Copyright. An original LillaBjörnCrochet Design (Tatsiana Kupryianchyk). Copyright 2014-2023. All rights reserved. This pattern is for personal use only. It cannot be sold, redistributed or edited in any way. Translations and video tutorials are not allowed. You can sell your finished products, but you cannot use my pictures to promote them. Please, always note me as a designer of this pattern. Thank you!
Sample made by Esther Schippers.
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Materials
Scheepjes Stone Washed, and Scheepjes River Washed (78% Cotton x 22% Acrylic; 50g/130m)
Yarn A: Stone Washed 801 Moonstone x 21 balls
Yarn B: River Washed 957 Eisack x 10 balls, and Stone Washed 810 Garnet x 11 balls
Check all shades of Stone Washed yarn at your local Scheepejs shop, or make a purchase via online retailers: Wool Warehouse* (UK, international shipping), Caro’s Atelier* (NL), Taemombo* (US and Canada).
3.5mm hook
Yarn needle to weave in tails.
Gauge:
Octagon motif measures approx. 14cm/5½in from side to side
Square motif measures approx. 8cm/3¼in from side to side
The Souvenir Blanket consists of octagons, small squares, and a slim border. All rounds are worked on RS unless otherwise instructed. The yarn is not cut after every round but is brought up to the next round on WS, so small floats of yarn will appear on WS. The motifs are joined to each other with an invisible join using yarn tail left after fastening off and yarn needle. You can either join motifs right after they are finished, or first make all motifs and then sew them together.
ABBREVIATIONS (US terms)
blo back loop(s) only
ch chain stitch
dc double crochet
flo front loop(s) only
hdc half double crochet
opp opposite
RS right side
sc single crochet
ss slip stitch
st(s) stitch(es)
sp(s) space(s)
yo yarn over the hook
prev previous
WS wrong side
STITCH GUIDE
FPdc (front post double crochet): yo, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of indicated stitch, yo, draw up a lp, [yo, pull through 2 lps] twice.
FPtr (front post treble crochet): yo twice, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of indicated stitch, yo, draw up a loop, [yo, pull through 2 loops] 3 times.
FPtr2tog (front post treble 2 together): *yo twice, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of next stitch of same color below, [yo, draw up a lp, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook] twice; rep from * once more, yo, pull through all 3 lps on hook.
FPtr3tog (front post treble 3 together): *yo twice, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of next stitch of same color below, [yo, draw up a lp, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook] twice; rep from * 2 more times, yo, pull through all 4 lps on hook.
tr (treble crochet): yo twice, insert hook in indicated stitch, yo, draw up a loop, [yo, pull through 2 loops] 3 times.
tr2tog (treble crochet 3 together): *yo twice, insert hook in indicated st, yo, draw up a lp, [yo, pull through 2 lps] twice; rep from * once more, yo, pull through all 3 lps on hook.
Pattern repeats:
[…] repeat instructions inside […] as many times as indicated in the pattern.
*…; rep from * as times as indicated in the pattern.
Layout for joining
Find a ready-to-print copy of the Souvenir Blanket pattern without ads on Ravelry HERE and Etsy HERE.
INSTRUCTIONS
OCTAGON
Round 1. With Yarn A make an adjustable ring, ch1 (does not count as a st here and throughout), 8sc into ring, ss to beg sc – 8 sts.
Round 2. Cont with Yarn A. Ch4 (counts as first dc and ch2-sp), [1dc in next st, ch2] rep around, ss to beg sp – 8 dc & ch2-sps.
Round 3. Ch1 changing to Yarn B. [Ch2, skip st of opp color, 2dc in st of Round 1 below occupied by dc from prev round (work in front ch2-sp)] rep around, ss to beg sp – 16 dc & 8 ch2-sps.
Round 4. Ch1 changing back to Yarn A by grabbing it up on WS (here and throughout), [1FPdc around st of same color below, ch4, skip 2 sts of opp color] rep around, ss to beg FPdc – 8 FPdc & ch4-sps.
Round 5. Ch1 changing to Yarn B. [Ch2, skip st of opp color, 1FPdc around next st of same color, 2FPdc around next st of same color] rep around, ss to beg sp – 24 FPdc & 8 ch2-sps.
Round 6. Ch1 changing to Yarn A, [1FPdc around st of same color below, 1sc in next st, 2sc in next st, 1sc in next st] rep around, ss to beg FPdc – 8 FPdc & 32 sc.
Round 7. Ch2 changing to Yarn B in first ch, [2dc blo in FPdc of opp color, 4dc blo] rep around, ss blo to beg dc, ss blo in next 2 sts – 48 dc.
