Readers Projects

The featured pattern today is the newborn sweater set again, it's one of my most popular patterns so a lot of people have made them!

"I made it for my daughter, Siobhan, who was born mid-April and wore it plenty of times before outgrowing it…
I, myself, have been knitting/crocheting/sewing since I was about 6… so, 20 years. :P I am a mom of three and live in the Southwest and am studying to be a Middle School teacher… "

"A little about me: I’m Kate, from Alberta, Canada. Been crocheting regularly for about 3 years now and LOVE it! I mostly create things to give away (baby blankets, baby hats, caps for cancer patients, etc.), but I’ve been working on some things for myself lately and have been enjoying that too. I love exercising my creativity! :) This sweater set was actually the first thing I created for the son my family was going to adopt this spring. Unfortunately for our family, the adoption fell through, so this little set will be donated to a charity auction a friend is involved with down in the states to help raise money for a hospital’s neonatal ICU. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your new project! Kate"

Amy's Newborn Cardigan Free Crochet Pattern

My friend Amy needed a newborns cardigan pattern and I had just finished one and told her I'd post the pattern. It started out as the sweater in my Newborn Sweater Set then I added a button band, sleeves and a collar.

I used an H hook and sport weight yarn and get 4 dc = 1 inch.

This sweater is newborn size.

V stitch: dc, ch1, dc in same stitch

Ch 52, you are starting from the neckline

Row 1: dc in forth chain from hook,(Ch 3 counts as 1st stitch here and in every row), dc in next 5 chains, V st in next ch, 9 dc, V st, 14 dc, V st, 9 dc, V st, 7 dc
Row 2-6: ch 3, dc in each dc and V stitch in each V stitch.
Row 7:(forms the armholes) ch 3 and turn, dc to first V stitch, folding so 1st and 2nd V stitches are together dc in both to join them, dc to next V stitch and join 3rd and 4th V stitch in same manner, dc to end
Rows 8-16: ch 3 and turn, dc in each dc

Button Band:
Row 1: without breaking yarn, ch 1, *going up the front of the sweater, 2 sc into the side of each dc and ch 3. [Do not just go around the dc or ch 3, but put the hook into the stitch]
Turn the work and sc back down the front or if this is the side you want the button holes, sc, sk 1 st and ch 1, 4 sc down front for 3 or 4 button holes and then sc the rest.*
3sc in corner at bottom, sc in each dc across bottom 3sc in corner and repeat from * to *

Sleeves:
Going through both V stitches where the sleeves were joined in the underarm, join yarn, if you don't do this there will be a hole in the underarm
Rd 1: ch 3, dc in each stitch, Check to make sure you have 22 stitches and join
Rd 2-10: ch 3, dc in each dc and join
Rd 11: sc around and end

Collar:
Row 1: At the neckline, join in side of single crochet for button band and ch 3, dc in side of second sc of button band, dc in each stitch of the starting chain across ending with a dc in each sc of button band.
Row 2-3: dc in each dc

Sew on buttons to correspond to the button holes

My Readers Projects: Newborn Sweater Set

I decided it was about time to show everybody some of the great projects made out of my patterns. I asked these ladies if I could use their pictures and if they could tell me a little about themselves and who the sweater set was made for. This is my Newborn Sweater Set pattern which I first put on my blog back in January of 2008. I plan to do this on a regular basis. If you've made one of my patterns, send a picture and a little bit about yourself and who the item was intended for. Send it to debsstuff55 (at) yahoo (dot) com.

My name is Julie im an Aussie, its the first piece of clothing i made, other than scarfs, i made it because it was worded clearly and as a beginner i could understand, Keep in mind i was translating UK terms to US as well.. i gave it to my husbands cousin for her little girl Cooper.

