Marly Bird, Author at Marly Bird

Best Ever Beach Crochet Cover Up Patterns

May 20, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Getting ready for the beach or pool usually means getting out a cover-up of some sort for the trip there and back. A cover-up is a great way to add a light layer to keep the sun off without making you too hot. Plus, you add some style to your summer outfit without much effort. There are so many great beach crochet cover-up patterns. I pulled some together so you can start on yours for the summer. Which is your favorite?

crochet beach cover up patterns - Marly Bird

The Shore Thing Crochet Cover-Up Dress

This is one of the best crochet cover-up patterns ever. The Shore Thing is a free Yarnspirations pattern that uses a super fine #1 yarn weight to create a perfect lightweight coverup.

The pattern consists of simple rectangles and triangles that you piece together into unique, but easy, construction. I’ve created a video tutorial for this crochet pattern to help you along.

Throw it over any swimsuit but know that you can also line it or wear it over a slip and it serves as a sophisticated casual summer dress.

Fun In The Sun Crochet Beach Cover-Up

Fun in The Sun convertible blanket cover up

Although The Shore Thing is one of the most popular crochet cover-up patterns, I’m partial to this one. Admittedly, I designed it. But I think it holds up as a great design. You work it in cotton, the perfect yarn for crafting and wearing during the warm summer months.

I think this design has a really flattering fit. I love that you can wear it over a swimsuit or over a tank and jeans. But guess what’s really cool about this design? It’s a convertible blanket. That’s right; when you hit the beach, you take it off, unfold it, and have a beach blanket!

Aunt Lydia’s Beach Time Crochet Cover Up

Aunt Lydia's cotton crochet cover up pattern

Aunt Lydia’s is one of the most popular brands of cotton yarn, so this is another of the most popular crochet cover-up patterns to hit the beach. It’s an easy crochet pattern. Work it in two panels and close it with a simple crochet belt at the waist. This one works over any swimsuit.

V-Neck Fringed Cover-Up

This was designed as a poncho-style cover-up. Not necessarily intended for the beach, but it actually works great for the beach. It’s got that Coachella-style fringe and bell sleeves. The openwork lace shows off your swimsuit without showing off too much.

South Beach Cover-Up Crochet Dress

I list this crochet pattern among roundups of crochet dresses. However, it’s actually a beach cover-up. Of course, it definitely works as a cute summer dress with the right lining. But it also stands out as a striking cover-up for your swimsuit. Pieces that do double duty in the closet are extra perfect for summer packing!

North Shore Crochet Beach Cover-Up

maxi dress beach cover up crochet pattern

Many beach crochet cover-up patterns are designed as short dresses, about the size of an oversized tee thrown on atop your swimsuit. This one, however, is an openwork lace maxi dress style. Wowza!

Kids’ Rainbow Beach Cover Up

Crochet cover-up patterns aren’t just for grown-ups. Kids need something easy to pull on over their swimsuits for an extra layer. And this is the perfect design. Intended for toddlers, this rainbow beach cover-up is fun, fun, fun.

12 Free Bee Patterns to Crochet and Knit

May 19, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Bees are an important part of our ecosystem and a perennial favorite for nursery decor and toys. With their bright yellow and black stripes, youngsters love them. So we found you several bee patterns to crochet and knit. Have fun making these bee toys and clothing, especially for babies and little kids. Or maybe you want one for yourself? I’ll take two!

12 Free Bee Patterns to Crochet and Knit

Bumble Bee Yarn

We even found some bumble bee yarn! Red Heart Amigurumi yarn has a Bumble Bee color that lets you make 2 bumblebees with a single cake of yarn! All the perfect colors you need in one cake. This saves buying larger balls of yarn in colors you may not always need.

Bee Toys

These stuffed bumblebees are the perfect size for baby photo shoots or indoor play. Pop one or two in a bag on the go so your little ones always have something to play with. Look at that cute crochet baby bee! What an adorable little face!

NOTE: Don’t forget to be careful about the eyes you use. For babies and toddlers, make sure you always make the eyes and sew them on securely. Don’t use buttons or anything that could come off easily and become a choking hazard.

Other Bee Patterns To Crochet And Knit

Here we collected patterns for hats, snuggie sacks, dishcloths, and more bee-themed items! Make something for your kitchen that makes you smile when washing the dishes! Or, what’s cuter than a dog dressed as a bee?

More Animal Patterns

C2C Crochet Cables Cross Pillow (Cables CAL)

May 16, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Welcome to week 3 of the Classic Cable Collection CAL! This week it’s Hannah’s turn to share her unique crochet cables pattern with us. In this one, we’ll make her C2C Crochet Cables Cross Pillow. That’s right, we’ll combine corner-to-corner crochet with crochet cables! Join us today.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Your price doesn’t change when you make purchases from those links. However, I receive a percentage of the sale. Thank you for your support.

