"No matter how terrified you may be, own your fear and take that leap anyway because whether you land on your feet or on your butt, the journey is well worth it."
-- Laurie Laliberte
"If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough."
-- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."
-- Anais Nin

Sunday, August 29, 2010

You've Waited So Patiently: Free Crochet Pattern

When I posted the free pattern for the Big Girl Dish Scrubby last month I really didn't expect it to be such a hit.  To date, it has received 106 hearts and it's in 26 queues!  More than that, it's brought some very positive attention to my other patterns and I can now support my yarn habit without tapping into an already too tight budget.  So, rather than simply say thank you to the many folks who had their crochet hooks in helping me do this, I offer a gesture of thanks:

A short while ago I promised matching pieces and I've finally set down to keep that promise.  So, with no further ado, I offer the Free Big Girl Kitchen Towel.....and a tease.  The tease is a work in progress and will be my next free pattern offered here.  You'll see it in a couple of the pics in this post.



All instructions use American terminology and standard abbreviations.

Supplies Needed:
about 5-6 oz. of worsted weight cotton yarn (that's about 3 balls of Peaches n Creme or Lily Sugar n Cream)
size I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook
one button about 1 1/4" in diameter
yarn needle and/or traditional sewing needle for attaching button and weaving in ends
stitch markers or scraps of yarn for row counting (optional)

Special Stitches Used:
single crochet decrease (sc dec) -- insert hook into both loops of first stitch being worked, yo, pull up a loop, insert hook into both loops of next stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, draw through all 3 loops on hook
double triple crochet (dtrc) -- yo 3 times, insert hook into next st, pull up a loop, [yo, pull through 2 loops] 4 times

ch 48

Row 1:  sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch to end, turn (47 sc)

Row 2:  ch1, sc in 1st sc, [ch1, sk next sc, sc in next sc] rep to end, turn (47 sts)

Row 3:  ch1, sc in 1st sc and 1st ch1 sp, [ch1, sk next sc, sc in next ch1 sp] rep to end, sc in last st, turn (47 sts)

Row 4:  ch1, sc in 1st sc, [ch1, sk next sc, sc in next ch1 sp] rep across ending w/ sc in last sc, turn (47 sts)

Row 5:  rep Row 3

Row 6:  ch1, sc in 1st sc and in each sc and ch1 sp across, turn (47 sc)

Row 7:  ch1, working in back loops only sc in each st across, turn (47 sc)

Row 8:  ch1, working in front loops only sc in each st across, turn (47 sc)

Row 9:  rep Row 7

Row 10:  ch1, working in front loops only sc in 1st sc, [dc in next st, sc in next st] rep to end, turn (47 sts)

Row 11:  ch1, working in back loops only sc in 1st sc, [sc in next dc, dc in next sc] rep across ending w/sc in last sc, turn (47 sts)

Row 12:  ch1, working in front loops only sc in 1st sc, [dc in next sc, sc in next dc] rep across ending w/sc in last sc, turn (47 sts)

Rows 13-14:  rep Rows 11-12

Row 15:  ch1, working in back loops only sc in each st across, turn (47 sc)

Row 16:  ch1, working in front loops only sc in each st across, turn (47 sc)

Rows 17-18:  rep Rows 15-16


Row 19:  ch1, sc in 1st sc, [ch1, sk next sc, sc in next sc] rep to end, turn (47 sts)

Row 20:  ch1, sc in 1st sc and 1st ch1 sp, [ch1, sk next sc, sc in next ch1 sp] rep to end, sc in last st, turn (47 sts)

Row 21:  ch1, sc in 1st sc, [ch1, sk next sc, sc in next ch1 sp] rep across ending w/ sc in last sc, turn (47 sts)

Rows 22-59:  rep Rows 20-21

Row 60:  ch1, sc in each sc and ch1 sp across, turn (47 sc)

Row 61:  ch1, sc dec 12 times, sc in next st, sc dec 11 times, turn (24 sts)

Row 62:  ch1, sc dec 12 times, turn (12 sts)

Row 63:  ch1, sc dec 6 times, turn (6 sts)

Row 64:  ch1, sc in each st across, turn (6 sts)

Rows 65-81:  repeat Row 64

Note:  Before proceeding, you may wish to fit your hanging loop to the place where you'd like it to hang.  If worked as instructed it will fit the average drawer pull or oven door handle.  If you need to add length simply continue repeating Row 64 as necessary.

Row 82:  ch3 (counts as dc), trc in next st, dtrc in next 2 sts, trc in next st, dc in next st, turn (6 sts)

Note:  The space between the two dtrc is your buttonhole.

Row 83:  ch1, sc in each of 1st 2 sts, 2sc in each of next 2 sts, sc in each of next 2 sts

Finishing Round:  beginning with last stitch in which you worked, sc around working 3 sc in corners and stopping at Row 82, join w/sl st in 1st sc of Row 83, fo, weave in ends

Attaching button:  Fold end of narrow strip and attach button at desired position making sure that the hanging loop made by this fold allows enough room for you to hang your towel where you wish to hang it.  Take care to attach the button loosely enough that there is sufficient space behind it for the thickness of your fabric.

