ch 2, work 3 dc in ch space of previous row, * repeat twice.
Working in the same manner of increases through Row 40:
Row 5: 5 pink squares
Row 6: 6 pink squares
Row 7: 7 pink squares
Row 8: 8 pink squares
Row 9: 4 pink, 1 gray, 4 pink squares (9 sq)
Row 10: 4 pink, 2 gray, 4 pink squares (10 sq)
Row 11: 4 pink, 3 gray, 4 pink squares (11 sq)
Row 12: 4 pink, 4 gray, 4 pink squares (12 sq)
Row 13: 4 pink, 5 gray, 4 pink squares (13 sq)
Row 14: 4 pink, 6 gray, 4 pink squares (14 sq)
Row 15: 4 pink, 7 gray, 4 pink squares (15 sq)
Row 16: 4 pink, 8 gray, 4 pink squares (16 sq)
Row 17: 4 pink, 9 gray, 4 pink squares (17 sq)
Row 18: 4 pink, 10 gray, 4 pink squares (18 sq)
Row 19: 4 pink, 11 gray, 4 pink squares (19 sq)
Row 20: 4 pink, 12 gray, 4 pink squares (20 sq)
Row 21: 4 pink, 13 gray, 4 pink squares (21 sq)
Row 22: 4 pink, 14 gray, 4 pink squares (22 sq)
Row 23: 4 pink, 15 gray, 4 pink squares (23 sq)
Row 24: 4 pink, 16 gray, 4 pink squares (24 sq)
Row 25: 4 pink, 17 gray, 4 pink squares (25 sq)
Row 26: 4 pink, 18 gray, 4 pink squares (26 sq)
Row 27: 4 pink, 19 gray, 4 pink squares (27 sq)
Row 28: 4 pink, 20 gray, 4 pink squares (28 sq)
Row 29: 4 pink, 21 gray, 4 pink squares (29 sq)
Row 30: 4 pink, 22 gray, 4 pink squares (30 sq)
Row 31: 4 pink, 23 gray, 4 pink squares (31 sq)
Row 32: 4 pink, 24 gray, 4 pink squares (32 sq)
Row 33: 4 pink, 25 gray, 4 pink squares (334 sq)
Row 34: 4 pink, 26 gray, 4 pink squares (34 sq)
Row 35: 4 pink, 27 gray, 4 pink squares (35 sq)
Row 36: 4 pink, 28 gray, 4 pink squares (36 sq)
Row 37: 4 pink, 29 gray, 4 pink squares (37 sq)
Row 38: 4 pink, 30 gray, 4 pink squares (38 sq)
Row 39: 4 pink, 31 gray, 4 pink squares (39 sq)
Row 40: 4 pink, 32 gray, 4 pink squares (40 sq)
DECREASE ROWS:
Turn, sl st across last square made, sl st into next square, ch 2, work 3 dc in ch space of that square. This will decrease 1 square each row.
Row 41: 4 pink, 31 gray, 4 pink squares (39 sq)
Row 42: 4 pink, 30 gray, 4 pink squares (38 sq)
Row 43: 4 pink, 29 gray, 4 pink squares (37 sq)
Row 44: 4 pink, 28 gray, 4 pink squares (36 sq)
Row 45: 4 pink, 27 gray, 4 pink squares (35 sq)
Row 46: 4 pink, 26 gray, 4 pink squares (34 sq)
Row 47: 4 pink, 25 gray, 4 pink squares (33 sq)
Row 48: 4 pink, 24 gray, 4 pink squares (32 sq)
Row 49: 4 pink, 23 gray, 4 pink squares (31 sq)
Row 50: 4 pink, 22 gray, 4 pink squares (30 sq)
Row 51: 4 pink, 21 gray, 4 pink squares (29 sq)
Row 52: 4 pink, 20 gray, 4 pink squares (28 sq)
Row 53: 4 pink, 19 gray, 4 pink squares (27 sq)
Row 54: 4 pink, 18 gray, 4 pink squares (26 sq)
Row 55: 4 pink, 17 gray, 4 pink squares (25 sq)
Row 56: 4 pink, 16 gray, 4 pink squares (24 sq)
Row 57: 4 pink, 15 gray, 4 pink squares (23 sq)
Row 58: 4 pink, 14 gray, 4 pink squares (22 sq)
Row 59: 4 pink, 13 gray, 4 pink squares (21 sq)
Row 60: 4 pink, 12 gray, 4 pink squares (20 sq)
Row 61: 4 pink, 11 gray, 4 pink squares (19 sq)
Row 62: 4 pink, 10 gray, 4 pink squares (18 sq)
Row 63: 4 pink, 9 gray, 4 pink squares (17 sq)
Row 64: 4 pink, 8 gray, 4 pink squares (16 sq)
Row 65: 4 pink, 7 gray, 4 pink squares (15 sq)
Row 66: 4 pink, 6 gray, 4 pink squares (14 sq)
Row 67: 4 pink, 5 gray, 4 pink squares (13 sq)
Row 68: 4 pink, 4 gray, 4 pink squares (12 sq)
Row 69: 4 pink, 3 gray, 4 pink squares (11 sq)
Row 70: 4 pink, 2 gray, 4 pink squares (10 sq)
Row 71: 4 pink, 1 gray, 4 pink squares (9 sq)
Row 72: 8 pink
Row 73: 7 pink
Row 74: 6 pink
Row 75: 5 pink
Row 76: 4 pink
Row 77: 3 pink
Row 78: 2 pink
Row 79: 1 pink
Fasten off pink and weave in all ends.
