While everyone is busy picking colors and starting their first motifs for the Fae Fleur Blanket, I’ve been busy finishing something else in the meantime! Many people from all corners of the world have joined the Fae Fleur MAL, and while this might not be the "expected" time to show you something new, let’s be honest: who only has one crochet project on the go? I currently have at least five! Since this new design is all about summer, I decided to introduce it as soon as testing wrapped up. Please welcome the Floret Top!
The pattern is available on Etsy HERE and Ravelry HERE.
The Inspiration
I have been seeing so many beautiful crochet lace tops lately—it feels like a huge trend! These aren't just tops to wear on their own; they are delicate, sheer pieces meant to be styled over T-shirts, blouses, long-sleeves, or even dresses. Usually, I’m not easily swayed by trends, but these charming tops caught my eye, and I felt a strong urge to design one for myself.
My absolute favorite look is a crochet bra worn over a shirt. However, since being a crochet designer rarely means creating things just for myself, I designed this top to be fully adjustable in both length and width. It can be anything from a tiny bralette to a full-length summer dress.
The Design
I kept seeing various flower stitch patterns on my Pinterest feed and instantly fell in love with one in particular. While I didn’t invent the stitch, I adapted it to fit my vision and figured out how to work it both in the round and in rows.
The yarn choice was a happy accident! I ordered Scheepjes Organicon for my recent Twisty Top, but due to a misunderstanding, I received several full packages instead of a few balls (about 40 balls instead of 8!). It was one of those magic moments where a new design idea perfectly matched the stash I suddenly had on hand.
Why I Love It
I couldn't stop making these! I ended up crocheting at least six of them while testing different lengths and sizes, and I’ve already gifted several to friends.
• Customizable: The pattern includes three lengths (short, medium, and long), but you can easily extend it to create a beach cover-up or a dress. While it comes in six sizes (fitting finished busts of 84–154 cm / 33–60½ in), you can further customize the width by adding more flowers to the starting row.
• Minimal Ends: The best news? All the flowers are worked as-you-go, so there are almost no ends to weave in!
• Versatile Styling: The top is worked from the bottom up, with the front and back worked separately. You can choose a V-neck for both sides, a straight neckline for both, or the original V-neck front with a straight back. Since the top is reversible, you have even more options.
• Adjustable Straps: You can easily adjust the strap length by adding more chains, which also allows you to customize the depth of the neckline and armholes.
Pattern Details
While I used Scheepjes Organicon (a 100% organic cotton, fingering-weight yarn), I can easily see this top worked in a cotton blend or even wool for cooler weather.
The pattern is available in English on Etsy HERE and Ravelry HERE. It includes full written instructions, step-by-step photos, video tutorials, and charts!
I’d love to know what you think of it, or if you decide to give it a try!
Lately, I have been feeling a little stuck on what to design next. After more than 10 years of nonstop designing and trying my hand at a wide variety of different projects, I have explored so many shapes and categories that I was unsure of where to go from here. Then, I realized that instead of following trends, it is much more honest—and better for my creative soul—to simply design what I actually want to make.
We’ve been experiencing a weird summer, with heat waves shifting to cold fronts every other day. But because summer is still on the horizon, I thought a small crochet top would fit perfectly into my garment collection.
I was inspired by a modern silhouette featuring a square neckline and slim straps—it looks so gentle and feminine. Because I am obsessed with brioche crochet, I knew I had to add a small brioche detail to the top, too!
Let me introduce my newest design: The Twisty Top. The pattern is available on Ravelry [HERE] and Etsy [HERE].
Because it creates a double-layered fabric, brioche crochet can sometimes feel a bit thick and stiff. You might even think it isn’t a good choice for garments. However, if you use a small brioche accent and combine it with a mesh crochet stitch, the result is a fantastic drape.
The Twisty Top is a perfect example of how brioche crochet can bring an elegant touch to a piece.
Construction & Customization
The Twisty Top is worked from the top down. First, the front and back are worked separately. They are then joined together at the underarms, and the lower body is worked seamlessly in the round.
The length and width are completely customizable:
• To make it longer: Simply work more pattern repeats for the lower body.
• To make it wider: You can either work more pattern repeats with increases on both the front and back, or simply add more underarm chains.
The pattern includes plenty of step-by-step pictures and detailed video tutorials to help you along the way!
Sizing & Materials
The Twisty Top comes in 10 sizes, with a finished bust of 89–149 cm (35–58½ in). The garment is designed with 0–9 cm of ease, allowing you to choose whether you want a slim, fitted look or a bit of positive ease.
- Yarn: You will need fingering-weight yarn in two colors. I have noticed that high-contrast colors look best for this design, though subtle tones can create a beautiful effect as well. I used Scheepjes Organicon, which is 100% organic soft cotton.
