Recent projects: Baby Blanket

Good morning friends,

Coming soon, I will share my round up of my favorite free crochet afghan patterns, but first I wanted to share my completed Baby Blanket.

I followed a beautiful free pattern from Modern Grace Design. The pattern as written creates a stroller/crib sized baby blanket, however the pattern is easily adaptable to create a larger blanket.

I especially adore the edging, which alternates between the primary color and the contrast color and finishes with ruffles. 

My blanket turned out a bit lopsided, I likely added a few extra stitches here and there, but I don't think the baby will mind. :) 

Baby blankets are a great way to tell someone you haven't met yet how much you love them and can't wait to meet them.

Big thanks to Alison of Modern Grace Design for sharing this free pattern with us. I have already started my second blanket with this pattern for my niece who will be joining the universe in March. 

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to visit Thread by Thread Zen again soon!

Cheers,

- Katie Rose

Free Crochet Coaster Pattern Round-Up

Hello, friends! As promised, it is time for another super exciting free crochet pattern round up! Today’s theme: coasters. 

Why coasters? 

• Coasters are a great way for beginning crocheters to practice stitches and build confidence in their craft.
• Coasters are also a great way for long time crocheters to artfully employ the odds and ends of their yarn drawer/closet/room. :) We call this type of project a “stashbuster.” 
• You can make a set of four coasters in the time it takes to watch a few episodes of “Sherlock.” Unless you are too distracted by Benedict Cumberbatch’s cheekbones. 
• Coasters make great gifts. I especially like giving coasters for housewarming gifts.

Now, here are five of my favorite free crochet coaster patterns!

Cool Coasters

This is my go-to coaster pattern. I have a set on my coffee tables, and I have given many sets as gifts. Though the pattern calls for sport weight yarn, I have always made these coasters with worsted weight yarn as that is what I have the most of on hand, and they have turned out great. This pattern comes from the Crochet Spot, which has many excellent tutorials, free patterns, and a premium pattern shop.

1893 Circle Motif (Click link for pattern and photo)

There’s something so cool about working with a crochet pattern that is over 100 years old. Sandi Marshall adapted the pattern from a 1893 publication titled Fancy Work Manual. Add a vintage touch to your coffee tables with these coasters. 

Crocheted Plastic Bag Coasters

An eco-friendly idea from Country Woman Magazine, these coasters are made with a size G hook and plastic shopping bags.

Crochet Fruit Coasters Pattern

Sarah from Repeat Crafter Me shares this adorable set of six crocheted fruit coaster patterns. These would be a big hit at any summer picnic! 

My Simple Star Coaster

Designed by Aurora Suominen of Designs on a Hook, these gorgeous star coasters are on my “make very soon!” list. I love stars, and it seems like this pattern would also be a great motif for embellishing an afghan or purse, or for joining and making into a scarf. 

Did we miss your favorite free crochet coaster pattern? Share it in the comments!

Have a great weekend and thank you for visiting Thread by Thread Zen!

Cheers,

- Katie Rose

Recent crochet projects: Shell Stitch Crochet Hat & Mandala

Happy Sunday, friends. I hope the week has treated you well.

I am happy to see the sun at last breaking through, melting snow into slush, the green grass persevering through one of the most severe winter storms I have witnessed in my 27 years. Businesses were closed much of last week, as well as the school I work at, due to subzero temperatures and unsafe driving conditions. It was a good time to catch up on my reading, on cleaning, and of course, on my crocheting.

Two of my recent projects were a Shell Stitch Crochet Hat and a Mandala.

I first made the shell stitch crochet hat as a Christmas gift for my sister, and so enamored with the results I had to make one for myself in my favorite color, purple.

Here is a shot of me wearing the hat, forgive the bad lighting. ;)

The shell stitch hat is care of Elise at the Grow Creative blog. Click here for the pattern. Elise also includes a pattern for a gorgeous flower that you can add to your hat for optimal adorability. 

My other recent crochet project was a mandala. Mandalas are special to me because they are a symbol of Buddhism for the Universe as well as balance. However, mandalas are enjoyed by many people simply because they are beautiful to gaze upon. Mandalas also happen to be very fun to crochet because you get to experiment with color work and different stitches. 

Here is my first mandala:

This mandala pattern comes from Barbara at Made In K-Town. Barbara has said this is one of the most popular patterns on her blog and it is easy to see why. Barbara provides detailed instructions for each round as well as step by step pictures. Check out the mandala pattern here. 

Time to refill my mug of coffee and consider what will be next on my crochet project queue. I hope you enjoyed these projects and I thank you for visiting Thread by Thread Zen!

Cheers,

- Katie Rose

Valentine's Day Crochet Pattern Round-Up

With still a month to go to until Valentine’s Day, there is plenty of time left to crochet a handmade token of love for your sweetheart. Thread by Thread Zen has rounded up the best of the free crochet patterns for Valentine’s Day.

Hugs and Kisses Heart Baskets

These baskets would be great as a centerpiece or to fill with candies for your valentine! Pattern is from Kara of one of my favorite crochet blogs, Petals To Picots. 

Crochet Heart Bracelet

A wonderful scrap-buster, and an adorable accessory to wear yourself or to gift.

Love Handle Hot Pad

Care of yarn brand Lily Sugar ‘n Cream.

Candy Hearts Coaster 

From another favorite blog of mine, Whiskers & Wool brings us these whimsical scoasters. If you didn’t have any felt on hand, I think a small crocheted heart applique in the center would be lovely as well!

Valentine Envelopes

Lion Brand Yarn has an excellent collection of free crochet patterns- just follow the free registration process for access. These Valentine Envelopes are perfect for valentine cards, pieces of candy, or gift cards.

Valentine Garland

This pattern comes from Anna of Crochet N Play. Anna’s blog has an impressive selection of play food crochet patterns and she has an Etsy shop with patterns as well, be sure to check her out. 

Heart Wreath Door Hanger

Bringing us some more V-day home decor is crochetgenealogist posting in the forums at crochetville.com. This festive wreath will surely welcome every guest that comes to your door with love. 

Valentine’s Tablecloth

A beautiful centerpiece for that incredible dinner you are making for your valentine, or for the carryout you are going to enjoy while catching up on Netflix. 

All Mine Crochet Slouch Hat

Tamara at Moogly brings us this cute-as-pie slouch hat with shell stitch hearts. 

Conversation Hearts Scarf

This scarf is made by joining heart motifs in fun candy-colored yarns. Alison at CrochetMe authors this pattern. 

These are some of my favorite Valentine’s Day crochet patterns. What are yours? Share in the comments. 

Cheers and heart shaped candies,

- Katie Rose