Table Of Contentmodern baby
CROCHET
PATTERNS FOR DECORATING, PLAYING, AND SNUGGLING
Stacey Trock
Modern Baby Crochet: Patterns for Decorating, Playing, and Snuggling
© 2014 by Stacey Trock
Martingale®
19021 120th Ave. NE, Ste. 102
Bothell, WA 98011-9511 USA
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eBook Edition: 2014
No part of this product may be reproduced in any form, unless otherwise stated, in which case reproduction is limited to the use of
the purchaser. The written instructions, photographs, designs, projects, and patterns are intended for the personal, noncommercial
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other means, including informational storage or retrieval systems, for commercial use. Permission is granted to photocopy patterns
for the personal use of the retail purchaser. Attention teachers: Martingale encourages you to use this book for teaching, subject to
the restrictions stated above.
The information in this book is presented in good faith, but no warranty is given nor results guaranteed. Since Martingale has no
control over choice of materials or procedures, the company assumes no responsibility for the use of this information.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available upon request.
eISBN: 978-1-60468-340-0
Original Source ISBN: 978-1-60468-339-4
Contents
Introduction
Getting Started
Anatomy of a Stitch
Crochet Stitches
Additional Techniques
Bold and Bright
Mondrian-Inspired Afghan
Primary Planet Mobile
Zabby the Giggle Monster
Funky Argyle Pillow
Funky Argyle Afghan
Rainbow Granny Squares Afghan
Colorful Wiggle Pillow
Rainbow Bunting
Pretty in Pastel
Pastel Petals Afghan
Oakley the Owl
Fun on the Tummy! Mat
Crinkly Triangle Toy
Bubble Ring Rattle
Asymmetrical Circles Blanket
Naturally Neutral
Waves of White Afghan
Sea Urchin Pouf
Teddy Bear Bookends
Monochromatic Spiral Rug
Buzzy Bee Mobile
Asymmetrical Basket-Weave Blanket
Sweet Tweeter!
Finishing and Care
Useful Information
Abbreviations and Glossary
Resources
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Introduction
I’ve always loved crocheting for babies . . . the projects are small and irresistibly cute! When I
wrote my first book, Cuddly Crochet (Martingale, 2010), which featured stuffed animals,
blankets, and hats for babies, I discovered that oodles of you love crocheting animals and items
for tiny ones as well! So, I think now’s a great time for another crochet baby book. I hope you
love it!
In this book, I focused on the hub of baby life: the nursery. I wanted to create a book of baby
designs that would suit any modern nursery, whimsical and adorable, but with a chic twist. And
whether you’re looking to decorate an entire room, make a few accent pieces, or simply whip up
a project to give as a gift, I think you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in these pages.
Modern babies aren’t stuck in a pastel world. Their nurseries can be decorated in rainbow
colors, neutrals, or even black and white. The only rule that guides modern baby decor is that it
has to be adorable! I’ve designed 21 baby-friendly patterns: beautiful blankets, entrancing
mobiles, whimsical plush toys, and even an ottoman and a rug, and showcased them in three
fabulous color stories. I can’t get enough of the lime-turquoise-orange combo in the Funky Argyle
Pillow and Afghan (the projects aren’t as hard as they look; see pages 27 and 31), and I’ve
already claimed the lovely gray Asymmetrical Basket-Weave Blanket (page 71) for myself. (Hey,
nothing wrong with that!)
It’s always my goal as a crochet designer and instructor to empower crocheters. Not only do I
hope you love my written patterns, I also hope you make use of the tips included in this book to
improve your crochet skills and to make the designs your own. Go ahead, try that new stitch.
Switch up the color palette in that afghan. You can do it! Together, we can fill the world with
precious handmade creations.
Getting Started
Choosing the right yarn and notions and getting some crochet basics under your belt are the keys
to a successful project. In this section, I’ll tell you everything you need to know to get your
project on the right track. Feel free to flip back to these pages for reference as you crochet.
CHOOSING YARNS
There are a dazzling variety of yarns available in today’s market, and I’ve made sure to crochet
each sample in this book using yarns, that are appropriate for a sweet little baby. Even though
I’ve picked some pretty great yarns, you shouldn’t feel tied to my choices. Part of the fun of
making an item yourself is that you have complete control over the creative process, meaning you
can experiment with yarns and colors to your heart’s content.
While I want you to feel free to substitute yarns, you can’t just swap them willy-nilly. Yarns
come in different thicknesses, and selecting a yarn that’s thicker or thinner than the one specified
for your project will result in a smaller or larger piece than mine.
I suggest substituting a yarn that’s the same thickness and fiber as the yarn used to crochet the
projects shown in this book. For example, if the yarn used in the project is a worsted-weight
wool yarn, then selecting another wool yarn with the same icon on its label will be a good
fit. (Have a peek at the “Standard Yarn Weights” chart on page 78 for more information.)
