Crochet Baby Patterns » crochet

New patterns: free!

Baby Crochet — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:37:31 +0000

I haven’t started any new crochet projects lately. I’ve still got plenty of unfinished blankets to work on, but I’m splitting my free time between crochet and cross stitch. (If you’re into doing cross stitch, I found a great site with lots of instructions and tips at CrossStitch101.)

I’ve found a couple of new patterns from Lion Brand Yarn for baby toys to crochet. (You can download them by clicking on the pictures or visiting the links next to them.)

Download the Nursery Blocks pattern

Download the Pond Friends Stacking Toy Pattern

This post is from Crochet Baby Patterns, your source for baby crochet patterns, instructions and supplies!

New patterns: free!

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Personalized Baby Blankets

Baby Crochet — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 01:00:44 +0000

One of the best gifts you can give is a personalized baby blanket, which you’ve lovingly crocheted by hand. There are so many beautiful patterns to choose from, and the best part is that each pattern can be made into a one-of-a-kind gift.

There’s a wide variety of yarns available – color, weight and softness among the many choices. When I crochet a baby afghan, I try to choose as soft a yarn as possible.

As far as colors go, I try to choose a color that matches the decor which the new parents have decided on for the baby’s nursery. Sometimes I’ll use a multi-colored yarn if the pattern doesn’t already call for one or two different colors.

When deciding on a pattern for the blanket, I take into consideration the type of stitches that will be used, and how easy or difficult they are. For instance, if I know I don’t have a lot of time to complete the baby blanket for an upcoming shower, I stick with a pattern that I’ve used before or one that I know has easy stitches. I also look into whether or not the pattern requires sewing multiple pieces together.

There are other ways to personalize the baby blanket once it’s finished. You can add ribbon to the blanket, weaving it between stitches. Another option is to make cute little bows and place them at different spots. Be sure to tack them down securely with a needle and thread so that they don’t come loose and create a choking hazard for the baby.

Depending on the pattern you’re using, you might be able to put the baby’s name on the blanket. This can usually be done using a cross-stitch with yarn of a contrasting color.

Here’s a unique idea if you’re making the blanket or afghan for a baby shower. Buy several rattles, pacifiers, booties, socks, mittens or bibs and attach them to the blanket by tying them down with ribbon or heavy yarn. You’ll want to make sure the extra gifts are easy to remove without causing damage to the blanket.

Finally, you can further personalize the blanket or afghan by carefully sewing a label with your name on it to the back outer edge. Be sure to tack down the corners of the label so that they don’t poke the baby or cause irritation to their delicate skin. It’s a good idea to make it easy to remove the label, so that the new mom can take it off if she so desires.

Giving a personalized baby blanket that you’ve crocheted is a great way to show how happy you are to welcome a new addition. The blanket can be kept long after the baby has grown as a memento, or passed on to other babies in the family.

This post is from Crochet Baby Patterns, your source for baby crochet patterns, instructions and supplies!

Personalized Baby Blankets

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Tips for Reading Baby Crochet Patterns

Baby Crochet — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:00:14 +0000

Learning to create an item using a baby crochet pattern can be truly gratifying. At the same time, it can also be confusing when you’re not sure how to read the crochet pattern. Here are a few pointers for learning to read baby crochet patterns.

Understanding Abbreviations and Symbols
Crochet patterns use abbreviations and symbols for the most commonly used terms in the pattern. Most instructions have a guide for these symbols and abbreviations. However, if you come across something that you find confusing, do a search online, through videos or at crochet sites.

Read the Pattern First
Before beginning any crochet project, read the pattern directions first. Sometimes it’s necessary to read them several times before they make sense. It’s a good idea to keep some extra yarn handy to practice new stitches before using them in your crochet project.

Keep Project Notes
Sometimes a pattern will make more sense if you write it in a notebook without the abbreviations and symbols. When doing so, you can also make a note of when to switch colors, if the pattern calls for more than one color. If you’ve practiced a stitch and figured it out, write down any special steps used to make the pattern easier to understand. You can also use your notes to record your progress by tracking the number of rows you’ve completed.

Check the Stitch Gauge
Many patterns give you a gauge to use as a test piece to be sure your piece will come out the same size as the pattern you’re using. It’s important to do a test piece to determine whether you need to loosen or tighten your stitches, or whether you need to use a different hook size. Keeping your stitch size consistent throughout your project ensures an even look to the design. Even your mood can affect the tension in your stitches.

Use a Pattern that Matches Your Skill Level
Crochet patterns are usually grouped into four skill levels: Beginner, Easy (sometimes referred to as Advanced Beginner), Intermediate and Experienced. Obviously, the Beginner level is the easiest to learn. Once you’ve mastered one level, move up to a pattern in the next level. If you come across a pattern that seems too difficult, don’t get discouraged. Simply put the project aside and start on one at a lower skill level. You can always come back to it later when you’ve gained more experience.

