Shark in A Jar- FREE PATTERN

Hey Everyone! My summer has been so busy, I've hardly had any time to crochet or design. I'm really super excited about my new...

Showing posts with label pillow friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pillow friends. Show all posts

May 01, 2018

Pearle the Pig- Rag Doll Free Crochet Pattern



Ever since I was a little girl, I have had a small obsession with pigs.  As a child I loved them, collected them, and even raised a few when I was about 10.   So it seems obvious that I would one day come up with a pattern for a cute pig.  I made one in pink and in white, I think both are adorable!

 Right now I am totally in love with the "rag-doll" trend in Amigurmi, which is apparent by my last few patterns.   This pig is worked the same way as all the other pillow friend patterns that I have posted.   It is worked in flat pieces and then assembled together.    Be on the watch out for more like this pig.  I had so much fun making it, I see some modifications in the future for other animals!   Follow me on social media and ravelry for new patterns and updates. 

Something new in this pattern is Fabric Appliques!   If you aren't really familiar with them, look in the TIPS section for some helpful hints. 

*Disclaimer.  I sometimes use affiliate links.   If you make a purchase, I receive a very small commission at no extra cost to you. 

If you would like to purchase the Ad-free printable version on etsy here  Pearle the Pig PDF

PEARLE THE PIG

This pattern is made in flat pieces or panels, and then assembled by single crocheting around the edges and stuffed.


MATERIALS
Worsted weight yarn- 2 colors
15 mm safety eyes
Scraps of flannel material (optional)
Aleene's All Purpose Turbo Tacky Glue
Embroidery floss-  black and pink
Poly-fil
4 MM hook
Needles for sewing and embroidery

TERMS:
Color A- Accent color for hooves and snout. 
Color B- Body color or main color
Ch-  Chain
SC- Single Crochet
HDC- Half Double Crochet
DC- Double Crochet
INC- Increase
DEC- Decrease
SS- Slip Stitch 
FO-  Finish Off



GAUGE: Gauge is not important in this pattern.  Use the hook that appropriately matches your yarn or vise versa. 

TIPS:
1- Chain Stitches.  When instructed to SC in chain stitches, use the back bars of the chain, not the v.   This will a) help you identify your stitches accurately and b) gives your piece a more finished look.  
2- Outer Corners.  When assembling the piece, you will SC around.   When you get to the outside corners on the body, SC ch1 SC in the same stitch to turn.  This will keep your corners from rolling up.  If you crochet tightly try adding an extra SC. 
3- Assembly.  Place eyes,  sew nose, embroidery and sew fabric appliques on top panel before stuffing and assembling body.  Using the tails of the ears, arms and leg you can tac them into place on the top panel, making it easier when SC around the piece.   When you get to those extremities, SS through panel 1, limb, and panel 2.  Then continue with SC around once you have SS across that limb until you get to the next piece
4-  Appliques:  I used flannel for my appliques, you can use a non-fraying fabric such as felt or fleece.    For the inside of the ears, I cut two triangles that would fit inside the ears, and then rounded the points.  The belly patch I used my best kindergarten heart cutting skills by folding my fabric in half and cutting a half heart so my shape was even on both sides.   
If you are using flannel or another fraying fabric there are a couple things you can do.  Either fold the cut edges back or uses some Fray-check around the edges.   I chose to go with the Fray-Check. 


*Chain 1 and Turn at the end of each row*

LEGS (4 panels needed)
Color A
1- Ch 7, SC in 2nd chain from hook and across (6)
2-4 - SC across (6) 
Change to Color B
5-28.  SC across (6)
Finish off.  
Repeat rows 1-28 for 2nd panel but DO NOT finish off.   Use your working yarn to SC the two pieces together.  Lightly stuff before finishing.   Complete all steps again for 2nd leg.

RIGHT ARM (2 panels) 
Color A
1- Ch 5, SC in 2nd Chain from hook and across (4)
2-4.  SC across (4)
Change to Color B
5-16.  SC across (4)
17.  SS, SC, HDC, DC.  Ch 1 turn.
18.  HDC, SC, SS, SS   
Finish off.
Repeat rows 1-18 for 2nd panel but DO NOT finish off.  Use your working yarn to SC the two pieces together.  Stuff lightly.

LEFT ARM (2 panels) 
Repeat steps 1-16 of RIGHT ARM
17.  DC, HDC, SC, SS  Ch 1 turn.
18.  SS, SS, SC, HDC
Finish off.
Repeat rows 1-18 for 2nd panel but DO NOT finish off.  Use your working yarn to SC the two pieces together.  



