Rohn Strong
Crafting a Handmade Home
Spring Hope Crochet Shawl – Free Crochet Pattern and Book Review
A quick to stitch cotton shawl with the simplest of shaping, my String Network Crochet Shawl, is the perfect accent piece for your summer nights on the town. Get the free pattern below and read a special book review for “Crochet Every Way Stitch Dictionary” by Dora Ohrenstein.
Read MoreEdenton Top – Free Crochet Pattern
Copped. Colorful. Cold Should. Edenton is just about everything you need in a chic summer top. Worked in two identical panels and seamed, it’s perfect for first time garment makers.
The Inspiration
I absolutely love a colorful cropped top. There is just something about summer that makes me want to design all of the cropped tops.
This top was super special. I know, I feel like I say that about every design of mine but…this one. Ugh!
Okay, so I’ve been obsessed with Granny Stripes for as long as I can remember. Granny stitch itself is so undeniably classic crochet that it’s hard to dismiss. This top was all about combining bright colors, modern shapes, and being as size inclusive as possible!
The Design
This design is really easy to construct. You begin with a long chain, work a short body, then construct the sleeves up to the neckline. From there it’s just about working a few shoulder rows to create the straps! How fun is that?
You’ll notice that the sizing is a little different than what I’ve used in the past. Instead of standard sizing with labels, I’ve decided to offer sizes in 12 sizes. The sizes will differ based on the designs moving forward, but for this pattern we’ll be working the bust sizes ranging from 40in through 69in!
The Instructions
Skill Level: Easy
Materials:
Lion Brand Yarn ZZ Twist Yarn (100% Acrylic; CYC 4: Medium; 246yds/225m; 3.5oz/100g)
Yarn A: Peacock (#763-170) x 2 (2, 3, 3, 4) [5, 6, 7, 8] balls
Yarn B: Hot Pink (#763-195) x 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) [2, 2, 3, 3] balls
Yarn C: White (#763-100) x 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) [2, 2, 3, 3] balls
Yarn D: Sky Blue (#763-106) x 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) [2, 2, 3, 3] balls
Yarn E: Coral (#763-103) x 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) [2, 2, 3, 3] balls
US H/8 (5mm) Crochet Hook
Tapestry Needle
Gauge: Work 14dc and 8.5 rows to measure 4in x 4in over double crochet using 5mm hook, or size required to obtain gauge.
Work 4.5 3-dc groups and 8 rows to measures 4in x 4 in over 3-dc granny stripe pattern using 5mm hook, or size required to obtain gauge.
Dimensions:
Sizes Offered: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5) [6, 7, 8, 9]
Finished Bust: 40 (43.5, 48.5, 52, 55.5) [58.75, 62.25, 65, 69] inches
Sleeve Seam: 10.25 inches
Length: 13.5 inches Note: this is adjustable.
Top shown is wearing a size 4. Model is 5’10” tall with a 46” bust.
Abbreviations:
Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
St(s) – Stitches
Rep – Repeat
In – Inch
WS – Wrong Side
Notes:
Front and back (including sleeves) are each worked in one piece from the bottom up.
Weave in ends as work progresses.
Pattern Instructions
With yarn A, ch 36, fasten off and set aside (make 2).
Front
With 5mm hook and yarn A, ch 72, (78, 87, 93, 98) [105, 111, 116, 123]
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (70, 76, 85, 91, 97, 103, 109, 114, 121)
Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a st here and throughout), dc in each dc across, turn.
Rep row 2 until piece measures 5.5in., end after worked a WS row.
Note: If a longer sweater is desired, simply work more rows as needed before beginning granny stripe pattern.
Shape Sleeves
Row 1 (WS): Ch 38, turn, dc in 4th ch from hook and in back bar of next 34 ch, dc across front sts, pick up one of the set-aside chains and dc in back bar of each of the 36 ch across, turn. – (142, 148, 157, 163, 169, 175, 181, 186, 193) sts.
Granny Stripes
Row 1 (RS): Join B, ch 4 (counts as a dc, ch 1), *sk 2 dc, 3dc in next dc, ch 1; rep from * across, ending with a dc in last dc, turn.
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as a dc), 2dc in first ch-1 sp, *ch 1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * across to last ch-1 sp, 2dc in last ch-1 sp, dc in last dc, turn.
