Crafty Cov Mom

Crochet Christmas Popcorn & Star Garland

Crochet Your Christmas Cheer into July with This Easy Garland!

Christmas in July? You bet! It's the perfect time to embrace the festive spirit, indulge in some delicious treats, and get a head start on your holiday decorating. And what better way to add a touch of Christmas magic to your summer celebrations than with a homemade crochet garland?

This easy-to-make star garland is perfect for crocheters of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned yarn enthusiast or just starting out, this project is a delightful way to create some cozy Christmas cheer in the warm summer months.

Why Crochet for Christmas in July?

Christmas in July is a time for embracing the spirit of giving, spreading joy, and having some lighthearted fun. It's a chance to break away from tradition and create your own unique holiday experience. Plus, crocheting a garland is a relaxing and therapeutic activity – perfect for those lazy summer days.

The Magic of the Star Garland

Stars are a timeless symbol of Christmas, representing hope, light, and guidance. This adorable star garland captures that essence perfectly. It's a versatile decoration that can be used to adorn your mantelpiece, drape across a bookshelf, or even string across your patio for an outdoor Christmas in July celebration.

Get Hooked on this Easy Pattern!

The beauty of this star garland is its simplicity. The pattern uses basic crochet stitches, making it ideal for beginners. With scrap yarn and some beads, you'll be on your way to creating a charming garland in no time.

Ready to Dive In?

Keep reading for the pattern or if you prefer a PDF version is available on my Ravelry to download or print download now .

For a visual guide, check out my easy-to-follow YouTube tutorial that takes you step-by-step through the pattern

Let's Get Hooking!

Materials:

- Only scraps amount of wool is needed for the project and its really based on preference. I used a white chunky wool to give that 'popcorn' look.

-5mm Crochet Hook or size needed to obtain desired gauge

- 4mm Crochet Hook or size needed to string beads

- 4mm beads, I used red wooden beads

- Stars (I crocheted my own but you can make them out of paper or felt)

-Scissors & Darning Needle for finishing

Abbreviations:

*This Pattern is in US terms

Ch - Chain

Sc - Single Crochet

sl st - Slip Stitch

Pf - Puff Stitch (7 loop)

Making the Popcorn

- With 5mm hook make a slip knot

* - ch 2

- In 2nd ch from hook make a pf

- drop 5mm hook

- place a bead on the 4mm hook

- using the 4mm hook pull working loop through the bead

- sc around the bead, drop 4mm hook

- Repeat from * 3 more times

- Make one more pf

You should have 5 puffs and 4 beads

Attaching the Star

- ch 2

- sl st into the top of one of your stars

- ch 2

Repeat the above until you achieve your desired length

This pattern is meant to be a staring point for your own creativity. Experiment with different yarns, beads, or stars. So grab your yarn and get ready to add some festive flair to your Christmas in July celebrations. This adorable star garland is a charming way to embrace the spirit of the season, even in the heart of summer!

Don't forget to share your creations on social media! Tag me @Craftycovmom

Happy crocheting!

My blog is just getting started, if you like what you see let's connect

This pattern and photography is property of CraftyCovMom and may not be copied, altered, resold, or shared. I do consent to items made using this pattern to be sold

Merry Santa Hat Free Crochet Pattern

Ho Ho Ho! Whip Up a Festive (and Warm!) Santa Hat in No Time (Perfect for Christmas in July!)

It's officially Christmas in July, crochet friends! Even though the days are long and sunny, it's never too early to get into the festive spirit. And what better way to spread some holiday cheer than with a quick and cozy crochet Santa hat?

This pattern is perfect for beginners who want to create a fun and functional project. Made with chunky wool, this Santa hat works up super fast, so you can whip up a bunch for yourself, your friends, or even for last-minute gifts! (Let's be honest, we've all been there!)

Why You'll Love This Santa Hat:

Beginner-friendly: This pattern uses basic crochet stitches, making it perfect for those new to the craft.
Quick and Easy: The chunky yarn means the hat works up in no time, so you can satisfy your festive cravings without a huge time commitment.
Cozy and Warm: Don't let the Santa theme fool you! This hat is thick and warm enough to wear outside on the coldest December nights.
Perfect for Christmas Parties: Add a touch of whimsy to any Christmas gathering with this festive hat.

