Checkerboard in Primary Colors Stroller Blanket

June 24, 2015 by Marie Segares

I’m Marie Segares from Underground Crafter, and I’m happy to share this free crochet pattern with you today!

I am a huge fan of crochet motifs. I love the portability, especially in the warmer months. I also enjoy using up odds and ends from my stash. And, as I mentioned before with the Diagonal Rainbows Baby Blanket, I love making baby blankets. This pattern combines two favorites – motifs and baby blankets – to create a vibrant stroller blanket.

While the sample uses just 3 colors, you can always add more (or fewer) colors to customize the blanket for you!

Checkerboard in Primary Colors Stroller Blanket

Crochet Pattern by Underground Crafter

Finished Size

Stroller Blanket: 29” (73.5 cm) x 37” (94 cm).

Materials

Red Heart Super Saver (7 oz/198 g/364 yds/333 m/100% acrylic) – 1 skein ea in Blue (CA), Cherry Red (CB), and Bright Yellow (CC), or approximately 283 yds (259 m) each in CA and CB, and 343 yds (314 m) in CC in any medium weight yarn.
H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook or any size needed to obtain gauge.
Yarn needle.

Gauge

Motif = 4” (10 cm) square in pattern. Exact gauge is not critical for this project.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

ch – chain
ea – each
hdc – half double crochet
rep – repeat
Rnd – Round
RS – right (front) side
sc – single crochet
sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
^*Rep after asterisk as indicated.

Pattern Instructions

Motif – Make 21 each in CA, CB, and CC

Ch 4, join with sl st to first ch to form ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 5 (counts as dc + ch-2 sp, here and throughout), (dc, ch 2 in ring) 7 times, join with sl st to top of third ch of first ch 5. (8 dc + 8 ch-2 sp)
Rnd 2: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same ch-2 sp, (ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp) 7 times, sc to top of ch 3 to join (counts as ch-1 sp). (24 dc + 8 ch-2 sp)
Rnd 3: Ch 5, 2 dc in same ch 1 sp, *dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next st, hdc in ch-1 sp, hdc in next st, dc in next 2 sts,** (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-1 sp; rep from * around ending last rep at **, dc in first ch-2 sp, join with sl to top of third ch of first ch 5, sl st to ch-2 sp. Fasten off with long yarn tail (approximately 15”/38 cm) to join. (44 sts + 4 ch-2 sp)

Assembly

Following placement diagram, join motifs together to form a row. With RS facing, begin with hook and yarn tail in first ch of ch-2 sp. Line up stitches and join with sl st through back loops of each layer, skip last ch of ch-2 sp. Use CC to join rows together in the same fashion.

Border

Join CC in any corner ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same st, *dc in next 11 sts,** dc2tog across ch-2 sp of this motif and next motif; rep from * across, ending at ** at corner ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp; rep from * around, ending last rep at ** in first corner ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 2) in ch-2 sp, join with sl st to top of first ch 3.

Finishing

With yarn needle, weave in ends. Spray block if necessary.

If you like this pattern, check out my Rectangular Sampler Baby Blanket, a free crochet pattern.

Cinema Saturdays: How to Make a Free Kids’ Go Green Scrapbook

January 5, 2013 by AllFreeKidsCrafts

“Kids” and “free” don’t often appear in the same sentence, so when they do, you know you’re exploring further. Add “scrapbook” to that rare yet pleasurable sentence, and you’re getting suspicious and searching for the catch. There’s not one. Over at AllFreeKidsCrafts we have tons of free or extremely budget-friendly crafts, games, and activities for children to enjoy. We’re all about affordable when it comes to those adorable, loveable, money-sucking munchkins.

Scrapbooks are wonderful keepsakes that take photographs to the next level. They allow you to add your opinion to the memory, so you not only remember the event, but you also remember how it made you feel. This is a great activity for kids who eventually won’t remember much from when they were little. Adding words and drawings will help them and you remember much more about “that one time.”

Regular scrapbooks are expensive and difficult, but the Go Green Scrapbook is free and kid-friendly. This great book gives you the opportunity to save their artwork, thoughts, and photos all in one neat compilation. Your kids will have a great time seeing a grocery bag transform in their hands into an amazing memory book.

