Crochet Makeover Flip-flops tutorial

Crochet makeover flip flops

How to prepare the slipper for crochet is demonstrated in my video on YouTube, please view here.


Materials:
Pair of rubber flipflops or sandals
Crochet thread, for the sole edge, I used cotton thread size 10 for the edging; Catania cotton sportweight yarn for the strap
Crochet hook size 1.5mm and 3mm
Yarn needles for thread and for yarn
Hot-melt glue gun, or fabric glue


(Pattern for the strap is derived from my previous pattern found here.)

Instructions for crochet strap (for this makeover project):
Note: Work sl sts in back loop only.
Using sportweight yarn and 3mm hook, leave at least 6 inches tail at the beginning, ch 66,
Row 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and on the next 7 chs, sc in the next 24 chs, 3 sc in the next ch (place marker in the middle st of the last 3 sc, move the marker up as you go), sc in next 24 chs, sl st in the last 8 chs, turn.
Row 2: Sl st in the first 8 sts, sc in the next 25 sc, 3 sc in the st where marker is placed, sc in the next 25 sc, sl st in the last 8 sts, turn.
Row 3: Sl st in the first 8 sts, sc in the next 26 sc, 3 sc in the st where marker is placed, sc in the next 26 sc, sl st in the last 8 sts, turn.
Row 4: Sl st in the first 8 sts, sl st in both loops of each sc across, sl st in back loops of last 8 sts, turn.
Row 5: Work 2 sl st at the end of row to get to the opposite edge, sl st in each st across. Fasten off.

crocheted strap

Assembly:
Secure the middle of the crochet piece by sewing around the center joint of the flipflop strap. Do the same with the ends of the straps using the tail ends of the crochet. Apply glue on the top of the flip flop straps and position the crochet piece. 

Cotton Twine Mesh Bag - free crochet pattern

Another version of the mesh bag, this time made with 2 balls cotton twine. This is suitable as a beach bag to contain a beach towel and a few essentials. If using for heavier stuff, it is best to line the bag with non-stretchable fabric.

Cotton Twine Mesh Bag
by Mimi Alelis, March 2017
https://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/2017/03/cotton-twine-mesh-bag-free-crochet.html

Materials: 2 balls cotton twine
4.5mm/G or 8/0 crochet hook
Yarn needle for weaving ends and sewing the strap
Gauge: Gauge is not so important, but for the model shown, rounds 1-4 is approximately 5 inches in diameter
Finished Measurement: bag is approx. 13 inches wide, when layed flat
Stitches Used: ch = chain, ss = slip stitch, sc = single crochet, dc = double crochet, tr = treble crochet, st = stitch, rnd = round

Pattern
Rnd 1: Starting at the bottom, ch 4, join with a ss on 1st ch, to form a ring, ch 3 (counts as dc), 15 dc in ring, join with a ss on top of beg ch 3. (16 dc)
Rnd 2: (Ch 4, sc in next dc) 14 times, ch 2, dc in last dc. (15 loops)
Rnd 3: (Ch 4, sc in next loop) 14 times, ch 2, dc in dc of last loop. (15 loops)
Rnd 4: Repeat rnd 3.
Rnd 5: (Ch 4, sc in next loop, ch 4 sc in same loop) 14 times, ch 4, sc in last loop, ch 2, dc in dc. (30 loops)
Rnd 6: (Ch 4, sc in next loop) 29 times, ch 2, dc in dc of last loop. (30 loops)
Rnd 7-30: Repeat rnd 6.
Rnd 31: Ch 3, sc in next loop, (ch 4, sc in next loop) 12 times, ch 1, dc in next loop, turn. (14 loops)
Rnd 32: Ch 3, sc in next loop, (ch  4, sc in next loop) repeat across except on last loop, ch 1, dc in last loop, turn. (13 loops)
Rnds 33-40: Repeat rnd 32, at the end of rnd 40, 5 loops remain.
Rnd 41: Ch 4 (counts as 1st tr), tr in the next loop, 2 tr in next loop, tr in last two loops, turn. (6 tr)
Rnd 42: Ch 4, tr in each tr across (6 tr). Fasten off, leaving enough length for weaving in.
Shaping other end and finishing the strap
Attach thread on the next available loop at rnd 30. Repeat rnds 31 up to 42.
Rnd 43 onwards: Repeat rnd 42 up to desired length of strap (taking into consideration that strap will stretch a bit). Fasten off, leaving 10-inch tail for sewing. Sew to other end securely. Weave in ends.

