Cowl Island Knit – Free Pattern
Cowl Island Knit (Free Pattern) is a simple, snuggly cowl that’s knit as a long(ish) tube and then has the top and bottom grafted together. For added interest I have knitted stripes and then twisted the tube a quarter of the way round before joining for extra structural texture. You can knit it plain or stripe as you wish. What really makes this cowl special, is the use of mohair blends and large needles which creates a “light as air” cowl that has volume and holds its shape beautifully without flopping around your neck, as well as being very warm. Another bonus is that it only uses 35g of yarn!
Cowl Island Knit is a Free Pattern…scroll down for instructions.
You may have guessed the inspiration for the name of this pattern… yes, I was knitting a sweater in the round and I was stranded on “Sleeve Island” for what felt like an eternity…whilst on Sleeve Island, I wrapped one of the stripy sleeves round my neck and thought, “Hmmm, if this was a bit wider it would make a gorgeous cowl”. So right after I finished the sweater, I cast on for this cowl!
To get the best result, I recommend using a Mohair blend yarn as it’s the long, fluffy halo on the yarn that helps the fabric to keep its structure and not collapse like a flat tyre round your neck! Make sure that the yarn you choose isn’t going to irritate your skin – many people have quite sensitive necks. If you are striping your cowl, you can try using a mohair blend as the main yarn and use another, smoother 4ply as the contrast stripe… this should still give the desired affect.
Cowl Island Knit – Tools & Materials
4ply/fingering Mohair/Silk Blend or 2 strands of 2ply/Laceweight yarn held together – a total of 170 meters (186 yards) in 4ply or 340 meters (372 yards) in 2ply held double.
5.5mm circular needles – I used 50cm & magic loop method. You could also use DPNs or two shorter circular needles.
For the cowl in the photos I used approximately:
- 5g / 28.4 meters (31.0 yards) of Artyarns Double Mohair Ombre, which I purchased from Tribe Yarns Life. (used as a single strand).
- 10g / 44.6 meters (48.8 yards) of Sublime Yarns Kid Mohair Blend (used as a single strand).
- 10g / 84.9 meters (92.8 yards) of Elann Silken Kydd & 10g / 84.9 meters (92.8 yards) of Elann Super Kydd (both yarns held together).
So you can see it’s an excellent way to utilize precious scraps of yarn!
Yarn Suppliers
If you don’t have something suitable in your stash, here are some ideas for yarn that would work with this pattern, from Indie dyers to more commercial brands:
Lottie Knits – Fluff Lace (held double)
Lottie Knits – Dragonfly
Qing Fibers – Kid Mohair Silk (held double)
Rowan Kidsilk Haze (held double)
Debbie Bliss Angel (held double)
Fyberspates Faery Wings
Gauge
Approximately 19 stitches & 24 rows =10x10cm
Size
Finished cowl measures 20cm wide by 58cm long.
Cowl Island Knit – Free Pattern – Instructions
Using a long tail cast on, cast on 68 sts in your main colour (MC).
Row 1 : knit all stitches.
Round 2 : join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches – you may place a stitch marker at the start of the round if you wish; knit all stitches.
Continue to knit in stockinette (knit each round) for 124 rows or until it’s long enough to pull easily over your head when you hold both ends together.
Striping
I have made a stripe with the contrast colour every 6th round, i.e. 5 rows in main colour 2 rounds in contrast. When starting a new round, always wrap the colour you are using for the next round around the colour you are not using – this keeps the vertical “floats” neat.
Joining
When you have knitted the required or desired number of rows, DO NOT CAST OFF; break off the yarn that is not currently in use. Now, leaving a long enough tail to sew the ends of the tube together, cut the yarn on the needles. Thread the yarn onto a wool needle. Now make sure you position the cast on edge correctly, i.e. right side facing out. You may add a twist to the tube by moving the cast on edge to the left or right – I turned it by 1/4.
Now graft the stitches on the needle to the cast on edge as follows:
Start off – Slip the first stitch off the needle with the sewing needle, knitwise. Then thread the sewing needle purlwise through the next stitch on the needle – do not slip it off the knitting needle.
1. Thread the sewing needle horizontally around the 1st stitch of the cast on edge.
2. With the sewing needle, slip off the next stitch knitwise.
3. Thread the sewing needle purlwise through the next stitch on the needle (do not remove it). Pull the yarn gently to ensure your sewn stitches match the knitting.
