New FREE Crochet Pattern Alert: The Tay Beanie

 

IT'S PATTERN LAUNCH DAY!

Hello! I'm always excited about pattern launch day but this beanie pattern is especially exciting beacuse I've lined it up to launch on the day of The Scottish Yarn Festival at Errol Showground, Perthshire which is also today! I've designed my Tay Beanie using the Clan DK wool from The Scottish Yarn Festival and it seems fitting to release the pattern into the world on this special day!

I've spoken at length in previous blog posts about how much I LOVE this wool, but if you missed those you can find them on my blog here.

The Tay Beanie pattern is FREE for you here in this blog post with the option to upgrade to the paid-for pattern on either my website or on Ravelry. The paid-for version has another two sizes plus a video tutorial to accompany the pattern. It also includes my prompts for taking the pattern and creating your own spin on it, something I love to encourage! Use the code BEANIE for 25% off the paid-for version!

To make this beanie, you'll need:

• 1x 100g skein of The Scottish Yarn Festival Clan DK (230m/ 100g, 80% Shetland/ 20% Cheviot), I used colourway Sinclair. Link to buy yarn  https://thescottishyarnfestival.com/our-custom-yarn

• 5.5mm (I/9) crochet hook

• Needle for sewing in ends

The full instructions to make the medium size hat are below, in both UK terms followed by US terms! If you make one, don't forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see!!

Tension 

6.5 stars x 8 rows per 10cm (Star Stitch pattern in rounds, unblocked with 5.5mm hook or required hook to achieve gauge). No time for gauge swatches? At the end of Round 5 of the Crown, the diameter should be approximately 11cm.

Measurements

Medium size: to fit 53-58cm; finished hat circumference 58cm; brim to crown height 20cm. My medium sized sample used just under 60g of yarn.

For the small and large sizes visit my website or Ravelry to download the paid-for pattern.

Abbreviations

UK terms		US terms
bptr	back post treble    ⇨  ⇨  ⇨	bpdc	back post double crochet
ch	chain	ch	chain
chsp	chain space	chsp	chain space
flo	front loop only	flo	front loop only
fptr	front post treble    ⇨  ⇨  ⇨	fpdc	front post double crochet
fptr2tog	front post treble 2 together   ⇨  ⇨	fpdc2tog	front post double crochet 2 together
htr	half treble    ⇨  ⇨  ⇨	hdc	half double crochet
htr2tog	half treble 2 together   ⇨  ⇨  ⇨	hdc2tog	half double crochet 2 together
RS	right side	RS	right side
ss	slip stitch	ss	slip stitch
st(s)	stitch(es)	st(s)	stitch(es)
tr	treble     ⇨  ⇨  ⇨	dc	double crochet
tr6tog	treble 6 together   ⇨  ⇨  ⇨	dc6tog	double crochet 6 together
WS	wrong side	WS	wrong side

Notes 

• Begin at the Crown and work down to the Brim in rounds with RS facing at all times. Do not turn at the end of rounds.

• Some testers found that they went up a hook size (or two!) for the Star Stitches. If you feel your Star Stitches are too tight, go up a hook size then back down a hook size for the Brim. You can try on the hat for size & fit after each reset round of Star Stitches.

• If you’d like more length to your beanie add extra rounds of the Brim section.

• Stitch counts are only given at the end of rounds with a change of count from the previous round. If there is no stitch count stated, it’s unchanged since the previous round.

Special stitches

• Star Stitch is worked over 2 rounds. In the first round you will tr6tog/ dc6tog with the first part of each tr/ dc worked as follows; in chsp just made, in mid side leg of last star worked, in lower side leg of last star worked, in same st as last leg of last star, in each of next 2sts, yo, pull through all 7 loops on hook, ch1 = tr6tog/ dc2tog made. To complete the stars you will work a round of (1tr, 2htr)/ (1dc, 2hdc) in each chsp around - be careful not to miss the last chsp before the ss join! A reset round is then worked to bring the stitch count back down.

• To begin a round of Star Stitch; ch4, then tr6tog/ dc6tog with the first part of each tr/ dc worked as follows; in 2nd ch from hook, in 3rd ch from hook, in 4th ch from hook, in the same space as joining st at end of last round, in first st, in 2nd st, yo, pull through all 7 loops on hook, ch1 = tr6tog/ dc6tog made

• Front post stitches (fptr/ fpdc) & back post stitches (bptr/ bpdc) are worked in almost the same way as regular trebles/ doubles except they are worked around the post of the stitch instead of in the top.

I’d like to thank my tech editor Ruth Brasch for checking over the fine details; my testers (their photos are in the collage above) - Gillian Clifford, Mary Dodds, Daniela Haible, Carmen Heffernan, Raffaella Invernizzi, Angela Lawton & Hannah Wingfield; my photographers, stylists - Niamh Mitchell & Joy Saunders; my model Niamh Mitchell! Thank you everyone, this design wouldn’t have been possible without all your help. xx

Video links 

I’ve made two YouTube video tutorials to help you with this beanie. If you purchase the paid-for pattern on my website or on Ravelry, you will have access to my introduction video which talks you through the construction of this beanie. 

