Marly Bird, Author at Marly Bird

8 FREE Crochet Sun Hats Patterns to Stylishly Shade…

June 16, 2021 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Crochet sun hats are terrific summer projects. First of all, they give you instant gratification – make it, wear it. Second, they quickly and easily dress up your summer wardrobe with handmade flair. Finally, they’re small, light, and made with summer-friendly fibers. Therefore, you can enjoy crafting them as much as you enjoy wearing them. Crochet sun hats make great gifts, are good for all ages, and might even be a new project for you.

8 FREE Crochet Sun Hats Patterns

Here are the top 8 free crochet sun hats patterns we recommend.

1. Crochet June Sun Hat by Sewrella

The wide brim makes this one of the best crochet sun hats patterns. It gives you all of the shade that you need during those sunny summer days. Moreover, it’s super stylish. It’s a chic addition to any wardrobe whether for poolside or park days.

2. Floppy Crochet Sun Hat by Heart Hook Home

Here’s another wide-brim crochet sun hats pattern. It has a wider, floppy brim. You’ll use crochet thread to make this pattern. This is a great lightweight yarn choice for summer! Then you’ll starch it to get the shape that you want. It’s easier than you might think.

3. Stop & Rewind Sun Hat by A Crocheted Simplicity

This is an easy, adorable crochet sun hats pattern. Moreover, in addition to adult sizes, this has children’s and doll sizes as well. You could easily make these for the whole family.

4. Wide Brim Sun Hat by Jenny and Teddy

A great brim is one of the best characteristics of good crochet sun hats patterns. This one shows how you can have a lacy, openwork design on the brim. It’s fun to crochet. Moreover, it allows you to get both breeze and shade when you wear it. This is a winner, for sure.

5. Amazing Grace Blissful Summer Hat by Beatrice Ryan Designs

Working with bulky yarn in the summer can sound terrible. However, don’t discount it. It’s all about choosing the right bulky yarn. For example, working with cotton yarn can be cooling and comfortable, even in a bulky weight. The benefit, of course, is that this hat works up quickly thanks to that smart yarn choice. You get a bucket hat with a roll-up brim in a great two-color design.

6. Let The Sun Shine Hat Pattern by My Hobby is Crochet

This crochet hat pattern uses front crossed and back crossed double crochet stitches. Otherwise, the stitches are basic. Therefore, you can learn something new without too much stress when you make this women’s crochet sun hat this summer.

7. Lily Sugar ‘n Cream Sun Hat from Yarnspirations

The bright yellow color makes this a terrific summer hat. It’s bold, fun, and sunny. Worked primarily in double crochet stitches using cotton yarn, this is a quick and easy make.

8. Caron SS Crochet Ribbing Hat

This isn’t a traditional crochet sun hat. It’s a bit thicker thanks to the dense ribbed texture. However, it’s perfect for cooler summer evenings. Moreover, it has a distinctly nautical feel that’s perfect for summer styling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a crochet hat work as a sun hat?

The brim! A sun hat needs a significant brim that shades your face and neck… typically 2 to 4 inches of brim extending from the hat body. A basic beanie without a brim provides warmth but no sun protection. Crocheted sun hats typically have a flat or slightly downward-angled brim worked in single or half double crochet for structure. The hat body itself can be any style, but the brim is what makes it a “sun hat” rather than just a summer hat. Some sun hats also have UPF-rated yarn for actual UV protection.

What yarn is best for a summer sun hat?

Natural fibers with sun-protective properties are ideal! Raffia (natural palm fiber) creates those classic straw-hat looks and is genuinely protective. Cotton is breathable and widely available. Hemp is durable and has natural UV-blocking properties. Some specialty yarn lines are specifically labeled with UPF ratings for actual sun protection. For most crafters, smooth cotton DK or worsted weight creates a beautiful, breathable sun hat. Avoid acrylic for a hat worn in summer heat… it doesn’t breathe the way natural fibers do.

Is the brim of a crocheted sun hat floppy or stiff?

It depends on construction and yarn! A cotton hat worked in single crochet is naturally somewhat stiff and holds its shape well. Adding wire or interfacing to the brim edge creates a more structured, stiffer result (though you lose the “throw it in a bag” convenience). Working the brim in a denser stitch with a tighter gauge creates a more structured brim naturally. For a floppy, drape-y sun hat aesthetic, a looser gauge or more open stitch works for that particular look. Check the pattern description for whether it creates a structured or floppy brim.

