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V-Stitch Water Bottle Holder – Free Pattern

Water Bottle Holder

This V-Stitch Water Bottle Holder pattern has been a long time coming. I created it a couple of years ago, and have been meaning to publish it for ages. But things kept popping up and it got put on the back burner, again and again.
This week I finally stopped procrastinating and edited the photos and polished the pattern and here we go!
This water bottle holder will hold bottles of just about any shape up to around 700ml.

Please find the free pattern below, or if you would like an ad-free PDF, you can purchase a copy for only $2 by clicking here

crochet V-stitch water bottle holders in pink, green and mustard

Free V-stitch Water Bottle Holder Pattern

Materials

10ply, worsted or aran weight cotton.
I used a little over half (55 g)of 1 skein of Knit Picks Dishie yarn,<3.5 oz/100g. 190 yds/173 m>
4.5mm hook
Stitch markers
Scissors
Needle

Stitches

ch – chain
ss – Slip Stitch
sc – Single Crochet
dc – Double Crochet
V-Stitch – 1DC, Ch1, 1dc all in the same stitch

Main Body

Start with a magic ring or chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to the first ch to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch here and throughout), 12 dc into the ring, join to your first dc with a ss. (12)
Round2: Ch 2, 2dc in each stitch around, join to first dc with a ss (24)
Round 3: Ch 2 *1dc in the first stitch, 2dc in next stitch* repeat from * around, join with a ss (36)
Round 4: Ch 2, In back loops only, 1 dc in each stitch around. Join with a ss ch2, (36)
Round 5: Ch 2, 1 dc in each stitch around, join with a ss (36)

V-Stitch Water Bottle Holder - Round 4, Dc in Back loops only


Round 6: Ch 4 (counts as 1dc and 1 chain), dc in the same stitch, skip 2 stitches V-stitch in next stitch, repeat around, join with a ss into 3rd ch of the ch 4 (12 V-Stitches)
Round 7: slip stitch into chain space of the first v stitch, ch 4 (counts as 1dc and 1 chain) Dc in the same stitch, V stitch into the centre of next V- Stitch, repeat around, join with a ss into 3rd ch of the ch4 (12 V-Stitches)
Rounds 8 -13; repeat round 7. (36)
Round 14: Ch 2, 1dc in the same stitch as ss, *1dc in ch space 1dc in next 2 dc; repeat 11 times, join with a ss. (36)
Round 15: Ch1, sc in each stitch around then join with a ss. (36)

V-Stitch Water Bottle Holder - Round 15 - sc in each stitch

The Strap

Round 1: Continuing on from the slip stitch, ch 131, (or to the length you would like the strap)
Round 2: sc in 2nd ch from hook and every ch stitch along, ss into the 2nd sc of the bag body and then ss into the 3rd stitch along, turn
Round 3: sc in the last sc of the previous round on the strap and each stitch along, finish off leaving a long tail to sew the free end of the trap to the bag.
Count along 16 of the unworked stitches on the top of the bag and place a stitch marker in this stitch.
This marks the first of the 3 stitches you will sew the strap to.
Then sew the end of the strap to the body of the bag, starting with the stitch you marked and going across the 17th and 18th stitches.
Finish off and sew in all your ends, and your V-Stitch water bottle holder is complete.

V-Stitch Water Bottle Holder

I really hope you like the pattern. If you had any issues or questions please send me a message.
Carmen
xoxo

This pattern and its images are copyright protected and the sole property of Crochet by Carms.
Please do not redistribute, transfer, or sell the pattern, or alter it to claim it as your own. You may sell any products you create from this pattern. Please credit the designer by linking online listings www.crochetbycarms.com or tagging @crochetbycarms.

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Fringed Rainbow Wall Hanging – Free Crochet Pattern

fringed rainbow

Who doesn’t love a rainbow? I know I do, and they seem to have become even more popular this year! Not surprising with 2020 being the year that it has been, I think we all need the positivity that looking at a rainbow can bring.

