Granny Star Pattern: Print Friendly Version

GRANNY STAR PATTERN

My patterns are all written in US TERMS

The Photo Tutorial for this Pattern can be found HERE


 


YARN:  Raeesah Cotton Soft DK
(This is a matter of choice - as gauge does not really matter here, you could use anything from cotton floss to t-shirt yarn, depending on how you are going to use your stars)

HOOK SIZE:  4.00mm
(here again use whatever hook you are comfortable with for your choice of yarn)

Foundation:   5ch, sl st into 1st chain to form a circle.

Row 1:  3ch into same place as sl st (counts as 1dc), 2dc into the circle, 3ch;   (3dc into the circle, 3ch) x4;  sl st into the top of 3ch at start to close;   break off yarn

Row 2:   Join yarn in any 3ch sp;   3ch (counts as 1dc), 2dc, 3ch, 3dc into same place as join;   (3dc, 3ch, 3dc into next 3ch sp) x4;  sl st into the top of 3ch at start to close;   break off yarn.


Row 3:  Join yarn in any 3ch sp;   3ch (counts as 1dc), 2dc, 4ch, 3dc into same place as join; 1sc spike into top of "middle" dc on row 1;  (3dc, 4ch, 3dc into next 3ch sp;   1sc spike into top of "middle dc on row 1) x4;   sl st into the top of 3ch at start to close;   break off yarn.

Row 4:  Join yarn in space to the left of any sc spike; 1ch (counts as 1sc) in same sp as join;  1sc in space between next 2dc;   3sc into 4ch sp;   15ch, sl st into top of last sc; 3sc into 4ch sp;  1sc in space between next 2dc;  (1sc into sp before dc spike;   1 picot; 1sc into sp after dc spike;  1sc in space between next 2dc;   3sc into 4ch sp;   1 picot; 3sc into 4ch sp;  1sc in space between next 2dc) x 4;   1 picot, sl st into 1ch at start to close;   break off yarn

Note:   A picot is formed by crocheting 3ch then sl st into the top of the last sc, in exactly the same way as the 15ch loop is made.     The 15ch loop can be replaced with a 3ch picot if you want to use the star for an applique. 

Work in ends.  Depending on the yarn used and your tension you may need to block your star (a puff of steam and a gentle flattening with palm is usually sufficient)

Teeny Tiny Star

 

Yarn:    Raeesah Cotton Soft DK

Hook:  4.00mm

Pattern is written in US TERMS

Foundation:   3ch sl st into first ch to make ring OR make a magic ring

Row 1:   1ch, 1sc into ring;   4ch, sl st into 3rd ch from hook (picot formed), 1ch;   [2sc into ring, 4ch, sl st into 3ch from hook (picot formed). 1ch] x 4, sl st into 1ch at start to close

To give them a bit of sparkle I added some glitter glue! 

Granny Star Pattern

I have always made little embellishments for gift bags and as appliques for blankets or "plain-looking" projects.  

Going through my craft room I came across these very quick and easy to make granny stars made last year (takes longer to sew in the tails than it does to make the stars!)

A print friendly version of this pattern can be found HERE

GRANNY STAR PATTERN

TERMS: 

My patterns are all written in US TERMS

I have made this little conversion chart to make it easy for my UK readers to also follow the pattern

YARN:

Raeesah Cotton Soft DK

(This is a matter of choice - as gauge does not really matter here, you could use anything from cotton floss to t-shirt yarn, depending on how you are going to use your stars)

HOOK SIZE:  

4.00mm

(here again use whatever hook you are comfortable with for your choice of yarn)

Foundation:   5ch, sl st into 1st chain to form a circle.

Row 1:  3ch into same place as sl st (counts as 1dc), 2dc into the circle, 3ch;   (3dc into the circle, 3ch) x4;  sl st into the top of 3ch at start to close;   break off yarn.

Row 2:   Join yarn in any 3ch sp;   3ch (counts as 1dc), 2dc, 3ch, 3dc into same place as join;   (3dc, 3ch, 3dc into next 3ch sp) x4;  sl st into the top of 3ch at start to close;   break off yarn.

