half double crochet – Whole Heartily

DIY Crochet – Ear Warming Headband

Welcome back friends! Do you crochet? I dabbled in crochet off and on for a few years, always fascinated, but never fully catching on. I kept at it, and suddenly, it clicked! I feel calm and cozy when I’m crocheting, and fiercely proud whenever I complete a project.

It’s that time of year for keeping warm! Whether you’d like to create a ear-warmer headband for yourself or to gift to a friend, I’m here to help!

This headband is cozy, classic and ideal for any level of crocheter (beginners included)! Any bulky size 5 yarn can be used in this pattern.

SUPPLIES

Crochet hook (size 6mm)
Yarn (size 5)
Scissors
Yarn needle

INSTRUCTIONS

Create a slip knot and then 64 chain stitches. The chain number may vary a bit depending on the head size you are creating the headband for. If possible, hold the chain around your head or theirs to measure.
Turn your chain around and half double crochet (hdc) into the back loop of the second stitch from the hook, then continue to hdc in the back loops of each stitch all the way across your chain.
Turn your work. Insert your hook under both loops of the first stitch, yarn over and pull through. Then insert your hook behind the second vertical loop of the stitch you just created, yarn over and pull through. This create a smoother/ straighter finish along the sides of the project.
In the next stitch, hdc into the back loop and then continue to hdc in the back loops of each stitch all the way across your project.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the next 8 rows for a total of 9 hdc rows. You are welcome increase or decrease the amount of rows if you’d prefer a thinner or wider headband.
After the last hdc of your last row, use the scissors to disconnect the yarn from the skein and pull the loose in through your crochet loop, leaving a good length to sew the headband together.
Taking each end of the project, pinch the corners in towards each other to create a C and a backwards C, then bring the C’s together to interlink. Using a yarn needle, stitch the remaining yarn back and forth through all 4 layers of the interlinked ends.
Turn the headband right-side out and there’s your twist!
Put over your ears, and get cozy!

DIY Crochet – Cat Ear Beanie Hat

It’s that time of year for keeping warm! And, in the spirit of playing the Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes game, I thought I’d make a blue crochet cat ear hat!

This hat is whimsical and cozy! The pattern is easy, and ideal for any level of crocheter (beginners included)! Any size 4 yarn can be used in this pattern, but for the Pete the Cat blue of my example piece, I used Red Heart yarn in the “soft navy” color. The size of the hat can also be adjusted for smaller heads by reducing the amount of rows to match half the circumference of the intended person’s head.

Let’s get started!

SUPPLIES

Crochet hook (size 5.50 mm)
Red Heart yarn (color: soft navy)
Scissors
Yarn needle or small crochet hook

INSTRUCTIONS

Create a slip knot and then at least 60 chain stitches (you can chain a few more if you want to make the brim wider). I wanted a wider brim/slouchier hat so I chained 70.
Turn your chain around and half double crochet (hdc) into the third stitch from the hook, then continue to hdc all the way across your chain.
Chain 2 and turn your work. Hdc into the back loop of the third stitch from the hook, then continue to hdc in the back loops of each stitch all the way across your project.
Repeat step 3 until there is a total of 28 to 30 hdc rows (the amount of rows can be adjusted so that the width of the project matches half of the circumference of your head).
After the last hdc of your last row, fold the length of the project in half (the fold will be the top of your hat where the “ears” form).
Using the yarn that is still attached, stitch up this side of the hat towards the fold. Insert your hook through the aligned stitches on either side and perform a single crochet to bring them together.
Once you’ve reached the top corner of the fold, tie a knot and cut the yarn. Use a yarn needle or a small crochet hook to weave the remaining yarn into the project.
Knot the tail from the beginning of the project to your yarn skein and repeat steps 6 and 7 up the other side of the hat.
Fold up the brim, place the hat on your head and adjust the ears to your preference!
Enjoy!

DIY Crochet – Warm, Fuzzy Scarf Pattern

It’s that time of year for keeping warm! Whether you’d like to create a scarf for yourself or to gift to a friend, I’m here to help!

This scarf is cozy classic and ideal for any level of crocheter (beginners included)! Any bulky size 5 yarn can be used in this pattern, but for the soft and fuzzy results of my example piece, I used Carron Latte Cakes Yarn.

SUPPLIES

Crochet hook (size 6mm)
Carron Latte Cakes Yarn (Color: Rose Scented)
Scissors
Yarn needle or small crochet hook

INSTRUCTIONS

Create a slip knot, then chain 250 stitches.
Turn your chain around and half double crochet (hdc) into the third stitch from the hook. Continue to hdc in each stitch all the way across your chain.
Chain 2 and turn your work. Hdc into the back loop of the third stitch from the hook, then continue to hdc in the back loops of each stitch all the way across your project.
Repeat step 3 for the next thirteen rows for a total of 15 hdc rows. You are welcome increase the amount of rows if you’d prefer a wider scarf!
After the last hdc stitch of your last row, use the scissors to disconnect the yarn from the skein and pull the loose end through your crochet loop.
Using a yarn needle or a small crochet hook, weave the loose ends of the yarn into the surrounding scarf.
Wrap around your neck and get cozy!

DIY – Crochet Pumpkin with a Cinnamon Stick Stem

It’s that time of year for autumn decor! So let’s create a crochet pumpkin with a cinnamon stick stem!

SUPPLIES

Crochet hook (size 5.5mm)
Medium yarn (size 4)
Fiberfill stuffing
Scissors
Yarn needle

INSTRUCTIONS

Create a slip knot and then chain 31 stitches.
For this piece, we will be working in the back loop only for all stitches.
Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, create 3 slip stitches, 6 single crochets, 12 half double crochets, 6 single crochets and 3 slip stitches. Then chain 1 and turn the project around.
Repeat step 3 until the project measures about 12 inches long across the center.
Join the two short sides of the project together, and insert the hook into the back loop of the working stitches and the starting chain as you stitch the final row.
Sew a running stitch along the bottom edges of the project and pull to gather. Then tie a knot, weave in some of the excess yarn, and cut off the rest.
Turn the pumpkin project over and stuff it with fiberfill until it’s as plump as you want it.
Sew a running stitch along the top of the pumpkin and pull to gather, leaving a hole large enough to insert a cinnamon stick. Then tie a knot, weave in some of the excess yarn and cuts off the rest.
Insert a cinnamon stick into the hole you left for it at the top of the pumpkin. You can hot glue it in place or leave it loose like I did so that I can replace the cinnamon stick if it looses its smell!
Place in your house an enjoy!