What is the Classic Cable Collection CAL?

If you’ve missed out on the fun so far, don’t wait any longer! We’re already in week three of this four-week CAL. However, you can still get all the crochet patterns, so it’s not too late. In this CAL, four crochet designers bring you a unique approach to crochet cables with new patterns and video tutorials. You get to join many other great crocheters who are learning/practicing these techniques together in each of our four respective Facebook groups.

Crochet cable collection Set featured image

We already worked crochet cables in the round with MJ’s Off the Hook to make her nesting baskets. And last week we learned Briana K Design’s unique Infinity Cables crochet technique to make a floor pouf. Next week, we’ll wrap up with my Bulky Crochet Cables Blanket. But first, we’ll join Hannah to learn C2C Crochet Cables.

C2C Crochet Cables Cross Pillow

We didn’t want to bring you basic crochet cables. Instead, we wanted to allow you to take those skills to the next level. This week that means combining corner-to-corner crochet with cables. We’ll use 3 intricate cables per panel to make four matching panels that we seam together to create a crochet pillow. You’ll insert a cushion pad to create the pillow. Then you’ll add a zipper to close it up.

You can adapt this pattern to basically any size. In fact, you can use the panels to make other projects, including crochet blankets and wall hangings. So, this is a very versatile design that you really don’t want to miss out on learning!

Materials for C2C Crochet Cables Pillow

The full pattern has all of the details, of course, but you’re going to need:

9 skeins of Billow Yarn (see pattern for color info)
Size 5.5mm/I crochet hook
Scissors
Tapestry needle
Cushion pad: 20 x 20in (50 x 50cm)
18″ zipper (optional)

Join the Cable CAL

Get All Four Crochet Cable Patterns

Get the ebook linked above for all four ad-free PDF patterns. Or, find them all online:

26 Free Dinosaur Projects to Crochet and Knit

May 15, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Dinosaurs are always a popular subject for a fun project! After all, kids of all ages find delight, magic, and awe in dinosaurs. They are such unique creatures that they truly inspire the imagination. Stuffed animals, blankets, hats, and more projects are gathered here to make for that special kid in your life. Whether for a themed party, a birthday gift, or just for fun, these twenty-six free dinosaur projects will surely delight the person you give them to. And don’t be surprised if you want to make a few little dinosaurs for your shelves! There’s no shame in that!

26 Free Dinosaur Projects to Crochet and Knit

Stuffed Dinos

These soft crochet and knit dinosaurs are friendly representatives of their species. Any child who loves stuffed animals and also loves dinosaurs will certainly delight in these projects. Kids who are scared of the dark might find that sleeping with a knit or crochet dinosaur helps them feel slightly more secure. And kids who truly love dinosaurs will be quick to tell you which one is their favorite so be sure to ask before you make the Stegosaurus or the T Rex!

Squish-a-Saurus Crochet Dino Free Crochet Pattern

Home Items

Dinosaurs can be in your bedroom as more than just stuffed animals, too! Keep warm with these free dinosaur projects. The blanket is cozy for all ages, but the snuggle sack is extra special. Kids who enjoy costumes and dressing-up will find the snuggle sack also helps play that role.

Crochet Dinosaur Toy Storage Basket Free Crochet Pattern

Free Dinosaur Projects to Wear

Speaking of dressing up and wearing costumes, there are plenty of opportunities for those types of free dinosaur projects as well. Hats, a sweater, and even baby slippers let you show off your love of dinosaurs with practical accessories. Bring a little bit of whimsy into your life and that of the kids you love by making these fun creations.

Crochet Dino Hat and Tail Free Crochet Pattern

More Animal-Related Patterns

Whether or not your little one loves dinosaurs, they might also like other animals and creatures. If you’re on the hunt for different knit and crochet animal patterns, then maybe you’ll enjoy these other posts:

Is there an animal pattern that you are looking for? Let us know!

Knit Skirt Patterns for Summer

May 13, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

We recently rounded up some of our favorite crochet skirt patterns. However, what if you would rather knit a skirt? Well, we’ve got you covered! Here are some knit skirt patterns to give your wardrobe a boost.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of those links, I’ll receive a portion of those sales. This helps me continue to bring you free content here on the blog. Your price doesn’t change, of course. Thank you for your support.

knit skirt patterns for summer - Marly Bird

Cable Knit Skirt Pattern

A classic cable knit wool skirt. It’s short enough that you could wear it in summer. However, since it’s dense and made from wool, you can also wear it over tights in fall. This is a Yarnspirations free knit skirt pattern. It’s an intermediate-level design.

Cable Knit Heart Skirt Pattern

Here’s another cable knit skirt. In this one, the stitches form a column of hearts. It’s a stylish, beautiful, easily wearable crochet skirt.