This great video tutorial is led by a young girl, which is great for other kids to see. It shows that it’s fun, doable, and that kids can craft!

See the video to below to confirm that, in fact, there is no catch.

How to Make a Go Green Scrapbook

What is your favorite way to keep memories?

Create 10 Quick and Easy Gifts with AllFreeChristmasCrafts Latest Free eBook

August 12, 2012 by AllFreeChristmasCrafts

I have news for you – there are officially on 5 months until Christmas! I bet you’ve noticed a few Christmas items at local big box stores or spied a few Christmas in July posts on your favorite sites (including this one). Before you know it, the weather will begin to change, the kids will be hopping on the bus back to school and the holidays will be upon us. Sure, there are some important dates in between now and Christmas (Halloween, Thanksgiving), but nothing requires quite as much time, dedication and planning as the holiday season. Save yourself the stress and start creating homemade Christmas gifts now. The latest eBook from AllFreeChristmasCrafts, 10 Quick and Easy Christmas Gifts To Make, is filled with crafty inspiration.

Gift giving is one of the most rewarding aspects of Christmas, but the need to find the “perfect gift” can lead to undue stress. Download a copy of 10 Quick and Easy Christmas Gifts to Make (it’s free!) and save it all year long. You can come back to this eBook whenever you need an unexpected and unique gift idea. Many of the crafts are kid-friendly and simple enough for beginners, so crafter of all ages are sure to find a fun gift to make.

Here are just a few projects you’ll find in 10 Quick and Easy Christmas Gifts to Make:

Personalized Casserole Dish

Add a personal touch to a practical item this Christmas – it’s so simple! Using etching cream and contact paper, transfer a homemade image or word on to an everyday item such as the casserole dish featured above. Each time they make a delicious dish, the gift recipient will be reminded that you created a thoughtful gift just for him or her! This is a great gift for a cooking enthusiast and it’s so simple to make. In fact, you can create a Personalized Casserole Dish in less than hour. This is a fantastic project for a novice crafter or anyone that is short on time.

Coffee Cup Cozy

Cold winter morning require a warm beverage, it’s pretty much the law. You probably don’t realize just how harmful those little paper sleeves are for the environment. If you have a special someone on your list that can’t survive without their morning cup of coffee of tea, make a Coffee Cup Cozy using fabric scraps and a sewing machine. This is a simple project for anyone that’s new to the world of sewing. Plus, you can use up your fabric scraps and save yourself some cash.

Winter Fairy Land Snow Domes

Last winter, Taylor Swift sent out a Twitpic that rocked the craft universe. Why? Because in the photo, she was making her own snow globes! Immediately, it seemed that everyone was looking for snow globe projects and tutorials. Snow globes are a fun collectable that can be displayed anywhere. Best of all, you can use recycled mason jars for this super simple project. Each globe can be personalized using figurines, fake foliage and more. Search your local dollar store for cheap plastic miniatures and add them to your project. This gift is ideal for someone who works at a desk – he or she can think of you every time they glance at their personalized snow globe!

These are just a few of the projects featured in 10 Quick and Easy Christmas Gifts to Make. Download a copy today – it’s free!

AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns: Best of February 2012

March 8, 2012 by AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns

February may be the shortest month of the year, but that doesn’t mean we’re shortchanging you on anything, don’t worry! Our friends at AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns featured so many fabulous free afghan patterns in their newsletters this past month, and the votes for most popular are in. Lucky for you, they were kind enough to put together a list of the top-clicked projects from February. You may notice that Aunt Dot’s Afghan made the list for a second month in a row, joined by some other favorites including the One Skein Baby Blanket, Blackberry Salad Striped Baby Blanket and the Peacock Afghan (pictured below).

Check out the full article, Best of February 2012: 16 Popular Afghan Patterns, for the comprehensive list of top projects. From beginner to intermediate, and everything in between, there is a free crochet afghan project for everyone. Grab your hook and get busy!

Springtime is right around the corner, so be sure to check out the gorgeous floral Charleston Garden Granny Square Afghan, too!

Find the rest of February’s top projects here!

AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns Giveaway: Two Skeins of Red Heart With Love Yarn

February 28, 2012 by AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns

Shopping for yarn is so exciting, isn’t it? I don’t know about you, but I can’t even remember how many times I have gone to the craft store for “just one” skein and have left with waaaay more. The only downside? Paying for all that yarn!! My pocketbook can’t always handle my cravings for new yarn, and I’m sure I’m not alone.

We at AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns understand that the costs of yarn can, believe it or not, add up, and we want to help! We are giving away two skeins of fabulous Red Heart With Love Yarn! That’s right, everyone… free yarn, no strings attached!

Red Heart With Love Yarn is one of my favorite acrylic worsted weight yarns to work with. It’s thick and sturdy without being too scratchy. Plus, it’s machine washable and is engineered to maintain it’s shape and stay soft even after washing. This soft and sturdy yarn is enjoyable to work with (no burned fingers!), and even more enjoyable to cuddle up with once your crocheted afghan is complete. Plus, it comes in almost every color imaginable; there are 28 different hues to choose from! The lucky winner of this giveaway will receive one skein of yarn in Hot Pink and one in Pewter. Don’t they look so pretty together?

The deadline to enter is March 6, 2012. You can enter once daily, so return often to improve your chances of winning! Start entering today!

Let’s Get Started – 24 Free Crochet Lessons

February 18, 2012 by TheCrochetCrowd

Mikey hosts this 24 Course Series with Curtzy Crochet Hooks

Did you know that I now have a Free 24 Course Program. Months of preparation to get this video series has paid off. It took 2.5 months for the entire program to be uploaded onto my YouTube Channel and finally the entire series is up and going. I’m not surprised that it was well received, but I was really surprised to learn that the combined views totaled over 100,000 views by the time the last video was launched.

You can see all videos in order right now and begin your program immediately.

This program was designed for Curtzy Crochet Hooks from England. The owner and I had worked together for 4 months before the first video rolled out. A Combination of 32 videos is now available and ready. A lot of people have no idea the amount of preparation and editing involved to pull off such a massive program. Over all, I’ve been really happy with it and we have encouraged new crocheters to get on board.

Begin your learning experience. If you are looking for a fun project to start, you have to see my Colorful Fantasy Granny Afghan.

Make Ornaments All Year Long With AllFreeChristmasCrafts’ Latest eBook

February 17, 2012 by AllFreeChristmasCrafts

I know what you’re thinking – it’s February, why are we talking about Christmas right now? On one hand, I get it. Why look ahead (or look back) when there are so many holidays and activities between now and December 25th. On the other hand, I think this logic is a little flawed. There’s a reason it’s called the most wonderful time of the year. No matter where you are and what you believe in, the Christmas season is positively magical. Why not keep that spirit going all year long?

Luckily, we’ve got you covered with the latest eBook from AllFreeChristmasCrafts. In “How to Make Ornaments: 10 Christmas Ornaments to Make” eBook, you’ll find all kinds of craft ideas to give the holiday spirit going all year long. Each of these projects can be created at home with easy-to-find materials. You can even round up the kids for many of these projects and spend some time together. Christmas ornaments often turn into keepsakes and are often passed down through the generations. Why buy a store-bough piece when you can create something meaningful at home?

Here are just a few of the projects you’ll find in this free eBook:

Snow Ball Ornament

Snow is the true sign that winter has arrived. No matter how old you are, you have to admit that when the first snow of the year arrives, it’s a magical feeling. Capture this spirit with help from this uncomplicated ornament craft. All you need is felt, pins and a Styrofoam ball. Attach a ribbon and hang up your creation – it’s that easy. Best of all, you don’t have to be precise or follow a long list of instructions. Just express your creativity and make something that reflects your personality.

3D Star Ornament

Yes, the name of this project is intimidating. Paper folding can often be frustrating and complicated. But guess what? There’s very little folding necessary! Instead, cut out stars and adhere them together, all you have to do is bend the paper to create the shape. It doesn’t get much easier. Choose paper that sticks out on your tree so everyone can spot your creation.

Birdie Ornaments

This is one of the most popular patterns on the site and it’s easy to see why. This project is whimsical and adorable. Also, you don’t need a sewing machine to complete this project. Grab some felt, a needle and some thread and you’ll be ready to go. Give this ornament as a gift – it looks great all year and is versatile enough to be hung from a doorknob or hook during the year.