How to work back post/ front post ribbing  https://youtu.be/WH21Ohlq4IE

How to work the Star Stitch  https://youtu.be/2Y4v6VxATuc

Tay Beanie Pattern Launch to Coincide with The Scottish Yarn Festival, 7th June 2024

Hello! Are you ready to add a new masterpiece to your crochet collection? It's time to start getting excited because I'm releasing a brand new crochet pattern to coincide with The Scottish Yarn Festival next Saturday, 7th June!

The Tay Beanie has now been tested and tech edited! This stylish hat is the cousin of my original Perth Beanie and features a stunning textured detail which is sure to make heads turn! Rounds of Star Stitch are used to create this rich texture and I'll be creating a YouTube video to demonstate this cute stitch pattern. 

Crocheted with just 1 skein of the fabulous Clan DK wool from The Scottish Yarn Festival, the same yarn I chose for my Perth Beanie. The sample is in Sinclair, the perfect colour for autumn in Perthshire!

If you're at the festival, you'll be able to choose from the full range of colours available, including the brand new colour, Errol, launching on the day! If you can't make it in person, you can buy the yarn on The Scottish Yarn Festival's webiste. Two weeks ago I wrote a review of this wonderful yarn which you can read here on my blog.

Stay tuned for the official release next Saturday! The pattern, like it's Perth Beanie cousin, will be free on my blog with the option to upgrade to the paid version on my website or on Ravelry to give you access to more sizes and more video tutorials. I'll be sending an email to my subscribers on the day so if you'd like access to all the links and of course the special subscriber discount code, sign up to my mailing list here.

Happy crocheting,

Marta xx

This pattern started life whilst waiting in the queue at the supermarket!

Hello! It's pattern release day for my Fields of Wheat Beanie and I'm promoting it straight away to Pattern of the Month, giving you 10% off this crochet design throughout the month of March.

I love this crochet pattern, it's definitely one of my favourites! Did you know it began one day when I was waiting in the queue at the supermarket? The lady in front of me had a leather bag with strips of leather looped through each other in such a beautiful way I just had to recreate the effect in crochet! 

This design was first published in British Fibre Art Magazine, issue 23 and in November last year I included it in my Winter Coorie Collection, however this is the first time it has been released as a stand alone pattern.

The intricate wheat stalk motifs are more complex looking than you might think, they're definitely not as tricky to achieve as they appear to be! 

Juniper Moon Farm’s baby alpaca wool was chosen for this design because it’s so soft & delicate against the skin. I've tried working it up in wool from UK Alpaca and it makes a good substitute.

There are 6 size variations created with different hooks in conjunction with different numbers of repeats. It's an intermediate level pattern and it's written in UK terms. 

For 10% off this pattern use the code MAR23 on either my website or Ravelry.

Don't forget to tag me if you make one so I can share on social media and there's a £10 voucher too for every photo I share here in my newsletter!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

PS. If you'd like to receive my blog posts straight to your inbox and find my biggest discount codes, hop on my mailing list here.

Pattern of the month for June

Hello! Introducing my Pattern of the month for June ... Air Balloon Beanie! I know, I know, it's not really hat weather (well not here in the northern hemisphere anyway!) but it's never too early to be prepared, right? Also, unlike blankets or jumpers which drape over you adding extra warmth as you work, small items like hats are perfect for the summer months because the air can still circulate.

Here are the details about the hat you need to know ...

• It's an intermediate level pattern designed to be crocheted in 2 colours.
• 4 sizes are available; child, teen, adult M, adult L.
• The pattern is very easy to adapt to suit any size of head.
• It's written in UK and US terms.
• The pattern gives instructions for 2 colours but you could be as creative as you like with the number of colours!
• I used Rico Essentials Merino DK for this design. 2 balls are enough to crochet each size.
• It's available on my website, on Ravelry and on LoveCrafts.
• There are charts and video tutorials to guide you.
• This project has that "one more row" quality I know so many of you love!

You can save 15% on my Air Balloon Beanie pattern throughout the month of June. It's usually £4.50 - use the code JUNE22 on my website or on Ravelry and it's yours for just £3.82. 

Don't forget to tag me on social media or send me a photo if you make one because I'd love to see!

Marta xx

January sale on all my crochet patterns!

 

Happy New Year to you! My January sale has begun - throughout the month of January I'm offering you 3 for 2 on all my patterns!

This is the BIGGEST sale I have ever done and I'm looking forward to seeing you follow my designs - whether that's for the first time or whether you're a loyal fan! Below is a collage of some of my patterns, but there are 30 more patterns to choose from!

