winter Archives | Edie Eckman

December 6, 2019December 6, 2019

Stocking Stuffers for Knitters and Crocheters

Stocking Stuffers for Knitters & Crocheters

Stuff a stocking with tools and notions for a fiber artist in your life. They’ll love you for it, and you may even get a handmade gift in return! Here are some suggestions for stocking stuffers for knitters and crocheters.

Scroll over the image for more information, or click the links to learn more.

This post contains affiliate links, which may provide a small income to me if you buy something, but won’t cost you anything extra.

Stitch Markers

Every crocheter and knitter uses stitch markers, and if they don’t, they should! And markers have a way of getting lost, so we always need more.

There are several different styles of marker. Even if the gift recipient has a current favorite, it’s always a good idea to try new products. Try them all!

Hint: Crocheters need markers that open. Look for the words “locking”, “split ring”, or “opening” in the title to make sure you are getting the right kind.

Scissors

A good pair of scissors is always appreciated. I’m always on the lookout for tiny scissors that pack easily but are sharp enough to cut well.

Wondering about scissors in your airplane carry-on? According to the TSA, scissors with blades less than 4″ are allowed. However, razor blade style circular thread cutters are not allowed.

Small Tools & Notions

Besides stitch markers and scissors, there are all kinds of little tools that make a fiber artist’s life easier. Here are some suggestions.

Hint: Check before buying tape measures. They either have WAY too many already, or not quite enough.

Note Cards & Paper

We can’t play with yarn ALL the time! Sometimes we have to write old-fashioned notes, on paper.

A Google search will lead you to lots of knitting and crochet-themed paper products. Here are some of my favorites.

Things to Drink From

It’s important for crafters to stay hydrated. Whether that’s water, soda, or wine, there are plenty of options for yarn-related beverage containers.

Once you open your eyes to the possibilities, there are lots of stocking stuffers for knitters and crocheters.

Want ideas for larger gifts? Read 12 Gifts for Knitters and Crocheters, and Sheep-Themed Gift Roundup.

If you find something I’ve missed, please share your ideas in the comments below.

November 18, 2019November 17, 2019

Free Knitting Pattern: Easy Two-Toned Pillow

This easy two-toned knit pillow uses the simplest of stitches to create a modern geometric design. Gauge isn’t crucial, because you just knit until the size is right.

Easy Two-Toned Pillow for beginners designed by Edie Eckman

Instructions for the pattern are listed for free below, but if you’d like an easy-to-print and easy-to-carry ad-free version, buy the pdf.

This post may contain affiliate links, which help support me but don’t cost you anything extra.

The Yarn

Medium-weight (worsted-weight) yarn is easy for beginners to use. Lion Brand Feels Like Butta has a dreamy-soft feel that you really want to snuggle up to!

I choose Pale Grey and Charcoal for a modern neutral palette, but the yarn comes in eighteen colors, so you are sure to find a couple of colors that appeal to you. It only takes one ball of each color.

The Pattern

Garter stitch is the first stitch pattern that beginners learn, because there’s no purling involved. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a versatile stitch! You can do all sorts of incredible things with just garter stitch!

Matching the pattern gauge is always important, but sometimes it’s more important than others. In this pattern, you want to at least get close to the pattern gauge so the fabric you are knitting is tight enough and so you don’t run out of yarn. However, don’t fret if it’s not EXACTLY the same; you have a little bit of leeway so you can knit until the size is right.

Easy Two-Toned Pillow

One Size: 12″ [30.5 cm] square

Materials
Lion Brand Feels Like Butta Yarn (100% polyester, 3.5 oz [100 g], 218 yd [199 m]), 1 ball each #150 Charcoal (A) and 149 Pale Grey (B)

US Size 7 [4.5 mm] knitting needles or size to obtain correct gauge

2 stitch markers or bits of waste yarn

Tapestry Needle

12″ {30.4 cm] square pillow insert

Gauge
21 sts and 42 rows =4″ {10 cm] in garter stitch. Although gauge is not crucial in this pattern, it’s is best to take time to check gauge. Watch How to Measure Gauge in Knitted Garter Stitch.

