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

Marly Bird First Fall Make-Along || Felted Weekender Bag

By 3 Comments

A new make-along is ready just in time for the change of the weather and travel for the holidays. Time for the Marly Bird First Fall Make-Along Felted Weekender Bag for both Knitters and Crocheters!

First fall make-along logo - Marly Bird
Marly Bird First Fall Make-Along || Felted Weekender Bag for Knitters and Crocheters

I've always been in love with felting techniques. There is something magical about creating a thick and large fabric then applying heat and agitation so it shrinks on purpose into something WONDERFUL!

Many new knitters and new crocheters ventured into the craft over the pandemic as a way to soothe their mind and soul. But now that we are a few years out of the lockdown, these new crafters are looking for something more than the same old, same old.

Enter the inaugural Marly Bird First Fall Make-Along where you get to make a larger Weekender Bag!

[Read more…]

Crochet Top Down Hat Free Pattern

By Leave a Comment

(BiCrafty Bootcamp: Crochet for Knitters: Lesson 11)

We are ready for the next lesson in BiCrafty Bootcamp. You've already learned so much. And yet, it's time to level up and start a 3-dimensional project that we can wear. It is time to make a hat! This will be a crochet top-down hat worked in the round.

BiCrafty Bootcamp header banner - beginner crochet lessons for knitters. Pink camo background and crochet chart showing top of crochet top down hat.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links and making a purchase a small portion of that purchase will go to support the blog. The price that you pay does not change. Thank you for your continued support.

BiCrafty Bootcamp Lesson 11 Crochet Video: Crochet Top-Down Hat

It's often easier to learn from video instruction than just from written instructions, isn't it? Therefore, in addition to the detailed written instructions below, here's the crochet top down hat video tutorial.

BiCrafty Bootcamp Crochet Top Down Hat Basic Free Pattern Details

Here are all of the details that you need in order to complete the crochet top down hat worked in the round.

Finished Measurements of Crochet Top Down Hat

To fit these sizes, you want to have a hat that measures close to the measurements below: 3-6 months (6-12 months, 12-24 months, Toddler, Child, Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large, Adult X-Large)

 3-6 months6-12 months12-24 monthsToddlerChildAdult SmallAdult MediumAdult LargeAdult X-Large
Circumference         
Inches171819202122232425
Centimeters43.1845.7248.2650.853.3455.8858.4260.9663.5
          
Height of Hat         
Inches66.256.57.257.588.599.5
Centimeters15.2415.87516.5118.41519.0520.3221.5922.8624.13
Hat Size Chart for BiCrafty Bootcamp

Gauge: 10 dc = 4″ (10 cm)

Materials used in Crochet Top Down Hat

Yarn: Wonderfluff 1 – 2 balls, depending on size.

Hook: K/10.5 (6.5 mm) or hook needed to obtain gauge

Notions: Stitch Markers, Tapestry Needle

Abbreviations used in Crochet Top Down Hat Pattern

  • ch     Chain
  • sl st   Slip Stitch
  • sc      Single Crochet
  • hdc   Half Double Crochet
  • dc     Double Crochet
  • beg ch   Beginning Chain

General Diagram for Crown Increases of Crochet Top Down Hat

We've worked a lot with learning how to read crochet symbol charts throughout BiCrafty Bootcamp. You're going to learn how to read them in a circle in the round now for this hat, which builds on what you already learned from working with granny squares. Read the chart from right to left and in rounds. NOTE: You will not turn on this project.

Chart showing crochet increases for crochet top down hat. Marly Bird

Pattern for BiCrafty Bootcamp Crochet Top-Down Hat

Crown

Make an adjustable ring.

Round 1 (RS): Ch 1, 8 sc in ring, pull ring closed, sl st to first sc, do not turn — 8 sc.

Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a st), 2 hdc in each sc around, sl st to first hdc, do not turn — 16 hdc.

Round 3: Ch 3 (counts as a dc throughout), *2 dc in next hdc, dc in next hdc; repeat from * around to last st, 2 dc in last hdc, sl st to top of beg ch-3, do not turn — 24 dc.

