Santa Baby Boots: Free Crochet Pattern

Christmas is coming - craft faster!!  Is that still a meme?  If not, it's still accurate!  

Have you ever had the feeling as a Christmas Handmaker that you're going to just run out of time?  I have that feeling every single, blasted year!!

Oh well, it'll get done one way or another!  It always does!!  







If you follow me on social media you will likely have seen the lovely photo's of these boots as I was preparing to deliver them to my consignment store, Little Treasures Kids Store in Selwyn, Ontario.

The social media post was a hit and these baby boots turned out to be a very popular item both at the store and with my regular clients who have purchased several pairs!!  I love my clients, they are awesome!!! 💖

So, while I was filling the orders, I figured I'd jot down the pattern and then add some beautiful, festive photo's for all my readers to enjoy!!  Like this one . . . 

Not yet a social follower of Red Mitten Designs?  Check us out & follow along on Facebook, Instagram or *brand new* right here on Blogger!!  Check out the link in the side bar 🠆

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

Now, if you are ready for a quick, festive crochet . . . on to the pattern!!

Faux Fur & Wool Baby Booties: Free Crochet Pattern

* * This post contains affiliate links.  The yarn was provided free of charge from yarncanada.ca in exchange for an independent review of the yarn provided.  Beyond this, I am not currently affiliated with yarncanada.ca and will not receive compensation if you choose to make a purchase from the links provided * *

Earlier this summer YarnCanada.ca contacted me to do a yarn review and give Lion Brands "Go For Faux" yarn a try.  Of course, I said "YES!!"

Who doesn't love the idea of testing out yarn that is described on the Lion Brand official site as follows:

"No animals were harmed in the spinning of this soft, feels like the real thing 

100% Polyester fur yarn. Fur is trending and Go for Faux will be your go to 

yarn for luxurious accessories, home Dec items and trims 

on your favorite fashion items. It is a CYC 6 but lightweight with ample 

yardage: 64 yards per 100 grams. It comes in 4 realistic fur shades and 

two ice pastels. You will want to create something in every color 

of Go for Faux which won’t hurt your wallet or your conscience"

That is a yarn description that I can get behind!! 💕

Sunflowers: Free Crochet Pattern

Sunflowers!!  Upon seeing the pattern I was working on, my mother informed me that sunflowers are "all the rage" this year!  I'm not sure about the legitimacy of this claim, seeing as it comes from a woman who just last year purchased a brand-new 1980's floral print sofa for her shag carpeted living room.  But hey - I agree that sunflowers are gorgeous . . . and they totally should be this years vogue!

Speaking of throwbacks, this pattern was originally inspired by the early 2000's hit TV show "Smallville."  What do sunflowers have to do with a Superman coming of age, adolescent television show? I was watching reruns while finishing up last months custom orders and, have you ever noticed, just how many gorgeous sunflowers Martha Kent had in her kitchen and garden?   They are everywhere!!  And they were beautiful

This post is rather photo-heavy.  I do apologize but I felt it was necessary in order to convey what was happening . . .

skill level
intermediate


size
flower is approximately 5 inches
height (including stem) approx. 9 inches


needles & notions
4 mm crochet hook
tapestry needle
stitch marker

wire snips
jute wrapped wire

suggested yarn

Hayfield Bonus DK, russet, approx. 50 yards
Stylecraft Special DK, Sunshine, approx. 75 yards
Stylecraft Special DK, Green Grass, approx. 75 yards

gauge

22sc sts = 4 inch

note

it is recommended to weave in ends as you go along in order to prevent tangling.  The flower is intricate enough without the added bother

pattern

starting with the back of the sunflower, using "Green Grass" begin as follows:

Rnd 1:  working in a magic loop.  Ch2 (does not count as a stitch).  9DC into loop.  Slip stitch into top of first DC (9)

Rnd 2:  Ch1 (does not count as a stitch).  2sc in same stitch as Ch1.  *2sc in each stitch around.  slip stitch into the top of first sc (18)

