“Cowl” us Crazy! 12 Knit and Crochet Patterns

October 5, 2015 by AllFreeCrochet 1 Comment

Just “cowl” us crazy! It’s that time to start making your winter accessories. It’s never too early to start because you want to be prepared for the cold winter weather with all the cozy accessories to keep you warm. One of our favorite cold weather accessories is a warm cowl. Whether you knit or crochet (or both!), these are the latest free patterns you have to see.

Browse this collection of cowl patterns, and you might discover a new favorite crochet cowl pattern or knitting pattern. Long story short, after you make yourself one of these beautiful patterns, you’ll be wanting to make some more! Stitch up any of these patterns as the perfect DIY gifts for the holidays. They’re so much more special and unique than what you can buy in stores and everyone can always use a new cowl.

In the fall, pair these cowls with your favorite top or light sweater to fight off the chill. Then, when winter comes along, pair them with your most cozy sweater and stay warm all season long. Create one of these knit or easy crochet patterns in the color of the season: marsala. Whether it’s a rich plum or deep burgundy hue, it’s sure to make a statement!

“Cowl” us Crazy! 12 Knit and Crochet Patterns

Free Knitting Patterns

Winter Seeds Cowl

Woodland Nightfall Knit Snood

Lilac Dream Knit Cowl

Sparkle Lacy Knit Cowl

Free Crochet Patterns

Kiss Me At Midnight Cowl

Back to Scotland Crochet Cowl

Diamond Crochet Cowl

All Grown Up Crochet Cowl

One Skein Wonders

Purple Passion Knit Cowl Pattern

Crooked Creek Cowl

Plum Easy Crochet Cowl

Chunky Crochet Cowl

What color yarn will you use to make your cowl?

Hello, Fall! Crochet Hat Pattern

September 2, 2015 by Marie Segares 3 Comments

I’m Marie from Underground Crafter, and I’m looking forward to the arrival of the fall (or autumn, as many international readers would say). Fall is my favorite season for showing off my crochet projects!

I’m sharing a free crochet pattern for an easy, transitional weather hat! And, best of all, you can make it with just one-skein of yarn. The combination of an airy stitch pattern with a cotton blend yarn makes this hat perfect for a cool summer night or an autumn day.

Hello, Fall! Crochet Hat Pattern

Crochet Pattern by Underground Crafter

Finished Size

Adult: 19.5” (49.5 cm) circumference.

Materials

Cascade Yarns Avalon (50% cotton/50% acrylic, 3 oz/100 g, 175 yd/160 m) – 1 skein in 06 Tannin, or approximately 175 yd (160 m) in any cotton blend medium weight yarn.
US Size I-9/5.5 mm crochet hook, or any size needed to obtain gauge.
Locking stitch marker.
Yarn needle.

Gauge

15 sts x 12 rows in pattern = 4” (10 cm). For best fit, always check your gauge.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

ch – chain
cl – cluster – (Yo, insert hook in st, yo and draw up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops) twice in same st or sp, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook.
ea – each
pm – place st marker
rep – repeat
Rnd(s) – Round(s)
RS – right (front) side
sc – single crochet
sc2tog – single crochet 2 sts together – (Insert hook in next st, yo and draw up a loop) twice, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook.
sk – skip
sl st – slip stitch
sp – space
st(s) – stitch(es)
t-ch – turning chain
WS – wrong (back) side
yo – yarn over
* Rep instructions after asterisk as indicated.

Pattern Notes

Hat pattern stitch is worked flat in rows and joined.
Slouchy crown of hat is crocheted in the round.

Pattern Instructions

Hat

Starting at brim and leaving a long yarn tail (approximately 18”/46 cm) for seaming, ch 74.
Row 1: Turn, sk 1 ch, *(sc, ch 3, cl, ch) in next ch, sk 3; rep from * across to last ch, sc. (73 sts)
Row 2: Turn, ch 4, cl in same st, ch 1, *(sc, ch 3, cl, ch 1) in ch-3 sp; rep from * across to last ch-3 sp, (sc, ch 2, cl, ch 1) in last ch-3 sp, dc in last st.
Row 3: Turn, ch 1, sc in first st, (ch 3, cl, ch 1) in ch-2 sp, *(sc, ch 3, cl, ch 1) in ch-3 sp; rep from * across, sc to top of t-ch.
Row 4: Rep Row 2.
Rep Rows 3 & 4 until piece measures approximately 5.5” (14 cm) wide. Do not fasten off.

