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Crochet Shamrock – Free Pattern

Jul26

I know there are a ton of crochet shamrock patterns out there in the great big web world but for some reason I just wasn’t finding that “perfect” clover I was picturing in my mind!! SONY DSC  So after spending an entire evening crocheting, ripping out, crocheting again, ripping out (you get the point), I finally came up with this particular design.  I really like the final results and I know it will be a super design for my particular needs.  Hopefully, you will enjoy making the pattern and find many, many uses for this cute little “Luck of the Irish”!!

 

My design used scraps of green cotton yarn (Lily Sugar ‘n Cream – dark pine) and a size G crochet hook.

Stitches used:  CH (chain), SC (single crochet), TR (triple crochet), HDC (half double crochet), SL (slip stitch).  Directions in US crochet terms.

I began using the “magic” loop technique crocheting 6 SC and joining with a SL in first SC.  Slip stitch (SL) in next stitch then crochet 3 CH, 1 TR, 1 HDC, 1 TR, 3 CH, 1 SL (all in that same stitch), SL in next stitch, SL in next stitch then crochet  3 CH, 1 TR, 1 HDC, 1 TR, 3 CH 1 SL,  SL in next stitch, SL in next stitch then crochet 3 CH, 1 TR, 1 HDC, 1 TR, 3 CH, 1 SL, SL in next stitch, CH 5, skip first chain and SL in remaining 4 chains to create stem.  Slip stitch back through the stitch you used to crochet 5 chains and fasten off.  You can just finger shape the leaves on your clover or you can steam them.

HAPPY CREATING!!

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Using the “magic” loop technique in a pattern

Jul15

My newborn crochet pattern could also be created using the “magic” loop technique.  Just make your loop and crochet your 12 DC (double crochet) in the center of the loop, join with a SL (slip stitch) in the first DC and continue to follow pattern with round 2. SONY DSC

HAPPY CREATING!!

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How to crochet The “Magic” Loop

Jul8

I really like the “magic” loop crochet technique.  There are many patterns that begin the project with this technique but you can also convert a pattern that begins with a joined circle to a magic loop if you so desire.

Here’s my version of a magic loop with close up pictures which I hope will help those of you learning to do this technique.  This is how I weave my yarn through my fingers to get ready to make the loop.  SONY DSC

Now you want to form the circle or “loop” that you will be crocheting inside of.  You need to form a counterclockwise loop with the tail or end of yarn heading down and on the bottom side of the loop and the yarn pulling from the skein off to the side and on top of  the loop.  Hold this loop join between your middle finger and your thumb to keep in place ready to make your first stitch.

counterclockwise loop

counterclockwise loop

SONY DSCInsert your crochet hook through the loop and pick up the yarn pulling from the skein and pull it through the opening of the loop.   Yarn over and pull through completing first stitch which is actually your slip knot.  Be sure to keep holding the loop (the tail yarn and loop) between your middle finger and thumb so it doesn’t come apart.   Now crochet your pattern designated circle stitches.  I am showing double crochet (dc) stitches inside loop.  Once you have a completed dc, your loop is pretty secure and it isn’t necessary to keep holding it securely between your middle finger and thumb.  One thing you want to make sure of is to keep your tail yarn (which will be the yarn you will pull to tighten your loop) along the outside edge of the loop.  It will want to twist around the loop as you make your stitches and it won’t be easy to close the loop if twisted.

picking up first loop

completed first dc, untwisted yarn tail to keep along outer edge of loop

completed first dc, untwisted yarn tail to keep along outer edge of loop

pulling loop through magic loop making slip knot

pulling loop through magic loop making slip knot

completed 3 dc

completed 3 dc

Finish the required stitches according to your pattern, my sample I am showing 6 dc stitches inside loop, now you will join with a slip stitch (sl) into your beginning stitch.  Not the first loop which was actually a slip knot but your first actual stitch.  Once you complete the slip stitch (sl) join, pull securely on the tail yarn to close the loop as tightly as you want it.

joining into 1st dc with sl stitch

joining into 1st dc with sl stitch

completed "magic" loop

completed “magic” loop

Now you are ready to begin your next round according to the directions of your pattern.  I personally really like to do the “magic” loop and I hope you find these directions helpful too.

HAPPY CREATING!!

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Newborn/Preemie Crochet Pattern

Jun17

Just discovered a fellow crocheter from Ravelry  (a wonderful crochet/knit site) who has been busy making my newborn/preemie crochet beanie pattern and donating them to her local hospital.  Way to go Loz!!

Check out her website http://xloz68x.wordpress.com/ to see her cute beanies!!

Let me know if anyone else has been making these too!!  They really are easy and loads of fun to make and for a wonderful cause.

HAPPY CREATING!!

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