How do I keep a crocheted sun hat on in the wind?

A chin strap is the most reliable option! Attach a simple cord or thin yarn strip at each side of the hat, long enough to tie under the chin. It sounds old-fashioned but it genuinely works on breezy days. Alternatively, a hat with a slightly snug fit (worked with negative ease relative to head circumference) stays on better than a loose-fitting one. Hat pins through the brim can secure it to your hair in a pinch. For very windy beach or outdoor days, a strap is really the most practical solution.

Can I make a sun hat to match a swimsuit or beach outfit?

That’s the fun of making your own! A handmade sun hat in the exact color of your swimsuit, cover-up, or beach tote creates a coordinated beach look that no store could match. Natural raffia and cream cotton coordinate with almost everything. For a pop of color, bright cotton in a fun summer shade makes a statement. And a matching set (sun hat plus beach bag, or sun hat plus cover-up) is a rewarding project that creates genuine vacation wardrobe joy. Your handmade beach accessories will get more compliments than anything you could buy.

Knit Braids: Adding to Your BiCrafty Knit Hat (Knitting…

June 16, 2021 By Marly Bird 1 Comment

Hi Bootcampers! I’m excited today because you’re going to learn a great new technique: knit braids. Specifically, we’re going to add the Latvian Braid to your first knit hat. This is a unique technique that even advanced knitters often don’t know. And yet, it’s actually a fairly simple way to create texture and visual intrigue. I’m excited that you’re at this next step in your journey. And I’m also excited about the other things you might learn as you work on this knit hat over the next few weeks!

BiCrafty Bootcamp Month 3: What to Expect

As I discussed in last week’s live video, I’m excited to show you some new skills this month as we continue working on this knit hat. In addition to the knit braids technique we’re learning this week, some of the things we might incorporate into this pattern include:

Cables – they’re easier than you think!
Colorwork – possibly simple stranding colorwork
Increases and decreases – maybe with lace stitch
Working with DPNs

And I’m totally open to suggestions from all of you about the things you’re ready to learn!

First Knit Hat in the Round Latvian Braid

What Are Knit Braids?

You can create knit braids in a variety of different ways. In fact, you can use cabling to create knit braids. However, the Latvian braid is its own unique technique. Often worked in two colors, it’s a surprisingly easy way to create texture. It’s perfect for the brim of a hat. In fact, I used it for my Chill Out Winter Hat free pattern, which you might want to take a look at if you’re curious about what it looks like.

Crocheter’s Edge

As we talked about in last week’s video, you really need to start worrying about gauge now. It didn’t matter so much in our previous projects. However, you want your knit hat to fit right. The good thing is that as a crocheter you probably already know about gauge. Check the video around 29 minutes in if you do need more info on this.

Knitter’s Tips for Crocheters

Many crochet braids projects simply take sections of crochet and braid them like you might braid hair. You can make knit braids like that, too, of course. However, there are a lot of great knitting techniques that create braided looks with the knitting itself. Open yourself to this awesome idea. As you’ll see, the Latvian braid is an easy, fun technique.

This Week’s BiCrafty Bootcamp Pattern

If you did last week’s homework, then you should now have the eight rounds of ribbing that start the brim of your hat. You may have already done the next step, which is to switch to your larger needles and knit one round. We covered how to do that in last week’s video.

Follow along with the live broadcast as Marly walks you through the Latvian Braid on the BiCrafty Community Complementary Hat.

Learn Latvian Braid with Marly

Choose two colors of yarn and designate one to be the main color (MC) and one to be the contrasting color (CC). Continue with the instructions.

Round 1: *K1 MC, K1 CC; rep from * around.

This round forms the “base” of your braid. It isn’t visible from the bottom of the braid, but it is the horizontal line of stitches you see in between each round of twists you’re about to create. Traditionally you work the same color on Round 1 as is worked on Round 2, (MC over MC, CC over CC, etc). Bring both yarns to the front of the work.

Round 2: *P1 MC. Bring CC under MC (twisting yarns), P1 CC. Bring MC under CC (twisting yarns); repeat from * around.

Reminder: Do not take the time here to untwist the yarns. They will become untwisted on Rnd 3 when you switch the direction of twist.

Round 3: *P1 MC, bring CC over MC (twisting yarns), P1 CC, bring CC over MC (twisting yarns); rep from * around.

If done correctly, once you have worked every stitch in the round, your two yarns will become totally untwisted, ready to work in whatever patterning is called for on subsequent rounds.

