Piper Crochet Singlet by Arnhem – How to Make It – Free Crochet Pattern

Hello darlings from a not so sunny Sunday …

Oh well …my love for summer and the dream of a …still…distant vacation inspired me to write this blog about a beach ready top.

You can obviously buy the item from Arnhem but if you are like me…ready for a weekend challenge here is how to make your own.

First a few things I like about the Piper Singlet by Anhem :

http://www.arnhem.co/piper-crochet-singlet-coral/#.V10hJNLRjIU

1.     Tassels: very figure complementing

2.     Light and airy not to mention easy stitches used : very beginner fitted

3.     The versatile shape able to accommodate any bra size.

OK. Now you gals will most likely ask me…how is this figure complementing?

I will tell you this. It’s all in the shape. Since this crochet top is loose fit the tassels contribute to a comfy but figure complementing finish.

Basically you will work front and back almost… in one piece so be sure you measure the right way:

How to measure:

1.    Measure the bust circumference ( wearing a comfortable bra). Add 2 cm to the measurement and divide by 2. Now you have the base.

Yarn recommendation: cotton medium, worsted or mercerized or microfiber acrylic, 3 mm hook and 2, 5 mm hook.

How to make it:

Start with the front: 3 mm hook

1.    Chain according to the measurement.

2.    Ch4, *1dc ch1*, repeat ** till the end of the row.

3.    Ch1, 1sc in each stitch.

4.    Repeat 3.

5.    Ch2 and work it together with the next dc ( first decrease) 1dc in each chain for the rest of the row and finish with 2dc tog ( the decrease in the other end)

Change to 2, 5 mm hook.

6.     Ch3, 1dc in each stitch. Repeat  2 times ( for larger sizes 3 times)

7.    Ch2 and work it together with the next dc ( second decrease) 1dc in each stitch , finish with 2dc tog ( the second decrease in the other end)

8.    Ch3, 1dc in each stitch.

Change back to 3 mm hook

9.    Ch 4, *1dc ch1*, repeat ** till the end of the row.

Chain the straps. Starting from the end of the row chain the first strap, add the number of chains as in the last row worked for the front and chain the second strap.

Make sure you measure the length of the straps accordingly that you will have long enough straps as seen in the original model.

Start working the back in the designated chain space.

Use 3mm hook

1.    Ch5, *1trc, ch2* …repeat ** till the end of the row.

2.    Repeat 1 , 3 times ( 4 rows)

3.    Ch1, 1sc in each stitch.

4.    Repeat 3.

5.    Ch2, *1dc ch1*…repeat ** till the end of the row.

Finishing:

Work 1dc in each of the stitches on the interior of the large chain, including the top of the front and back.

Tassels or fringes

Add them using the method from the below posted Youtube link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsG_4LbnAng

Join the bottom of the front and back and you are done.

So in spite of looking complicated this is a basic kind of crochet garment , the kind you could make while watching 2 episodes of your favorite TV show.

 Of course not all of us can wear something like this without a bra… However I find this ideal for beach wear combined with shorts or a flowing T shirt maxi skirt. Wear it on top of your bikini bra or Tshirt bra and you will have a chic slightly boho, festival inspired look.

I hope you like this post and you would dare to make your own hip chic summer crochet top.

Join us at Crochet Patterns to Try, follow us on Facebook , Pinterest and Google +and have fun trying new existing project to indulge your passion for crochet.

Xoxo

Eva

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Free Crochet Pattern and Instructions for Anthropology Pullover - Picture Based

Hello darlings…

So…the famous and beloved Anthropology pullover… :)

 I am not a fan of creating patterns without a chart , especially when it comes to famous brands that employ cheap labor for the crochet items they sell… but once again I am making an exception.

Yes…I am obsessed too with this particular pullover hence my understanding for your numerous requests for a pattern.

Since the item is no longer available for sale on the original site, this pattern is MY BEST GUESS on how this pullover is made. Expect an error of 5% ( maximum)but as I write it , I will make it after I am done with my current project.

