Jack's Pumpkin Head: Free Crochet Pattern

The "Nightmare" of Halloween that occurs before Christmas is rapidly descending upon us!  The beautiful, crispness of the season is in the air.  Porches and steps and yards are being covered by Halloween decorations, spooky things and pumpkins.  

The children's costumes have been chosen and thrifted or made and it's time for some last minute décor additions.  This year is a new twist on an old pattern that can be found here: "Fall Pumpkins"

With a few modifications my old pattern has been turned into a spooky skeletal couch cushion!

Jack's Pumpkin Head is approximately 9.5 inches tall including the stem.  Jack is spooky enough on his own but do stay tuned for the follow up pattern that is coming soon: A Pinstripe Pumpkin Suit!

Are you ready for the Nightmare that is coming?  Or do you genuinely, eagerly, enthusiastically await the post show that is Christmas?   Me too!!  Christmas is coming, but the kids want the fright first . . . maybe I'll just put up the Christmas lights!!!  

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Jack's Pumpkin Head Pattern

skill level:
advanced beginner

size
approx. 9.5 inches tall

needles & notions
3.5mm crochet hook
tapestry needle

yarn

Craftsmart Value, white

Bernat Premium, black

notes

Ch1 at beginning of rows does not count as a stitch throughout pattern

Unless otherwise stated, work in both loops of a row

pattern

with white yarn, Ch. 51

Row 1:  (Right Side of fabric)  in 2nd ch from hook sc.  sc in each of the next 2 sts.  HDC  in next 44 sts.  sc in each of next 3 sts.  Turn (50 sts)

Row 2:  Ch1 (does not count as a st!)  sc in same st as ch1.  sc in each of the next 2 sts.  HDC in next 44 sts.  sc in next 3 sts.  Turn (50 sts)

Row 3:  Ch1.  (work in BLO across row)  sc in same st as ch1.  sc in each of the next 2 sts.  HDC in next 44 sts.  sc in next 3 sts.  Turn (50 sts)

Repeat Rows 2 &3 one MORE time

Row 6:  Ch1.  sc in same st as ch1.  sc in each of the next 2 sts.  HDC in next 44 sts.  sc in next 3 sts.  Turn (50 sts)

Row 7:  Ch1.  sc in same st as ch1.  sc in each of the next 2 sts.  HDC in each of the next 13 sts.  BOBBLE STITCH in next st.  HDC in each of the next 30 sts.  sc in next 3 sts.  Turn (50 sts)

Row 8:  Ch1.  sc in same st as ch1.  sc in each of the next 2 sts.  HDC in next 44 sts.  sc in next 3 sts.  Turn (50 sts)

Row 9:  Ch1.  (work in BLO across row)  sc in same st as ch1.  sc in each of the next 2 sts.  HDC in next 44 sts.  sc in next 3 sts.  Turn (50 sts)

Row 10:  Ch1.  sc in same st as ch1.  sc in each of the next 2 sts.  HDC in next 44 sts.  sc in next 3 sts.  Turn (50 sts)

Repeat Rows 9 & 10 two MORE times

Row 15 & 16:  Ch1.  sc in same st as ch1.  sc in each of the next 2 sts.  HDC in next 44 sts.  sc in next 3 sts.  Turn (50 sts)

Repeat Rows 9 - 16 two MORE times

Row 33: Ch1.  (work in BLO across row) sc in same st as ch1.  sc in each of the next 2 sts.  HDC in next 44 sts.  sc in next 3 sts.  Turn (50 sts)

Row 34:  Ch1.  sc in same st as ch1.  sc in each of the next 2 sts.  HDC in next 44 sts.  sc in next 3 sts.  Turn (50 sts)

Repeat Rows 33 & 34 one MORE time

Row 37:  Ch1.  (work in BLO across row).  sc in same st as ch1.  sc in each of the next 2 sts.  HDC in next 20 sts.  BOBBLE STITCH in next st.  HDC in next 23 sts.  sc in next 3 sts.  Turn (50 sts)

Row 38:  Ch1.  sc in same st as ch1.  sc in each of the next 2 sts.  HDC in next 44 sts.  sc in next 3 sts.  Turn (50 sts)

Row 39:  Ch1.  sc in same st as ch1.  sc in each of the next 2 sts.  HDC in next 24 sts.  BOBBLE STITCH in next st.  HDC in next 19 sts.  sc in next 3 sts.  Turn (50 sts)

Row 40:  Ch1.  sc in same st as ch1.  sc in each of the next 2 sts.  HDC in next 44 sts.  sc in next 3 sts.  Turn (50 sts)

Repeat Rows 9 through 16 one MORE time

48 total rows should be completed.  DO NOT bind off yet!

Fold completed piece in half so right sides as facing.  The cast on edge should be laying on top of the working edge.

