Category: Free Patterns

The Little Nugget Bonding Square is a easy to follow free crochet pattern that can be made quickly as a gift to a preemie baby’s family.

****Post contains affiliate links – which means if you make a purchase from the links below, I will get a small percentage of the sales at no additional cost to you****

What is a bonding square?

Bonding squares are used by parents with newborn preemie babies in the NICU. The parent wears one square on their body for a few hours for the fabric to absorb their scent. The square is then placed in with the baby. The baby then learns the scent of the parent.

It is best to make bonding squares in pairs. That way baby can always have a fresh square with them.

After my research about bonding squares you want to use soft yarn and a material that can hold scents. Newborn babies have very sensitive skin so a softer yarn is best, parents also don’t want to be wearing a rough square against their skin either.

2023 Preemie Crochet Challenge

The Little Nugget Bonding Square is featured in the 2023 Preemie Crochet Challenge hosted by Helen of Sunflower Cottage Crochet. The event runs June 19th to July 17th.

Like previous years; by accepting the free pdf download you are pledging to donate at least one item from that pattern. You can send them to a charity/organization/NICU/family of your choosing.

Previously featured Crochets By Trista patterns in the Crochet Preemie Challenge include:
Newborn Preemie Blanket
Josey’s Hug Preemie Blanket

The Yarn

I used some remnants of my KnitPicks Comfy Color Mist left over from my Magnolia Top. It is 75% pima cotton 25% acrylic blend. It is super soft and perfect for a set of bonding square because it will gentle against baby’s delicate skin.

Supplies Needed

Approximately 50 – 60 yards cotton yarn – KnitPicks Comfy Color Mist or comparable yarn.
H/5.00mm crochet hook
Measuring tape
Scissors
Yarn needle

Stitches Used

Ch – Chain
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Lhdc –Linked Half Double Crochet
Sl St – Slip Stitch
St(s) – Stitch(es)

Stitch Definition

Lhdc – Linked Half Double Crochet: Insert hook through the bottom leg (foot) of the previous stitch. YO and pull up a loop (2 loops).  Insert hook into next stitch, YO and pull up a loop (3 loops), YO and pull through all 3 loops.

Gauge & Finished Size(s)

Gauge:  N/A

Size: Approximately 4” X 4” square

Pattern Notes

Try to use a softer cotton yarn, it will be gentler again baby’s delicate skin.

Make at least one pair (2) bonding squares.

The border provided is optional.

Size may vary based on yarn used.

Availability

You can purchase an ad-free PDF of the Little Nugget Bonding Square on Ravelry and Etsy.

As part of the Preemie Crochet Challenge you can get this pattern for free using the coupon code found HERE. We just ask that you donate at least one finished set to your favorite preemie charity or organization.

The Pattern

Ch 16

1.) Hdc in 2^nd Ch from the hook, Lhdc in next St and each St across. (15)

2.) Turn, Ch 1, Hdc in 1^st St, Lhdc in next St and each St across. (15)

Repeat row 2 until square.

Continue to optional border.

Finish off and weave in ends.

Optional Border

Ch 1, turn, Hdc in 1^st St, Lhdc evenly around with 3Lhdc in each of the 4 corners, Sl St to 1^st Hdc.

Finish off and weave in ends.

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The Lullaby Baby Blanket will be your new go to baby shower gift from here on out. It is beginner friendly and can be made in almost no time at all.

****Post contains affiliate links – which means if you make a purchase from the links below, I will get a small percentage of the sales at no additional cost to you****

The Yarn

The yarn that I used for the Lullaby Baby Blanket was Heatherly Sport from We Crochet/Knitpicks in the colorway Lilac.

Heatherly is an 80/20 blend of acrylic and merino wool and SUPER soft and comfy. It’s perfect for anything for a baby. It is machine washable and dryable but for your favorite items you might want to hand wash and lay flat to dry.

Try it for yourself HERE.

Supplies Needed

• 850 yards Knit Picks Heatherly Sport or equivalent weight yarn.
• I/5.50mm crochet hook
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Stitches Used

Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
Sc – Single Crochet
SDc – Standing Double Crochet
Sl St – Slip Stitch
St(s) – Stitch(es)

Stitch Definition

SDc – Starting Double Crochet – (also known as Long Chain Double Crochet or Chainless Starting Double Crochet).  Pull up your loop to the height of your usual Double Crochet. YO, insert into the 1st St, YO, pull through, YO, pull through two loops on the hook, YO, pull through both loops.

Gauge & Finished Size(s)

Gauge:  15 Sts x 11 Rows = 4” square

Size: Approximately 36” X 36” square

Pattern Notes

A stitch count has been provided at the end of each row.

The border is optional.

SDc can be substituted with a Ch 3.

The finished blanket should measure to be approximately a 36″ x 36″ square.

Baby Shower Blog Hop

Featured in the Baby Shower Blog Hop hosted by Kristine of Ambassador Crochet.

All the information about the event and featured patterns can be found HERE.

A list of all the participating designers is shown below.