Work these two rows 8 times more, changing colors ever RS row in the following order:
C, A, C, D, B, C, E, A
Next Row: With A, Ch 1, sc in each st and ch-sp across. Finish Off.
Back
Work as for Front.
Finishing
Seam sides and underarms. Mark center 40 sts on both back and front, seam top of sleeves from cuff to just above elbow (about 6 inches).
Note: The center 40 sts on both the back and front are for the neck hole. Customize this, as desired! Stick the neckline where you’d like it – just make sure it’s centered!
Straps
With Front facing and beginning at marker on right, join A, and work strap as follows:
Note: For the larger sizes, you may want to make the straps a bit wider/longer. This will depend on your bust and your personal preference. There is a lot of room for customization here!
Row 1: Sc in each of the next 10 sts, turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across.
Rep Row 2 a further 38 times.
Finish Off.
Seam strap to corresponding stitches on back.
Repeat for second strap on left side of Front. Weave in all ends and block as desired.
Sorbet Summer Shawl – Free Crochet Pattern
The perfect way to add a little pop of color to your summer wardrobe, my Sorbet Summer Shawl is the newest free pattern from Rohn Strong!
Hello Friends!
I love welcoming each of you like that. That’s exactly how I think of each of you. Friends. You bring such positivity and light to my little corner of the world and, for that, I thank you.
Alright, back to the crochet!
I whipped up this shawl some time ago and haven’t had a moment to share it with you! It’s a gorgeous simple shawl using some cotton yarn.
Here in the south, we have the hottest summers known to man and each year they just seem to get hotter. This year is no exception. The truth is, as hot as it gets outside, it gets colder inside.
If you’re like me, that damn A/C unit just chills me right to the bone. So, having a little something to throw around my shoulders is just perfect.
The Design
This design is constructed back and forth using a thinner worsted weight yarn and a larger hook. Increases and decreases form the asymmetrical shape and I worked stripes every few rows to give it a really cool and modern look!
The yarn I chose to use was discontinued between actually making this project and posting this pattern. So, in lieu of that I am just going to share the yarn amounts/yardage with you and you can make the shawl as you wish!
The Pattern
Finished Shawl Size:
Wingspan: About 54in.
Depth: About 20in.
Approximately Materials:
- 3 colors worsted weight cotton yarn (approximately 150yds of each)
- Size US K/6.5mm Crochet Hook
- Stitch Markers
- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
Gauge:
Gauge is not essential for this shawl. The most important thing is that the fabric is loose and there is quite a bit of drape.
Shawl
Section 1:
Row 1: Using Color A, ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next ch, 2sc in each of the next 2 sts. (6 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, 2sc in first st, sc in each st across to last 2 sts, sc2tog. (6 sts)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across to last 2 sts, 2sc in each of the last 2 sts. (8 sts)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, 2sc in first st, sc in each st across to last 2 sts, sc2tog. (8 sts)
Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until working row has 60 sts. End after working a Row 4.
Section 2:
Row 1: Join B with a sc, ch 3, turn, tr in each st across to last 2 sts, 2tr in each of the last 2 sts. (62 sts)
End off B.
Row 2: Join A with a sc, 2sc in first st, sc in each st across to last 2 sts, sc2tog. (62 sts)
End off A.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the working row has 78 sts. End after working a Row 2.
Section 3:
Row 1: Join B with a sc, ch 3, turn, tr in each st across to last 2 sts, 2tr in each of the last 2 sts. (62 sts)
End off B.
Row 2: Join C with a sc, 2sc in first st, sc in each st across to last 2 sts, sc2tog. (62 sts)
End off A.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the working row has 86 sts. End after working a Row 2.
Section 4:
Row 1: Join C with a sc, ch 3, turn, tr in each st across to last 2 sts, 2tr in each of the last 2 sts. (88 sts)
End off.
Row 2: Join C with a sc, ch 3, turn, 2tr in first st, tr in each st across to last 2 sts, tr2tog. (88 sts)
End off.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until working row has 94 sts.
Repeat Row 1, once more. (96 sts)
Edging
With RS facing, join A in the last st worked. Working from Left to Right, reverse single crochet in each st across. End off.
Finishing
Block shawl to finished shape. Weave in all ends.
