Free Scarf Crochet Pattern: Mother's Present Completed

The crocheted scarf that had me worried for a moment.

Now that my mother's scarf is finally done, I just need to remember to actually give it to her. This crocheted scarf had me worried in the beginning stages, as it looked a little on the sloppy side. You can read about my experience with it here and here. For those who like the look of this crochet pattern, I will write down the specifics here for you, so you can try it yourself.

The Sloppy Start

In another post, I mention the fact that this particular scarf was looking a tad bit sloppy because I chose the wrong hook size. If I remember right, I had to go under the recommended hook size, which I consider as a little weird - I work tightly naturally.

Luckily, after common sense kicked in, the scarf started to look a lot better and the pattern was a lot more suitable for a light scarf. The colours together with the open work of the pattern, makes this a great crocheted scarf for the summer or in between seasons (but you will need something a lot more cozy for those winter days).

The Free Crochet Pattern

I had to remake this scarf pattern. I got it from somewhere on the net, but I can't find it again. If anyone knows where this pattern came from, please let me know. I need to add a link to their website. For now, be aware that this is not my pattern, but it is at least a free crochet pattern that I found.

Row 1

Make this free crochet pattern as long as you need it to be, as long as you stick to multiples of twelve. Thus chain in multiples of twelve plus an extra one for your next row.
Turn your work.

Row 2

Single crochet (SC) all the way through.
Chain 3.
Turn your work.

Row 3

Skip 2, SC into the 3rd stitch.
Chain 6, skip 5 and SC into the 6th stitch.
Chain 3, skip 2 and SC into the 3rd stitch.
Continue on with this pattern until the end.
Chain 3.
Turn your work.

Row 4

Double crochet (DC) into the 3 stitch gap.
*DC 9 times into the 6 stitch gap.
DC into the next 3 stitch gap.
Chain 2.
DC into the next 3 stitch gap.
Continue from * until the end.
Chain 3.
Turn your work.

Row 5

SC into the 4th stitch of the 9 DC group.
SC into the next stitch.
SC into the next stitch after that.
Chain 3.
(Petal Stitch) - Yarn over, go into the 2 chain gap of the previous row, pull through, yarn over, pull through 2, yarn over and go through the gap again, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through 2, yarn over and pull through 2, yarn over and go through the gap a third and last time, yarn over, pull through, yarn over and pull through 2, yarn over and pull through the last 3.
Chain 3.
Continue from the beginning.
Chain 3.
Turn your work.

Row 6

SC into 3 chain gap.
Chain 3.
*SC into the middle SC of the previous row (of the 3 SC group).
Chain 3.
SC into next 3 chain gap.
Chain 6.
SC into next 3 chain gap.
Chain 3.
Continue from *.
At the end, you need to make sure that you have 3 3-chain gaps. You should end with a 3 chain being SC into the last 3 chain gap of the previous row. After this, chain 3 and SC into the last loop of the previous row, allowing you to have a block-form (otherwise your work's sides will be all over the place) and your 3 3-chain gaps that you need.
Chain 3.
Turn your work.

Row 7

DC 4 times into the first 3 chain gap.
*DC into the next 3 chain gap.
Chain 2.
DC into the next 3 chain gap (see why those 3 3-chains are so important?).
DC 9 times into the 6 chain gap.
Continue from *.
At the end, make sure to DC 5 times into the last 3 chain gap.
Chain 1.
Turn your work.

Row 8

SC into the same stitch.
SC into the next stitch.
Chain 3.
*Make a petal stitch.
Chain 3.
SC into 4th DC of 9 DC group.
SC into middle DC (next one).
SC into next DC.
Chain 3.
Continue from *.
At the end, your last SC will fall on the last DC.
Chain 3.
Turn your work.

Row 9

SC into first 3 chain gap.
*Chain 6.
SC into next 3 chain gap.
Chain 3.
SC into middle SC of the previous row.
Chain 3.
SC into the 3 chain gap.
Continue from *.
Chain 3.
Turn your work.

From here you repeat from row 4 until you have it as wide as you want.

Until next time! Remember to leave a comment.

Crochet Help for Newbies: Choosing Your Hook Size

I hope you are all having a good day! I am - I am able to tick one project off my list. I will write a blog about it soon, but first I want to add this one that is on WillowSeed's website, too. It is all about the size of your hook versus your project.

