Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!! This pattern was supposed to be your Christmas gift but I thought maybe some of you would prefer to have the pattern early so that you can use it to make some hats as Christmas gifts! I just wanna say I’m super thankful for all of you who have been loyal readers of my blog, all of you who have bought my crochet patterns, my sponsors, and of course all of the friends I’ve made through this blog! You rock and I hope you enjoy this free pattern! :) ♥

This is a very basic, mesh hat pattern! It’s a bit different than my other slouchy hats. This one is actually a skully hat that gets it’s slouchiness from being extra long. I think you’ll love making it! It’s super quick and I designed it to take only one skein of Lion Brand Hometown USA!

Finished Size: Around edge = 22 inches. From edge to center of top = 11 inches. Measurements were taken while laying flat, unstretched.

Difficulty level: Advanced beginner/Intermediate

SUPPLIES

● Size N (9mm) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
● Yarn Needle for finishing
● Bulky Yarn such as Lion Brand Hometown USA or Wool-ease Thick & Quick. Approximately 80 yards.

Yarn used in examples:
Lion Brand Hometown USA in Portland Wine and Monterey Lime

ABBREVIATIONS

sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
rep – repeat
rnd – round
ea – each
sp – space
st/sts – stitch/stitches
FO – finish off

INSTRUCTIONS

This pattern is worked in joined rounds. Join at the end of each round, where the pattern says to. Ch 4′s at the beginning of rounds will always count as 1 dc + 1 ch. Ch 1′s at the beginning of rounds 12 & 13 will count as 1 sc. Be sure to check your gauge after rnd 2.

Gauge: To check gauge, work rnds 1-2. Resulting circle should measure 5 inches across. Refer to the picture below for another way to check gauge.  1 dc + 1 ch should = just under an inch.

PATTERN

rnd 1: ch 4 (counts as 1 dc + 1 ch now and throughout). 1 dc in 4th ch from hook. ch 1. In same ch sp as before:  [1 dc, ch 1] 6 times. sl st to join. (8 dc) need help?

rnd 2: ch 4. 1 dc in same sp. ch 1. [1 dc, ch 1 twice in next dc] rep around.  sl st to join. (16 dc)

rnd 3: ch 4. 1 dc, ch 1 twice in next dc. [1 dc, ch 1 in next dc. 1 dc, ch 1 twice in next dc.] rep around. sl st to join. (24 dc)

rnds 4-11 (7 rnds): ch 4. [1 dc, ch 1 in next dc] rep around. sl st to join. (24 dc)

rnd 12: ch 1 (counts as 1 sc). 1 sc in next ch sp. [1 sc in next dc. 1 sc in next ch sp.] rep around. sl st to join. (48 sc)

rnd 13: ch 1 (counts as 1 sc). Work in back loops only: 1 sc in ea sc. (48 sc)

Invisible join and FO

If you use this free pattern, please consider supporting me by purchasing a pattern from my shop.  Your support will help ensure that I’m able to continue making new patterns to share (both free & paid). Thanks for considering! :)

TERMS OF USE: This pattern is protected by United States & International Copyright law. This pattern and anything made from it may not be used for commercial purposes. You may not sell anything made from this pattern. You may not resell or redistribute this pattern in part or in whole. Derivative works are prohibited. This pattern and items made from it are intended for your personal use only.
Copyright © 2011 Julie King / Gleeful Things. All Rights Reserved.

Before asking questions about this pattern, please read the FAQ to see if it’s already been answered. Thank you! :)

Yup! It’s the beginning of September and I’m already crafting for Halloween! It’s my favorite holiday and I plan on celebrating it for two whole months! :D Here is the first of several Halloween crafts I plan on sharing. I hope you enjoy this cyclops candy corn crochet pattern! This is an excellent beginner amigurumi project, by the way, offering a chance to practice both increasing & decreasing!