Repeat steps 1-3 until you have no stitches left. Find the very first stitch you slipped off the needle knitwise and go into it purlwise with the sewing needle.
Fasten off and sew in ends.
Alternative Join
If you can’t face joining the cowl by grafting, you can cast off loosely and then whip stitch the edges together. Or nag me and I will do a video tutorial.
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Feather & Fan Crochet Blanket
This Feather & Fan Crochet Blanket uses the “feather & fan” stitch, click here for video tutorial of the stitch.
This blanket was inspired by the beautiful, hand-dyed yarn of Almas, who has an Etsy store under the name of Witchcraftylady. I used some of her Falkland Corriedale mini skein sets and one full 100g skein of 4ply, a total of 300g to make a blanket that measures 90cm x 90cm (approx 35 x 35 inches).
You could easily make this blanket larger or even turn it into a wrap – I give approximate yardage. If you fancy using a thicker yarn, such as DK, bear in mind that using thicker yarn will make larger “holes” in the lacey sections which may then not be suitable for babies’.
Note : the pattern only gives approximate yardage for 4ply/fingering with a 3.5mm/E hook but please feel free to use whichever hook gives you your preferred fabric, e.g. if you’re making a blanket you don’t want it to be too stiff and tight so you might opt for a slightly larger hook than usual and remember changing hook size and/or yarn will result in a different yardage requirement.
Feather & Fan Crochet Blanket
Tools & Materials
3.5mm/E Hook (my favourite are Clover Amour)
1,200 meters (1,312 yards) 4ply/fingering yarn in 6 colours – 400 meters (437 yards) in main colour, 5 x 80 meters (87 yards) in contrast colours.
This stitch pattern really comes to life after it’s been washed and blocked – the “feather” element opens up beautifully. Natural fibers with good stitch memory work best with this pattern. So wool & cotton blends are a good example. Synthetic yarns such as acrylic may not give the desired result.
I used 100g Hand Dyed Poldale Sock & 10 x 20g Hand Dyed Corriedale 4ply from WitchCraftyLady.
Feather & Fan Crochet Blanket Instructions
You can download a .pdf pattern : click here.
Add to your Ravelry library : click here.
Video tutorial for stitch pattern:
Video tutorial for changing colours at the end of rows and minimizing the amount of sewing in required when complete:
Connect with me!
You can often find me on Instagram. Not exclusively crochet or knitting related posts because I don’t separate my life from my craft and my passion. Please do follow and tag me if you make one of my patterns, tips or stitch patterns. I really love to see what you’re making.
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Christmas Star Crochet Decoration
This Christmas Star Crochet Decoration uses my Pentagon Star Crochet Motif pattern (opens in new tab). The motif pattern has a YouTube video tutorial as well as written instructions. I have used a slightly smaller hook than stated in my pattern to make a firmer fabric. You’ll need to make two motifs per ornament – one for the front and one for the back. The ornament is “reinforced” with a small felt insert and includes an optional, integral hanging loop which you could replace with a ribbon or piece of cord if you prefer.
I have made a free video tutorial and written up instructions for the Christmas Star Crochet Decoration which you will find below.
Please enjoy and remember to share what you make! You can find me on Instagram @mezzamay – I love seeing your work.
Christmas Star Crochet Decoration – Instructions
Tools & Materials
4ply/Fingering Yarn or 3 Count Crochet Thread in 2 colours.
Yardage per ornament:
Approx 10g/42m/46yds
Yarn Examples*
Piece of felt, approx… 10x10cm / 4×4”
Hook 2.75mm / C – I love Clover Amour
Tapestry / wool needle
*These really are just examples – you can get creative – this is a perfect project for using up scrap sock yarns!
Written Pattern
Pattern is in US crochet terminology. Download here (opens in new tab).
Download & print the pentagon template here.
Video Tutorial
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Pentagon Star Crochet Motif
I designed this Pentagon Star Crochet Motif back in November 2019 using the yarn I received from the Posh Yarn Advent Swap. I made a few motifs but never really got into it and the stars and mini skeins of yarn remained in a shoe box for almost a year. Then I came across a challenge on Instagram which encouraged you to work on a crochet blanket for 21 days, under the hashtag #21daycrochetchallenge. I decided to work on this advent star blanket and I’m really pleased I did because it revived my enthusiasm for it and I also worked out how I was going to join them with an additional diamond shaped motif. I will show you how to do that in a future post! In the mean time, I have written up the pattern and made a comprehensive YouTube video tutorial.
