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‘Tis The Season! Join Our Annual Knit / Crochet…

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Briana K Designs and I have teamed up in the past to offer this popular Christmas in July make-along. We considered skipping it this year because things are so busy right now. After all, you're probably still enjoying your summer crochet or summer knit projects. You might even be in the middle of the BiCrafty Champions Workshop KAL/CAL; or it's not too late to join!) However, we know that the Christmas in July Stocking CAL/KAL is always one of our most popular events. Therefore, we not only decided not to skip it this year … we decided to go bigger and better than ever before!

Note: This post may include affiliate links. I get a percentage of sales when you click on those links. Your price doesn't change. Thank you for your support.

Green circular patch with a stitched outline featuring a lowercase letter "r" in the center.
Like and Queue up this pattern on Ravelry

GET STARTED: Like and queue up the knit stocking pattern on Ravelry.

Text promoting a Christmas in July event from brianaKdesigns and Marly Bird, framed with festive greenery and flowers.

What Is The Christmas In July Stocking Makealong?

You know how much I love bicrafty stitchalongs, right? This is another one! It's a Christmas in July stocking knitalong / crochetalong. You can participate in either craft or both. I love these bicrafty makealongs because they provide such a great opportunity for crocheters and knitters to come together in community. You'll knit and/or crochet your Christmas in July stocking at the same time, sharing as you go in the Facebook Minions group. You can cheer each other on, help each other out, and celebrate together.

Knit Christmas stocking with vibrant colors, festive patterns, surrounded by pinecones and holiday greenery.

When Is The Christmas In July Stocking Makealong?

Okay, so we say “Christmas in July” because that's a thing. But actually it's in early August this year. This CAL/KAL will run August 6 – 8, 2021. If you joined Brianna K and I last year, then you know that it was a single-day event in 2020. Like I said, we're going bigger and better. You can start prepping your materials right now so that you're all ready to go when we begin launching the pattern instructions on August 8th.

Christmas in July Stocking Materials List

We have a single page document for you that shows exactly what you need for both the knit stocking and the crochet stocking. MATERIALS LIST HERE.

We're going to be working with Knit Picks ® City TweedTM Dk Weight yarn. This is a really beautiful yarn made up of 55% merino wool, 25% superfine alpaca, and 20% donegal tweed. That wool/alpaca combination is a really soft, wonderful yarn to work with. And it has that holiday spirit infused into it so it's perfect for our Christmas in July stocking projects. Knitters will use five colors of this yarn whereas crocheters will use two colors.

UPDATE: When this KAL/CAL went live we broke the Internet. Okay, not really. But we did cause the Snowbank colorway to sell out of stock! If you want yours to look similar to mine, then Snowshoe or any light tan would work! But this is your stocking, you can totally own it and make it whatever colors you want! So don't limit yourself. Order away.

As you can see on the materials list, you'll also need either a size G (4.00 mm) crochet hook or, if you're knitting, you'll need 4.5mm [US 7] and 5mm [US 8] 16′′ (40.5 cm) as well as a set of 5 double pointed needles 4.5mm [US 7]. You'll need stitch markers, a tapestry needle, scissors, etc. Basically, you'll need stuff you probably already have in your supplies stash.

Love Light Gleams Knit Stocking Pattern

Colorful knit stocking with a fair isle pattern, featuring blue, cream, and purple tones, set against a festive background.
Click Here to Queue this Pattern on Ravelry

The knit version of the pattern is called Love Light Gleams. Make sure that you head over to Ravelry, give it a like, and queue it up so that you're all ready to go.

Colorful knitted holiday stocking featuring fair isle patterns in green, white, red, and blue with festive pinecones.

You Get So Much Stuff When You Join This CAL/KAL

First of all, you'll get both the knit and crochet stocking patterns. Of course, the instructions will be dripped out during the three-day KAL/CAL period. You can see what the knit stocking will look like above. And you can see the crochet stocking over on Briana K's site.