Drop CC…do not cut!

Next Round: Knit with MC.

Get the next section of the hat here: https://marlybird.com/bicrafty-bootcamp-complementary-hat-stranded-knitting/

Additional Patterns and Videos to Try

You’re ready to check out the Latvian Braid post and video tutorial as well as the Chill Out Winter hat pattern. You might also like:

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are knit braids?

Honestly… knit braids can be made in a few ways, and while cabling can create them, the Latvian braid is its own special technique. It’s usually worked in two colors and is a super easy way to add texture, making it perfect for a hat brim!

Can you explain the rounds for the Latvian Braid?

So here’s the thing… Round 1 sets the base, and you’ll work alternating main color (MC) and contrasting color (CC) stitches. Then, Round 2 is all about purling, but you’ll twist the yarns by bringing the CC under the MC and then the MC under the CC. Just keep going… Round 3 continues the twisting, but this time you bring the yarns over each other, which helps untwist them.

Do I need to cut my yarn when I’m done with the braid?

Nope! You just drop the contrasting color (CC) yarn… don’t cut it. Then you can go right back to knitting with your main color (MC) for the next round of the hat.

What’s this BiCrafty Bootcamp all about?

Yes! This month in the BiCrafty Bootcamp, we’re diving into some new skills for your knit hat, like these knit braids! We might also be playing with cables, colorwork, increases and decreases, and even working with double-pointed needles (DPNs).

I’m a crocheter, is this hard to learn?

Don’t you worry… as a crocheter, you already know about gauge, which is great for making sure your hat fits just right! And the Latvian braid itself is surprisingly easy and fun to create that lovely braided look.

63 Free Patterns: Neutral with a Pop of Color

June 14, 2021 By Marly Bird 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.

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.

Pillows

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

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!

Stripes on the Side Hat Free Crochet Pattern

Baskets and Scrubbies

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

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.

Knit Chevron Trim Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of patterns are featured in this post?

So here’s the thing… this post is all about patterns that are mostly neutral colors, but they have a fun pop of a bright color added to them! You can find home decor, hats, scarves, and even sweaters.

Are these patterns only for crochet?

Honestly… no! While there are tons of crochet patterns, you’ll also find knit patterns in this collection. So there’s something for everyone, no matter your craft!

Can I find blankets in this collection?

Yes! There are almost a dozen blanket patterns included. They all feature that lovely neutral base with those cheerful pops of color, perfect for any room.

What kind of items besides blankets and hats are included?

Oh, you’ll find all sorts of goodies! There are patterns for scarves and cowls, pillows to decorate your home, and even baskets and scrubbies to keep things tidy or help with chores.

Are there any sweater patterns that fit the theme?

You bet! The collection includes several sweater patterns, both for adults and babies, all incorporating that “neutral with a pop of color” theme in unique ways.

35 Summer Crochet Blanket Patterns

June 10, 2021 By Marly Bird 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

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

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?

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a crochet blanket “summery”?

Lighter weight, cooler fibers, and often more open stitch patterns. Summer blankets are typically made from cotton, cotton blends, bamboo, or lightweight acrylic rather than heavy wool. They’re often lighter in color palette too… whites, pastels, ocean-inspired blues and greens. Open stitch patterns like mesh or lace allow airflow, making the blanket comfortable to use even in warmer weather. They’re perfect for outdoor picnics, beach blankets, lightweight throws for air-conditioned spaces, or breathable covers for summer evenings.

What yarn is best for summer crochet blankets?

Cotton is the classic choice! It’s breathable, machine washable, durable, and looks crisp and clean. A cotton-acrylic blend adds a bit of stretch and makes it more forgiving on gauge. Bamboo blends are incredibly soft with a beautiful drape. For outdoor use, look for UV-resistant yarns. Avoid heavy wool… it’ll be too warm for summer use and takes forever to dry if it gets wet. Worsted weight cotton is practical. DK weight gives a finer, lighter result. The goal is a blanket that’s comfortable to use when it’s warm!

Are summer blankets quicker to make than regular blankets?

They can be! Open stitch patterns like mesh and lace use less yarn per square inch than dense stitches… which means fewer rows and less time to reach the finished size. Lighter weight yarns also cover more area per yard. That said, very fine yarns require more rows for the same dimensions. The quickest summer blankets are simple patterns in cotton worsted weight with open stitches. You’re not saving as much time as you might with bulky yarn and simple stitches, but you’re creating something genuinely more appropriate for the season.

