Basic Stars

Click on picture to see larger view for better details.  (Yes, I know there is cat hair in the larger star...LOL.  Such is the life with cats).

I've not added a new pattern here for a while....and even though it's because I've been busy (holiday crafting,  household stuff, business stuff, etc)  I kinda felt guilty for not at least adding *something* for y'all to make use of for the holidays!

So,  I thought I might give you all a very simple pattern.  One that you can put to good use this month,  that you can easily make DOZENS of quickly - but it will also serve you well all year long in so many other ways.  So,  I'm giving you my basic 'star' pattern.

It's very easy and fast.  Anyone can make them quickly and even beginners will have excellent results!  These may appear plain and dull at first,  but consider all the many options you have with them (the actual instructions for making the stars are a bit more down the page in bold)

• You can make many,  sew two of them together (back to back)  and add a nice hanger for tree decorations.  (see embellishment ideas further down for sprucing them up)
• You can use them as a gift decoration next to the bow.
• You can use them as applique's on t-shirts, blue jeans (my favorite) jackets, hats, purses,  anything you can imagine.
• Sew two together  (but leave a small opening just before closing up)  stuff it with a little fiberfill, and your favorite potpourri or herb like rose petals or lavender to make little pomander or sachets for closets and drawers.
• Make a pair of the smaller stars with cotton thread and steel hooks.  Sew on tiny beads or pearls and add earring hooks for a nice pair of earrings.   If you make earrings,  starch will help to stiffen them to hold their shape,  but remember they'll probably soften up if you wear them outdoors on a rainy day or if the humidity is just really high.

The possibilities are truly only limited by your imagination.

Allow me to give a few suggestions:

1.  If you're making tree or gift decorations:  Add glitter.  The best way to do this (so that your glitter won't be flaking off everywhere making a mess) is to get some clear-drying craft glue like Elmer's,  put a small amount on a plastic plate or something smooth.   Add a drop or two of water to thin out the glue just a little,  then add your glitter to the glue/water mixture and stir up well.   Using a small paint brush *very lightly* brush around your star with the glitter-glue mix to add a tiny bit of sparkle.

2.  If using it as an applique, starch and press out your star before you begin (if you used cotton or cotton blend).  Allow the starch to completely dry before you add the applique to your material.  If you're going to add seed beads or pearls to it,  do that before you sew the star onto your fabric.  Use a well matched sewing thread to apply the star,  and add a few stitches to secure the 'middle' of the star as well as the edges.     The starch will help to keep the star in shape while you sew around the edges but will wash out completely the first time you launder it so it will become as soft as the material around it.

3.  Also, if you choose to make an applique,  I HIGHLY recommend size 10 mercerized crochet cotton thread and a #7 steel hook  (or size 20 thread with a #10 or #12 steel hook)

4.  You can add a 'hint' of color or shine by using a single strand of sewing/embroidery thread  alongside your yarn.   This can result in some one of a kind, uniquely 'unplanned' color combinations and are especially good for those you're making for appliques.

Don't be afraid to try new ideas!  Use any yarn or thread you like,  any size hook (it works best if your hook/yarn combination result in an even, slightly firm but not overly tight stitch)  Make them in every color of the rainbow.  

They're so simple and fast to make,  even the novice crocheter can easily make a dozen or more of these while watching a single movie on tv  :D

The few I've shown here are just a beginning.  The smaller 5point star is made from a cotton blend of 'baby' yarn,  using a C aluminum hook.   The larger  one is made of just plain old acrylic yarn with a G hook.   The 4point star is also of the cotton blend baby yarn and G hook.

*** 5 POINT STAR ***

To begin your star,  make a magic ring,  chain 3 and then make 14 DC in the ring.   Tighten up that ring and join the last DC to the 3rd chain of your initial chain 3.  That gives you a total of 15 stitches in the magic ring.