Round 4: Ch 3, dc in top of beg ch (in same sp as join), *dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc; repeat from * around to last 2 sts, dc in last 2 dc, sl st to top of beg ch-3, do not turn — 32 dc.

Round 5: Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc, *2 dc in next dc, dc in next 3 dc; repeat from * around to last st, 2 dc in last dc, sl st to top of beg ch-3, do not turn — 40 dc.

Rnd 6: Ch 3, *2 dc in next dc, dc in next 4 dc; repeat from * around to last 4 sts, 2 dc in next dc, dc in last 3 dc, sl st to top of beg ch-3, do not turn — 48 dc. 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-24 months stop on crown and move to body.

Rnd 7: Ch 3, dc in next 4 dc, *2 dc in next dc, dc in next 5 dc; repeat from * around to last st, 2 dc in last dc, sl st to top of beg ch-3, do not turn — 56 dc. Toddler, Child, Adult Small stop on crown and move to body.

Rnd 8: Ch 3, dc in next dc, *2 dc in next dc, dc in next 13 dc; repeat from * around to end of round, sl st to top of beg ch-3, do not turn — 60 dc. Adult Medium, Adult Large, Adult XLarge stop on crown and move to body.

Body

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as a dc), dc in each dc around, sl st to top of beg ch-3, do not turn. (56, 64, 72, 80 dc)

Repeat Round 1 until hat measures desired length (see hat size chart). 

Finishing

Optional: add front post/back post ribbing around the base.

Weave in all ends. >> See Video <<

Make 3″ pom pom >> See Video <<

Sew pom pom to top of hat >> See Video <<

Another Free Crochet Hat Pattern: Chic and Simple Crochet Hat Pattern

Are you looking to try something a little different? Take a look at the Chic and Simple Crochet Hat Pattern. It is made from the bottom up and is very easy to master. This free crochet hat pattern can be found here on the MarlyBird website.

Chic & Simple Perfect Hat: guy wearing green crochet hat. Marly Bird

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a top-down crochet hat and how is it different from a standard hat?

Most crochet hats start at the brim and work up toward the crown… you cast on or chain up, work the brim, then increase or work even through the body, then decrease to close the crown. A top-down hat starts at the very top of the crown, begins with a small circle, and increases as you work downward toward the brim. This is actually how many knitters construct hats (especially in the round), so it's a familiar approach for knitters learning crochet through the BiCrafty Bootcamp series. Neither method is “better”… they just have different construction flows.

Why is this hat Lesson 11 in the BiCrafty Bootcamp?

The BiCrafty Bootcamp is a structured series of lessons teaching crocheters how to knit (and knitters how to crochet). By Lesson 11, you've built up foundational crochet skills from earlier lessons. This hat represents a practical application of those skills: working in the round, increasing to create a flat circle, then working even for the hat body, and adding a brim. It's a real, complete project that demonstrates everything you've learned so far in the bootcamp series and gives you a wearable finished object as a reward.

What yarn and hook do I need for this hat?

Check the pattern materials section for the specific recommendations! BiCrafty Bootcamp patterns typically use widely available worsted weight yarn (easily found at craft stores) and standard crochet hook sizes to keep things accessible. Worsted weight is the most forgiving weight for learning… the stitches are big enough to see clearly, it works up quickly for satisfying progress, and the finished hat will be warm and practical.

Is a top-down hat harder to make than a regular crochet hat?

The construction is slightly different but not harder! The main difference is that you're doing increases at the beginning (to build out the crown circle) rather than the end (to close the crown). Once you understand the circular construction logic, both approaches feel equally manageable. Many crafters actually prefer top-down construction because they can try the hat on as they work and stop at any length they want… very convenient for customizing fit.

Can I use this hat pattern for the whole family?

Yes with size adjustments! The pattern includes a specific size, but you can easily resize by working more or fewer rounds of the flat crown circle before working the body. A smaller hat needs fewer crown rounds; a larger hat needs more. Check your gauge and use the head circumference measurements of each family member to calculate how many rounds you need. This basic top-down construction is very adaptable… once you understand it, you can make any size from infant to adult.