Round 8. Ch1 changing to Yarn A, [1tr2tog flo in prev and next FPdc of same color below, skip no sts behind tr2tog, 4sc blo, 1tr flo in same st as second leg of prev tr2tog, skip no sts behind tr, 4sc blo, 1tr2tog as prev, skip no sts behind tr2tog, 4sc blo] rep around, ss to beg tr2tog – 60 sts.
Round 9. Ch1 changing to Yarn B, [1sc blo in tr2tog, 1dc flo in st of same color below (here and for all dc on this round), 2dc flo in next st, 1dc flo, 1sc blo in next tr of opp color, 1dc flo, 2dc flo in next st, 1dc flo, 1sc blo in next tr2tog, 2dc flo in next st, 1dc flo, 2dc flo in next st] rep around, ss to beg sc – 64 sts.
Round 10. Ch1 changing to Yarn A, *1tr flo in tr2tog of same color below, skip 1 st, 2sc blo, 1tr flo in same tr2tog, skip no sts, 2sc blo, 1FPtr around tr of same color below, skip 1 st, 2sc blo, [1tr flo in next tr2tog, skip 1 st, 1sc blo] 3 times, 1tr flo in next tr2tog, skip no sts, 2sc blo; rep from * around, ss to beg tr – 72 sts.
Round 11. Ch1 changing to Yarn B, *1sc blo in tr, 2dc flo in st of same color visible at the bottom of next V, skip 2 sts, 1sc blo in next tr, [1FPdc around each of next 2 sts of same color below, 1sc blo in next tr] twice, [2dc flo in st of same color visible at the bottom of next V, skip 1 st, 1sc blo in next tr] twice, 1FPtr3tog around next 3 sts of same color below, skip 1 st, 1sc blo in next tr, 2dc flo in st of same color below visible at the bottom of next V, skip 2 sts; rep from * around, ss to beg sc – 80 sts.
Round 12. Ch1 changing to Yarn A (cut B), *1FPtr around tr of same color below (here and throughout), skip 1 st, 2sc blo in next dc of opp color, 2sc blo, [1FPdc, skip 1 st, 1sc blo] 3 times, 1sc blo, 2sc blo in next st, 1FPtr, skip 1 st, 2sc blo in next st, 2sc blo, 1FPtr2tog around 2 sts of same color on both sides of FPtr3tog below, skip 1 st, 2sc blo, 2sc blo in next st; rep from * around, ss to beg FPtr – 88 sts.
SQUARE
Round 1. With Yarn A, make adjustable ring, ch1 (does not count as a st), 8sc into ring, ss blo to beg sc – 8 sts.
Round 2. Ch1 changing to Yarn B, 2sc blo in same st as join, 2sc blo in each st around, ss blo to beg sc – 16 sts.
Round 3. Note: first dc is worked in a st of Round 1 where next inc of Round 2 was made.
Ch1 changing to Yarn A, *skip 1 st on round 1, 1dc flo in next st of Round 1, skip 1 st on Round 2, 1sc blo, [1dc flo in same st of Round 1, skip no sts, 1sc blo] twice; rep from * around, ss blo to beg dc, ss blo to next 2 sts – 24 sts.
Round 4. Ch1 changing to Yarn B, beg in same st as join, *1sc blo in dc of opp color, 2dc flo in st of same color visible at the bottom of next V, skip 1 st, 1sc blo in next dc of opp color, 1tr flo in free st of Round 1 below, skip 1 st, 1sc blo, 2dc flo in st of same color visible at the bottom of next V, skip 1 st; rep from * around, ss to beg sc – 32 sts.
Round 5. Ch1 changing to Yarn A, *1FPtr around st of same color below, skip 1 st, 2sc blo in next dc, 1sc blo in next dc, [1FPdc around st of same color below (here and throughout), skip 1 st, 1sc blo] twice, 2sc blo in next dc; rep from * around, ss to beg FPtr – 40 sts.
Round 6. Ch1 changing to Yarn B, beg in same st as join and working all FPdc around sts of same color below, *1sc blo in FPtr, 2FPtr around next st, 1FPdc around next st, skip 3 sts, 1sc blo, 3FPdc around next st, skip 1 st, 1sc blo, 1FPdc around next st, 2FPtr around next st, skip 3 sts; rep from * around, ss to beg sc – 48 sts.
Round 7. Ch1 changing to Yarn A (cut Yarn B), *1FPtr around FPtr of same color below, skip 1 st, 2sc blo in next st, 2sc blo, 1FPdc, skip 1 st, 3sc blo, 1FPdc, skip 1 st, 2sc blo, 2sc blo in next st; rep from * around, ss to beg FPtr – 56 sts.