These fringed rainbow wall hangings are pretty simple to make, and you can have lots of fun playing around with colour. I have made the usual rainbow colour, as well as replacing the red with bright pink, a pastel version, and even a natural/earth-toned one. I also have blue and purple-hued ones in my long mental to-do list, as well as revered colours and more, and hopefully will be able to make them soon!

Fringed Rainbow Wall Hanging Crochet Pattern

Materials

  • 4mm hook
  • 8ply/DK acrylic yarn of your choice of colours, I used 6 different colours, and none require a full skein.
    Purple (c1), Blue (c2), Green (c3), Yellow (c4), Orange (c5), Red (c6)
  • large eyed yarn needle – for sewing in your ends
  • scissors

Abbreviations (US)

  • ch – Chain
  • st – stitch
  • DC – Double Crochet

Finished size

30cm wide x 28 cm tall

Notes

The Chain 2 does not count as a stitch, so the first DC of each round goes into the same stitch as the chain.
When finishing off with a colour, leave a long tail, and you can then knot it into your fringe and save yourself some ends to sew in.

Instructions

Using c1, create a magic circle, or ch 4 and slip stitch to first ch to make a loop

  • Rnd 1: Chain 2, 6 DC into the loop/circle, ch2 turn
  • Rnd 2: 2DC in each stitch ch2, turn (12) change to c2
  • Rnd 3: DC in first stitch, 2DC in next stitch repeat x6 ch2, turn (18)
  • Rnd 4: Dc in first 2 stitches, 2DC in next stitch repeat x6, ch2, turn (24) change to c3
  • Rnd 5: Dc in first 3 stitches, 2DC in next stitch repeat x6, ch2, turn (30)
  • Rnd 6: Dc in first 4 stitches, 2DC in next stitch repeat x6, ch2, turn (36) change to c4
  • Rnd 7: Dc in first 5 stitches, 2DC in next stitch repeat x6, ch2, turn (42)
  • Rnd 8: Dc in first 6 stitches, 2DC in next stitch repeat x6, ch2, turn (48) change to c5
  • Rnd 9: Dc in first 7 stitches, 2DC in next stitch repeat x6, ch2, turn (54)
  • Rnd 10: Dc in first 8 stitches, 2DC in next stitch repeat x6, ch2, turn (60) change to c6
  • Rnd 11: Dc in first 9 stitches, 2DC in next stitch repeat x6, ch2, turn (66)
  • Rnd 12: Dc in first 10 stitches, 2DC in next stitch repeat x6, ch2, turn (72) Fasten off

Fringe

For the fringe, you will need 16 strands of each colour yarn, each approximately 35 cm long. To make things easier find an object to wrap the yarn around to get the appropriate length such as a book or small box.

Using 4 strands of the same colour, fold them in half and pass the folded loops from front to back over the bottom stitch on the rainbow, then draw the ends through the loops (this is called a larks head knot in macrame). If you are having trouble feeding it through, using your hook to grab the loops is a big help.
complete those steps on the beginning and end of each row, so you have 4 lots of fringe for each colour, 24 in total.

Then trim your fringe to the length you desire. If your yarn is a little wrinkly (for want of a better word), I found using a hair straightener on the fringe makes it look fabulous, and easier to trim.
Then just add a string to the top to hang it and your fringed rainbow wall hanging is complete!

Hope you enjoy the pattern, and if you post your finished product on social media, please tag me @crochetbycarms so I can praise your creation!

Love Carmen
xoxo

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Soft Textured Clutch – Free Pattern

soft textured clutch - free pattern

One of the things I love about crochet is the way you can create so many different textures from just a few different stitches. All you have to do is just put them together in different ways.
This lovely soft-textured clutch pattern was inspired by a crochet coach design using the same yarn. I loved its simple structure but wanted something a little bit different. After a day or so of looking at so many different textures and stitch patterns online, I fell in love with this gorgeous wavy pattern that had the misfortune to be named the crunch stitch. The stitch consists of alternating slip stitches and half double crochets and doing the opposite on the way back, so half double goes into slip stitches and vice versa.