  NOSE (Color A)
1- Ch 5.  SC 2nd ch from hook and across (4)
2.  INC, SC 2, INC.  (6)
3-9.  SC across (6)
10.  DEC, SC 2, DEC (4)
SC around entire nose.  Finish off, leaving long tail for sewing on later.   Use a small amount of grey yarn to make X’s for the nostrils.   

EARS (make 2)
Work in round (do not join rows)
Color B
1.  In MC, SC 6  (6)
2.  SC 6
3.  INC, SC 2* Repeat (8)
4.  SC 8
5.  *INC, SC 3*  Repeat (10)
6.  *INC, SC 1*  Repeat around (15)
7.  *INC, SC 2*  Repeat around (20)
8-9.  SC 20
10.  DEC around (10)
11.  Flatten ear and SC through both sides, joining them (5)  FO


TAIL 
Color B
Ch 15, Work 3DC in 2nd chain from hook.   Work 2DC in Each remaining chain.   F.O.  

BODY (2 panels)
*Chain 1 and Turn at the end of each row*
COLOR B
1- Ch 9.  SC in 2nd Chain from hook and across (8)
2.  INC, SC 6, INC  (10)
3.  INC, SC 8, INC (12)
4.  INC, SC 10, INC (14)
5.  INC, SC 13 (15)
6.  INC, SC 14 (16)
7.  INC, SC 15 (17)
8.  INC, SC 16 (18)
9-10.  SC 18
11.  INC, SC 17 (19)
12-13.  SC 19 
14.  INC, SC 18 (20)
15-40.  SC across.   (20)  FO

Cut yarn and finish off panel 1.  Repeat Rows 1-40 for 2nd body panel.  DO NOT cut yarn and finish off, just set panel 2 aside til the end.   

DETAILS: 
I personally think it is easier to get all my details in place before sewing the body together.  Do steps 1-4 on the top panel only.   
1.  Fabric details.  Cut out 2 small rounded triangles that will fit inside the ears, and a small heart for the belly. 
  • Use Fray-check around the edges of all the pieces (follow the instructions on drying time.  My pieces were dry in about 20 minutes).  
  • Once dry, outline the back of the fabric with the Tacky-glue and press into place (you can skip this if you are confident in your embroidery skills). 
  • Using a coordinating embroidery floss, either sew a running stitch or blanket stitch around the entire piece of fabric.    
  • Make sure the back of your embroidery stitches are hidden on the ears.   The patch on the belly will not matter as the back of the stitches will be on the inside of the body.



2.  Place safety eyes between rows 5 and 6 approximately four stitches apart.  Stitch eyelashes.  
3.  Sew on nose just below eyes and stuff lightly with poly-fil.   
4.  Tac in place arms (approximately row 30), legs and ears by using the yarn tails from each piece.  (You can pin pieces instead of tacking them in place)  
5. Sew tail on back panel, approximately 8 rows up from the bottom (Row 32)




FINISHING: 
Now that all pieces are in place it is time to finish off your project.   Place panel 1 on top of panel 2.  Using the working yarn (that is still attached to panel 2), SC around the body using the tips above. When you reach the limbs and ears, SS through panel 1, limb, panel 2.   Stuff body when you have 2-3 inches left.  Finish off when you reach your first SC.  Sew in yarn tail.   

   




April 23, 2018

Mighty the Alligator - FREE Crochet pattern

Whenever I get inspiration for a project or imagine what it would look like in crochet, I need to jot it down in my handy dandy notebook! (I feel a little like Steve from Blue's Clues, I just need a thinking chair).   Anyway,  my best ideas have been inspired by my kids or by their request.  They usuallyl come up with things they want me to make them. Once I finish their toy, I let them name the pattern.    It's been a fun way to include them in my hobby and I know they will love and cherish the things I make for them because they helped in ways.   

Which brings me to my latest pattern, Mighty the Alligator inspired by my 3 year old!     If you know someone who is into reptiles, they will love this one.   He is another pillow friend that will lay nicely on a bed but still fun to play with.    I love these flat character, not only because they look really cool, but they are easier to store and snuggle.   


Disclaimer : This post contains affiliate links.   If you make a purchase through the links I share, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission.  Thanks for your support and understanding.   

If you would like the AD FREE PDF version of this pattern, it is available for purchase through Ravelry HERE.    And even if you don't purchase, I would LOVE it if you added it to your favorites!   



