Some days ago, on Wednesday, it was Granny Square Day. Em …, I can’t believe it, but I missed it completely!
Blame it on the heat, or the summer flu I’m suffering from at the moment and that is making me very tired, or whatever … I don’t know!
However. Lately I’ve been experimenting a bit with colours and colour combinations using circles and Granny Squares. In this process, I also created a little Granny. So, to honour Granny Square Day, too late or not, I thought I’d share the pattern with you.
Nothing big, but quite nice, I think.
Just a Granny
“Just a Granny” is a four round Granny Square and measures about 10 cm / 4 inch- if made with a #3 (DK / worsted weight) yarn.
I made my version using only two colours as I think it shows the pattern best. Of course you can also use more colours or a different yarn. Using a different yarn though might affect the size of the square.
The Granny requires only a small amount of yarn and I used some leftovers from my stash. For both I used Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/6. It is 100 % Cotton and has a yardage of 105 m / 50 g. I find it best to work with a 3,75 mm hook.
I made two colour variants. The first one is made with
# 49 – Peach
# 47 – Dark Old Rose
… and the second one uses
# 65 – Apricot
# 12 – Volcano Gray
Apricot and Volcano Gray is one of my favourite colour combinations. Unfortunately it looks like #65 Apricot is discontinued, at least in the 8/6 quality.
The Pattern
Like a regular granny, the pattern mostly uses double crochet, but also includes extended treble crochet, double treble crochet, and shallow back post double crochet (all US terms). Due to these special stitches I have categorised the pattern as „beginning intermediate”. But since it is only a few stitches and rows, I think that even an adventurous beginner can do it. Of course, the placement of the stitches is explained in the pattern. And if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
In case you’ve never heard about a shallow back post double crochet: it is more or less worked in the same way as a normal bpdc. Only the placement of the stitch is a bit different which makes it a bit less textured. The pattern includes a link to a helpful video on how to do this stitch (made not by me but by Tamara Kelly from Moogly).
Finally I managed to write down the two missing patterns for my Tunisian phone cozies. Yes, I know, it took some time…
But all are ready now!
I created these little bags while experimenting with different Tunisian crochet techniques. If you’ve just started Tunisian crochet, they are great for practising new techniques and/or stitches. Or perhaps they will inspire you to create something beautiful with Tunisian crochet yourself.
The bags are designed for an iPhone 14 Pro and measure approximately 9.5 x 17 cm. However, the size of all 4 patterns can be easily adjusted.
Each cosy, including the flap, is worked in one piece and then sewn together.
I used Stylecraft Special DK in various colours and a 4.5 mm Tunisian crochet hook. Each bag requires approximately 20 to 25 g of yarn, making the patterns ideal for using up leftover yarn.
If you need help or want to refresh your knowledge of the basics of Tunisian crochet, please have a look at these tutorials
The special stitches used are explained in the corresponding patterns.
Please note: The patterns are not tested yet. So, if you find any mistakes or have any question, please don‘t hesitate to contact me.
How I define skill levels in my Tunisian crochet patterns
There is no official, universally agreed system for skill levels in Tunisian crochet. What is considered easy or advanced can vary depending on personal experience and familiarity with certain techniques.
For my patterns, I define the skill level based on a combination of the stitches used, the techniques involved, and the amount of shaping or pattern complexity.
Beginner / Easy patterns use basic Tunisian stitches and simple, repetitive row structures with little to no shaping.
Intermediate patterns combine different stitches and may include colour changes or simple shaping techniques.
Advanced patterns introduce more specialised Tunisian stitches, multiple techniques within one project, and/or more complex construction.
Each cozy below includes a short overview of the required stitches and techniques, so you can easily decide if it matches your current skill level.
Phone Cozy #1
A simple and easy pattern to practise the Tunisian simple stitch.
The cozy is decorated afterwards by weaving in some colourful threads.
Techniques used: only basic techniques such as foundation, forward-, and return pass
Phone Cozy #2
This design uses the Tunisian brick stitch. The pattern is good to practise colour changes and a stitch that also can be used in Tunisian mosaic crochet.
Stitches used: extended Tunisian simple stitch, Tunisian slip stitch
Techniques used: basic techniques, colour changes on the right-hand side, and decreases on the right-hand side
Additional notes
The stitching of a button and a corresponding closure is optional for the cosies. Therefore, I did not go into more detail with the individual patterns, except for #2.
For the loops I simply crocheted a small chain to form a little eyelets.
