Jack and Sally free graphs

It's Halloween today! In honor of the love story between Jack Skellington and Sally of Halloweentown, I present you with these matching Jack and Sally graphs. They can be found at kendrascrochetedcreations.com where you can save or print them. Use 2 dc per graph square with an H hook to get a twin size throw. General instructions are found on the website, but if you need help getting started or have any questions as you go please contact me!

Jack is enthusiastic and tends to throw himself whole-heartedly into everything he does. He's impulsive and a dreamer and quite the romantic!

Sally is sweet, forgiving, compassionate, caring, and strong-willed. She's sensible, but supports Jack no matter what (even when she knows he's wrong!).

These are reasons they're so loved as a couple! They balance each other out perfectly.

Arkansas Razorbacks graph

The Arkansas razorbacks logo has always been pretty much the same, but more refined over the years.  Rather than graph out the running hog, I chose to do a frontal view of his face.  If you really want me to, I can do the proper logo. I just kinda think that face looks fierce.  Am I right?
 

 If you want the graph, you can go to kendrascrochetedcreations.com to save it to your computer or print right from the browser.  Any questions should be in the body of your email. 

 2 dc per graph square with an H hook should get you a twin size bedspread. 

 If you like, I can make it for you.  Email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com for pricing.

Arkansas Razorbacks

 Feel free to share your work with me when you're finished.  I love seeing your finished products. You may sell your finished items, but do not sell the pattern or claim it as your own. You may also modify it any way you like when you're working on it.  I love to see what  you come up with!

Unicorn graph for sale

 I know, I usually post graphs that are free, but this one took a lot of work and time! (You may need to turn your phones sideways to see the graph!)

Unicorns are said to possess magical abilities and healing powers.  They are associated with purity, chastity, and power.

I don't think kids (and lately most adults) care about that though.  They just think they're cool!  And sparkly rainbow unicorns are the coolest.  I gotta admit, I agree.

This graph can be used to create a throw blanket about 4 x 5 ft.  Email me for the graph, general instructions (no written pattern), and pricing information at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "unicorn graph" in the subject line.  The graph is $5. After receiving payment I'll email you the pdf of the graph.

Scooby Doo pattern for sale!

After working, reworking, and testing the pattern it's now up for sale on ravelry! Check it out here! <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/kendras-crocheted-creations-designs/682793">buy now</a> or, go to

The Little Mermaid Free Graph

I remember going to see The Little Mermaid while I was in middle school. I'm not a huge fan of Disney princesses or anything but my friend was so excited to go see it and wanted to see it with me, so I went.  I loved it!  Mermaid Ariel falls in love with human Prince Eric and wishes to become human (add conflict, resolution, and happy ending) and you get a wonderful film!  I'm undecided as to whether to see the live action version, though the others I've seen (Lady and the Tramp, Aladdin, The Lion King) have not disappointed me.  I don't know, I just really like remembering Ariel in her original cartoon form.  I'll probably watch the new one eventually and I'll probably like it, but for now, nostalgia reigns.

This graph was created to use 1 sc per graph square with a J hook to get a 5 x 6 ft throw.  Personalization is available upon request (name goes in the wide blue area on the left), but I left that area blank to cut down on color changes.  If I made this myself I might choose a variegated blue for the water but that's a personal preference. If you'd like to make this afghan yourself, go to kendrascrochetedcreations.com and save or printright from your browser.   If you post on social media, please credit me for the design.  Tag #KendrasCrochetedCreations and @KendrasCrochet on Instagram and Twitter and @KendrasCrochetedCreations on Facebook.  If you have a finished photo I'd love to see it!  Post it to my Facebook page or email it to me at kendra@kendrascrochetedcreations.com. If you'd like me to make you one, I can do that too. Email me for pricing.

Paw print heart free graph

I have a good friend who had the unfortunate experience to let her pet go with the help of a vet today.  I started thinking about how this pet had left her paw print on my friend's heart in the short time they were together.  I decided to design this graph for all our beloved fur babies.  This graph is easily customizable with a name (and dates) if desired.  The colors are up to you, but the graph was made to create a 5 x 6 throw when using 1 sc per graph square with a J hook.  If you'd like to make one yourself, please goto kendrascrochetedcreations.com and save or print right from your browser.  If you'd like me to make one for you I can do that too.  Email me at kendra@kendrascrochetedcreations.com for pricing.  If you make one and post a picture, please tag @KendrasCrochet on Twitter and Instagram. If you like the design, please share it with the buttons below.  If you have feedback, please leave a comment.