Seam hat base

Pm in loop of last st (to hold st) and remove hook.
Working on the WS and using long yarn tail from foundation chain, seam short edges together by working sl sts through both layers.
Turn RS out and return hook to loop with marker.

Shape crown

Begin working in Rnds.
Rnd 1: Sc in ea sc, cl, ch-1 sp, and ch-3 sp around. Pm to mark last st. Move up marker ea Rnd.
Rnd 2: *Sc2tog, sc in next 7 sts; rep from * around to last st, sc. (65 sts)
Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, ch 1, sk 1; rep from * around to last st, sc.
Rnd 4: *Sc2tog in next sc and ch-1 sp, sc in next 6 sts; rep from * around to last st, sc. (57 sts)
Rnd 5: Rep Rnd 3.
Rnd 6: *Sc2tog in next sc and ch-1 sp, sc in next 5 sts; rep from * around to last st, sc. (49 sts)
Rnd 7: Rep Rnd 3.
Rnd 8: *Sc2tog in next sc and ch-1 sp, sc in next 4 sts; rep from * around to last st, sc. (41 sts)
Rnd 9: Rep Rnd 3.
Rnd 10: *Sc2tog in next sc and ch-1 sp, sc in next 3 sts; rep from * around to last st, sc. (33 sts)
Rnd 11: Rep Rnd 3.
Rnd 12: *Sc2tog in next sc and ch-1 sp, sc in next 2 sts; rep from * around to last st, sc. (25 sts)
Rnd 13: Rep Rnd 3.
Rnd 14: *Sc2tog in next sc and ch-1 sp, sc in next st; rep from * around to last st, sc. (17 sts)
Rnd 15: Rep Rnd 3.
Rnd 16: *Sc2tog in next sc and ch-1 sp; rep from * around to last st, sc. (9 sts)
Rnd 17: Rep Rnd 3.
Rnd 18: Rep Rnd 16. (5 sts) Fasten off with long yarn tail (approximately 12”/30.5 cm) for seaming.

Finishing

With yarn needle and long yarn tail, seam crown closed. Weave in ends on WS of hat. Spray block if necessary.

If you’re looking for more fall-themed projects, you may like Seventh Inning Stretch. This free crochet pattern for a fun mini flag is a great way to show support for your favorite baseball team during the lead up to the World Series (also known as the Fall Classic).

What’s your favorite fall activity?

Beachy Cord Necklace

August 12, 2015 by Divya N Leave a Comment

Around where I live, the scorching summer is now slowly fading and the monsoons are gaining momentum. In my opinion, this is a period when beaches are at their very best. Blue, clean and quite lovely! If you can afford a trip to a beach resort, there is nothing like it, but for others like me, a trip to the local beach can be as equally fulfilling. Talking of beach resorts, the first thing that comes to my mind, apart from long lazy walks on the beach, are the roaring parties that happen at night. How do you dress up for those?

Cute shorts or a sundress topped with beads are the cliche looks, but tanks or spaghetti tops with sarongs are a good bet too, particularly when paired with a little dressy jewelry that has a nautical touch with a hint of bling. Jewelry with cords, some pearls and shells and something metallic. Like this Beachy cord necklace – light weight, colorful and fun! This is an easy homemade necklace tutorial that is sure to have your friends begging you to make them one also. It’s a lightweight chain necklace with pretty accent beads and bright colors.