The size and position of the eyelet naturally will depend on the size and position of the button.
Here some pictures of what I did:
But there are, of course, other ways to close the bags, such as small straps or press studs for instance. It is also possible to dispense with a fastener altogether and simply leave the pouches open.
I hope you found some inspiration for your next Tunisian crochet project. Happy hooking!
As you may know, I’ve been experimenting a bit with Tunisian crochet lately.
I have mastered the basic stitches in Tunisian crochet for a long time and years ago I have also crocheted several patterns. But I never worked Tunisian crochet using two different colours or tried Tunisian mosaic crochet. I have also never looked into the possibilities of decorating a finished piece with cross stitch or weaving. And, besides a kind of ‚join as you go‘-method, I‘ve never joined pieces made with Tunisian crochet. So really time for me to experiment a bit!
The results are 4 different mobile phone covers for my iPhone that I would like to show you here. I will write down the patterns one by one, so that you can make one for yourself if you like.
In case you have never done Tunisian crochet before (or need a refresher), you can find the basics of this technique here.
Tunisian Mobile Cozy I
The first one is a really simple one and absolutely beginner friendly. It is more or less just made from a rectangle made with Tunisian Simple Stitch. No changing colors, no decreases, just some basics. So it’s a great starter piece!
My cozy – made for an iPhone 14 Pro – measures about 9,5 x 16 cm. If you need a different size, the pattern is easy to adjust.
If you are new to Tunisian crochet, please take a look at the detailed explanations first:
Small amount of Stylecraft Special DK, colour 1005 Cream
some leftover yarns in different colours
4,5 mm Tunisian crochet hook
scissors
yarn needle
If you decide to use a different yarn or if you want your phone cover to be a different size, you will have to make a few adjustments:
you will probably have to adjust the number of chains you cast on. My phone is 7, 2 cm wide and 0,8 cm heigh. I made my chain about 9,5 cm long which is equal to: 1 times the width of my phone plus 2 times the height plus 0,5 cm (7,2 + 1,6 + 0,5 cm). The 0,5 cm are just to give it a bit ‚room‘ for joining.
you will probably also have to adjust the number of rows you work. You can easily measure this while working, your crochet piece should have twice the length of your phone. Just wrap it around your phone from time to time and you will know when you have to stop.
Stitches / Abbreviations
FwP
Forward Pass
RtP
Return Pass
TSS
Tunisian Simple Stitch Insert hook from right to left under front vertical bar of the next stitch, pull up a loop and keep it on the hook
yo
yarn over
Pattern
Foundation / Row 1
Cast on 16 chains loosely
FwP: Start in the 2nd chain from hook and pick up a loop from the back bar of every chain – 16 loops on hook
RtP: don’t turn your work, just work from left to right now yo and pull through the 1st loop on the hook, *yo and pull through the next 2 loops on hook, repeat from * until there is only 1 loop on hook
Row 2
FwP: working from right to left, skip first vertical bar, 14 TSS, work end stitch (16 loops on hook)
RtP: work Standard Return Pass like explained above
Row 3 – 43
repeat row 2
Bind off
My rectangle measured about 9,5 cm in width and 32 cm in length.
Decorating
Now you can start decorating your cozy by „weaving“ different yarns under the vertical bars of the Tunisian Simple Stitches. If you like to do it similar to mine, here is what I’ve done:
I used some left over yarns from King Cole Comfort DK in the colour 1729, Glacier and Stylecraft Special DK in 1390, Clematis and 1064, Mocha.
I started in row 23, counted bottom up. (If you are unsure how to count the rows, this picture will help.)
Thread a needle and bring the yarn up under the horizontal bar of the last stitch (end stitch) on the left side (pic 1). Weave the yarn under the front vertical bar of the next stitch in the same row. Then go up a diagonal line, always going one stitch to the right and one row to the top (pic 2) until you reach the right edge (pic 3). Continue doing the same with the next thread, starting in the same row but one stitch to the right (pic 4). Gently sew away the loose yarn ends on the back.
Finishing
I simply joined the edges with a row of slip stitches. I used my main colour, so my stitches are nearly invisible. But it also can be a nice effect to use a contrasting colour. Just fold the rectangle to the half. If you did 43 rows the middle will be row 22. Grab both loops of the first / last stitch of rows 21 and 23 and start with your first slip stitch. (Row 22 stays unworked.) . Go up the edge until the last stitches are joined. Finish off and work away the tails. Do the same on the other side. Finished!