Your Own Tension

I have had plenty of experiences where I realised that I work either too tightly or too loosely. I often work tightly, but now I do it on purpose. I like the look of my work when it is just a little more on the tight side (just as long as I can still move my hook around with ease).

Because I work naturally tight, I hardly need to go for a smaller hook size. I often use the same hook size as recommended on the yarn label. Sometimes, however, a mess up can come from following the guidelines put on the label. Some projects come out looking far too loose and large. I call it looking sloppy, because that is exactly what it looks like.

The one below looks a lot more fluffy and sloppy than the one above it, doesn't it? This is what 0.5 hook size difference can do.

This is why I always say it depends on yourself. You have preferences. You have certain techniques. You have your own unique ways of doing things, and the yarn label doesn't know that. Keep yourself in mind before you go crazy and use up your entire yarn on a project that could have looked a little neater.

The 0.5 Difference in Hook Size

I need say no more. The picture here illustrates the difference between a 4mm and a 4.5mm better than I can explain.

Small changes make big differences, so try to change your hook size only by 0.5mm until you are happy with your end result.

It made a difference in how I saw my project. In the beginning I wasn't happy about this project at all. Go read my feelings in this entry. Now, I can say the end result is much better. As I mentioned before, I will write an entry about it next time with a link here for you. Your hook size can either make a project disaster or, well, make a nice, good-looking project.

The End Result

I am unique, and so are you. This is why patterns and labels can be used as a guideline, but only as a guideline. In the beginning, I wanted my work to look exactly like the so-called experts out there. I felt annoyed every time my work came out looking a lot different. I thought I was terrible at crochet. I understand after plenty of practice that everyone has their own way of crocheting. Yours will look different than mine, but it doesn't mean my projects are better or worse than yours - it's just different.

Work with your own unique way and create what feels right. If you aren't happy with your end result, do something different. If you can see the pattern looks a little too loose, use a 0.5mm smaller hook (make small changes to your hook size). Play around. It's your own project, even if it is another's pattern.

You might want your project to look loose, then use a bigger hook. You might want your project to look really tight, then use a smaller hook. Make changes to your design using your own creativity and judgement. Remember to always have fun when crocheting.

I hope I helped, inspired and motivated some of you today. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Update Time: What I Did

In the past few months, I have been on a discovery of new things. These things can be seen as interesting, rewarding experiences and others as less so. One of these events led me to Irish crochet, so it wasn't all bad. So let me get you all updated.

Irish Crochet

Irish crochet is an amazing way to make things you didn't think you could. Currently (or not-so-current, as I have stopped for a while now), I am busy with two Irish crochet projects. The one project is a small decoration that I decided to make as a learning curve; and the second project is a rather large one: an Irish crochet gown. Rather, I think I could call it a gown. I will post pictures of these as soon as I have space to pack it out.

I am also trying to make a huge Irish crochet project, namely an Irish crochet throw. This project is only in my mind. I have found a pattern I would like to try and the wool. As with all creative projects, mine won't look like the pattern's end result, as my wool is a lot thinner. I am still excited to give this project a try and I will keep you updated once I start with it (once I have my table back).

My parents gave me this amazing table; perfect for Irish crochet projects, but as you can see, it's useful for other reasons too...

My Mother's Birthday Scarf

I can say that I am, after months of only practising Irish crochet, finally busy with something else, too. It feels good to return to plain crochet after so long!

My first project after the Irish crochet is a scarf for my mother's birthday (about time, as her birthday was a few months ago...) and it is not going exactly as planned. Here is a photo of the half-finished job.

My mother wants the scarf done in the same crochet pattern as I used for this tablecloth. Problem is that this particular pattern was one I found on the internet. I have no idea where it is. I have been trying to remake it, but with this particular wool, the pattern isn't looking as beautiful to me as it does on the tablecloth.

Update: I have changed the hook size and I am a lot happier with it now. Read here about the importance of hook sizes. 

And So...

Work is going slow, as I recently moved again. This time, I am living in one of the loudest places I have ever lived. Isn't apartment life great? I mean, where else do you get to pay a fortune for a box where you actually get to do nothing but stress and complain about lack of sleep and many other necessary things?

Only last night the police were called out to the apartment block next to us, as it sounded like someone was getting murdered in the parking lot for about half an hour. The police ended up going on a high speed chase, while everyone else was just standing on balconies watching everything play out.

I will rather continue another day before I go into a rant. Enjoy your day and don't forget to comment (especially about your apartment life story)!