These are just three of the crafts you’ll find in “How to Make Ornaments: 10 Christmas Ornaments to Make” eBook. Download a copy today, it’s free!

Cool2Craft + FaveCrafts Giveaway: Perfect Paper Crafting Assortment

December 19, 2011 by FaveCrafts

Scrapbookers and paper crafters, this giveaway is for you! This month, FaveCrafts and Cool2Craft are teaming up to give away an awesome assortment of Perfect Paper Crafting products! They will be a huge help when you’re putting together your post holiday scrapbook and making thank you cards for friends and family!

This Perfect Paper Crafting assortment includes three must-have tools:

Perfect Tears – This tool is necessary for creating textures, torn effects. This tool is double-sided and clear, making it unbelievably easy to use. There are three tools in each Perfect Tears set and each tool has two sides. This means that in one set you received six different edges to play with! This tool also has a secret weapon – a refillable water pen. This controllable flow of water helps you tear all types of paper.
Perfect Squares – No more jagged lines! Make the perfect geometric figures with help from the Perfect Squares tool. Use it to crop pictures, create squares, fix misaligned folds and create custom layouts.
Perfect Layers – To create borders and frames, you’ll need this handy tool. This tool allow you to cut from 1/16th of an inch to one inch. Oh, and did we mention there’s no measuring involved? Yes, you read right! The Perfect Layers tool will change the way you look at scrapbooking. Best of all, the winner of this giveaway will receive a set of three.

This contest ends on January 9th.

Enter for your chance to win. Good luck!

And don’t forget to—

Sign up for the Cool2Craft newsletter
Watch Cool2Craft TV

Coming Soon: 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway! Don’t Miss Out!

December 9, 2011 by FaveCrafts

Between you and me, FaveCrafts recently received a special request from a certain big man in a red suit. That’s right, Santa Claus himself asked for our help in rewarding all the good little crafters out there with our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway! Every day, beginning on Tuesday, December 13 and ending on Christmas Eve, we will give away one prize per day to a lucky FaveCrafts reader! That’s twelve days of giveaways in a row! (And between you and me, each prize will be better than any silly lords a-leaping or partridges in pear trees.)

All you have to do for now is click the button below and subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with the news about the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway. Check the blog every day to enter to win these twelve incredible prizes. You can enter once per day, every single day and win a new prize. Click the button below to subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss out!

Save the Date:

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway

December 13 – December 24

Win a new prize every day!

We’re making our list, and soon we’ll be checking it twice, so click below to subscribe to the FaveCrafts newsletter. Don’t miss out on the twelve phenomenal prizes in the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!

Start Planning your Christmas Decorations Now With a New eBook from AllFreeChristmasCrafts

October 24, 2011 by AllFreeChristmasCrafts

It’s never too early to start planning for the Christmas season. Case in point, I’ve had a jar of Christmas ornaments sitting on my desk since last December. A little taste of the holiday season (no matter the temperature outside) really create a sense of fun and excitement. Why not start crafting your Christmas decorations today? That way, when Thanksgiving is over, you can immediately switch over your decor and show off your festive side!

To get you started, we’ve collected 8 of our favorite homemade Christmas decorations into a free eBook just for you. In 8 Unique Christmas Decorations to Make, you’ll find everything from kid-friendly ornaments to a tabletop tree made from repurposed materials. These projects are perfect for crafters at all skill levels. For instance, kids can make a Handy Reindeer on their own and hang it anywhere. On the other hand (no pun intended), a project like the Split Tree requires the use of a saw – maybe not the most kid-friendly project and quite possibly more suited for an crafter with woodworking experience.

What makes this eBook special is that it’s so varied – you’ll never get bored or run out of project ideas. I love that one of the ornaments used wrapping paper scraps (we all have plenty of those sitting around during the holiday season). One of the projects is a no-sew advent calendar – a traditional yet easy-to-make project that’s perfect for the season. Now is the time to get working on your crafting projects – don’t wait until it’s too late!

Download a copy of 8 Unique Christmas Decorations to Make today!

Also, don’t forget to subscribe to the AllFreeChristmasCrafts newsletter, Crafty Christmas Ideas!