A very close friend of mine recently had a baby. Prior to the birth, I started this Ombre Striped Baby Blanket, and I finished it in time to leave it on her doorstep as they welcomed this little princess to the world. 😍 The simplicity of the stitch coupled with the surface crochet, make this blanket a fast favorite heirloom for any nursery. Thanks to these lovely photos, we can see it being enjoyed and well loved. Check out the FREE crochet pattern below and the video tutorial linked in this post!
My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos when I move away.
Support YARNutopia today so we can continue to bring you clear, quality crochet tutorials even after I move into my new home!
There will be an added expense of more travel and hopefully this won’t deter our ability to provide consistent videos on a weekly basis.
Teacher: Nadia Fuad
Video and Editing: Fuad Azmat (My Daddy)
Share your work on Facebook!
Add me on Snapchat: YARNutopia
Follow me on Instagram
Visit My Ravelry Store and add this to your Favorites!
Follow me on Twitter: @YARNutopia
Enjoy this video and subscribe to my channel on YouTube for more tutorials on how to crochet!
Leave a comment, and share with your friends!
Pattern:
Designed by Nadia Fuad You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.
Materials you will need:
Get the supplies individually by clicking the links below
–Red Heart Super Saver Yarn (I used Aran -With Love, Pale Plum, Orchid, Dark Orchid, Amethyst) You could use Medium Purple too, and I also used Super Saver Ombre in Purple.
-You could also use Red Heart with Love yarn in Eggshell (I showed this in the video tutorial)
–Size K-6.50mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors
NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-The measurements of this blanket are 36 inches wide and 40 inches long but you can make this as big as you want with the stitch counts being more or less and the length being as long as you want it to be. The Moss Stitch allows for tons of versatility.
Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
Pattern:
If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial that is linked above in this blog post to have visual instructions.
Blanket:
With Aran (main color)
Ch 124 or any even number that you want the width of your blanket to be.
Row 1: SC in 4th Ch from hook, *Ch 1, Sk 1 ch, SC in next Ch, repeat from * across, ending with SC in last ch. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 2, SC in first Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in next Ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in last ch sp (see video tutorial for visual instructions), Turn.
Rows 3-109: Repeat Row 2
If you want it bigger or smaller, just do an odd number of rows before fastening off.
Fasten off, weave in ends.
Surface crochet stripes on every other row, weave in ends as you go. (See video tutorial after 10 minutes into the video and it will show you how to do the surface crochet)
Border:
Attach yarn to a corner of the blanket. (If you are following along with the video tutorial, the border starts at minute 19) Round 1 of border: Ch 1, SC in same corner, SC in each st and each ch across to next corner, 3 SC in corner, Work down the side working SC in each row down the side and then put 3 SC in the next corner. Do this concept all around, then Sl st to first St.
Round 2 of border: Start in a MIDDLE SC of a corner, Ch 4 (counts as DC, Ch 1 sp), DC in same st, Ch 2, DC in same corner st, Ch 1, DC in same st, *Sk 3 sts, [2DC, Ch 1, 2 DC] in next st, repeat from * until middle SC of corner, in middle Sc of corner, put [DC, Ch 1, DC, Ch 2, DC, Ch 1, DC], then repeat from * again, all around. Sl st to 3rd ch of beg. ch 4. Fasten off. Weave in all ends.
Enjoy!!
This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia
The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Yarnspirations
It is not a secret or something I keep *under my hat* but I love puns! Each year I love to *cap-tivate* you with my clever captions and cute patterns. I want you to go *a-head* and enjoy them. I know some are not going to be fans, but what can I do? *Hatters gonna hat!* So, whether you live in *Man-hat-tan* or *Cap(e) Coral* I hope you find something you love. Today’s pattern is the Sweetheart Baby Hat because it was made with my sweetheart niece in mind! Enjoy!
My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos when I move away.
Support YARNutopia today so we can continue to bring you clear, quality crochet tutorials even after I move into my new home!
There will be an added expense of more travel and hopefully this won’t deter our ability to provide consistent videos on a weekly basis.
Teacher: Nadia Fuad
Video and Editing: Fuad Azmat (My Daddy)
Share your work on Facebook!