Olaf graph

My mother took my son and me to see Frozen 2 this weekend at our local theater and once again (we saw the first one together, too) we were all enamored with Olaf the Snowman.  He's just so cute I can't stand it!  I love his childlike philosophy on life, love, and happiness. His upbeat, optimistic attitude is fun and endearing.  Plus, his being a snowman brought to life with magic just makes him incredibly cool.

I created this graph to make a 5 x 6 ft throw when using a J hook and and 1 sc per graph square.  If you'd like a pdf of the graph please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "Olaf" in the subject line.  Any questions should be in the body of the email.  If you'd like me to make one for you I can do that too.  Email me for pricing and payment information.  If you make one yourself, I'd love to see a picture!  If you post it anywhere please credit me with the design and tag #KendrasCrochetedCreations.  If you like it, let me know in the comments below and share with the buttons.

*The snowflakes are not necessary, but all that empty blue bothered me.  you can leave them out completely, crochet them in as you go, or x-stitch them on afterward!

Finished Olaf! About 4 x 6 ft.

Pittsburgh Penguins graph

Who doesn't love an ice skating penguin?  The Pittsburgh Penguins logo hasn't changed much over the years, but for a brief period where the penguin wasn't ice skating.  They soon went back to another ice skating version, though. A more buff, masculine version (I didn't realize penguins could be buff, but look at that chest!).

If you'd like to make your own afghan from this graph email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com for the pdf, putting "Pittsburgh Penguins" in the subject line.  Use 2 dc per graph square with an H hook to make a twin size afghan.  If you'd like to make a throw size, increase the top and bottom by 5 rows and the left and right sides by 15 rows. Use a J hook and 1 sc per graph square.

Finished photo!  I trimmed the sides
by 10 and added 25 to top and bottom,
using 1 sc per square with a J hook.
Not what I said to do at all! ;-)

If you'd like me to make you one, I can do that too.  Email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com for pricing.

If you like this pattern, please share on Facebook or Twitter or whatever other social media platform you prefer and give me the credit for the graph ('cause that's just good manners 😉).

Same graph, different background.
Which do you like best?

Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers have changed their logo several times over the years but I think this is the most recognized one. Or maybe it's just the one I like best 😀 .  It was recently changed again to a single M with a barley head from this baseball glove style MB. 

To make your own, email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com for the pdf of the graph, putting "Milwaukee Brewers" in the subject line. Use an H hook and 2 dc per graph square to get a twin sized afghan.  To get a 4 x 5 ft throw, use a J hook and 1 sc per graph square. Increase the number of rows on top and bottom by 5 each and left and right by 15 each.

If you'd like me to make you one, I can do that too.  Email me for pricing.

If you have a special request that hasn't been posted, please let me know and I'll see what I can do for you.

Captain American themed free graph

Captain America is an enhanced Steve Rogers who was injected with a serum by the government to help with the war effort (WWII).  He was frozen in ice and suspended until the present day when he was thawed out and served the government again.  He stands for morals, patriotism, and truth, justice, and the American Way.

This graph was made to use 2 dc with an H hook to get a twin sized afghan.  If you'd like it to be smaller, 1 sc per graph square with a J hook will yield a 4 x 5 ft throw  if you increase the number of rows by 5 on each side and 15 on top and bottom.  I'd recommend working this one from the long side due to the lettering.  If you work it from the short side, a lot of the color changes will happen at the top and bottom and really slow things down.  See my post on intarsia crochet to get an idea how to do your color changes.

If you'd like the pdf of this graph, please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "Captain America" in the subject line.  If you have any questions, please include them in the body of your email.

*tip: a border in red, white, and blue would really tie it together!

Fight Like a Girl

After I made yesterday's pink ribbon post, I made up this boxing gloves graph to encourage our breast cancer fighting sisters.  Thanks for the inspiration, Gale, who asked for boxing gloves with the pink ribbon graph.