SUPPLIES

● Size E crochet hook
● Yarn needle
● (1) 15mm safety eye
● Stuffing
● Felt scraps for the mouth (black & white)
● Glue for attaching the mouth
● Worsted Weight Yarn in White, Orange, & Yellow

Yarn used in example:
Caron Simply Soft in White (CA), Melon (CB), Lemon (CC)

ABBREVIATIONS

ch – Chain
rnd – Round
sc – Single Crochet
ea – Each
sc2tog – 2 Single Crochets Together (Decrease)
rep – Repeat
FO – Finish Off
CA – Color A (white)
CB – Color B (orange)
CC  - Color C (yellow)

INSTRUCTIONS

This pattern is worked in rounds using single crochets. Do not join at the end of rounds. You’ll probably want to use a stitch marker to mark your rounds. Gauge is not important but remember to keep your stitches tight.

PATTERN

With CA, ch 2.
rnd 1: 6 sc in 2^ndch from hook.  (6)
rnd 2: 2 sc in ea st (12)
rnd 3-4 (2 rnds): 1 sc in ea st (12)
rnd 5: [1 sc, 2 sc in next st] rep around (18)
*switch to CB*
rnd 6-8 (3 rnds): 1 sc in ea st (18)
rnd 9: [2 sc, 2 sc in next st] rep around (24)
rnd 10-12 (3 rnds): 1 sc in ea st (24)
*insert eye between rnds 8&9*
*switch to CC*
rnd 13: [3 sc, 2 sc in next st] rep around (30)
rnd 14-16 (3 rnds): 1 sc in ea st (30)
rnd 17: [3 sc, sc2tog] rep around (24)
rnd 18: [2 sc, sc2tog] rep around (18)
rnd 19: [1 sc, sc2tog] rep around (12)
*stop to stuff*
rnd 20: sc2tog 6 times (6)
Use your yarn needle to close the hole and FO.

Cut your mouth out of felt and use fabric glue to attach it.

If you use this free pattern, please consider supporting me by purchasing a pattern from my shop.  Your support will help insure that I’m able to continue making new patterns to share (both free & paid). Thanks for considering! :)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

TERMS OF USE:
This pattern is protected by United States & International Copyright law. This pattern and anything made from it may not be used for commercial purposes. You may not sell anything made from this pattern. You may not resell or redistribute this pattern in part or in whole. Derivative works are prohibited. This pattern and items made from it are intended for your personal use only.

Copyright © 2011 Julie King / Gleeful Things. All Rights Reserved.

You’d have to be a long time follower of mine to remember the moldy cupcake! I originally published this pattern in 2007. But I took it down to revise it a little bit. And now it’s back! Ever wonder what happens to all those cute cupcakes when they get old? Now you know! ;)

SUPPLIES

● Size E crochet hook
● Yarn needle
● (1) 12mm safety eye
● (1) 15mm safety eye
● Stuffing
● Piece of cardboard (to hold the shape of the bottom)
● Embroidery Floss & Needle for the mouth
● Green Hairy Yarn for mold
● Worsted Weight Yarn in Tan (CA) & Green (CB)

Yarn used in example:
Caron Simply Soft in Bone (CA) and Sage (CB)
Moda Dea Dream in Leaf for the mold

ABBREVIATIONS

ch – Chain
sc – Single Crochet
dc – Double Crochet
ea – Each
lps – Loops
rep – Repeat
FO – Finish Off
sl st – Slip Stitch
CA – Color A (bottom)
CB – Color B (top)

TOP

With CB, ch 2.
rnd 1: 6 sc in 2^ndch from hook.  (6)
rnd 2: 2 sc in ea st (12)
rnd 3: [1 sc, 2 sc in next st] rep around (18)
rnd 4: [2 sc, 2 sc in next st] rep around (24)
rnd 5: [3 sc, 2 sc in next st] rep around (30)
rnd 6: [4 sc, 2 sc in next st] rep around (36)
rnds 7-9 (3 rnds): 1 sc in ea st (36)
rnd 10: (1 sc, 3 dc in next st) rep around
Make an invisible join to finish and leave a piece of yarn long enough to attach the top to the bottom.

EYE

With CB, ch 2.
rnd 1: 6 sc in 2^ndch from hook.  (6)
rnd 2: 2 sc in ea st (12)
rnds 3-5 (3 rnds): 1 sc in ea st (12)
FO leaving a piece of yarn long enough to attach to the top.

