Fingerless Mitts - Free Crochet Pattern Roundup

I don't know about you, but I love fall. We've had a really mild summer here in Chicago, but still - I'm so looking forward to wrapping up in warm sweaters and pulling my boots out of the closet.

The other reason I love fall? It's finally time to start wearing yarn regularly! All summer I look for excuses to still get to use my crochet projects - but let's face it - crocheting is mostly a cold weather craft. I mean sure, you can make some great coasters, jar cozies, and the occasional piece of jewelry. But nothing compares to a big bulky scarf or - one of my personal favorites - fingerless mitts.

Now, by the time we get to winter, I'm over it. I still love the scarves, but I no amount of bundling will keep me warm on a cold Chicago day and I just don't tolerate being cold very well (ahem, ok. I don't tolerate it at all. I'm kind of impossible to deal with in the winter). So winter is not my season. But that is a rant for another day. Today we're talking about fall.

Wonderful fall. With the colorful leaves, the apple picking, the apple cider, the apple crisps (another reason I love fall - apples - in case you didn't pick up on that), and the bundling back up in the long forgotten yarn projects and the frantically hooking up new projects as often as possible. What's better than wearing a warm project you made yourself? Making a new project while you're wearing it!

So that brings me to today's topic. I've gathered up five great FREE patterns for some amazing fingerless mitts to keep your wrists warm while you're working on your next big project. I love fingerless mitts because they keep your hands and arms warm while still giving your fingers the freedom they need to use a hook (...or type and email, or turn the page of your book. I guess it's okay if you don't crochet all the time).

So here you go - get your hooks ready!

Fingerless Mitts - 5 Free Crochet Patterns 

1. Criss Cross Fingerless Gloves by Craft Chic

I listed this one as number one, but fair warning - this is not a beginner project. You should probably have some experiences with post stitches before starting this project. But if you're looking to take your crochet skills to the next level - I think these are great! 
And bonus! There's a matching hat!

2. U-Turn Mitts by Knitting and So On 

Again, maybe not for beginners - but probably a little easier than #1. I love the unique construction of these mitts. And they are a great way to show off a good variegated yarn.

3. Puff Stitch Fingerless Gloves by Hopeful Honey

Ok, we're getting a little more basic now. You can do these. I know you can. And they are gorgeous. I mean really, your hands are going to be so warm and cozy.

4. Kiss Me Mr. Darcy Wrist Cuffs by Red Haired Amazona

Now these might not technically be "mitts" because they don't have thumb holes. And I think that's a requirement for mitts. But I'm letting it slide, because they are beautiful. And they still keep your arms warm and your hands free.

5. Hermione Shell Mitts by Andrea Denby on Ravelry

These are so lovely. And they have the name Hermione. So they are practically perfect as far as I'm concerned. The open shells might not keep you super warm right up to winter, but they are too pretty not to make!

So there you have it! Which one is your favorite? I think I have to make at least a few of these this fall for myself...

Crochet Mustache Bracelet

A few days ago I showed you the tiny owl pendant I made for my niece's 14th birthday. As the second part of her present, I whipped up this super fast mustache bracelet. Seriously. This took maybe 15 minutes. And I think that's an exaggeration. 

I have to admit, I don't really understand the whole mustache thing. But apparently they're in. If you have a teenager who's into mustaches - here's the free pattern for you!

Crochet Mustache Bracelet

Supplies
Small amount of black worsted weight yarn (cotton yarn pictured)
3.5mm crochet hook
Yarn needle

Stitch Abbreviations
SL ST = Slip Stitch
CH = Chain
SC = Single Crochet
SC2Tog = Single Crochet Two Together
HDC = Half Double Crochet
DC = Double Crochet

Mustache Instructions
CH 20
SL ST in 2nd CH from hook
SC2Tog, SC2Tog, SC, HDC, [2DC, HDC], SC,
SL ST, SC, [HDC, 2DC] HDC, SC, SC2Tog, SC2Tog
SL ST
CH 20*, SL ST into the beginning of the mustache
Fasten off and weave in ends.