Row 3:  Join yarn in any 3ch sp;   3ch (counts as 1dc), 2dc, 4ch, 3dc into same place as join; 1sc spike into top of "middle" dc on row 1;  (3dc, 4ch, 3dc into next 3ch sp;   1sc spike into top of "middle dc on row 1) x4;   sl st into the top of 3ch at start to close;   break off yarn.

Row 4:  Join yarn in space to the left of any sc spike; 1ch (counts as 1sc) in same sp as join;  1sc in space between next 2dc;   3sc into 4ch sp;   15ch, sl st into top of last sc; 3sc into 4ch sp;  1sc in space between next 2dc;  (1sc into sp before dc spike;   1 picot; 1sc into sp after dc spike;  1sc in space between next 2dc;   3sc into 4ch sp;   1 picot; 3sc into 4ch sp;  1sc in space between next 2dc) x 4;   1 picot, sl st into 1ch at start to close;   break off yarn

Note:   A picot is formed by crocheting 3ch then sl st into the top of the last sc, in exactly the same way as the 15ch loop is made.     The 15ch loop can be replaced with a 3ch picot if you want to use the star for an applique.

Work in ends

Depending on the yarn used and your tension you may need to block your star (a puff of steam and a gentle flattening with palm is usually sufficient)

So cute!

So colourful!

(And a super fun way to use up those teeny tiny bits of yarn!)

(PS:   This pattern was written and "tested" by me, myself and I - so if you find any little bloopers please do not by shy to point them out!)

Christmas Stocking!!!

Despite my recent "mis-adventure" I managed to get round to writing the pattern for my Christmas Stocking!

A nasty little something bit me on the upper arm while working in the garden.     It started out a bit itchy - so I just put a bit of antihistamine cream on.    A couple of hours later my arm was huge - hot - and a nasty red!    Mr Owl (my  hero - always to the rescue) spirits me away to the ER.  The Triage Nurse, the Casualties Nurse and the Doctor ask me "How Are You??"?   Really??   I am in the ER at 23h00 on a Friday night with the Grim Reaper peeking over my shoulder - how do you think I am??   Shot of Pethidine and two massive dosis of antibiotics later - and the Dr pronounces me fit to go home (at this point Grim shuffles off looking rather disgruntled!).

My arm is not very useful today so I have been blogging about and writing my  
CHRISTMAS STOCKING PATTERN:

Pattern Terms:   US

Yarn:  Mirage Pullskein (DK / 8ply / light worsted weight) - Stylecraft Special DK is a good alternative and is available internationally online from Deramores.

Hook:  5.50 for the boot and a 5.00mm for the joining (the Mirage DK is slightly thicker than other DK yarns).   Adjust your hook according to your yarn thickness.

Size:  Stocking measures 35cm in height.    Heel to toe 25cm.

Make SIX circles as follows:

Ch 4, ss to join

Row 1:  3ch, 11 dc, ss to join
Row 2:  3ch 1dc into sp between dc; *2dc into sp between dc* rep *to* 11 times = 24dc
Row 3:  3ch, 1dc into sp between 2dc, 1dc into next sp *2dc into next sp between 2dc, 1dc into next sp*Rep *to* 11 times = 36 stitches

For the TOP CUFF take TWO of the circles and crochet a fourth row on each as follows:

Row 4:  Into a sp between a double dc work as follows:
4ch, 1tr, 2ch, 2tr; *1dc into each of the next 8sp; 2tr, 2ch, 2tr into next sp* rep *to* 3x; 1dc into each of the next 8sp, ss into top of 4ch

HEEL PIECE A
Into a sp between a double dc work as follows:  4ch, 1tr, 2ch, 2tr; 1dc into each of the next 8sp; 2tr, 2ch, 2tr into next space;  1dc into each of next 5 spaces - start forming the heel piece by crocheting 2dc into each of next 5 spaces;   1dc into each of next 7 spaces;   2tr, 2ch, 2tr into next space;  1dc into each of next 8 spaces, ss into top of 4 ch to join