BOTTOM

With CA, ch 2.
rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6)
rnd 2: 2 sc in ea st (12)
rnd 3: [1 sc, 2 sc in next st] rep around (18)
rnd 4: [2 sc, 2 sc in next st] rep around (24)
rnd 5: [3 sc, 2 sc in next st] rep around (30)
rnd 6: [4 sc, 2 sc in next st] rep around (36)
Make an invisible join and FO

*trace shape onto a piece of cardboard and cut out*

SIDES

With CA, ch 9. 1 sc in ea st starting in 2nd ch from hook (8)
row 1: turn, ch 1, 1 sc in ea st working in back lps only (8)
row 2: turn, ch 1, 1 sc in ea st working in front lps only (8)
rep rows 1 and 2 until you have completed 31 rows total.

ASSEMBLY

Bottom: The side with the lps showing is the right (out) side. Put the last row behind the first and stitch them together using your yarn needle. Next, stitch the bottom piece to the side piece. Put the piece of cardboard you cut out into the bottom to hold the shape.

Eye & Top: Place the 12mm safety eye between rnds 3 & 4 of the eye piece. Stuff it as much as you can and attach to the top piece using your yarn needle and the piece of CB that you left. Attach the 15mm safety eye to the top. Refer to the picture for eye placement help.

Embroider a mouth. Then, using your hairy green yarn and yarn needle, stitch several patches of mold on the top and bottom pieces wherever you like.

Top & Bottom: Using the piece of CB you left, attach the top to the bottom. Make your stitches right behind the row of dc’s on the top piece. Stop to stuff before stitching completely shut.

If you use this free pattern, please consider supporting me by purchasing a pattern from my shop.  Your support will help insure that I’m able to continue making new patterns to share (both free & paid). Thanks for considering! :)

TERMS OF USE:
This pattern is protected by United States & International Copyright law. This pattern and anything made from it may not be used for commercial purposes. You may not sell anything made from this pattern. You may not resell or redistribute this pattern in part or in whole. Derivative works are prohibited. This pattern and items made from it are intended for your personal use only.

Copyright © 2010 Julie King / Gleeful Things. All Rights Reserved.

I have a new amigurumi pattern to share with you! I’ve been hanging on to this one for a while, trying to get some good photos before I posted. I’m so excited to finally show you! I hope you like! Enjoy! And send pics if you make any! I’d love to see! :D

SUPPLIES

● Size E crochet hook
● Yarn needle
● Stitch Marker
● Worsted weight yarn in pink (CA) & green (CB)
● 9mm safety eyes (2 for each)
● Stuffing
● Scraps of pink and black felt
● Fabric glue for attaching the nose
● Scissors

Yarn used above: Caron Simply Soft Party in Fuchsia Sparkle (CA) & Red Heart Soft Yarn in Guacamole (CB)

ABBREVIATIONS

ch – chain
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
sc2tog – 2 single crochets together (decrease)
sl st – slip stitch
ea – each
st – stitch
rep – repeat
rnd – round
FO – finish/fasten off
CA – Color A (pink)
CB – Color B (green)

INSTRUCTIONS

This pattern is worked in rounds using mainly single crochets (the top also uses half double crochets). Do not join at the end of rounds except where the patterns says to. You’ll probably want to use a stitch marker to mark your rounds. Gauge is not important but remember to keep your stitches tight.

HEAD

With CA, Ch 2.
rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (6)
rnd 2: 2 sc in ea st (12)
rnd 3: [1 sc, 2 sc in next st] rep around (18)
rnd 4: [2 sc, 2 sc in next st] rep around (24)
rnd 5: [3 sc, 2 sc in next st] rep around (30)
rnd 6-10 (5 rnds): 1 sc in ea st (30)
rnd 11: [3 sc, sc2tog] rep around (24)
rnd 12: [2 sc, sc2tog] rep around (18)
*Place the eyes between rnds 9 &10 with 5 sts between them.*
rnd 13: [1 sc, sc2tog] rep around (12)
*stuff*
rnd 14: sc2tog 6 times (6)
FO

TOP

*leave a 16 inch long piece of yarn in the beginning to make the stem with later length*
With CB, Ch 2.
rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (6)
rnd 2: 2 sc in ea st (12)
rnd 3: [ch 4. 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 hdc in ea remaining ch. 2 sc in rnd 2] rep 5 times.