Your sweet sweater set was intended for an unknown baby in the Tulsa area. I sew, knit, and crochet baby items for Newborns In Need, and belong to the easter OK chapter of NIN. All of our items go to area hospitals, medical centers, crisis centers, etc. and a couple local cemetaries that try to provide for the bereaved. The biggest concern for NIN is the vast number of preemies born that require special sizes of caps, booties, gowns, mittens, isolette mattress covers, etc. and unfortunately, also burial layettes. There is also a huge demand for the healthy, but needy newborns - they require receiving blankets, quilts, sweater sets, going-home outfits, diaper bags - and everything that goes in them! Everything we make for NIN is on a volunteer basis and the cost comes out of our pockets - unless we’re lucky enough to get donations! I am always looking for free patterns that will make up quickly, as “quantity” is of the essence - but I don’t want to sacrifice “quality” - and your pattern is just the ticket! On a personal note, I am a 66 yr old gramma of 3; spend my days babysitting all 3, making things for NIN, and creating knitted items for myself and gifts - shawls being my favorite!

My name is Kellie and I was born and bred in the suburbs of New Orleans. Like nearly all true south Louisiana families, my family loves to follow LSU sports!! So, I am always on the lookout for cute patterns that easily incorporate multiple colors for team-themed gifts. When I got my invitation to my cousin's baby shower, I knew she would love a baby girl gift with Tiger flair!! I made this sweater set using the newborn sweater pattern and using Red Heart yarn in amethyst and gold. My only alteration to the pattern was to add "LSU" to the hat by making three scrochet chains and sewing them on to make the letters. It was super quick and easy so I have this pattern tagged in my notes for future use!!

Crocheted Babys' Hexie Hats Free Pattern

I've seen many baby's hats called roundie hats because their made in round rounds. These hats start with a hexagon so I'm going to call them Hexie Hats. I made a little girl's version and a little boy's version. I'm sure you can figure out which is which. I'm not sure which charity they are going to but I'm sure something will turn up soon. It always seems to when I make something with no specific destination in mind.

Hexie Hats

You will need:

Small amount sports weight baby yarn

I hook

Gauge: The first two rounds should be close to 3" across

Starting V stitch = ch4, dc in same stitch

V stitch= dc, ch1, dc in same stitch

Triple decrease= Do dc but leave last two loops on hook, in next stitch do dc leaving last loop on hook (now 3 loops), dc leaving last loop in next st leaving last loop (now 4 loops) on hook, yo and pull through all 4 loops on hook

V stitch decrease= In last stitch before ch 1 of previous row V stitch, do dc leaving last 2 loops on hook, in first stitch after the ch 1, do dc leaving last loop on hook (now 3 loops), yo and pull through all 3 loops

Directions are for newborn size, size 3-6 months is in (parenthesis)

Rd 1: Ch 4 and form loop, ch3 (counts as first dc here and throughout pattern), 11 dc in loop and join, (12 dc)

Rd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc and join

Rd 3: Starting V-stitch, *3 dc, V stitch, repeat from * around and join to 3rd ch of starting V-stitch

Rd 4: sl st into space of first V-stitch and do a starting V-stitch, dc in each dc and V-stitch in each V-stitch around and join to 3rd ch of starting V-stitch

(Rd 4A: larger size only, repeat Rd 4)

Rds 5 - 9: sl st into space of first V-stitch and do a starting V-stitch, *2(3) dc, triple decrease, 2(3) dc, V-stitch, repeat from * around, ending with 2(3) dc and join to 3rd ch of starting V-stitch

Rd 10: ch 3 only this one does not count as first stitch, do V-stitch decrease, dc in next 5(7) stitches around and join

(Rd 10A: larger size only, ch 3 dc around evenly spacing 6 decreases around)

Rd11: Ch 2, hdc around

Girls version
Rd 12: Ch 3, 4 dc in each stitch around and join

Boys version
Rd 12 - 13: Ch 2, hdc around and join

Round Baby Wash Cloth with Picots Free Crochet Pattern

OK, like I said the challenge was for bibs AND wash clothes so of course I had to do a baby wash cloth too. Here's the pattern:

Materials

Worsted weight cotton yarn

J hook

.

