Posts Tagged ‘patterns’
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I’ve had several people ask me where they can get the pattern for the baby blanket I featured in the video and here on this site. |
| This is a picture from the pattern book. It’s a Leisure Arts booklet called Best of Terry Kimbrough Baby Afghans, publication number 3267. The pattern is simply called Baby Afghan. In this publication the picture is on page 33 and it’s pattern number 24. It was published in 2001. |  |
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.)
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Download the Nursery Blocks pattern |
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Download the Pond Friends Stacking Toy Pattern |
Crocheted Santa Hat for Baby
Are you in the holiday spirit? How about getting your baby into the spirit as well? Try crocheting an adorable Santa hat for baby!
This beginner crochet pattern creates a cute little Santa hat for the baby, from newborn to 6 months. Use this baby hat crochet pattern for Christmas pictures.
I’m almost finished with the baby blanket I’m crocheting as a gift for my daughter’s friend. The pattern itself hasn’t been difficult, and I’m really pleased with the way the whole thing is coming together.
The hardest part was starting the second ruffle. I had to tear it out twice because I didn’t read the directions carefully and had started the stitches in the wrong place. That just goes to show that even though sometimes when you think you’ve read and understood the instructions, it could take one or two times of actually working the pattern to get it right!
As I stated when I first began this project, I’ve been using some leftover yarn to crochet the blanket. I’m using a dusty rose for the body of the afghan and the second ruffle. The first ruffle is made with an off-white yarn. I’m on the last round of the second ruffle. I have about 2/3 of the last row to finish, and I’ve run out of the rose colored yarn! The yarn I chose is from a brand that doesn’t have a dye lot, so it should be easy to find that same color by that manufacturer, right?
I cut a small piece of the yarn and took it to the store where the yarn had been purchased. They carry the same brand, but they don’t have the same color. I’ve been to several different stores with no luck in matching the color. Now I’ll have to tear out the second ruffle and start over on it. I think I have enough of the off-white to use. However, that will mean that both ruffles will be the same color. I’ll have to decide if I want to use the off-white, or see if I can find a third color in my leftovers that will look good with the two original yarns.
Whichever way I decide to go, I’m looking forward to seeing the finished project. After the second ruffle is finished all I need to do is put some ribbon in it. I’ll post pictures once I’m done crocheting the baby blanket.
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.
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!
- Baby High Top Booties – Toddler/Child Size
July 30, 2009
– What a cute pattern! You could also make these to use as decorations at a baby shower.
My oldest daughter once asked me, “How did you learn to crochet baby blankets?” I told her that my grandmother had taught me the basics of crochet, such as how to make a chain, single crochet, double crochet, etc. I also told her that another good way is to read books, especially pattern books, to learn more of the difficult stitches. (This was before the days of internet research!)
These days I would suggest that anyone wanting to learn how to crochet baby blankets, or any other crochet items, should go online to watch videos. The reason I suggest videos as opposed to just books is that in the videos you can see how to hold the yarn and hook, as well as any other steps needed to make certain stitches.
I’ve found YouTube to be a great resource in finding these videos. You simply type in “crochet” or “crochet baby blanket” in the search bar and you’ll find lots of how-to videos.
You can also go to Google and type in the words “crochet videos” or “crochet baby blanket videos” to bring up lots of results.
Of course, there are many different patterns for baby blankets and afghans. Each pattern will have different stitches that you’ll need to learn, if you don’t already know how. Most times the patterns will have instructions for the basic stitches and other more advanced stitches. If you’re new to crocheting, I’d suggest starting out with a very basic pattern. I’ve found fairly easy patterns to follow are granny squares or ripples.
If your pattern calls for stitches that you’re not familiar with and the instructions don’t seem clear, do another search for videos using that specific stitch in your search term. For example, in Google or YouTube you might try searching for “double crochet stitch” or “double crochet stitch video.”
Another great way to learn is like I did, by having someone experienced show you. If you don’t have a grandmother, mother, aunt, etc. who is skilled at crocheting, try asking some of the women you associate with such as co-workers, church groups, friends and other family members. Many churches have a time when the ladies get together and bring in their various craft projects. This would be a great resource.
Good luck!
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!