What You'll Need:

Wool: I used Stylecraft Special Chunky but the pattern will work with any Chunky weight wool

Yarn A 1001 White - 1 ball
Yarn B 1246 Lipstick - 2 balls

Crochet hook: 5mm hook or one sized to match your yarn (check the yarn label for recommendation)
Pom Pom: I bought some faux fur ones from Amazon similar to these here or you could make your own
Stitch Markers: (optional)
Tapestry needle & Scissors: for finishing

Pattern Notes:

This pattern uses US Crochet terms and the following abbreviations

Ch - Chain

St/s - Stitch/es

Sl St - Slip Stitch

BL - Back loop

sc - Single Crochet

hdc - Half Double Crochet

sc2tog - Single Crochet two together

FO - fasten off

Let's Get Hooking!

Brim

In Yarn A (white), ch 16

Row 1: hdc in 2nd chain from the hook, hdc across, ch1 and turn (15)

Row 2: bl hdc across, ch1 and turn (15)

Row 3 - 44: Repeat Row 2 (15)

Row 45: bl hdc across, ch1 DO NOT TURN

Hat

Still with Yarn A (white) and work along the long side of the brim

Round 1: sc 66sts evenly spaced, join the round with a sl st into the first sc this round and throughout (66)

Switch to Yarn B (Lipstick)

Round 2-9: sc around (66)

Round 10: (sc 9, sc2tog) 6 times (60)

Round 11 - 14: sc around (60)

Round 15: (sc 8, sc2tog) 6 times (54)

Round 16 - 19: sc around (54)

Round 20: (sc 7, sc2tog) 6 times (48)

Round 21 - 24: sc around (48)

Round 25: (sc 6, sc2tog) 6 times (42)

Round 26 - 29: sc around (42)

Round 30: (sc 5, sc2tog) 6 times (36)

Round 31 - 34: sc around (36)

Round 35: (sc4, sc2tog) 6 times (30)

Round 36 - 39: sc around (30)

Round 40: (sc 3, sc2tog) 6 times (24)

Round 41 - 44: sc around (24)

Round 45: (sc 2, sc2tog) 6 times (18)

Round 46 - 49: sc around (18)

Round 50: (sc, sc2tog) 6 times (12)

Round 51 - 54: sc around (12)

Round 55: sc2tog 6 times (6)

Fasten off, weave the tail through the last 6 sts and pull to close

Sew up the open side of the brim, weave in ends

Modifications

If you want to modify the size of the hat start with the number of rows in the brim. You should have enough rows so it fits around your head with minimal stretching. Then when working the hat sc around evenly spaced in a multiple of 6.

For a bigger hat (foundation round higher than 66)

Round 1: sc evenly spaced in a multiple of 6

Round 2-9: sc around

Round 10: evenly decrease by 6 sts

Continue with rounds 2 – 10 until you get to 66, sc around 4 more round and then pick up the pattern at round 10

For a smaller hat (foundation round lower than 66)

Round 1: sc evenly spaced in a multiple of 6

Round 2-9: sc around

Round 10: pick up the pattern from the decrease round that ends 6sts lower than your foundation round. For example: If your foundation round was 60 sts, you would pick up the pattern from Round 15

Finishing Touches:

Once you've completed the hat body, it's time to add the finishing touches! Sew on a pom-pom of your choice using your tapestry needle

Feeling extra festive? You can add details like small crocheted holly leaves or safety-pin some jingle bells to the hat brim. And don't limit yourself to the traditional red hat, get creative! My daughter asked me to make her one in pink and it looks so cute!

Show Off Your Work!

I can't wait to see all of your amazing Santa hats! Share your creations on social media using the hashtag #CrochetSantaHat.

Merry Christmas in July, everyone! While it might be a little early to put up the tree just yet, there's no harm in getting a head start on your handmade Christmas gifts (or treating yourself to a cozy new hat!). This quick and easy Santa hat pattern is the perfect way to bring some festive cheer into your summer days.

Now, grab your yarn and crochet hook, and let's get started on spreading some Santa hat magic!