JOINING
Here is a video tutorial for an invisible join.
BORDER
Round 1: Attach River Washed Eisack with ss blo in FPtr2tog of any octagon, ch1 (does not count as a st), beg in same st as join, *18sc blo in each st until you reach the bottom of the V on the edge, 1sc3tog working in sc before tr on current octagon, seam and sc after tr on the next octagon, 16sc blo; rep from * around the blanket, ss blo to beg sc.
Round 2: Increases will always be made directly above FPtr.
Ch2 changing to Stone Washed Garnet in first ch (cut River Washed), beg in same st as join, *5dc blo, 2dc blo in next st, 10dc blo, dc5tog blo over next 5 sts, 9dc blo, 2dc blo in next st, 4dc blo; rep from * around the blanket, ss blo to beg sc, fasten off.
FINISHING
Weave in all ends. Block blanket to measurements.
Find a ready-to-print copy of the Souvenir Blanket pattern without ads on Ravelry HERE and Etsy HERE.
With love,
It is almost Granny Square Day! Each year on August 15th the crochet community all over the world celebrates this day by creating crochet squares and posting them on social media. Mostly Instagram. The tradition is young (first initiated in 2014) but has already gained popularity among crocheters from different countries in the world.
And that’s for a good reason.
Granny Square is the first thing that comes to mind when we think about crochet. The square is the most universal shape, which we can use in so many ways. We can create throws and blankets, pillows, bags, chair pads and trivets, table decorations, and even clothes. And crochet squares should not necessarily be basic.
This year, I have decided to join celebrations of a granny square by putting up an e-book with 6 of my favourite square designs. This e-book includes 6 modern square patterns in overlay crochet. All of them are full of texture and colors.
Each square uses tiny amounts of yarn in several colors and gives you a great possibility to use up leftovers of yarn from other projects. You can purchase a complete e-book via our website at a special price HERE, or find individual patterns on Ravelry.
The e-book includes Chocolate Lotus Square, Dahlia Square, Frozen Flowers Square, Pinky Mood Square, Lucky Quatrefoil Square and Sunflower Square (probably my most favourite of all time!)
Choose a palette and combine the colors for each square differently for a unique look of your project.
Hope you have fun!
Brioche crochet is a new trend. I fell in love with this technique so much that I want to shout about it on every corner. And make every crocheter try it. One day. Sooner or later, haha. And of course, the best way to attract attention is to create more patterns. So, here is a new one. An Archway Square!
You can find the pattern on Ravelry HERE and Etsy HERE with an introductory 20% discount through Wednesday, July 5th, 2023. No codes are needed as the price has been discounted already.
In this post, I will not talk about the basics of the brioche crochet technique and about how easy it is. You can read everything about it in Brioche Masterclass, which is free on blog.
I know that the brioche fabric looks intricate and impossible to tackle by the advanced beginner, but the truth is, the brioche crochet patterns (at least mine) are easy to follow. Because every row or round uses just one color and very basic crochet stitches.
If you click the link mentioned above, you will learn everything about the technique basics. You will also see short video tutorials explaining increases, decreases and how to work in rounds and rows. And here, I would like to talk about the advantages of the new Archway Square pattern.
Fun Facts about Archway Square
~ To start with brioche crochet, you do not need prior training or special knowledge in crochet. It is enough to know how to do basic stitches (including front post), and to be able to keep consistent gauge/tension.
~ While consistent tension is important for a nice stitch definition, you do not need to obtain exact gauge to make this brioche square. You can choose any yarn at all, though thicker and softer yarns are best to learn the technique.
~ Brioche square is worked in rounds, and all are done on the right side. It is slightly easier than to crochet brioche in rows. So, this pattern is an absolute winner if you want an effective introduction to brioche crochet.
~ Usually, you need just two colors to make a brioche crochet square, however gradient yarns together with a solid shade will always look gorgeous! Please, keep in mind that for the best result, high contrast colors will look the best.
~ The yarn is not cut after every round, but it is brought up to the next rounds on the wrong side. What does it mean? Right! Almost no ends to weave!
~ You can reverse the colors for the same square, and they will look different.
~ The Archway Square pattern contains written instructions together with step-by-step pictures and introductory videos explaining technique, showing first rounds and the invisible join.
~ Depending on which weight of yarn you choose, you can use this square in different ways. As a front cover of a pillowcase, for example. Simply stitch it onto a ready fabric pillowcase in the same size, and you are done! Here is my brand-new pillow made with Scheepjes Chunky Monkey yarn and 4.5mm hook.