And, of course, don’t forget about crocheting a gauge swatch . . . that’s the way you’ll check
that you’re using the right yarn/hook size for your project. A gauge swatch isn’t scary; I’ll walk
you through making one on page 6!
Machine-Washable Yarns
Let’s be honest: babies are messy little people.
What’s the nicest thing you can do for a new mom, besides crocheting a lovely gift for baby?
Make sure that the item is also easy to care for. I recommend selecting a yarn that’s machine
washable. When you’re shopping for yarn, read the care instructions on the yarn label—all the
information you need is there.
If you’re crocheting a project that isn’t intended to be played with by little ones, such as a
mobile or bookends, then you have more flexibility in selecting your yarn. It won’t be washed
often, so choosing a machine-washable yarn isn’t crucial.
Color Palette
While pastels are timeless, modern babies have lots of color options. You can select shockingly
bright colors, a rainbow palette, primary colors, or even neutrals. I’ve crocheted the projects
using some color combinations that I think are fun and appealing.
If your baby’s nursery has a pink-and-white theme, should you pass up the gray Asymmetrical
Basket-Weave Blanket (see page 71)? Of course not! Crochet it in pink! Make the colors work for
the nursery that you have. I hope you’re inspired by the colors I’ve chosen, but feel empowered to
use colors that will turn the projects in this book into the perfect items for you!
Are You Giving a Gift?
When I’m giving a crocheted item as a gift, I enclose a label from the yarn I used for the
project in the bundle. This way, the recipient has the washing instructions on hand.
GAUGE
We can’t talk about crocheting without a little chat about gauge. Each project in this book has a
specified gauge, that is, the number of stitches per inch using the specified yarn and the specified
hook.
To check your gauge, crochet a square (if working in rows) or a circle (if working in rounds)
that’s the size indicated in the pattern instructions (usually about 4"). Then count the number of
stitches you have to see if they’re close to the gauge given for the pattern.
Everyone crochets differently, so a swatch using your own crocheting style will tell you if
you’re using the correct size hook. If you have too many stitches and rows or rounds in your
swatch, try a larger hook size. If you have too few, then try a smaller hook size. Keep making
swatches (using different hook sizes) until you get one with the right number of stitches.
Right about now, most people wonder if they really have to do a gauge swatch. And the
answer is, “It depends.”
If you want your crocheted piece to be the same size as mine (which might be important, for
example, if you’re crocheting a pillow cover that needs to fit a specific-sized pillow form), then
the answer is, “Yes, you do need to crochet a gauge swatch.”
If you’re crocheting a piece where size isn’t terribly important (so what if your blanket is 1”
bigger than mine?), then a gauge swatch is something you can skip. It’s still nice to make one to
see if you like the way the crocheted fabric is turning out.
CROCHET HOOKS
When you walk into a yarn shop or craft store, you’ll notice a dazzling variety of hooks. Not only
do crochet hooks come in different sizes, but they’re made in a range of different materials and
can flaunt a variety of features, such as a thumb rest or an ergonomic handle.
The most important thing is to choose the crochet hook that works for you. If you pick up a
hook and it doesn’t sit well in your hand or seems to make crocheting difficult, then give it a pass.
Some people experience trouble learning to crochet only to find out that it’s the hook that’s the
problem! You may have to try a few different ones to find your favorite, but the search for a hook
that gives you a pleasant crocheting experience is worth it!
Hooks come in a variety of sizes, and the size is usually written on the hook. Select the size
that’s called for in the pattern.
But keep in mind that once you crochet your gauge swatch, you may find that you need a
smaller or larger hook than is recommended. That’s OK! Use the size hook that gives you the
gauge you need for the project.
A variety of crochet hooks
Holding the Hook
If you’re having difficulty crocheting, the problem may be with how you’re holding your hook.
When you wrap the yarn over your hook, the front of the hook should be facing you. When it’s
time to pull the yarn through the loop on the hook, rotate your hook downward. This way, the
hook slides easily through the loop, instead of getting caught on it.
OTHER SUPPLIES
While your yarn and hook are certainly essential to your crochet project, there are a few other
items you’ll need to complete the projects in this book. Most of these items can be found at your
local craft store.
Stuffing and Pillow Forms
I designed a few stuffed animal projects for this book, and they require, well, stuffing. I use
polyester fiberfill, which is inexpensive, hypoallergenic, and readily available by the bag in your
local craft store.
Different brands have different amounts of fluffiness, so it’s always best to go with what feels
best to you! In addition to polyester, there are a number of different stuffing fibers available,
including cotton and bamboo. While many fibers work, I don’t recommend using wool as stuffing