*To increase or decrease the size of the bracelet, just add or reduce the number of chains after the mustache.

And you're done! See super fast!

If you make one of these, I'd love to see it! Tag @samsqueak on Instagram or link it to the pattern page on Ravelry.

Mini Crochet Owl Pendant

So gift giving...it's not my love language. But I do love to make gifts. And if you're getting a gift from me there's a pretty good chance that at least part of it will be handmade, and most likely it will involve yarn (or at least a crochet hook). (This statement pretty much only applies to the women in my life. I don't often make things for guys - I find guys too hard to make things for). 

So, my niece is turning 14. I'm not sure how that has happened - because I think it was just yesterday that I was dating my now husband and met this adorable little redheaded three year old fireball. But apparently it was like 11 years ago and time is moving too fast and I might be getting old. Moving on.

I hear that kids these days are into owls. And mustaches. (at least this kid is). (am I still allowed to call her a kid at 14?). So I decided to try something new and design an owl necklace. And I'm really happy with how it turned out! (Hopefully she will be too...)

(Tune in at a later date for the mustache portion of the present...)

This tiny little owl pendant is made with a 2.25mm hook and embroidery floss. She's just the teeniest little thing (exactly 1 inch tall) and I think she's super adorable. I might have to make one for myself.

And these pendants are so fast to make. I went through several prototypes before I came up with this simple design that I liked best. Sometimes simpler is better - and I find this to be particularly true when miniaturizing.

Do you have a teenager who's into owls too? Do you want to make your own owl pendant? Well today is your lucky day! Here's the free pattern!

Micro Crochet Owl Pendant

Add this to your queue or favorites on Ravelry. 

Supplies:

For the owl:

2.25mm hook (B)

3 colors of embroidery floss (main body)

White, black and yellow floss for the face

Fabric glue

Embroidery needle

For the Necklace:

1 jump ring

Jewelry pliers

Finished chain

Stitch Abbreviations:

CH = chain

SC = single crochet

HDC = half double crochet

SL ST = slip stitch

FO = fasten off

Owl Body

Round 1: Color 1

Start with magic ring

SC 6 in the ring

SL ST in first SC

FO color 1

Round 2: Color 2

2SC in each st around (12 SC)

SL ST in first SC

FO color 2

Round 3: Color 3

[2SC, SC] around (18 SC)

SL ST in first SC

SL ST, [SC, 2HDC, SC], SL ST in next 2 sts, [SC, 2HDC, SC]

SL ST around to first SL ST

FO color 3

Eyes (make 2)

White: CH 2, SC 2 in first CH. FO. Knot ends to make a circle. 

Back
In color 3:
Round 1: SC 6 in magic ring
Round 2: 2SC around (12 SC)
Round 3: [SC, 2SC] around, SL ST (18 SC)
FO

Assembly:

Sew eyes onto body. You want the edges of the eyes to just touch in the center. 

With black floss make a french knot in the center of each eye. 

With yellow floss, add the beak. Make a "V" between the two eyes. Fill in the "V" with straight stitches. Make 2-3 straight "bars" across the top. 

Weave in the tail from the body. Trim all tails on the back and push them to the center of the owl. Apply a small amount of glue to keep the ends in place.

Sew the back on over the ends. Sew through both loops on the back piece and only the back loop of the front to keep the seam from showing.

With the pliers, attach a jump ring to the back piece. 

Slip it on a chain and you're done! Congratulations!

I would love to see your pendants! Tag @samsqueak on your Instagram posts or link them to the ravelry page!

*Disclaimer. Some links may be affiliate links. If you click them and make a purchase, I get a small commission - and it won't cost you anything extra.*

The Two Little Piggies

I love custom requests. I just love them. I love getting to come up with something new - usually something I wouldn't have come up with on my own. But mostly I love the stories that so often come with custom orders.

I just had the pleasure of making a set of custom piglets for a pair of 18 month old twins who are about to be adopted. I don't know much about their story - but I know that adoption is just so beautiful. And I love that I had the honor of being just a small part of their homecoming.

