Tuesday 5 January 2016

A LOVELY 3-D APPLE SHAPED KEYCHAIN

Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog ; photo of the 3D apple keychain close up
A LOVELY 3-D APPLE SHAPED KEYCHAIN

After the first 3D flower keychain that I made, which was so well received, I thought I’d make a few more.. anyway, we always need a quick gift for that sudden visitor – or that young child who has done a lovely deed that you want to acknowledge.  I always find that a homemade , recycled or a handmade gift works best and expresses more love than a store bought one.. But then, that could just be me 

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Difficulty level : Easy to Intermediate crochet skills

Materials used : Today I’ve used our Indian polyester metallic yarn,  with a 3.5 mm crochet hook ; and some stuffing
For Indians : You could use Anchor , Red ros or unbranded knitting cotton as well

This yarn is similar to a 4-ply, light fingering yarn.
If using cotton, I’d say we can get a great project with our Indian Laura knitting cotton and a 3.5 mm crochet hook.  Anchor knitting cotton will also work, though it’s a little thinner yarn, so I’d suggest a 3 mm crochet hook.

Abbreviations used :
ch : chain             ch-sp : chain space
sp : space            rep : Repeat
fsc : Foundation single crochet          
hdc : Half double crochet


Stitches used :
Starting slip knot : Here’s how you start with a slip knot.  https://youtu.be/lJcqsVcs8cw

Starting slip knot 1 or the Sloppy Slip knot : This is a neat new way to start your work without a slip knot.  https://youtu.be/YfC7KmGpifs

What is a chain stitch ? Here is an easy video tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXx5ukBjKkY

How to change colors seamlessly : Here’s an easy video tutorial to show you how to change from the Main color to the Contrast or second color of yarn seamlessly.  View it at https://youtu.be/fRzSBja9jno

How to carry your yarn when using two colors : Here’s an easy video tutorial to show you how to carry your yarn along when working with two colours. 


Instructions :
Please note that I start all my rows with a ch 1, turning chain for ease.
Please check the top of this blog for easy video tutorials on all stitches used in today's pattern.
Please read through all my notes before you pick up your hook, so you know just where we're heading in our pattern.
In my patterns I work with the principle of stitch count and body measurement.  This means that you need to work the stitch count in pattern, till you get the measurement (length and/or width) that you need for your project. 

I saw an apple on a Pinterest page and thought this would look lovely in 3D.  I am hoping to make a few more fruity ones.. so hey, do stick around.

So we start with a lovely magic circle and then work in rounds.  
As we’re making an apple, we will change the colour on that last round, depending on what type of apple we’re making.. so red for a regular red apple, green for a Granny Smith… you get the picture.

Easy enough.. let’s get to it.

Single Crochet : Sc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (2 lps on hk); yo, draw through both lps.  One sc made.  Check out the video at https://youtu.be/ghACqBpA-3k

First stitch for Single Crochet : This is how I like to start my row of sc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/6pVYRfsf4_M

What is a slip stitch : Here is a neat video tutorial at https://youtu.be/weB3QNbA8Iw

Magic circle : To refresh your skill, please view this easy video https://youtu.be/ISC39yOqWro

Start (with color white) : with a magic circle and 10 sc in that circle.
Join with a sl-st to the 1st sc.  
Pull lightly to close the circle.

Round 1 : (with color white) : 
2 sc in the 1st sc and in each sc till end .  
Join with a sl-st to the 1st st.

Now there are two ways to work in the ‘seeds’ for our little apple key chain.  
You can either embroider them in right at the end, OR you could work them in with a change of thread in this following row.

In case you decide not to do this, then ignore the instructions for changing colour, and work all around in white.

Assuming you’re going to take the trouble to work them in now, this is how I am going to write the pattern.  We will be changing colours, and taking the un-used thread along for this and the following rounds.

Attach black or dark brown for the seeds.

Round 2 : (with white) : sc in the 1st 4 sc ; 
(with black / brown) ; sc in the next sc ; 
*(with white) : sc in the next 4 sc ; 
(with black / brown) ; sc in the next sc* ; 
rep *to* till end.  
Join with a sl-st to the 1st st.

Fasten off black / brown yarn.

Round 3 : (with white) : sc in the 1st sc ; 
2 sc in the next sc ; 
*sc in the next sc ; 2 sc in the next sc* ; 
rep *to* all around. 
Join with a sl-st to the 1st st.

The following round is our last, and in this one, use the colour that you want your apple skin to be.  
I choose red.

You can also attach on the chain for your key ring at this round.  
So if you decide to do this, fold your little apple circle in half and decide where you want the keychain to fit in.  
Place a marker there and attach the keychain as you work this last round.

You could attach your key chain in as you are doing the finishing and joining the edges to make this an apple segment – so options for you here.

Half Double Crochet : Hdc :  yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk) ;
yo, draw through all 3 lps.  One hdc made. 
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/sDiELJdB2Dg

Chainless start for Half Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 start, and this is what I do to start my row of hdc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/lWXpl1KdbZ8

Round 4 : (with apple skin colour) : hdc in the 1st sc ; 
and hdc in each sc all around. Join with a sl-st to the 1st st.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

We’ve completed the little apple motif.

Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog ; photo of the 3D apple keychain close up


Fold your circle in half (ensuring that you have equal apple pips / seeds on each side) and join the two halves.  If you decide to make this a 3D piece, then remember to stuff it as you are joining the ends.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Change the color of the apple peel and you have delightful new combinations. 
Go ahead, have fun.. and do share it with me when you have finished your super projects.

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Have a great day and see you soon. 

I have one more 3D keychain that I've just made 


...and some home miscellaneous home use project free patterns...