Ch 3 and join
Rd 1: ch 3 (counts as first dc) 14 dc into ring (15 st)
.
Rd 2: ch 3 (counts as first dc) dc in same st, 2dc into each dc (30 st)
.
Rd 3: ch 3 (counts as first dc) *2 dc into next st, dc into next, repeat from * around ending with 2 dc in last st (45 st)
.
Rd 4: ch 3 (counts as first dc) dc in next st, *2 dc in next st, dc into next 2 st, repeat from * around ending with 2 dc in last st

.

Rd 5: ch 1, *2 sc in same st, hdc, dc, ch 3 and sl st in first ch (picot made) dc, hdc, repeat from * around join to first sl st and end

Circle Baby Bib Free Crochet Pattern

My All_Crafts_4_Charity Yahoo group is making baby items for Bundles of Love in Minnesota. This weekend they put out a challenge for baby bibs and wash clothes. I did a search this morning for a baby bib pattern I liked and couldn't find anything. Well, we know what that means don't we? Deb had to make her own. This is a small bib, 5" X 6 1/2", suitable for an infant. I used Peaches & Cream worsted weight cotton yarn.

.

Materials

Small amount of worsted weight cotton yarn

H hook you can crochet a larger bib by using a larger hook

.

Ch 3 and join

Rd 1: ch 3 (counts as first dc) 11 dc into ring (12 st)

.

Rd 2: ch 3 (counts as first dc) dc in same st, 2dc into each dc (24 st)

.

Rd 3: ch 3 (counts as first dc) *2 dc into next st, dc into next, repeat from * around ending with 2 dc in last st (36 st)

.

Rd 4: ch 3 (counts as first dc) dc in next st, *2 dc in next st, dc into next 2 st, repeat from * around ending with 2 dc in last st

.

Row 5: ch1, sc in next 3 stitches, hdc in next 2 stitches, *2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc into next stitch (makes corner)*, dc in next st, hdc in next 2 st, sc in next 4 st, hdc in next 2 st, dc in next st, make corner in next st, hdc in next 2 st, sc in next 3, slst into next stitch, then turn and sl st back to corner

.

Row 6: 2 dc into corner space, hdc in next 3 st, sc in next 6 st, hdc in next 3 st, 2dc in corner space

.

Row 7: ch 3 and turn, hdc in next 3 st, sc in next 8 st, hdc in next 3 st, dc in last st, do not end

.

Chain 50 for tie, and end, attach to top of chain 3 in other corner and ch 50 and end

work in ends and tie a knot at the end of each tie

Baby Bumpy Booties

These booties were designed to match the infants size of my Kid's Bumpy Hat. I have also made a matching sweater.

I used a J hook and a light worsted weight yarn to make the ones in the picture. They came out at about 3 3/4" long.

Directions:

Toe
Ch 3 at beginning of each rd counts as 1 dc
Ch 4 and sl st to form loop.
Rd 1 ch 3 and 13 dc in loop. (12 sts)
Rd 2, 3, 4: ch 3, dc in each dc

Heel
Row 1: ch 3, dc in all but the last 2 dc
Row 2 and 3: turn and dc in each dc and end leaving 6 in tail of yarn
Sew back of heel together by using the back loops only

Cuff
Join yarn at back where it was sewn together
Rd 1: ch 3, 7 dc evenly spaced down side, dc in each dc left open, 7 dc evenly spaced on other side and join
Rd 2: ch 3, dc in each dc
Rd 3: ch 3 and turn, working on wrong side, sc in same stitch as ch 1, *tr in next dc, sc in next dc* and join
Rd 4: turn to work on right side and dc in each stitch

Ties

Ch 70 and weave through 1st round of cuff tying in the front

Crocheted Newborn Sweater Set Free Pattern

Although this pattern is for the sweater set in the middle, it can easily be adapted for either of the two side sets. For the white and green set simply substitute plain dc for shell rows. For the pink one on the right don't change colors. I used an H hook and sport weight yarn and get 4 dc = 1 inch. These sets are newborn size.