Tournament of Stitches Mystery Make-Along 2022

By 1 Comment

For those of you who joined us for the Game Day make-along back in February, you know the great time we had making a mystery project together. Make-alongs, especially mystery make-alongs, are among your favorite projects here at Marly Bird. And it's time for our next one: Tournament of Stitches 2022. Over the years, we have learned a LOT from our many mystery make-alongs and are using what we learned to make this one better!

Things will be run a little different for this mystery make-along, so be sure to read the full post below to know how it works and how to participate.

Colorful graphic featuring a bird in a sweater, yarn balls, and a scoreboard for a knitting competition.

There is a pattern for the knitters, crocheters, and Tunisian crocheters because we know this is a bicrafty community! All skill levels will be covered so please be sure to join in the fun!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links and making a purchase a small portion of that purchase will go to support the blog. The price that you pay does not change. Thank you for your continued support.

History of the Tournament of Stitches 2022 Mystery Make-Along

We started this annual event in 2018 during March Madness. Therefore, 2022 is the fifth annual Tournament of Stitches event. We're excited to keep growing this each year. More and more people participate each year. We get better at streamlining the whole process, design new creative projects, and keeping it all running smoothly.

Past Tournament of Stitches Patterns

It's the most fun if you join in during the make-along, so you can be part of the community and uncover what we're making together. That said, though, we put a lot of effort into creating great timeless patterns that you'll want to use again and again. See what we've made in the past:

Each post has the clues to the patterns as well as links to the ad-free PDF versions of the completed patterns where available.

What is the Tournament of Stitches Mystery Make-Along?

The Tournament of Stitches mystery make-along is held during the time of college basketball March Madness. It is a great way for us to come together as a community and make something that is the same but different. Sound confusing? I hope not.

For the Knit and Crochet projects, think of the old, “choose your own adventure” stories you probably read as a kid, this will be similar to that.

(**Note: the Tunisian project is only one pattern without concentration levels**)

Your first choice is whether you want to make a shawl or a cowl. Once you decide that, you will follow along with the instructions for that piece.

Each week there will be a set of plays for you to choose and each play will have the concentration level attached (see chart below). You get to choose the concentration level you want to use for each week's instruction.

Once you select concentration level, simply work up the pattern for that play, then wait for the next week to continue with the project.

On the next week, you will have another set of plays to choose from, and again, you can select which concentration level you want to follow for that week.

The cool thing is we’ve written the pattern in such a way that you can mix and match concentration levels. Therefore, you don’t have to stick to the same one each week.

After five weeks you will have a finished shawl or cowl that was a mystery to you (and to us) prior to you making it.

Tournament of Stitches Make-Along Concentration Levels

Concentration levels are based on how much concentration you need to put into the pattern as you are working it. We have broken them out as the following:

  • “Netflix and Chill” Knitter/Crocheter–This is a knitter/crocheter who might be watching something more detailed that they want to pay attention to but aren’t so involved in what they are doing that they don’t want to keep track of what they are working on. These plays have detailed stitch patterns that still allow you to hold a conversion with one person or watch a light TV program.
  • “Smooth Jazz” Knitter/Crocheter–This is a knitter/crocheter who can have some noise in the background but not something that they need to focus on. When you listen to music, think smooth jazz, you can hear the music but you don’t really need to be listening to the words. These plays will have stitch patterns that are more beefy than the first concentration level and will require some thinking.
  • “Be Quiet, I’m Knitting/Crocheting” Knitter/Crocheter–This is a knitter/crocheter who will need to have a quiet house so they can count and make sure they are following the stitch pattern correctly. These plays will have more complicated stitch patterns and will need more counting as you work them. These plays require the most focus

When is the Tournament of Stitches Mystery Make-Along?

Every year the Tournament of Stitches Mystery Make-Along is held around the same time as the NCAA March Madness Basketball Tournament.

How do I Participate in the Tournament of Stitches Mystery Make-Along?

