A new month brings new inspiration, fresh goals, and plenty of yarn-filled possibilities. Whether last month was productive or packed with unfinished projects, this is your chance to start fresh, pick up your hook, and create something wonderful.
Let’s make this month creative, motivating, and full of joy—one stitch at a time.
August is the perfect time to start preparing for the busy fall and holiday crafting season. Use this planner to map out projects, schedule crochet time, keep track of pattern ideas, and celebrate every finished stitch along the way.
Sometimes the most fun crochet projects come from asking a simple question:
“What if I combined two completely different animals into one adorable amigurumi?”
That’s exactly how Bumble Beaver was born!
Part bumble bee, part beaver, and 100% cute, this whimsical crochet creation combines the best features of both animals into one unforgettable character.
Why Animal Mashups Are So Much Fun
Crocheters love creating the unexpected.
Animal mashups allow us to stretch our creativity and imagine creatures that could never exist in nature but somehow feel perfectly right in yarn form. Whether it’s a cat-unicorn, a dragon-duck, or a bee-beaver, these unique designs always bring smiles.
Bumble Beaver is no exception.
With fuzzy bee-inspired charm and hardworking beaver determination, this little friend is ready to buzz straight into your heart.
Sometimes the most fun crochet projects come from asking a simple question:
“What if I combined two completely different animals into one adorable amigurumi?”
That’s exactly how Bumble Beaver was born!
Part bumble bee, part beaver, and 100% cute, this whimsical crochet creation combines the best features of both animals into one unforgettable character.
Materials:
Bernat Blanket yarn:
75 yards Gold
35 yards Coal
50 yards Taupe
15 yards White
Size L (8.0-mm) crochet hook
Fiberfill
20-mm black safety eyes
18-mm black safety nose
Gauge: 9 sc = 4”, 8 rows = 4”
Finished bumble beaver measures approximately 10” tall.
Rnd 1: With Gold yarn, ch 2, 12 sc in 2nd ch from hook (12 sc). Do not join. Work in continuous rnds throughout.
Rnd 2: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (18 sc).
Rnd 3: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (24 sc).
Rnd 4: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (30 sc).
Rnd 5: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (36 sc).
Rnd 6: Sc in each st.
Rnd 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (42 sc). Join with sl st. Fasten off Gold yarn.
Rnd 8: Attach Coal yarn, sc in each st.
Rnd 9: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (48 sc). Join with sl st. Fasten off Coal.
Rnds 10-11: With Gold yarn, sc in each st. Join with sl st at end of Rnd 11. Fasten off Gold.
Rnds 12-13: With Coal yarn, sc in each st. Join with sl st at end of Rnd 13. Fasten off Coal.
Rnd 14: With Gold yarn, sc in each st.
Rnd 15: *Inv dec over next 2 sts, sc in next 6 sts,* repeat around (42 sc).
Rnd 16: Sc in each st.
Rnd 17: *Inv dec over next 2 sts, sc in next 5 sts,* repeat around (36 sc).
Rnds 18-19: Sc in each st.
Rnd 20: *Inv dec over next 2 sts, sc in next 4 sts,* repeat around (30 sc).
Rnd 21: Sc in each st.
Insert eyes at Rnd 19, approximately 6 sts apart.
Rnd 22: *Inv dec over next 2 sts, sc in next 3 sts,* repeat around (24 sc).
Rnd 23: *Inv dec over next 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts,* repeat around (18 sc).
Rnd 24: *Inv dec over next 2 sts, sc in next st,* repeat around (12 sc).
Finish stuffing. Close with ultimate finish.
SNOUT:
Rnd 1: With Taupe yarn, ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, 3 sc in last ch. Working on opposite side of starting ch, sc in next lp, 2 sc in last lp (8 sc). Do not join.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in first st, sc in next st, 2 sc in next 3 sts, sc in next st, 2 sc in next 2 sts (14 sc). Do not join.
Rnd 3: Sc in each st. Join with sl st. Fasten off yarn with 12” length for sewing. Insert safety nose in center of Rnd 1.
TEETH:
Attach White yarn at bottom of snout, ch 1, hdc, faste off. Sk 1 st and repeat for second tooth.
Stuff snout lightly and sew to front of body at Rnds 15-19 centered between eyes.
EARS: (Make 2)
Rnd 1: With Taupe yarn, ch 2, 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook (5 sc). Do not join.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (10 sc). Do not join.
Rnd 3: Sc in each st. Join with sl st. Fasten off leaving 8” length for sewing. Curl ear and sew Rnd 3 of ear to head at Rnds 20-23.
FEET: (Make 4)
Rnd 1: With Coal yarn, ch 2, 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook (5 sc). Do not join.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (10 sc). Do not join.