Add me on Snapchat: YARNutopia
Follow me on Instagram
Visit My Ravelry Store and add this to your Favorites!
Follow me on Twitter: @YARNutopia
Enjoy this video and subscribe to my channel on YouTube for more tutorials on how to crochet!
Leave a comment, and share with your friends!
Pattern:
Designed by Nadia Fuad You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.
NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-This hat will fit a baby up to 1 year old
Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
BLO: Back Loop Only
FLO: Front Loop Only
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
HDC: Half Double Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
Pattern:
If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial that is linked above in this blog post to have visual instructions.
Hat:
With Gray Ch 2
Work in 3rd Loop of the HDC sts (See video tutorial for specific location)
Rnd 1: 9 HDC in 2nd Ch from the hook, Sl st to first st, Turn. (9)
Rnd 2: Work in 3rd Loop of the sts for rounds 2-11, Ch 1, 2 HDC in each st around, Sl st to first st, Turn. (18)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next st] 9 times, Sl st to first st, Turn. (27)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 2 sts] 9 times, Sl st to first st, Turn. (36)
Rnd 5: Ch 1, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 3 sts] 9 times, sl st to first st, Turn. (45)
Rnd 6: Ch 1, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 4 sts] 9 times. sl st to first st, Turn. (54)
Rnd 7: Ch 1, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 8 sts] 6 times, sl st to first st, Turn. (60)
Rnds 8-11: Ch 1, HDC in each st around, Sl st to first st, Turn. (60)
Fasten off gray.
Rnd 12: With Baby Pink, attach yarn, Looking at the outside of the hat, (No more turning the hat after each round), Ch 1, SC in each st around, Fasten off, change color.
Rnd 13: With Rouge, SC in each st around, Fasten off, Change Color
Rnd 14: With Perfect Pink, SC in each st around, Fasten off, Change Color
Rnd 15: With Red, SC in each st around, Fasten off, Change Color
Rnd 16: With light purple, SC in each st around, Fasten off, Change Color
Rnd 17: With Red, SC in each st around, Fasten off, Change Color
Rnd 18: With Perfect Pink, SC in each st around, Fasten off, Change Color
Rnd 19: With Rouge, SC in each st around, Fasten off, Change Color
Rnd 20: With Baby pink, SC in each st around, Fasten off, Change Color
Rnd 21: With Gray, Ch 2 (Does not count as a stitch), DC in each st around, Sl st to first st. Ch 2.
Rnd 22: FPDC on next st, BPDC on next st, repeat from * around, Sl st to first st, Ch 2.
Rnds 23-25: Repeat Round 22
Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Assembly: Add a pom to the top of the hat.
Heart: (Optional)
Round 1: Ch 3, 12 DC in 3rd Ch from hook, sl st to first st. (12)
Round 2: Ch 1, dc in the same stitch. [tr, tr, htr] in next st, [dc, hdc] in next st, 2 sc in next 2 sts, [hdc, dc, ch1] in next st, [dc, hdc] in next st, 2 SC in next 2 sts, [hdc, dc] in next st, [htr, tr, tr] in next st, [dc, ch1] in last st, st sl in the same stitch. Fasten off with a long tail for sewing.
Sew heart to hat. (embellish with a button if you’d like!)
Enjoy!!
This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia
The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Yarnspirations
There are a variety of fiber textures that I used to create this eclectic boho-inspired poncho! I decided to create this free-flowing Patchouli Poncho that just begs you to get outdoors on a beautiful day and feel the sunshine pour down upon you! I used my Sublime Light Granny Square from the 365 Days of Granny Squares for the border design, and it was just the right touch for this avant-garde piece! This project is coming to you just in time for the holidays! Get ready to make one for yourself or for someone you love!
Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make this poncho:
Watch this video tutorial for the granny square used in this poncho pattern:
My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos when I move away.
Support YARNutopia today so we can continue to bring you clear, quality crochet tutorials even after I move into my new home!
There will be an added expense of more travel and hopefully this won’t deter our ability to provide consistent videos on a weekly basis.