Old Glory Quilted Pillow Cover – Free Quilt Pattern
Try your hand at machine quilting with these easy and quick to stitch pillow covers with this month’s free quilting pattern with JOANN! Read through my inspiration, design process, and more below!
The Inspiration
We love a good ole fashioned cookout here in the south. There’s just something about a pitcher of lemonade, some good BBQ, and a slice of coconut cake to make that summer heat bearable.
Read More5 Hour Baby Blanket – Free Quilt Pattern
A blanket perfect for that last minute gift – my 5 Hour Baby Blanket – is my newest free quilt pattern with JOANN.
Read through my inspiration, design process, and more below!
The Inspiration
In 2016, I became an uncle. It was one of the best moments of my life. Since then I’ve become an uncle twice over and my nieces give me such joy. I really am the Best Uncle Rohnny.
This blanket was inspired by my oldest niece, Addy. Her angelic smile and contagious laugh is all I need to make it through the day. She also happens to be obsessed with pink and princesses. So, her Uncle Rohnny decided to do what he does best and design a quilt perfect for his little girl!
I grabbed my notebook, sketched a few things out, and was off to the races!
The Design
This quilt is quick to stitch. I mean, it’s not called the 5-hour afghan for no reason. Here are a few tips and tricks to make it go even faster:
- Choose a charm pack for your center 25 squares. Don’t feel stuck with the two color pattern I chose. This could be worked up using a variety of prints, colors, and fabrics. Make it fun and make it you. Using a charm pack will save you on the extra cutting time.
- Cut all your pieces out first. Look, here’s the deal. Cutting is the most difficult part for beginner quilters. Iron and starch that fabric, cut it as needed, and keep it organized.
- If you have a few 2.5″ strips laying around, you could definitely use those to work the inner and outer border.
The Pattern
Finished Quilt Size:
40″ x 40″
Here are all the supplies you need, each available from your local JOANN.
- 25 – 5″ squares (12 White and 13 Beige)
- 1/2 yard each of Beige and Coral
- 1 yard floral print for backing
Sample quilt uses Kona Cotton in various colors.
Step 1 – Arrange and Sew
Referring to the photo of the finished quilt, lay out the 5″ squares in rows. If desired, you may arrange in any pattern that appeals to your eye.
When you are happy with the arrangement, sew the blocks into rows then sew the rows together to complete the center of the quilt.
Step 2 – First Border
Cut (3) 2.5″ stripes across the width of the fabric. Sew the strips together end-to-end to make one long strip. Trim the borders from this strip. The strips should measure approximately 23″ for the sides and approximately 27″ for the top and bottom. Sew first border strips to center.
Step 3 – Second Border
Cut (4) 4.5″ strips across the width of the fabric. Sew the strips together end-to-end to make one long strip. Trim the borders from this strip. The strips should measure approximately 27″ for the sides and approximately 35″ for the top and bottom. Sew second border strips to center.
Step 4 – Third Border
Work as for Step 2.
Step 5 – Bind
This quilt is completed using a no-fuss binding. Making a quilt sandwich layer as follows:
- Batting
- Backing with RS facing up
- Top with WS facing up
Sew around quilt leaving about an 8″ opening. Pull the RS through the hold and close by top stitching around the quilt. For a more in depth titorial please see the video linked here.
Step 6 – Quilt
The beauty of this quilt is in its simplicity. We don’t see that any clearer than in the quilting. Tie quilting is a simple method of using yarn or embroidery floss to tie the layers of the quilt together. It’s my favorite method and gives the finished quilt a vintage vibe!
First, gather your supplies. You’ll need a few 5″ strands of yarn. I used 13, choosing to place them only in the white squares. You’ll also need a sharp needle with a large enough eye to pull the yarn through.
Each tie is worked as follows:
- With needle threaded and the top of quilt facing up, insert the needle through all three layers and pull it back up about 1/4″ from the insertion point.
- Cut the thread so there are two tails, each about 2″ long.
- Tie a knot and pull it tight to the quilt.
- Trim the knots to about 1/2″.
Continue placing the ties in alternating squares or as desired.
Hey Y’all! I’m Rohn Strong! I’m a full time crafter, DIY Blogger, and Author. Take a peek around and get inspired!
