New Patterns NOW Available in Ad-Free PDF! Check out The Pattern Shop

Easy Crochet Shell Stitch Pattern for Any Size Blanket

By 2 Comments

Make a quick crochet baby blanket, an easy crochet throw, or a full size crochet afghan blanket in the easy crochet shell stitch pattern. You can use these simple instructions and video tutorial to crochet a blanket of any size! If you’re not sure what size to make your crochet blanket, then don’t fret. Just scroll down to our convenient blanket size chart below.

Easy Crochet Shell Stitch Pattern - swatch of crochet shell stitch pattern worked in shaded yarn in a corals to peach and cream colorway - Marly Bird

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links which help me cover the cost of publishing my blog. Should you choose to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small percentage of the sale.

How to Start the Easy Crochet Shell Stitch Pattern

First, choose any worsted weight yarn and hook size appropriate for the yarn. Next, follow along with the pattern to get your gauge. You’ll have to do a little math. However, don’t worry, I walk you through it! You need to know how to calculate the size you want to make. Then, work the easy crochet shell stitch pattern. And voila, you will have a crochet blanket you love in no time at all!

SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS

CH: chain

DC: double crochet

RS: right side

SC: single crochet

St(s): stitch(es)

WS: wrong side

NOTES

  • The stitch multiple is 6 (+2 for chain)
  • Work row 1 in back bump of the chain stitch to create a nice edge of the pattern, but it’s not mandatory
  • Ch 3 at start of row 3 counts as a double crochet

Easy Crochet Shell Stitch Pattern Instructions

First, I’ll show you how to make the basic shell stitch pattern. Then, with help from the video tutorial, you’ll see how to turn that into a finished blanket. Finally, don’t forget to check the crochet blanket size chart below to make the right size for your project.

Chain a multiple of 6 + 2. For example, chain (6 x 6) + 2 = 38, or (10 x 6) + 2 = 62.

Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook in the back bump of the ch, * skip 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch, skip 2 ch, sc in next ch; repeat from * to end. Ch 3, turn.

Row 2 (WS): 2 dc in first sc, * skip 2 dc, sc in next dc, skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc; repeat from * to last 6 stitches, skip 2 dc, sc in next dc, skip 2 dc, 3 dc in last sc of row. Ch 1, turn.

Row 3 (RS): Sc in first dc, * skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc, skip 2 dc, sc in next dc; repeat from * to end of row. Ch 3, turn.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 for the pattern, ending after any row 3.

That’s it – that’s the easy crochet shell stitch pattern.

How easy is that?

Easy Crochet Shell Stitch Pattern Video

How To Use The Shell Stitch Pattern to Make a Blanket

Now that you can crochet the easy crochet shell stitch pattern, you can turn it into a blanket. Make it in any size. All you need to know is your gauge and the blanket size you want to make.

Gauge is a word that not many people understand, but it is as simple as this: If you are crocheting the shell stitch pattern and your shell stitch pattern has a repeat that measures 2″, then for each repeat across the row, your blanket will increase by 2″. Therefore, if you have 10 repeats, you can calculate that 10 repeats x 2″ per repeat = 20″ wide. Yes, it is that simple.

Once you know your gauge, you need to know how many chains to do for a blanket 20″ wide. So, you calculate 6 chains for each repeat multiplied by 10 repeats … 6 x 10 = 60 chains, PLUS 2 chains at the end = 62 chains needed to make a blanket that is 20″ wide.

See, you can do this!

Now you can use the chart to pick the size blanket you want to make and follow these instructions:

What Size is a Crochet Blanket?

Crochet Blanket Size Chart - blanket dimensions from lovey to king size. Marly Bird
  • Choose the size you want to make (example baby blanket): 30″ wide
  • Know your stitch repeat gauge: e.g. 1 repeat = 2″
  • Calculate how many repeats you need to get the size blanket size you chose: 30″ wide / 2″ per repeat = 15 repeats
  • Calculate how many chains you need for 15 repeats: 6 chains per repeat x 15 repeats = 90 chains + 2 chains = 92 chains needed.
  • Now, make your blanket!

As a side note, the same calculations can be done with any stitch pattern – not just the easy crochet shell stitch pattern. This is the basic math used by designers to make patterns.