Invisible join and FO leaving a piece of yarn long enough to attach the top to the head.

Making the stem: Use your hook to pull the piece of yarn that you left at the beginning through the center hole. Tie a slip knot as close to the hole as possible. Ch 8. 1 sl st in ea ch starting in 2nd ch from hook. Pull the end of the yarn back through the center hole and FO.

EARS

With CA, ch 2.
rnd 1: 1 sc, 6 dc, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook.

Try to push all stitches to one side so that it forms a half circle.

ASSEMBLY

Position the top piece on the head so that you have a pointy part above each eye. Use your yarn needle and the piece of yarn that you left at the end of the top piece to attach the top to the head. You’ll only need to make about 6 stitches to hold it down. Next, to attach the ears, use your yarn needle to stitch the flat side of the half circle to the head. Refer to the photo for placement if you need to.

For the nose, cut a circle out of pink felt that will fit between the eyes (I used a penny as a pattern for mine). Then cut a little triangle nose out of black felt. Use your fabric glue to glue them in place.

If you use this free pattern, please consider supporting me by purchasing a pattern from my shop.  Your support will help insure that I’m able to continue making new patterns to share (both free & paid). Thanks for considering! :)

TERMS OF USE:
This pattern is protected by United States & International Copyright law. This pattern and anything made from it may not be used for commercial purposes. You may not sell anything made from this pattern. You may not resell or redistribute this pattern in part or in whole. Derivative works are prohibited. This pattern and items made from it are intended for your personal use only.

Copyright © 2011 Julie King / Gleeful Things. All Rights Reserved.

I’m getting a lot of questions on the Gumdrop Slouchy Hat pattern so I thought I would do an FAQ post.

The #1 question I’m getting is, “Can I use ____ yarn for this pattern?“. So I took this comparison photo to help you see how your yarn compares.

I think there’s been a little confusion about chunky yarns (as used for this pattern) being the same thing as bulky yarns. Actually, chunky yarns are not the same as bulky yarns. A few people have asked about Lion Brand Hometown USA, which is a bulky/super bulky yarn. As you can see, it’s a lot thicker than the chunky yarn.

Q: Can I use Lion Brand Hometown USA for this hat?
A: No. Unfortunately, it’s much too thick. If you do somehow manage to get the right gauge with it, it’ll probably be the stiffest hat ever, which is the opposite of what you want in a slouchy hat. Changing your hook size won’t help. Doing fewer rounds of increasing won’t help either. Sorry :(

Q: Can I use worsted weight yarn for this hat? What if I use two strands held together?
A: Yes, it’s possible to use worsted weight yarn. Two strands held together will probably be a just bit too thick, which will result it in being a little stiff. In order to get the right gauge with one strand, your stitches will need to be really loose. Increasing your hook size might help with that. Your stitches will probably have gaps between them since the yarn isn’t as plump as the chunky, so your hat might be kinda airy.

Q: I end up with too many stitches after round 4. What am I doing wrong?
A: Check out my post on how to read crochet patterns where I explain this and two other rounds from the pattern.

Q: How can I make this hat larger to fit a man?
A: I don’t really recommend trying this if you’re a beginner because my explanation will probably be a little confusing. But… The easiest way to increase the size is to do an additional round of increases. So after rnd 5, your next round would be-  ch 3. [4 dc. 2 dc in next st.] rep around. sl st to join. (96) And then continue following the pattern, keeping in mind that the stitch count in going to be different. rnd 14 will become – ch 3. [4 dc. dc2tog] rep around. sl st to join. (80) .

I hope this is helpful! If your question isn’t answered here, feel free to ask!

I’m disabling comments on this post because I want to keep all of the questions about this pattern in one place. If you have questions, please ask them on the actual pattern post: HERE