More importantly, those won't just be written instructions. You'll also get charts, color block graphics, and tutorial videos during this three-day make-along event. PLUS, we also have a little extra surprise that we are announcing this Friday over on the Marly Bird YouTube Channel. So tune in there to find out more!

How Do I Join?

Make sure that you're in the Minions Facebook Group. Then bookmark the main blog page: marlybird.com/blog and come back to visit it on August 6, 2021 to get started. You might also want to make sure you've signed up for the Marly Bird newsletter. And don't forget to queue up the knit stocking pattern on Ravelry right now.

GET THE LINKS TO EACH DAY BELOW

Day 1 Knitting: Aug. 6 @ noon ET

Day 1 Crochet: Aug. 6 @ noon ET

Day 2 Knitting: Aug. 7 @ noon ET

Day 2 Crochet: Aug. 7 @ noon ET

Day 3 Knitting: Aug. 8 @ noon ET

Day 3 Crochet: Aug. 8 @ noon ET

Do you like the PRYM tool I used? It is awesome! Enter here for a chance to win one!

Or you can order one from our friends at Jimmy Beans Wool Here.

https://kingsumo.com/g/zagfje/christmas-in-july-knitting-mill-giveaway

Two colorful knitted stockings with fair isle patterns in blue, green, red, and gray, beside a yarn ball and knitting tool.
Enter Giveaway for Prym Comfort Twist Knitting Mill
*closes Aug. 17, 2021 @ 11:59pm ET

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Christmas in July Stocking Makealong all about?

So here's the thing… it's a bicrafty stitchalong where you can knit OR crochet a Christmas stocking! It's a super fun way for knitters and crocheters to come together, share your progress in the Facebook Minions group, and cheer each other on.

When exactly is this makealong happening?

Honestly… we call it “Christmas in July” but it's actually happening in early August! The event runs from August 6th to August 8th, 2021. We're making it bigger than last year, so get ready!

What yarn and tools will I need for the stocking?

Yes! There's a materials list linked right in the post that details everything. For yarn, we're using Knit Picks City Tweed DK, and you'll need specific crochet or knitting needles depending on your craft. Don't worry, most of the other notions are probably already in your stash!

How do I actually join the makealong?

Easy peasy! First, make sure you're in the Minions Facebook Group. Then, just head back to the main blog page (marlybird.com/blog) on August 6th to get started. Oh, and don't forget to queue up the knit stocking pattern on Ravelry right now!

Will I get the whole pattern all at once?

Well, here's the fun part… the instructions are dripped out over the three days of the make-along! You'll get charts, color block graphics, and tutorial videos too. PLUS, there's a surprise coming soon on my YouTube channel, so keep an eye out!

10 Reasons to Sign Up for Creativebug Knit/Crochet/Craft…

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I try to regularly share with you the latest deals on the knit/crochet/craft classes from Creativebug. However, I'm not sure that I've fully explained why you should sign up for these online courses. Here are ten reasons, starting with the fact that if you hurry up and do it right now then you can get a full year of courses effectively for free!

Disclosure note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click the link and take advantage of the deal, I make a little bit of money from the sale. Your price, even if free, doesn't change. Thank you for the support!

knit crochet craft classes online

1. Creativebug's Knit/Crochet/Craft Classes Are Effectively Free Right Now

Honestly they always offer a lot of great deals and discounts on their online courses. But right now you can effectively get a full year's membership for free. What does “effectively” mean? Well, here's how it works during this current promotion:

  • You sign up for Creativebug right now at a discounted cost of $50 for the year.
  • That's already a good deal. After all, that's less than $5 per month for unlimited online knit/crochet/craft classes.
  • However, during the promotion, you then earn a $50 gift card for Joann's.
  • If you love to buy art and craft supplies, then you'd likely have spent that money on yarn, etc. within the year anyway, right?
  • So you pay $50 but then you get $50 to spend on craft supplies. Therefore, you effectively pay $0 for a full year's worth of knit/crochet/craft classes at Creativebug online.

GET THIS DEAL RIGHT NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE.