Rnd 3:  working in back loops only Ch2 (does not count as a stitch).  2DC in same stitch as Ch2.  DC in next.  *2DC in next.  DC in next.  repeat around.  Slip stitch to first DC (27)

Rnd 4:  working in both loops Ch1 (does not count as a stitch).  2sc in same stitch as Ch1.  sc in each of next 2 sts.  *2sc in next.  sc in each of next 2 stitches.  repeat around.  slip stitch to first sc (36)

Bind off & set aside

front
Now, working on the front of the sunflower, using "Russet" proceed as follows:

Rnd 1:  working in a  magic loop.  Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch).  9DC into loop.  Slip stitch in top of first DC (9)

Rnd 2:  Ch2 (does not coint as a stitch).  2DC in same stitch as Ch2.  *2 DC in each stitch around.  Join with a slip stitch (18)

Rnd 3:  Ch1 (does not count as a stitch).  2sc loop stitch in same stitch as Ch1.  sc loop stitch in next stitch.  *2sc loop stitch in next st.  sc loop stitch in next.  repeat around.  Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first sc loop stitch  (27)

Rnd 4:  Ch1 (does not count as a stitch).  2sc loop stitch in same st as Ch1.  sc loop stitch in each of the next 2 sts.  *2sc loop stitch in next stitch.  sc loop stitch in each of the next 2 stitches.  repeat around.  Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first sc loop stitch (36)

Bind off "Russet" change to "Sunshine" and proceed as follows:

Rnd 5:  Hold the Back & Front pieces together with wrong sides facing in (make sure the loops on the Front are facing out, toward you.  Working in both loops of "Russet" Front and front loops only of "Green Grass" Back work around as follows.  Ch1 (does not count as a stitch).  sc in same stitch as ch1.  sc around.  Slip stitch into top of first sc (36)

Rnd 6:  *Ch2 (counts as first HDC).  in the same stitch as Ch2 work as follows [DC.  2TRDC.  Ch3.  Slip stitch into top of last TRDC.  2TRDC.  DC.  HDC].  Slip stitch in each of the next 4 sts.  repeat from * around to last 3 sts.  Slip stitch in the 3 remaining stitches of the round.  Slip stitch into the top of the first Ch2.  (9 petals total)

Rnd 7:  Ch 4.  Carry the chain around the back of the first petal.  Slip stitch into previous rounds center slip stitch between the petals.  Repeat around.  (9 Ch spaces behind each of the petals)

Rnd 8:  *Slip stitch into the ch4 space.  Ch 2 (counts as the first HDC.  in the chain space, work as follows [2DC.  3TRDC.  Ch3.  Slip stitch into the top of the last TRDC.  3TRDC.  2DC.  HDC].  repeat around (9 larger petals behind the front 9 petals)

Bind off.  Weave in any remaining tails.  Turn over to work the green leaves on the back







green leaves
with the back of the flower facing, using "Green Grass" proceed as follows:

Rnd 1:  Join "Green Grass" to any one of the loops left from joining front and back pieces.  Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch).  sc in same stitch as ch1.  sc in each stitch around (36)

Rnd 2:  *Ch2 (counts as first HDC).  in the same stitch as Ch2 work as follows [DC.  2TRDC.  Ch3.  Slip stitch into top of last TRDC.  2TRDC.  DC.  HDC].  Slip stitch in each of the next 4 sts.  repeat from * around to last 3 sts.  Slip stitch in the 3 remaining stitches of the round.  Slip stitch into the top of the first Ch2.  (9 green leaves total)

stem
working with "Green Grass," proceed as follows:

note: the stem is worked in a continuous spiral without joins

Rnd 1:  in a magic loop, Ch1 (does not count as a stitch).  6 sc into magic loop (6)

Rnd 2:  *2sc in first st.  sc in next st.  repeat around (9)

Rnd 3:  sc around

Repeat round 3 until piece is approximately 6 inches long (or desired length).

top of stem
short rows
Rnd 1:  sc in first st.  HDC in next.  DC in next.  HDC in next.  sc in next.  slip stitch in next.  Turn.

Rnd 2:  sc in top of previous rows sc.  HDC in next.  DC in next.  HDC in next.  sc in next.  slip stitch in next.  turn. 