Hearts Flower - free crochet pattern

Just in time for Valentines, I saw a fabric flower with heart-shaped petals, and got inspired to make a crochet version. So here is the simple crochet design that I came up with as a Valentine treat for my fellow crocheters. Most any yarn and corresponding hook can be used for this pattern.

Hearts Flower
by Mimi Alelis copyright 2017
Note: This pattern is for personal use only, not for distribution and not to be posted on any other site. 
Original link: http://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/2017/02/hearts-flower-free-crochet-pattern.html

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn, I used Premier Cotton yarn
Crochet Hook size 4mm
Finished size: 2.5 inches in diameter

Flower
Rnd 1: Start with magic ring, ch 1, 5 sc in  ring, join with sl st to first sc. 
Rnd 2: (Ch 1, sc in sc, turn, ch 2, 4 dc in sc, turn, ch 2, dc2tog, ch 1, sl st in next dc, ch 2, dc2tog, ch 1 sl st on top of turning ch 2 of previous row, 2 sl st at the side of dc row, sl st at the base of petal, sl st on the next sc) rep 5 times, making 5 petals. Fasten off, leaving 6" tail for sewing, if making this as an embellishment.
Center (optional - you may instead sew a button in the center of the flower)
With contrasting color yarn, make a magic ring, ch 2, 4-dc cluster in ring, fasten off leaving a 6" tail for sewing. Pull both ends tight, knot together, sew in center of flower. Weave in loose ends.

Minnie Mouse Hat - free crochet pattern

Minnie Mouse Hat

Minnie Mouse Hat (see project on Ravelry)
by Mimi Alelis
http://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/2017/02/minnie-mouse-hat-free-crochet-pattern.html

This is a beanie hat constructed from top to bottom, with increasing rounds done in dc, and the repeat rounds done in hdc. Rounds are joined with a slip stitch, and the beginning ch 1 or ch 2 of each round is not counted as a stitch. (The joining is hardly noticeable this way.)

Materials: Worsted weight yarn, 1 skein black and half-skein red. I used Premier Home Cotton yarn (85% cotton, 15 polyester), 128 meters/80gms
Aluminum Crochet Hook size: 5 mm. (use 4.5mm for smaller hat)

Gauge: Using 5 mm. hook, 15 hdc across = 4"; 10 hdc rows = 4"
Size: 1-3 yr old
Measurements: Length, 6 1/2"; Circumference, 19"

CROWN:
Note: Ch 1 or ch 2 at the beg of rnd does not count as a st.
Rnd 1: With black yarn, start with a magic ring, ch 1, work 12 hdc into ring, sl st in 1st hdc to join -- 12 hdc.
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each hdc around, sl st in 1st dc to join -- 24 dc.
Rnd 3: Ch 2, (1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc) rep around, sl st in 1st dc -- 36 dc.
Rnd 4: Ch 2, (1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc) rep around, join -- 48 dc.
Rnd 5: Ch 2, (1 dc in each of next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc) rep around, join -- 60 dc.
Rnd 6: Ch 2, (1 dc in each of next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc) rep around, join -- 72 dc.

Rnds 7-11: Ch 1, hdc in each hdc, join -- 72 hdc. Fasten off black, attach red yarn.
Rnds 12-16: Ch 1, hdc in each hdc -- 72 hdc. Fasten off at the end of last rnd.

Ears (make 4)
Rnd 1: With black yarn, magic ring, ch 1, work 10 sc into ring, sl st in 1st sc to join -- 10 sc. 
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 hdc in each sc, join -- 20 hdc.
Rnd 3: Ch 1, (1 hdc in next hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc) rep around, sl st in 1st hdc -- 30 hdc.
Rnd 4: Ch 1, (1 hdc in next 2 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc) 8 times, sc in the last 6 hdc -- 32 hdc, 6 sc.
Fasten off, leaving a 12" tail for sewing.
Finishing: Join 2 pcs together as follows: with wrong sides facing, sl st both pieces on each hdc st, leave the sc sts open.