So some notes before I begin:

1. As all Anthropology crocheted items this is made in Asia so a bit of freestyle crochet is involved. Considering the pullovers are made in bulk the yarn used it the cheapest one : combination of cotton blends.
2. Keep in mind that the above hexagon charts are purely for inspiration the main hexagon motif  being a combination of these charts:

Without further talk here comes:

Yarn recommendation: anything medium and worsted- cotton, cotton blends ,cotton merino, merino fine to medium.

Hook: 2, 5- 3 mm ( which one fits better).

How to figure out the size:

The pullover in the picture is 38 European. This means larger sized will be obtained by working an extra row on each hexagon. Ex:  + 1 row = sizes 40-42 European , +2 rows = sizes 44 – 46 European.

The style of the pullover is casual fit oversized so keep in mind that fitting it to your size is easier than it seems.

Hexagon motif pattern:

1. 1 magic loop
2. 12 dc in the loop , sl st to join, turn
3. Ch4, 1dc cn1 1dc ch1 , 1dc ch1 1dc in the same loop ( first corner),* 3x 1dcch1 , 1dc ch1 1dc in the same loop* (second corner), repeat ** to form the corners…last stitch is the end of the sixth corner, sl st and turn.
4. Repeat 3

Repeat the same increase in corner for the next rows as follows

5. Sc ( single crochet row)1 single crochet in each loop - in the corners 2 sc
6. Sc ( single crochet row)1 single crochet in each loop - in the corners 2 sc
7. Repeat 3 
8. Repeat 3
9. Sc ( single crochet row)1 single crochet in each loop - in the corners 2 sc
10. Sc ( single crochet row)1 single crochet in each loop - in the corners 2 sc

11. Repeat 3 ( last row)

Last row: you either choose to use a 0,5 larger hook( in case you work with 2,5 use a 3 mm), or you use treble crochet instead of dc.

This is the basic explanation for the hexagon.

How to form the pullover:

      Hexagon rows from top to bottom:

1. 4 motifs : 1 center front , 1 center back, 2 for shoulders
2. 6 motifs: 2 front, 2 back, 1 to each side
3. 6 motifs : 3 front , 3 back.

Sleeves:

You need 3 rows of 2 motifs joined down from the shoulders motif. You may need an extra row of tr crochet in order to join the shoulder motif with the first row.

Below you can find some inspirational motif charts.

Note: for the neck opening you can notice in the picture that the center front and back motifs  have an incomplete top corner.

For the front neck opening the top corner of the hexagon is not completed . You stop working at a half + 1 stitch starting from the 3^rd row of the hexagon. Basically you only work 3 quarters of the motif.

For the back neck opening you will do the same thing starting only from the last row of sc.

To finish the neck opening work 3 to 4 rows of sc around the neck opening.

In order to get a straight line for the bottom of the pullover and the bottom of the sleeve you will have to work little triangles using the same principle as for the corners of the hexagon with center V stitch increase.

To finish the bottom you can knit the bottom border with simple knit and purl ( knitted elastic) working 5 to 7 rows, or you can choose to make a crocheted elastic with fpdc and bp dc.

The same applies for sleeve cuffs.

Please keep in mind that the pullover may seem quite a handful but it is far from being so. Simply give it a try and have fun. Dare and take on this crochet challenge for yourself and you’ll have a fashionable pullover to wear with skinny jeans and maxi floral dress this upcoming spring.

I hope you guys like this post and try to make this stunning Anthropology pullover.

Have fun and please share this far and wide so this free pattern will help as many as possible.

Also join us on Facebook, Pinterest and Google + for more interesting updates and projects.

Xoxo

Eva

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Crochet Winter Layering Top - Free Crochet Patterns , Instructions and Ideas

Hello ladies

Have any of you received a gift able to fit your crochet addict style ? I know I have :)

I am so gonna wear this T-shirt forever!!! Take a look at the multitude of crochet fans related messages and choose your favorite. Visit Teespring or dare your significant other to offer you a gift that would compliment your crochet passion.

...and welcome to a long expected blog post and pattern!

With Christmas here  and the New Year  knocking  on our doors with chillier weather,if there was a time for crocheting functional layering pieces this is it.