 

Note:  This pattern has not been tested.  I made it; I wrote it; I'm posting it; done.  If you find any mistakes or have suggestions for clarification, please email me or leave a comment here (preferred).

About my work:


Any pattern I design and post here is my property. Please do not duplicate my patterns for any reason especially to sell. Instead, please link to my blog or to the pattern page when referencing one of my patterns.

You are more than welcome to offer finished items made from my patterns for sale. I see no reason why you should not profit from your hard work. However, I'd really appreciate it if you gave me credit for the design; please reference my blog or the pattern page.

If you do make any of my patterns, I'd love to see your finished items; please feel free to email pictures to me.

If you are not interested in making your own pieces, I occasionally offer finished items in my shops on Etsy and Bonanzle. I also welcome special orders, so email me and let's work together.

BigGirlJewelry@yahoo.com

56 comments:

  1. I love this!!! Thanks for making this a free pattern, can't wait to try it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Nancy! I must confess that I was SO tempted to offer it for sale rather than as a freebie, but a promise is a promise and it seemed only fair that the entire "Big Girl Kitchen Set" be offered at no cost. Still, while working it I cam up with a few new ideas, so I suppose I got paid in kind.

    BTW, folks, thanks for the Ravelry hearts. I just checked an this pattern already has 33 and it hasn't even been up for 24 hours yet!

    You all ROCK!

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  3. Thank you for sharing it with us!!

    And I want to say thank you for the Chai Latte recipe, too. I made it yesterday and again today and love it!

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  4. Thanks for taking the time to say hello, Tammy! I figured if I was going to offer you a chai latte I'd better give you the means to enjoy it, right?

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  5. This makes a simply beautiful towel! I tried it the minute I saw it and it turned out so nicely. I'll make this one again and again because not only is it pretty it's also highly functional! Thanks so much! Pat

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  6. Thanks Pat! Stay tuned for more patterns featuring this motif. I hope to post the next one on the 25th.

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  7. OK So I made this towel and love how it came out!! I made it white cotton ((I LOVE using cotton!!)) and used 5 brown beads strung together in place of the button. Thank you so much for the pattern. What a great mind to come up with something different AND sharing it, too.

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  8. Hey Phyllis! Thanks for the update. I love getting to see and hear about the projects you all make.

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  9. You have an awesome site! Love your patterns.

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  10. Thank you for the compliment. And thanks for taking the time.

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  11. Just found this on Pinterest! Love it! Can't wait to make one :)

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  12. This is a great pattern, thank you so much!!!

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  13. You are most welcome, Erika. Thank you for taking the time to stop in.

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  14. Looks like a great pattern. Here is something I am going to try.
    "Chai Tea Latte"
    from the December 2008 'TASTE OF HOME Simple & Delicious" Magazine

    2 individual tea bags
    1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
    1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
    1 cup water
    1 cup milk
    1/4 cup packed brown sugar
    2 tablespoons refrigerated French vanilla nondairy creamer
    Whipped topping and ground nutmeg, optional

    1. Place the tea bags, cinnamon, ginger and allspice in the coffee filter of a drip coffeemaker. Add water; brew according to manufacturer's directions.
    2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the milk, brown sugar and creamer. Cook and stir over medium heat until heated through and sugar is dissolved. Pour milk mixture into two mugs, stir in tea. Dollop with whipped topping and sprinkle with nutmeg, if desired. Yield: 2 servings.

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  15. Barbara -- You're making me crave a cup of tea!

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  16. As soon as I get that creamer,I'm set to go

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  17. LOL I'm allergic to soy and most of them are soy based, so I would just use a splash of half and half for the texture or about 1/2 tsp of vanilla flavoring or extract.

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  18. Thanks for this really great pattern! I've made one hanging towel and am now working on a set - towel & dishcloth - in this pattern. My first towel is now listed in my Etsy shop and I've linked back to this page so others can find your great blog, too! http://www.etsy.com/listing/96629857/hanging-hand-towel-spring-pastels

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hey Alicia! I hope you sell tons! I wish you the best of luck. Thanks for stopping by.

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  20. I love this! I started one just a few minutes ago. I think it's really nice that you will allow sales of items made from this pattern. It doesn't seem most pattern writers do that, which makes it frustrating when one might be commissioned to make something :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Mrs. V! It frustrates me too which is why I make sure to encourage it. I don't have the time to make tons of finished items for my Etsy shop, so I love that there are crocheters who choose to do it. Hmmmm, I feel a post coming on.

      I'll plant the seed here: If any of you crafty ladies out there would like to be featured on the blog because you make my designs to feature in your shops, especially Etsy, email the link to me at biggirljewelry [at] yahoo [dot] com. I'm going to figure out a way to permalink back to all of you. Maybe set up a page?

      Delete
  21. I'm a beginner. Could you tell me what sp means?

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    Replies
    1. Hey Karen! Welcome. Sp stands for "space." In this case, you're working the sc of the row you're in around (not through) the chain from the previous row.

      Delete
  22. Hey Laurie! I just finished this pattern tonight and I LOVE IT! Though it takes me longer to crochet items than others because of my two boys and I must say, I love the look! Thank you so so much :)

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    Replies
    1. Hey Candace!