Fair Warnings
I don’t think this is a particularly easy pattern – probably best suited to a confident crocheter or at least a crafter that is happy to try things that might push their skills a little. I have therefore marked this as an Intermediate pattern.
Additionally, this pattern has not been tested so please do let me know if you have any problems.
Tools & Materials
4ply/Fingering yarn in 2 colours. Natural fibers work best.
Yardage per motif:
Approx 4g/15m/17yds
Yarn Examples
Posh Jeannie Sock
Viking Of Norway Nordlys
Malabrigo Sock
Hook 3mm / C – I love Clover Amour
Tapestry / wool needle
Pentagon Star Crochet Motif – Written Pattern
Pattern is in US crochet terminology. Download here (opens in new tab).
Pentagon Star Crochet Motif – YouTube Video
Project Ideas
- Luxury Festive Ornaments : These little motifs are perfect for making Christmas decorations (pattern in progress).
- Heirloom Scrap Blanket : instructions for filler shapes and joining coming soon. Sign up to my newsletter to learn all about it!
- Beautiful Cowl : I have visions of rainbow coloured stars with a plain, dark background.
What would you make?
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Protected: Tapestry Crochet – Online Course – 18th November – 2nd December 2020
Textured Potholder – Free Crochet Pattern
Textured Potholder – Free Crochet Pattern. There’s something a bit retro about a pot holder. Most modern homes, in the UK at least, favour oven gloves.
The first time I ever came across a potholder, other than the ones I’d only half noticed on Ravelry, was in a cottage I’d rented in Belgium with some friends. I was rooting through the drawers looking for a tea towel and in the process found a smallish square of beautifully crocheted cotton. It was a relatively fine cotton, made with a small hook making a dense yet still flexible fabric. At the time I was an avid knitter and not so much into crochet but it was still obvious that this item had been made with great care and skill and although it was clearly quite old, it was still going strong. Throughout the holiday, it was an unexpected pleasure to use the pot holder for various tasks round the kitchen. From taking off the hot lids of pans, protecting my hands from overheated metal frying pan handles, to removing hot trays from the oven and avoiding burn marks by using as a trivet on the wooden table, it didn’t take me long to realize that this unassuming kitchen accessory was far more versatile than the oven gloves I was used to.
Then there was the pondering about the potholder’s origin. Who made it? How long ago? Was it someone’s gran? Maybe a young girl learning to crochet? Perhaps it was made by a man? How did it get here?
Since then, I have made many different versions of pot holders, even using them as small starter project in my beginner’s classes. And here is my latest pot holder pattern which I’m offering here for free so that you too can become a potholder convert!
Important Safety Notes
Most of what I’m about to write, probably goes without saying, but just to be on the safe side, I will say it!
1. Make sure you use a natural fiber such as cotton or wool – synthetic & acrylic yarns are not only bad for the environment but can also become a hot sticky and extremely dangerous mess when accidentally set alight – think hot burning jam on your skin!
2. If you are making a single thickness pot holder, make sure you have a dense enough stitch structure so that your fingers won’t accidentally poke through the fabric when you are handling hot items. For this reason, I find finer yarns work better than thicker yarns.
3. Make sure the pot holder is large enough for your hand.
4. Weave in all ends before use! Otherwise you risk the dangling bits of thread catching alight.
Textured Potholder – Free Crochet Pattern
Tools & Materials
Mercerized Cotton Yarn, either 3 count crochet thread or 4ply yarn such as “Crochet & Craft Yarn by Crelando from Lidl” in 3 colours.
Alternative Yarn Options
DMC Petra Perle Cotton 3 Count Thread
Yarn & Colors Mini Must Haves
Hook:
2.75mm / C or 3mm
Yardage per potholder:
30g/75m/82yds (10g/25m/28yd for each colour)
Written instructions (US crochet terminology):
Download the PDF pattern here.
Or add to your Ravelry library.
Video instructions:
(I recommend using in conjunction with the written instructions)
Other Potholder Pattern on Mezzacraft
More free patterns available (links open in new tabs):
1. Pentagon Potholder
2. Middle of Lidl Pot Holder
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Lidl Crochet & Craft Yarn Potholder Pattern
The other night I went into Lidl to get stuff for breakfast and I found these boxes with 3 balls of “Crochet & Craft Yarn” with a pattern for potholders included. There was also a QR code on the box which gave an additional 2 patterns.