Rnd 3: Sc in each st. Join with sl st. Fasten off leaving 8” length for sewing. Stuff feet lightly and sew to front of body, 2 on top Coal stripe and 2 on bottom Coal stripe, approximately 6 sts apart.
TAIL:
Rnd 1: With Taupe yarn, ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6 sc). Do not join. Work in continuous rnds throughout.
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 st.
Rnd 5: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (24 sc).
Rnds 6-12: Sc in each st.
Rnd 13: *Inv dec, sc in next 2 sts,* repeat around (18 sc).
Rnds 14-15: Sc in each st. Join with sl st at end of Rnd 15. Fasten off leaving 12” length for sewing.
Flatten tail and sew Rnd 15 to back center of body at Rnd 5.
WINGS: (Make 2)
Row 1: With White yarn, ch 4, hdc in 2nd ch, hdc in next ch, 5 hdc in last ch. Working on opposite side of starting ch, hdc in next 2 lps (9 hdc).
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, hdc in 2 sts, 2 hdc in 5 sts, hdc in 2 sts (14 hdc).
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, hdc in 2 sts, *hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st,* 5 times, hdc in last 2 sts (19 hdc).
Sew flat edges of wings to center back of body at Rnds 15-21 with wings touching each other. Allow rest of wings to swing freely.
Meet the Pickle Kick Sack: A Retro-Inspired Crochet Project That’s Kind of a Big Dill! 🥒
Sometimes the best crochet ideas come from combining two completely different things.
That’s exactly how the Pickle Kick Sack Crochet Pattern was born!
By combining the modern popularity of pickleball with the nostalgic fun of the classic 1980s hacky sack, I created a crochet project that’s quirky, playful, and guaranteed to get a few laughs.
A Blast from the Past
If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, chances are you’ve kicked a hacky sack around with friends. These small footbags were everywhere—at parks, schools, and neighborhood hangouts.
While trends have come and gone, hacky sacks never completely disappeared. In recent years, they’ve made a comeback as people rediscover simple, screen-free ways to have fun.
Enter the Pickle
At the same time, pickleball has exploded in popularity. It seems like everyone is talking about pickleball these days!
So naturally, I started wondering:
What would happen if a pickle met a hacky sack?
The answer is the Pickle Kick Sack—a silly little pickle that’s fun to crochet and even more fun to play with.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
The Pickle Kick Sack is:
🥒 Quick to make (less than an hour to crochet one)
🥒 Great for using up yarn scraps
🥒 Fun for all ages
🥒 Perfect for gifts and stocking stuffers
🥒 A unique craft fair item
🥒 Guaranteed conversation starter
Whether you actually kick it around or simply display it as a goofy desk companion, this little pickle is full of personality.
A Great Stash-Buster Project
Most crocheters have a collection of leftover green yarn hiding somewhere in their stash.
This pattern is the perfect opportunity to put those odds and ends to good use. Try different shades of green for unique pickle personalities or get creative with bright and unexpected colors.
After all, crochet rules are meant to be broken sometimes.
Handmade Fun Never Goes Out of Style
One of the things I love most about crochet is its ability to bring smiles.
Not every project has to be serious. Sometimes it’s fun to make something simply because it makes people laugh.
The Pickle Kick Sack celebrates creativity, nostalgia, and the joy of making something unexpected.
NOTE: Placement of small popcorns in directions is only a suggestion. You can add as many or as few as you like and place them wherever you think best.
Directions:
Rnd 1: Ch 2 (or magic ring), 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6 sts). Do not join. Work in continuous rnds throughout.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (12 sts)
Rnd 3: *sc in next st, 2 sc in next st,* 2 times, spc in next st, 2 sc in next st, * to * 2 times, spc in next st, 2 sc in next st (18 sts).
Rnd 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* 6 times (24 sts).
Rnd 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next st, spc in next st, sc in next st, inc in next st,* 3 times (30 sts).
Rnd 6: Sc in each st.
Rnd 7: *Spc in next st, sc in next 9 sts,* 3 times (30 sts).
Rnd 8: Sc in each st.
Rnd 9: Sc in next 3 sts, *spc in next st, sc in next 8 sts* 3 times (30 sts).
Rnd 10: Sc in each st.
Rnd 11: *Sc in next 9 sts, spc in next st,* 3 times (30 sts).
Rnd 12: *Inv dec over next 2 sts, sc in next 3 sts* 4 times (24 sc).
Rnd 13: *Inv dec over next 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts, inv dec, spc in next st, sc in next st* 3 times (18 sts). Stuff with Poly-Pellets.
Rnd 14: *Inv dec over next 2 sts, sc in next st* 6 times (12 sc).
Rnd 15: Inv dec 6 times (6 sc). Join with sl st. Add more pellets if needed. Close with ultimate finish.