So many of our Facebook fans and Pinterest followers asked repeatedly for a garment able to fit the needs of cold weather and stylish fashionable approach . So we did our best to research and offer a comprehensive piece of information pattern wise combined with stunning ideas to play with.

I am sure many crochet fans are familiar with Alien Express and the Chinese made crochet garments that fill the internet. Asian patterns are and will always be the most detailed ones and the pullovers in question are perhaps the most popular cold weather layering pieces out there.

The combination of motifs , the large number of  options and most of all the multitude of variations figure wise , make this type of pullover the ideal piece to wear with skinny jeans, bootcut jeans, classy pants, leggings or maxi winter skirt.

So without further talk, here goes:

Yarn recommendation: anything medium ( acrylic worsted, cotton acrylic mix, cotton worsted, merino fine), hook : 2,5- 3 mm ( coordinate with the yarn weight).

Motifs need to know facts:

1.        Regardless the shape you must use the recommended setting.

2.       The setting is responsible for the size and the right size can be obtained by starting with a base according to your measurements.

3.       Always measure first and divide the hip measurement to the width of the motif to obtain the right number of motifs.

Here are 2 motif setting examples:

More cane be found on our Facebook page 

Lacy diamond motif:

1.       Ch 12, sl st to join

2.       Ch 4, 2 trc 1picot 2trc , ch 10, 3 trc 1picot 2trc  , ch10, 3 trc 1picot 2trc  , ch10 , 3 trc 1picot 2trc, ch10,sl st to join.

3.       *Ch 5 , 1sc ( at the base of the next ch space), 4sc , ch1, 4sc ( on top pf the ch space)*, repeat** all around

Motifs are joined as you go using trc and ch.

Use the basic setting to place the motifs

Of course as you can see in the inspiration photo the bottom is knitted ( basic elastic , 3 knit, 3 purl) but you can use double crochet (fp and bp) to get the same result.

Lacy square motif:

1.       Ch 8,sl st to join

2.       Ch5, 1dc in the ring, ch2,…repeat ( 8dc ,ch2),sl st to the ch space

3.       Ch4, 3trc, ch 7, 4trc,ch3, 4trc ch7, 4trc,ch3, 4trc ch7, 4trc ch3, 4trc ch7,4trc ch3, join in the top of the first ch .

The top variation is with a round motif (Om@koppa style ) and basic granny stitch filling to shape the neck.

Below the round motif:

The square motifs are joined where the red color is on the chart.

Also you can try continuous motif crochet method ( you can find tutorials on our Facebook page)

The base in also knitted but you can choose the method from the above.

Lacy flower motif:

1.       Ch6, sl st to join

2.       Ch 6, 1dc,ch 3, 1dc,ch3, 1dc,ch 3, 1dc, ch3, 1dc ch3,1dc ch 3, sl st to join.

3.       Sl st to the middle of the ch space. Ch 3 1dc ch2 2dc ( in the same stitch), *ch 1, 2dc ch1 2dc ( in the middle of the next chspace)*…repeat ** all around .

4.       Ch1,ch5, 1sc in the ch space ch 11,1sc ,* ch5,1sc,ch5,1sc ch11*…repeat ** x2 ( you get 5 corners.

Motifs are joined as shown in the chart.

The base is knitted.

Changing colors.

This is a bit tricky but in this case work row 3 in contrasting color. The method requires more patience but has a huge visual impact.

Darlings this is about it.

I must admit I noticed that crochet patterns that are motif based are not exactly easy to come by. I must say that I feel a bit of a weirdo writing such a pattern especially because I was mighty scared of working with motifs until I got the hang of it.

So keep in mind that these are a bit freestyle and I posted the pics to inspire you . They are not made by me but taken out of Alien Express winter pullover section ( good picture but far from reality).

So in order to stay away from the hazard of ordering something and receiving ...something else, do try to make your own , and have fun wearing something beautiful.