2. You Immediately Get Access to My Knit/Crochet Classes

I teach a variety of different classes online through Creativebug. These included classes in beaded knitting, crocheting short rows, and making specific projects of varied kinds in both crafts. Learn more here.

3. There Are Lots of Other Great Knit and Crochet Classes, Too

Obviously I love when you take my classes. But if you sign up for a whole year's membership then you really want to make the most of it right? Well, there are also tons of other great knitting and crochet instructors offering courses through the site. Twinkie Chan, Edie Eckman, and Anne Weil are just a few of the great instructors you can learn from through knit/crochet/craft classes online at Creativebug. There's a whole treasure trove of yarncraft information on this platform.

4. It's a Great Way to Learn a New Craft

Maybe you toy with the idea of signing up for new craft classes but you don't want to pay money in case you don't like them. Well, Creativebug has so many different types of crafts that you can learn online! Sewing, quilting, paper crafts, jewelry making, baking … you can learn to DIY so many different things. So, sign up for the fiber arts classes but then take advantage of all the other things that you can learn here as well.

5. Plus You Can Enjoy Art Lessons

The platform is not just about knit/crochet/craft classes. In fact, they have a strong set of art/design classes. Practicing art can be a great way to creatively express yourself. Creativebug gives you prompts, lessons, techniques, and tools to explore this side of yourself.

6. Oh, and You Can Share These Knit/Crochet/Craft Classes With Your Kids

They have kids' craft classes and lessons as well. This is truly great fun for the whole family. Really, why haven't you signed up yet while it's still effectively free for a year?

7. Daily Dose of Creative Inspiration

Creativebug has a really cool feature called Daily Practice. It's short, small bits of creative information that you can enjoy daily. It's a wonderful self-care practice to take advantage of this inspiration. After all, you have to consistently refill your creative well if you want to be able to keep putting out creative things! This is something you can do for yourself at effectively no cost.

8. So Much Other Amazing Inspiration

They have interviews with artists about their creative process. You can checkout various lookbooks on the site. Honestly, if you've never had the chance to explore Creativebug, then you're missing out. It's at least worth a look.

9. Oh, And There Are Recipes

That's right. Download recipes to try cooking different things at home. If you love to be creative in the kitchen (or want to learn how!) then this is a terrific added benefit of the platform. You don't usually find this on platforms for knit/crochet/craft classes. Therefore, Creativebug is a smart choice!

10. Plus, There's Community There

It's always good to be part of a craft community, right? Hopefully you enjoy the community we have created here and over on the Marly's Minions Facebook Page. But you can never have too much community. So check out the forums and other community tools available through Creativebug. You'll likely find your people there!

GET THIS DEAL RIGHT NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really free to sign up for Creativebug?

Honestly, it's effectively free right now… You pay $50 for a year's membership, but then you get a $50 gift card to Joann's. So, it's like you're paying nothing for all those classes!

What kind of classes does Marly teach on Creativebug?

So here's the thing… Marly teaches a bunch of different classes, like beaded knitting, crocheting short rows, and how to make all sorts of fun projects in both knitting and crochet. You can learn so much from her!

Can I learn more than just knitting and crochet?

Yes! Creativebug has tons of other crafts you can explore… Think sewing, quilting, paper crafts, jewelry making, and even baking. It's a great way to try something new without a big commitment.

Are there classes for kids too?

Oh, absolutely! They have kids' craft classes and lessons, which is super fun for the whole family… It's a wonderful way to get everyone involved in creating.

What about inspiration and community?

Well, you'll find daily creative inspiration with their “Daily Practice” feature… Plus, there are artist interviews, lookbooks, recipes, and even community forums to connect with other crafters. You'll never run out of ideas!

Knit Mittens Pattern, Part Two (BiCrafty Bootcamp Lesson 16)

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Hi BiCrafty Bootcampers! How are things coming along? Are you excited about getting into the thick of working on our BiCrafty Bootcamp knit mittens pattern? Once we wrap this up, BiCrafty Bootcamp: Knitting Lessons for Crocheters will be just about over. However, there are plenty of fun things coming up that you now have the knitting skills to join in on. In fact, it's not too late to join in on the BiCrafty Champions workshop – a CAL/KAL that's already in pregame but officially starts tomorrow and runs for three weeks.