      Thanks for taking the time to say hello. I think this is still my favorite towel design that I've published. There's one I like better, but I haven't shared it with anyone yet. You'll all get to see it eventually.

      Anyhow, I'm glad you like it. I love hearing from my crochet buddies!

      Delete
  23. I am new to crochet and the patterns are easy to follow and oh so awesome! Thanks so much :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by. Just wait until you see what I have planned for Sunday!

      (Nope, can't resist the tease.)

      Delete
  24. Hi. I am brand new to crocheting and this is my second project. It was so much fun and challenging for a beginner. I am almost done but can't seem to figure out this one section. Could you please explain:

    "Finishing Round: beginning with last stitch in which you worked, sc around working 3 sc in corners and stopping at Row 82, join w/sl st in 1st sc of Row 83, fo, weave in ends."

    Thank you so much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Kate!

      Normally when you're finishing a piece, you would go all the way around in your finishing round. Here, you're going to stop just short of that. When you reach the beginning of the last row you worked, you're going to stop and finish off right there.

      Also, in each corner, rather than just one sc, you're going to work three so your corners don't curl in on you.

      Does that help?

      Delete
    2. I'm not sure. The only thing I ever finished before this is a washcloth. I did what I thought was the right thing, but it doesn't look right. Sorry, but maybe I can explain what I am doing. I finish row 83, turn, sc 3 in 1st stitch (corner), sc across, sc 3 in 6th stitch of row. It obviously is not right because, like I said, it doesn't look like your picture. Thanks for helping me.

      Delete
    3. That's an easy, easy, easy fix! :)

      After Row 83, do NOT turn, just keep going all the way around. Consider Row 83 the beginning of your finishing round. Then, when you get back to the beginning of Row 83, work one extra stitch if you think you need to and join with a slip stitch to the first stitch in Row 83.

      The only thing you did "wrong" was add an extra row to your button flap.

      Delete
  25. Thanks for the awesome pattern! I've been wondering whether you might know, does this stitch [ch1, sk next sc, sc in next ch1 sp] has a name? I've seen it in other patterns but it's never mentioned what it is called.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're very welcome. I love designing them.

      I'm not sure that it does have a name because I've always thought of it as two stitches, so I've never bothered to investigate. I wonder if there are any lurkers out there following this thread who can shed some light?

      Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
    2. Hi there! It's called the linen or moss stitch and is great for stuff like this pattern. :) Andrina Thomas

      Delete
  26. Dear Laurie,
    Love your blog and thank you for the lovely free dish towel pattern.
    Kind Regards,
    Janice K

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Janice! If I ever get any of the samples done, you may be very happy (I guess based on your name). I'm working on some handbag patterns based on the Big Girl/Blog Collection motif.

      If only I had more time.

      Delete
  27. Question about the final round. Not sure how a round works when one has just finished a row. Am trying to visualize this. I love the towel!!!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kay! Rather than finishing off, I simply continue crocheting after the final row. I go down the left side of the piece and keep working until I reach the beginning of the last row. Then I finish off in the stitch that began the final row. So your finishing round isn't actually a full round.

      I hope that helps some.

      Delete
  28. Never mind! I should have read the previous comments. I see the way to go now. Thanks much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hee hee! We must have been typing at the same time. Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  29. Hi I just printed the towel pattern to crochet. I am making it for a wedding gift. I already made heart coasters and a doily now I am going to make dishrags and towels to go with it.
    thank you for your pattern.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Kim!

      I love giving handmade gifts for weddings. If you check out my patterns page, you'll find two dishcloth patterns that are made to match this towel.

      Happy Crocheting!

      Delete
  30. I just finished making this towel and I really like it. The only thing I did differently was a fsc instead of the chains and single crochet in row 1. It worked up quickly and is sturdy, yet pretty. If it's hanging up, the family can't leave it laying in a wet heap on the counter! Thanks so much for the pattern! I will be making lots of these.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Amy!

      I really like the fact that many of my followers do an fsc for the first row rather than following my instruction. I myself have never been able to get the hang of the fsc.

      As for hanging towels, I used to hate them, but then I began using them in my own kitchen. Now, I'm addicted, and that is why I continue to design them. Okay, that and the fact that I really like working sc dec's.

      Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  31. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  32. Love this beautiful hanging towel thank you!!

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  33. Hi, I just made one and have a picture but where do I send it? I want you to see it !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Marie! You can send it to my email address: biggirljewelry@yahoo.com or post it on my facebook timeline: https://www.facebook.com/LaLiberteLaurie

      Delete
  34. just found your pattern on pinterest, can't wait to try it as soon as I get the cotton yarn! Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful towel pattern.

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  35. Really like this pattern! Just finished the dishtowel, & was looking forward to making the matching dishcloth, but link for the dishcloth seems to have expired! Eek! Is there somewhere else I can go to get the dishcloth pattern?

    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete
  37. I started this pattern last night. It seems to be very easy to follow, and it’s perfect for using up some cotton yarn I’ve got. Thanks for posting it!!

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    ReplyDelete