Their aunt requested two coordinating pigs - one purple and one green. She needed a pretty quick turn around - so I decided against making up my own pattern. The testing, the frogging, the re-designing - I didn't want to risk not being done in time. So I decided to use Amigurumi to Go's Pig Pattern. I've used a few of her pattern's before and they're all so cute. She also does video tutorials of a lot of her patterns - so if you are a visual learner, or you're new to amigurumi - it's a great place to start looking for free patterns.

Of course, I can't just take a pattern as it's written. I just can't help it. I miniaturize. It's what I do.

The original pattern makes about 10" pigs. Mine fit in my hand pretty easily. I forgot to measure them before I sent them to their new home - but I think they were around 6 or 7".

They'll huff...and they'll puff...and...

I really love how these little guys turned out. Their feet and tails are alternate colors. And those puffy cheeks - just irresistible. 

One last look at the busy streets of Chicago before they head south for their new home

Those tails. 

I'm kind of sad to see these guys go. But I was so happy to send them off to meet their new twin buddies.

If you want to miniaturize your own piglet, I put my notes on my modifications on my ravelry project page. They're shorthand - and it's possible that I'm the only one who would understand them. But if you try it out and you get stuck - just let me know. I'm happy to provide interpretations. 

And if you are looking for a custom order - let me know! I would be honored to be a part of your story!

Ollie the Owl - Free Crochet Pattern

Who doesn't love owls? I know there are tons of crochet owl patterns out there - but I'd like to take a moment to add my own little hoot to the crochet owl community.

So without further ado, I would like to introduce you to Ollie.

Ollie, meet the Internet. Internet, meet Ollie. 

He's just about 2.5 inches tall and possibly my favorite thing to make. I've been making Ollie's and sending them out into the world since 2008. I used to sell his pattern, but I've decided that the world needs more of these little hoots flying around. So I'm making his pattern free. Lucky you!

This little Ollie above is made of cotton yarn. But I have a soft spot for felted Ollie's. They shrink up to about 2 inches tall and are just the sweetest fuzzy little things.

So soft and fuzzy!

You want to make one, right? Well here you go!

Ollie the Owl - Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern

Add this pattern to your favorites or queue on Ravelry

Skill Level: Beginner. Requires basic crochet skills.

Finished Size: Felted - 2" tall; Not felted - 2.5" tall

Supplies Needed:

• Small amounts of worsted weight yarn. These little guys don't use a lot of yardage. If you want to felt your Ollie, make sure you use 100% wool. You'll need three colors of yarn for the body, eyes and beak.
• Small amount of stuffing
• Safety eyes (optional)
• 4mm (G) Crochet hook (If you crochet loosely, you may want to go down a hook size. If you can see holes through your work, you'll see stuffing come through your Ollie)
• Stitch Marker
• Yarn Needle

Stitch Abbreviations:

SC – Single Crochet

DEC – Decrease by crocheting 2 stitches together

2SC – Single crochet 2 stitches in the same space

SL ST – Slip Stitch

SC 2 – SC in the next two (or the number indicated in the pattern) stitches

FO – Fasten off

Magic Ring – if you're not familiar with the 'magic ring' there are a lot of great tutorials online. Here is one of my favorites.

Gauge:

Gauge is not important in this pattern; however, you should make sure your stitches are tight enough that the stuffing will not show through your finished product.

This pattern is crocheted in the round.  At the beginning of each round, place your stitch marker in the last stitch.  Move your stitch marker up with each new round.

Eyes

Make Two

Using your choice of eye color, begin by making the ‘magic ring’

Round 1: SC 6 in ring

Round 2: *2SC* around (12 stitches)

SL ST in first stitch, FO

Leave a long tail (6-8 inches) for attaching to body.

Body

Using the brown yarn, make the ‘magic ring’

Round 1: SC 6 in ring

Round 2: *2SC* around (12 stitches)

Round 3: *SC, 2SC* around (18 stitches)

Round 4: *SC 2, 2SC* around (24 stitches)

Round 5: *SC 3, 2SC* around (30 stitches)

Rounds 6-9: SC around (30 stitches)

Round10: *SC 3, DEC* around (24 stitches)

Rounds 11-12: SC around (24 stitches)

Stop here to sew on the face.  

