Springtime Market Tote

Sometimes you’re inspired by the finished project, sometimes you’re inspired by the yarn. In this case, I saw the Big Twist Cotton Blend yarn at my local Joann’s and fell in love. The skeins were so small though, I almost missed them! I used the colors Multi Wildflowers and Sand. I bought 4 skeins of Wildflowers (Which was all they had) and 3 of Sand. The solid colors had more yardage. Best believe I would have bought more of the variegated if they had it! 😅

This tote took a longer time to make than I thought it would! Maybe because the yarn is so thin (or maybe I’m just slow) But it was still so fun to make! Working it up also made it a lot larger than I expected. But that was kind of nice! I’m so excited to take this with me to local markets or even the beach.

I was also intrigued by how the yarn colors pooled on the Multi Wildflowers yarn. I didn’t notice it while working up close with it but looking at the bag from far away created this really interesting pooling pattern. This encourages me to use this yarn for many more projects! That is, once my local store gets some more in stock!! 😆

Pattern:

Materials:
3 skeins Big Twist Cotton 107yd ea in multi wildflowers
2 skeins Big Twist Cotton 144yd ea in sand
Size 5mm Hook
Tapestry Needle
Yarn Scissors

Legend:
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
st – stitch
sp – space
sl st – slip stitch
sk st – skip stitch

Notes:
This bag is worked in the round from the bottom up. Variations include stopping at Round 24 and using your own handle either store-bought or made to complete the bag. You can adjust the width of the tote by starting with more or fewer chains or by working more increase rows before Row 4. You can adjust the length by working more v-stitch rows.

Finished Measurements:
Length: 15 inches
Width: 16 inches

Instructions:
Ch 44
Round 1: in 1st ch, 3 dc, dc in each st across, 4 dc in last st, dc in each st on the opposite loop of the chain until you meet the 3ch’s from ch row, sl st to join
Round 2: Ch 3, 2dc in next 4 st (all st from 1st st in round 1) dc in each st to join until you reach the other end. 2 dc in next 4 st, dc in each st til start. sl st to join
Round 3: Ch 3, 2dc in next 8 st, dc in each st to join until you reach the other end. 2 dc in next 8 st, dc in each st til start. sl st to join
Round 4 – 7: ch 3, dc in each st around, sl st to join
Round 8: Change colors, ch 5, [dc in same st, sk st, dc in next st, ch 2] rep til end, sk last st, sl st join on 3rd ch of 1st st.
Round 9: ch 3, [sk ch2 spc, 1 dc in sp between “V”‘s, ch 2, dc in same sp] rep til end, dc in same sp as beginning ch, ch 2, sl st to join
Round 10: ch 5, dc in same sp, [sk ch2 spc, 1 dc in sp between “V”‘s, ch 2, dc in same sp] rep til end, sl st join on 3rd ch of 1st st.
Repeat Round 9 then 10 until Round 19
Round 20: change color, ch 2, [sc3, sk st] rep til end, sl st to join
Round: 21-24: ch2, sc around
Place st markers at st 20, st 54, & st 74
Round 25: ch 2, sc 20, ch 60, sc in st 54 (2nd st marker) to join, sc 20, ch 60, sc in st before first st, sl st to join,
Round 26 to 29: ch 2, sc around
Tie off and weave in ends.

One-Way Stretch Crochet Strap

I love making crochet bags, handbags, tote bags, you name it. I feel like it’s getting to the point where I have more bags than I do stuff! I’ve been searching for years for tutorials and ideas on how to make crochet straps that don’t feel like the whole project is going to break if I put a single item inside the bag. The stitch isn’t perfect, but it’s the closest to what I’ve been looking for.

To take a look at my inspiration process, I discovered this by accident while making a bag and realized that while I was slip-stitching to get back to the correct part of the design, the part of the bag with the slip stitches didn’t stretch. Although somewhat annoying for the project I was working on, I realized it would be perfect when I wanted to make the handle!