HEEL PIECE B
Into a sp between a double dc work as follows:4ch, 1tr, 2ch, 2tr; 1dc into each of the next 8sp; 2tr, 2ch, 2tr into next space;  1dc into each of next 8 spaces;   2tr, 2ch, 2tr into next space;  1dc into each of next 7 spaces;  2dc into each of next 5 spaces;   1 dc into each of next 5 spaces

TOE PIECE A
Into a sp between a double dc work as follows:4ch, 1tr, 2ch, 2tr; 1dc into each of the next 8sp;  2tr, 2ch, 2tr into next space;  1dc into each of next 8 spaces;  *2dc into each of next 8 spaces, 1dc into each of remaining 10 spaces;   ss into top of 4 ch

TOE PIECE B
Into a sp between a double dc work as follows:4ch, 1tr, 2ch, 2tr; 1dc into each of the next 8sp;  2tr, 2ch, 2tr into next space;  1dc into each of next 10 spaces;  2dc into each of next 8 spaces, 1dc into each of remaining 8 spaces;  ss into top 4ch

Join A & B   Cuff, heel piece A, toe piece A

I crocheted mine together at the back - 4ch through both corners of toe and heel pieces, skip 2dc, 2ch,  1sc into next space - repeat to corner, 1ch, crocheting 1sc through both corners of heel and cuff pieces, skip 2dc, 1sc into next space - repeat to corner.

Crochet a row of dc around A and around B 

To extend the Cuff:
Join 3rd colour to the top corner - 3ch, 2dc into corner, skip 3dc, 3dc into next space - repeat to opposite corner, 3dc into corner, 3ch turn

3dc into next space, repeat to last space, 1dc into top of 3ch of previous row.

Repeat these two rows until the stocking is as long as you like (I did 6 rows), changing colours as you like.

Now to bring it all together:
Into top of 3ch on the last cuff row on A work 1ch, 1sc into the top of each dc - repeat to last stitch
20ch, ss into each chain
Fold over and ss into first chain to form the hanging loop 

Hold A & B together (right sides facing outwards) 2sc into side of each post on cuff, 1sc through both A & B into each space between dc, 2sc into side of each post on cuff, 1sc into top of each dc on side B, ss into bottom of hanging loop to finish.

Weave in the ends and Decorate!!

Granny Squares, Christmas Stocking (and other happy tales!!)

Joy! Joy! Joy!

A couple of reasons for my overwhelming sense of happiness today:

Finished the Queen Sized Log Cabin Granny Square Afghan commissioned by a client!!!     Delivered and client DELIGHTED = me HAPPY!!

Finished the Granny Square Afghan for my shop (inspired by the Spanish Lavender in my garden)

Little pops of colour showing up here and there in the Garden!

Yellows.....

and pinks!

Barberton Daisies (Gerbera's) one of my favourite flowers - I have them planted all over the garden in a multitude of colours.  The "landscape" variety make for fantastic cut flowers!!

And......

my latest crafty make - A Christmas Stocking!!

This is just the prototype made yesterday morning while contemplating whether I should or shouldn't make the effort to do the grocery shopping - a task which I look forward to about as much as I would look forward to major surgery!   Anyway - common sense eventually won out and I did the shopping!    Phew!   over and done with for at least 10 days!

Thanks to this little stocking, however,  I left home at least three hours later than I had originally intended.     I say thanks because had I left at my usual grocery shopping time I would have been caught in the middle of a gunfight (12 armed robbers with AK47's) - really nasty!   Reminded once again to be thankful and happy in every little moment!

My Prototype has a few minor defects which I need to address - and then I shall attempt to share the pattern with you!!! 

Gift Bag - Extra Large

I have been crazy busy crafting away.    Have a couple of really big projects on the go!

Busy making a diagonal box stitch "gypsy blanket" from yarn scraps left over from 2012's projects.   Planning to do a lot of traveling next year - I always find myself with cold knees on planes, buses and trains - not to mention while riding shotgun (hubby likes to drive with the aircon on - even when it is a bit nippy!)   I crossed halfway with this project yesterday - so hoping to finish it by tomorrow.