This clutch was designed with Moda Vera Elanna yarn in mind, which I think has unfortunately now been discontinued. But I think it would suit a variety of other bulky yarns.
Other yarns that would work as its replacement are Moda Vera Hampton soft chunky cotton blend, Panda soft cotton chunky.
You could even use a thinner t-shirt yarn or ribbon tape.

Soft Textured Clutch Pattern

soft textured clutch - free pattern

Materials

  • 6mm hook
  • Moda Vera Elanna yarn, cotton acrylic mix bulky yarn (100 g, 85m) 2 skeins
  • large-eyed yarn needle – for sewing the bag together and sewing in the ends
  • Smaller needle to sew on the button
  • scissors
  • 4cm (1.5 inch) button
  • Stitch markers or pins
  • measuring tape
  • matching thread

Abbreviations (US)

  • ch – Chain
  • st – stitch
  • sl st – slip stitch
  • hdc – Half double crochet

Finished size

23cm wide x 15 cm tall

Instructions

  • Row 1: Ch 28, Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, *1 hdc in next ch, Sl st in next, repeat from * across, turn (27).
  • Row 2: ch 1, 1 hdc in first st , *1 sl st in next st, 1 hdc in next, repeat from * across, turn (27).
  • Row 3: ch 1, 1 sl st in 1st st, *1 hdc in next st, 1 sl st in next, repeat from * across, turn (27).
  • Rows 4 – 42: Repeat Rows 2 and 3, ending on a row 2
  • Row 43: sl st in 1st st, *1 hdc in next st, 1 sl st in next x6, sl st in the next st, ch 10 and sl st back into the same st. sl st into next st *1 hdc in next st, 1 sl st in next, repeat from * to end of row. Cut your yarn, finish off and sew in the ends.

Construction

  • Laying the piece flat with the loop closure at the top, fold the bottom up approx 13cm for the body of the clutch. Secure the sides together with stitch markers or pins.
  • Using the large-eyed yarn needle, sew each side together using a simple whip stitch.
  • Position the button on the clutch so that it will stay closed using the loop, and sew it on using the smaller needle and your choice of thread. Hint: Instead of thread, if you used a yarn similar to the Elanna, you can separate a few strands from the thread and use that to sew on your button, making it a perfect colour match.
soft textured clutch - free pattern

And that is it! I hope you enjoy making this gorgeous clutch as much as I did.
If you do make it, I would love for you to share your finished products with me. You can find me @crochetbycarms on Facebook and Instagram.

Carms
xoxo

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Jack-o’-lantern Basket – Free Pattern

Halloween Jack-o'-lantern basket

Halloween and trick-or treating are not as big in Australia as they are in the US and UK, but every year it gets more and more popular. Not everyone takes part, but those who do certainly have lots of fun!

My eldest went trick or treating for the first time last year with a friend and their mum, and this year I think I’ll tag along and take my youngest out too. 

To help with the Halloween celebrations, I have created this spooky Jack o’lantern basket using t-shirt yarn. 

Halloween jack-o'-lantern basket
Halloween Jack-o’-lantern basket

Jack-o’-lantern basket pattern

What you need

  • Tshirt yarn in orange and black or grey (i used a dark grey)
  • 8mm crochet hook
  • Scissors
  • Yarn needle with a large eye
  • Optional, rope for a handle

Stitches used

  • Single Crochet (sc)
  • Slip Stitch (ss)
  • Back Loop Only (BLO)
  • Invisible Join (Check out this great instruction from Mooglyblog if you are not sure how to do the invisible join)

Notes on the yarn

Due to the recycled nature of t-shirt yarn, no 2 yarns are exactly the same and widths can vary quite a lot. The yarn that I used, which came from ministry of yarn, was quite thin for T-shirt yarn. If your yarn is thicker or thinner you will need to adjust your hook size, and this will affect the size of your finished basket.