MATERIALS:
1 Skein of Green Yarn
Scrap of White yarn
12 mm safety eyes
Poly-fil
4 MM hook

TERMS:
Ch-  Chain
SC- Single Crochet
P-  picot (Ch 3, ss in 1st ch)
DEC- Decrease
SS- Slip Stitch
FO-  Finish Off

MIGHTY THE ALLIGATOR

*Chain 1 and Turn at the end of each row*

LEGS (4 panels needed)
1- Ch 5, SC in 2nd chain from hook and across (4)
2-10 - SC across (4)
Finish off.

Repeat rows 1-10 for 2nd panel but DO NOT finish off. Use your working yarn to SC the two pieces together. To create the toes on the bottom of the leg: SC in first stitch, PICOT (Ch 3 SS in 1st chain), SC in 2nd stitch, PICOT, SC in 3rd stitch, PICOT, SC in 4th stitch. Continue SC around leg. Lightly stuff before finishing.

Complete all steps again for 2nd leg.


ARM (2 panels, 4 if you want an arm on the back side.   I chose only one on front and flat on back)
1- Ch 5, SC in 2nd Chain from hook and across (4)
2-12 - SC across (4)
Finish off.

Repeat rows 1-12 for 2nd panel but DO NOT finish off. Use your working yarn to SC the two pieces together. Use the same steps as the legs to complete the toes for the arm.


TEETH (using white yarn)
1- Ch 13. SC 2nd ch from hook. **SC next chain, PICOT, SC in next ch.** Repeat pattern til the end of chains. You will have 6 PICOTS (teeth)
Finish off, leaving long tail for sewing on later.


TAIL (2 panels)
1-Ch 21. SC 2nd Ch from hook. Ch 1, turn. (20)
2-SC 18, DEC in last two stitches.
3-DEC in first two stitches, SC 17.
4-SC 16, DEC.
5-DEC, SC 15.
6-SC 14, DEC.
7-DEC, SC 13.
8-SC 12, DEC.
9-DEC, SC 11.
10-SC 10, DEC
11-DEC, SC 9
12-SC 8, DEC
13-DEC, SC 7
14-SC 6, DEC
15-DEC, SC 5
16-SC 4, DEC
17-DEC, SC 3
18-SC 2, DEC
19-DEC, SC 1
20-DEC
Finish off.

Repeat rows 1-20 for 2nd panel, DO NOT finish off. Use working yarn to SC around two panels. On the slope of the tail ONLY, **SC, SC, SC, PICOT**, repeat ** until bottom and then continue SC around. Stuff and Finish off. Leave a few inches of yarn to tac on to body later during assembly.

BODY (2 panels)
*Chain 1 and Turn at the end of each row*
1- Ch 17. SC in 2nd Chain from hook and across (16)
2-7 -SC across (16)
8-SC across, ch 17. (16sc 17chs)
9-SC in 2nd Ch from hook and in the next 15 chains, SC across the 16 sc (32 total sc)
10-25- SC across (32)
26- SC 16 stitches, ch 1 turn.
27- 66- SC across (16)

Finish off panel 1. Place safety eyes between rows 9-10 and 7-8 and 5 st apart. Sew teeth on between rows 17- 20. Sew arm (top only) at row 30. Tac tail and feet in place using the yarn tails from pieces. (You can pin pieces instead of tacking them in place)


Repeat Rows 1-66 for 2nd body panel. DO NOT finish off. Place panel 1 on top of panel 2. Using the working yarn, SC around the body.  When you reach the top of the head, stuff the mouth. To create the spikes along the top of his back, use the same PICOT pattern as the tail (sc, sc, sc, PICOT). When you reach the tail, SS through panel 1, tail, panel 2. Finish off when you reach your first SC. Sew in tails.   You're done! 


If you make a Mighty Alligator, please share a photo of him with me, via social media or on Ravelry.   I love seeing others work so tag Bsquare Crochet or use #bsquarecrochet.   You are welcome to sell your work from my patterns but I ask that I am credited with the design.  Please do not copy or post this pattern in part or in whole. 

I'm so thankful for the wonderful crochet community for the encouragement and support I get each time I create something new!   I've been working hard trying to make this blog work out, so thank you so much for being patient with me while I figure it out and make changes as I go. 

B2




March 14, 2018

Seal Pillow Friend


I posted this photo on my social media accounts and a few groups, and oh boy did I get some awesome responses!  I had lots of requests for the pattern I used for this little seal friend.   And since I didn't use a pattern, I quickly typed up my notes so I can share it with you today!  