Rnd 3 & 4:  sc around (9)

Rnd 5:  *2sc in first st.  sc in next 2 sts.  repeat around (12)

Rnd 6:  *2sc in first st.  sc in each of next 3 sts.  repeat around (15)

Rnd 7:  sc around (15)

Rnd 8:  *2 sc in first st.  sc in each of the next 4 sts.  repeat around (18)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Using the jute wrapped wire, cut a length of wire slightly longer than the stem.  Make sure to twist the cut ends of the wire around itself to keep it from poking through the fabric.  I folded the jute wire in half in order to make the stem a little bit stronger and twisted a bow shape in the top of the wire to go up against the flower (I found this helped to hold the sunflower head in a better position).  Add a small amount of stuffing to the top of the stem in order to give it a little more bulk (optional).

Sew the stem to the back of the flower, using the back loop only circle as a location guide for sewing (alternately, slip stitch the stem to the flower).

Weave in any remaining ends.

Voila!!  Done!  Your sunflower is pose-able and will look delightful in a vase, perhaps even mixed in with other crochet flowers or faux-flowers.  ENJOY!!

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!

Baby Daffodil Janes: Free Crochet Pattern

This cutie pattern is a variation of the "Simply Adorable Baby Booties" pattern (found: HERE) that I posted a few weeks ago.  With summer on the way, these lightweight shoes will look fabulous with a variety of outfits.

I started mapping out this pattern while making more product for my consignment store "Little Treasures."  While the shoes were in the packaging process I had some ladies over to the house and they ended up buying three pairs!  

Carrot Treat Bag: Free Crochet Pattern

Do you need a last minute bag to put a few treats in for this years Easter Bunny?  Then look no further!!  This cute little bag works up in a jiffy and will hold an assortment of candy treats, small treasures or good old fashion cash!

Did you know that wild rabbits don't actually eat wild carrots (source)?!!  And that carrots weren't even orange until the 17th century when they were selectively bread in the Netherlands to be orange in honour of the ruling "House of Orange"! (source)  Cool huh?

Bunny Peeps: Free Knit Pattern

One of the earliest patterns I was ever brave enough to post online was for a Knit Peeps Bunny one year at Easter.  My children have adored them and I received a few compliments on the pattern from followers of this blog.  Unfortunately I was never quite satisfied with how the bunnies ears looked in that early version of the pattern.  

It's now been a few years and I have decided that it's time to rework this bunny pattern.  I have indevoured to improve on the look and shaping of the ears and have added a cute, fluffy little bunny tail.

The original Peeps pattern called for some fiddly little sewing between the bunnies years due to how I had set up the construction of the small toy.  Due to a lack of desire to have to always sew that section, this version is a complete inversion of the direction of construction of the original.  It still requires a stitch between the ears, but only one, and it seems to keep the bunny ears look just that much nicer in my opinion.

With Easter fast approaching and orders for this little cutie to be filled swiftly, saving the time of the between the ears sew up has been wonderful!

This little Peep has an added tail and scarf (both completely optional - it's your unique creation!).  Alternately, a cute ribbon or a store bought bow, flower or button would also all look completely adorable!!

{ want an ad free version of BunnyPeeps?  BUY NOW!! }

And, as always, don't forget to check out allfreeknitting.com for more free patterns and inspiration.  There spring selection is beautiful!

skill level

easy

size

approx. 5.5 inch x 2.5 inch

yarn

stylecraft special dk, approx. 35 yards

(pictured in: spring green, sherbet, white)

stylecraft special dk, approx 15 yards for scarf

& small amount for contrasting pompom

needles & notions

3.5mm double point knitting needles

3/4” pompom maker

stitch holder

tapestry needle

polyester fiberfill(stuffing)

2mm safety eyes, set of 2

{ want an ad free version of Peeps the Bunny?  BUY NOW!! }

ears, make two

beginning at the top of the ear, cast on 3 sts. Join to work in the round.