P.S. Want a copy of this pattern to keep for later? I've created a free PDF version available on my Ravelry! download now

My blog is just getting started, if you like what you see let's connect

This pattern and photography is property of CraftyCovMom and may not be copied, altered, resold, or shared. I do consent to items made using this pattern to be sold

How to Crochet into the Back Bump of a Foundation Chain

The first row after a foundation chain sets up your entire project. Patterns will instruct you to 'work into the foundation' chain but did you know there is more than one way to do this?

What is a foundation chain?

The foundation chain in crochet is a set of chain stitches made to form the base or 'foundation' of your crochet project. The foundation chain does not count as a row, your first row is worked into the foundation chain.

How you would traditionally crochet into a Foundation Chain?

In the pattern you are working on it is very likely you will be instructed to work into the foundation chain to make your first row. Traditionally to do this you will insert your hook into the middle of each chain, crocheting into loop at the top of the chain.

This is a fine way to work into a foundation chain and the easiest, however, there is another way if you feel up to the challenge

Why crochet into the back bump of a foundation chain?

This might sound fancy, but it's a simple technique that creates a beautiful, finished edge on your project. It's perfect for blankets, amigurumi, or anything where you want a clean look from both sides.

It is hard to show in the pictures but the piece on the left done in the traditional way is looser at the bottom where the one on the right is not. The edge along the bottom of the piece on the right looks like crochet when viewing it from the top, that is why it looks cleaner and is a great set up if you will be sewing or crocheting into it later on. By working your stitches into these back bumps, you hide those front loops and create a smoother, more polished edge. It's a subtle difference, but it makes a big impact on the overall look of your project.

How to find the back bump

Think of those standard foundation chains - they have little loops in the front, right? Well, there's also a little "bump" on the back of each loop. That's where the magic happens! The back bump is, probably not surprisingly, at the back of your foundation chain. Turn your foundation chain over and you should see these bumps down the length of your foundation chain. There is one of these 'bumps' for each pair of chain stitches above.

Insert your hook into each of these bumps along your foundation chain, being careful not to twist the chain as you go along. This is especially tricky when working in the round.

Prefer a video explanation?

Full tutorial is available on my YouTube channel

In Conclusion

Yes working into the back loop of a foundation chain is more difficult than the traditional way but its an easy way to lift your projects up to the next level. Have you given this a go? Do you have an alternative method? I want to hear from you.

My blog is just getting started, if you like what you see let's connect

Crochet Heart Basket Weave

With Valentine's Day fast approaching I've got a crochet idea perfect for your special someone. This project requires only the basics of crochet skills so what are you waiting for? After all, nothing says 'I Love You' more than a handmade gift.

This pattern may seem familiar to any of you into paper crafts as a child like I was. We would make these out of construction paper at school and used them to house all the inevitable Valentine's we would receive. When I was trying to come up with a new crochet pattern for Valentine's Day, I couldn't get these paper hearts out of my head. So I came up with a way to make these hearts with crochet and now I'm going to share it with all of you.

Don't have time to make now? Pin for Later!

This pattern is available for free below or you can find a free PDF version on Ravelry: download now

Prefer a visual to a written pattern? Full tutorial is also available on YouTube

Have you made your own heart basket weave? I would LOVE to see it. Tag me on Instagram @CraftyCovMom Also, are you guys familiar with the paper version of this craft? Let me know if you want me to do a post on that as well.

Materials

Hook - Use a size smaller than what is recommended on the yarn band. Recommended size on the brand I used was 4mm, I have used a 3mm hook.

Wool - I used Stylecraft Special DK but the pattern will work with any DK weight wool

Yarn A Plum - 1 ball

Yarn B Graphite - 1 ball

Darning Needle

Scissors

Abbreviations US Crochet Terms

Mc - Magic Circle

Ch - Chain

St/s - Stitch/es

Sl St - Slip Stitch

Sc - Single Crochet

FO - fasten off

RS - Right Side

WS - Wrong Side

Pattern Notes

Measurement: Using DK wool this heart is approximately 6'' x 6''

Tension/Gauge: Not critical for this project, however, if your stitches are too loose the heart will not hold together properly. This is why I've used a smaller hook than what is recommended on the yarn band.

The Crochet part of this pattern is simple, needing only the basics of skills. The complexity is in the construction so read the instructions carefully on how to sew together your pieces

Top Section of the Heart

This section is a simple semi-circle with a standard increase. It starts with a Magic Circle but is crocheted in rows.