If you adore the mermaid as much as I did, you'll want to make it too.  I followed 3amGraceDesign's Kawaii Mermaid Cuddler FREE pattern.  You should check it out, and all her other patterns, I'm pretty sure I want to make her Unicorn too!   A quick note on the mermaid.   I actually used a 4.5 mm hook for the mermaid and RHSS yarn (its what I had handy)  so I imagine mine is a bit smaller than if you follow her recommended hook size. 

Disclosure:  Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small comission if you choose to purchase by clicking through that link.
 

Simon Seal

Before you begin:
SC-  Single Crochet
INC. – Increase (2 single crochets in same stitch)
DEC – Decrease (1 single crochet over 2 stitches)
MC-  Magic circle
Although it isn't written, chain 1 and turn at the end of each row.
Gage is not important in this pattern.

Materials. 
4.5 mm hook 
Regular worsted weight yarn. (I used Red Heart Super Saver that I had laying around)
Poly-fil

Yarn needle for sewing

Make 2 Body panels
    1.  Chain 15, SC in second chain from hook and across (14)
    2.  Inc.,  SC 12, Inc.  (16)
    3.  Inc.,  SC 14, Inc.  (18)
    4.  Inc.,  SC 16, Inc.  (20)
    5.  Inc.,  SC 18 Inc.  (22)
    6.  SC across (22)
    7.  Inc.,  SC 20, Inc.  (24)
    8-11. SC across (24)
    12.  Inc.,  SC 22, Inc.  (26)
    13-18 SC across (26)
    19.  DEC, SC 22, DEC (24)
    20- 23.  SC across (24)
    24. DEC, SC 20, DEC (22)
    25. SC across (22)
    26. DEC, SC 18, DEC (20)
    27. SC across (20)
    28. DEC, SC 16, DEC (18)
    29. SC across (18)
    30. DEC, SC 14, DEC (16)
    31.  SC across (16)
    32.  DEC, SC 12, DEC (14)
    33.  SC across (14)
    34.  DEC, SC 10, DEC (12)
    35.  SC across (12)
    36.  DEC, SC 8, DEC (10)
    37.  SC across (10)
    38.  DEC, SC 6, DEC (8)
    39.  SC across (8)
    40.  INC, SC 6, INC (10)
    41.  INC, SC 8, INC  (12)
    42.  SC across (12)
    43.  INC, SC 10, INC (14)
    44.  INC, SC 12,  INC (16)
    Beginning Tail Fin :  

    45.  SC 8, turn chain one (8)
    46.  SC across (8)
    47.  DEC, SC 4, DEC (6)
    48.  DEC, SC 2, DEC (4)
    49.  DEC, DEC  (2)
    50.  SC 2
    Tie off.    Attach yarn on other side of tail and work  rows 45- 50 in the remaining 8 stitches



      Flippers:    MAKE 4 (two for each side )

      1.  Ch 7, work SC in second chain from hook and across (6)
      2.  SC across (6)
      3.  INC, SC 3, DEC  (6)
      4.  SC across (6)
      5.  INC,  SC 3, DEC  (6)
      6.  SC across (6)
      7.  DEC, SC 2, DEC (4)
      8.  DEC , DEC  (2)
      Tie off. 

      Place two flippers pieces together and SC around, lightly stuffing before you finish off.     Do the same for the second flipper, only making sure they point in the opposite direction (I wanted mine to look pointing downwards) .    Do not worry about cutting off tail, you can stuff if inside the body later.   


        NOSE (in black yarn)
        1. Chain 4, SC in second chain from hook and across (3)
        2.  INC, SC, INC  (5)
        3.  DEC, SC, DEC.     
        Leave a long tail for sewing onto body and embroidering mouth and whiskers.   




          Assembly:  
          Place Safety eyes between rows 8-9 with 5-6 stitches between them.   Sew nose onto one body panel, just below eyes at about row 12. Using tail of black yarn, embroider a mouth and whiskers.    Pin or tack flippers into place on each side at about row 22. To attach back panel, line up with front. Attach your working yarn a row or two above the flipper on the left side, and begin to SC the two body panels together.    When you get to each flippers, you need to Slip Stitch through top panel, bottom of the flipper (where you pinned or tacked), and bottom panel. Resume SC around the two body panels. Repeat the same steps for the right flipper. When you have about an 1” left to go, stuff with poly-fil, then finish SC to where you began.   Tie off and sew in ends.

          There you have it! You could try him in different colors and hook sizes to change it up! I'd love to see your versions too . Tag me in your photos on social media!