Knit Mittens Pattern Part Two

Knit Mittens Pattern Part One

We already started these knit mittens last week. If you missed that post, the materials and pattern are right here. We used the Lacy Arrows knit stitch pattern to create the cuff of the mittens. So, now you should have a cuff. That means you're ready to go on to the next step.

Knit Mittens Pattern Part Two

This week we're going to add the Latvian braid detail to your knit mittens. After all, everyone said that was one of their favorite techniques that they'd learned so far in BiCrafty Bootcamp. Plus it really ties the set of your hat, cowl, and mittens together.

After the Latvian braid, we'll also learn picking up stitches. Plus you'll learn how to create the thumb gusset. You're making mittens!

BiCrafty Community Mittens

Designed by Marly Bird

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate

MEASUREMENTS

To Fit Size

Adult Medium Women (Adult Large Women, Adult Large Men)

Hand Circumference: 7-8 (8-9, 9-10) inches [18-20.5 (20.5-23, 23-25.4) cm]

Finished Measurements

Finished Hand Circumference approx: 7 (8, 9) inches [18 (20.5, 23) cm]

Hand Length (not including cuff) approx: 6 (7, 8) inches [15 (18, 20.5) cm]

Gauge 

24 stitches and 30 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch in the round

MATERIALS

Yarn

Red Heart, Chic Sheep by Marly Bird™ (100% washable merino wool; 186 yds [170m], 3.5 oz [100 g]): 2 ball MC, 1 ball CC (optional for Latvian braid).

Needle

US 7 (4.5 mm) set of 5 double pointed needles — or size required for gauge

Hook

US H (5mm) for provisional cast on. 

>> Use Code: MARLYKNITS and get 10% off your order of Signature Needle Arts <<

Notions 

Scrap yarn for holding stitches, stitch markers, tapestry needle

ABBREVIATIONS

BO – Bind Off

CO – Cast On

DPN – Double Pointed Needle

K – Knit

LHN – Left Hand Needle

M1 – Make 1 (1 increase) 

P – Purl

RHN – Right Hand Needle

Skp – slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over knit st

Sk2togp – slip 1 knitwise, k2tog, pass slipped st over knit st

Sl – Slip

SSK – slip, slip, knit

St st – Stockinette Stitch (see pattern stitches)

st(s) – stitches

SPECIAL STITCHES

k2tog: Knit 2 stitches together (1 st decreased).

M1: (make 1) 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).

Continue pattern from previous lesson:

HAND

Continue to work in stockinette stitch until hand measures 1 (1.25, 1.5)” [2.5 (3, 4) cm].

THUMB GUSSET (ORIGINAL PATTERN VERSION)

Right Hand Thumb-prep

Next round: K 33 (36, 42) stitches, place marker, M1, k1, M1, place marker, knit to the end of the round — 2 stitches increased; 3 stitches between the marker are the start of the thumb gusset.

Round 1: Knit

Round 2 (Increase round): Knit to marker, slip marker, M1, knit to next marker, M1, slip marker, knit to the end — 2 stitches increased.

Repeat rounds 1-2, until 9 (11, 15) stitches between markers. [8 (10, 14) increases total]

Next Round: Knit

Last Round: K 33 (36, 42) stitches, remove marker, place 9 (11, 15) stitches on scrap yarn, cast on 1 stitch, remove marker, knit to the end of the round — 42 (46, 54) stitches on needles. 

Continue on the hand of the mitten until the piece measures about 6 (7, 8)” [15 (18, 20.5) cm] from cuff.

Left Hand Thumb-prep

Next round: K 7 (8, 10) stitches, place marker, M1, k1, M1, place marker, knit to the end of the round — 2 stitches increased; 3 stitches between the marker are the start of the thumb gusset.

Round 1: Knit

Round 2 (Increase round): Knit to marker, slip marker, M1, knit to next marker, M1, slip marker, knit to the end — 2 stitches increased.