That same night I set about making the pot holders featured on the box. The pattern however was not very well written and evidently not even tech edited because there is a mistake in the first round. I also didn’t like the way the pot holders spin, so I decided to make my own version of the pot holder which you can find written instructions for below and also a YouTube video. This is not the same as pattern included in the box with the yarn, if you want the original pattern, you can find it by clicking here.
Crelando “Crochet & Craft Yarn” Review
This yarn is really nice to work with. Although it is mercerized, the sheen is quite subtle and though I might not use it for garments, it’s certainly a good, robust yarn for something like a pot holder. I also think this yarn would be great for small amigurumi projects.
Yarn Alternatives
I realize not everyone will be able to get hold of the Lidl yarn so I am giving you some ideas for other options. Because this is a single layer potholder, you’ll need a yarn that will create a nice dense fabric. Mercerized cotton crochet thread is perfect because it’s a tightly plied, firm yarn with virtually no elasticity.
If you want to try another type of yarn that has a looser ply and more spring, I would recommend adjusting your hook size DOWN to get a tighter stitch… as a result, you may need to add a few rounds to the pattern to get an adequately sized pad.
I would not recommend acrylic yarns as they melt when hot and can be quite dangerous.
Here are some suggested yarns that would be a suitable alternative.
DMC Petra Perle Cotton 3 Count Thread
How much yarn?
I used about 30g/75m/82yds of yarn.
Hook Size
The pattern recommends 2.5mm-3.5mm hook size. Unless you crochet very tightly, I think it’s best to stick to 2.5mm-3mm because you really don’t want a lose fabric – your fingers could poke through and burn on your hot kitchen equipment.
I used a 2.75mm hook & Tulip Etimo crochet hooks are my favourite!
Lidl Crochet & Craft Yarn Potholder Pattern – Instructions
You can download the written instructions here: PDF potholder pattern
Video tutorial (best used in conjunction with the pattern) is here:
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Quick & Easy Crochet Dishcloth Pattern – Two Ways
This is a Quick & Easy Crochet Dishcloth Pattern that I made for the Yarndale 2021 Creative Project. This easy pattern is available in two versions and works up pretty quickly (a tad over half an hour). You can also adjust the size if you like, so you could make it bigger for a face cloth or flannel. One version is corner to corner and the other version is crocheted from the bottom up.
These have been preoccupying me on and off over the last few months. Once I get an idea in my head, even for something as humble as a dish cloth, I can’t let it go. The question to myself was – can I make a quick and easy crochet dishcloth that only uses 25g of cotton Aran/worsted yarn so that I can get 2 cloths out of each ball? Then, what’s the quickest, simplest AND most suitable stitch?… single crochet (uk double) is too slow, double crochet (uk treble) is too “open”… so half double (uk half treble) it is. Can I make it from corner to corner to give more flexibility with size? I.e. keep going until it’s the desired size rather than having a fixed size defined by the chains to start. This took a bit of experimenting because it’s not as simple as increasing the same number of stitches each row due to the height of the stitch. How about a bit of texture to add some visual interest without complicating things with fancy stitches? … ok, let’s work through the back loops. Then finish off with a simple yet quick border that doesn’t require too much stress along the edges of the work trying to decipher “what’s what” – solution : quick & dirty single crochet & chain 1 border. 10 dishcloths later and I’ve cracked the formula. Each one takes about 30 minutes. All of them will be donated to the Yarndale Worldwide Creative Community Project to raise funds for Martin House.
Tools & Materials
Aran or Worsted weight cotton (un-mercerized works best).
Approximately 25g/38m/41yds.
Hook – 4.5mm / G or H.
Supplies
Here are some suggested yarns:
Yarn & Colors Epic
Lily Sugar ‘n Cream Solids
DMC Natura Medium
Quick & Easy Crochet Dishcloth Pattern
Features 2 Versions
1. Bottom Up
2. Corner to Corner
Download pdf here. (opens in new tab)
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Washable Crochet Makeup Remover Pad – Free Pattern – Folly Fairs
I’m a big fan of washable crochet makeup remover pads – especially when made with organic cotton. They are really effective at removing makeup and grime and they can be washed and reused time, after time. As a bonus, because the crochet stitches are quite textured, you also get a gentle exfoliation at the same time as cleaning your skin!
There are so many of these patterns out there, it barely seems worth making another…however, I was asked to produce an IGTV tutorial by Folly Fairs as an addition to the virtual craft fair that’s running on Instagram on Sunday 4th October, starting at 11am. I thought a crochet scrubbie would be a quick and easy tutorial, which would produce a very useful finished item.