          Disclosure:  I am no way associated with any brands I mention.  I just like to share with others what I like best.   I will however make a small comission if you purchase from any of the affilitate links I shared above. 

          March 13, 2018

          Llama Pillow Friend

          Life sometimes gets in the way of getting things done when we want them to be done. I originally had intended to post this pattern before Valentine's day. Although I guess it is better late than never, right? At least when it comes to pattern sharing.  


          I love this little pillow friend, and so does my daughter. I gave it to her for Valentine's day and she was over the moon! I named it after my late grandmother, who had a double L's at the beginning of her name too, so I thought it would be a fitting name for my Llama. So without any further delay, I introduce to you the Lloyal Llama!

          Disclosure:  Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you choose to purchase by clicking through that link. 

          Lloyal Llama
          Before you begin:
          SC-   Single Crochet
          INC. – Increase (2 single crochets in same stitch)
          DEC – Decrease (1 single crochet over 2 stitches)
          MC-  Magic circle
          Although it isn't written, chain 1 and turn at the end of each row.
          Gage is not important in this pattern.

          Materials. 
          4 mm hook 
          Regular worsted weight yarn. (I used Red Heart Super Saver that I had laying around)
          Poly-fil
          Yarn needle for sewing









          Body panels,  Make 2
          1. Chain 25, SC in 2nd chain from hook.  SC across (24)
          2. Inc.  in first stitch, sc in the next 22, inc. in last.  (26)
          3. Inc. in first stitch, SC in the next 25, INC in last  (28)
          4. SC across (28)
          5 - 16 SC across  (28)
          17.  SC 26, DEC in last two (27)
          START NECK
          18. Dec, SC 24 (26)
          19. DEC, SC 10 (11)
          20. DEC, SC 9 (10)
          21.  DEC, SC 8 (9)
          22- 32. SC 9, turn ch 1 (9)
                33. INC, SC 8  (10)
                34. INC, SC 9 (11)
                35. INC, SC 10 (12)
                36- 42.  SC 12  (12)
                    43.  DEC, SC 8, DEC (10)
                    44.  DEC, SC 6, DEC (8)
                    45.  DEC, SC 4, DEC (6)

                    LEGS
                    Working on body panel  head facing down. Attach yarn to bottom left, working right
                    1. SC 11 across.
                    2.  DEC SC 7 DEC (9)
                    3.  SC 9
                    4.  SC 9
                    5.  DEC SC 5 DEC
                    6.  SC 7
                    7.  SC 7
                    8.  DEC 3 DEC
                    9.  SC 5

                    REPEAT rows 1-9 for 2nd leg working on opposite side.      Tie off and complete same steps for 2nd body panel.
                     



                        EARS make 2
                        1.  SC 6 in MC
                        2-6. SC in each stitch (6)
                        Tie off.   


                        Mouth
                        Using a lighter contrasting color.   Do not join and work in continuous rounds.  Use a stitch marker if helpful.
                        1. SC 6 in MC 
                        2. Work 2SC in first stitch, 3SC in next, 2SC, 2SC, 3SC, 2SC (14)
                        3.  Work 1SC in first stitch, SC in next, 2SC in next, SC, 2SC, SC in next 4 stitches, 2SC, SC, 2SC, SC.

                        Tie off and embroider mouth/nose with black embroidery floss.  




                          Assembly.   
                          Embroider two eyes on top panel. Sew mouth just below eye. I then took a long piece of the lighter yarn and made random V shapes around the body. Tack or pin ears on top panel. Line up the two body panels, then beginning at the bottom of the back of the neck, begin SC around the body. When you get to the ears, slip stitch through panel 1, ear, and panel 2. Continue SC around. Repeat steps for ear 2, then continue SC around body. Stop when you have finished crochet around entire neck and stuff, then continue around body. Place 2SC in corners or around feet if needed (if your work is curling too much or you crochet tight). When you have about an inch left to crochet, finish stuffing body. SC the rest of the way and slip stitch to close.

                          I don't have a pattern for a blanket right now. But I've seen some adorable recreations of the Lloyal Llama where they make a rectangle and add tassels on the bottom. It is adorable. Another idea is to make a circle and fold it in have and sew it so each side has a half circle blanket. Remember to tag #bsquarecrochet on social media posts or TAG me so I can see your lovely creations!

                          Please let me know if you find mistakes or anything that might not make sense. I ask that you do not copy this pattern and claim it as your own. You can, however, sharing this link with all your crocheting friends and social media would be appreciated!