All you need to do to take advantage of this offer is go to my Ravelry store, add 3 patterns to your cart then use the code JANUARY at the checkout and the cheapest pattern will be yours for free!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

PS. Don't forget that I'm here for you if you have any questions about my patterns - before purchasing and after - please ask! xx

November's crochet pattern of the month!

Hello! I can't believe we are almost finished the first week of November and I haven't announced my pattern of the month! I'm actually really busy behind the scenes at the moment with a magazine commission that I need to keep a secret and a collaboration that I'll be sharing real soon! These things, as well as the day to day stuff are filling all my time at the moment - I can't wait to share more with you!

So, November's pattern of the month as you can tell from the image above, is my Sedimentary Beanie! I released the pattern last autumn and it's been very poular. It's a two colour design inspired by the sedimentary layers & textures found in rocks. The beanie is crocheted in rows with the side seam sewn up and the crown gathered to finished. It's a simple four row repeat which will soon become rhythmic and mindful.

The pattern is rated intermediate level and it's written in UK and US terms. I designed it in Coopknits Socks Yeah! DK weight (8ply) in colours Astra Planeti & Anemol (top photo) and Tartarus & Sphene (above). The beanie is written for 4 sizes; child, teen, adult M & adult L.

You can receive 20% off the pattern on Ravelry with the code NOV21. If you can't access Ravelry, let me know in the comments and I can sort it out for you via email.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

5 Of The Best Slouchy Beanie Crochet Patterns!

Hello! I've picked out 5 slouchy beanie patterns for you to crochet this autumn! They've all been tried & tested by me and I think you're going to love them! I've chosen designs requiring a variety of yarn thicknesses with some free and some paid for patterns. Let's dive in ...

No. 1. is the Lake's Edge Hat by Kat Goldin. This is a free pattern with lots of tutorials to help you if you need them. The hat works up quickly in aran weight yarn (10ply) using V-stitch. I made this hat for my youngest a few years ago and it's still going strong! You can find the pattern here.

No.2 Is the Skipton Hat by Vicki Brown Designs. I loved making this hat, especially in this variegated yarn - the colours kept changing, keeping things interesting. This one is DK weight (8ply) and I added a faux fur pompom! You can find the free pattern here.

No.3 is the Puppy Love Heart Slouchy by Bethany Dearden. The basic pattern in 1 adult size is free on the blog or you can buy the pattern which gives you multiple sizes and eliminates the adverts. This design calls for aran weight (10ply) yarn and it works up super fast! I enjoyed the way the hearts formed in this pattern - I definitely want to make another one!  You can find the free version of the pattern here.

No.4 is the Bromsgrove Hat by Joanne Scrace. This super slouchy design is worked in 4ply and is a great stash buster, you could use as many colours as you like! There are lots of different stitch techniques needed in the rounds, but nothing too tricky - it's rated as easy. This pattern is £4.00 on Ravelry, you can find it here.

No.5 is one of my own designs! This is the Barista Beanie, originally an exclusive for Crate Crochet subscription box in Australia. The pattern alternates between working in rows and working in rounds which gives it lovely drape. Fingering weight (4ply) yarn is required and it finishes with a crochet tie rather than a pompom. Find this pattern on Lovecrafts.com here.

Subscribe to my newsletter to receive more crochet inspiration, free patterns, crochet tips & advice here. I hope you've found this post useful. Let me know if you give any of them a try, I'd love to know how you get on!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Crochet Pattern of the Month for August - with a discount code!

Eeeek! We're well into the 2nd week of August and I haven't announced my Pattern of the Month!

This month I have chosen a hat pattern because I know many of you are turning your attention to creating accessories for the winter months here in the northern hemisphere (elsewhere in the world you may be able to whip one up to wear before the cooler weather is behind you!). 

It's a delicate looking beanie which is crocheted sideways. It has lovely drape to it created by modified linked trebles - if linked stitches are new to you this is the perfect small project to give them a try! The pattern is a simple 4 row repeat which will soon become very rhythmic and mindful. 

The pattern is available in 4 sizes; child, teen, adult - M & adult - L.

It's also written for two yarn weights; 4ply or DK - full instructions are given for both weights so you can choose whichever you prefer working with (or try it out in both!). When choosing your yarn, go for a solid or semi solid colour because the overal look of this crocheted beanie is a knitted in the round effect - definite stripes give away this illusion!

I chose a faux fur pompom to finish it off but you could also make a traditional pompom or if you're not a pompom fan you could do what some of my followers have done and omit the pompom altogether!

You can find this pattern on Ravelry and on Lovecrafts, you can also use the code AUGUST21 to receive 25% off (but only in my Ravelry store). 

If you have any questions about this pattern - from initial yarn choices through to sewing in your ends - please reach out to me in the comments or Instagram DM.

Happy crocheting,

Marta xx