Repeat rounds 1-2, until 9 (11, 15) stitches between markers [8 (10, 14) increases total]

Next Round: Knit

Last Round: K 7 (8, 10) stitches, remove marker, place 9 (11, 15) stitches on scrap yarn, cast on 1 stitch, remove marker, knit to the end of the round — 42 (46, 54) stitches on needles. 

Continue on the hand of the mitten until the piece measures about 6 (7, 8)” [15 (18, 20.5) cm] from cuff.

As discussed in the video, I think the alternative thumb gusset would look better on these mittens so I added the instructions for that here.

THUMB GUSSET (ALTERNATIVE)

Right Hand Thumb-prep (to lengthen the gusset more than the original)

Next round: K 33 (36, 42) stitches, place marker, M1, k1, M1, place marker, knit to the end of the round — 2 stitches increased; 3 stitches between the marker are the start of the thumb gusset.

Rounds 1 and 2: Knit

Round 3 (Increase round): Knit to marker, slip marker, M1, knit to next marker, M1, slip marker, knit to the end — 2 stitches increased.

Repeat rounds 1-3, until 9 (11, 11) stitches between markers. 

Adult Large Men Only: repeat rounds 2 and 3 twice. 

Thumb gusset has 9 (11, 15) stitches between markers. [8 (10, 14) increases total]

All sizes: 

Next Round: Knit

Last Round: K 33 (36, 42) stitches, remove marker, place 9 (11, 15) stitches on scrap yarn, cast on 1 stitch, remove marker, knit to the end of the round — 42 (46, 54) stitches on needles. 

Continue on the hand of the mitten until the piece measures about 6 (7, 8)” [15 (18, 20.5) cm] from cuff.

Left Hand Thumb-prep (to lengthen the gusset more than the original)

Next round: K 7 (8, 10) stitches, place marker, M1, k1, M1, place marker, knit to the end of the round — 2 stitches increased; 3 stitches between the marker are the start of the thumb gusset.

Rounds 1 and 2: Knit

Round 3 (Increase round): Knit to marker, slip marker, M1, knit to next marker, M1, slip marker, knit to the end — 2 stitches increased.

Repeat rounds 1-3, until 9 (11, 11) stitches between markers. 

Adult Large Men Only: repeat rounds 2 and 3 twice. 

Thumb gusset has 9 (11, 15) stitches between markers. [8 (10, 14) increases total]

All sizes: 

Next Round: Knit

Last Round:  K 7 (8, 10) stitches, remove marker, place 9 (11, 15) stitches on scrap yarn, cast on 1 stitch, remove marker, knit to the end of the round — 42 (46, 54) stitches on needles.

HAND CONTINUED…

Continue in Stockinette stitch until the hand measures about 6 (7, 8)” [15 (18, 20.5) cm] from cuff or approx. 2.5” [6.3 cm] from desired top of mitten. 

Knit Mittens Video

Additional Videos and Patterns You Might Like:

In addition to the four mittens patterns we shared last week, you might want to check out:

Frequently Asked Questions

What's new in Part Two of the knit mittens pattern?

So here's the thing… this week we're adding the super fun Latvian braid detail to your mittens. We'll also be learning how to pick up stitches and create that all-important thumb gusset!

What skill level is this pattern for?

Honestly… this pattern is listed as Intermediate. We've already learned some great techniques in the BiCrafty Bootcamp, and this one builds on those skills.

Can I make these mittens in different sizes?

Yes! The pattern is designed to fit Adult Medium Women, Adult Large Women, and Adult Large Men. It gives you specific measurements for hand circumference and length for each size.

What yarn do you recommend for this pattern?

The pattern calls for Red Heart Chic Sheep by Marly Bird yarn, which is 100% washable merino wool. You'll need 2 balls of the main color and 1 ball of a contrasting color if you want to do the Latvian braid!

Are there video tutorials available for this pattern?

Yes, there's a video linked in the post that covers the Knit Mittens Pattern Part Two. If you missed Part One, there's a link for that too, and other mitten patterns you might enjoy!