To get a twin mattress sized afghan (without putting on a border) use 2 dc per graph square with an H hook. Adding several rows of border will give you overhang for the twin bed.  To make this a 4 x 5 ft throw, add 5 rows to each side and 15 to top and bottom, but use a J hook and 1 sc per graph square. 

To request this graph, please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "pink gloves" in the subject line.  If you have any questions, please put them in the body of your email.  If you'd like me to make one for you, I can do that too.  Email me for pricing. 

If you like this pattern, please share it using the buttons below, and I always love comments!

Mickey Mouse free graph

I was about 3 years old when my grandpa and I were walking through a department store together and I saw a single Mickey Mouse stuffed plush toy on the floor near a whole basket full of them.  I picked it up and my grandpa told me to put it back but I wouldn't (what did I know, I was 3!) and I apparently threw quite a fit when he tried to take it from me to put back himself.  Well, grandpas being what they are, he decided it would be easier to buy it for me. Guess what, though? It didn't have a price tag.  He dragged me all over that store, holding on to that stuffed mouse, to find an employee that he could ask about the price.  Not one could tell him. They tried to find another one like it but there wasn't one in the whole bin!  They were all different.  I'm not sure how they came about a price for it, but eventually I took that little guy home and I've had him ever since.  That was 39 years ago! His eyes have had the paint scraped off them, the tip of his nose fell off, his plush is matted down and one arm has had to be sewn back on, but I still have him.  I slept with him every night until I left for college. I was afraid if I took him with me he'd get lost somehow and if I left him home at least he'd be safe.  He's been chewed on, cried on, drooled on, and listened to all my adolescent woes.  I've collected loads of Mickey Mouse over the years from people but I never cared as much for them.  I think it was because they weren't from my grandpa.

My cousin recently asked me to make a baby blanket with Mickey Mouse.  I graphed this one up and thought of Grandpa the whole time.  To make the blanket I think I will use a G hook and 1 sc per graph square with Caron simply soft.   I'll post a finished photo when I'm done.  If you'd like to make your own, you can download this graph at kendrascrochetedcreations.com

In the comments below, let me know your thoughts and if you have a similar experience with a stuffed animal, or other toy you'd like to share.

I forgot to post a finished photo, but Jeannie sent me hers!

Thank you, Jeannie!

And Dorothy made one with a white background and no border.
Looks great, Dorothy!

Tote bag tutorial

I love bags. Purses, wallets, tote bags, drawstring bags, backpacks, hobo bags, I love them all!  I have a weakness for them.  I enjoy filling them with my treasured items and carrying them from place to place. I love the designs, the different sizes, the pockets - oh the pockets!

Let's put 2 of my favorite things together.  Crochet and Bags.  Actually, let's add fundraising in there too (but you don't have to work the pattern; you can still go through the tutorial in one color). I have a pattern made for a Congenital Heart Defect fundraiser that I'm dying to try out. If you'd like to work the CHD pattern on your tote bag, email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com if you'd like the pdf for an easier read.  Before we start:

1. First, use a durable yarn.  I stay away from animal fibers like wool when making bags because I've had a problem with yarn breakage.  Of course you can join the broken yarn and keep going, but I prefer to use a single long strand of yarn for as long as I can before attaching another one.  It looks better without a join and I think it stays stronger.  Every join is an opportunity for a weakness in the structure.  For this project I'm using Bernat Super Value.
2. Use tight, close stitches, and/or a lining.  This will keep the bag from stretching and give it a sturdy structure that will hold up to use. For this bag we'll be using single crochet throughout, but that isn't necessary for every bag, especially if you line it.  Feel free to mix up your stitches to give a different texture.
3. Go through both loops of each stitch.  This will reinforce the stitches and keep it from stretching also.

This will be a simple pattern. You'll need to know chain stitches and single crochet.  If you need to learn these first, go to https://www.craftsy.com/crocheting/article/crochet-for-beginners/ before you begin.

