The Curly Whirly

Some years ago I knitted Kemberly Chapmans 'Baby's First DNA Model'. I translated the pattern into crochet, but never got it together to actually crochet it. Instead I tweaked and twisted it, until it become The Curly Whirly. Another useless, but fun piece of crochet that fitted well with the other crocheted coral I was making at the time. (Named after a favourite childhood sweet!)

I have included the theory behind the stitches, because, I think, it makes it a lot easier to crochet, and you can correct mistakes easily made from miscounting. Also, if you understand how the shaping is done, you can design your own shape.

Basically, The Curly Whirly is a crocheted a tapered tube. By crocheting in a continuous circle or spiral you make a tube. By increasing and decreasing in each row, you make the tube twist.

To make a smooth twist, the increase and decrease must stay constant:

• They must stay an equal distance from each other.

• They must be done in every row.

• For a smooth twist, they must not be crocheted directly above the increase or decrease in the previous row, but in the stitch next to it. (If you increase on top of the increase in the previous rows, you will get bumps)

The increases and decreases cancel each other out, so they will not cause the crochet to get smaller, only to twist. To make a tapered tube you have to add in more decreases. You do this by adding in extra decreases between the original increase and decrease, (equal distant between the original increase and decrease).

Another point to remember is that, because of the curve, the start of the row is shifting. So I take the stitch increase, which is constant, to be the start of each row. It’s easier to remember.

Once you have the idea, it’s easy to play around with the shape.

Simply put:
Row A: Create an increase and a decrease to make the tube. These will remain constant, and in every row.
Row B: To start shaping, simply add extra decreases between the original increase and decrease and then between the decrease and the increase at the start of the row.

Alternate between Rows A and B to experiment with curves. Or add more Row A’s to make the taper slower and longer.

Make sense? Here is a pattern for a free standing Curly Whirly

The Pattern

Materials:
I used a 3.50 crochet hook, and Tivoli Celtic Aran yarn, but this pattern is adaptable. Use any yarn, and a hook a size smaller than you would normally use. This helps keep it firm. It is freestanding and quite stable, there is no need to stuff it. You can use a stitch-marker to mark the rows.

Abbreviations:

ch = chain
slst = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
inc = increase by making 2sc into the same stitch
dec = decrease by crocheting 2 stitches together

Notes:
Because of the curve, the start of the row is shifting, so take the stitch increase, which is constant, to be the start of each row, marked here as the increase (inc). For UK terms substitute dc for sc, and sc for slst.


Ch 32. Insert hook into 2nd ch from hook
Row 1: sc in each stitch. Do not turn. Continue to work in a spiral from this point on. (31sc)
Row 2-12: sc in each around
Row 13: inc, 15sc, dec, 15sc
Row 14-18: repeat row 13
Row 19: inc, 6sc, dec, 7sc, dec, 6sc, dec, 7sc
Row 20: inc, 14sc, dec, 14sc
Row 21: inc, 6sc, dec, 6sc, dec, 6sc, dec, 6sc
Row 22: inc, 13sc, dec, 13sc
Row 23: inc, 5sc, dec, 6sc, dec, 5sc, dec, 6sc
Row 24: inc, 12sc, dec, 12sc
Row 25: inc, 5sc, dec, 5sc, dec, 5sc, dec, 5sc
Row 26: inc, 11sc, dec, 11sc
Row 27: repeat row 26
Row 28: inc, 4sc, dec, 5sc, dec, 4sc, dec, 5sc
Row 29: inc, 10sc, dec,10sc
Row 30: inc, 4sc, dec, 4sc, dec, 4sc, dec, 4sc
Row 31: inc, 9sc, dec, 9sc
Row 32: repeat row 31
Row 33: inc, 3sc, dec, 4sc, dec, 3sc, dec, 4sc
Row 34: inc, 8sc, dec, 8sc
Row 35: repeat row 34
Row 36: inc, 3sc, dec, 3sc, dec, 3sc, dec, 3sc
Row 37: inc, 7sc, dec, 7sc,
Row 38: repeat row 37
Row 39: inc, 2sc, dec, 3sc, dec, 2sc, dec, 3sc
Row 40: inc, 6sc, dec, 6sc
Row 41: repeat row 40
Row 42: inc, 2sc, dec, 2sc, dec, 2sc, dec, 2sc
Row 43: inc, 5sc, dec, 5sc
Row 44: repeat row 43
Row 45: (to finish): 3sc, dec, 3sc, dec, 2sc, (dec)x4
1slst , 1ch

Fasten off and weave in ends

Make your own Eco, Reusable, Washable Dishcloths!!

