Christmas Cracker Crochet Pattern
Please note that this pattern is for personal use only.
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Notes
This pattern uses standard UK terminology. In a nutshell: USA crocheters should substitute a single–crochet stitch where they read ‘double–crochet’ and a half–double–crochet stitch where they read ‘half–treble’. Conversion charts for UK/USA stitch terminology, yarn thicknesses and hook sizes are given on page 44 of the 2013 edition of Crochet Unravelled (page 35 in the 2005 edition).
The side facing you as you work is the ‘right side’ (i.e. the outside of the finished item).
Turning chains do not count as stitches unless specified.
Tension (or gauge) has not been specified since it is not particularly relevant to such a small item, but bear in mind that this item is stuffed, so working too loosely may cause the fibrefil to show through. Similarly, working too tightly may give a ‘tough’ looking appearance to the finished item.
Please keep this item away from babies and small children since it is not intended as a toy. Please also be aware of other health and safety issues, e.g. keep them away from candles, etc.
Finished length: 4½″ (11 cm).
Instructions
Materials
- 2.5 mm and 4 mm crochet hooks;
- Double–knitting yarn in red;
- Twilley’s ‘Goldfingering’ for embellishment and hanging loop. (This is a widely available 3–ply gold coloured thread);
- Fiberfil;
- Two round British penny sized pieces of thin card.
Star motif
Foundation chain
With 2.5 mm hook and 3 ply gold thread chain 2. The second chain from hook is the ‘centre chain’.
Round 1
(1 double–crochet in centre chain. Chain 3. Slip–stitch into 3rd chain from hook) 5 times. Slip–stitch into first double–crochet, and draw thread through. Cut thread leaving 8″ tail with which to sew star to cracker.
Cracker
Foundation chain
With 4 mm hook and red yarn, chain 12. Join with a slip–stitch to last chain from hook to form ring.
Rounds 1–4
Chain 1. 1 double–crochet in each stitch around. Join with a slip–stitch to first double–crochet. (12 stitches)
Round 5
Chain 1. (Half–treble decrease in back loops) 6 times. Join with a slip–stitch to first half–treble decrease. (6 stitches)
Round 6
Chain 1. 2 half–trebles in each stitch around. Join with a slip–stitch to first half–treble. (12 stitches)
Rounds 7–14
Chain 1. 1 double–crochet in back loop of each stitch around. Join with a slip–stitch to first double-crochet.
Embellishment
Sew star motif to cracker so that centre of star lies between rounds 10 and 11.
Fill cracker
Cut two circular pieces of cardboard to fit circumference of cracker. (Use a small coin, eg a penny, as a guide.) Tie a length of gold thread tightly around cracker between rounds 5 and 6. Place one cardboard circle in the cracker, fill with fibrefil, fit other piece of cardboard and recommence crochet.
Round 15
Chain 1. (Half–treble decrease in back loops) 6 times. Join with a slip–stitch to first decrease. (6 stitches)
Round 16
Chain 1. 2 half–trebles in each stitch around. Join with a slip–stitch to first half–treble. (12 stitches)
Round 17
Chain 1. 1 double–crochet in back loop of each stitch around. Join with a slip–stitch to first double–crochet.
Round 18–20
Chain 1. 1 double–crochet in each stitch around. Join with a slip–stitch to first double–crochet. Fasten off. Tie the other end of gold thread tightly around cracker between rounds 15 and 16.
Embellishment
With 2.5 mm hook and gold thread, surface crochet (or embroider) zigzags three rows deep around each end of cracker.