A free pattern for a simple & cozy crochet decoration
Post revised in December 2025
Back in 2023, I was looking for some easy-to-make Christmas decorations.
Although our home is furnished in a clean and simple style, I prefer my Christmas decorations to feel a bit more traditional and nostalgic. I had been looking for something like a candy cane or a classic Christmas wreath, and somehow that search sparked the idea to make my own. So I grabbed some yarn, picked up my hook, and got started…
I really like the result! And I thought I might as well write down the pattern and share it with you. Maybe you like it too…
I used Schachenmayr Catania and a 2.75mm hook to make my wreaths. They measure about 6 cm in diameter, which is between 2 1/4 and 2 1/2 inches.
I used
212 Khaki – for the wreath
192 Weinrot (Wine Red) – for decoration
105 Natur (Off White) – also for decoration
You will need only small amounts.
Catania is 100 % mercerised cotton and has 125 m per 50 g. You can easily substitute it with any other sport weight yarn.
And, the pattern will also work with any other yarn weight. Only the size of the finished wreath might vary.
And of course you can use any other colour you like and decorate your wreath with whatever comes to your mind.
Some ideas for decoration
To decorate the little Christmas wreaths, you can simply sew on a few beads or stars, for example. Or cut out small shapes from felt and stick them on …
Unfortunately, I didn’t have any of these items on hand, so I focussed on what you can do with yarn.
I immediately thought of some ribbons and bows. But you can also just embroider some French Knots, as shown in the picture below (bottom right).
Variant A – A Simple “Red Ribbon”
To symbolise a little ribbon, I simply worked a round of slip stitches around the stitches of round 1. The ends of the ribbon (made of chains) are tied to a bow.
To make the chains as small as possible, I used a crochet hook that was one size smaller (2.75 mm) than for the wreath (2.75 mm). The slip stitches were made with a 3.5 mm hook to avoid them from being too tight.
Here is how to make Variant A
The yarn has to be on the back side of the work for the slip stitches, but on the front to work the chain stitches.
Therefore, insert the hook between any two hdc of round 1 and bring the yarn from back to front
Start with the smaller hook size. Make a slip knot and chain 22. My chain was about 7 cm / 2 3/4 inch long.
Change to the bigger hook size. Start at the stitch to the left of the chain (where the thread comes in front) and slip stitch around all the stitches of round 1.
Change to the smaller hook again. Make another 22 chains.
Fasten off and secure the ends – either with some knots or just sew them away on the back side
It might look a bit bulky if the bow is tied, so just lay it in shape and fix it with a thread as described below (Variant B).
Variant B – A Two-coloured “Bow”
This bow is made from a chain, approximately 15 or 16 cm (about 6 inch) long.
Here is how to make Variant B
As before, it’s best to use a smaller hook size to ensure the chains are nicely small. I used my 1.75mm hook again.
The bow is made with two different colours (A and B). To get the striped effect, the colours are changed with every stitch.
Please note: You probably have to work a little more slowly and tighten the previous stitch slightly with each colour change.
Start with a slip knot on the hook using colour A.
Grab the colour B thread and make a chain.
Grab the colour A thread again to make the next chain
Continue like this until you reach the desired length
And a word about the yarn ends:
Like shown in the photo above, I simply cut off the yarn at the ends of the chain and untangled it a little. Unfortunately, I didn’t like it at all!
So here’s my tip: Think twice before cutting the thread. You can just as easily sew it on the back (shown in the photo on top of the page). Looks better, doesn’t it?
Variant C – A Two-coloured “Ribbon”
A two-coloured alternative to variant A
Here is how to make Variant C
For this two-coloured ribbon, again, the yarn is needed in the back to work the slip stitches. Start and end of the threads are needed on the front to tie the bow.
So, bring the yarn to the front between any two stitches of round 1. Like in Variant A, only this time, the two threads, (colour A and B) at once.
Leave the tails long enough to tie the bow later. Mine we’re about 20 cm long
On the front side: start with a slip knot in one of the threads (colour A)
Using colour A, slip stitch around the stitch directly to the left of the thread.
Work the second slip stitch around the next stitch, using colour B
Work the next slip stitch using colour A again – and so on
As with the two-colored chain (Variant B), you will probably have to tighten the previous stitch a bit after the color change.
At the end of the round, cut the yarn, again leaving a long tail. Bring the ends to the front and tie a bow. Then, shorten them to your desired length.