Olympics 2021 Fun: Join the BiCrafty Champions…

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Do you remember back in mid-May when we told you about BiCrafty Games? At the time, you could only sign up for the yarn boxes for this fabulous make-along. If you already did that then Gold Medal to you!

However, now it's time for the games to begin. Whether or not you got the yarn box, you can sign up for the BiCrafty Champions Workshop right now.

Pre-game has already begun, games begin officially on Friday, and when you're done you'll have a beautiful new knit or crochet shawl (or both) along with lots of new knowledge in those crafts. If you love competition and/or collaboration then you can show off what you're making in the Minions group as we go!

BiCrafty Champions Workshop Mockup v2

BiCrafty Games Box vs. BiCrafty Champions

The first full first announcement of this collaboration between myself, Robyn Chachula, Erin Lane Bags and Destination Yarn, is the BiCrafty Games. It includes the yarn box. The workshop part, BiCrafty Champions, is the part of the KAL/CAL that Robyn and I have put together. It includes two patterns plus video instruction.

Olympics BiCrafty Games stitch along

If you purchased one of the BiCrafty Games yarn boxes then you get the BiCrafty Champions workshop with it. (There are a few boxes left; it's not too late!) However, you aren't required to purchase a yarn box to participate. You're welcome to sign up just for BiCrafty Champions.

What's Included in BiCrafty Champions Workshop?

This is a three week live KAL/CAL. You'll get both a knit shawl pattern and a crochet shawl pattern. Those are yours to keep. Plus, you get video help along the way. The point of this workshop is to give you a fun community setting in which to learn new stitches, practice new techniques, and craft a fun project. You have to exercise your muscles to keep them strong. This is a way to exercise your craft muscles with a multi-day intensive project. You'll feel like a gold medalist when you reach the end!

Do You Have to Love the Olympics to Participate?

Of course not. We think Olympics 2021 is going to be a lot of fun to watch. Moreover, we think it gives you focused time to work on your knitting or crochet while you have it on in the background. However, this is simply a celebration of the craft community during the Olympic Games. You don't have to watch the games if you're not interested in them. Just like with my Game Day and Turkey Trot make-alongs, you don't have to like sportsballs at all in order to love spending that time crafting in community.

Knitting and crochet workshop promotion with vibrant summer colors and smiling instructors displayed on digital devices.

Sports and Crafting Can Both Be About Community

There are some Olympic sports that people do individually. Then there are some team sports. Moreover, there are some that are a little bit of both. In gymnastics, for example, there's the US Gymnastics Team but the individuals compete against each other as well. At any level, there's community. You're part of your sport, your team, your country's participation in the global event.

Crafting can be the same way. You can knit or crochet alone. Alternatively, you might only craft in groups. KALs / CALs give you the chance to craft on your own within (and at the same pace as) your craft community. There's a lot to be said for the motivation, inspiration, and support that comes along with making a knit or crochet shawl at the same time as everyone else. That's why we love to to do thee make-alongs. And why we've designed this one with so many chances to interact.

Pre-Game Olympics 2021 Has Already Begun

If you've already signed up for BiCrafty Champions then you know that pre-games have already begun. How do we pre-game this event? With lots of great content to get you started before the project itself actually begins.

For example, we have information about how to pick colors for your project in case you didn't sign up for the BiCrafty Games Box. (The box is really fun, though, because the special yarns are all packaged to be opened day by day so you get a little bit of surprise each day of the make-along.)

We also have videos about how to read knit charts and stitch diagrams. Whether you're experienced in both crafts, stronger in one, or working only in one, this is a great opportunity to expand your knit and/or crochet skills. You'll get about one dozen different instructions, day by day, to complete this beautiful shawl project.

If you join before midnight tomorrow 1/22/21 ET then you'll get BiCrafty Champions workshop at a deep discount.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I already bought the yarn box, do I need to sign up for the workshop too?

Oh, that's a great question! If you got the BiCrafty Games yarn box, you actually get the BiCrafty Champions workshop included with it. So you're all set there, Gold Medal to you!