- Hook: I used a 3.5mm hook, which is slightly larger than the recommended size for this yarn. I opted to size up to ensure the fabric isn't stiff and maintains a beautiful drape.
A Quick Tip: I highly recommend making a gauge swatch before you start working on your Twisty Top. Be sure to wash it before measuring, as some yarns can grow after washing, which could result in incorrect sizing. Making a swatch beforehand will save you from having to remake the whole thing from scratch!
Just a reminder, you can find the Twisty Top pattern on Ravelry [HERE] and Etsy [HERE].
Hope you enjoy it!
Tatsiana
Hello! I hope the beginning of the new year has been kind to you. My own start was a bit slow, as I decided to slow down in general and take life a little easier. I’ve been finishing up WIP projects from last year and preparing them for publishing. But new creative ideas have already started knocking on my door again, so hopefully a new design will jump onto my hook very soon.
Over the past weeks, I’ve been finalizing a new garment design that I am truly happy with—the stitch pattern, the yarn choice, the fit, and the overall look and feel. It has been a pure joy to design and make, and today I’m incredibly excited to share it with the world.
Please give a warm welcome to the Freya Cardigan.
The pattern is now available on Etsy HERE and on Ravelry HERE.
A special construction
Freya Cardigan is quite different from the garments I’ve designed in the past. It features a unique construction, worked vertically from side to side. I also used a short-row technique to create a leafy stitch pattern on the front. The fit is oversized, and I can safely say it will suit a wide range of sizes and body shapes.
It can also be adjusted as you go, both in width and upper arm circumference. The pattern has been tested in multiple sizes, and each version turned out beautifully.
Yarn
For the Freya Cardigan, I chose Scheepjes Kindsome yarn, which has a balanced composition of compostable polyester and responsibly sourced wool.
The yarn is incredibly soft and lightweight, coming in a sport weight with 50 g balls and 150 m per skein. It glides smoothly on the hook, and the stitch definition is excellent.
Kindsome yarn is currently available in a limited color range, but I truly hope new shades will be introduced in the future, making it an even more wonderful choice for both crochet and knitting—especially for colorwork.
If you prefer to use a different yarn for your Freya Cardigan, I recommend choosing a soft sport-weight yarn. The best results will be achieved with a single, solid color.
Pattern details
Freya Cardigan comes in 9 sizes, with a finished bust measurement of 112–208 cm / 44–82 in and a recommended ease of 45–55 cm / 17¾–21¾ in. It is designed as a roomy, cozy garment.
You can make it as an open-front cardigan without a closure, or optionally add buttonholes at the front for extra practicality.
The shoulder line is dropped, with no visible transition between the back and sleeves. Working half double crochet stitches into the back loops only gives the finished piece a knitted look rather than a crocheted one.
The pattern includes full written instructions in English (US crochet terms), detailed photo tutorials, and links to video tutorials explaining the construction, short-row technique, and finishing. The videos guide you through every step of making the Freya Cardigan.
If you’d like to get your own copy of the pattern and create your own Freya Cardigan, you can find it HERE on Ravelry and HERE on Etsy.
Hope you enjoy,
If you are a blanket person, then I have something exciting for you. A new crochet-a-long is here!
Introduction
Kamala Blanket was inspired by a single square designed several years ago. I have made a few pillowcases using this pattern, but the textured flower design was too beautiful not to turn it into a blanket. The flower with fragile petals reminded me of a Kamala flower, and this is where the blanket’s name comes from.
Being a simple construction of squares and border, the Kamala Blanket offers lots of interest regarding stitching and texture. And no doubt you will not be bored making it.
The blanket is big! It measures approx. 130 cm x 160 cm/ 51¼ in x 63 in, after blocking.
Where to get the pattern
Kamala Blanket consists of two patterns: A Different Granny Square and Kamala Border. You can grab a complete e-book with everything you need to make a blanket via our website HERE.
However, you can also purchase both patterns separately on Ravelry and Etsy (discover the links below).
Of course, as a stand-alone pattern, Kamala Border can be used for any other project of your choice. You will just need to adjust the stitch counts to start the border (everything explained in instructions).
A Different Granny Square: Ravelry, Etsy
If you previously purchased A Different Granny Square, you should have received an updated version which was added to your library. And if you have the pattern from Etsy, please check an introduction file for how to put a blanket together, as there you will see yarn amounts and placement of the colors for every round of the square.
Materials and yarn amounts
The Kamala Blanket comes in three colorways: Stained Glass, Sand and Blossom.
All three use Softfun yarn by Scheepjes which has been one of our absolute favourite. It is a cotton and acrylic blend, very soft. It also has just the right thickness for a medium size hook, which makes the crochet relatively fast and enjoyable.
Not to mention, the Softfun yarn does not split at all and is easy to care for. I have made several cushions with this yarn, and after years of hard-wear and washing they still are the perfect shape and look.