Instructions

  • Start with a Magic Circle
  • 1: 6 SC in the MC SS to join
  • 2: Ch1 2 sc in each stitch, ss to join (12)
  • 3: Ch1 *1 sc in first stitch 2sc in next stitch*, repeat x5, ss to join, (18)
  • 4: Ch1 *sc in the next 2 stitches, 2sc in the next* repeat x5, ss to join (24)
  • 5: Ch1 *sc in the next 3 stitches, 2sc in the next* repeat x5, ss to join (30)
  • 6: Ch1 *sc in the next 4 stitches, 2sc in the next* repeat x5, ss to join (36)
  • 7: Ch1 sc in the BLO for each stitch around (this help create the base of the basket), ss to join (36)
  • 8: Ch1 *sc in the next 5 stitches, 2sc in the next* repeat x5, ss to join (42)
  • This is the base and the start of the sides, the next row is where we start to add in the face for our Jack o’Lantern.
  • 9-16: Ch1 sc in each stitch around, ss to join (42)
  • 15: Ch1 sc in each stitch around, Cut yarn, leaving about 15cm, then finish with an invisible or needle join. (42)
    • There is no increasing or decreasing in rows 9-17. Just pick up and drop the colours as needed as you follow the chart below. 
Graph for Halloween jack-o'-lantern basket

Notes for changing colours and carrying yarn

My technique when changing colour is:
The stitch before you need the new colour you start the stitch as normal. So insert the hook, and yarn over with your current colour and pull through, then drop that colour and yarn over with the new colour and pull through the stitch. The new colour is now on the hook ready for the first stitch. You then do the same when changing back to the original colour.
Because t-shirt yarn can be quite bulky, my preference for making this basket is to not carry the grey colour all the way around the basket. What I did was drop it when finished with it in that row, and then pick it up in the next.
This will mean having a length of yarn at the back of your work going up the inside of the basket. As long as you don’t pull it too tight when picking it up, it won’t affect the work and you can just crochet over it as you go along the row. The picture below shows the inside of my basket, you can see where the grey was carried up to the next row.

Inside the jack-o'-lantern basket

And there you go, one fabulous jack-o’-lantern basket. Fill it with lollies and chocolate and impress all the kids that come knocking on Halloween. Or you could attach a rope as a handle and use it collect all the yummy treats.

Halloween jack-o'-lantern basket
Halloween Jack-o’-lantern basket

Happy Halloween everyone, and if you make this basket, I would love to see the results! So please post a comment below, or tag me on Instagram @crochetbycarms

Love
Carmen xoxo

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Minecraft TNT Graphgan

Minecraft TNT Graphgan - crochet by carms

Hello beautiful people, you may have noticed I didn’t have a Wednesday WIP post this week, and that is because I have actually been spending some time finishing up this Minecraft TNT Graphgan for my 7yr old.

I am so happy that it is done, and no longer taking up space in my craft room/study. I may have even done a little happy dance after the last end was sewed in.
My Son is also happy it is finally finished, even though the first words out of his mouth when he received it were “it’s pretty small”! Kids huh. 

The end results of all that work is a pretty heavy blanket that measures almost 110cm each side.
It was crocheted in the C2C technique using Spotlight USA Style yarn, using a 5mm hook. Unfortunately, I am not 100% sure of the amount of yarn I ended up using as I wasn’t keeping track. It was probably only 1 skein of black, not quite 2 of white and 3-4 of the red. 
Though you can make this in any yarn you like with any hook.

Now that it is finally complete, I am happily sharing the graph I created to make it.
Below you will find the whole graph, as well as smaller ones with it broken down into 4 parts for easier printing and following.

To save the images, just right-click on them and select save image/picture as…

Minecraft TNT Graph
Minecraft TNT Graph

If you use the graph, please let me know, either in the comments below or tag me on Instagram (crochetbycarms) with your creation. I would love to see it.

Love
Carmen
xoxo

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Simple Ribbed Cowl – Free Pattern

If you are after an easy to make and wear unisex project, the simple ribbed cowl is for you.