You Might Also Like:

Summer Adventures with Flat Marly! 2021

By Leave a Comment

Have you ever heard of “Flat Stanley”? There is a children’s book titled “Flat Stanley” where there is a little boy who has survived being crushed (flattened) by a bulletin board. Once he is flat, he makes the best of it by getting into a lot of situations that normal 3D people can’t. One of the advantages in his story is that he can be mailed to his friends in California because he is now flat, talk about saving on airfare! Over the years many schools have adopted flat Stanley and have been mailing him around and documenting his new adventures. Join in on the fun adult-style with the Flat Marly adventures this summer!

Staying Busy During a Long, Hot Summer

Summertime is here. I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to do when the summer sun is beating down is have a heavy project on my lap! I tend to grab my smaller projects instead. (See other summer craft tips here.) Then I hit the road with my family to get in all the fun with my kids and husband as I can. During the school year, it is challenging to find the time to get in that quality time. Therefore, we soak up every minute in the summer! And we want to join you on your adventures too. That’s what Flat Marly is all about!

What is Flat Marly?

You may remember Flat Marly from a few years ago. However, if you weren’t around yet, no worries, we will fill you in! The details are below, but first – you need to get your Flat Marly!

We ran a poll in the Marly’s Minions Facebook group to allow you all to vote on your favorite Flat Marly, and here is the winner:

Just open that image up, download it, print it out and take it with you on all of your summer adventures. Here are more details:

From June 15th, 2021 through August 31st, 2021 use this fun photo of Flat Marly on your adventures. Be sure to share it in the Marly’s Minions Facebook Group using #FlatMarlyAdventures2021! The photo doesn’t have to be knitting or crochet related at all! It should include you or a family member, the Flat Marly, and – if possible, your yarn or WIP. But get creative, it doesn’t have to include the yarn.

Where to Take Flat Marly

You can take Flat Marly photos with you wherever you go this summer. In fact, I’ve worked with Cryssi to put together a fun list of adventures you could take Flat Marly on this summer. For example, you might go to:

Museum
Zoo
Ice cream
Fair or Carnival
Baseball Game
Beach
Movies
Fireworks
Watching Shark Week
Pool/Swimming
Amusement Park
Vacation
Hiking
Picnic
BBQ/Cookout
Concert
Water sports
Gardening
Fishing
Taco Tuesday

You Can Take Flat Marly Anywhere!

The list is endless! Seriously, anything and everything you do no matter how big or small, bring Flat Marly along! This totally works for staycations and being a tourist in your hometown this summer, too.

There will be fun giveaways throughout the summer. We will even give away a “travel trophy” to the person who takes Marly to the most places this summer! In order to be entered in that giveaway, you must email [email protected] by September 5th, 2021 with a list of the places you took Marly along with the pictures of those places! ???? 

NOTE: Please remember to keep all photos family friendly so that we can share what we are doing with others in our yarn community.

You Might Also Like:

63 Free Patterns: Neutral with a Pop of Color

By Leave a Comment

This round-up is unique: it’s all patterns that are mostly neutral (white, black, gray, brown) with a bright pop of color added to them! With home decor, hats, scarves, and even sweaters for all ages in this collection of patterns from Yarnspirations, you’ll find a project you’ll want to make.

63 Free Patterns: Neutral with a Pop of Color

Blankets

A neutral background with added bright colors is a classic design for blankets! With almost a dozen designs, you can knit or crochet them in numerous designs.

  1. Pop-a-Minute Crochet Blanket
  2. Pop a Minute Crochet Baby Blanket
  3. Circles Afghan
  4. Corner Dip Striped Crochet Afghan
  5. Knit Patchwork Baby Quilt
  6. Pin Point Crochet Blanket
  7. Knit Patchwork Blanket
  8. Crochet Colorful Half Stripe Baby Blanket
  9. Illusion Infusion Crochet Blanket
  10. Zig Zag Dip Knit Blanket
  11. Chevron Knit Blanket
Colorful Half-Stripe Baby Blanket Free Crochet Pattern

Scarves/Cowls

Add a bit of color along one edge, or just decorate the bottom of these scarves and cowls.

