Christmas Sewing Pattern: Christmas Holly Patchwork Block

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I’ve still got a few Halloween themed makes to complete but got slightly distracted by the Christmas make I’ve been wanting to get started on for a while.

I have had an idea in mind to complete a patchwork design of a holly but apart from a few rough sketches haven’t had chance to make one.

I had a bit of time a few days ago and decided it was time to sit down and see if I could put this patchwork holly block together or whether the idea needed to be scrapped for good. After a few mistakes with sewing together (no matter how much I try and make sure I don’t see any pieces the wrong way around I always seem to get at least one mixed up) I got the block completed. I love this block – I have already got some ideas for a few more!.

Christmas holly patchwork block pattern


Materials:

  • Fabric – I used some scraps of fabric I had leftover from previous Christmas makes (by and gifted by The Craft Cotton Company).
  • Paper.
  • Ruler.
  • Pencil.
  • Thread.
  • Scissors.
  • Pins.

How to make the Christmas holly patchwork block:

  • I drew out my holly themed block measuring 18x18cm on paper to give me my templates to cut out my fabrics.
  • I then cut out the templates – numbering/shading the pieces prior to cutting make help to keep them all in the right place.

  • I cut out my fabrics adding a 0.5cm seam allowance.
  • Placing the pieces right sides together I sewed down the edges to join.
    • I started with the right hand side of the block first and began by sewing each individual block together, then I joined each row together. I repeated this with the left hand side of the block then joined the two sides together.
  • Next I added the side pieces.

  • Finally I added the two top pieces to finish.

This project is great for using up leftover fabric scraps – I’ve used some leftovers of fabrics gifted to me by The Craft Cotton Company.

I’m undecided whether to use this block for a Christmas themed cushion cover, quilt or table runner. Once I have made a few more blocks (hopefully I have enough time before Christmas arrives) I will make a choice.

Crochet Mini Halloween Gifts: Bat, Monster, Spider Decorations/Stress/Juggling Balls Pattern

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It started with my previous mini Halloween decorations/stress balls pattern for a pumpkin, eyeball and mummy, and I had so many ideas leftover for more when I finished I decided to make those too! .

This time we have a bat, monster and spider to add to your Halloween decorations this year. These also make perfect little gifts when an alternative to sweets is needed!

I still have a few more ideas for these but I think they will have to wait for next year!

The crochet pattern for these is free over on Patreon for my Patreon subscribers.

For free Halloween crochet patterns have a look at my Halloween Crochet Patterns section.

Crochet Mini Halloween Gifts: Pumpkin, Mummy, Eyeball Decorations/Stress/Juggling Balls Pattern

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The Halloween makes are continuing here at the moment – I’ve still got a few more I want to try and fit in before I run out of time too!.

Next up are some mini Halloween decorations – these are perfect for putting up as decorations for Halloween and are also great for little Halloween gifts.

The crochet pattern for these is free over on Patreon for my Patreon subscribers.

For free Halloween crochet patterns have a look at my Halloween Crochet Patterns section.

Crochet Mini Halloween Pumpkin Pattern

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Halloween is rapidly approaching so I have decided it is time to focus on some Halloween themed makes and patterns.

First up is a pattern for a mini Halloween pumpkin – perfect for decorating with this Halloween. You could also make a few of these mini pumpkins and attach them to make some bunting.

This Pattern is available for free over on my Patreon page.

For other free Halloween makes check out my Halloween crochet patterns section.

Star Wars Lightsaber Crochet Pattern: Part 1 – Blue Lightsaber

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Since making my crochet R2-D2 I have been thinking about making some crochet lightsabers but I wasn’t too sure whether I would be able to make something that would look ok. After much deliberation I thought I would give it a go and see what I could come up with. After a while of researching lightsabers (I never realised there were so many different ones!) I got cracking on making the lightsaber using a rough design I sketched up based on some I had seen. After completing it I was very pleased with how it came out, so much so in fact I’ve decided to make a couple of other slightly different ones including a dark green, light green and mini lightsaber.

Other Star Wars patterns available include: Yoda Bookmark, BB8

Blue lightsaber Pattern


Materials 

  • 4mm hook
  • DK wool in grey (50g ball)
  • DK wool in black (50g ball)
  • DK wool in blue (50g ball)
  • DK wool in red (small amount)
  • Needle
  • Toy stuffing


Lightsaber Handle

In grey.