Here is a quick and easy Eco Dishcloth, made from Eco/Fairtrade cotton.

I made 3 and use them for all the time. They, surprisingly, stay white, despite lots of tomato sauce! Just make sure you rinse thoroughly afterwards.

Materials:

Yarn: 50g Debbie Bliss Eco Fairtrade Cotton

Hook: 4.5mm

Size: 7.5 inches x 7.5 inches approx

Abbreviations:
ch chain
sc single crochet stitch
hdc half double crochet stitch
slst slip stitch
st stitch
tch turning chain.

For UK terms substitute dc for sc and sc for slst

The Pattern

Ch 31
Row 1: Miss 2ch (count as 1hdc), *slst into next ch, 1hdc into next ch; repeat from *, ending with slst into last ch, turn.
Row 2: 2ch (count as 1hdc), miss 1st, *slst into next hdc, 1hdc into next slst; rep from * ending with slst into the tch, turn.
Row 3 – 29: Repeat Row 2.
Do not turn.
To work edging: 2ch, work sc neatly along the edges. Into the 3 corners work (sc, 2ch, sc). In the 4th corner, 10 ch, slst into next st. Fasten off.

To Finish: Weave in the ends. Wash before using.

Freestyle - Green Coral - NOT TESTED

This was one of the first pieces I made for the UK Crocheted Coral Reef. I had a request for this pattern, so here it is! The hook size and yarn type don't matter, just use a hook size appropriate to the yarn or a size smaller.

Hook: 2.5mm
Yarn: scrap acyrlic
Tools: Yarn needle,
Skill Level: beginner

Stitches used:
Chain (ch)
Slip Stitch (sl st)
Single Crochet US (sc)
(For UK terms, simply substitute sc for dc)

Abbreviations used:
Each (ea)
Stitch(es) (st / sts)

Work the base in continuous rounds for the 1st 10 rows

Ch 3, join with slst to creat a circle
Round 1: 6sc into circle (do not join) (6)
Round 2: 2sc into each (12)
Round 3: *2sc in the next st, 1sc* repeat to end (18)
Round 4: *2sc in the next st, 2sc* repeat to end (24)
Rnd 5 -12 : sc in each (24)
Rnd13: *2sc into next st, 2sc*, repeat to end (30)
Rnd14: *5ch, slst into 1st ch, slst into next st, 1sc*, repeat from * until end. Slip stitch to 1st sc of previous round.
Weave in ends.

Make several and sew the bottoms loosely together.

Innocent Smoothies Baseball Caps

Last but not least, these boyos are the street range. Heavy in cotton, wool and the little lady pink. I used a 3mm hook regardless of yarn type.

American Version
Abbreviations:
ch-chain
sc-single crochet
slst-slip stitch

Work in continuous rounds for the base of the hat
Ch 2

Row 1: 6sc into the 1st ch (6)
Row 2: 2sc into each st (12)
Row 3: *(2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (12)
Row 4: *(2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (24)
Row 5-10: sc into each (24)
To work the Brim:
Row 11: 5 sc, 2sc into the next st, 3 sc, 2sc into the next st, 3 sc, slst into the next 2sts
Row12: 1ch turn, skip 1st, slst into the next 2 st, 3 sc, 2sc into the next st, 4sc, 2 sc into the next st, 3 sc, slst into the next 2 st.
Fasten off and weave in the ends
Optional:
To neaten off the brim re-join the wool at the back of the cap and do 1sc in each st all the way around. Slst to the 1st. Fasten off and weave in the ends

English Version
ch-chain
dc-double crochet
sc-single crochet

Ch 2

Row 1: 6dc into the 1st ch (6)
Row 2: 2dc into each st (12)
Row 3: *(2dc into next st, 1 dc), repeat from * (12)
Row 4: *(2dc into next st, 1 dc), repeat from * (24)
Row 5-10: dc into each (24)
To work the Brim
Row 11: 5 dc, 2dc into the next st, 3 dc, 2dc into the next st, 3 dc, sc into the next 2sts
Row12: 1ch turn, skip 1st, sc into the next 2 sts, 3 dc, 2dc into the next st, 4dc, 2 dc into the next st, 3 dc, sc into the next 2 st.
Fasten off and weave in the ends
Optional:
To neaten off the brim re-join the wool at the back of the cap and do 1dc in each st all the way around. Sc to the 1st st. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Innocent Smoothie Cloche Hat

Next, we have Cloche, in chenille, these gals show their true colours. Smooth and Innocent. I used a 3mm hook.