Ch1.  Sl st. through cast on stitch and BLO of working edge stitch at the same time.  Work sl sts in this manner across the row.  Bind off and cut yarn leaving a long tail

Use yarn tail and thread a running stitch through the bottom of the pumpkin.  Draw up and fasten bottom securely.  Turn pumpkin right side out and stuff to desired plumpness.  Using another length of the same colour yarn, thread a running stitch around the top of the pumpkin to close the top (don't worry if it is a little "messy" as it will be covered by the stem

stem

with black yarn, in a Magic Loop, Ch1.  place 4 sc into loop

(work in continuous rounds)

Rnd 1:  2 sc in each st around (8sts)

Rnd 2 AND ALL EVEN RNDS TIL RND 10:  sc in each stitch around

Rnd 3:  2 sc in each of the next 4 sts.  sc in next 4 sts (12sts)

Rnd 5:  sc in each of the next 2 sts.  2sc in each of the next 4 sts.  sc in each of the next 6 sts (16sts)

Rnd 7:  sc in each of the next 4 sts.  2sc in each of the next 4 sts.  sc in each of the next 8 sts (20sts)

Rnd 9:  sc in each of the next 6 sts.  2sc in each of the next 4sts.  sc in each of the next 10 sts (24sts)

Rnd11:  (work in FLO) *2sc in next st.  sc in each of the next 2 sts.  repeat from * around (32sts)

Rnd 12:  *sc in each of the next 2 sts.  2 sc in the next st.  sc in the next st.  repeat from * around (40sts)

Rnd 13:  *2sc in the next st.  sc in each of the next 4 sts.  repeat from * around (48sts)

 

Bind off and cut yarn, leaving a long tail to sew the stem to the pumpkin head

eyes (make 2)

with black yarn, in a Magic Loop, Ch1.  place 4 sc into loop but DO NOT join to work in the round.  Turn!

Row 1:  2 sc in each st across.   Turn (8sts)

Row 2:  Ch1.  in same st as ch1 place 2sc.  sc in next st.  *2sc in next st.  sc in next st.  repeat from * to end of row.  Turn (12sts)

Row 3:  Ch1.  in same st as ch1 place 2 sc.  sc in next 2 sts.  *2sc in next st.  sc in next 2 sts.  repeat from * to end of row.  Turn (16sts)

Row 4:  Ch1.  in same st as ch1 place 2sc.  sc in next 3 st.  *2sc in next st.  sc in next 3 st.  repeat from * to end of row.  Turn (20sts)

Row 5:  Ch1.  in same st as ch1 place 2 sc.  sc in next 4 sts.  *2sc in next st.  sc in next 4 sts.  repeat from * to end of row.  DO NOT TURN (24sts)

Ch1 and work 11 sc across the flat side of the eye.  Sl St into last stitch at the corner of the eye

finishing

sew the stem to the "messy" top of the pumpkin, covering up any lumps and bumps.

Sew the eyes to your desired location and at desired tilt, thereby making Jack's Pumpkin expression different depending upon the orientation of the eyes.

With a long piece of black yarn sew a mouth using an embroidery backstitch, once again, make the expression to your liking.  Sew two slashes for nostrils.

Your Jack's Pumpkin head is complete.  Stay tuned for a Pinstripe Pumpkin Suit pattern coming soon!

Finished your pumpkin?  Share it online and tag @redmittendesigns on Instagram or Facebook!  

Want to follow Red Mitten Designs on social media?  Click on a link below to find me on your favourite social channel!

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If you use this pattern for sale items please provide a link back and give credit.  It's the nice, morally responsible thing to do! DO NOT claim this pattern as your own. Why not try writing one of your own? You can do it! I know you can!!  

All photos copyright Jocelyn Windover and Red Mitten Designs (do not use without permission).  

Once again, thank you for choosing a Red Mitten Designs pattern!  Enjoy!!

Granny's Choice Dishcloth: Free Knit Pattern

The older I become, the more I genuinely realize that the simple things in life truly are the best things in life.  There was a time, not all that long ago, where I would hesitate to post one of my patterns or methods of creating / doing something for fear that it was TOO simple and I would question the need to share.  I have a plan-jane red mitten pattern I have been holding onto since beginning this blog for that very reason!

But I created this blog in order to express my own personal creativity.  Perhaps it IS a little on the simplistic side (or perhaps, dear reader, you disagree - that would be very kind of you!) but I love most of my creations and my family usually finds them useful.  

So this year I am going to try and post the patterns and ideas that I love, even if they are super simple and reminiscent of yesteryears.  Hopefully some of you find my patterns or methods useful and straightforward. 

That brings me to todays pattern.  Most knitters have likely seen some version of this pattern or another at some point.  It seems to be one of those ideas that have existed for a long time in the knitting world.  The Granny's Choice dishcloth.  I remember my grandmother, my mother and many of my aunts using them in their kitchens when I was a child.  There was even a pretty little one waiting to be used in the kitchen sink of the cottage we rented for our summer holiday last year.   These dishcloths go by many names:  Granny's Choice, Granny's Favourite, Super Simple dishcloth, . . . I'm sure I have missed many other names. 

It is a simple, diagonal knit cloth that uses basic stitches and creates a lovely, useful cloth that holds up very well under daily use.  This time around I made them using Bernat Handicrafter cotton and I tried one using Red Heart Scrubby yarn.  The texture of the scrubby yarn cloth feels like it will make handwashing those stuck on spots much easier!