I was also inspired by the crochet knit stitch or waistcoat stitch. With the waistcoat stitch, you crochet in the middle of the stitch below, however, with this stitch, you can put the single crochet stitches in that spot, or in between the stitches of the previous row. To save my hands from pain, I prefer the latter.

The stitch is worked the long way. You’ll need to chain the number of stitches you want for the length of the strap. For this tutorial, as pictured above, I made a chain 15.

Single crochet in all stitches across for 14 single crochet stitches.

Chain 1 and slip stitch in all single crochet stitches across.

Now, to the fun part! Chain 1 and single crochet across. You will place the single crochet stitches between the stitches of the previous single crochet row. You’ll need to pull up a bit of a longer loop as you will be enveloping the slip stitch row in the stitch.

Here’s a picture of the completed single crochet row with another slip stitch row on top.

And here’s how it looks from the other side. If you pull the work lengthwise you’ll notice the stretch is significantly less! However, this is called a one-way stretch stitch, and you’ll find that the work stretches about normally in the other direction. But hey, you probably won’t be stretching your handle straps in that direction, so it’s all good!

Here’s an example of the stitch in a variegated yarn. I feel like it shows off the stitch a little bit better than a single-color yarn. I hope you enjoy the stitch and use it for many straps, handles, or whatever else you see fit!

Twisty Headbands; Two Ways

These twisty headbands are so cute and easy to make and customize! The possibility of creativity with these headbands or ear warmers is endless. The beauty is that you can make these to fit the size of your head, or your children’s head no matter your skill level. You can use any stitch you’d prefer, just keep in mind that some stitches require specific multiples of stitches. Below I use a couple of my favorite stitches to make these headbands, I hope you like them too!

This is the herringbone stitch twist headband. I think the herringbone stitch is super pretty and upser versitile. I love it becuase you don’t need to keep any mind any multiple of stitches to create the pattern and it is also reversible. I love using this stitch for scarves or blankets, really any item that you can see both front and back at the same time. Although the twist of the headband doesn’t make the headband reversible, I still think it looks super awsome with this stitch.

For this headband I used the ribbed stitch, created by crocheting in the back loop of each stitch. I started knitting before I learned to crochet, and was frustrated to learn that knit stitches don’t always translate to crochet. That was, until, I kept learning about crochet. I was super excited to try a back loop only stitch and find out that it looks pretty similar to ribbed crochet!

Patterns:

Materials:
1 skein of worsted weight yarn
Size 5.5mm crochet hook
Yarn scissors
Tapestry needle

Legend:
Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
Blo – Back Loop Only

Instructions for Ribbed Headband:
Chain any number of stitches that comfortably fit around your head
Row 1: in 3rd ch from hook, dc blo until end of row, ch 2, turn
Row 2: dc blo until end of row, ch 2, turn
Complete Rows until the desired width of the headband is obtained.

Instructions for Herringbone Headband:
Herringbone Stitch:
yo & insert hook into st, pull up a loop, pull 1st loop on hook through 2nd, yo and pull 1st loop through 2nd, yo and pull loop through last two stitches on hook.
Chain any number of stitches that comfortably fit around your head.
Row 1: in 3rd Ch from hook, complete Herringbone stitch through all chains. Ch 2, turn
Row 2: Complete herringbone stitch through all chains, ch 2, turn
Complete Rows until the desired width of the headband is obtained.

Finish both headbands in fashion directed below to complete headband twist.

To finish the headband to make the twist:
1. Fold right sides together, in half lengthwise.
2. Fold in half again so the two long sides meet. The two U shaped corners will interlock with each other to form the twist when you flip it right side out.
3. Sew through all 4 layers and secure ends.

Moss and Bricks Infinity Scarf

I was inspired for this scarf by this really cool infinity scarf that I purchased back in the day when infinity scarves were the hip new thing! (Am I aging myself?) My favorite part was the juxtaposition between the openness of one half of the scarf with the sturdiness of the other half. I thought when twisted around my neck a few times it showed off the two different patterns in a really interesting way.

I wanted to be able to recreate this idea not only for a new accessory to wear but also to make it in crochet, unlike the purchased scarf that was apparently knitted. It was probably also mass-produced machine knitted, which is fair, but I appreciate the uniqueness of a handmade item.