Beachy Cord Necklace

by Divya N

Materials

5mm sand round braided cord
Silver Gota ribbon(Stitched metallic Indian Lace)
Felt (color of your choice)
1″ acrylic pearl cabochon
12mm green glass round bead-1
14mm acrylic purple barrel bead with rims -1
14mm Pink and green dutone glass crystal bead -1
Looped pearl chain -1 (36 inches long)
Lobster clasp in brass -2
Brass jumprings -2
Brass eyepin -2
E6000 or rubber adhesive

Tools – Round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, wire cutters and scissors

Method

1. Coil the braided cord, gluing the starting edge to the second round of the cord.
2. Glue a cabochon on to the spiral to cover both ends of the cord. Let it dry.
3. Once dry, flip over and glue the gota strip around the circumference of the spiral. Remember that the spiral itself is not glued to be gentle.

4. Measure the circumference of the spiral and cut out a circular piece of felt in the color of your choice.

5. Make the loop of an eyepin bigger so that it can be used with a clasp.

6. Spread glue all over the back of your spiral and place an eyepin with the loop facing the top, wherever you want to hang the pendant from. Glue the felt circle on top, sandwiching the eyepin. Let it dry for a good 15-30 minutes depending on the glue that you have used, until it becomes strong.

7. Cut you looped pearl chain into two. To both ends add lobsters clasps using jump rings. This makes you pendant detachable.

8. Add a green glass bead, followed by a purple barrel followed by a faceted crystal on an eyepin and create a loop that is big enough to be used with a clasp. Loop the other end to the eyepin already glued to the pendant

Clasp both closures, one to the eyepin with beads and other to the eyepin on the pendant. You necklace is now complete. Since the pendant is detachable, you can simply use the pendant with any other chain that has two claps or you can use the chain with any other pendant that simply has a ring. As a variation try, spiraling chain to create your Spiral pendant instead of using cord.

So how are you going to accessorize your beach look?

4th of July Wire ring

June 23, 2015 by Divya N Leave a Comment

I find creating holiday oriented accessories and jewelry a challenge, as I like making versatile pieces that can be worn by everybody anytime not just to celebrate a particular holiday or occasion. But dressing up for holidays, is fun and that demands something unique. To make the best of both worlds, I have come up with a simple, classy and sophisticated handmade wire Ring for the fourth of July celebrations that can be worn with everything from suits to summer dresses and still instill a little bit of patriotism in you.

Using basic jewelry tools and a few simple supplies like beads and wire, you can make a wire ring that will make you the cynosure of your Fourth of July party. This project can be done in a matter of minutes, hence these rings can be made in large numbers to be given away as party favors. I have used materials like dyed jades and faux pearl, but if you wear only “real jewelry” then you can create this design using coral and Lapis Lazuli beads with real pearls using sterling silver wire.

Materials:

20g artistic silver wire- 18″
Faceted dyed blue Jade rondrell – 1
Faceted dyed red Jade rondrell – 1
10mm white faux pearl -1
Tools – Ring Mandrel, nose pliers and wire cutter

Method:

1.String a blue jade followed by the white pearl and then the red jade to a piece of 18″ length of wire. The length of the wire could be more or less depending on your ring size. Find your desired size on a ring mandrel using one of your existing rings and work with half size larger.

2. Center the wire over the mandrel at the desired size marking. Wrap one side of the wire around the mandrel and wrap the other side around the mandrel in the opposite direction. The band should now contain 2 strands of wire at back.

3. Turn the mandrel around so that the curved portion is in the front. Take one edge of the wire around the beads and wrap following with the other wire in the opposite direction. A nest should form underneath the beads holding them in place.

4. Bring both wire up almost at a 90 degree angle and wrap around the jade beads twice. This secures the beads well to the frame.

5. Crisscross the wires and wrap again, this time only around the pearl
6.Pick one wire end and make a loop at the end and bend it to make a spiral. Bring it close to the pearl and press to contain the pearl. If your wire is too long for a proportional spiral, cut it short before you spiral it.
7. Repeat step 5 with the other end. Both your spirals might look different from each other, there is no need to worry as it adds to the charm of the ring. Press the wires gently with your fingers to form them into shape making your ring look less messy.

Celebrate 4th of July in style with this easy to make patriotic ring.