*Chain 5.  Tug up on your last 'chain' to make it kinda tight  (this is going to be the sharp 'point' )  in the very next chain,  slip stitch,  then in the next chain,  make a SC,  then in the last chain, make a DC.   Skip 2 DCs of round 1,  and slip stitch into the third DC.  *

Now.. repeat from *  through * four more times for a total of 5 points.  On the last point,  make your final slip stitch into the very bottom of the first stitch of the first point.

Secure your yarn well, and weave loose ends into the 'back side' of your star.

DONE!   Now all you need to do is embellish it and make more!   

*** 4 POINT STAR ***

This is kind of like the 'classic' Christmas star.

To begin your star,  make a magic ring,  chain 3 and then make 11 DC in the ring.   Tighten up that ring and join the last DC to the 3rd chain of your initial chain 3.  That gives you a total of 12 stitches in the magic ring.

*Chain 5.  Tug up on your last 'chain' to make it kinda tight  (this is going to be the sharp 'point' ).  Slip stitch in the very next chain,  then in the next chain,  make a SC,  then in the last chain, make a DC.   Skip 2 DCs of round 1,  and slip stitch into the third DC.  *

Now.. repeat from *  through * two more times for a total of 3 points.  

For the final (longest) point:  Chain 8.   Tug up on the last 'chain' to make it tight (again,  this is the sharp point)  in the very next chain make a slip stitch.  SC in the next 2  chains,  HDC in the next 2 chains,  DC in the last two chains.  Skip the remaining DCs of the round and slip stitch into the base of the first point of the star (same as with the 5point star).

Secure your yarn well, and weave loose ends into the 'back side' of your star.

DONE!   Now all you need to do is embellish it and make more!   

This is a basic stars pattern,  I can't claim to have invented the star shape,  or the idea of crocheting them.   If you wish to use this exact pattern/explanation on your site,  either alone or as part of a larger pattern (say as the decoration on a purse, etc),  please at least include a link back to here.  Linda Potts (© 2011)

Holiday Sale

I'm running a sale in all of the shops this weekend. 25% off all the patterns. At the Zibbet and Ravelry shops the prices are automatically reflected at checkout. On Etsy, you will need to enter the following code where asked during the checkout process to receive your discount: HOLIDAY2011


The shops are all linked just to the right of this posting.  Click on the Banner for the shop you prefer to be taken there.


( EDIT: At the request of quite a few folks... I'm extending the 25% off sale in all of my shops until Dec 31st!  Don't forget, for those 'last minute' gift ideas for those avid crocheters on your gift list... I have gift certificates at the Zibbet shop available in several different amounts. Look in the 'sections' of the gift certificate section.)

Have a great holiday season!

Rico-POM

Well,  finally!  I got Rico done.  I know it took forever,  but I live in central Texas and with all the horrible heat we were having I found it very difficult to get motivated to pick up hook and yarn.   But that said,  here he is.

As always,  if you find any problems in the pattern or just have a question,  post it here or email me (or you can always find me on my FaceBook Page )



MATERIALS:
WW yarn black white and orange
G Hook
Fiberfill
15mm Google Eyes
Tapestry Needle
Sewing Thread and Needle

NOTES:

Gauge isn't important to this doll.  As long as your yarn, hook and individual tension result in a stitch that is tight enough to prevent the stuffing from showing through,  it's perfectly fine.

Numbers at the end of each round or row indicate how many total stitches should be in that round or row.

I recommend reading through each set of instructions before beginning,  to familiarize yourself with the progression of that particular piece.

Pinning all the parts together before sewing is also highly preferable.  It allows you time to decide if you're truly happy with each part,  and make changes to individual parts before making them permanent.