  1. Stepping Diamonds Crochet Scarf
  2. Bobble Pop Crochet Cowl
  3. Hot Point Scarf
  4. Reversible Color Pop Scarf
  5. Mountain Peaks Scarf
  6. Bright Stripes Cowl
  7. Medley Merino Chic Scarf
  8. Color Dip Scarf
Hot Point Scarf Free Knitting Pattern

Pillows

The neutral color will tie in with the rest of your decor, while the bright accents ensure interest.

  1. Pompom Edged Pillow
  2. Crazy Corners Knit Pillow
  3. Mighty Mitered Knit Pillow
  4. Copenhagen Pillow
  5. Striped Pillow Duo
  6. Bold Angles Crochet Pillow
Striped Pillow Duo Free Crochet Pattern

Hats

Hats are a popular type of this design. Pompoms are an easy way to add a pop of color, or you can make the ribbing different from the main body. Or use one of the other versions shown here!

  1. Pop of Neon Hat
  2. Stripes on the Side Hat
  3. Super Slouchy Chic Hat
  4. Hats a Glow
  5. Dipped Top Crochet Hat
  6. Little Miss Pompom Hat
  7. Big Stitch Baby Hat
  8. Blue Fir Hat
  9. Ripple Hat
  10. Take a Shine Beanie
  11. Cable Hat
  12. Newborn Cozy Cap
  13. Winter Weekend Hat
  14. Winter Weather Set
  15. Garter Stitch Pompom Hat
  16. Love to Knit Fair Isle Hat
  17. Zig Zag Hat
  18. Checkered Hat
  19. Crochet Colorblock Hat
  20. Polka Dotty Crochet Hat
  21. Tri-Toned Hat
  22. Smarty Pants Hat
Stripes on the Side Hat Free Crochet Pattern

Baskets and Scrubbies

Keep your house organized and your dishes clean with these projects.

  1. Color Pop Crochet Baskets
  2. Crochet Handy Basket
  3. Dip Edge Crochet Basket
  4. Mosaic Knit Table Runner
  5. Dippity Doo Dah Knit Dishcloth
Color Pop Crochet Basket Free Crochet Pattern

Sweaters

Each of these sweaters has a different method of using a bright color! Experiment to find your favorite.

  1. Knit Chevron Trim Cardigan
  2. Color Dipped Top
  3. Dip Down Crochet Pullover
  4. Knit Chevron Trim Pullover
  5. Knit Fair Isle Yoke Sweater
  6. Top Down Super Stripes Sweater
  7. School Days Raglan Pullover
  8. Pretty Bow Tie Baby Cardigan
  9. Cute and Classic Baby Cardigan
  10. Baby Bear Hoodie
Knit Chevron Trim Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern

You May Also Like

35 Summer Crochet Blanket Patterns

By 8 Comments

If you love making blankets, you might dread summer because it’s not the ideal weather for such big projects. However, there are loads of great summer crochet blanket patterns. In this post, I’ll show you five different Leisure Arts crochet books, each offering a variety of patterns perfect for summer crochet project ideas over the next few months.

You may think crochet blankets aren’t beginner crochet projects, but check out the books below, and I’m sure you’ll discover some are well within reach. And if the ones you like look a little difficult, I’m sure you’ll find a tutorial or two on-site to help you.

If you’re hunting for easy crochet projects, though these are larger projects, I think you’ll find some fairly simple and very rewarding.

Are you hesitant to make blankets in the summer? Check out our 17 summer craft tips. And if you’d prefer smaller crochet projects, check out our roundup of the best crochet shorts patterns. After all, we want you to keep your hands and crochet hook happy and sweat-free!

And now, let’s talk about summer blankets…

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links that help me cover the cost of publishing my blog. Should you choose to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small percentage of the sale.

Tips for Good Summer Crochet Blanket Patterns

summer crochet blanket patterns - 5 books - 35 patterns. Marly Bird

We often use crochet throw blankets in the colder months, so what exactly makes a great summer blanket? I’m so glad you asked! Here are some things you should look for when trying to find good summer crochet blanket patterns:

  • Choose motif-based designs. Of course, you’ll have lots of joining and weaving in ends after crafting. However, working on each individual motif keeps the work lightweight and cool. Motifs make granny square blanket patterns an instant hit.
  • Look for cotton, linen, and other lightweight yarn blankets to crochet. When the weather warms up, working with cooling summer yarns is fun.
  • Choose openwork crochet patterns. Openwork or lacy pieces are great for summer blankets because they let the air flow through.
  • Work on small crochet blankets. In other words, make baby blankets and lapghans rather than king-sized afghans.