Teacher: Nadia Fuad
Video and Editing: Fuad Azmat (My Daddy)
Share your work on Facebook!
Add me on Snapchat: YARNutopia
Follow me on Instagram
Visit My Ravelry Store and add this to your Favorites!
Follow me on Twitter: @YARNutopia
Enjoy this video and subscribe to my channel on YouTube for more tutorials on how to crochet!
Leave a comment, and share with your friends!
Pattern:
Designed by Nadia Fuad You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.
NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make this smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make this bigger
-This poncho is approximately 40 inches long
-This poncho takes approximately 1800 yards of yarn
-I used many different types of yarn and colors but you can use less or more if you want
-I used a size 4 medium yarn, you can use any worsted weight or DK yarn
-This poncho is worked from the top down
-I would recommend any type of yarn for this project.
Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
BLO: Back Loop Only
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
HDC: Half Double Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
Pattern:
If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial to have visual instructions.
With Colorscapes in the color Rome,
Ch 114 or any even number that will wrap around your neck loosely
Row 1: SC in 4th ch from hook, *Ch 1, Sk 1 Ch, SC in next ch, repeat from * across ending with SC in last ch, turn.
Row 2: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of Row 1, turn.
Rows 3- 35: Repeat Row 2
Row 36: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * until you have 16 SC sts, leave the rest of the row unworked. Turn.
Rows 37-80: Repeat Row 2 on this shorter section. (This is creating the “over one shoulder” side)
After Row 80, fasten off with long tail for sewing.
Fold the piece as shown in the video tutorial here and continue to work on the opposite end of the foundation row working down the piece.
Attach Italian Story Ombra Yarn in the color Mare
Once your piece is folded and sewn together like a poncho, then Attach new yarn to the first stitch of your foundation row
Row 1 of New color: (if this gets confusing please watch the video tutorial at minute 22 into the video): Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn. (continuing the Moss Stitch)
Rows 2-10: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
After Row 10, fasten off, weave in ends.
Change color to With Love in the color Mango
Rows 11-12: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
Change Color to Super Saver in the color Gold
Rows 13-14: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
Change color to With Love in the color Mango
Rows 15-16: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
Change Color to Super Saver in the color Gold
Rows 17-18: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
Change color to With Love in the color Mango
Rows 19-20: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row1, turn.
Change Color to Super Saver in the color Gold
Rows 21-22: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
Change color to With Love in the color Mango
Rows 23-24: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
Change Color to Super Saver in the color Gold
Rows 25-26: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
Change color to With Love in the color Mango
Rows 27-28: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
After Row 28, fasten off and weave in ends.
Work on the side that has been unworked this whole time. (See video tutorial at time 31 minutes)
Row 1: Attach Italian Story Ombra in the color Mare to the corner, continue the moss stitch across which is Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
Rows 2-14: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
After Row 14, fasten off
The next step you need to do is mark 28 stitches in from Row 14 of the last section you crocheted on both sides of the poncho. (See video tutorial at minute 36 if this is confusing)
Attach Colorscapes Yarn to the ch sp after the stitch marker
Row 1: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row until you get to the stitch marker on the opposite side. Leave the rest of the stitches unworked. Turn.
Rows 2-14: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
After Row 14, Fasten off.
You will now work along the edge of the Colorscapes section you just crocheted.
If you need assistance in the video tutorial, this part is explained at 41 minutes into the video.
Attach Italian Story Ombra
Rows 1-10: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
Fasten off after Row 10
Change color to With Love in the color Mango
Rows 11-12: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
Change Color to Super Saver in the color Gold
Rows 13-14: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
Change color to With Love in the color Mango
Rows 15-16: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
Change Color to Super Saver in the color Gold
Rows 17-18: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
Change color to With Love in the color Mango
Rows 19-20: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row1, turn.
Change Color to Super Saver in the color Gold
Rows 21-22: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
Change color to With Love in the color Mango
Rows 23-24: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
Change Color to Super Saver in the color Gold
Rows 25-26: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
Change color to With Love in the color Mango
Rows 27-28: Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in the ch sp at the start of previous row, turn.
After Row 28, fasten off and weave in ends.
