Free Pattern: Crochet Christmas Bauble

Here is just one of the patterns for my crochet bauble designs. I've been meaning to get it out all week! I'd like to have a "free patterns" section on the blog. It's always nice to be able to share what you've made. The first step is actually posting the patterns though! So my aim is to try post a pattern every day or two. Life is so crazy though, I hope I'll be able to keep up.

For baubles approximately of 19.5cm circumference.

Materials:

• Crochet cotton (4ply)
• 2.5mm crochet hook

Stitches used:

• Chain (ch)
• Single crochet (sc)
• Double crochet (dc)
• Double treble crochet (dtr)
• Slip stitch (slst)

Note: I use a "magic loop" to start this pattern. This tutorial from crochet-world is a great guide on how to achieve the same method I use. Also, in case it's not clear, everything inside the square brackets are to be repeated as specified outside the bracket.

	Instruction	Comments
Start	Magic loop, do not tighten all the way	The thread cover can be started without using the bauble initially
Row 1	ch, 12 sc, slst
Row 2	ch4, dtr in next sc, [ch3, 2 dtr in next two sc] repeat 5 times, ch3, slst
Row 3	slst between ch and dtr, ch4, dtr in same space, [ch5, 2 dtr between the two dtr stitches] repeat 5 times, ch5, slst
Row 4	slst between ch and dtr, ch4, dtr in same space, [ch6, 2 dtr between the two dtr stitches] repeat 5 times, ch6, slst	Once this row is completed, carefully cover the bauble with the thread cover. Tighten the magic loop around the top of the bauble.
Row 5	slst between ch and dtr, ch4, dtr in same space, [ch4, 2 dtr between the two dtr stitches] repeat 5 times, ch4, slst	Continue the remaining rows whilst stitching around the bauble.
Row 6	slst between ch and dtr, ch4, dtr in same space, [ch2, 2 dtr between the two dtr stitches] repeat 5 times, ch2, slst	As you cover more of the bauble, you may need to pull the threads tighter or gently stretch parts of the piece closer together till the stitch/row is completed.
Row 7	Slst between ch and dtr, ch3, dc in same space, [2 dc between the two dtr stitches] repeat 5 times, slst, Tie off and tuck in loose threads

I hope this pattern makes sense. I tend to write things in my own way. So if something doesn't seem quite right, don't hesitate to ask questions.