Abbreviations
garter stitch: knit every row
k2tog: knit two stitches together
kfb: knit in front and back of one stitch
RS: right side
st(s): stitch(es)
WS: wrong side

Instructions
Make 2 pieces alike, as follows:
With A, long-tail cast on 3 sts.
Row 1 (WS): Knit.
Row 2: Knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1—1 st increased.

Place a marker on the front of the row just knit to indicate the right side of the fabric.

Repeat Row 2 until there are 85 sts on the needle, or until one shorter edge of the piece measures about 11″ [28 cm], ending by working a WS row. Cut A, leaving a 6″ [15 cm] tail.

With B, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1—1 st decreased.
Repeat this row until 3 sts remain.
Bind off.

Finishing
Weave in ends.
Hold pieces with wrong sides together and with colors matching.
With tapestry needle, sew around three edges using mattress stitch andmatching yarn color.

Insert pillow form. Sew final seam. Weave in ends.

Other Projects

Check out these other easy knitting patterns:

Quick & Easy Summer Placemats

Blue Springs Double Cowl

Easy Quick-Knit One-Skein Tea Cozy

Molly Hat

Stoneybrook Shawlette

Zig Zag Eyelet Scarf

January 28, 2019January 28, 2019

Free Pattern: Thread Crochet Heart Necklace

Show your love with this thread crochet heart necklace. It takes just a few yards of crochet thread and can be stitched up in less than an hour.

This post contains affiliate links.

Red Thread Crochet Heart Necklace crochet pattern by Edie Eckman — This necklace used Aunt Lydia Classic 10, color Victory Red.

The heart necklace pictured measures about 16″ [40.5 cm] long. Each heart measures about 1″ [2.5 cm] wide x 1″ [2.5 cm] high. However, you can easily adjust the size by adding or subtracting hearts or chains at the beginning and end of the heart sequence. The pattern uses American crochet terminology. Check out Crochet: Basics & Beyond if you need help.

Materials

Cotton Crochet Thread size 10. Samples used:
(A) Red Heart Classic 10, color Victory Red
(B) Aunt Lydia Classic 10, color 332 Hot Pink
(C) Nazli Gelin Garden 10

Size B-1 [2.25 mm] crochet hook

One small button for necklace closure

Pink Thread Crochet Heart Necklace crochet pattern by Edie Eckman — This necklace used Aunt Lydia Classic 10, color Hot Pink.

Abbreviations and Special Stitches

ch: chain
dc: double crochet
2-dc cluster: (Yarn over, insert hook into back bump of ch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops) twice in same chain, yarn over, pull through 3 loops.
2-tr cluster: [Yarn over twice, insert hook into back bump of ch, yarn over, pull up a loop, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops) 2 times] twice in same chain, yarn over, pull through 3 loops.
picot:Ch 3, slip st in 3rd ch from hook and in top of stitch at base of chain.
sc: single crochet
slip st: slip stitch
tr: treble crochet

Gauge

About 15 sc = 2″. Gauge is not crucial in this pattern.

Pink and White Thread Crochet Heart Braid pattern by Edie Eckman — Leave off the chains at the beginning and ends and add beads at the picot points to make a decorative braid. This sample was made with Nazli Gelin Garden.

Necklace Instructions

For a decorate braid, omit the instructions in red.

Thread Crochet Heart Necklace crochet pattern chart by Edie Eckman

thread Crochet Heart Necklace stitch key by Edie Eckman

Row 1: Ch 15, [ch 6, 2-dc cluster in 5^th ch from hook] 22 times, ch 20—22 clusters, 57 chains. [Note: There is 1 ch between each ch/2dc cluster.]
Row 2: Turn, sc in 6th ch from hook to form button loop, sc in next 13 ch, *slip st in next ch, ch 2, skip 1 cluster (2-dc cluster, ch 1, 2-tr cluster, picot, tr, ch 1, 2-dc cluster) in next ch, ch 2, slip st in base of next cluster; rep from * 10 more times, slip st in next ch, sc in each ch to end.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Try on necklace. Using tail, sew button on end opposite button loop, adjusting to fit.