**Assembly Step: Sew this little flap to the poncho and do the same thing for the opposite side of the poncho.**
Make your 14 Granny Squares and sew them to the border of your poncho. See video tutorial at 55 minutes in the video for visual instructions on sewing the granny squares together and to the poncho.
Neck of poncho:
Work in continuous rounds, attach Colorscape yarn to the back of the poncho along the neckline, Ch 2, SC in the next Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in the next ch 1 sp, repeat from * around
Round 2-10: Repeat the previous round.
Fasten off after round 10.
Weave in ends.
Assembly:
Weave in all ends.
Add fringe to the bottom of the poncho, add a long drawstring braid to the neck of your poncho.
Enjoy!!
This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia
The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Red Heart Yarns
Summer is here and the kids are home all day long! What better way to bring in the summer than with great activities that don’t require the TV or any electronic devices.
Do you have a roadtrip planned? How about a day at the beach? Camping anyone? No matter where you go, even if it is just outside to your back yard, this totable Tic-Tac-Toe game board will promise loads of entertainment for all ages. Perfect for around the campfire when you are hanging out with the kids, perfect to pull out at the beach for some fun in the sand, perfect for picnics where you can open this up for some competition across the picnic table. There is nothing like an old fashioned game of Tic-Tac-Toe to bring on a some competitive spirit!
This is the perfect solution to long boring “I don’t have anything to do” blues! This game board easily cinches up into a bag or satchel and stores all the game pieces. Open it up and you are ready to play. Make up rules, make competitions, make point goals to claim a winner! First person to get 25 Tic-Tac-Toes takes the prize!! Whatever way you play, it is sure to provide lots of old school fun without relying on modern technology to fill those hours.
This project is a great stash buster for using up that extra yarn. It also would be a nice project to make in cotton for all-weather, all-terrain play. I would also suggest that you can put velcro on the back of the X’s and O’s as well as the squares to provide more stability. Make the O’s in one team color, the X’s in a rival color and make this a sport related rivalry game! The possibilities are endless! There are so many options with this game board!
Get yours started today and watch how much fun this pattern will provide! Follow along with my step by step tutorial and written pattern for year round enjoyment!
Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make this fun game:
My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos when I move away.
Support YARNutopia today so we can continue to bring you clear, quality crochet tutorials even after I move into my new home!
There will be an added expense of more travel and hopefully this won’t deter our ability to provide consistent videos on a weekly basis.
Teacher: Nadia Fuad
Video and Editing: Fuad Azmat (My Daddy)
Share your work on Facebook!
Add me on Snapchat: YARNutopia
Follow me on Instagram
Visit My Ravelry Store and add this to your Favorites!
Follow me on Twitter: @YARNutopia
Enjoy this video and subscribe to my channel on YouTube for more tutorials on how to crochet!
Leave a comment, and share with your friends!
Pattern:
Designed by Nadia Fuad You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.
NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
BLO: Back Loop Only
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
SC2TOG: Single Crochet Decrease
DC: Double Crochet
Pattern:
If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial to have visual instructions.
Board: Ch 62 Row 1: DC in 4th Ch from hook and across, turn. (60) Row 2: Ch 3 (Counts as DC), DC in each st across. turn. (60) Rows 3-31: Repeat Row 2
Be sure your piece is square, if it is not, do more or less rows to make it square.
Continue to SC around entire piece.
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Assembly:
Make a very long chain and weave it around the outer edge of the whole board and tie together. (This is the drawstring)
Surface crochet straight lines to make the Tic-Tac-Toe Lines (See video tutorial for visual instructions)
O’s (Make 5)
Work in continuous rounds and in BLO
Ch 21 Rnd 1: SC in 1st ch to form a ring, SC in each ch around. (21) Rnd 2: [2SC in next st, SC in next 2 sts] 7 times. (28) Rnd 3: [2SC in next st, SC in next 3 sts] 7 times. (35) Rnds 4-6: SC in each st around. (35) Rnd 7: [SC2TOG, SC in next 3 sts] 7 times. (28) Rnd 8: [SC2TOG, SC in next 2 sts] 7 times. (21)
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.
