Keepsake Pocket - Free Pattern

Today's pattern has been in the works for a while. Ive been doing some experimenting with sewing machines and crochet. It seems this works surprisingly well, providing the material is on top, otherwise the yarn catches on the foot. The basics of this are simple enough. Its just a granny square. I did not create the granny square, I just turned it into something else! I have no pics for the steps to make a granny square, but if you need step by step instructions I highly recommend http://www.purlbee.com/granny-square-project/
The idea behind this one was something to hold maybe a lock of hair or a hospital tag, something along those lines, but really you could keep anything in them.

Ok so onto the pattern!
I used a 6mm hook and dk weight cotton but really you can use any combination for this.

ch4, sl st to the first chain to form a loop.

1. ch4, *dc 3 times, ch1* repeat from * to * 3 times. Join to the ch4. You should have something that looks like this.

2. ch3, in the same gap, 2dc, ch1, 3dc (this creates your first corner) skip over the dc's and into the ch1 gap * ch1, 3dc, ch1, 3dc* Repeat from * to * to complete the last 2 corners. You should have something that looks like this.

3. sl st until you get to the next ch1 gap.  ch3, 2dc, ch1, 3dc in the first gap, *ch1, skip to the next gap, 3dc in the gap, ch1, in the next gap create a corner by making 3dc, ch1, 3dc* Repeat from * to * 2 more times. sl st to join

4. sl st until you get to the next ch1 gap.  ch3, 2dc, ch1, 3dc in the first gap, *ch1, skip to the next gap, 3dc in the gap, skip to the next gap, 3dc in the gap, ch1, in the next gap create a corner by making 3dc, ch1, 3dc* Repeat from * to * 2 more times. sl st to join

Now I stopped here to make a smaller pocket. Its about 5x5 inches. If you want a larger one just add more rounds, all you need to remember is in the corner gaps do (3dc, ch1, 3dc) and 3dc in each side gap, of course all with ch1's in between.

Now before ending off with the colour you are using, in the corner that you end on in that gap chain 4 and sl st back into the same st to make a loop. Check to see if the button you will use will fit through the gap, if not add another chain. You can now end off this colour.



Attach the heart colour to the loop with a slip stitch. Now we'll make the heart.

Chain 4

triple crochet  (TC) 3 times

DC two times

TC, ch1, TC

DC two times

TC 3 times

ch3 and sl st into the circle

Finish off leaving a 3 inch tail. Thread the tail onto a needle and slip it through the opposite side of the heart and pull to close the gap.

TADAAAAAAAAAA

Ok so now we put away the yarn and pull out the sewing machine. You can also hand stitch the lining in if you choose to. I just really REALLY suck at hand sewing so I always default to the machine.

Ok so you need to cut a square of material that is about a cm / quarter of an inch smaller once hemmed then your granny square. I fold the edges of mine under, pin it into place and sew the hem as I'm stitching it to the granny, but you can certainty hem the material first. 

Sew around all 4 sides so it is attached well to the granny square.Ive just used some lightweight poplin but any material will work. If you use fleece or felt that doesn't fray you wont even need to hem the edges!

Once thats done, you need to sew the bottom together. Start by threading some yarn and join the 2 middle points together

Pull the bottom point up so it sits over the 2 side pieces and stitch both sides down. I just did a simple whip stitch.

Then sew a button into the centre

Thats it, Your done! Now mine is a little off centre, and thats probably because I didn't block my square. For the next one I will.

The other beaut thing about this pattern is you can do it with ANY square! Use some with pretty flower centers, change the yarn, make them bigger, the possibilities are endless!