Can I use a summer blanket as a beach blanket or picnic blanket?

Depending on construction, yes! A tightly crocheted cotton blanket in a dense stitch can work as a picnic blanket… it’s durable and machine washable. For beach use, you’ll want something that can get sandy and gritty without the sand getting stuck in the stitch structure… very tight single crochet or a woven-look stitch works better than open mesh (which catches sand in every hole). A summer cotton blanket is more practical than wool for outdoor use because it machine washes easily and doesn’t felt if it gets wet.

What are some good simple stitch patterns for summer blankets?

Shell stitch creates an airy, light fabric with a beautiful rippling texture. Simple mesh (alternating chains and single crochets) is very open and lightweight. Granny stripe blankets look gorgeous in summer colors. Ripple/chevron patterns are classic. Solid single crochet or half double crochet in a pretty color creates clean, simple fabric. For something more textural, a textured stitch pattern in cotton yarn looks crisp and interesting. The key for summer is choosing something that creates a fabric that breathes… not a dense, tightly packed fabric that traps heat.

The Perfect Crochet Beach Skirt Pattern

June 10, 2021 By Marly Bird 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.

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:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear this skirt right after I crochet it?

Yes! That’s honestly one of the best parts about this pattern… you get that instant gratification joy. It’s perfect for a quick summer make and you can totally wear it right away.

What yarn do you recommend for this skirt?

So here’s the thing… the pattern calls for Red Heart Soft Yarn, and it really is lovely! It’s a worsted weight acrylic with a silky feel and a beautiful drape, which is just perfect for a comfy beach skirt.

Is this skirt pattern really beginner-friendly?

Honestly, yes! The Double Stitch Twins designed this as a free, easy pattern that beginners should be able to tackle. It uses simple stitches like double crochet and easy skips to create that pretty openwork design.

What if I need a different size?

Don’t you worry… this skirt pattern is super versatile! It includes instructions for five different sizes, from small up to 2X, and the drawstring tie means you can adjust the fit perfectly.

Can I wear this skirt for more than just the beach?

Absolutely! It’s designed to be a terrific openwork crochet skirt that’s perfect over a swimsuit, but it also layers really well. You could totally pop it on over a tunic or tank dress to head to a beach bar or even just for a cute, fashionable look.

It’s Time To Start Your BiCrafty Bootcamp First Knit…

June 9, 2021 By Marly Bird 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.

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.

How to Knit Seed Stitch in the Round (multiple of 2)
Double Moss Stitch (multiple of 4)
Plus Extra Credit: Brick Stitch (Sl1pyb) (multiple of 5)
Seersucker Stitch (multiple of 4 stitches)
Long Slip Texture Stitch (multiple of 2)

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

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

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:

No Cuss Cast on for Double Pointed Needles. Although you don’t need this to start the hat, watching the video might help make DPNs a bit less intimidating.
Absolute Beginner Chunky Knit Hat
How to knit Honeycomb Cable and Fair Isle Capriciously Chic Hat

And these patterns:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this hat match my cowl exactly?

Honestly… yes! You totally can make a super matchy-matchy set. You’ll just need to figure out your gauge and make sure your cast on number is a multiple of both four and five. Then, just work each stitch pattern section for about 1″ to 1.5″ before moving to the next.

What needles do I need for this hat project?

So here’s the thing… you’ll need a few different sizes! Grab your 4.5mm (US 7) and 5mm (US 8) circular needles in a 16″ length, and then a set of five 5mm (US 8) double-pointed needles. It sounds like a lot, but we’re learning some new skills here!

I’m a crocheter… is knitting a hat going to be super hard?

Yes! Actually, you’ve got a bit of an edge because you already understand how decreasing works to shape things like hats. Learning to knit decreases for your hat should feel pretty familiar, and way easier than you might think!

What’s the biggest new skill I’ll learn with this hat pattern?

Well… there are a couple of big ones! We’ll be working with both circular needles and double-pointed needles (DPNs), which is a new technique. Plus, we’re going to learn how to shape the hat by decreasing stitches towards the top, which is a super useful skill to master!

Can I use a different yarn than the Red Heart Chic Sheep?

You know… you absolutely can use any worsted weight yarn you like! The Red Heart Chic Sheep is just what’s recommended for this pattern. If you have some other yarn in your stash, go for it!

The Perfect Crochet Beach Skirt Pattern