Free Crochet Instructions for Scalloped Shell Cowl

Previously published September 1, 2015 on AllCraftConnection.org

CORRECTION BELOW **

Materials Used

Size 10/J (UK 4) crochet hook

1 skein 4-ply soft variegated yarn

1 skein 4-ply yarn – find a solid color that matches one of the colors in the variegated yarn

(You won’t use the entire skeins.)

Instructions

If you’ve read any of my other “instructional” blogs, you already know my instructions are never exact. I create a pattern that’s very forgiving, so you never have to worry about making a mistake, because they are always easily corrected.

To begin, use the solid color. Count your beginning chain in groups of 3, and create a chain long enough to go around your neck (see photo for reference).

Row 1

Flatten your chain and attach the beginning chain to the end of the chain by going through the back loop of the beginning chain with a single crochet (SC). You will be crocheting in the round. Make sure you don’t twist the original chain. SC all the way around. Ch 1.

If you’re not familiar with crocheting through the back loop of a beginning chain, please watch this short video tutorial (Stitch Scene: How to Crochet in the Back bar of chain) offered on YouTube.

Row 2

Going through back loops only (BLO), SC all the way around.

Ch 2.

Row 3

Switch to variegated yarn. Skip (SK) 2 stitches (st), *3 double crochet (DC), Ch 1, 3 DC in same st, SK 2 st, SC in next st, SK 2 st, and continue from * around. Ch 2.

** Correction: As you go around, you will place the *3 double crochet (DC), Ch 1, 3 DC into the SC space from the row below and you will place a SC into the Ch space between the 3 DC from the row before.

Use that pattern throughout the rest of the cowl, using variegated yarn for 2 rows, switching to solid yarn for 2 rows, then to variegated for 2, and ending with 2 rows of solid yarn.

Finishing

Weave in the ends and that’s it!

You are free to copy and share this pattern as long as you link back to this blog.

Crocheted Spider Halloween Project – FREE INSTRUCTIONS

Originally published September 16, 2015 on AllCraftConnection.org

My 4-year-old (now nearly 6) granddaughter wanted a stuffed spider (and a stuffed snake) for her birthday. I looked everywhere for both and couldn’t find them anywhere (which didn’t surprise me – she’s a funny little girl), so I came up with my own instructions for both. I basically just knitted the snake and folded it in half, then stuffed it and sewed on a couple of eyes. 

For this spider, though, I crocheted it with a size J Hook, and I made its legs short. If you want longer legs increase the number of chains in Row 4. This spider measures about 4 inches across and is kind of pudgy, because I used a lot of filler. A smaller hook would give you a smaller spider. Less filling would give you a flatter spider. 

One person in one of my crochet groups on Facebook suggested that this might make a nice Halloween project, so if you want to make smaller spiders use a smaller hook. 

Materials Needed

Black Yarn

Size J Crochet Hook (though any size would work)

2 Buttons

Filling

Mesh Stocking

Tapestry Needle

Abbreviations

Chain – Ch

Double Crochet – DC

Skip – Sk

Slip Stitch – Sl St

Stitch – St

Stitches – Sts

Instructions for Top of Spider

Ch 3, Sl St into beginning of Ch

Row 1

9 DC in ring, Sl St in top of 1st DC, Ch 2

Row 2

2 DC in each DC from previous row, Sl St in top of Ch 2 from previous row

Row 3

*2 DC in 1st St, 1 DC in next St, repeat from * around

Row 4

*Sl St in 1st 3 Sts, (Begin 1st leg) Ch 5 , Sk 1st St, Sl St into Ch 4 times, Sl St into row. Continue from * until you have four legs. Then Sl St 6 times and continue from * for the next four legs. Sl St into final stitches.

EYES

Sew buttons into top of project (see photo for example).

Instructions for Bottom of Spider

Repeat Rows 1, 2, and 3 from above. For Row 4, Sl St all the way around. 

Filling the Spider

Stuff a small piece of mesh material with filler. Using your tapestry needle, connect the top to the bottom, leaving a hole large enough to put the filler inside. Then sew up the rest.

Final Thoughts

As with any instructions, the writer may leave out a step or instructions may be confusing to the reader. Please contact craftconnection@mail.com if you have any problems understanding these instructions.

You are welcome to distribute this pattern, but only if you link back to this blog when you do.

Thank you for visiting!