Mark center of blanket and sew elephant head to the center.
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Remember when Mom (or Grandma) taught you to make your first shawl? You were so proud of that accomplishment, every woman and girl in the family received a shawl that Christmas! Using that same pattern, I worked up some easy Triangle Bandanas using cotton worsted yarn and a size G hook. It’s a quick and easy pattern and only takes about 85 yards of yarn (I used I Love This Cotton). Make a few different colors to wear with your summer outfits. Bandana measures approximately 14″ wide and can be adjusted to any size you need.
Materials:
85 yards cotton worsted yarn
Size G (4.0 mm) crochet hook
Directions:
Row 1: Ch 4, 3 dc in 4th ch from hook, ch 2, 3 dc in same ch.
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc throughout), turn, 2 dc in first st, ch 1, in ch-2 sp work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc in last st of row.
Row 3: Ch 3, turn, 2 dc in first st, ch 1, *work 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1,* repeat until you reach ch-2 space. Work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in ch-2 sp. Ch 1, repeat * to * until the last ch-1 sp, then ch 1, 3 dc in last dc of row.
Rows 4-14: Repeat Row 3 until you get to desired width. At Row 14, bandana measures approximately 15″ wide by 8.5″ deep. Adjust the number of rows for a smaller bandana for a child or a larger one to cover thick hair.
Next Row: Ch 1, turn to work across long edge. Work 2 sc across the edge of each row end. Lay flat and adjust number of sts if necessary. When you get to the end of the row, ch 50 (approximately 10″) for the tie. Fasten off, tighten last ch, and tie a knot close to the last ch. On the opposite side, attach yarn and repeat for the second tie.
This Dragon at Sunset Pillow Sham crochet pattern has just been listed on Etsy, and it’s 50% off for 24 hours only. Hurry and get your copy. It makes a great gift for dragon lovers!
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to purchase your yarn and supplies, I may earn a commission. Thanks for helping support my crochet blog.
If you are a busy crocheter and cannot come back every day to download the free patterns, Joy has put together an exclusive pattern bundle for you including all 16 amigurumi patterns for 80% off.
Wedding season is upon us, so it’s time for a new bundle. The Layers of Lace Crochet Pattern Bundle contains 40 patterns and tutorials that are perfect for wedding season. The bundle release will be live at 7:00 a.m. (PST) Monday. Purchase the bundle through this link to receive a $10.00 gift certificate to My Fingers Fly.
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to purchase your yarn and supplies, I may earn a commission. Thanks for helping support my crochet blog.
Have you done your Mother’s Day shopping yet? Here is an amazing collection from 6 indie designers who have joined me to offer these handbag designs for your Mother’s Day crocheting. Starting at the center top and working in clockwise position:
Row 1: With MC yarn, ch 43, hdc in 2nd ch and each ch across (42 hdc).
Rows 2-9: Ch 1, turn, inc in first st, hdc across (50 hdc at end of Row 9).
Rows 10-28: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st.
Row 29: Ch 1, turn, hdc across in BLO.
Rows 30-38: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st (both loops).
Row 39: Ch 1, turn, hdc across in BLO.
NOTE: Rows 29-39 will be the bottom of the purse.
Rows 40-58: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st (both loops).
Rows 59-66: Ch 1, turn, dec over first 2 sts, hdc across (42 hdc at end of Row 66). Fasten off.
SIDES: (Make 2)
Row 1: With MC yarn, make 7 hdc through keyring.
Row 2: Ch 1, inc first st, hdc across, inc last st (9 hdc).
Row 3: Repeat Row 2 (11 hdc).
Rows 4-7: Ch 1, turn, inc first st, hdc across (15 hdc at end of Row 7).
Rows 8-24: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st. Fasten off.
Fold body of purse in half lay it and sides on paper and trace around to make pattern for lining.
Pin sides to purse – Row 24 of side to Rows 29 and 39 of purse, Row 3 of side to Rows 6 and 60 of purse. Leave rows 1-2 and keyring unattached.
Attach CC yarn at corner where purse Row 29 meets side Row 24. With bottom of purse on top of the side, sc through both thicknesses to attach sides to purse.
Continue in sc across bottom of purse and bottom of side. Turn to attach other side working through both thicknesses.
Continue across the edges of Rows 1-5 (single thickness) with 2 sc in the end of Row 1. Continue across top with 1 sc in each remaining loop of beginning ch.
Continue in sc down the other side in the same manner to attach the second side piece.
FLOWERS:
Make as many flowers as you would like in as many colors as you would like. Each flower uses 9 yards of yarn.
Rnd 1: Ch 2 (or magic ring), 6 sc in 2nd ch. Do not join.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (12 sc). Join with sl st.
Rnd 3: *Ch 3, 3 dc in sc, ch 3, sl st in same sc,* sk next sc, sl st in next sc,* repeat 5 times (6 petals).
Sew petals to one side of purse (or both sides).
Lay out the pattern piece you created on matching fabric and cut, allowing ½” seam allowance on all sides. Place the bottom of the purse body pattern piece on the fold to create one solid piece for the purse body and 2 side pieces. Cut matching pieces of fusible interfacing. Iron interfacing to wrong side of fabric.
Sew purse body to purse sides and zigzag all raw edges. Place into purse with wrong sides facing and sew in place.
Fold chain in half and attach one lobster clasp to each side. Clip them onto keyrings.
National Astronaut Day – Astronaut Plush Toy – Crochet and Addi Pro Patterns
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