  • To participate in the ⭐️ There is a sign up form ⭐️.
  • Join the Marly’s Minions Facebook Group where we chat about the event all month long.
  • Get your materials – This is sent to your email inbox after you sign up.
  • Add your project to Ravelry ➡️ Knitting ➡️ Crochet ➡️ Tunisian
  • Mark you calendar! 
  • Return to the blog throughout the event for the plays, which you'll find linked below.
  • As you work on the project, post progress pictures on Facebook and Instagram with the tag #tournamentofstitches #tosMarlyBird #MMMDI. When you do, you’ll have the chance to win various surprise mystery prizes!
  • Grand Prize details coming soon.
Marly's Minions Facebook group logo featuring a decorative bird and text in a pink and gray color scheme.

How Do I get the Plays for Each Week for the Tournament of Stitches 2022?

Beginning March 15, 2022, the plays will be added in a post here on the MarlyBird.com website. After the event, the free version of the patterns will be removed this year and made available for purchase as a set under the name Stitch Switch.

Get the Stitch Switch vol. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. As they are available they are listed in my Etsy Shop, Ravelry and Marly Bird Pattern Store.

  • Gray and yellow crochet and Tunisian shawls on a woman, with visible stitch textures, yarn balls, and shawl close-ups.
  • Four colorful shawls, knit and Tunisian crochet, displayed on mannequins and hangers; visible stitch texture and drape.
  • Magenta, gray, and light gray knit cowls shown on dress forms and table; visible stitch detail and cozy texture.

Sounds Great, What are We Making?

So traditionally, when it is a mystery make-along it is truly a mystery from start to finish. This one is slightly different in that I want you to know what the final project is so that you can decide which plays you want to follow, but the mystery is that you still don’t have any idea what it looks like.

As I mentioned before, you need to decide if you are making the shawl or cowl before you get started.

Then, each week select with concentration level play you want to follow.

Remember, you can mix and match concentration levels each week. So, if you select “Netflix and Chill” in week one, you can still choose “Be Quiet, I’m knitting/crocheting” in week 2.

Materials for Tournament of Stitches 2022 Mystery Make-Along

We chose a yarn weight that is easily accessible to most. This year, we are featuring the WeCrochet and KnitPicks Yarn for the samples, but you can use any yarn you choose that is fingering weight for the knit and crochet project, or DK for tunisian crochet, as long as you get gauge!

As for color choice, the sample is made in one color.

Also, because I know you all are going to ask, like many of the Game Day Mystery Make-along events, we do not suggest using any variegated yarns. We think it is best to choose solid or semi solid colors of yarn.

The yarn amounts are different for each craft … and notice this year we are including another craft option for those of you who are triple threat bicrafters…TUNISIAN CROCHET*!

As noted above, the Tunisian project is just a normal pattern without concentration levels. For those of you wanting to try tunisian, you will have fun with the “normal” mystery make-along 🙂

Here's what you'll need to gather before the event begins:

Crochet

Materials needed for Tournament of Stitches Mystery Make-Along 2022

Gauge: 20 dc sts & 11 rows = 4″ (10 cm)

Tunisian Crochet

Materials needed for Tournament of Stitches Mystery Make-Along 2022

Gauge: 13 TSS & 12 rows = 4″ (10 cm)

Knitting

Materials needed for Tournament of Stitches Mystery Make-Along 2022

Gauge: 24 sts & 48 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in Garter Stitch UNBLOCKED

Like this project? Don't forget to like it and queue it up on Ravelry

Crochet-themed scoreboard with a playful bird, bright colors, and a tournament bracket for a fun crafting competition.
CLICK IMAGE TO ADD CROCHET PROJECT TO RAVELRY
Colorful cartoon scoreboard illustrating a knitting tournament, featuring a playful bird and yarn balls, titled "Tunisian.
CLICK IMAGE TO ADD TUNISIAN PROJECT TO RAVELRY
Colorful scoreboard graphic with a cartoon bird, featuring knitting-related themes and a playful sports design.
CLICK IMAGE TO ADD KNITTING PROJECT TO RAVELRY

Get LINKS TO ALL THE Patterns Are No Longer Available

Tournament of Stitches Crochet Shawl

Tournament of Stitches Crochet Cowl

Tournament of Stitches Tunisian Crochet Shawl

Tournament of Stitches Tunisian Crochet Cowl

Tournament of Stitches Knitting Shawl

Tournament of Stitches Knitting Cowl

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tournament of Stitches Mystery Make-Along?