These being said please share this post so the ideas would reach all interested in making such a beautiful crochet blouse.
Join us on Facebook , Google + and Pinterest for more interesting updates and keep in mind that crocheting is and always will be the best way to turn feeling blue into a creative masterpiece.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

xoxo

Eva

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Free Crochet Pattern for Spectacular Tunic or Shift Dress

Hello darlings and welcome to a new and long expected blog post. I know a lot of our fans asked for this pattern and also for several ideas so here come the written instructions, ideas and suggestions for one of the most versatile crochet design out there.

The design  caught my eye when I first started to crochet and I admit I did not have the courage to try it then because the “clover stitch” seemed complicated ...when in fact it is rather simple.

A few years ago the fillet designs seemed a bit too much for me but now I must say I find the easier than pie.

Why I like this design?

1. It can be made a tunic to wear on the beach but also combined with tights and skinny jeans, or to top a regular slip dress with lace border( romantic boho look)
2. This can be made as a shift dress and worn with a shorter underlining slip dress and a belt. Sleeves cam be made short, medium or long and you can add fringes.
3. You can make it a loose fit V neck lacy top    

 So let’s see how to make this beautiful tunic.

Instructions:

1. Yarn and hook: mercerized cotton ( anything fine to medium works), 2, 5 - 3 mm hook
2. Work in two pieces. Front and back are the same . Front V opening is done by 45 degrees angle decrease.
3. Measure the bottom this way. The circumference of your hips plus 2cm . Divide in two. The result should be the length of the base chain.

Pattern:( chart translation into written instructions)

1. Chain the required length ( multiples of 9)
2. Ch3, 1dc, ch5sk5, 6dc, ch5 sk5, *2dc, ch5sk5, 6dc, ch5 sk5, 2dc*…repeat ** till the end of the row, turn
3. Ch3 ,1dc,ch2,*4dc,ch2,4dc,ch7*,…repeat ** till the end of the row, turn
4. Ch3, 1dc, ch5, 6dc, ch5 , *2dc ch5, 6dc, ch5 sk5, 2dc*…repeat ** till the end of the row, turn

5.Ch3, 3dc, *ch5,2dc, ch5 6dc, ch5 ,2dc*…repeat ** till the end of the row, turn

6. Ch3, 5dc, ch7, *4dc, ch2, 4dc, ch7* …repeat ** till the end of the row, turn

7.Ch3, 3dc, ch5, 2dc, *ch5,6dc,ch5, 2dc*…repeat ** till the end of the row.

Repeat sequence 2 to7 until required length.

 V opening decrease:

As shown in the chart you start by skipping the 2 spokes in the middle of the front section and turn decreasing one by chaining 3 and skipping 3. The same decrease repeats every other row until one side complete. Repeat the same thing for the other side. This is a basic V neck decrease.

Sleeves: regular mesh

As the sleeve opening is straight the sleeves can be worked in round using the arm opening as a base chain.

Stitch:

1. Ch 3, 1dc , *ch5, 2dc*…repeat**
2. Ch3, ch3 2dc ,*ch 5 2dc*…repeat **

Finish the neckline, the hemline and the sleeve with 3 rows of hdc.

And this is it.

Considering that so far I made just one ( mine was a shift dress…I say *was* because I gave it as gift ) all I can say is that you will love this “clover” stitch pattern and you will want to use it for something else too ( I’m thinking : lacy cardigan)

Darlings , I hope you like this post and I hope you will do me the favor and share it far and wide for all those in love with this tunic to enjoy and have fun making it.

Looking forward to see you on Facebook, on my Google + page and on our Pinterest board to enjoy new and interesting crochet projects and ideas.

Xoxo

Eva

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Free Crochet Pattern for Sparkle & Swirl Tunic by Urbanotfitters

Most of my blogs are focused on what I what I would like to make for myself or on something a large number of our Facebook fans are asking for.

Recently I discovered the amazing art of hairpin lace and I crocheted a Stradivarius design, a crocheted poncho that put this particular skill to work.

Our Facebook fan, Angel C. Ferrari brought to my attention a particular dress design that proved to be a very famous and a very pinned crochet garment.

My best guess is that this Sparkle & Swirl Tunic by Urbanotfitters is this famous simply because its side swept finish is extremely trendy this summer.