Sew “O” Closed and stuff with stuffing (see video tutorial for visual instructions)
X’s (Make 5)
Work in Continuous Rounds and in BLO
First and Second Arm of the X:
Make 2 of these pieces:
Ch 2 Rnd 1: 6 SC in 2nd Ch from hook. (6) Rnd 2: 2 SC in each st around. (12) Rnds 3-7: SC in each st around. (12)
For first piece, fasten off. For 2nd Piece, DO NOT fasten off
This next part is Attaching the First and Second Piece (See video tutorial for this part) Rnd 8: SC around current piece, continue to SC in each st of the other piece. (24 sts) Rnd 9: SC in each st around. (24)
Sew the hole between the arms closed (See video tutorial for visual instructions) Next part is creating the third arm of the X Rnd 10: SC in 12 sts, Sk the last 12 sts. (12) Rnd 11-14: SC in each st around. (12)
Assembly:
Stuff the piece of what you have done so far then continue with round 15
Next part is creating the 4th arm of the X
Attach yarn to the free stitch on round 9 Rnd 10-14: SC in each st around.
Stuff the rest of the X then go onto the last round. Rnd 15: [SC2TOG] 6 times.
SC 1st and 4th sts together.
Fasten off. Weave in all ends.
Assembly:
Tie a string around the center of the X to cinch it in to create an X letter.
Weave in all ends.
Enjoy!!
This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia
The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Red Heart Yarns
Recently, I was informed that Wal-Mart stores have started selling their own brand of fiber called Mainstays Basic Yarn. At the time I was notified of this new brand on the shelves, I was eager to check it out for myself. Unfortunately, I live in a somewhat rural community and the skeins had not made their way to my local Wal-Mart quite yet.
A short time later, I was able to get my hands on a skein of the Mainstays yarn and decided to do a comparison between Red Heart Super Saver and this new brand by Wal-Mart! This blog is entirely my own opinion, based on my personal observations debating two similar products.
Less money, less quality?
First observation, once I was able to find the product in the store, was the price. A skein of Red Heart Super Saver is $2.88 and the price of the Mainstays Basic Yarn is $1.97, so the obvious difference is the financial aspect. You are saving $0.91 per skein on the basic colors with the Mainstays brand. For those looking at the economic factor, this is a no-brainer. The Mainstays IS obviously less expensive. However, we all know that price is not always reflective of quality, and we all know the saying, “you get what you pay for.” Low prices can mean lower quality products. Keep that in mind when basing your comparison solely on economics – and yes, I do understand the importance of finances as a crafter on a budget, but one must consider other details as well.
Next, the volume of the skeins is equal – Each one weighing 7 oz. However, Red Heart Super Saver has 364 yards and Mainstays Basic Yarn has 397 yards. When we look at another obvious comparison, you get more for your money with Mainstays. I would like to insert a personal observation here: The Mainstays Basic Yarns are definitely a thinner fiber. Although you are getting “more” length in the skein, it actually feels “less.” You can even see when lined side by side, there is a fair amount of difference in how they compare next to one another. Having worked with Red Heart Yarns so frequently, it is hard to explain this, but their fiber has weight and thickness and feels somewhat sturdier versus the Mainstays Basic Yarn, which has a much thinner strand and feels lighter and less substantial. With Red Heart Super Saver, there is ample feel to my piece. The Mainstays yarn has a bit less volume and does not feel as abundant or as sturdy. I hope that makes sense. Both are 100% acrylic.
(Photographed above: Red Heart Super Saver on the Left, Mainstays Yarn on the Right)
Soft but Found
The Mainstays definitely has a soft touch, but, like I mentioned earlier, it tends to lack that feeling of volume when you want something thick and warm or heavy such as a nice blanket, a winter hat, or a scarf, but it has decent softness nonetheless.
I found Mainstays Basic Yarns located ONLY in the Wal-Mart stores. Red Heart Yarns are available in, not only Wal-Mart, but several other craft stores, AND conveniently able to be ordered online. This is important for many who love the ease of online shopping or are unable to get to stores or choose not to shop at large retail shops such as Wal-Mart.