I used a stitch marker to denote the WS as I find it really hard to tell the difference and it becomes important when you have to sew your pieces together

This section starts with a Magic Circle, is this something you struggle with? Check out my Magic Circle Tutorial post to skill up.

With Yarn A - MC, Ch1

Row 1 (RS): 3 Sc in the MC, pull closed, Ch 1 and turn (3 sts)

Row 2 (WS): 2 Sc in each st, Ch 1 and turn (6 sts) - insert your stitch marker on this side now if you like

Row 3 (RS): *Sc in the first st, 2 Sc in the next st, repeat from * 2 more times, Ch 1 and turn (9 sts)

Row 4 (WS): *Sc in the first 2 sts, 2 Sc in the next st, repeat from * 2 more times, Ch 1 and turn (12 sts)

Row 5 (RS): *Sc in the first 3 sts, 2 Sc in the next st, repeat from * 2 more times, Ch 1 and turn (15 sts)

Row 6 (WS): *Sc in the first 4 sts, 2 Sc in the next st, repeat from * 2 more times, Ch 1 and turn (18 sts)

Row 7 (RS): *Sc in the first 5 sts, 2 Sc in the next st, repeat from * 2 more times, Ch 1 and turn (21 sts)

FO, weave in ends

Make another semi-circle with Yarn A and then two with Yarn B

Weave Strands

These are super easy, straight lines crocheted back and forth

With Yarn A, Ch 31

Ensure you leave a good tail when you do your slip knot as you will use this to sew pieces together

Row 1 (RS): starting with the 2nd chain from the hook, SC in each st along, Ch 1 and turn (30 sts)

For the first row after a foundation chain I like to crochet into the 3rd loop, I like the way this looks more than the traditional way.

Row 2 (WS): Sc in each st along (30sts)

Row 3-4: Repeat Row 2, ending on WS (30 sts)

FO, leaving a longer than normal tail as you will use this to sew your pieces together

Make 3 more Weave Strands with Yarn A and then 4 with Yarn B

Constructing the Heart

Crocheting part of this pattern is over, now you are going to sew all your finished pieces together

All of this is done with WS facing, you will be making two of these, one with making the pieces crocheted with Yarn A and one with Yarn B

Lie each of your weave strands alongside each other. Using the yarn tails, sew the weave strands along the flat edge of your first semi circle,

then weave in the ends. Space them evenly so there is no space between.

Then take your second semicircle and do the same along the other end of your weave strands.

I know these pieces look NOTHING like a heart but they will, trust me

Making the Weave

This is the trickiest, most fiddly part of the pattern. I'm with you, you got this!

-Fold both of your finished pieces in half so they look like this (Photo 1), make sure that the WS is on the inside and the RS is on the outside

-Hold the Yarn A finished piece in your non dominant hand, and the finished piece for Yarn B perpendicular in your non dominant hand (Photo 2)

-Take the top strand from the finished piece of Yarn B and place it inbetween the two halves of the first strand in Yarn A (Photo 3)

-Continuing with that top strand of Yarn B, this time take the second strand of Yarn A and place it around the two halves of the second strand of Yarn A (Photo 4)

-Alternate going in and then around the weave strands from Yarn A until you get to the end.

-Once you are finished with the first strand of Yarn B it should look like this (Photo 5)

-Moving on to the second strand from Yarn B, alternate the in and out pattern used with the previous strand

-Once you are finished with the second strand from Yarn B your weave should look like this (Photo 6)

-You now have two strands left from Yarn B, keep alternating the in and out weave (Photo 7)

-If you've done the weave correctly the weave will look like this from the outside (Photo 8), and you should be able to open it up like this (Photo 9)

And you are done! Fill these adorable hearts with love notes or sweeties and give them out to all your Valentines 💗

My blog is just getting started, if you like what you see let's connect

This pattern and photography is property of CraftyCovMom and may not be copied, altered, resold, or shared. I do consent to items made using this pattern to be sold crediting CraftyCovMom

How to Crochet a Magic Circle

After posting a pattern I want to take a deep dive into one of the techniques used in that pattern. My last pattern was the One and Two Round Hearts and if you haven't seen it yet you can find it here

One & Two Round Crochet Hearts

This is a fairly easy pattern but one skill that really trips people up is the elusive Magic Circle so that is what I'm going to be breaking down today and hopefully taking some of the mystery out of it.