Baby Shower Blog Hop Pattern Bundle

There is a pattern bundle of all the featured patterns for only $10.00! You’ll have instant access to the Lullaby Baby Blanket and the other 18 featured patterns!!!

Availability

You can purchase the ad-free pdf download on Ravelry and Etsy.

The Pattern

Ch 121

Row 1.) Sc in 2^nd Ch from the hook and each St across. (120)

Row 2.) Turn, SDc, Dc in next St and each St across. (120)

Row 3.) Turn, Ch 1, Sc in 1^st St and each St across. (120)

Repeat rows 2 & 3 until square or desired length, ending with row 3.

Continue to optional border.

Finish off and weave in ends.

Optional Border

Ch 1, turn, Sc evenly around with 3Sc in each of the 4 corners, Sl St to 1^st Sc.

Finish off and weave in ends.

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If you’ve purchased my designs in the past, leave a review.  I want to know what you think.

The Marshmallow Cup Cozy is the perfect pattern to help you grasp the herringbone half double crochet stitch.

The Marshmallow Cup Cozy is designed to fit most hot and cold beverages. It can even fit your favorite pints of ice cream!

****Post contains affiliate links – which means if you make a purchase from the links below, I will get a small percentage of the sales at no additional cost to you****

The Yarn

My favorite part about the Marshmallow Cup Cozy is that it is perfect for using up your scraps and partially used skeins. I had some partially used skeins lying around that I used for my samples of the Marshmallow Cup Cozy.

I’m not even completely sure what yarn I used. It feels softer like Dishie from Crochet.com or even I Love This Cotton from Hobby Lobby.

Supplies Needed

• 60-70 yards of Worsted Weight Cotton
• H/5.00mm crochet hook
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle
• Measuring Tape

Stitches Used

Ch – Chain
Hhdc – Herringbone Half Double Crochet
MC – Magic Circle
Sc – Single Crochet
Sl St – Slip Stitch
St(s) – Stitch(es)

Stitch Definition: Hhdc

Herringbone Half Double Crochet: YO, insert hook in stitch, YO, pull up a loop and pull through first loop on hook, YO, pull through both loops on hook.

Gauge & Finished Size(s)

Gauge: 13 Sts x 14 rows

Finished Size:
Approx. 4.5” wide by 5.5” tall

Pattern Notes

Written in US crochet terms.

Worked in the round.

A stitch count has been provided at the end of each round.

For a taller cup cozy simply repeat round 4 until desired height.

A stitch definition can be found above.

Availability

The ad-free pdf download can be purchased on Ravelry and Etsy.

The Pattern

1.) In MC, 10Hhdc. Join with a Sl St to 1^st St. (10)

2.) Turn, Ch 1, 2Hhdc in 1^st St and each St around.
Join with a Sl St to 1^st St. (20)

3.) Turn, Ch 1, Hhdc in 1^st St, 2Hhdc in next St, *Hhdc in next St, 2Hhdc in next St, repeat from * around.
Join with a Sl St to 1^st St. (30)

4.) Turn, Ch 1, Hhdc in 1^st St and each St around.
Join with a Sl St to 1^st St. (30)

Rounds 5 – 17) Repeat round 4. 

18.) Ch 1, Sc in 1^st St and each St around.
Join with a Sl St to 1^st St. (30)

Finish off and weave in all ends.

Crochet In A Day Blog Hop

Ashley of Through The Loop Yarn Craft is hosting the Crochet In A Day Blog Hop February 2023. Each day a new pattern will be featured that you can download for free. Many of the patterns can be viewed for free on the participating designers’ blogs too!

Some of my favorite designers are being featured too!

The Marshmallow Cup Cozy is featured February 7th!

Love This Pattern? You’ll Love These Too!

Marshmallow Dishcloth – Frosting Collection

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If you’ve purchased my designs in the past, leave a review.  I want to know what you think.

The Winter Hills Ear Warmer combines basic stitches to create a beautifully textured yet simple cool weather accessory.

****Post contains affiliate links – which means if you make a purchase from the links below, I will get a small percentage of the sales at no additional cost to you****

The Yarn

I used up a partially used skeins to make my Winter Hills Ear Warmer. It’s the same yarn I used for the Granny Square Tote Bag.

You can use any type or style of worsted weight yarn that works for you.

I really enjoyed using the Uptown Worsted from Universal Yarns. It is anti-pilling too!

Supplies Needed

• 100 yards Lion Brand Pound of Love, or equivalent worsted weight yarn
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Measuring tape

Stitches Used

Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
RS – Right Side
Sc – Single Crochet
Sl St – Slip Stitch
WS – Wrong Side

Gauge & Finished Size(s)

Gauge: 16 Sts x 16 Rows = 4” square of stitch pattern

Finished Size: Approx. 4” tall by 9” wide

Pattern Notes

Written in US crochet terms.

Stitch count listed at the end of each row.

Instructions for the twisted closure are provided.

An alternative closure has also been provided.

New Years Resolution Blog Hop

Fiona of Cosy Rosie UK is hosting her New Years Resolution Blog Hop. Each day you can download a pattern that is the perfect project to learn a new skill or technique.