Fashion & Function: Cute Quilted Bag Patterns for Making Life Easier

November 2, 2013 by FaveQuilts 5 Comments

Prada. Chanel. Louis Vuitton. Vera Bradley. These classic designers dominate the fashion world through their highly coveted bags and purses. While couture handbags look posh, they are not exactly the most functional (or frugal) accessories when you’re grocery shopping with cranky toddlers or cleaning the kitchen while making dinner.

Does needing a practical bag mean you have to sacrifice having a fashionable bag? FaveQuilts doesn’t think so! We believe that every quilter can put their skills to good use by making their own free quilted tote bag patterns or free purse patterns. To help each busy crafter find their ideal quilted bag pattern, we’ve compiled a list of our most stylish DIY bag patterns for simplifying errands and chores.

Quilted Bag Patterns for Home Organization

Lets face it — crafters are messy! If you need help keeping scrap quilt fabric and applique patterns organized, then the Crafty Caddy is the perfect tote bag quilt pattern to safely store a wide variety of crafting materials. For storing sharp sewing supplies, the Cutting Mat Caddy is ideal for creative moms in need of a place to stash their tools away from the little ones.

If you love keeping recipe and quilting magazines around your house, but don’t love how cluttered they can get, check out the Darling Dollhouse Case and the Bumblebee Project Pouch (shown). This vintage house quilt design and adorable applique bag allow you hold sewing kits, various magazines, and unfinished quilt projects in both of their tidy pockets.

Quilted Tote Bag Patterns for Errands

A bigger bag is usually necessary for trips to the grocery store or farmers market. Add style to your weekend errands when you sew a reusable tote bag like an Insulated Market Tote or this Easy to Sew Market Tote (shown). Not only are both of these DIY bags great for going green, they also provide enough room to fit a large amount of food within their sturdy interiors.

If you’re looking for an easy quilted bag pattern to hold many items, you’ll be impressed by the lightweight material and cute coffee pattern featured in Angie’s Big Quilted Tote Bag. When you’re carrying just a few items, like a stack of books, you’ll be glad you made the exquisite Expandable Library Tote for keeping all of your books organized and compact.

Homemade Quilted Handbags

Small quilted pouches and purses make the best presents! For example, the Really Simple Wristlet is one of the most popular quilted gift patterns for a trendy teenager. Similarly, the Quilted Make-up Travel Bag looks just like a Vera Bradley design and is great for holding valuable beauty products. For even smaller and chicer fun, check out this Classic English Flex Frame Pouch (shown) for small coins and keys.

Remember fellow quilters — any quilt project can be functional, frugal and fashionable if you use creativity.

If you’re interested in more quilted bag patterns, check out these 11 free quilted drawstring, messenger, and tote bag patterns.

What would you use a quilted bag for?

National Sewing Month 2013: Hollywood-Inspired Vintage Patterns to Sew

September 15, 2013 by AllFreeSewing 77 Comments

It’s Day Fifteen of National Sewing Month! Too see the daily blog posts, projects of the day, and more National Sewing Month details, click here.

The golden age of cinema has inspired me to write today’s blog post. The lifestyle and fashion of that era has me itching to sew all of the free, trendy clothing patterns on AllFreeSewing. It was hard to narrow down which part of old Hollywood fashion inspired me most. There was the glitz and the glam. There was chic and there was daring. For help, I decided to look to the starlets of this day and age. Actresses that will never go out of style, much like their clothing. Women like Audrey Hepburn, Vivien Leigh, and Elizabeth Taylor remind us that clothing can outlast time.

Audrey Hepburn

Breakfast at Tiffany’s and My Fair Lady, both starring the beautiful Audrey Hepburn, are classics from the golden age of cinema. Not only was Hepburn’s look flawless then, it is still trending to this day; including her cat eye makeup and her tailored dresses. The trends say it all: we are Audrey obsessed. To work her timeless look into your own closet, be sure to check out these links!