As for the previous CAL’s, this time we have also collaborated with Laura Jackson (aka @taemombo), who created her own colorway for the blanket and made one of the samples.
And Esther Schippers, who helped with testing, thought of a Blossom colorway for her blanket.
You can either choose one of our ready colorways, or you can pick your own colors to match your taste the best. Luckily, Softfun yarn comes in 90+ gorgeous colors, and you can also combine regular solid shades with Denim and Aquarel lines.
If you are in the USA or Canada, you can purchase a ready yarn kit from Laura’s shop HERE. You can also have a look at other colors and get yarn in your nearest Scheepjes shop or via online retailers: Wool Warehouse (UK, international shipping), Caro’s Atelier* (NL and Europe).
What is CAL (crochet-a-long) and how to join
As with the previous large projects, we have decided to host a Kamala Blanket as a CAL.
Crochet-a-long means that crafters from different parts of the world are making the same project at the same time. Usually, the CALs are hosted on a weekly basis, with new portions of instructions released every week.
However, with the Kamala Blanket we have decided to host a relaxed CAL allowing everyone to work at their own path. After purchasing the patterns, you will right away have all the instructions you need. You can begin at any time, and you can make as much progress every week as you wish.
The CAL means that we will have a space in our Facebook group, where you can share your pictures, give advice, and ask for help.
If you are not in a group yet, please join it, and do not forget to answer the simple question upon signing up. The approving process is automated, and without answering the question you will not be let in.
***
We officially begin on May 24th, 2024 to allow enough time for getting all materials. But you can start right away, of course!
Hope you will join us on this journey.
I continue to explore brioche crochet technique, and today I am happy to share a new design with you. Good news for those who enjoyed the Archway Square, as the new pattern is also a large brioche square which can be turned into an infinity stitch pattern. I named it Blomma, as it reminds me of the flower.
Blomma Square brioche crochet pattern is available on Ravelry HERE and Etsy HERE with an introductory discount of 20% which will expire on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024. The price you see now is a discounted one, and no codes are needed.
Lately, every time I start working on a new project, I say to myself it should be a beginner-friendly one. Not in the way it looks or how it is constructed, but in a way how the stitch pattern flows, and how this is reflected in the written instructions.
It means that the crochet design which looks intricate would necessarily be difficult to make. I sometimes get messages from the beginning designers asking about my own designing process. Of course, everything (and always) starts with inspiration. In a burnt-out mode, it is not easy to design something unique and appealing.
Basically, the easier the design process goes, the more chances are that the result will be great. And if you are stuck from the beginning, it often means something is wrong and creative spirit is blocked at some point. And then it is better to leave the idea aside and create something else.
I never draw sketches beforehand. Usually there is a rough idea inside my head, but I prefer to draw with yarn right away. So, the beginning of every design of mine always starts with a ball of yarn and a hook, late in the evening, in front of the TV.
Somehow the first rows or rounds with simple stitches bring in a certain mood, and slowly after each new round the idea becomes clearer. The designing process does involve lots of frogging and remaking. It would be ambitious to think that genius stitch patterns come to the world on the first try.
And when I say genius, I mean the stitch patterns which are perfect regarding maths, with perfect stitch counts and repeats, which are easy to write down. And the last is probably the most important in the crochet design, for me at least. Which makes the pattern doable for crocheters with different skill levels.
Of course, not all my crochet designs are “genius” in that way, but with every new project I am trying to get closer to this ideal and make written instructions as easy to follow as possible. Brioche crochet is one of those techniques which look extremely intricate, and not even doable.
But Archway Square proved that crafters with advanced beginner skills can handle the pattern. Basically, the required minimum level is to know how to do basic crochet stitches. And the rest is only about their placement, which is explained in the pattern.
If you did Archway Square, then no doubts that Blomma Square is right for you. And if this is your first time with brioche crochet, an introductory video is waiting for you in the pattern explaining basics of technique and showing first rounds of the pattern to bring you into the right flow. And then the pattern also contains progress pictures for all the rounds.
The Blomma Square consists of 49 rounds, and with Scheepjes Softfun yarn (DK weight) it will make a perfectly sized front decoration for a ready-made fabric pillowcase. And if you want to experiment with the infinity looks, stop the pattern after any even round, and join small squares with an invisible technique (explained in the pattern).
For my pillow, I made four squares with 30 rounds, and the final joined large square is about 60cm.
Esther Schippers, who helped me with testing, decided to make a smaller one and stopped after 24 rounds on her squares. And ta-da! Here is a totally different look.
And Laura Jackson turned her Blomma Squares into a cute and stylish handbag. Check her Ravelry project page to learn more about the colors she used and how she assembled everything.
Get your own copy of the Blomma Square pattern on Ravelry HERE and Etsy HERE and unlock your creativity.
Hope you enjoy!