My daughter, Dani, also loves to craft - she made a snuggly afghan for her boyfriend's mom.    Quite a task to wrap something like that.    I made a bag and tag using (almost a whole sheet) giftwrap.     Used the Woolies gift wrap as it is quite firm.    I was half asleep when calculating the dimensions and the bag turned out excessively "long".    So I decided to flip over the top part -  instead of inserting the handles I punched holes straight through and used the flap to make a "handle" and close the bag.   Dani made the stars and decorated the bag.

Snowman Gift Tag

Still playing around with recycled bits in between making some bead jewellery.

Living in South Africa we will not see a single snowflake over Christmas (unless our weather turns even freakier) - but I have made a few snowflake and snowman cards anyway!

This one is super easy to make.    Cut two small circles (the lid of a large and medium glue stick work quite nicely!) from white card.    Cut a hat shape from black card (I have used darker kraft card) and a carrot shape - for the nose - from orange card.   Cut a wavy strip from turquoise card.  Tie a knot in a short piece of ribbon for the bowtie.

Layer up as shown, draw the snowman a face and stick arms, doodle some snowflakes and a border at the bottom of the tag to finish:

Gift Tags - Upcycled Materials

One of the things I love most about crafting is that one never runs out of materials that can be upcycled.    There is always something that can be salvaged from packaging, gift wrapping, floral arrangements, etc.
 
My hubby bought a few new shirts and they were folded around some very nice brown card.  My daughter was given a lovely arrangement of miniature sunflowers in a pretty cardboard box.   The ribbon handles were salvaged for the bow on the Christmas wreath I made for my mom.   I also salvaged the raffia tied around the box, and decided to use the cardboard and raffia to make some gift tags.    I punched some flowers in two different sizes, cut out two sizes of tags (one large and one much smaller) as well as as hearts and scalloped squares.   There were some punched buttons left over from a bulk make of Christmas cards.

 
I layered all of these materials up and this is the result!

You could use the tag as is, or use it as a topper for a card.

Cut a 10cm x 20cm rectangle from the shirt packaging, fold this in half to make a 10cm x 10cm card blank.   Add another layer and some extra leaves and finish with a handwritten sentiment:

Cut a 14cm x 20cm rectangle from the shirt packaging.   Fold in half to form a 10cm x 14cm card blank.    Cut a 14cm x 12cm piece of gift wrap or any patterned paper.    Cover the card blank, overlapping 2cm over the fold.  Add a few more blooms and a handwritten sentiment.

Happy upcycling!!

Christmas Cards & Wreath

I haven't had time to go shopping for stash yet, having too many non-papercraft projects on the go.   I did have to go to the supermarket to stock up, however - bought a few magazines too.    One of the mags came with a lovely freebie - a Christmassy paper pad and chipboard shapes.   I managed to get in a few quick makes between all the other crafting:

Inevitably I was left with a pile of scraps - used them to make a Christmas wreath for my mom.   I thought I had better make her one too, otherwise I would be in trouble with a "why didn't you make me one??"  My sister loves it, so I guess that means I will have to make her one too...

Christmas Pudding Gift Bag and Card

Just a quick pic to show you how I have used the Christmas Pudding on a gift bag and a 12cm x 12cm card!

 .

Christmas Pudding Gift Tag

I finally got started on my Christmas Gift Tags

This Christmas Pudding tag is made using the same technique as for the Baubles.    In this case however you just use much smaller circles.   I have used Kraft card to make the pudding,  but any brown paper or a recycled paper bag will work just as well.

Cut five small circles.    Join as for the  Baubles, but do not close once you have added the last circle.   Cut three "holly" shaped leaves.     Arrange the leaves on your tag.    Glue the pudding down and add two red beads to finish.    If you do not have beads,  little red buttons or a few dots of red glitter glue would also do.

This little pudding can also be used to decorate your gift bags to match the tag.    I have even made one or two Christmas Cards using this topper.

This is such a quick make you could easily make a few while sipping a nice cuppa - which is exactly what I am going to do right now!!