What is the Magic Circle?

A Magic Circle is a technique used to begin a Crochet project when working in the round.

Is a Magic Circle necessary when working crochet in the round?

Well, no! If you don't like this technique or just can't get your head around it there is another way (although I hope by the end of this post this isn't true). There are two common ways of doing this.

Method One

- Make a slip knot then Chain 2

- Crochet all the stitches required for your first round into your first Chain (2nd Chain from the hook)

You will be left with a hole in the center of your work, to best close this string your tail through each of the stitches in your first round and pull to close, then weave in to secure.

Method Two

- Make a slip knot then Chain 4

- Slip Stitch into your first Chain (4th Chain from the hook)

You now have your foundation ring and can work your first round into it

One last note if you are using this method. As you work your first round lay the tail along the circle and crochet around it. Once your first round is done you can pull the tail to close the center hole.

Why use a Magic Circle?

Even with Crocheting around the tail of your foundation chain 4 you will still probably have a small pesky hole, which is where the Magic Circle comes in and saves the day!

How hard is it to use the Magic Circle?

This technique baffles many, it seems much trickier than the alternative and not worth the effort. I will admit it is a bit fiddly but with practice you will get it and your finished pieces will look better for it.

How will I know I can use a Magic Circle in my pattern?

Patterns that call for a Magic Circle will often look like this

- Make Magic Circle, 6 sc or - Work 6 sc in a Magic Circle

Magic Circles are also referred to as 'Adjustable Circles' , 'Magic Rings' , or 'Magic Loops'

Other patterns may call for the traditional methods as described above, you can replace this step with a Magic Circle instead

Making a Magic Circle

You have finally gotten to the place in this post where I will show you how to make a Magic Circle. I will describe this technique in 5 steps but if you are anything like me you will find the pictures and videos the most helpful. You can follow the video tutorial on my Crafty Cov Mom YouTube Channel or continue with the photo tutorial below

To fully show how the Magic Circle works the steps below include making of the Magic Circle and the first round of your pattern. Please note also, I am right handed so that is what I am demonstrating.

Step 1: Wind the Wool Twice Around Your Fingers

This is the same way I would start a normal slip knot. Loop the wool around the first two fingers of your right hand from front to back, leaving a tail (first two photos). Loop the wool around one more time (photo 3) but as you move the wool across your fingers this time place the second loop behind so it crosses over the top of the first loop (photo 4). Use your thumb to hold the two strands of wool in place at the front and your second two fingers to hold it in place in the back.

Step 2: Pull up a loop

Insert your hook between your two fingers, under the first strand of wool and over the second. With your hook grab the second strand and pull up a loop. Turn your hook so its facing up parallel with your fingers

Step 3: Make a number of chains to get to the height required

Your working yarn should be at the back of your two fingers. With your hook, grab the working yarn from front to back and pull up another loop.

If the first round of your pattern calls for single chains then you are ready to move onto the next step. If the first round of your pattern calls for a different stitch, use the below as a guide

- Half Double Crochet, make one more chain (total of 2 chains)

- Double Crochet, make two more chains (total of 3 chains)

- Treble Crochet, make three more chains (total of 4 chains)

Step 4: Complete the first round of your pattern

Carefully take the magic circle out from around your two fingers.

You will have your hook in your right hand with the Magic Circle below it and the working yarn in your left hand.

Also with the left hand I like to pinch the place where the two strands of the magic ring meet to hold it into place.

Now you are going to work the first round of your pattern into the Magic Ring. Use the below as an example

- Make Magic Circle, 6 sc

As you are working your stitches ensure you are going around two strands of wool.

Step 5: Pull the circle closed

After you've completed the last stitch of your first round its time to pull the loop closed. Gently pull on the tail of your Magic Circle (not the working yarn) and you will start to see the circle close. Pull until you no longer have a hole in the middle of your ring and you should see the last stitch from your first round meet up with the first stitch. Complete the first round in your pattern by whatever join called for. In my example I've used a slip stitch into the first single crochet.

And your done! How did it go? There are other methods of doing the Magic Circle but this is my favorite and what I've come to find the easiest. Take each step slowly and practice practice practice. In no time this will be your favorite way to start your projects in the round I guarantee it!