What exactly do I get when I sign up for the BiCrafty Champions Workshop?

Honestly, you get a ton of fun stuff! It's a three-week live KAL/CAL where you'll get both a knit and a crochet shawl pattern, which are yours to keep. Plus, there's video help along the way to guide you through new stitches and techniques.

Do I have to be a huge Olympics fan to join in?

Nope, not at all! We just thought the Olympics 2021 was a fun theme to get everyone crafting together. You can totally craft along without even watching the games… it's all about the community and the making!

I want to use yarn from my own stash… is there any help with choosing colors?

Yes! If you didn't get the yarn box, there's info on how to pick your colors for the project. It's a great way to dive into your yarn collection and make something beautiful and unique to you!

What's the difference between BiCrafty Games and BiCrafty Champions?

So here's the thing… BiCrafty Games is the one that includes the yarn box. BiCrafty Champions is the workshop part that Robyn and I put together, and it includes the patterns and video instruction. If you get the yarn box, the workshop is included!

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Crochet Water Balloons: Eco-Friendly, Easy, Stashbusting…

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Crochet water balloons are definitely the most fun summer project. If you've spent any time on Pinterest lately then chances are that you've seen this great trending new craft project. If not, then you definitely need to check it out. Crochet water balloons are an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional summer fun activity. Make them with your kids or for your kids. Use them at camps and summer parties. Delight in the colors while busting your yarn stash. There's virtually no downside to this fun summer crochet project.

why and how to crochet water balloons

What Are Crochet Water Balloons?

As their name suggests, these are balloon-shaped crochet items that you can safely throw at one another. Although there are a variety of different designs, most of them are a simple crocheted shape. You don't actually put any kind of balloon inside. Instead, you soak the crochet balloons in buckets of water. They absorb the water. Then the kids (or adults, for that matter) can safely throw them at one another. It's the perfect way to cool off with a fun outdoors activity.

Benefits of Crochet Over Traditional Water Balloons

The number one reason that people prefer crochet water balloons over the usual latex kind is because they're kinder to the earth. When you buy regular water balloons, you fill them up, use them, then they're done. The latex or rubber or whatever synthetic material was used to make them shatters into pieces. Hopefully you pick up all of the pieces because they can be dangerous to birds and other wildlife. Even so, though, they just go to the landfill. Those water balloons are bad for the environment, and you know it. You can use crochet water balloons again and again. And you can make eco-friendly fiber choices a well.

Other benefits of crochet water balloons as compared to “regular” water balloons include:

  • They're cheaper. After all, you can use them again and again.
  • It's fun to make them. Crafting them can be a kids' summer activity all on its own.
  • They're quick to make. You don't have to run to the store to buy balloons. After all, you have enough yarn in your stash to make some right now.
  • They make a really cute summer gift. Most people wouldn't give just a gift of a bag of storebought water balloons. These, however, are perfect. Similarly, you can give them away as summer party favors.

Crochet Water Balloon Patterns

There are a variety of different ways to crochet water balloons. Left in Knots has one of the most popular patterns.

free crochet water balloons pattern

She uses Bernat Blanket yarn, which she suggests because it's nice and squishy. As a result, it doesn't hurt when the balloon hits you. It's tough to come up with super bulky yarn projects for summer but this one is a definite wine! This pattern is a super simple pattern using single crochet and double crochet stitches with just a little bit of shaping. You can make the balloons in a variety of sizes; she offers a mini size pattern as well. And gauge doesn't really matter with a project like this.

Here are some other variations on this pattern:

Crochet Water Balloons Aren't a New Trend

Although they're trending hot again right now, these aren't a new thing. Left in Knots created their pattern several years ago, updating the post in 2020. Back in 2017, Crafters Anonymous shared this video of kids testing out crochet water balloons:

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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are crochet water balloons?

So here's the thing… these are crochet items shaped like balloons that you can throw around! You don't put anything inside them… you just soak the crochet balloons in water, and they absorb it. Then, they're ready for some safe, splashy fun!

Why are crochet water balloons better than regular ones?