BODY/HEAD

Rnd 1:  8 sc in magic ring (8)
Rnd 2:  2 sc in each sc around  (16)
Rnd 3:  sc in next sc,  2 sc in next sc around  (24)
Rnd 4:  sc in next 2 sc,  2 sc in next sc around  (32)
Rnd 5:  sc in next 3 sc,  2 sc in next sc around  (40)
Rnd 6:  sc in next 4 sc,  2 sc in next sc around  (48)
Rnd 7-30:  sc in each sc around  (48)
Rnd 31:  Sc in next 10 sc,  dec over next 2 sc around  (44)
Rnd 32-33:  sc in each sc around  (44)
Rnd 34:  sc in next 9 sc,  dec over next 2 sc around  (40)
Rnd 35-36:  sc in each sc around  (40)
Begin stuffing at this point,  stuff firmly and shape while stuffing.  Continue to stuff as you progress.
Rnd 37:  sc in next 8 sc,  dec over next 2 sc around  (36)
Rnd 38-39:  sc in each sc around  (36)
Rnd 40:  sc in next 7 sc,  dec over next 2 sc around  (32)
Rnd 41:  sc in next 6 sc,  dec over next 2 sc around  (28)
Rnd 42:  sc in next 5 sc,  dec over next 2 sc around  (24)
Rnd 43: sc in each sc around  (24)
Rnd 44:  sc in next sc,  dec over next 2 sc around  (18)
Rnd 45:  dec in next 2 sc around  (8)
F/O.   Add any stuffing needed to finish shaping the head.  Weave the tail through the last round of sc and tug to close up hole.   Secure and weave in ends

WHITE BELLY SECTION

Rnd 1-6:  same as for BODY/HEAD above  (48 sc at end of rnd 6)
Rnd 7-8:  sc in each sc around  (48)
Row 9:  dec over first 2 sc,  sc in each sc around to last 2 sc,  dec over last 2 sc.  Do not join, turn  (46)
Row 10: dec over first 2 sc,  sc in each sc around to last 2 sc,  dec over last 2 sc.  Turn  (44)

Repeat row 10 until 18 sc remain,  turn  (do not fasten off)

Begin shaping upper portion:

Row 1-2:  sc in each sc across  (18)
Row 3:  dec over first 2 sc,  sc in each sc around to last 2 sc,  dec over last 2 sc.  Turn  (16)
Row 4-5:  sc in each sc across  (16)
Row 6:  dec over first 2 sc,  sc in each sc around to last 2 sc,  dec over last 2 sc.  Turn   (14)
Row 7-8:  sc in each sc across  (14)
Row 9:  sc in first sc,  hdc in next sc,   dc in each of next 3 sc,  hdc in next sc,  sc in each of next 2 sc,  hdc in next sc,  dc in each of next 3 sc,  hdc in next sc,  sc in last sc
F/O  and weave in ends.

BEAK:
(using orange)

Rnd 1:  6 sc in magic ring  (6)
Rnd 2:  sc in next 2 sc,  2 sc in next sc,  sc in next 2 sc,  2 sc in last sc  (8)
Rnd 3:  sc in next 3 sc,  2 sc in next sc,  sc in next 3 sc,  2 sc in last sc  (10)
Rnd 4:  sc in next 4 sc,  in next sc work  [hdc, dc, hdc],  sc in next 4 sc,  in last sc work [hdc, dc, hdc]
Rnd 5:  sc in next 5 sc,  in next sc work  [hdc, dc, hdc],  sc in next 6 sc,  in next sc work [hdc, dc, hdc],  sc in last sc
Rnd 6:  sc in next 6 sc,  in next sc work  [hdc, dc, hdc],  sc in next 8 sc,  in next sc work [hdc, dc, hdc],  sc in last 2 sc
Rnd 7:  sc in next 7 sc,  in next sc work  [sc,  chain 4, slip stitch in second chain from hook, sc in each of next 2 chains]  sc in next 10 sc,  in next sc work [sc,  chain 4, slip stitch in second chain from hook, sc in each of next 2 chains],  sc in last 3 sc.
F/O and weave in end.