About Folly Fairs
Folly Fairs, run by Amy, support local crafters in the Surrey & Berkshire areas by running craft fairs where makers can sell and showcase their products. Additionally, Folly Fairs have showcased and promoted small crafting businesses during COVID lockdown, by running free Virtual Craft Fairs on Instagram & Facebook.
If you don’t crochet, but do like to use plastic free and sustainable products in your beauty regime, I thought it would be nice for you to see the handiwork that goes into making these popular products…perhaps you could be tempted into supporting a small scale crafter by purchasing some of their handmade face pads?
Giveaway!
As an additional treat, there is also a giveaway running in conjunction with the Folly Fairs virtual craft fair. I have 4 x 4 sets of hand crocheted scrubbies (made by my own fair hands in organic cotton) to give away. You can win a set by:
- Following Folly Fairs & Mezzamay on Instagram
- Liking the giveaway post on each account.
- Commenting on each post and tagging someone who you think might like to learn more about local craft fairs and crafting.
So keep an eye out on our posts on Sunday 4th October!
Terms and conditions will be stated in the relevant Instagram post.
Washable Crochet Makeup Remover Pads – How to Make
These scrubbies are a slightly larger size than the ones you can typically buy – I prefer them bigger! I’m offering three sets of instructions – IGTV quick tutorial (great for crocheters with experience), YouTube video (best for crocheters that need some extra guidance) & Written instructions in a PDF format (perfect as a stand alone instructions or to use in conjunction with the videos).
IGTV Crochet Face Scrubbies Tutorial
You can find the link to the quick tutorial here:
If you prefer a more indepth tutorial, you can find that here, on my YoutTube channel:
Washable Crochet Makeup Remover Pads – Written Pattern
You can also find the written pattern below. For a downloadable version, with step by step photos, click here.
Tools & Materials
Aran/Worsted weight yarn in cotton (un-mercerised works best).
Per scrubbie : 15.0 meters (16.4 yards), 10 grams.
4mm / G hook.
or, for a smaller pad you can try DK or Sport weight with a 3.5mm / E or 3mm / D hook.
Key
beg – beginning
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
prev – previous
sk – skip
rnd(s) – round(s)
sc(s) – single crochet(s)
sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
tr – treble crochet
Special stitches:
fpdc – front post double crochet – instead of crocheting into the top of the stitch, you crochet around the post of the stitch below.
mini picot – ch1 loosely, sl st into the back ridge of the ch just made.
Instructions
Ch4, join to form a ring.
Round 1 : ch3, 20 dc in the ring (keep moving the stitches to the right every now and then to make sure you have enough room to fit them all in); join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch3. (20sts)
Round 2 : ch1, turn the work, working on the wrong side, 1sc into the sl st made from joining prev rnd, then 1sc into each of the next 19sts (Make sure you have 20sts – don’t worry if it seems like there is an empty stitch at the end of the round); join with a sl st into the 1st sc made.(20sts)
NOTE : All fpdc are worked around the dc stitches from Round 1.
Round 3 : ch3, turn work, working on the right side, sk the ch3 from Rnd1 and 1fpdc around the next dc; sk the sl st join from prev rnd; [1dc into each of next 2 sc stitches (the first stitch lies behind the fpdc just made); sk the next dc from Rnd1 and 1fpdc around the next dc] 9 times; 1dc into next sc stitch (the stitch lies behind the last fpdc made – again don’t worry if it seems like there is an empty stitch at the end of the round – just make sure you have 30 sts in total) ; join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch3. (20dc & 10 fpdc).
Round 4 : ch1, turn the work, working on the wrong side, 1sc into the sl st made from joining prev rnd, then 1sc into the next st; [2sc in next (the fpdc); 1sc into each of the next 2sts] 9 times; 2sc into the last fpdc. (40sts)
Round 5 : ch3, turn work, working on the right side, sk the sl st join from prev rnd, 1dc into next st; [1fpdc around fpdc from Rnd 3; make a mini picot as follows: ch1 loosely, sl st in back ridge of ch just made – this lies to the left; 1dc into each of the next 4 sc (the first stitch lies behind the fpdc just made)] 9 times; 1dc into each of the next 2sts (again don’t worry if it seems like there is an empty stitch at the end of the round again don’t worry if it seems like there is an empty stitch at the end of the round – just make sure you have 50 sts in total) ; join with a sewn bind off. (40dc & 10 fpdc).
Notice
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