All the info and details can be found HERE. You can also check out all the participating designers below.

The Pattern 

Ch 17

1.) Sc in 2nd Ch from the hook and each Ch across. (16) RS

2.) Turn, Ch 1, Sc in 1st St, Dc in next St, *Sc in next St, Dc in next St, repeat from * across. (16) WS

3.) Turn, Ch 1, Sc in 1st St, Dc in next St, *Sc in next St, Dc in next St, repeat from * across. (16)

4.) Turn, Ch 1, Sc in 1st St and each St across. (16)

5.) Turn, Ch 1, Sc in 1st St and each St across. (16)

6.) Turn, Ch 1, Sc in 1st St, Dc in next St, *Sc in next St, Dc in next St, repeat from * across. (16)

7.) Turn, Ch 1, Sc in 1st St, Dc in next St, *Sc in next St, Dc in next St, repeat from * across. (16)

8.) Turn, Ch 1, Sc in 1st St and each St across. (16)

Repeat rows 5 – 8 until approximately 18” tall (or desired length for a tighter/looser fit).

Finish off and move on to closure.

Closure

With WS facing, fold in half to form a V. Interlock the V’s within each other and with a 10” tail sew ends together as shown below.

Weave in all ends.

Alternative Closure

With WS facing, connect last row to first row using a Sl St (or favorite seaming method) in each St across.

Weave in all ends.

Availability

You can purchase the ad-free pdf download on Ravelry and Etsy.

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If you’ve purchased my designs in the past, leave a review.  I want to know what you think.

You’re going to love making the Ursula Washcloth! With the one row repeat your can probably knock an Ursula Washcloth in almost no time at all.

This advanced beginner pattern will surely help you practice a new stitch.

****Post contains affiliate links – which means if you make a purchase from the links below, I will get a small percentage of the sales at no additional cost to you****

My favorite part about making washcloths and dishcloths is that they are relatively inexpensive to make. They are also a great way to practice new stitches and techniques.

Does it really matter if you’re washing dirty dishes or the stress and dirt away from the day with a trapezoidal shaped fabric?

Another reason is that they make easy gifts. I made a set of Ursula Washcloths for teacher gifts this past Christmas for my son’s teachers. I threw in a bar of locally made cold-processed soap too. Less than $10 each and maybe 3 hours total of my time from start to finish on both gifts (including wrapping and shopping for yarn).

The Yarn

I purchased the purple yarn specifically for this project. I used Lily Sugar ‘n Cream in colorway Hot Purple. You can purchase it at most of the major craft stores and online here.

I had my son pick from my stash of what color to make the washcloths for his teachers. He picked a navy, I didn’t have the wrapper but I’m pretty sure that it was I Love This Cotton from Hobby Lobby.

Some of my favorite cotton yarns include:
Knitpicks/WeCrochet
Cotton Aran – Paintbox Yarns – Love Crafts

Supplies Needed

• 90-100 yards worsted weight cotton
• I/5.50mm crochet hook
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Stitches Used

Ch – Chain
Cl – Cluster
Dc – Double Crochet
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Sk – Skip
YO – Yarn Over

Stitch Definition

Cl(s) – Cluster(s): [The Cl is comprised of a Dc and Hdc together.] YO, insert hook into next St, YO and pull up a loop, YO, pull through first 2 loops on hook, YO, insert hook into SAME St, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through all 4 loops on hook. Cluster completed.

Gauge & Finished Size(s)

Gauge: 8 Cl x 8 rows = 4” of stich pattern

Finished Size: 8.5” x 8.5”

Pattern Notes

Written in US crochet terms.

A stitch count is provided at the end of each row.

Clusters are worked into the top of cluster of previous row.

Availability

You can purchase the ad-free pdf on Ravelry and Etsy.

Lucid Lather Soaps

The soap featured in photos is from a local cold-process soap maker. I absolutely love their soaps. There is a rich lather and the fragrances are amazing! Check out their Etsy Shop.

Winter Washcloth Series

Featured in the Winter Washcloth Series Blog Hop hosted by Two Brothers Blankets.

Have you missed out on the Winter Washcloth Series Blog Hop? Don’t worry there is a pattern bundle available and you can get all 31 patterns for only $25.00! That is $.80 each pattern, and you’ll have them all in one place too!!

The Pattern 

Ch 37

1.) Hdc in 2^nd Ch from the hook, *Cl in next Ch, Sk next Ch, repeat from * across, Hdc in last Ch.  (17 Cls, 2 Hdc)

2.) Turn, Ch 1, Hdc in 1^st St, Cl in next St and each St across, Hdc in last St. (17 Cls, 2 Hdc)

Repeat Row 2 until square.

Finish off and weave in ends.

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Follow Crochets By Trista on:
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I’d love to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to contact me.  Let me know what you’re working on or designs you’d like to see in the future.  Use the links above or email me at crochetsbytrista@gmail.com 

If you’ve purchased my designs in the past, leave a review.  I want to know what you think.