With a smaller yarn weight, you can create blocks for a blanket or a bag. Because brioche crochet fabric is often thick and stiff, I suggest that you make a sample square with the yarn of your choice to see if you like the look of the stitches and the drape.
~ And the last fun fact (and also my favourite) is that you can make your square in any size by stopping after any round. So, you can make large squares, and small squares. And when you join them together with an invisible join (explained in the pattern), the fabric will look unique. With a different stitch pattern, depending on which round you stopped at.
And if my words do not convenience you, have a look at these four samples.
All samples are made with Scheepjes yarn. You can find it in your nearest
local Scheepjes shop, or via online retailers:
Wool Warehouse* (UK, international shipping),
Caro's Atelier* (NL&Europe),
Taemombo
(US&Canada)
This sample is after 37 rounds (yarn: Scheepjes Chunky Monkey).
This sample is made of four squares after 27 rounds (yarn: Scheepjes Stone Washed)
This sample is made of four squares after 17 rounds (yarn: Scheepjes Stone Washed and River Washed).
And this sample was made by Laura aka @taemombo uses 16 squares after 11 rounds
(yarn: Scheepjes Stone Washed).
How cool is it? More than that! You can make small and large squares and join them together. And I can only imagine how many different illusions stitch patterns you can create by that.
Would like to give it a try? Grab the pattern on Ravelry HERE and Etsy HERE.
Hope you enjoy!
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Do you make resolutions for every new year? I’m truly convinced that once my thoughts and intentions are written down, I will never happen to follow them. So, I never set any plans for a year, and never note them down. Though, of course, the end of the year, with long winter evenings and lack of daylight, creates this special mental space for rethinking and reevaluating what has been done. And where to move.
I would not call it a resolution, but this year I decided to slow down. And I mean it in many ways.
It feels like my current inner space is very much in the mood with the concept of slow living. Not that I am trying to introduce it into my life (and probably it is not possible now), but I feel like I need more time to spend with myself, my inner circle of people, and with nature.
We have recently moved to the house in the suburb of the city, and I enjoy planning the garden, watching the birds from my window, and taking care of the plants. You can say, it’s just ageing, but I would say it is a slow transformation of how you accept yourself and the world around you.
You might know that I am a huge admire of Scandinavia and slow living is exactly what I feel when I come and visit my friends in Sweden. In Sweden, they have their own concept of Lagom, but the basic principles are just the same: breathe deeply, find a balance in your life, don’t ask for more and be happy with what you have. Stop running and spinning. Look around and enjoy the moment.
Ok, maybe this is really the ageing, when in 40+ you start rethinking priorities in your life. But why not?
The concept of slow living includes several philosophies, and one of them is simplicity.
It can start with decluttering of the house, reducing the amount of “digital noise”, and surprisingly, it can also be translated into the simplicity of crochet.
Well, in fact, crochet itself can be counted as an element of the slow living. I do not know what about you, but for me, the best time of the day is when I can stay alone and crochet for hours. Ideally somewhere in the wild, on the seashore or a lonely balcony with no other people around.
Slow living concept has also grown the roots into fashion industry. It is about simple shapes, calm colors and comfort.
I am not an experienced crochet garment designer, though I already have quite a few sweaters and cardigans in my personal library. My aim is to contribute more patterns to “slow living” crochet design.
And I hope that today’s release of the Airy Fairy Cardigan will become a nice contribution!
You can find the pattern on Ravelry HERE and Etsy HERE and enjoy the 25% introductory discount (no codes needed). It is valid through Monday, May 29th, 2023.
The cardigan is designed to fit with approx. 5cm/2in of positive ease at the bust. It is worked seamlessly from top down. First yoke is worked in rows to separation for body and sleeves. Then the lower body is worked in rows to the bottom. Sleeves are designed as ½ length, and they are worked top down. The length of the body and sleeves is easily adjustable.
The cardigan has a comfortable raglan shape for the sleeves, a beloved V-neck and generous yoke depth. For a deep breath!
Made with Scheepjes Organicon yarn (100% soft organic cotton), it has a perfect textured stitch definition and is very pleasant against the skin. What to wish more for the cool summer evenings.
Organicon yarn is available in your
local Scheepjes store, or via online retailers:
Wool Warehouse* (UK, international shipping),
Caro's Atelier* (NL, Europe),
Taemombo
(US and Canada).
The pattern comes in eight sizes to fit the actual but of 81-137cm/32-54in. It contains row-by-row written instructions and detailed video tutorial explaining how to make every part of the cardigan.
Hope you enjoy!
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