Pin this post so you can come back to it whenever you need

Troubleshooting

My Magic Circle keeps coming undone

Make sure you've pulled the tail of your yarn tight and after you've done that you should have at least 6 inches left of the tail to weave in when you are done. When weaving in your tail ensure you do so securely otherwise the Magic Circle might come undone.

I've pulled my tail as much as I can but I still have a hole in the center of my work

There are two common reasons why this might be happening. You could be working with a wool that is too ridged and can't squash together, check if the wool you've chosen is right for the pattern. It could also be because there are too many stitches in your first round, reduce the number of stitches and see if this helps

Want to put your new skill to work?

Here are a list of my patters that use Magic Circles, all available for free!

One & Two Round Crochet Hearts

Crochet Heart Basket Weave

My blog is just getting started, if you like what you see let's connect

One & Two Round Crochet Hearts

Two quick and easy crochet heart patterns that's a brilliant stash buster. These little hearts are super cute on their own but could also be used as applique on other projects or strung together to make a wall hanging or garland. A perfect addition to your Valentine's Day decorations.

Pattern for the two hearts below

How do you crochet a heart?

A crocheted heart might look complicated but actually its easy! You get the shape by combining stitches with different heights all in the same round.

The hearts pictured were made with double knit yarn and a 3mm hook but you can experiment with different yarn and hook sizes

One & Two Round Crochet Hearts

Materials

- Double Knit Yarn or any of your choice

-3mm Crochet Hook or size needed to obtain desired gauge

-Scissors & Darning Needle for finishing

Abreviations

*This Pattern is in US terms

Ch - Chain

Sc - Single Crochet

Dc - Double Crochet

Tr - Treble Crochet

Sl St - Slip Stitch

ONE ROUND CROCHET HEART

Foundation Chain: Magic Circle, ch3

Inside the magic ring make the following

-2 Tr

-3 Dc

-1 Tr

-3Dc

-2 Tr

-Ch 3

Sl St into the centre of the magic ring and then pull closed *

fasten off & weave in ends

If you prefer a visual pattern check out my video on you tube

TWO ROUNDS CROCHET HEART

Complete the directions for One Round Heart up to *

Round 2:

- in the first Ch3 chain space, Sl St and Sc

- x2 Sc in each of the next two Tr

-Sc in each of the 3 Dc

-Sc, Ch2, Sc in the next Tr

-Sc in each of the next 3 Dc

-x2 Sc in each of the next two Tr

-in the Ch 3 space, Sc then Sl St

Sl St into the centre of the magic ring

fasten off & weave in ends

I'd love to see your makes!

- Tag CraftyCovMom on Instagram with @CraftyCovMom

- Upload your picture to the tried it section of this pin

If you like easy to print patterns you can find a free PDF version of this pattern on Ravelry - download now

Welcome to

Thanks for stopping by and however you found me I am so glad you're here. I'm Allison and I LOVE to craft, but over the years I've found that I only have so many family members and friends and they don't actually want a handmade gift every year for Christmas or on birthdays...imagine that! I needed another outlet and so 'Crafty Cov Mom' was born.

I'm an American expat living in the middle of England with my husband and daughter. I have always loved making things but my interest was supercharged about 10 years ago when a friend introduced me to knitting. She got me some needles and wool, showed me how to cast on and to knit and to purl and that was it. I had go the local library to get a book on knitting in order to learn how to cast off! My interest in knitting grew and I was taking on more and more challenging projects but as I was researching new techniques the idea of starting crochet kept nagging at me.

My grandmother was a crocheter and I had a few blankets she made for me around my house. We, unfortunately, never got to talk about the yarn arts together because my interest started after I left home but she was so excited I was knitting and sent me a pack of yarn for my birthday the first opportunity she had. When she passed I was given her crochet hooks and finally any excuse I had to delay taking up the hobby disappeared.

My Grandmother the first time she met my
daughter with a blanket she made

Today, I would say crocheting is my passion and it will be the focus of this blog. I want to help show you crochet is fun and even if you are brand new it will not take long before you are creating beautiful things. I want to show you crocheting tips and tricks I've learned along the way to help make your projects look polished and professional. And lastly, I want to share with you patterns of my own design, I can't wait to see what you create!

I truly enjoy making and if you do to then you are in the right place!