Another fact that I find important point to bring up, is that all Mainstays yarn products are made in China whereas the Red Heart Yarns are ALWAYS made in the USA. To many, this is a VERY important detail to consider when purchasing.
Shrinking options
I made two swatches out of both brands of yarn. I washed each swatch and noticed a slight bit of shrinking in the Mainstays yarn. You will need to keep that in mind when using this brand in sizing your projects. You may get more in a skein yet you may need to use more length in certain projects to adjust for shrinkage. I observed that both fibers have the same amount of stretch to them. I also noticed quite a bit of pilling with the Mainstays Basic Yarn with fuzziness as compared to the Red Heart Super Saver swatch. The Red Heart Super Saver block was also softer after one wash.
(Photo was taken after washed)
(Photo was taken after washed)
It took a while, but my local Wal-Mart recently started stocking this Mainstays yarn product on their shelves this past week; I noticed they are offering an assortment of basic solids in a rainbow of colors. The colors run similar to some of the Red Heart Super Saver yarn hues. Red Heart Yarns offers a MUCH larger selection of color, as well as a variety of other types of yarns and products, whereas the Mainstays offer this one type of yarn. Red Heart Super Saver yarn is not dye lotted which keeps color consistent with each skein of yarn you use. So if you buy a skein of yarn, and 2 months later need the same exact color, you won’t have to worry about it being a different shade. I do not have information if Mainstays yarn does the same thing or not.
I hope this blog helps you as you explore the similarities and differences between these two products. Because of the limitation of the Mainstays yarn, I still find myself preferring the Red Heart Super Saver when choosing an economic and quality yarn product. Have you tried these two products? Leave your thoughts in the comment section!
~Nadia
This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia
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What’s your go-to accessory? Everyone should always have a signature scarf, and this is the one for YOU! I am definitely a scarf girl. Summer/winter, it doesn’t matter! There are plenty of ways to showcase this piece, but here is one that is sure to WOW any way you wrap it!!
My Boho Tassel Scarf is such a fun and stylish project for the cold weather! This chunky scarf, can be worn loosely wrapped around your neck to keep you warm. The ends cascade down with tassel details, making this a fashionable and fun wrap for all! Guys, girls, kids, this can be modified for everyone!!
Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make this scarf:
My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos when I move away.
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Teacher: Nadia Fuad
Video and Editing: Fuad Azmat (My Daddy)
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Pattern:
Designed by Nadia Fuad You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.
NOTES:
-Watch the FULL introduction of the video tutorial for frequently asked questions and watch the full video for tips on how to make these smaller or bigger.
-You will need 800 yards for this scarf
-This scarf is 9 inches (23 cm) wide and 98 inches long (284 cm)
Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
Spike Stitch: Insert Hook into stitch from previous row, YO pull through and pull up to height of row you are on, YO pull through 2 loops on hook. Spike made.
Pattern:
If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial to have visual instructions.
Pattern:
You will use both colors at the same time, trail the “dropped color” under your stitches, to pick it up for the next row. See video tutorial for visual instructions on how to trail along your strands.
Starting with Dusty Gray
Ch 26 Row 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook and across, ch 1, turn. (25 sts) Row 2: SC across, change to Black, ch 1, turn. (25 sts) Row 3: SC in 1st st, *Spike stitch in next stitch, SC in next st, repeat from * across, ending with SC in last st, change back to Dusty Gray, ch 1, turn. Row 4: SC in 1st 2 sts, *Spike stitch in next st, SC in next st, repeat from * across, ending with SC in last 2 sts, change to Black, Ch 1, turn. Rows 5-225: Repeat Rows 3 and 4 ending with a repeat of Row 3 Row 226: With Gray, SC across, Change to Pumpkin orange, ch 1, turn. Row 227: SC across, change to Papaya, Ch 1, turn. Row 228: Spike Stitch in each stitch across (work between the stitches and not in the stitches of row 226 (See video tutorial for visual instructions) ch 1, turn. Row 229: Sc across, change color, ch 1, turn. Row 230-301: repeat rows 228 and 229 (Color combinations listed below)
This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed.
The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Red Heart Yarns