Now that you know which blankets are good choices to crochet over the summer months, it’s time to show you the ideal crochet patterns. These great crochet blanket pattern books will happily fill your summer crochet calendar.

Are you ready with your crochet hook and project bag? Let’s check out these books!

5 Books for Summer Crochet Blanket Patterns

Leisure Arts has five books on crochet afghan patterns. Many of these crochet patterns are perfect for summer crafting. Altogether, you’ll find nearly three dozen crochet patterns in these books. That should keep you plenty busy with wonderful summer crafting and yarny fun.

Lacy Afghans Make Perfect Summer Crochet Blanket Patterns

Purchase Lacy Afghans - 8 lightweight throws and blankets

Inside this book, you’ll find eight lightweight crochet afghans. Although the book is about lace, the yarn weight of choice for all patterns is worsted weight. When people hear lace, they often think of lightweight, fingering yarn. In this case, the patterns have an open stitch pattern using a heavier yarn weight such as worsted. This combination of lace crochet stitch patterns and heavier yarn weight still works for comfortable summer crochet blanket making.

Using worsted weight yarn and a lace pattern, you can work up the patterns quickly. Open lace crochet stitches paired with post stitches and bobbles create an amazing texture for your blanket. There’s some great designs in here. And yet, you should still feel comfortable as you craft this summer.

Cotton Blankets and Throws Are Lightweight for Summer

Cotton Blankets and Throws - a Leisure Arts Book. Ideal summer crochet blankets.

Cotton is a great yarn choice for summer crochet blankets. This book includes half a dozen lightweight crochet blankets, which you can use indoors or outdoors this summer.

Looking at each of these blankets, I immediately think of spring and summer. Sitting around at night when it cools off a little and needing something for your lap as you chat about your day… A cotton crochet throw is the perfect choice. You could also use a linen blend of the same yarn weight.

There are some considerations when using cotton, but overall, it’s a great choice. When working with cotton, you do need to think about the fact that it will stretch out over time, that’s the nature of the fiber. Check your gauge before you start, even on these blankets, to know what size your blanket will be when finished. When your cotton is wet, it will stretch out a little, and the blanket size might grow. You can learn all this about the cotton you select by doing a gauge swatch and blocking it.

Red Heart’s Scrubby Cotton would be the perfect smooth cotton yarn for making these blankets. And did you notice the knot work and wonderful diamond tassels on the cover blanket sample? Love it!!

Scrappy Afghans Let You Work In Pieces To Stay Cool

Book Review: Scrappy Afghans - 8 crochet blanket patterns for scrap yarn.

Scrappy Afghans is a collection of 8 colorful projects that you can use to work through your stash. Have you kept small bits of leftover yarn after projects and aren’t sure how to use them? These different styles of granny blanket projects are the perfect way to use them! Each motif almost looks like a mini mandala in the center, whether the resulting shape is a hexagon or granny square.

Working with smaller bits of yarn instead of huge skeins is great for making summer crochet blankets that aren’t as hot to craft. It’s like making a quilt using lots of smaller pieces. That’s what makes granny square blanket patterns so popular as summer craft projects. Instead of a large section of crochet, it’s like working on several small crochet projects. Then you join them all together. Working this way means you can still fit the smaller pieces in your crochet project bag for your summer travels.

Most of these projects require a base color that you will need a good amount of. Your scraps are then used to fill in with color for the blankets. Look inside the book to see patterns that include fringe so you don’t have as many ends to weave in with all the color changes! I’m sure you’ll enjoy picking out scrap colors to make these beautiful projects.

Modern Southwest Afghans

Purchase Modern Southwest Afghans - Southwest style summer crochet blanket patterns

Inside the book, you’ll find six crochet afghan patterns with modern Southwest flair. The Southwest style is often closely associated with the weaving patterns used for rugs. These blanket projects range from easy to intermediate crochet skill levels.

Color choices really make the Southwest feel. But you could easily change the colors to change up the style of these blankets. Pick your colors and start on one of these six amazing patterns. This book has some ideal crochet throw blanket pattern choices, perfect for decorating couches or chairs.

Of the five books in this roundup, this one is the least conducive to making summer crochet blankets. The blankets in this collection use heavier yarn weights. However, there are a few good options here. The blankets are so lovely that we couldn’t fail to include this title.