Bow
Make bow from fabric as shown in sample project (search youtube for fabric bow tutorial), or crochet one ....

Hat Assembly

Sew ears matching the sc sts, to the side of hat at rnds 4-7, sew back and front of ear with a little gap in-between, so that the ears will remain standing.
Sew bow in the middle of hat, facing front.
Make 6 white dots from felt cloth, using a button to trace the circles. Attach with glue. (I used hot-melt glue gun.)

Crochet Stuff in 2016

Hello! Another year has passed....and as usual I blog about the past year's projects...even though there wasn't much :p I'm thankful there's Ravelry and Instagram, where I can post projects as they happen and review them anytime ;)

So here goes a summary of my crochet in 2016 -

The only original pattern I was able to share is the Open Weave Rattan Stitch Poncho. Since I had promised to make one each for a group of friends, it became my major project for the past year (that extended a bit this year...).

Rattan-stitch Poncho

Next on my list, is my most memorable design - made in 2015, but came out and got published in 2016. Its called Limpet Lace Top and its featured in Interweave Crochet Summer 2016.

Limpet Lace Top

On other crafting projects - these recycled denim placemats and coasters for Papa Diddi's ice cream restaurant. I enjoyed making these :)

 

Next is my favorite crochet project - the mini Hobbes amigurumi for my son, based on a free pattern by miahandcrafter. I wasn't able to take the actual measurement, but I estimate it at 5" tall.

Mini Hobbes

I also made several baby booties since I got excited for the arrival of my first grandchild last July and the birth of more babies in our clan.

Lastly, and this is also one of my favorite project - a crochet scarf for Jackie Lou Blanco. She liked a scarf I posted on IG, and inquired on how to order one. I took it as an opportunity to make her one as a fan gift, since I believe she's one of our best actress of all time, and I'd love to see a celebrity wear my creation :)

Happy New Year!!

Me and my sister-in-law

Open-weave Rattan Stitch pattern - free crochet pattern

Here's a crochet stitch pattern I made up and called open-weave rattan stitch. It came up when I wanted to crochet a mesh shawl different from the ordinary loopy one I previously made (tropical shawl). Still using our local cotton thread size 8, I wanted the fabric to be stretchy. To achieve this, I used a bigger hook than usual. The pattern is quite simple, though the use of esc stitch (extended single crochet) makes it unique. Its a 4-row repeat pattern...it looked to me like the rattan weave I've seen on furnitures (pic here), except that the holes are not lined up straight, but diagonal.

The first shawl project I made using this stitch pattern is shown here. It starts at the long edge of the shawl and ends at the tip.

For now, here's the pattern for the swatch I made.

Open-weave rattan stitch crochet pattern

Materials:
Cannon cotton thread, size 8, (100% cotton thread)
Crochet hook size 4mm
Gauge swatch measures 4 1/4" square

Stitches used
ch - chain
sc - single crochet
dc - double crochet 
esc - extended single crochet: insert hook in next stitch (or space), yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through one loop to make a ch, yarn over and pull through two loops on hook to complete the stitch.

Pattern

Row 1: Ch 22 (increase or decrease in multiples of 4), esc (extended single crochet) in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (21 esc)

Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as st), dc in the same st, ch 2, skip one esc, sc in next, (ch 3, skip one esc, sc in next) repeat across, end with ch 2, dc on the last st, turn. (10 ch-spaces)

Row 3: Ch 1, 2 esc in each ch-space across, esc on last st, turn. (21 esc)

Row 4: Ch 4, sc in the next st, (ch 3, skip one esc, sc in next) repeat across, end with ch 2, dc on the last st, turn. (11 ch-spaces)

Row 5: Ch 1, esc in same ch-space, 2 esc in each ch-space across, turn. (21 esc)

Rows 6-17: Repeat rows 2 - 5. Fasten off.