Wrapping It Up
Many beginning crocheters can feel intimidated the first time they try to read and follow a pattern. The tips listed above make it easier to understand baby crochet patterns. Once you understand the instructions, you’ll have a great time completing any baby crochet project.

This post is from Crochet Baby Patterns, your source for baby crochet patterns, instructions and supplies!

Tips for Reading Baby Crochet Patterns

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Handmade Baby Crochet Items

Baby Crochet — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:08:59 +0000

Anyone who enjoys crocheting can agree that there’s nothing more fulfilling than completing a hand-made gift, especially if it’s for a baby. Whether you’re making a baby crochet item for your own child, a relative or a friend, you’ll find great pride and satisfaction in seeing an infant wrapped in something you created by hand with love.

Well-crafted baby crochet pieces can be passed from one child to another, whether given to friends, or passed through many generations. Not only is it more economical to crochet a gift than to buy one, but the person you give it to can save money by passing it from one child to the next.

A baby’s body is very sensitive to heat and cold, so it’s important for them to have appropriate clothing and covering. Most baby clothes are made of cotton, which is comfortable for them to sleep in. It’s a good idea to keep their heads and feet covered, since this is where most heat loss occurs. Hand crocheted baby booties and hats are perfect for keeping them warm.

There are many great patterns to crochet for babies. You can make booties, socks, sweaters, hats, mittens, hooded blankets and afghans. In addition to clothing and blankets, you can crochet baby accessories such as wash cloths, bottle covers and even diaper bags!

It’s easy to find a variety of patterns and yarns at yarn, craft variety stores. When crocheting baby sweaters, hats and booties, it’s best to use a lighter weight yarn, or one made specially for babies. Crocheted baby blankets and afghans can be made of heavier yarns. There are many pattern books that have instructions which can be purchased at stores, or downloaded from the internet, some of them even free.

Crochet blanket patterns can be bought either individually or in leaflets and books with many patterns. There are even books with baby blanket patterns to crochet for each month of the year.

With a little creativity and a little time, you’ll soon be creating beautiful handmade crocheted baby pieces to use for your baby or give as a gift that will always be treasured!

This post is from Crochet Baby Patterns, your source for baby crochet patterns, instructions and supplies!

Handmade Baby Crochet Items

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Baby Blanket Progress

Baby Crochet — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:49:28 +0000

I’ve been working some more on the baby blanket for my daughter’s friend. Here’s a picture of what it looks like so far.

Here’s a picture that shows the detail in the body of the afghan.

This post is from Crochet Baby Patterns, your source for baby crochet patterns, instructions and supplies!

Baby Blanket Progress

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My latest baby crochet project

Baby Crochet — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:31:47 +0000

As I posted earlier, my daughter had asked me to make a blanket for a friend of hers who is having a baby. I have tons of books with baby blanket patterns. I settled on this one below:

My latest project

I love the double row of ruffles for the edging on this particular pattern.

I keep all of my yarn stored in a 32 gallon plastic tote, which at this point is pretty full! Whenever I’m finished with a project I put my extra yarn in there. Thankfully I had enough leftovers to do this blanket. I chose a dusty rose color for the afghan body and the larger ruffle. I’ll be using an off-white for the smaller ruffle.

I started working on the baby blanket a few weeks ago while we were driving out of town. I’ve worked on it a few evenings since then, but I need to put some more work into it.

The baby isn’t due until the middle of September, but my daughter said they had to deliver the baby early because of complications. She was born almost three months premature and weight 1.5 lbs! Needless to say she’ll be in the NICU for a while, but she’s doing well.

Still, I’d better get to working on it! As I make more progress, I’ll post pictures of the baby blanket.

This post is from Crochet Baby Patterns, your source for baby crochet patterns, instructions and supplies!

My latest baby crochet project

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Why baby crochet patterns?

Baby Crochet — Fri, 22 May 2009 18:01:39 +0000

My grandmother taught me to crochet as a young girl. Some of my favorite memories are the times I’d to to visit her. She’d always have some kind of crochet or knit project that she was working on. Usually it was an afghan for someone, or she’d knit sweaters, hats and gloves for us to wear in the winter.

I fell in love with crocheting. I especially love making afghans, particularly baby blankets. As a matter of fact, it has become a tradition with me to crochet a blanket for every new baby in my family. I can’t tell you how many blankets I’ve made for nieces, nephews, cousins… not to mention for my own kids and now my grandkids!

Recently my daughter called me to ask if I could make a blanket for a friend of hers who is having a baby. She said, “Mom, I’ve always loved the baby blankets you crochet!” What a great feeling that gave me

One of the things I enjoy is searching for new patterns. I love to get books that have several different patterns in them from which to choose. As I look through the pages, I try to envision different colors and types of yarn to use with each one.

Feel free to browse this site to find your own inspiration for baby crochet projects. Drop me a line to let me know what you’d like to see here, or if you have ideas you’d like to share with others. Thanks for visiting!

This post is from Crochet Baby Patterns, your source for baby crochet patterns, instructions and supplies!

Why baby crochet patterns?

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