WINGS:

Row 1:  chain 5,  sc in second chain from hook and each remaining chain across,  turn (4)
Row 2-3:  sc in each sc across , turn  (4)
Row 4:  2 sc in first sc,  sc in next 2 sc,  2 sc in last sc  (6)
Row 5-16:  sc in each sc across  (6)
Row 17:  sc in each sc across to last 2 sc,  dec over last 2 sc  (5)
Row 18:  sc in each sc across  (5)
Repeat rows 17 and 18 until 2 sc remain.  Dec over those 2 sc  (1)
F/O  weave in ends.  (slanted side of wing should be placed toward the 'back' of the doll when pinning to body)


FEET (make 4):

Using orange/yellow:

Rnd 1:  6 sc in magic ring  (6)
Rnd 2:  2 sc in each sc around (12)
Rnd 3:  * chain 6,  slip stitch in second chain from hook,  sc in next chain, hdc in next chain, dc in next chain, trbl in last chain.  Skip one sc,  slip stitch in next sc * ,  repeat * to * twice more  (for three toes). Secure and F/O  weave in end  

Take two of the 'feet' and place them together, matching up the toes.   Using a long piece of the matching yarn and yarn needle,  whip stitch the two pieces together around the outside edges.   Secure and weave in ends.

LEG (make 2):
(On this particular character,  the leg portion is purely optional.  Very often you don't see his 'legs' on the show - only the feet,  but once in a while you do.  I'm including the instructions for the leg if you choose to do that part.  I prefered to attach the feet directly to the body,  as I didn't find the legs added anything to the doll's overall look)

Begin with orange/yellow:

Rnd 1:  chain 6,  join to form a 'ring'.  Chain 1 and sc around change to white in last sc,  join to first sc of rnd.
Rnd 2:  Chain 1,  sc in same stitch as joining.  * 2 sc in next sc,  sc in next sc *  repeat from * to * around to beginning,  join to first sc with slip stitch.
Rnd 3:  Chain 1, sc in same sc as joining.  * 2 sc in next sc,  sc in next sc  *   repeat from * to * around .   F/O and secure tail,  weave in end.
(when working the leg,  you may have an 'odd' stitch left over in a round... this is ok,  just sc in that stitch and join to begin next round)

Sew the 'leg' portion to foot as shown  (orange section of leg is connected to 'foot')  

FINAL ASSEMBLY:  

I highly recommend pinning all the parts together before sewing.  This gives you the chance to make sure you're happy with all the parts and their placement before making it permanent.

The 'white belly' fits snugly over the bottom and is smoothed and stretch up to the 'top' of the head as shown in the photo.  

Beak is lightly stuffed and shaped - and is placed on the face area as shown.  Rico has a deep 'smile' usually,  and his beak is somewhat 'fatter' and appears slightly larger than the other penguins.  

Feet are sewn underneath as shown.

Eyes are glued in place with a strong fabric/all purpose glue  (I recommend E-6000  as it is very strong,  washable,  and will work on nearly every surface)

Wings are placed on the side of the doll as shown.

The 'hair' is simply several pieces of black yarn cut to approx 5 inches long.  Use your crochet hook to 'latch-hook' the hair pieces in a line along the top of the head as shown.  After placing them,  trim them down to length desired.

To make the 'scar'.  Simply use some sewing thread and a needle and add the scar as desired on the left side of his face across the beak.   His scar isn't a heavy one-it's almost not noticeable in most of the shows unless his face is shown just right,  so go easy on it.  :D

Rico and The Penguins of Madagascar are copyright DreamWorks and their respective creators.


This crochet pattern is an original pattern and is © by Linda Potts (September  2011).  Please do not claim this pattern as your own.  If you wish to share this pattern, you may link to this pattern but please do not reprint/repost it on your site.  You may print and keep a copy for your own personal use but you may not sell or distribute it, or sell items made from this pattern.