So, it's basically a super fun event we hold during March Madness where we all make the same kind of project, but with our own little twists! You get to choose between a shawl or a cowl, and then each week you pick a “concentration level” for the pattern, kind of like a “choose your own adventure” book… but with yarn!

How do the concentration levels work?

Honestly, they're just a way to tailor the pattern difficulty to your mood and surroundings! We have “Netflix and Chill” for when you want something simple, “Smooth Jazz” for when you can handle a bit more complexity, and “Be Quiet, I'm Knitting/Crocheting” for when you need total focus. You can even switch between them each week!

When does the Tournament of Stitches happen?

Yes! It's timed to coincide with the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament each year, so it's always happening around the same time.

How do I sign up and get the patterns?

There's a sign-up form you'll need to fill out, and then you'll get the materials list emailed to you. The actual “plays” for the pattern will be released weekly right here on the MarlyBird.com website starting March 15, 2022.

Can I use any yarn for this make-along?

Well, we used WeCrochet and KnitPicks yarn for the samples, but you can totally use any yarn you like as long as it's fingering weight for knitting and crochet, or DK for Tunisian crochet, and you get gauge! Just a heads-up though… we don't suggest using variegated yarns for this one, solid or semi-solid colors work best.

89 Free Fringe Patterns to Crochet and Knit

By Leave a Comment

Fringe is a general term for decorative things hanging off the edge of a piece. It's a fun decorative touch, and can totally change the feel of a project. The pattern might incorporate fringe the stitching, or it is often added later in small bundles. It is usually made of individual pieces of yarn, but it can also be stitched items such as bobbles or just crochet chains.

Fringe is common on blankets and the ends of scarves, but it can also be on pillows, baskets, cowls, shawls, and more!

Be inspired with the new ways you can add fringe, shown in this collection of 89 Yarnspirations patterns!

89 Free Fringe Patterns to Crochet and Knit

Fringed Pillows

Tasseled Fringe Knit Pillow Free Knitting Pattern

Fringed Blankets

Garden Flowers Crochet Blanket Free Crochet Pattern

Wall Hangings and Buntings

Bold Fringe Wall Hanging Free Craft Pattern

Baskets with Fringe

Abundant Fringe Crochet Basket Free Crochet Pattern

Other Home Decor with Fringe

Macrame Big Fringe Plant Hanger

Fringed Cowls and Scarves

Cozy Fringed Cowl Free Crochet Pattern

Fringed Shawls and Ponchos

Fringed Knit Pocket Shawl Free Knit Pattern

Other Wearable Items with Fringe

Fringe Benefits Bag Free Crochet Pattern

Also on the Blog

Frequently Asked Questions

What is fringe and how is it added to crochet and knit projects?

Fringe is decorative strands of yarn attached to the edges of a project to create a hanging, textured border. To add fringe, you cut lengths of yarn, fold them in half, insert the folded loop through an edge stitch with a crochet hook, then pull the loose ends through the loop and tighten. That's it! It's a quick finishing technique that instantly adds movement and visual interest. You can vary fringe length, density, how many strands per group, and whether you twist or braid it for different effects.

What types of projects look best with fringe?

Shawls and wraps are the classic fringe canvas… long fringe hanging from the ends of a shawl creates beautiful movement when you walk or gesture. Scarves look gorgeous with fringe. Bags and purses with fringe are very boho-chic. Blanket and throw edges benefit from fringe for a decorative finish. Some garments use fringe as a design element (think fringed jackets and vests). And decorative home items like wall hangings and macrame-adjacent projects often feature fringe as a primary design element rather than just a finishing detail.

How long should fringe be?

There's no rule… it's entirely aesthetic! Short fringe (2 to 3 inches) is subtle and tidy. Medium fringe (4 to 6 inches) is classic and versatile. Long fringe (8 to 12+ inches) makes a dramatic statement. Consider the scale of the project… a small shawlette looks balanced with shorter fringe while a large wrap can carry dramatic long fringe. Also consider practicality… very long fringe can tangle or catch on things in daily wear. Make a test sample with a few strands at your intended length before committing to the full edge.

How do I keep fringe from tangling?