Honestly… they're way kinder to our planet! Regular water balloons are one-time use and create a lot of waste that can even be harmful to wildlife. Crochet ones can be used over and over again, and you can even choose eco-friendly yarns for them!

Are they expensive to make?

Nope! Once you have the yarn, they're super cheap since you can use them again and again. Plus, they're a fantastic way to use up that yarn stash you've been collecting!

What kind of yarn works best for crochet water balloons?

Yes! Many people love using super bulky yarns, like Bernat Blanket yarn. It makes them nice and squishy, so they don't hurt when they hit someone, and they're quick to crochet up!

Can my kids help make these?

Oh, absolutely! Crafting these is a super fun summer activity you can do with your kids. They're quick to make, so they won't get bored, and they'll love playing with them even more because they helped make them!

30 Free Crochet Dress Projects

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Dress yourself up — my making your own dress! These free crochet dress patterns from Yarnspirations — for adults, children, babies, and even dolls — are the perfect way to personalize your wardrobe.

For knit versions, see this round-up of 32 Free Knit Dress Projects.

30 Free Crochet Dress Projects

Adult

Crochet a lacy dress as a cover-up, or just the best statement piece in your close!

Crochet Junction Triangle Tunic Free Crochet Pattern

Child and Baby

Little ones are even cuter when they're in handmade dresses! These patterns for babies and children are fun to make and fun to wear.

Crochet Rainbow Jumper Dress Free Crochet Pattern

Toy

Crochet dresses for 18″ dolls as well! Expand your child's imaginative play with these free patterns you can make easily.

Wedding Dress for Doll Free Crochet Pattern

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of crochet dress projects are in this collection?

With 30 patterns, there's a style for every taste! Baby and toddler dresses (the cutest!). Girls' dress patterns for older children. Adult casual dresses in summer-friendly cotton. More formal or special occasion dress designs. Mini dress and tunic-length options. Long maxi dresses. Sleeveless tanks that become dresses. Wrap-style dresses. And some creative hybrid designs like dress-as-coverup or dress-as-loungewear. Both beginner-accessible and more complex patterns are included for different skill levels.

What's the hardest part of crocheting a dress?

Length management and garment sizing are the two main challenges. Dresses require a lot of rows to reach the desired length, which means a big time and yarn commitment before you see the final shape. And because a dress needs to fit from shoulder to hem with proper proportions, the sizing requirements are more complex than a scarf or hat. Swatching and measuring as you go are essential. The construction method (top-down seamless vs. pieces joined) also affects the experience significantly. Plan before you start and check measurements regularly throughout.

What yarn is best for crocheted dresses?

It depends entirely on the season and style! For summer dresses: cotton, cotton-bamboo blends, or lightweight acrylic. Breathable and machine washable. For year-round wear: lightweight wool or merino blends drape beautifully and provide some warmth. DK or sport weight gives the most wearable, dress-appropriate weight. Avoid super bulky… crochet dresses in heavy yarn feel stiff and unwearable. The yarn needs to drape and move with you. Hold a length up and watch how it falls… if it flows nicely, it'll make a beautiful dress.

Can beginner crocheters make dresses?

Some of the simpler designs, yes! The most beginner-accessible crochet dresses are baby dresses (small scale, simple stitches) and very loose, flowing rectangle-based adult dresses that don't require precise shaping. If you're a beginner and really want to make a dress, look for patterns that use simple construction (like a modified granny rectangle or a basic top-down tube) and have clear size instructions. Save the more complex fitted designs with waist shaping and set-in sleeves for after you've made a few simpler garments.

How do I know if a crochet dress will fit me before I start?

Swatch and measure! Check the pattern's finished measurements for the bust, waist, hip, and length. Compare to your body measurements and determine how much ease the pattern provides. Try to visualize how those numbers translate to the actual garment on your body. For fitted dresses especially, being between sizes can be tricky… check if the pattern has sizing guidance for that situation. Making a gauge swatch in the actual pattern stitch is essential… crochet garment gauge varies significantly between stitches and yarns.