The pattern:

where you go around the other side

1. With an F (or G-I worked mine with an F and my wrists are screaming at me!) hook and WW yarn, ch 52. Sc in 2nd chain from hook and next 49. 3 sc in last ch.  Keep working around opposite side of starting chain (see photos). Sc in next 50. 3 sc in end st. Do not join, do not turn.
2. sc in next 51.  By this time, you may be noticing that your work is starting to curl or corkscrew.  That's fine.  Keep going, it will work itself out. 3 sc in next, sc in 51.
3. 2 sc, sc, 2 sc, sc in 51, 2 sc sc, 2 sc, sc in 51.
4. You can keep increasing the base of the bag if you like, but I'm going to stop my increases here and just work on the sides.  To work on the sides without color changes, just keep sc through both loops around without any increases on the ends. Go as high as you want!  Make that bag as tall or short as you like it. When you have it as high as you want, skip to the section  marked "strap." If you're working the CHD graph, this is where things change a bit:
5. To work the graph, first work 2 rows even. That will take care of the 2 white rows of graph squares at the bottom of the graph (we do have to work the graph from the bottom up!).
6. Now that we're at a color changing row, we'll have to start working back and forth and joining. This is because the color changes are only on one side of the bag. I'm doing this for a couple reasons.
   A. I'm thinking about "surface crocheting" a different design on the other side. We'll see.

   

   The inside-see what I mean? Yuck!

   
   B. More importantly, carrying the yarn all the way around the end to the other side will affect the bag by changing the tension.  I plan on lining this bag so I'm not going to crochet over the red strand (tapestry crochet) because it will be visible under the white but since I'm lining it anyway, I'll just leave it hang on the inside and pick it up where it's needed. The strands will be covered by the lining. If you aren't lining your bag and want to add the design on both sides, I recommend starting a different skein for the opposite side of the bag so you won't have to crochet over the red strand and have it show through all around the edge.
   So, to join and start a new row, when you're done with the 2nd row of working even, sc 3 more to put you at the end of the bag, then sl st in the next.
7. ch 1, turn. Start working design on graph from the bottom of the lettering of the word "Warrior." Sc around opposite side of bag till you come to the join. sc in the ch 1 sp, then join with a sl st to the first sc of the round.
8. Ch 1, turn.  Work around bag, following the graph when you get back around to the lettering. Continue until graph is finished.

Strap:

sl st to opp end of bag on opp side

Make sure your hook is at the very edge when bag is laid flat. If working in the round (not joining) you may have to add or subtract a few stitches to get your hook in position.

1. Ch 1, turn.  sc in next 6.
2. repeat step 1 until strap is desired length (mine was 130 rows)
3. sl st to opposite end of bag, on opposite side. Fasten off, weave in ends.
   
   

   

   The finished front

If you have any questions or if something is unclear, please leave a comment or email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com.  I want to make sure this tutorial is usable for you, and I plan on making more! Next up-lining the bag to cover the ugly inside (or just because you want a lining!

 

Indianapolis Colts

colts version 1

The use of the blue color in the Colts logo symbolizes excellence, class and strength, whereas the white color stands for its integrity and charm.

 The logo is a simple horseshoe rather than the colt "Blue" himself.  It makes sense, since Blue weighs 360 horseshoes, according to the Colts' official website. 😁

The horseshoe is seen on the helmets of the Indianapolis Colts. I created 2 versions of it for you, one plain with only the horseshoe, and the next with the white stripes on the edges and the word "Colts" underneath. The second version is a larger graph and made for a throw. Choose which color you want for your background and which you want for the design. 

colts version 2

For the 1st version, use an H hook and 2 dc  per graph square to get a 3.5 x 6.5 ft throw, about the size of a twin bed mattress top.  If you'd like a different size, please let me know and I'll do my best to make it up for you.  The second version uses a J hook and 1 sc per graph square.   If you'd like to request the pdf of either of these graphs, please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with whichever version you like in the subject line (colts version 1 or colts version 2).  If you'd like me to make it for you, I can do that too!  Email me with a request for pricing and I'll get it to you.   

L.A. Kings graph

Yesterday I stated "excitement" as one of the reasons we watch sports.  In my opinion, there is no more exciting sport than hockey!  Speed, adrenaline, fights, scores, penalties, blood...and it's all done on ice!  As a rather clumsy person who occasionally trips over nothing and runs into walls while turning a corner (I've even kicked my own leg out from under myself while standing up from the couch!), this seriously impresses me! Well, I could do without the blood and the fights, to be honest, but it does add to the excitement, I must admit.