Paper Bauble Christmas Decorations

These paper baubles Christmas Decorations are extremely easy to make and a fun holiday project to get the kids involved with!

All you need is some colourful paper, paper rafia, three beads and whatever you have to decorate the paper baubles with.

Cut eight circles of the same size.  Fold each circle in half with the pattern or colour to the inside.  Glue one half of each circle to one half of another circle (making sure that the fold is nicely lined up) - this will form a spine.    Cut a piece of paper rafia about 30cm long, fold in half  and  hold against the spine so that 1/3  protrudes on either end.   Then glue the back half of the last circle to the front half of the first circle.

Push the top loop through a biggish bead.   Push the bottom ends through another biggish bead and then a smaller one - now tie together to pull the beads tight.    Cut 4 x 20cm pieces of raffia.   Tie these pieces down on top of the bottom bead.  Fold down and tie together with another piece of raffia about 1cm from the bead.   Knot and cut off.   Now decorate each of the panels as you like.

I have strung my paper baubles onto strands of plaited raffia, garden twine and kitchen string interspersed with beads.   I plan to use these  to decorate our lapa (outside thatch area) for the holiday season - I have bought a few strings of fairy lights which I am going to twist around some of the strands for a bit of Seasonal Sparkle!

Paper Flower Christmas Wreath

I fully intended to make gift tags yesterday afternoon - but it was so hot and I still felt very flu-ey, so I plopped myself down in the lapa with a stack of magazines and a tall icy lemonade.

One of the magazines had some lovely ideas for using up paper scraps.    In one of the designs they use tiny punched flowers and leaves to make a Paper Flower Christmas Wreath on a card - very pretty.    I am down to my final heap of scraps - but I figured I would have to make about forty cards if I used such a small design, and I wanted a quick "final" make.

I decided to "upsize" the idea!

I drew  around the lid of a big cake tin onto a piece of sturdy cardboard (a cereal box will work quite nicely), and then around the lid of a smaller cake tin placed centrally inside the big circle to for the base of the Christmas Wreath.   Cut out the ring and punch a single hole fairly close to the outside circle - make a loop using twisted paper ribbon.

I made as many flowers as I could using the same technique as for the Poinsettia decoration HERE.   I also made as many shapes and sizes of leaves as I could with whatever bits of green paper and board I had left.   I then started by glueing the flowers to the board as closely as possible without squashing them too much.   I then started filling the spaces with leaves and small bows made from paper ribbon.    I then added a bit of bling in the form of some shiny red beads and some pearl beads.   I added big paper ribbon as the final touch to my Paper Flower Christmas Wreath.

Christmas Decoration: Poinsettia - Tutorial

Just one quick make for today - my youngest daughter caught a virus and she seems to have passed it on to the rest of the family (thanks for sharing little Owl)   So we are off to the doctor this afternoon - don't think much crafting is going to get done today!

This Poinsettia Christmas Decoration can be used to decorate boxes, gift bags, wrapped gifts and cards for Christmas.

All you need is a sheet of Red 80gsm A4 paper and some green, and yellow scraps (you can use green 80gms paper for the leaves too - I have used 160gsm project board tho').

Cut the Red paper into 2 squares of each of the following sizes 7.5cm x 7.5cm;   7cm x 7cm;  6.5cm x 6.5cm;   6cm x 6cm;  5.5cm x 5.5cm;  5cm x 5cm;    4.5cm x 4.5cm and 4cm x 4cm.   Fold each square in half (to form a rectangle) and then in half again (to form a square)   Cut a petal shape along the open ends of each square and fold out to form a flower shape as shown below:

Start stacking the "flowers" from the largest to the smallest - applying a dot of glue on top of each one as you go, except for the very top one.

Punch eight circles from the yellow paper.    Glue these to the middle of the top "flower" to form the centre.   Cut four leaves from the green and assemble as shown on your box, bag or card.   Jazz them up with some glitter glue! 

You can make this Poinsettia Christmas Decoration as big or as small as you like by varying the sizes of your squares.    

Have fun!