Afghans & Pillows to Love

Purchase Afghans & Pillows to Love - perfect for summer.

Inside the book, seven new patterns use eye-catching colors and trendy twists on traditional styles. You will find a new take on the log cabin blanket, some beautiful motif blankets, a scrap blanket, and more.

Each afghan in this book is paired with a pillow that ties back to the pattern of the blanket. They can be used together on a couch or bed to make a full set. Don’t feel that you have to make both together, of course. You can pick and choose what you love and get started. When it’s too hot to crochet even the lightest of blankets, switch to a pillow!

The cover photo is one of my favorite blankets of the book. This is one of those perfect summer crochet blankets because it’s motif-based. But I also love the granny square blanket with its tassels on every point. It is such a great modern idea. Just remember, if you don’t like tassels or the color, don’t be afraid to change it up a little to something you love.

And if those aren’t quite your style…

Have you seen this mosaic blanket? You have to check this out. It looks fantastic in only two colors!

What about our Monet Crochet Blanket? It’s one of the most beautiful and functional crochet projects! Does it include a tutorial or two? Of course, it does!

And, if you haven’t heard of temperature blanket crochet projects, you need to check out our guide. Though they’re not motif-based, you’ll only be halfway done by summer, so it’s still not too warm to crochet.

Have we whet your appetite? Got your crochet hook at the ready?

You Might Also Like:

The Perfect Crochet Beach Skirt Pattern

By Leave a Comment

It’s always fun to crochet something that you can wear immediately. You get that instant gratification joy. With summer coming up, there are a lot of great quick makes. For example, we recently rounded up over 40 free knit and crochet beach patterns. It includes beach bags, beach balls, and more. It also includes the perfect crochet beach skirt pattern. I thought I’d tell you more about that today.

crochet beach skirt free pattern

Red Heart Caribbean Skirt Free Crochet Pattern

I’m talking about the Red Heart Caribbean Skirt. This is a terrific openwork crochet skirt that you can wear at the beach. It works perfectly over a swimsuit to keep you a little bit (but not too much!) covered when you’re not in the water. It’s definitely the kind of cute skirt that you can put on to head to a beach bar. Plus, it layers well, so you could wear it with a tunic or tank dress. It has a terrific slit up one leg that makes it a stylish, fashionable choice.

Easy, Free Crochet Beach Skirt Pattern

The Double Stitch Twins designed this free crochet beach skirt pattern. Yarnspirations offers the pattern along with the yarn to make it. This is a free, easy pattern that beginners should easily be able to tackle. It uses simple crochet stitches like the double crochet stitch. You use easy skips to create the openwork pattern. There’s some shaping, but overall, this drawstring crochet beach skirt is easy to make.

Versatile, Flattering Crochet Skirt

This is a versatile crochet beach skirt pattern. There are instructions for five sizes, from small through 2X. This skirt has an easy drape that flatters many different figures. It closes with a drawstring tie. Therefore, you can wear it tighter or looser as you see fit. Of course, if you’re an experienced crocheter, you can also adapt the design slightly to flatter your body even more. However, that shouldn’t be necessary.

Red Heart Soft Yarn

This crochet pattern calls for Red Heart Soft Yarn. This is a classic, worsted weight acrylic yarn. However, they spin it uniquely to create a really silky feeling. If you’ve never touched it, reach out the next time you spot a ball because it really does feel, well…SOFT. That makes for a really comfy beach skirt.

And just as importantly, this yarn has an excellent drape. You don’t always get great weight with acrylic yarn. It really depends on a lot of factors. Good drape means you get a more flattering fit for your crochet clothing. You can create a drape with both stitches and yarn, and the skirt design definitely adds to that. However, it helps a lot if you start with silky soft yarn. So, although you don’t have to use the recommended yarn to make this crochet skirt, you’ll likely be glad if you do.

Get This Free Crochet Skirt Pattern

You can make this crochet skirt quickly and easily. It’s versatile to wear in many different settings. Moreover, it’s definitely the perfect addition to your summer beach wardrobe. So what are you waiting for? Get this crochet skirt pattern right here or click the image below:

free crochet skirt pattern

You Might Also Like:

It’s Time To Start Your BiCrafty Bootcamp First Knit Hat! (Knitting Lessons for Crocheters, Lesson 11)

By 1 Comment

We just wrapped up a full month of working on our first knit cowl. (See our Month Two BiCrafty Bootcamp Thoughts here!) How is everyone feeling?! You’re doing an awesome job. Now we’re ready to begin our next multi-week project: our first knit hat in the round.