Place your eyes where you want them and attach the safety eyes through the center of the eyes.* You want the edges of the eyes to just be touching each other. Use the safety eyes to keep the eye pieces on the head and sew around the edges of the eyes to attach them to the head. 

*If you don't want to use safety eyes to make a little kid safe toy, you can follow this pattern:

Make 2 using a scrap of black yarn
CH3, SL ST in first chain.
Fasten off.
Sew these chains to the center of the eyes.

Next, sew on your beak. With beak yarn:
Step 1: Make a 'V' between the two eyes.
Step 2: Fill in the 'V' with vertical lines
Step 3: Make two horizontal lines across the top of the 'V'

Wings

Using main yarn, begin with the ‘magic ring’
Round 1: SC 5 in ring
Round 2: 2SC around (10 stitches)
Rounds 3-6: SC around (10 stitches)
SL ST in first stitch, Fasten Off, leave a long tail (6-8 inches) for attaching to body
Attach wings to body.
Weave in all ends from attaching wings, eyes and beak.

If you do not plan on felting your owl, Congratulations! You’re done!

I hope you love your little owl! If you made one - I'd love to see your pictures. Link your project page on Ravelry, or tag @samsqueak in your instagram pics!

If you want to felt your little hoot, keep reading...

Machine Felting Instructions

Felting is the process of binding the wool or other natural fibers of your yarn. During the felting your owl will shrink in size and the stitches will become less visible as the fibers bind together. 

Set your washer to hot wash and cold rinse and use the maximum agitation and length of cycle.

Put your owl in a lingerie bag or a zipped pillow case. Throw in some sturdy clothing or towels to give it something to agitate against.
(Note: felting creates a lot of fuzz in washer that can get on your clothing or towels, so it’s best to use an old towel or a pair of jeans you don’t care about anymore. If you use jeans, turn them inside out to prevent little bits of blue lint from getting mixed into your felting.)

Add a few tablespoons of detergent. Allow the washer to run a full cycle of agitation. Before the spin cycle, take out your bag and check the progress of the felting. If your creation is felted to your satisfaction, put it back in the wash for the rinse cycle. If you would like it to be felted further, put it back for another agitation cycle.

After the rinse cycle, if you want it to felt just a bit more you can throw your creation in the dryer on low with a dry towel for a few minutes. Check on your creation frequently and pull it out when it’s still a little damp.
Fluff your little owl back into shape and let it dry fully on a towel. 

Welcome to Samsqueak

Hi There! I'm so glad you've stopped by my little corner of the blogosphere. I'm new here. So here's a little introduction for you:

My name is Sam. I am small, and fairly high pitched. So that pretty much explains the name Samsqueak and the mouse logo.

I am a self taught "yarnist". That is to say, I don't consider myself an artist by any means. But I make things with yarn. Sometimes I sew. And occasionally I'll pick up a totally random craft - like block printing. But mostly, I just stick with yarn.

Commutes are just better when there's yarn involved.

I taught myself to knit my freshman year of college to avoid studying for finals. (That's totally normal, right? Doesn't everyone do that?) Everyone I knew got a garter stitch scarf for Christmas that year. The next fall I spent a semester studying abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France. (AKA The most beautiful place on earth.) My host mom thought it was entirely inappropriate that I knew how to knit but not how to crochet. So she took it upon herself to teach me. And I've been hooked ever since. (see what I did there...)

I'm not exactly sure where this blog is going - but you can expect to find some original Samsqueak patterns - like owls, giraffes and robots. And you'll probably see some awesome patterns that other amazing designers have come up with and I couldn't resist picking up. And you might occasionally catch a glimpse of my kid. Because I think he's super cute. And it's my blog, so I can do what I want.

See. I'm putting pictures of my adorable kid on here already. I mean, really, those eyes.

So that's that.

I hang out on Instagram if you want to follow me @samsqueak.

And if you like my stuff and don't want to make it for yourself, you can buy it in the Samsqueak etsy shop.