A few strategies help! Twist fringe after attaching… take groups of strands and twist them in one direction, then knot at the bottom to hold the twist. This creates a beautiful rope-like effect and keeps strands from separating and tangling. Braiding fringe works similarly. For very long fringe on something that gets a lot of movement, knot at intervals down the length. Smooth yarn fibers tangle less than fuzzy or textured ones. And storing fringed items folded carefully (fringe together rather than bunched) prevents a lot of tangling between wearings.

Can I add fringe to an already-finished project?

Absolutely! Fringe is one of the easiest embellishments to add after the fact. As long as you have accessible edge stitches or rows to attach the fringe to, you can add it at any time. Use a crochet hook to slip each fringe group through the edge. This is particularly popular for adding fringe to a plain scarf or shawl you've already completed but want to elevate. The same technique works whether you're adding fringe right after finishing or years later when you decide the project needs a little something extra.

Marly Bird 3-in-1 Knit and Crochet Handwarmers

By 3 Comments

Everybody loves a good mitten, but what about a mitten that has a removable top or a pair of fingerless mitts? YESSSS! I hear you; those are equally loved. Trust me, I know and because of that, I want to make sure that you know about my 3-in-1 knit and crochet handwarmers patterns. Originally this was a Yarnspirations CAL/KAL but now the free patterns are available for you on their website. Moreover, you have video support for each step of the way, making it easy to make these handwarmers that you can craft in three different styles each.

*THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. BY CLICKING ONE OF THESE LINKS AND MAKING A PURCHASE A SMALL PORTION COMES BACK TO THE BLOG. THE PRICE YOU PAY WILL NOT CHANGE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE BLOG.

3 in 1 handwarmers crochet and knit patterns

Mittens, Fingerless Mitts, and Convertible Mittens

Learn three ways to make a pair of hand warmers – six ways if you are bicrafty and can both knit and crochet! I've designed a basic pattern that can be turned into a pair of mittens, fingerless mittens, or convertible mittens depending on the finishing techniques that you select. Choose to knit or crochet or follow use both patterns; end up with 1 pair or 3 pairs or 6 pairs of hand warmers you will love.

Customizable Designs For Everyone!

Make a pair for anyone that you want to give a gift to. Make several pairs for yourself. Change up the colors to fit your style and enjoy the fun of making along with others.

CLICK THE PICTURES BELOW TO GET THE PATTERNS ????

knit handwarmers free pattern
crochet handwarmers free pattern

Skill Level Required for 3-in-1 Knit and Crochet Handwarmers Patterns

This project was originally a Yarnspirations CAL/KAL. Before those begin, many people ask me, “how good do I need to be at the craft to join in?” I understand that. You want to make sure you can actually make the project before you start. However, oftentimes these patterns have more to do with your drive than your current skill level. The pattern and video support make it so that you can finish these patterns.

Here is my best skill level advice as to what is needed for these knit and crochet handwarmer patterns. If you're a confident beginner crocheter who is comfortable with making chains and single crochets, then I think you can absolutely do this. If you are an advanced beginner knitter who is comfortable with knits and purls and is ready to try something a little more challenging, then you can do this. The biggest challenge for you will be using the double pointed needles and working the stranded knitting but I go over that in the videos.

You might also want to check out BiCrafty Bootcamp: To Learn Knitting or To Learn Crochet … the tips in these posts and videos are invaluable for helping you when you get stuck.

Notes For The Knit and Crochet Handwarmer Patterns

SPOILER ALERT: In the videos, I've offered some alternative patterns for the body of the hand warmers on my website that might be a little easier for those who struggle with the colorwork on this pattern.

Because I know there are going to be knitters who ask, yes, you can make these fingerless mittens, mittens or convertible mittens with the magic loop technique or two circulars or even 9″ circular needles. I discuss how to do this in the videos but the pattern is written for double pointed needles.

3 in 1 Hand Warmer Video Tutorials

You'll find 3 knit videos and 3 crochet videos that go with these patterns. These videos are progressive, meaning each video will build upon the previous video as I teach you how to make these fun mittens, fingerless mittens or convertible mittens. Therefore, you want to start with the first video for either craft and move through them accordingly.