The scarf I chose to make is an infinity or circle scarf, with specific stitches, however, the idea is really versatile. You could choose to not combine the two ends and make it a long wrap-around scarf. I would even consider adding tassels or fringe at both ends. Even different stitches would make this scarf look really cute. Honestly, I feel like I should stop giving away my ideas, this is starting to sound like another pattern!

In different colors or different yarn types, this scarf could be used in different seasons. I choose Brava’s Worsted weight yarn in Seraphim. I feel like this beautiful muted lavender is perfect to match so many items in my spring wardrobe. I’m curious to see what it would look like in different yarn types, and colors. Feel free to comment down below with your take on this gorgeous infinity scarf.

Pattern:

Materials:
2 skeins worsted weight yarn
size I 5.5mm crochet hook
yarn scissors
tapestry needle

Legend:
ch – Chain
sc – Single Crochet
dc – Double Crochet
st – Stitch
sk st – Skip Stitches
spc – Space

Notes:
The “bricks” portion of this scarf used almost an entire skein of yarn, and then the “moss” portion length was matched to equal the “bricks” half. How many rows you create may be different depending on the type of yarn and gauge of the stitch.

Instructions:
Ch 33
Row 1: in 4th ch from hook, dc, dc across to end, ch 3, turn
row 2: sk 3 st, [sc in sp, ch 3, sk 3 st] rep til last st, sc in ch 3 of the previous row, ch 3, turn
row 3: 3 dc in each ch 3 spc, repeat until last space, 2 dc in ch 3 spc, 1 dc in sc of previous row, ch 3, turn
Row 4: rep row 2
Row 5: Rep row 3
Repeat row 2 – 3 for 66 total rows, making only 2 ch before turn on last row
Row 67: 3sc in each 3ch spc, ch 2 turn
Row 68: sk 1st st, [sc in next st, ch 1, sk st] rep til last st, ch 1, sc in last st, ch 2, turn
Row 69: sk 1st st, [sc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st] rep til last st, sc in last st, ch 2, turn
Repeat row 69: for 101 total rows

Stitch the last row to the first, using mattress stitch.

Feel free to use the pattern for personal use or to sell finished items. I just ask that you credit thegrandmaprints.com as the creator.

Flower Motif Granny Square Tote Bag

I’ve been super excited to continue this project! Although I’ve realized some mistakes along the way; it’s all part of the creative process, right?

Honestly, I’ve always wanted to make a bag like this, and I’m super happy with the way it turned out. It was a bit more work than I anticipated, but I think it would be really good for an intermediate project! There are still so many more possibilities that could come from this bag, some thoughts would be a fabric lining, an option to reinforce the handle, and maybe even adding a cute closure to the center! The options are endless, and that’s the best part about crafting your own bags for me!

If you haven’t already seen my first post then refer back to that post for the Flower Motif Granny Square. Once there are 13 squares you’re all set to begin the toe bag pattern!

I realized I wanted a larger bag and some sort of more coherent color pattern, so I bordered each square in the blue yarn.

After that, it was time to piece it all together! Eagle eye viewers may notice that the layout is in fact different than the layout in my previous post. And I realized my mistake only after I had pieced it all together and attempted to fold it to make a bag. Conveniently, I didn’t take a picture of that mishap!

In order to make the bag shape, it must be folded on the center square, as shown below, and the two squares that stick out a bit can be folded over to make the cutest bag shape! You can also see that I hate weaving in ends… who doesn’t right? I literally won’t weave them in until the last second! In case a work in progress turns into an unfinished project that I’ve forgotten about!

Now, all that’s left is to add the handle! I also added another row of double crochet to the top, mostly just because I thought it looked nice. Adding the rest of the handle turned out to be a breeze.

I think this bag would make a super cute fall-themed bag (even if we are approaching spring at this part) but fall is a state of mind, right? I think it would be super cute all year round!