Make a magic ring, ch1, 6sc into ring.

Round 1: 2sc into each sc.

Round 2: 2sc into same sc, sc. Repeat around.

Round 3: 2sc into same sc, 2sc. Repeat around.

Round 4: 2sc into same sc, 3sc. Repeat around.

Round 5: sc around into back loop only.

Rounds 6-32: sc around.

Change to black.

Rounds 33-34: sc around.

Change to grey.

Rounds 35-38: sc around.

Fasten off.


Lightsaber Band

In grey.

ch7.

Row 1: sc into 2nd ch from hook, sc along rest of the row.

Rows 2-36: ch1 (doesn’t count as a stitch) sc along row.

Fasten off.


Lightsaber Band Button

In grey.

ch6.

Row 1: sc into 2nd ch from hook, sc along rest of row.

Rows 2-3: ch1 (doesn’t count as a stitch) sc along row.

Row 4: sc around the edge (down the side, along the bottom, up the other side, along the top).

Row 5: sc around in back loops only.

Fasten off, leaving long length to attach.


Red Dot  

In red.

Make a magic ring, ch1, 6sc into ring.

Round 1: 2sc into same sc, sc.

Fasten off, leaving long length to attach.


Black Strips (Make 8)

In black.

ch11.

Row 1: sc into 2nd ch from hook, sc along rest of the row.

Row 2: ch1 (doesn’t count as a stitch) sc along row.


Coloured Light Beam 

In blue.

ch25, slip stitch into first stitch to make a round.

Rounds 1-20: sc around.

Round 21: sc2tog 4sc, 4 times, sc.

Rounds 22-41: sc around.

Round 42: sc2tog 3sc, 4 times, sc.

Rounds 43-57: sc around.

Round 58: sc2tog 2sc, 4 times, sc.

Rounds 59-63: sc around.

Round 64: sc2tog sc, 4 times, sc.

Round 65-66: sc around.

Round 67: sc2tog, 4 times, sc.

Fasten off leaving long length to attach.


To Assemble

  • Sew on the red dot.
  • Sew on the grey band to the handle and sew on the button placing a small amount of stuffing in first.
  • Sew on the black strips vertically around the handle.
  • Stuff the handle and light beam. You could also place a cardboard tube into the light beam and handle to make them both stronger and less flexible.
  • Sew on the light beam.


Crochet How To: The Granny Square, Step By Step Guide

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How To Make The Granny Square

Definitely one of my favourite things to make, a Granny square can be used for all sorts of crochet projects, from blankets to cushions to table mats. I often use these on my Minecraft makes as they are perfect for creating the block effect needed.

A giant granny square is a perfect ‘quick make’ blanket – to make one just keep continuing the rounds, change the colour each round or every couple of rounds to add a bit of detail.

How To Make A Basic Granny Square:

To Start:

  • ch5, then slip stitch into the first ch to make a round.

Round 1:

  • ch3, then complete 2 trb into the round, *ch2, then complete 3trb into the round, repeat from * twice more, ch2 then slip stitch into the top of the ch3 at the start.

Round 2:

  • ch3, then complete 2 trb into the corner space, * ch2, then complete 3trb into the corner space, ch2 then 3trb into the same corner space. Repeat from * twice more.
  • Then ch2, 3trb into the corner space, ch2 then slip stitch to the top of the 3ch at the start.

Round 3:

  • ch3, then complete 2trb into the corner space.
  • *ch2, then complete 3trb into the ch2 space, ch2, then complete 3trb into the corner space, ch2 then complete 3trb into the same corner space. Repeat from *twice more.
  • Then ch2 3trb into the 2ch space, ch2 then complete 3trb into the corner space, ch2 then slip stitch into the top of the 3ch at the start.

Round 4:

  • ch3, then complete 2trb into the corner space.
  • *ch2, then complete 3trb into the ch2 space, ch2, then complete 3trb into the next ch2 space, then complete 3trb into the corner space, ch2 then complete 3trb into the same corner space. Repeat from *twice more.
  • Then ch2 3trb into the 2ch space, ch2, 3trb into next 2ch space, ch2 then complete 3trb into the corner space, ch2 then slip stitch into the top of the 3ch at the start.