Golden Goddess Gown
How to Make a Scalloped Front Skirt -My favorite Audrey look-alike!
DIY Audrey Hepburn Inspired Birdcage Veil -From Wedding Obsession

Vivien Leigh

The stunning Vivien Leigh has been one of my favorite actresses ever since I watched Gone with the Wind. The love affair between Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’hara is enthralling, but not nearly as eye-catching as Leigh’s wardrobe throughout the movie. Her tiered gowns and netted veils (check out the Rhett Butler Veil) capture the era of the movie perfectly. Thankfully, the tiered look is back and better than ever with this Scarlett O’hara Tiered Gown. As Cleopatra, in Caesar and Cleopatra, Leigh once again captured the audience’s attention with her amazing wardrobe. We are bringing the Egyptian look back in the form of draped and flowing maxi dresses. I’ve picked out some of our favorites for you to try.

Other Fashion Icons

So many actresses from the golden age of cinema and so little time. These women made everything from accessories like Jackie’s Pill Box Hat, to the The New Woman’s Flapper Dress stylish. Whenever you are feeling out of style or like you are missing the latest trend, turn to the women that made old Hollywood fashion what it still is today. Your closet will never be lacking with the timeless looks of our favorite women in Hollywood. Be sure to explore these links for more free vintage sewing patterns.

Who is your favorite fashion icon?

Cinema Saturdays: How to Make a Refashioned Gift Card Bracelet

October 6, 2012 by AllFreeChristmasCrafts Leave a Comment

You want to look your best this Christmas, but may find that jewelry isn’t in your budget. You’ll never have to worry again as long as you can follow the steps in this tutorial. You’ll learn how you can transform your gift cards after you use them to update your winter fashion. This project courtesy of AllFreeChristmasCrafts takes recycling to a whole new level, and everyone will want to know where you got your jewelry this Christmas.

How to Make a Refashioned Gift Card Bracelet

What’s your favorite fashion craft? Tell us about it below!

May FaveCrafts Radio Wrap Up!

May 8, 2012 by FaveCrafts 13 Comments

Were you listening or did you miss May’s episode? Don’t worry either way, you can catch the recording of the radio show any time! But in case you’re curious, here’s what you missed:
We had some awesome guests on this month (well, like we do every month ;). May’s guests included Suzannah from Adventures in Dressmaking, a second time appearance from Suede, and brand new author Jenni Radosevich from I Spy DIY!

Our first guest was Suzannah from Adventures in Dressmaking who started her blog in 2009 after grad school to keep track of all the projects she was making. Suzannah’s mother worked making historic costumes for museums and such so from a very early age she had an amazing sewing room as a resource for getting her sewing projects started. How cool is that? Her very first blog project was a little strapless dress that she still loves making! Suzannah also told us that you live and learn, meaning that you can look back at old projects and see how much you’ve improved. Best tip? She loves dressing herself to portray a feeling and enjoys gathering inspiration from lots of places, but loves Mad Men. Then again, who doesn’t right? If you missed the show live, you can still hear Suzannah’s interview online anytime.

Next up was Jenni Radosevich from I Spy DIY! Congrats to Jenni for the brand new book release! Jenni worked at InStyle magazine for about 5 years and started DIYing her own stylish clothes and was one day asked to write an article which turned into a column! How exciting! Her awesome site spun off from there. After Random House approached her to write her book, she put it together in 4 months! Can you believe that? Out of curiosity we asked Jenni what her most popular project was on her blog and it turns out that bracelets and jewelry are crazy popular for her! For a sample of her style check out the newspaper clutch we also talked about on FaveCrafts.com. And finally Guest1166 won a copy of Jenni’s new book! You can hear Jenni’s interview anytime online.

Last, but certainly not least, was Suede! No surprise here, Suede really wanted to be an actor when he was little. Big surprise here, he went to Amish school where he first encountered sewing! Bet none of you would have ever guessed that! Some of you may remember Suede from his days as a contestant on Project Runway, he talked to us a little bit about the pressures put on you when you do a show like that. Suede also gave his knowledge about not giving up with it come to following your passions and told us that he has so many exciting projects in the works. We could not be more excited here at FaveCrafts to see what Suede is going to come up with so that we can all “rock fashion the way we rock it”! We loved all the fashion and style advice that Suede gave us and you should definitely listen in if you missed it the first time. Plus, big news! Suede Says is launching a fabric line this year! Listen in to the show for all the other Suede news.