V stitch dc, ch1, dc in same stitch

Shell stitch sc, 3dc in same

SWEATER

Using contrasting color Ch 52
You are starting from the neckline
Guage 4 dc = 1 inch

Row 1: dc in forth chain from hook,(Ch 3 counts as 1st stitch here and in every row), dc in next 5 chains, V st in next ch, 9 dc, V st, 14 dc, V st, 9 dc, V st, 7 dc end

Row 2-6: join main color and ch 3, dc in each dc and V stitch in each V stitch.


Row 7:(forms the armholes) ch 3 and turn, dc to first V stitch, folding so 1st and 2nd V stitches are together dc in both to join them, dc to next V stitch and join 3rd and 4th V stitch in same manner, dc to end

Rows 8-15: ch 3 and turn, dc in each dc

Row 16; in contrasting color ch 1 and turn sc in same st as ch 1, *sk 1dc and shell in next dc, repeat until last 2 st, sc in last stitch.

Armhole pattern (optional)

Row 1; Join contrasting color to bottom of arm hole, sc in each stitch and join

Row 2; ch 1, *sk 1 sc, shell in next repeat from * join to ch 1 at beginning of row.

For ties, either ch 120 and thread through first row or you can use a length of ribbon

HAT

Rd 1; with contrasting color, ch 4 and join, ch 3 (counts as first st) 14 dc into loop (15 st) join to ch3

Rd 2; ch 3, 2dc in each dc, join to ch 3

Rd 3; ch 3, dc in same space as ch 3, *dc in next st, 2 dc in next repeat from * around

Rd 4 -10; change to main color, ch3, dc in each dc join to ch3

Rd 11; change to contrasting color, ch1, sc in same st, * sk 1 dc and shell in next dc repeat from * around, skip last dc, join to starting sc

BOOTIES
Ch 3 at beginning of each rd counts as 1 dc
With contrasting color Ch 4 and sl st to form loop.

Rd 1; ch 3 and 11 dc in loop. (12 sts)

Change to main color
Rd 2; ch 3 *2 dc in next stitch dc in next repeat from * (18 sts)

Rds3 and 4; dc in each dc

Heel

Row 1: ch 3, dc in all but 3 dc

Row 2 -4: dc in each dc and end leaving 6 in tail of yarn

Sew back of heel together by using the back loops only

Cuff
Join Main color yarn at back where it was sewn together

Rd 1: ch3, 7 dc evenly spaced down side, dc in each dc left open, 7 dc evenly spaced on other side and join

RD 2-4: dc in each dc end main color

With contrasting color
Rd 5: ch1, sc in same sp as ch1, *sk 1 dc shell in next dc, repeat from * around, sk last st and join to sc
For ties either ch 70 for tie or you can use ribbon.

Christmas Stocking Baby Booties Free Crochet Pattern

This is a fairly simple pattern that can be used as a baby bootie or a Christmas ornament. In the picture, the one on the left has the cuff turned down. This pair is heading for an NICU in Kansas but it is 3 1/2" and should fit a newborn. I used an F hook and Lion Brand Microspun yarn which is a very soft sports weight yarn. So most people would probably get this size using a G or H hook, you may have to experiment.

Directions:

Ch 3 at beginning of each rd counts as 1 dc

Ch 4 and sl st to form loop.

With white

Rd 1 ch 3 and 11 dc in loop. (12 sts)

With red

Rd 2: ch 3 *2 dc in next stitch dc in next repeat from * (18 sts)

Rds 3, 4 and 5: dc in each dc

Heel with white

Row 1: Attatch to any dc and ch 3, dc in all but 3 dc

Row 2 and 3: dc in each dc and end leaving 6 in tail of yarn

Sew back of heel together by using the back loops only

Cuff

Join Red yarn at back where it was sewn together

Rd 1: ch3 9 dc evenly spaced down side, dc in each dc left open, 9 dc evenly spaced on other side and join

RD 2 and 3: dc in each dc end red yarn

With white

Rd 4 and 5: dc in each dc

If your making booties either ch 80 for tie or you can use ribbon. For ornament when you get to end of rd 5 ch 10 and join for hanging loop.