In case you want to hang your wreaths, simply attach a thread, ribbon, or cord to the backside. Ensure it’s roughly aligned with the centre of the bow (where appropriate).
If you like my little Christmas Wreath and would like to make one too, you can download the free pattern here
The pattern is not tested. So, if you spot any errors or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me. And please, feel free to add your projects to my Ravelry page.
Unfortunately, I was not able to commit to any major test projects this year. The deadlines for these tests are sometimes very tight. When there are a thousand other things to do, it’s very difficult for me to meet them. And it’s been a very busy year for me so far! Luckily, though, I’ve found some private crochet time in between, where I’ve been able to go at my own pace.
This is how a new shawl was created!
Strictly speaking, it also was the result of a “bad buy” of yarn. Or, to be precise, it wasn’t a “bad buy”, not at all – the yarn is great! It just – as so often – didn’t fit the project I bought it for. So I looked for something else to make with it … and the Little Boxes Shawl was born!
I recently wrote down the pattern and it has now been fully tested
So here it is, my
Little Boxes Shawl
The shawl is made in Filet crochet, a very old crochet technique. If you do not know this technique yet, I just summarized the basics about it here.
My sample is made with Lang Yarns Baby Cotton Color. The colour I used is # 0025, a mixture of Navy, Purple and Sage.
Baby Cotton Color is a 100 % cotton yarn and has 180 m / 50 g. It is nicely soft and lovely to work with. But of course you can use any other fingering (#1) yarn you like. Or even any other yarn you like!
I used nearly 250 g (5 balls) and a 2,5 mm hook.
My finished and blocked shawl measures about 31 x 180 cm (12,2 x 70,9 in).
The Pattern
Since it is just a simple Filet pattern, I decided to post the graph for the pattern here as a free version. The written instructions are available for a small fee on Ravelry. Besides the row by row instructions (and the chart shown below) they also include some tips on how I made my shawl to make the boxes look square. The pattern is written in US terms.
My sample is made over 71 stitches and 22 repeats in height. The size of the shawl can be adjusted by adding or reducing repeats.
So here you go with the
Little Boxes Filet Chart
Filet-Chart for Little Boxes Shawl
This pattern / chart is my intellectual property, so please respect my copyright and do not claim it as your own. You may print a copy for your own use but please don’t alter, distribute or sell it. You may sell items made from this pattern in small quantities but no permission is given for mass production. Thanks for understanding and respecting!
Have you already seen ‚Grünschnabel’, my pattern for a little soap cozy?
I wrote this pattern back in 2021 after I started (more or less) banning plastic from my bathroom. You can read about it here.
I have just revised the pattern and the new version is ready for free download on my ‚Patterns’ page.
The size ( 9,5 x 10,5 cm – 3,75 x 4,25 inch) is big enough for a soap bar of about 7,5 x 7,5 cm ( 3 x 3 inch). But in the new pattern version I have also added some notes on how to adjust the size if needed.
The soap cozy you see in the picture above is made with Schachenmayr Catania in the colour # 130, Creme with a I-cord in # 399, Malve. It is worked with 18 starting chains and 18 rounds. As I used a different yarn and a bigger hook (2,75 mm) the size is similar to my green ‚prototype‘.
I have spent the last days with translating the Mere Curiosity pattern into German. Oh dear! Since German is my mother tongue I actually thought this was a good idea. Well … I hadn’t considered how long it had been since I had worked with a German pattern! In some places it was really difficult for me to find the right terms. I hope I have done it well! Any feedback is welcome!
However … To check the German instructions I made a new square. Originally I had planned to use four colours. After 10 rounds it looked too much like 70s for me, so I decided to add another colour. So now there is a new colourway available using 5 colours!
I used yarn from my stash, the brands are a bit mixed.
Uschi Wolle is a German brand and unfortunately I only have the colour number and no name. I’d call it ‘Lachs’ which means ‘salmon’ in English. It is a little bit lighter than # 427 Scampi from Catania.
If you are interested you can download the new colour chart here.
Phew, I finally managed to set up the Ravelry store and Mere Curiosity is uploaded! I am really excited!
The pattern is now available here. As already mentioned, we will donate the proceeds for the Ukraine aid to Unicef.
You will find some more details about the Mere Curiosity Square either on Ravelry or in my previous post.
Although all special stitches used are explained in the pattern: if you are not familiar with some stitches or e.g. the technique of working in the 3rd loop, have a look at the ‘Good to know’ section. I have put together some explanations there in the last few days.
Hooked on Häkelmaschen 