Pencil Skirt Knit Pattern

This is actually a knit cami and skirt pattern set. Wear this sophisticated design over a blouse and tights to the office. The skirt is a relatively simple but very chic pencil skirt. Make it with the cami, or just make it on its own.

Romantic Lace Skirt Pattern

This sportweight lace knit skirt also has a pencil skirt style to it. With vertical lines made from the stitching, it elongates the body beautifully. This skirt leans towards the romantic side.

Knit Wrap Skirt Pattern

Wrap skirts are among the most easy-to-wear skirt styles. This knit version is in stockinette stitch. Designed with lightweight yarn, this is a comfortable summer skirt.

A-Line Knit Skirt Pattern

This is actually another of the knit wrap skirt patterns available through KnitPicks. However, it has a totally different style. It’s a short A-Line Knit Skirt that’s perfect for summer fun.

Fluted A-Line Skirt

Here’s another flattering A-Line Skirt Pattern. However, this skirt has flutes and ribs rather than a wrap. Therefore, it has a totally different design appeal. Which style do you like better?

Knit Panel Skirt Pattern

Make knit panels in alternating colors to create this fun urban skirt. Designed with an elastic waistband, the measurements are easy to customize so you can adapt it to your own sizing.

Ombre Lace Knit Skirt Pattern

This skirt pattern has so much going for it. It’s an ombre in shades of blue that are eye-catching and easy to wear. Knit it in lace, so it’s not only fun to make but beautiful to wear. And it’s a high-low boho skirt that’s great for summer.

Crop Top and Knit Skirt Pattern Set

This flirty shirt and skirt knit pattern set is adaptable to different ages and body types. Work both pieces in the set from the bottom up in the round. Designer Laure Riker says, “The skater skirt features a perfectly matching picot lace hem that’ll show everyone your knitting skills are the creme de la creme!”

Crochet Skirt Patterns for Summer

May 10, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Summertime is the perfect time to make and wear crochet skirts. Openwork crochet skirts are perfect for wearing over swimsuits, shorts, and yoga pants. Crochet skirt patterns with denser stitching can be worn standalone. Make a great impression with these cute patterns.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of those links, I’ll receive a portion of the sale. This helps me continue to bring you free content on the blog. Your price doesn’t change, of course. Thank you for your support.

crochet skirt patterns for summer - Marly Bird

Striped Mini Skirt Pattern

This is a terrific crochet mini-skirt pattern. It has simple stripes and easy-to-wear shaping. Of course, you could alter the pattern to make it longer if mini-skirts aren’t your thing. This is the kind of skirt you can wear on its own or over other clothing.

Crochet Midi Skirt Pattern

If midi skirts are more your thing than mini skirts are, then this could be the skirt pattern for you. Carita Stewart designed this to be a very customizable skirt that you can easily adapt to get the perfect fit for your own body. It has a ribbed texture that you can wear as a regular skirt without a slip if you’d like to. There is a slit up the side. It has a drawstring waist with button details. This is one of the most sophisticated crochet skirt patterns in our roundup.

Perfect Crochet Beach Skirt

The Red Heart Caribbean Skirt crochet pattern is the ideal skirt to wear on any beach vacation. You can throw it over a swimsuit and wear it all day. Add heels, and it’s dressed up enough for going out at night. This is an easy crochet pattern with a drawstring waist. However, the slit up the side adds a little flair.

Flirty Summer Beach Skirt

This easy summer beach skirt pattern is designed to be worn over a dress, slip, or fitted skirt. It has a very open design in bold summer colors. With ruffles at the bottom, it’s a flirty, fun skirt to make and wear. The drawstring uses the same color as the ruffles, providing terrific edging to frame the skirt.

Eventide Crochet Skirt Pattern

Crochet designer Moon Eldridge explains, “This lovely crochet skirt was inspired by the look of the evening wind blowing through waves of grass on the seashore.” It’s a fingering weight cotton yarn skirt design, making it super comfortable for summer.

Convertible Skirt/Poncho Crochet Pattern

Minimalist fashion fans will delight because this crochet pattern does double duty. It works as a long, loose, bohemian-inspired skirt. Or, put it over your shoulder and wear it as a poncho instead. It’s open work, so you’ll want to wear something underneath it. That’s perfect, though, because you can layer it up and wear it in all seasons. This is one of the intermediate level crochet skirt patterns.

Convertible Skirt/Sundress Crochet Pattern

Here’s another multi-purpose crochet pattern. Wear it as a long skirt. Alternatively, pull it up and wear it as a sundress. As you can see, this is a mesh-like crochet skirt pattern, so you have to wear it over other clothing. It’s a great beach cover-up as well.

How To Upcycle a Denim Skirt with Crochet

In this crochet pattern, you’ll learn how to make a denim skirt a little bit more interesting by adding layers of crochet ruffles at the bottom. This cute technique can be used on all types of skirts for people of different ages.