This last winter has been a shocker here in Sydney, with some really cold days, and especially cold mornings in which Ben (my other half) has to leave for work early in the morning on his motorbike.

I do not envy him those cold mornings, but I figured I could make him something to help. I have crocheted things for pretty much everyone else in my family, but not my other half, as what do you make the man who has everything?

Ben is a metal head from way back, and his wardrobe consists mostly of old faded black tour shirts, dark denim and more black, so no bright colours was a given. Plus I had to make sure that is was designed so as not to cause him trouble when riding down a dark and windy highway, hence the simple ribbed cowl was born.

The Patons Inca yarn is lovely and soft and so easy to work with, and being a wool blend I knew it would be lovely and warm. The cowl is constructed in joined rounds and I crocheted into the back loops only to give it some texture.

Simple Ribbed Cowl Pattern

Finished Size
63cm x 20 cm

Materials

  • Chunky Yarn – I used 2 balls of Patons Inca (50% Pure new wool, 30% acrylic, 20% alpaca, 50g and 58m) in colour 7019, but any chunky yarn will do.
  • 7mm Hook
  • Scissors
  • Yarn needle

Gauge
Gauge was not super critical for this project, just measure your first row of HDC before joining, if it’s around 63cm long, then you are good to go.

Skills

  • Foundation Half Double Crochet
  • Chain
  • Half Double Crochet
  • Slip Stitch
  • Working in the Back Loop only

Abbreviations Used

  • fhdc – foundation half double crochet
  • ch – Chain
  • hdc – Half Double Crochet
  • ss- Slip Stitch

Pattern Notes
If you are not sure on how to do a foundation HDC, you can find many tutorials on youtube, or you can just start with a ch and HDC into the chain.
Make sure to leave a good long tail of yarn at the beginning to assist in sewing fhdc round together

Instructions

Row 1: fhdc 70 or
chain 72 then hdc into 3rd chain from the hook and all remaining chains (70)
Join with a ss to the first HDC to form a circle, being careful not to twist your work.

Join with ss to first HDC, without twisting the row

Note: all hdc stitches from now on are done in Back Loops only

Rows 2-12: Ch1 (does not count as a stitch) hdc in Back Loop Only of the first stitch and every stitch around, join with ss to 1st hdc (70)

HDC in back loops only


Row 13:
 Ch1 (does not count as a stitch) hdc in Back Loop Only of first stitch and every stitch around, join with ss to 1st hdc (70)

Fasten off

Sew in your ends, and your simple ribbed cowl is complete.

 

After i finished the first one, i decided to experiment with different yarns and made the cowl in Moda Vera Fayette, which is a colour changing yarn. It is not a chunky yarn, more of a variable 8ply, but I still used the 7mm hook to make it nice and drapey. I love how this one turned out too.

I hope you love making this as much as I did, and please share your pictures if you do, would love to see them!

Love

Carmen

xoxo

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Crochet Easter Bunny Applique Pattern

With my love of making t-shirt yarn baskets, I knew I wanted to make Easter baskets this year. So along with some pretty pastel yarn to make them with, I searched for something else to add to them, and while trying to make something else entirely ( a flower I think), came up with this cute little crochet Easter bunny applique.

Crochet Easter Bunny Applique Pattern
Crochet Easter Bunny Applique Pattern

These little bunnies would look good on baskets, as bunting, using smaller yarn would look so cute on Easter cards, Easter bonnets and even paper Easter baskets.

If you would like to make your own crochet easter bunny applique please find the pattern below.

Crochet Easter Bunny Applique pattern

What you need
t-shirt yarn
7mm crochet hook
yarn needle
scissors

Stitches
Magic Circle
Chain (Ch)
Single Crochet (SC)
Double Crochet (DC)
Slip Stitch (SlSt)

Bunny’s Body

Start with a magic circle

Round 1: 6 sc into the ring, pull tight and join to first sc with a SlSt

6 sc in a magic circle - crochet easter bunny applique
6 sc in a magic circle – crochet easter bunny applique

Round 2: Ch 1 (doesn’t count as a stitch), 2sc in each stitch (12) join with SlSt to first sc make sure to skip the ch 1 at the beginning of the round.