Rnd 1:  KFB around.  Divide stitches onto 3 double pointed needles.  (6sts)

Rnd 2:  Knit around (6sts)

repeat Rnds 1 & 2 one MORE time (12sts)

Rnd 5:  *K1. M1R.  K4. M1L. K1.  repeat from * to end of rnd (16sts)

Rnds 6 - 14:  Knit around

Rnd 15:  cast off first st of rnd.  K14. cast off last st of round (14sts)

cut yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing.  Place live stitches onto a stitch holder.

Repeat above for “ear two” but do not cut yarn. Weave in starting tail ends.

bunny head

redistribute the stitches of “ear two” so they are on 2 double pointed needles.  Transfer the stitches from “ear one” onto 2 double pointed needles.

Rnd 1: Holding ears beside each other, begin knitting around “ear one.”  K6. K2tog. K6. Then work around “ear two.” K6. K2tog. K6. (26sts).

Both ears will now be joined together. Proceed in rounds.

For visualization please refer to the picture below ⇩

Rnd 2:  Knit around (26sts)

Rnd 3:  K6. M1L.  K1. M1R. K12.  M1L. K1. M1R. K6. (30sts)

Rnd 4:  Knit around (30sts)

Rnd 5:  K7. M1L.  K1. M1R. K14.  M1L. K1. M1R. K7.  (34sts)

sew closed the gap between the bunny ears with the yarn tail from “ear one.”

Rnd 6 - 13:  Knit around (34sts)

Rnd 14:  K6. k2tog.  K1. SSK. K12.  k2tog. K1. SSK.  K6. (30sts)

Rnd 15:  Knit around (30 sts)

Rnd 16:  K5. k2tog.  K1. SSK. K10.  k2tog. K1. SSK.  K5. (26sts)

Rnd 17:  Knit around (26 sts)

Rnd 18:  K6. M1L.  K1. M1R. K12.  M1L. K1. M1R. K6.  (30sts)

Rnd 19:  Knit around (30sts)

Rnd 20:  K7. M1L.  K1. M1R. K14.  M1L. K1. M1R. K7.  (34sts)

Rnd 21:  Knit around (34sts)

Rnd 22:  K8. M1L.  K1. M1R. K16.  M1L. K1. M1R. K8.  (38sts)

attach safety eyes to bunnies face at desired location.  Approx. ⅓ down the head and splayed wide seems to look nice.

Rnd 23 - 29:  Knit around (38sts)

Rnd 30:  K7. K2tog.  K1. SSK. K14.  K2tog. K1. SSK.  K7. (34sts)

Rnd 31:  Knit around (34sts)

begin stuffing the bunny

Rnd 32:  K6. k2tog.  K1. SSK. K12.  K2tog. K1. SSK.  K6. (30sts)

Rnd 33:  Knit around (30sts)

Rnd 34:  K5. k2tog.  K1. SSK. K10.  k2tog. K1. SSK.  K5. (26sts)

Rnd 35:  Knit around (26sts)

Rnd 36:  K4. K2tog.  K1. SSK. K8.  K2tog. K1. SSK.  K4. (22sts)

Rnd 37:  Knit around (22sts)

finish stuffing bunny to desired firmness

Rnd 38:  K3. K2tog.  K1. SSK. K6.  K2tog. K1. SSK.  K3. (18sts)

Rnd 39:  Knit around (18sts)

Rnd 40:  K2. K2tog.  K1. SSK. K4.  K2tog. K1. SSK.  K2. (14sts)

add any final stuffing required

Cut yarn.  Pull tail through  remaining live stitches.  Pull tight and secure end.  Weave in end.

tail

Use pompom maker to make a small pompom and attack to backside at desired location

scarf, optional

cast on 4 sts.

work in garter stitch until piece from cast on edge measures approximately 10 inches.

cast off loosely. Weave in ends.  Tie around the bunnies neck

Finished your Bunny Peep?  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!

If you use this pattern for sale items please provide a link back and give credit to the designer:  Red Mitten Designs.  DO NOT claim this pattern as your own and please do not give printed versions of the pattern without permission from the designer. Please consider purchasing copies for friends or family if you liked this pattern and want to give it to others  

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!