First Knit Hat in the Round

How to Knit a Hat That Matches Your First Knit Cowl

We’re going to knit a hat that complements your first knit cowl. However, if you wanted to make a more matchy-matchy set, then you could also start your first knit hat right now.

Basically, here is what you do. You’d just need to calculate your gauge (how many stitches per inch is more important than rows per inch in this case).

Once you know how many stitches per inch you get, calculate a number closest to 20″ [51 cm] for average adult or 22″ [56 cm] for large adult. The biggest thing to remember is that your cast on number should be a multiple of both four and five. If you can only get one or the other, in the sections where the multiple changes you can either increase or decrease to get to the number you need.

Once you’ve cast on a good number of stitches, follow the stitch patterns for the knit cowl to start your hat. Because you don’t want your hat too long or too slouchy (is there such a thing?), I recommend only working each section util they measure about 1″ or 1.5″ [2.5 or 3.8 cm].

As a reminder those lessons were:

So you would basically create a knit hat that begins with 1×1 ribbing, continues with seed stitch, etc. Then you would wrap up with some crown shaping. And that is where things get a bit different.

For the crown, I think I would go back to seed stitch and work decreases back down to as few stitches as possible and finish off the hat.

Matchy-Matchy BiCrafty Community Hat Pattern

Let me make this easy for you and give you numbers and a specific decrease.

MATERIALS

Yarn: Red Heart Chic Sheep by Marly Bird™ [Art. R170 100% Merino Wool available 3.5 oz (100 g),186 yd (170 m) balls]

Needles: 4.5mm [US 7] and 5mm [US 8] 16″ (40.5 cm); Set of 5 double pointed needles 5mm [US 8]

SPONSOR SHOUTOUT: JIMMY BEANS WOOL

Of course, you can use any brand of knitting needles that you want. This month, we’re going to showcase Jimmy Beans Wool knitting needles. We’ll start off working with the brand’s SmartStix Interchangeables. We’re excited to let you know what we think.

MEASUREMENTS

Gauge: 18 sts = 4″ (10 cm) in Seed Stitch pattern with larger needles, after blocking. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size needles to obtain the gauge

One size to fit average Adult.

NOTIONS

Stitch Marker (make your own), Tapestry needle to bury the ends (learn how here)

SPECIAL STITCHES / ABBREVIATIONS

Make 1 (inc): Insert lhn under horizontal strand between st just worked and next st, from the front to the back, knit through the back loop (1 st increased).  (video help)

NOTES 

I recommend adding a lifeline to your project at the pattern changes. Just to make sure you have a point to rip back to if something goes wrong. (video help)

PATTERN

Brim

With smaller needle, cast on 90 sts. Place marker on right hand needle to indicate the start of round, join round being careful to not twist cast on edge. 

Round 1: Knit

Rounds 2-7: *K1, p1; repeat from * around. 

Round 8: *(k1, p1) 4 times, make 1; repeat from * 10 times total, k1, p1 to end — 100 sts. 

Body

Change to larger needles.

Follow along with the instructions for each of these sections BUT make each section only measure about 1″ or 1.5″ [2.5 or 3.8 cm] each.

Crown

Shape crown as follows, changing to double-pointed needles when work no longer fits comfortably on circular needle.

Round 1: *(p1, k1) 4 times, p2tog, k2tog, (p1, k1) 4 times; repeat from * 4 times more – 90 sts.

Rounds 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16: Continue in established seed stitch pattern

Round 3: *(p1, k1) 3 times, p1, k2tog, p2tog, k1, (p1, k1) 3 times; repeat from * 4 times more – 80 sts.

Round 5: *(p1, k1) 3 times, p2tog, k2tog, (p1, k1) 3 times; repeat from * 4 times more – 70 sts.

Round 7: *(p1, k1) 2 times, p1, k2tog, p2tog, k1, (p1, k1) 2 times; repeat from * 4 times more – 60 sts.