I am sure   a lot of you , crochet fans and addicts , noticed in the label stores a lot of crochet items made with hairpin lace.

I will tell you why. The lacy , see through finish is a lot easier to make using hairpin lace than it would be done using a regular crochet hook and chain stitch.

Credits for the pictures from this post go to clubosinka.ru.

So without any further chit-chat here goes:

1.      The tunic is made originally from cotton acrylic mix, medium size yarn and 3,5 mm hook.

2.      The Russian crochet artists made it ( as you will see) from cotton, microfiber or viscose mix , with crochet hooks from 2 mmm to 2, 5mm

3.      Depending on the your size the yarn quantity may vary.

4.      The dress is worked in one piece starting from the side.

Work order:

The side circle

In the chart you will see that the long lines are made with regular quadruple crochet on top of dc. Keep in mind the chart is just  to have an idea.

1.      Ch 6, sl st to join

2.      Ch1, 7 x sc in the circle, slt st,turn

3.      Ch1,1sc in the same loop, 2dc in each loop, sl st , turn

4.      Ch4, 1dc ch1 in each loop, sl st,turn

5.      Sl st to next ch space, ch3 1dc in the same ch space, ch1, 2dc ch in each ch space, sl st turn

6.      Ch3, 1dc in each loop, sl st  turn

7.      Ch4,sk1, 1dc ch 1 sk1…till the end of the row, sl st, turn

8.      Ch3 2dc in the same ch space,3dc in each ch space till the end of the row, sl st turn

9.      Ch 4 sk1, 1dc ch 1 sk1…till the end of the row, sl st, turn

Main circle complete.

The hairpin lace free strips section.

As seen in the picture using a hairpin lace loom make the strips joining in the bottom section to the last row. Count the strips as such: 3 strips for each chain space + 1 strip for the loop on top of the dc.

 Work the strips using this method all around the circle.

The upper section of the loops is joined using a basic sc stitch as shown below position 1.

The shell section ( above the hand written chart left side and a closeup look):

1.      Work 1 sc in each loop ,sl st, turn

2.      Ch5,sk1, 1dc ch2 sk1 till the end of the row, sl st,turn

3.      Ch1 2dc in the same ch space, 2dc in the next ch space…alternate 3dc with 2dc in next ch space till the end of the row, sl st turn

4.      Ch 3 2dc ch2 3dc in the same loop, ch2 sk 2, 1dc in the next loop, ch 2 sk2,* 3dc ch1 3dc, ch2 sk2, 1dc ch2 sk2* repeat till the end of the row,sl st turn

5.      Repeat row 4 pattern once

6.       Ch 6, 1sc on top of the first shell stitch ( in the ch space), ch6 1tr in the space between the shell stitches….repeat till the end of the row, sl st to close.

The hair pin lace band

You will need a band. You will see as you work that the hairpin lace bands tend to stretch so it’s not a disaster if you are short by two strips...just sayin’.

So for the size 36 ( European ) in the picture the band has 136 pairs of strips.

As shown in the example chart ( bottom) this particular time the fan type of joining is used for the hairpin lace strips.

The first and the last 3 groups of two are worked separately with  6ch in between, than in groups of 8 they are worked as shown in the chart alternating working separately with joining 8 together.

You can find on youtube the most comprehensive tutorials on hairpin lace.

Joining:

Fold the circle in two

Join the band (using the basic joining method) to the last row of the circle. You will start from the arm opening area in front and finish with the arm opening on the back.

From here on you complete the dress working  V stitches.( 1dc ch1 1dc ch3…repeat)

As shown in the picture the shaping is easily achieved using a piece of fitted clothing you already possess .

It is rather simple and surprisingly fast to finish it once the side circle is done. The images are pretty self-explanatory.

Here are some more pictures with detailed and close up look and also another ideas on how to play with this pattern.

 I hope you guys like this post and I am looking forward to see as many of these dresses posted as a comment to the post of this blog’s link on Facebook.

Please join us on our Facebook page, on Google + and on Pinterest, for more interesting updates and ideas for those in love with crochet.

Xoxo and stay close winter coat pattern to be updated this weekend

 Eva

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