What would happen if you used a bigger yarn and the same pattern to make a scarf? If you try it, please let us know!

More Ideas

Get more ideas for thread crochet necklaces and braids by browsing Around the Corner Crochet Borders and Every Which Way Crochet Borders. You’ll find hundreds of crochet borders than can easily turn into necklaces, scarves and more!

January 7, 2019June 17, 2019

Free Knitting Pattern: Broken Rib Hat

Broken Rib Hat by Edie Eckman shown on stand

Here’s a free knitting pattern for a unisex hat that even new knitters can master. The broken rib pattern is an easy-to-memorize 4-round stitch pattern. More skilled knitters will find it a soothing project, with just enough going on to keep you from getting bored. Knit it in the round on circular and double-point needles, or use the Magic Loop method.

This post contains affiliate links. Abbreviations are at end of pattern.

Sizes & Finished Dimensions

Adult Size
Circumference: 16” [41 cm] relaxed. The stitch pattern stretches a lot; the hat fits with negative ease.

Materials

Worsted Weight Yarn (CYC #4): approximately 130 yds /119 m Sample used Manos del Uruguay Maxima (100% extrafine merino wool, 3.5 oz / 100 g, 219 yd / 200 m), 1 skein M8977 Tigerlily

US size 8 [5 mm] 16” [40 cm] circular knitting needle and set of 4 or 5 US size 8 [5 mm] double-pointed knitting needles , or size to obtain correct gauge

OR one US size 8 [5 mm] 36″ [90 cm] or longer circular knitting needle for the Magic Loop method , or size to obtain correct gauge

One stitch marker

Row counter (optional)

Gauge

22 sts and 26 rnds = 4” [10 cm] in Broken Rib pattern, relaxed (not stretched out)

To save time, take time to check gauge.

Broken Rib Pattern (over a multiple of 4 sts)

Rnds 1-3: *K2, p2; rep from * around.

Rnd 4: Purl.

Rep Rnds 1-4 for pattern.

Instructions

With circular needle, long-tail cast on 88 sts. Place marker and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist sts. (If using Magic Loop, cast on and arrange stitches for working in the round.)

Broken Rib Hat by Edie Eckman close-up image

Work in Broken Rib Pattern until piece measures 6½” [16.5 cm] from beginning, ending with Rnd 4 of pattern.

Crown Shaping

Note: If using 16″ [40 cm] circular needle, change to double-pointed needles when necessary.

Rnd 1: *K2tog, p2, k2, p2; rep from * around—77 sts.

Rnd 2: *K1, p2, k2, k2; rep from * around.

Rnd 3: *K1, p2, k2tog, p2; rep from * around—66 sts.

Rnd 4: Purl.

Rnd 5: *K1, p2tog, k1, p2; rep from * around—55 sts.

Rnd 6: *K1, p1, k1, p2; rep from * around.

Row 7: *K1, p1, k1, p2tog; rep from * around—44 sts.

Rnd 8: Purl.

Rnd 9: *K2tog, k2; rep from * around—33 sts..

Rnd 10: Knit.

Rnd 11: *K2tog, k1; rep from * around—22 sts.

Rnd 12: Purl.

Rnd 13: [K2tog] around—11 sts.

Rnd 14: K1, [k2tog] around.

Cut yarn, leaving 10″ [25 cm] tail. Thread tail through remaining stitches and tug gently to close. Weave in ends.

Broken Rib Hat by Edie Eckman shown on male model

Abbreviations

k: knit
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together
p: purl
p2tog: purl 2 stitches together
rep: repeat
rnd(s): round(s)
st(s): stitch(es)

Looking for more hat patterns from Edie? Click on the images to check out these knitting and crochet patterns. Some are free!

Sunset Hill Hat
Potrero Hill Hat
Norwegian Dream Hat
Mount Greco Hat and Mitts
Molly Hat
Hearts All Around Hats
Charlotte Hat
Avery Hat