American Version
Abbreviations:
ch-chain
sc-single crochet
slst-slip stitch

Work in continuous rounds for the base of the Hat
Ch 2

Row 1: 6sc into the 1st ch (6)
Row 2: 2sc into each st (12)
Row 3: *(2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (12)
Row 4: *(2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (24)
Row 5-10: sc into each (24)
Row 11: *(2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (35)
Row 12: *(2sc into next st, 2 sc), repeat from * (47)
Slst into the top of the first sc. Fasten off

Band
Work 30 ch. Fasten off, leaving a long length for sewing onto the hat

Flower
Ch 2
Row 1: 6sc into the first ch
Row 2: 5 ch, (sc into the next st, 3ch), repeat * 5 times (24)
Fasten off, leaving a long thread for sewing onto the hat

To finish
Sew the band and then the flower onto the hat. Weave in the ends

UK Version
Abbreviations:
ch-chain
dc-double crochet
sc-single crochet

Work in continuous rounds for the base of the Hat
Ch 2

Row 1: 6dc into the 1st ch (6)
Row 2: 2dc into each st (12)
Row 3: *2dc into next st, 1 dc), repeat from * (12)
Row 4: *2dc into next st, 1 dc), repeat from * (24)
Row 5-10: dc into each (24)
Row 11: *2dc into next st, 1 dc), repeat from * (35)
Row 12: *2dc into next st, 2 dc), repeat from * (47) Sc into the top of the first dc.
Fasten off and sew in the ends

Band
Work 30 ch. Fasten off, leaving a long length for sewing onto the hat

Flower
Ch 2
Row 1: 6dc into the first ch
Row 2: 5 ch, (dc into the next st, 3ch), repeat * 5 times (24)
Fasten off, leaving a long thread

To finish
Sew the band and then the flower onto the hat. Weave in the ends

Innocent Smoothie Cowgirl Hat

First, we have Cowgirl. With her trusted steed by her side, shes pretty in a pink (and red) chenille, this baby is hot to trot: .I used a 3mm hook, and scrap chenille


American Version:
Abbreviations:
ch-chain
sc-single crochet
slst-slip stitch

Work the base in continuous rounds for the 1st 10 rows
Ch 2
Row 1: 6sc into the 1st ch (6)
Row 2: 2sc into each st (12)
Row 3: *(2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (12)
Row 4: *(2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (24)
Row 5-9: sc in each (24)
Row 10: change to red: sc into each (24)
Row 11: change to pink: sc in each (24)
Row 12: *(2sc into the next st, 1 sc)* repeat from *, slst to the top of the 1st sc
Row 13 *(2sc into the next st, 2 sc)* repeat from *, slst to the top of the 1st sc
Row 14: *(2sc into the next st, 1 sc)* repeat from *, slst to the top of the 1st sc
Fasten off and weave in the ends

English Version:
Abbreviations:
ch-chain
dc-double crochet
sc-single crochet

Work the base in continuous rounds for the 1st 10 rows
Ch 2
Row 1: 6dc into the 1st ch (6)
Row 2: 2dc into each st (12)
Row 3: *(2dc into next st, 1 dc), repeat from * (12)
Row 4: *(2dc into next st, 1 dc), repeat from * (24)
Row 5-9: dc in each (24)
Row 10: change to red: dc into each (24)
Row 11: change to pink: dc in each (24)
Row 12: *(2dc into the next st, 1 dc)* repeat from *, sc to the top of the 1st dc
Row 13 *(2dc into the next st, 2 dc)* repeat from *, sc to the top of the 1st dc
Row 14: *(2dc into the next st, 1 dc)* repeat from *, sc to the top of the 1st dc
Fasten off and weave in the ends

The Pattern and Design Blog

This blog is dedicated to my stuff, the stuff you lot seem interested in...

I will be putting any patterns, tips, techniques, etc, I have written up, or am trying to write up. If like me you want to get to the pattern first, this blog means you can use my stuff without having to read the rambling posts I usually write. You can read them if you want! In fact I would love if you did, and said hello... But this blog is dedicated to the stuff, a few people have been asking me about. Namely "How did you do that?"

Please bear with me as I try to re-organise my thoughts, my life, and my stuff...

Here's a few brief notes I'd like you to read before using anything on this blog.

If in doubt Just ask!

- Anything on this blog has been designed or improvised by me, so copyright blah-de-blah are mine, unless otherwise stated. Items can be made for personal use only.
- Some of the items have been designed specifically for use with a charity project, those items are sellable but only if the money goes to that particular charity.
- Some of the patterns are UNTESTED. Just be aware of the fact there could be an error, if there is something you don't understand, or a mistake, please let me know.
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That's it!!