I was asked to do this L.A. Kings graph and cringed when I saw the logo.  A crown?  A fancy crown?  I tried everything I could, including making the whole graph the crown.  I made the graph larger and thought if a single crochet stitch was used to get the right size...no.  Too much detail.  So I drew it in pixel by pixel and tried for hours to get it to look like a crown that a child didn't draw.  I'm not sure I succeeded but she says she likes it so here it is!  If you have any suggestions on making it better, please let me know!

If you'd like to request this graph in pdf form,please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "L.A. Kings" in the subject line.  The graph will look like this one, but I changed the background color to green to make it easier on the eyes.  Just be sure to pick up the right colors when you buy your yarn!

Please click the share buttons below and leave your thoughts in the comments.  If you make this graph, please send me a finished photo to be featured here or on my Facebook page.

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers is one of the few teams who haven't drastically changed their logo in decades.  It started out in 1946 as this guy here:

Can you imagine trying to crochet this guy?  Whoo!  I like the one they chose and varied very slightly from 1968. Much clearer and easier to make.  A simple Scarlett oval with intertwined white SF and black and gold outline.

If you would like the pdf of this graph, please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "San Francisco 49ers" in the subject line.  Any questions should be in the body of the email.  Please share using the buttons below if you like the graph, or link directly to this page.  If you make this blanket, please credit me with the design when you post it to your social media page, and remember to tag #kendrascrochetedcreations when you post to instagram.  Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Oakland Raiders

This NFL team hails from California and has a rather fiddly design in the middle (look at the detail in the face!) so I'd recommend starting from the long side when you crochet this one.  Use a J hook and 1 sc per graph square to get a small throw, or use an H hook and 2 dc per graph square to get a twin size bedspread. Email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com for the pdf with "Oakland Raiders" in the subject line and any questions in the body of the email.  If you've made this graph please email me a photo and maybe I'll feature you on my Facebook page or show it off here!  Alternatively, you can post it to Instagram and tag #kendrascrochetedcreations and I'll give you a shoutout in thanks.

Leave your thoughts on the design in the comments below, and please click on the share buttons, but remember to credit me with the design.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

This college football team graph is very simple. Other versions I've seen wouldn't translate quite as well to graph squares so I chose just the Nebraska N to represent this team.  Using 2 dc per graph square and an H hook, you should get an afghan the size of a twin mattress top, larger if you decide to put a dc border around it. To make a 4 x 5 ft throw, use a J hook, 1 sc per graph square, and increase the rows by 5 on each side and 15 on top and bottom. Leave your thoughts on the design below in the comments section, and please share using the buttons below, but remember to credit me with the design! 

If you want a pdf of this graph, please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com for your copy, with "Nebraska Cornhuskers" in the subject line.  Any questions should be put in the body of your email.

Michigan Wolverines

The University of Michigan has a special place in my heart.  Michigan is my home state, I have a cousin in attendance at U of M, and my brother got his kidney/pancreas transplant at the hospital there, which U.S. News and World and Report ranks at number one in Michigan, and number 6 nationally! Go Blue!

This graph is 90 by 120 squares, which, when using an H hook and 2 dc per graph square, will give you a twin-mattress-top-sized throw. Due to the nature of the logo in the middle, it will be finicky to crochet from the short side, so I'd suggest working it from the long side instead to avoid the inevitable tangles occurring in the middle. The intarsia crochet method I use also keeps the colors from showing through between the letters like they would with tapestry crochet.  If you'd like this graph, please email me for a copy at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "Michigan Wolverines graph" in the subject line.  Any questions should be in the body of the email. 

If you have any comments or thoughts on this graph, please leave them below!

Iowa Hawkeyes

Herky the Hawk is the University of Iowa's mascot.  Crochet this college football team's logo in black and white as shown or choose the school colors of  black and gold. Using 2 dc per graph square with an H hook will give you a throw about the size of a twin mattress top. If you'd like to request the pdf, please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with Iowa Hawkeyes (for the top graph) or Iowa Hawkeyes 2 (for the bottom graph) in the subject line. Please put any comments or questions in the body of the email.  

If you are nervous about the lettering, I'd suggest either working the blanket from the short side (this seriously cuts down on color changes!) or leaving out the lettering if you want only the logo.  If you leave out the lettering, request the top graph so your logo will be in the center. I use a method called "intarsia" to keep the colors from showing through between sections.  See this blog post to read about how I do this (includes photos).