Easter Bunny Applique - Round 2
Easter Bunny Applique – Round 2

Bunny’s Head

3DC into the same stitch
3DC into the same stitch

Round 3: Ch 2, 3 dc into the same stitch

Bunny’s Ears

Round 4: Ch 3
Round 4: Ch 3

Round 4: Ch 3

Round 5: 1sc each in the 2nd and 3rd chains from the hook

Round 5: 1sc each in the 2nd and 3rd chains from the hook
Round 5: 1sc each in the 2nd and 3rd chains from the hook

SlSt into the side of the top of that 3rd dc then slip stitch into the bottom side of the same DC

SlSt into the side of the top of that 3rd dc then slip stitch into the bottom side of the same DC
SlSt into the side of the top of that 3rd dc then slip stitch into the bottom side of the same DC

Slip stitch into the next 2 sc of the circle (the ch and 3DC of the head were in the first stitch)
Cut yarn and pull through

Slip stitch into the next 2 sc of the circle
Slip stitch into the next 2 sc of the circle

Then put your hook from back to front through the next stitch and pull the yarn end through to bring it to the back.

Lastly, sew in your ends and you have 1 bunny.

For added effect, glue on a little pompom for the tail, and you could even give him eyes and whiskers with black thread, or even googly or safety eyes.

I hope this made sense and I hope you have fun making him,  now hop to it!

Sorry, couldn’t help the bunny pun. Oh and here is a bunny I made using acrylic DK and a 3.5mm hook, just to show you that it will work with pretty much any yarn you want to use and the appropriate hook to go with it.

If you post any of your bunny’s on social media, please tag me @crochetbycarms, and they will be added to my bunny army.

Notes: In case you hadn’t noticed, yes I am a left-hander and so all my photos will reflect this. If you have any issues with my photos making things harder for you (I know how confusing trying to make sense of things going the wrong way is), please leave me a comment or send me a message and ill flip the photos around just for you.

Love

Carmen

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Welcome to Crochet by Carms

Hello,

Welcome to Crochet by Carms, My name is Carmen and this is my newest home on the web. If you knew me before my love of crochet blossomed, you may have seen my previous blog called Paint Powder and Polish, which was dedicated to my love of makeup, nail polish and all beauty products in general. Since having my second child in January ’16, my love affair with beauty has waned, mostly due to lack of time, but also due to a reordering of my priorities. Don’t get me wrong,  I still love a good lipstick and I would love to paint my nails again when I have a spare moment, but I no longer have the urge to collect all the makeup.

So with a newborn baby and a  school-aged child to keep most of my waking hours busy.  Between the feeding sessions, and burping, nappy changes, and school runs, I  turned to crochet to keep me sane and grounded. It became my sanctuary and my happy place. My first large project was a chevron blanket for the new baby. I started it at 20 weeks pregnant when I found out I was having another boy and finished it when he was about 8 months old. Then I dove into amigurumi as I wanted to make my boys cute things to play with, and it escalated from there. And of course with the love of crochet came a love of yarn and the need to collect it all.

Which brings me to now. I am an intermediate crocheter who loves a good challenge. My makes include blankets, scarves, beanies, booties, amigurumi, and lots more.  I am currently subscribed to two crochet subscription boxes, Little box of Crochet and Crochet Crate.  And I follow a whole lot of indie yarn dyers on Instagram and drool over their wares.

So, if you are still reading, I thank you. If you want to read more about what I am working on, any yarn I may have bought or what is in the latest gorgeous subscription box, please come back, subscribe, follow, etc and I hope to entertain you further.

Have a fabulous day and stay gorgeous!

Carms
xoxo

Oh and if you like you can also find Crochet by Carms on Instagram  or Facebook

Crochet Granny Squares - crochet by carms