Every year since 2021, I’ve teamed up with talented crochet designers from around the world to share free zoo animal crochet patterns with the crochet community! 🦁🐘🦒 From playful monkeys to adorable elephants, this annual event has become a fun way to celebrate creativity, inspire makers, and fill our hooks with wild adventures.
Whether you’ve followed along from the beginning or are discovering these patterns for the first time, there’s always a new animal friend waiting to be stitched!
June 15 is all about bunnies – lots of them!!
Enjoy these free crochet patterns and a few bunny-themed downloads.
A new month brings new inspiration, fresh goals, and plenty of yarn-filled possibilities. Whether last month was productive or packed with unfinished projects, this is your chance to start fresh, pick up your hook, and create something wonderful.
Let’s make this month creative, motivating, and full of joy—one stitch at a time.
Every year since 2021, I’ve teamed up with talented crochet designers from around the world to share free zoo animal crochet patterns with the crochet community! 🦁🐘🦒 From playful monkeys to adorable elephants, this annual event has become a fun way to celebrate creativity, inspire makers, and fill our hooks with wild adventures.
Whether you’ve followed along from the beginning or are discovering these patterns for the first time, there’s always a new animal friend waiting to be stitched!
June 1 is Reef Awareness Day – free patterns for animals that make their homes in a coral reef.
Join us this month as talented crochet designers come together to share fun, creative, and inspiring crochet patterns perfect for summer stitching! From beachy décor and lightweight accessories to adorable amigurumi and warm-weather wearables, there’s something new to discover throughout the hop.
Each day brings a featured pattern that will be free to download for 24 hours only to bring your fresh inspiration and plenty of yarny fun to keep your hooks moving all summer long! 🌺🩴☀️
Grab your favorite iced drink, settle into your crafting spot, and crochet your way through summer with us!
Today’s featured pattern is the Breeze Shrug from Sandra Stitches.
There’s something magical about hummingbirds. Tiny, colorful, and full of energy, they bring a cheerful touch anywhere they appear—and now they can brighten your kitchen too!
This Hummingbird Coaster Crochet Pattern is the perfect combination of beauty and function. Whether you’re decorating your home for spring and summer or looking for a thoughtful handmade gift, these charming crochet pieces are a fun project that works up beautifully in colorful cotton yarn.
Why Crocheters Love Hummingbird Projects
Bird-themed crochet patterns continue to be popular because they add personality and warmth to everyday spaces. Hummingbirds especially symbolize:
joy
energy
happiness
beauty
love of nature
Their vibrant colors make them ideal for creative yarn combinations, allowing you to customize your project with bright tropical shades or soft pastel tones.
A Fun and Functional Crochet Project
One of the best things about this pattern is that it’s both decorative and practical. Use your finished hummingbirds as drink coasters. Make a couple of changes to the pattern to create a potholder or hot pad. They make great kitchen décor and housewarming gifts. I recently made the set for my Mom for Mother’s Day.
Great for Stash Busting
If you have leftover cotton yarn hiding in your stash, this is the perfect project to use it up! Small colorful projects like these are satisfying to make and allow you to experiment with fun color combinations without needing large amounts of yarn.
Try:
bright jewel tones
rainbow hummingbirds
realistic greens and blues
floral-inspired palettes
Beginner-Friendly and Relaxing
This pattern is enjoyable for confident beginners and experienced crocheters alike. The smaller size makes it a relaxing weekend project, while the finished pieces are quick enough to make several for gifts or seasonal décor.
Crochet projects inspired by nature often feel especially calming, and stitching colorful hummingbirds can be a wonderful creative escape after a busy day.
Handmade Gifts with Heart
Handmade kitchen décor always feels extra special because it combines beauty with everyday usefulness. A matching hummingbird coaster and potholder set makes a thoughtful gift for:
bird lovers
gardeners
moms and grandmothers
teachers
nature enthusiasts
housewarming celebrations
Pair them with:
☕ a favorite mug 🌸 tea towels 🕯 candles 🍵 specialty teas or coffee
…for an easy handmade gift bundle.
Add Some Color to Your Crochet Collection
Whether you’re decorating your own kitchen or making gifts for others, this hummingbird crochet pattern is a cheerful addition to your project list. Bright, whimsical, and practical, these little birds are sure to bring smiles with every stitch.
Ch 1, turn,sc in 23 sts, 2 sc in last st. Sc down the side with 1 sc in ends of Rows 2-25, 2 sc in end of Row 1. Working across the bottom, work 1 sc in each unused lp of Row 1 with 2 sc in last lp. Sc up other side with 1 sc in each row end Rows 1-24 and 2 sc in end of Row 25. Join with sl st. Fasten off yarn. Weave in all ends.
PDF download includes directions for coaster and potholder with color-coded chart
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