Here are those video links:

Click HERE for Knitting PatternClick HERE for Crochet Pattern
Video 1: Nov. 16, 2020
<click here>		Video 1: Nov. 16, 2020
<click here>
Video 2: Nov. 19, 2020
<click here>		Video 2: Nov. 19, 2020
<click here>
Video 3: Nov. 23, 2020
<click here>		Video 3: Nov. 23, 2020
<click here>

Join me for one pair of hand warmers or all six! The pattern was designed by me and I must say, I am in love!

3 in 1 Hand Warmer Materials

Four pairs of blue, green, and white knitted mittens with detailed patterns displayed on a light blue surface.

Crochet

SIZE

One size to fit average adult. Size 8” hand circumference

GAUGE

16  sc  and  16  rows  =  4″  [10  cm] with smaller hook.

14 splsc and 14 rounds = 4″ [10 cm] with larger hook.

YARN

Red Heart® With Love™

1 ball each color

Color A: Oxford

Color B: Rainforest Stripe

HOOK

US 7/G

US 8/H

NOTIONS

Stitch markers, tapestry needle

Knitting

SIZE

One size to fit average adult. Size 8″ hand circumference

GAUGE

16 sts 20 rows = 4” [10 cm] with U.S. 8 (5 mm) in pat.

YARN

Red Heart® With Love™

1 ball each color

Color A: Sweet Pink          

Color B:   Passion Stripe

NEEDLES

Sizes U.S. 7 (4.5 mm) and U.S. 8 (5 mm) Double Pointed Needles or size needed to obtain gauge.

NOTIONS

Stitch markers, tapestry needle

Four pairs of pink hand warmers with red and orange checkered stitches are shown against a light pink background.

If you like crocheting and knitting hand accessories then you might also like these posts:

Everyone likes different knit and crochet hand warmer patterns, which these 3-in-1 designs accommodate. We're curious: what kind do you like best? Fingerless? Fingerless with thumb hole? Convertible? Mittens? Gloves? Share your thoughts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really make these handwarmers in three different styles?

Yes! Honestly, the basic pattern is super versatile. You can finish it as mittens, fingerless mitts, or convertible mittens depending on the techniques you use at the end. So here's the thing… you get three styles from one pattern!

I'm new to knitting, can I still make these?

Honestly, if you're an advanced beginner knitter who knows knits and purls and is ready for a bit of a challenge, you totally got this! The videos will walk you through using double pointed needles and stranded knitting, which might be new, but you can do it!

Do I have to knit and crochet to make all six pairs of handwarmers?

Well, yes and no! You can choose to knit or crochet just one pair, or if you're bi-crafty like me, you can use both patterns to make up to six pairs. How cool is that?!

Are there videos to help me if I get stuck?

Oh, absolutely! There are three knit videos and three crochet videos that go along with the patterns. They're progressive, so you'll want to start with the first one for whichever craft you're using.

What skill level is needed for these patterns?

So here's the thing… while they're listed as advanced beginner, your drive is the most important part! If you're comfortable with basic stitches in crochet or knitting, and you're ready to try something a little more challenging, you can definitely finish these. The video support is there to help you every step of the way!

7 Crafty Ways to Kick The New Year Off Right

By Leave a Comment

Happy Crafty New Year! Do you have big plans and goals and resolutions for 2021? Or are you taking it more mellow and easing into the year instead, just happy to have survived 2020 mostly intact? Whether you want to start off big or small, indulging in your love for craft can be a great way to start the new year. Here are 7 crafty ways to kick the new year off right:

https://marlybird.com/7-crafty-ways-to-kick-the-new-year-off-right/

1. Pick a Word of the Year

One way to approach a new year is to choose a “word of the year.” It's a word that you can use a touchstone throughout the months to come. It can help guide you, center you, and remind you of what your priorities are. How do you apply that to crafting? Check out our full post on Choosing and Using a Crafty Word of the Year.

2. Start a Year-Long (or Big) Project

Get yourself on the right foot with the crafty new year by starting a huge project today. It might be a year-long project. Examples include:

  • Crocheting one motif every day to be put together into a blanket at the end of the year.
  • Taking a photo every day for Instagram related to yarn, knitting, or crochet.
  • Joining a 365 project on social media.
  • Starting a knitting or crochet blog.
  • Choosing a “one every month” project (making one scarf per month for example) and starting the first one today.