Here is my version of the Granny's Choice, Super Simple Knit Dishcloth

Granny's Choice Dishcloth Pattern

skill level:
beginner

size
approx. 8.5 inch x 8.5 inch

needles & notions
5mm knitting needles
tapestry needle

yarn

Bernat Handicrafter, approx. 70 yards

(pictured in: Fleur de Lavande, Lavender, Pale Yellow, Robin's Egg)

gauge

XX sts x XX rows = approx.  4 inch in st st

pattern

cast on 2 sts

Row 1:  KFB all stitches (4sts)

Row 2:  Knit across (4sts)

Row 3:  K2.  KFB next st., knit to end (5sts)

Row 4:  K2.  YO.  Knit to the end.

Repeat row 4 until 52 sts in needles (or until cloth is desired size)

Decreases

Row 1:  K1.  K2tog.  YO.  K2tog.  Knit to end of row.

repeat previous row until 5 sts remain on needles

Next Row:  K1.  K2tog.  knit to end of row (4 sts)

Next:  K2tog twice (2sts)

Cut yarn, leaving a tail for sewing.  Draw yarn through live stitches still on needles.  Pull up.  Secure and weave in ends

Have you made a Granny's Choice dishcloth before?  Did you like this version?  Want to follow Red Mitten Designs on social media?  Click on a link below to find me on your favourite social channel!

If you use this pattern for sale items please provide a link back and give credit.  It's the nice, morally responsible thing to do! DO NOT claim this pattern as your own. Why not try writing one of your own? You can do it! I know you can!!  

All photos copyright Jocelyn Windover and Red Mitten Designs (do not use without permission).  

Once again, thank you for choosing a Red Mitten Designs pattern!  Enjoy!!

Winter Menu Planner

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and is excited for new beginnings in 2023!

With Christmas at an end and the decorations starting to be put away, I find myself in that awkward post-Christmas stage wondering what to fill the soon to be undecorated spaces with.  The Christmas menu planner I used through the holiday's was one of my favourites but it's time for a new design.

I decided I wanted something simplistic and yet pretty.  So here is this years "Simple Winter Menu Planner" available as a free download!

                WINTER MENU PLANNER

Don't forget to follow Red Mitten Designs on social media!! ↙

                                                               

Want to check out more free knitting, crocheting or handmaking patterns or ideas??  Give the drop down menu at the top of the page a try!!!

All photos copyright Jocelyn Windover and Red Mitten Designs (do not use without permission).  Thank you for choosing a Red Mitten Designs pattern!  Enjoy!!

Christmas Menu Planner

The Christmas handmaking rush has begun here at Red Mitten Designs!  Christmas knitting and crocheting,  Christmas sewing, Christmas baking and every kind of Christmas making! 

The kids have even been in on the action and started there Christmas present crafting to give to grandparents 

Too early?  Perhaps.  But we love the festive season and want it to last as long as possible. 

Amongst all the Christmas making I decided to finish painting the kitchen cabinets.  And a newly painted kitchen needs a newly designed, festive menu Planner!

If you would like a free copy of this year's Christmas Menu Planner, click on the link below.

Christmas Menu Planner

🎅 Merry Christmas creating! 🤶

Don't forget to follow Red Mitten Designs on social media!! ↙

Blogger

Facebook

Ravelry

Pinterest

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Want to check out more free knitting, crocheting or handmaking patterns or ideas??  Give the drop down menu at the top of the page a try!!!

All photos copyright Jocelyn Windover and Red Mitten Designs (do not use without permission).  Thank you for choosing a Red Mitten Designs pattern!  Enjoy!!

Frozen Inspired Tiara: Free Crochet Pattern

Frozen II hit theaters a couple of weeks ago!  Our two oldest children went with my husband to see it and loved it!!  Of course, this re-ignited my daughters desire for a all things Frozen 💗 💗 

Last month, while I was completing my Christmas Order for Little Treasures, the poor little girl had to spend several weeks looking at beautiful Frozen Inspired jewelry and tiara's.  After the delivery was made I decided that I would make her an extra special tiara for her Christmas stocking this year.

Thankfully she is too young to ever see this blog post so it won't ruin the Christmas surprise!!  This pattern is untested (although I have made it multiple times) so if there are any issues please be kind and let me know!  I just thought you lovely readers might like to "give-it-a-go" for the sweet Frozen Fans in your life!!

Want another "FROZEN" Inspired crochet idea?  Check out this post for Miniature Christmas Stockings . . . the ads-free version contains the BONUS instructions for the Frozen Inspired Set!!!  Check it out!!!!

{ want the ads-free Mini Stocking pattern that contains the } 

BONUS Frozen Inspired directions?

{ ~  Buy now on ETSY or LOVECRAFTS !!  ~ }

Not a "follower" of Red Mitten Designs?  Don't forget to check us out & follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or right here on Blogger!!  Check out the link in the side bar 🠆

Or, check out Red Mitten Designs and tons of other awesome patterns & designers over at allfreecrochet.com!

So without further pre-amble (does anyone even read this ↑ part anyway! lol), on to the pattern!!