Poncho project using the open-weave rattan stitch - pattern here.

mycrochetstuff

Crochet strapped Flip-flops

How about a simple crochet makeover for an ordinary pair of flipflops? This is easy and neat :)

Materials:
Pair of rubber flipflops or sandals
Crochet yarn or thread, I used 4-ply yarn (may be substituted with 2 strands of size 10 thread)
Crochet hook to match your yarn, I used size 3mm
Yarn needle to weave in ends
Fabric glue, a good-quality one will be durable, flexible and waterproof when it has dried - I used Bostik "Tacky" craft glue
Finished measurement: approximately 5 1/2" on each side

Instructions:
Note: Work sl sts in back loop only.

With main color yarn and 3mm hook, ch 66,
Row 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and on the next 7 chs, sc in the next 24 chs, 3 sc in the next ch (place marker in the middle st, move the marker up as you go), sc in next 24 chs, sl st in the last 8 chs, turn.
Row 2, Sl st in the first 8 sts, sc in each sc across, with 3 sc in the middle st (where marker is placed), sl st in the last 8 sts, turn.
Rows 3-6: Repeat row 2. Fasten off.
Top edging: With contrasting color yarn, attach yarn on the 1st sc of the last row, sc in each sc across, fasten off and weave in ends.
Bottom edging: With right side facing, attach contrasting color yarn on the opposite side of the 1st sc of row 1, sl st on each st across (except on the last 8 sts), fasten off and weave in ends.

Assembly:
Secure the middle of the crochet piece by sewing around the center joint of the flipflop strap. Do the same with the ends of the straps using the tail ends of the crochet (you may skip this, since the glue will be strong enough to hold the straps in place). Apply glue on the top of the flip flop straps and position the crochet piece. The tacky glue will be completely dry after 12 hrs.

No Turning-chain Dc (photo tutorial)

Have you been using the technique to make a double crochet (dc) at the beginning of the row, instead of the usual chain 3? I just recently found out about it, when I stumbled upon this video...and I thought, how clever! I could really use it, mostly because its easier to do a stitch on top of a dc than on the turning ch.
I made my sample swatch starting on the first row.

Ch 12, pull the loop on the hook up to the height of a dc,

with the middle finger hold the loop in place while you yarn over on the same loop, (now you have two loops on the hook),

then yo and pull through the bottom loop on the hook (you have two loops remaining on hook),

yo and pull through two loops (dc made).

Dc in the remaining 11 chains across.  (12 dc)

Turn, and use the technique again to begin the next row. When you get to the last stitch, you'll find that it is easier to make a dc on top of the 1st dc of the previous row, than a dc on a beginning chain 3.
After several rows, you will see that the edges look better than when using a turning ch-3.

Ivory shawl swatch

This is for those who want to make the Ivory shawl by Mani di Fata, and for Swapna, who asked how to make the horizontal clusters.
Hopefully, this swatch I made will be helpful. This is a lovely shawl and is easy to make once you know the flower motif pattern.

Ivory Shawl swatch
Note: beginning ch 4 counts as 1st tr.
Row 1: Ch 61, tr in 9th ch from hook, (ch 3, skip 3 ch, tr on next ch) repeat across.
Row 2: Ch 7, turn. Tr on next tr. *Ch 4, 3 tr-cluster on top of last tr made, skip 3 ch, 4 tr-cluster on next tr, ch 4, 3 tr-cluster on top of previous horizontal tr-cluster, skip 3 ch, tr on next tr, (ch 3, skip 3 ch, tr on next tr**) twice, repeat from * two more times, ending at ** on last rep, dtr on last tr.
Row 3: Ch 5, turn. Tr on next tr, *ch 3, 4 tr- cluster on top of next vertical tr-cluster, (ch 3, tr on next tr**) 3 times, repeat from * two more times, ending at ** on the last rep. Ch 3, tr on last tr.
Follow the diagram on the pattern to make the succeeding rows.

This is my swatch after finishing row 2.


And this is how it looks like after working 4 rows.


See my Ivory Shawl project