One really wonderful type of project that people often begin at New Year's is the temperature blanket. Learn more:

We also suggest doing a variation on the temperature blanket this year by tying it to another goal you care about. It's called a Habit Tracker Blanket.

2a. Join Marly Bird's Daily Prompts

Each day, we'll give you a daily prompt for your knitting / crochet. Prompts include project ideas, book recommendations, articles to read, days to buy yarn, etc. More details coming on the blog on 1/1/22.

3. Take Five Minutes to Knit or Crochet

Kicking off the new year doesn't have to mean doing something big. You can take just five minutes today to knit or crochet. This is a way of honoring the craft and the value that it has in your life. It's a way of reminding yourself that it's important to you, important enough to make room for it at the beginning of a new year. And it's a good time to stop and think about what you want in crafting in 2021.

4. Reflect Upon Your Last Year in Craft

Take some time to reflect upon your last year in craft. This can be a big thing or a small thing. For example:

  • Many people use the Top 9 tool to collect their most popular nine Instagram photos of the year – are any of yours craft related?
  • You might also do a short social media story or slide show highlighting your favorite makes of the year.
  • Did you accomplish something you're really proud of? Print out a blank certificate of accomplishment for it and give yourself an award.
  • Or go back through all of your WIP and FO images of the past year and catalog them in a scrapbook or journal.

5. Learn a New Craft or Technique

Challenge yourself to learn something new this year. If you knit, learn to crochet (or weave or embroider or whatever). Or choose a new technique to learn within your craft. If you crochet, try broomstick lace or tapestry crochet. You might not actually start learning the craft today (although you could!) But you can take initial steps including:

  • Choosing the craft or technique that you'll learn.
  • Committing to a plan publicly through social media. (Hashtag #marlymademedoit if you want me to see it!)
  • Ordering (or taking out of storage) the supplies that you'll need to get started.
  • Finding a class and signing up for it.
  • Locating a blog, online tutorials, or other resources that can help you learn.
  • Reaching out to friends to see if anyone else wants to learn with you.

6. Make Something For Yourself

Take some time today to knit or crochet something just for yourself. It might be something small. Or it might be a small start on a bigger gift to yourself. So often we craft for others (especially throughout the holiday season.) Turn your attention to yourself. It's a great way to start a crafty new year.

7. Give Gratitude to Your Craft

Craft gives you so much. It may provide comfort, healing, excitement, inspiration, focus, distraction, community … and so much more. Take the time today, through prayer or making a list or whatever works for you, to just give a little gratitude for the craft. If you want to go further, consider how you learned the craft, who has influenced you, and how you get your craft supplies as areas for additional gratitude.

You Might Also Like:

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a “word of the year” thingy?

So here's the thing… picking a word of the year is like choosing a special touchstone for the months ahead! It can help guide you and remind you of what's most important to you. You can totally make it crafty by checking out my post on choosing and using a crafty word of the year!

I want to start a BIG project, any ideas?

Oh my goodness, yes! Honestly… starting a big project is such a fun way to kick off the new year. You could crochet a motif every day for a blanket, take a yarn-related photo daily for Instagram, or even join a 365 project. A temperature blanket is also a classic choice!

Do I *have* to do something huge to start the new year crafty?

Definitely not! Yes! You can totally just take five minutes to knit or crochet. It’s all about honoring your craft and making a little space for it. It’s a lovely way to remind yourself how important it is to you.

Can you give me ideas for looking back on my crafty year?

Of course! Honestly… reflecting on your past year in craft can be so rewarding. You might use the Top 9 tool on Instagram to see your most popular posts, create a slideshow of your favorite makes, or even just go through your WIP and FO photos and catalog them in a journal. You could even give yourself a little award!

What if I want to learn something totally new this year?

Oh, that's exciting! Yes! Challenging yourself to learn a new craft or technique is a fantastic way to start the year. If you knit, maybe try crochet, or vice-versa! You could also dive into a new technique within your favorite craft, like broomstick lace or tapestry crochet.