Simple Crochet Toque

This is a simple crochet pattern for a toque that you can make. If you know how to do a double crochet then you can make this. It is very simple and once you get the hang of doing a double crochet you can whip them off in no time. For Christmas I made about 6 of them! If you are quick it can be done in less than 5 hours. The black and white striped toque is make with separate rows while the multicoloured one is a continual spiral. This pattern can be easily adjusted to make it bigger or smaller and can be make with or without the ear flaps (which I have done and will still cover the ears if you choose not to use ear flaps).

I used a size K hook and a bulky (~6)weight yarn.

Rnd 1: Ch. 3. Sl st in first ch to form a ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc 11 in ring (should have total of 12 dc). If you are doing a continual spiral (if using just one colour of yarn) then make sure you use a stitch marker and continue on. Otherwise fasten off and start with next colour.

Rnd 2: 2 dc in each dc of previous rnd.

Rnd 3: [2 dc, then 1 dc in next], repeat around.

Rnd 4: [2 dc, then 1 dc in next 2], repeat around.

Rnd 5: [2 dc, then 1 dc in next 4], repeat around.

Rnd 6-14: 1 dc in each st around. (The amount of rows can be adjusted depending on the length you want. 11 rows is sufficient if you are using a super bulky weight).

Rnd 15: sc in each st around to finish off.

Optional: Add ear flaps starting about 6-8 st from back seam. Do rows of dc to fit width of ear flap and decrease as you go down. The number of stitches will depend on the type of wool you use but it should be somewhere between 10-15 dc wide and about 6 rows long. Braid 12 pieces of wool for tails.

I made the multicoloured hat and scarf for my brother for Christmas and you could make a matching scarf easily by doing straight rows of dc. Start with a chain of your desired length then dc along the original chain until you have your desired width.

How to double crochet

Any questions? Just ask and I'll try to help!

Crochet Monkey

In the spirit of amigurumi I decided to try and make a monkey. I couldn't find any good patterns (free ones) that I liked so I tested my pattern making skills! The head is made from a basic amigurumi ball which I started with the light yarn then moved into the dark yarn to create the face (In the future I would probably make a smaller half ball as the nose/face for more depth). The main body is made in the same way as the head but rather than 3 rounds of 30 stitches, I increased the number of rounds with 30 stitches to make the body longer. I then made a flat circle from the lighter yarn and stitched it ontop of the body to make the stomach. The arms and legs started with 5 sc in a ring then 2 sc in each of those around for 10 stitches. I repeated 10 st around until I got the length desired. The tail is only 5 sc in a ring then 1 sc in each stitch repeated. The face and belly button are made from embroidery thread and the ears (which are hard to see in the photo) are flat half circles that I stitched on later. Hopefully this makes some sense! If I ever make another one with some alterations I will be sure to post a pattern. For now anyway, enjoy!

Materials:
Brown Red Heart Yarn
Grey Vanna's Choice Yarn
Fibrefill
Black Embroidery Thread

Mouse Cat Toy

This is a cute crochet mouse toy filled with catnip. It is a quick project and great for beginners. The stitch is tight so it is hard for cats to rip apart (at least mine hasn't so far!). I used Vanna's Choice yarn and a size G/6 hook. The pattern can be found here (you might have to register to get the pattern but its free and there are lots of other great patterns there too). This is a good pattern to start with if you are just starting with crochet amigurumi. Give it a try!

Crochet Tam

I love those slouchy, peasant style hats and thought why not crochet one? So I found a pattern for a tam at crochetme.com and thought I would give it a try. I haven't crocheted for very long so as a beginner I think this pattern is pretty easy. It took me about two hours to make from start to finish. I used a 9.00mm (N) hook instead of the 8.00mm and got some chunky yarn from michaels. It is super soft and super comfy. Can't wait for the fall so I can wear it! It takes a while to get the hang of it but once you do crocheting is easy, don't get discouraged!

Here are some links if you are a beginner and want to try crocheting for yourself:
Basic Stitch
Double Crochet
Double Crochet Together
Crochet a Circle