Pattern:

Materials:
1 skein of worsted weight yarn
size I 5.5mm crochet hook
yarn scissors
tapestry needle

Legend:
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
blo – back loop only
sl st – slip stitch
rep – repeat
ch sp – chain space
sc3tog – single crochet 3 stitches together
dc3tog – double crochet 3 stitches together

Notes:
The border for the 13 granny squares and the handle are crocheted in the round.
Refer to the below guides for the assembly of the squares

Pattern:
Start with Flower Motif Granny Square from Part 1. Insert yarn into corner sp
Round 1: 3 dc in ch sp, [(3dc in next ch sp) rep 4x, ch 3, 3dc in same sp] 4x until first sp, ch3 and sl st to complete round, fasten off
Repeat with all squares

Assemble squares in the same fashion as the guide below.

Combing squares:
Join yarn to one corner of the square starting in the middle of the chain stitch. Join to the second square in the same chain, in blo on both sides, pull up a loop, and then sl through the second loop on the hook. Continue until all squares are combined.

Handle:
Round 1: Join yarn to side of bag 1sp from corner, ch 2, (15sc in blo, at outer corner, 3sc in sp, 15sc in blo, 1sc in inner corner sp) rep 4x until inner corn, sc in sp, sl st to join
Round 2: ch 3, 17dc, {3dc in next st, 17dc, dc3tog, 17dc} rep til last 3 stitches, dc3tog
Round 3: ch 2, sc 19sc, ch 55, connect ch to adjacent point, 19sc, sc3tog, 19 sc, ch 55, connect ch to adjacent point, 19, sc, join to fist stitch.
Round 4: ch 2, sc all stitches to opposite corner, sc 3 tog, sc to beginning
Round 5-6, or desired handle width: Repeat Round 4.

Crochet Flower Motif Granny Squares

What better way to kick off my first post than with a scrap-buster project! I’m super excited about this project, as I’ve had this idea in my head for so long. I’m excited to try new techniques and bring a twist to the classic crocheted granny square tote bag!

Beginning this project, I picked out some yarn I had in the bucket, I think maybe I had bought originally for a sweater that never panned out. I used a worsted weight yarn in 4 colors: Currant, Almond, Persimmon, and Misty Blue. A perfect set of colors for an adorable autumn tote bag, too bad it’s nearly the end of winter… I wanted to use a daisy motif, for no other reason other than I think they’re cute!

Four fall-inspired colors in a daisy motif crocheted granny squares

I alternated the colors of the petals and the center of the granny squares to keep them all different. With 13 squares in total, spreading them all out for a picture really made me feel happy!

13 alternating colors on flower motif crochet granny squares

Aligning them in the perfect way to showcase all the colors I knew was going to take some time, for it to look the way I wanted. Honestly, all I knew was that I wanted the blue background square in the center of the bag. I spent a good five minutes doing this (it doesn’t seem that long, but it felt like forever) And here’s the final result:

I think once I finish this, it’s going to turn out super cute! I can’t wait to show the process for the final result.

Pattern for: Flower Motif Granny Square –
Materials:
4 skeins different colors worsted weight yarn
size I 5.5mm crochet hook
yarn scissors
tapestry needle

Legend:
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
tr – triple/treble crochet
sl st – slip stitch
rep – repeat
ch sp – chain space

Notes:
crocheted in the round
round 2 creates the pedals of the flower, the 3 stitches need to meet to create pedal effect. Join last stitch of 3 double crochets with with first stitch to create effect.

Pattern:
Begin with Magic Circle
Round 1: ch 2, 12 dc, sl st to join circle & fasten off
Round 2: in different color: ch 2, 2 dc, sl st in first st *ch 3, 3 dc, sl st in first st after ch* rep til end, ch 3, sl st to join & fasten off
Round 3: in different color: ch 2, 2 dc in ch sp, *3 dc in ch sp, (3 tr, ch 2, 3 tr) in ch sp, 3 dc in ch sp* rep til 2 ch sp left, 3dc in ch sp, (3tr, ch 2, 3 tr) in ch sp, sl st to join & fasten off
Weave in ends