We had some very awesome giveaways during the radio show, but we didn’t want to leave out anyone that wasn’t able to listen live so we have set up a special giveaway for you guys! If you go back and listen to the recording from May’s show, we gave a super secret giveaway phrase! Type that phrase in the comments below for your chance to win a Simplicity SideWinder and a pattern from Suede Says!

Contest Rules:

Contest open to US and Canada residents 18+
One comment/entry per person.
Contest closes May 11, 2012 at 11:59p CST.
Please enter the super secret password from the radio show in the comments in order to be entered.
Winners will be posted on this blog Monday, May 14th and notified by email

Join in for out next show on June 12th which will be all about Vintage Crafts!

What was the super secret password from the May show?

FaveCrafts Radio for the Fashionistas!

May 7, 2012 by FaveCrafts 1 Comment

FaveCrafts Radio is back in full swing this month with an extra special fashion edition!

We’ve lined up some amazing DIY fashion experts to come by and talk to use about creating your own style and what trends they see coming in fashion crafts. It should be a great show, you won’t want to miss it! Especially if you’re at that point in your spring cleaning where you’re about to get rid of some old clothes. Hang on to them! This show might just inspire you to give them new life. Guests will include Suzannah from Adventures in Dressmaking, a second time appearance from Suede, and brand new author Jenni Radosevich from I Spy DIY! As usual, we’ll also have giveaways lined up for those lucky listeners participating in the chat room under the radio.

So be sure to join us on April 8th at 11am EST!

Giveaways!

If listening in to these fabulous designers talking about DIY fashion isn’t enough incentive, we’ll be giving away prize to lucky listeners! All you have to do to be entered to win is go in and join the chat underneath the radio broadcast. Easy right? We’ll be giving away two Suede sewing patterns and a copy of Jenni Radosevich’s new book I SPY DIY Style!

If you’re new to FaveCrafts Radio or just skipped a month or two, no worries! All the episodes are archived and you can listen to them all whenever you have the time.

We can’t wait for tomorrow’s show and hope you’ll join in!

Geek Crafts: Nerdy Nail Art

May 2, 2012 by FaveCrafts 1 Comment

I’m Haley Pierson-Cox from The Zen of Making, and this is your weekly dose of geeky goodness!

Any nerd girl worth her horn-rimmed glasses has a few solid beauty tricks up her sleeve, and geeky manicures are one of mine. The crafty internet is filled with nail art tutorials for just about every show, game, movie, or book imaginable, but here are some of my favorite picks!

1. Steampunk Manicure from Geeky Owl

2. Newspaper Nails from Dolly Bow Bow

3. Spider-Man Nail Art Tutorial from Nailasaurus

4. Explosion Design Tape Mani from Nailside

5. Peter Pan Collar Nails from The Beauty Department

6. Mario Manicure from Polish Art Addiction

Do you have geeky nail art tricks of your own? Leave a comment below and share your favorite links!

“Cowl” us Crazy! 12 Knit and Crochet Patterns

Free Knitting Patterns

Free Crochet Patterns

One Skein Wonders

What color yarn will you use to make your cowl?

Hello, Fall! Crochet Hat Pattern

What’s your favorite fall activity?

Beachy Cord Necklace

by Divya N

So how are you going to accessorize your beach look?

Quilted Bag Patterns for Home Organization

Quilted Tote Bag Patterns for Errands

Homemade Quilted Handbags

What would you use a quilted bag for?

Audrey Hepburn

Vivien Leigh

Other Fashion Icons

Who is your favorite fashion icon?

How to Make a Refashioned Gift Card Bracelet

What’s your favorite fashion craft? Tell us about it below!

What was the super secret password from the May show?

Crochet

Jewelry

Knitting

Paper

Sewing

Thrifty