Round 9: *(p1, k1) 2 times, p2tog, k2tog, (p1, k1) 2 times; repeat from * 4 times more – 50 sts.

Round 11: *p1, k1, p1, k2tog, p2tog, k1, p1, k1; repeat from * 4 times more – 40 sts.

Round 13: *p1, k1, p2tog, k2tog, p1, k1; repeat from * 4 times more – 30 sts.

Round 15: *p1, k2tog, p2tog, k1; repeat from * 4 times more – 20 sts.

Round 17: *p2tog, k2tog; repeat from * around – 10 sts.

Finishing

Cut yarn leaving at least 6” (15.24 cm) of tail and use yarn needle to thread tail through each remaining st knitwise. Pull tail tight to close top (like a drawstring). Weave tail in on wrong side of hat to secure.

What’s Different With the First Knit Hat vs Knit Cowl

Here are the things that we’ll be doing a little bit differently with our first knit hat:

  • We’re working with both circulars and DPNs. We’ll start the knit hat form the bottom up working on circular needles. Then we’re going to switch to DPNs when we get closer to the top of the hat. Learning to knit on DPNs is going to be the biggest new lesson in Month 3 of BiCrafty Bootcamp.
  • We’ll work with needles in different sizes. Therefore you’ll learn how to move from a Size 7 to a Size 8 in the same project.
  • We’re learning shaping. We’ll start at the bottom of the hat. Then, in order to get that beautiful hat shape, we’ll learn decreasing towards the top of the hat. This is Month 3’s other big skill.

Materials for First Knit Hat in the Round

As aforementioned, we’ll be using multiple knitting needles in this project. Therefore, you’ll want to get:

  • Size 7 16″ circular needles
  • Size 8 16″ circular needles
  • Size 8 DPNs

When you purchase your DPNs, try to find a set of five. They come in sets of four or five, depending on the brand. If you can only find sets of four, then you should get a second set in each size. Alternatively, some companies sell the extra ones individually.

We’re going to continue working with worsted weight yarn for this project. You might want to use the same yarn that you did for your cowl. Ideally, you’ll have several colors of yarn. That’s because we’re going to practice some colorwork techniques on this first knit hat. However, we’ll have options, so if you’re limited to a single color, it’s okay.

Crocheter’s Edge

Crocheters Tips to Learn Knitting

As a crocheter, you’re going to have an edge up on other newbie knitters because you’ll understand the basic concept of decreasing to shape a hat. For example, you know how to stitch two together in crochet to begin decreasing. More importantly, you know WHY you’re doing that. As a result, learning decreasing for your first knit hat should make a lot of sense.

Knitters Tips for Crocheters

knitters tip for crocheters

The biggest tip from the knitters right now is not to be scared of those DPNs. Hopefully you’ve watched all of the BiCrafty Bootcamp videos. If so, then a few weeks ago you saw us showing what DPNs are and how to use them. Although you’re working with four or five needles, you’re actually only using two at a time. You already know how to do this! So don’t get scared; this is going to be easier to learn than you think!

BiCrafty Community Complementary Hat Pattern

MATERIALS

Yarn: Red Heart Chic Sheep by Marly Bird™ [Art. R170 100% Merino Wool available 3.5 oz (100 g),186 yd (170 m) balls]

Needles: 4.5mm [US 7] and 5mm [US 8] 16″ (40.5 cm); Set of 5 double pointed needles 5mm [US 8]

MEASUREMENTS

Gauge: 18 sts = 4″ (10 cm) in Seed Stitch pattern with larger needles, after blocking. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size needles to obtain the gauge

One size to fit average Adult.

NOTIONS

Stitch Marker (make your own), Tapestry needle to bury the ends (learn how here)

PATTERN

Brim

With smaller needle, cast on 90 sts. Place marker on right hand needle to indicate the start of round, join round being careful to not twist cast on edge. 

Round 1: Knit

Rounds 2-7: *K1, p1; repeat from * around. 

Round 8: *(k1, p1) 4 times, make 1; repeat from * 10 times total, k1, p1 to end — 100 sts. 

Body

Change to larger needles.

Knit 1 round.

Over the next few weeks we will be adding different stitch patterns in this section for you to add to your hat.

Additional Videos and Patterns to Try

At this stage of BiCrafty Bootcamp, you might want to check out these videos:

And these patterns: