Sunday, December 6, 2009

Hello Kitty Granny Square Scarf Crochet Pattern

IMG_1373

(Note: I haven’t finished putting in some of the links I mention but know that some of you want this in time to make Christmas gifts)

This is a free pattern for a scarf made up of rectangles joined together and surrounded by a picot-edged border, a fun accessory for anyone who loves Hello Kitty. Each rectangle features either a cute kitty face or a traditional granny square (modified slightly to make it oblong).

It is very long. I’ve tried to bold the most information so that you have an idea of how it’s put together, but of course, at some point, I think you should read it all! At the end, I’ve also included links for a pdf of the pattern; it is shorter than these directions here, has fewer photos, more condensed instructions, and fewer explanations.

I have already been informed of some errors (wrong stitch total, missing stitches, etc) and have fixed those. I have also tried to fix some spots that others have found confusing. But the pattern probably still contains some errors and confusions; please let me know if you find them.

Also, I did not think of this idea/design/motif myself; rather, I saw it as a pattern on Ravelry (which in turn was an adaptation, I believe, from a pattern in a Japanese crochet book), then I also found other versions online. However, when I tried them, I didn’t like the shape of the resulting kitty face nor the fact that the ears were added separately. I also didn’t like how dense the final round around the kitty face was; it didn’t look like a granny square round. So I made up my own pattern, this one here, but it’s based on someone else’s design.

OK, then. Here goes…

 

Materials:

5.00mm/US H(8) crochet hook
6.00mm/US J(10) crochet hook
Yarn needle
Optional but highly recommended: Stitch markers

(Alice at futuregirl.com has a tutorial on how to make stitch markers out of paper clips. Quick, easy, and cheap!)

Worsted weight yarn for:

  • clip_image002face (white)
  • outline (your choice; I used grey; red is also very nice)
  • background (your choice; I used bright pink for one scarf, purple for another, and aqua for a third)
  • eyes and whiskers (black)
  • nose (yellow, or light pink if you don’t care about being “authentic”)
  • flower or bow (your choice; I used yellow)
  • granny square colors 1, 2, 3 (I used white, grey, and my background color)

yarns

(Model made with Caron Simply Soft)

 

Gauge:

4 sc = 1” (2.5 cm), 4-5 rows of sc = 1” (2.5 cm)
(if gauge even matters here)

 

Finished Size:

Width: about 7” (18 cm)
Length: depends on number of squares you use
Each granny square*: 5” x 6” (13 cm x 16 cm)
Face appliqué only: 3¼” x 4” (8 cm x 11 cm)

*The finished “square” is actually not. But who’s ever heard of a Granny Rectangle? So I’m just going to call them as squares throughout.

 

Abbreviations:

Most of these abbreviations are standard. The ones I made up are shown in bold. 

beg

=

beginning

BLO

=

back loop only
(instead of inserting hook under both loops of a stitch, insert hook under the back loop only; more, with photos, here)

ch

=

chain
(yarn over, pull up a loop through loop on hook)

dc

=

double crochet
(equivalent to UK treble crochet; yarn over, insert hook in next st, yarn over, pull up a loop, {yarn over, pull through two loops} twice)

hdc

=

half double crochet
(equivalent to UK half treble crochet; yarn over, insert hook in next st, yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook)

R

=

row or round

sc

=

single crochet
(equivalent to UK double crochet; insert hook in next st, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through both loops on hook)

sc x N 

=

single crochet in next N stitches, where N is some number

sl st

=

slip stitch
(insert hook in next st, yarn over, and pull through work as well as remaining loop(s) on hook)

sp

=

space

st(s)

=

stitch(es)

tc

=

treble (or triple) crochet
(equivalent to UK double treble; yarn over twice, insert hook in next st, yarn over, pull up a loop, {yarn over, pull though two loops} three times)

V

=

2 single crochets in next stitch

V x N

=

2 single crochets each in next N stitches, where N is some number

W

=

3 single crochets in next stitch

yo

=

yarn over

 

Special Stitches & Techniques:

DOUBLE = skip 4 st, 3 dc in next st (for face square)
or skip 3 dc st from prev rnd , 3 dc in next ch sp (for granny square)

EAR = sl st in next st, hdc in next st, ch 1, dc in same st as hdc, ch 1, tc in next st, ch 1, dc in next st, ch 1, hdc in same st as dc, sl st in next st

fsc = foundation single crochet. A year ago, I’d never heard of this stitch. Now it’s my favorite way to start. In this case of only 4 starting stitches, it doesn’t make that big a difference, so if you’d rather not learn it right now, I’ve provided an alternate method. But on pieces that start with longer chains, I find fsc so much easier, faster, nicer. Essentially, each fsc stitch is made of up a “chain” part and a “stitch” part. So you get your starting chain and your first row at the same time! Do an online search for “foundation single crochet” for more info, tutorials, videos… Here’s a great fsc tutorial with photos to get you started, from Alice at futuregirl.com

magic ring = an alternate beginning method when crocheting in the round, which allows one to avoid having a hole left at the center start. Essentially, instead of slip stitching a short chain to make a ring, you make a ring by looping the yarn around your fingers. Need some photos and more instructions? Here’s a great magic ring tutorial by June that includes a comparison picture (“normal” way with hole and “magic ring” way without hole), but her tutorial uses single crochet around the ring. Here’s another great magic ring tutorial by Donna which doesn’t have the comparison picture but does use double crochet which is what we need for the granny squares.

JSS = joining slip stitch. Another great technique, this is for joining granny squares as you go instead of stitching them all together at the end. I first saw this technique beautifully explained by Lucy at attic24. Essentially, you substitute a slip stitch for a chain stitch along sides you want to join, inserting your hook into the corresponding chain space of another square before completing the slip stitch. For the scarf, always join along the longer edge of the square. I’ve given detailed steps with photos in the Join As You Go section below.

picot = sc, ch3, sl st in 1st ch or sl st, ch 3, sl st in same st or whatever picot stitch you prefer

TRIPLE = skip 4 st, 3 tc in next st (for face square)
or skip 3 tc st from prev rnd , 3 tc in next ch sp (for granny square)

 

Setup & Planning

IMG_1379

This pattern is for a crocheted Hello Kitty Granny Square Scarf as shown above – a scarf with a Hello Kitty Granny Square at each end and seven regular granny squares in between (four with white at the center, three with grey). The scarf, intended for a 5-year-old girl, ended up about 45” long.

If you want to make it longer or change the pattern of the squares, here’s what I can suggest: Figure out how many squares you need by dividing your desired finished scarf length by 5” (12.75cm) and rounding to nearest whole number. Decide how many face squares you want to include, then figure how many granny squares you need to reach your total. Also, decide on the pattern or order in which to attach the squares.

Note: I made this scarf by joining the squares as I crocheted the last round of each square and that’s how I’ll describe the steps. First I’ll give the patterns for how to make the kitty faces and the first three rounds of the granny squares. Then I’ll give the stitch instructions for completing the kitty face squares and granny squares, joining them to previous squares as you go. (If you’d rather, you can complete each square as if it’s the first, then whipstitch or crochet them together at the end.) Next, I’ll give the instructions for the scarf border. And finally, I’ll give the instructions for adding the embroidered facial features and crocheting the ear accessory.

 

Kitty Faces

You’ll need to make one for each Hello Kitty Granny Square in your scarf. I’m making two per scarf.

IMG_2443

I used my own shorthand for writing these directions. Example: R5: ch1, turn, sc x 2, V, sc x 6, V, sc…  means that after you chain 1 and turn, you make 1 single crochet in the next 2 stitches (sc x 2), then make 2 single crochets in the next stitch (V), followed by one single crochet in the next 6 stitches (sc x 6), and again 2 sc in the next stitch(V), followed by 1 single crochet in the next stitch (sc), etc.

If you would prefer to use conventional crochet pattern terminology, here’s the pattern using abbreviations and here’s the pattern using full text.

Notes:

  • Stitch count is shown at end of each line. Ex. “—18 sts.”
  • Do not count the ch1 at the start of each round as a stitch. Do count the sl st at the end of each row as a stitch. (So, the sl st at end of current round becomes the “first stitch” to use in next round.)

Start with face color yarn(white) and 5.00mm hook:

R1: 4 fsc (or alternate method: ch5, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in remaining 3 ch) —4 sts.

R2: ch1, turn, V (in top of fsc closest to hook), sc in next 2 sts, V (in top of last fsc), V (in bottom of last fsc), 3 sc in bottoms of next 3 fsc, sl st to 1st sc of current round —12 sts.

R3: ch1, turn, sc, V, sc x 2, V x 3, sc x 4, V, sl st to 1st sc of current round —18 sts.

R4: ch1, turn, sc, V, sc x 6, V x 3, sc x 6, V, sl st to 1st sc of current round —24 sts.

R5: ch1, turn, sc x 2, V, sc x 6, V, sc, V, sc, V, sc x 8, V, sc, sl st to 1st sc of current round —30 sts.

R6: ch1, turn, sc x 3, V, sc x 8, V, sc, V, sc x 2, V, sc x 10, V, sc, sl st to 1st sc of current round —36 sts.

R7: ch1, turn, sc x 3, V, sc x 10, V, sc x 2, V, sc x 2, ear, sc x 4, ear, sc x 2, switch yarn to outline color (grey), sl st to 1st sc of current round (pulling the new color through) —52 st.

Continuing with outline color (grey):

R8: ch1, turn, sc x 3, skip sl st, sc x 4, W (mark middle/2nd stitch), sc x 4, skip sl st, sc x 4, skip sl st, sc x 4, W, sc x 4, skip sl st, sc x 2, V, sc x 2, V, sc x 14, V, sc x 2, sl st to 1st sc of current round; bind off —56 st.

 

Granny Square Centers

Time to make the other squares for the scarf, the ones that looks like regular Granny Squares. Only thing: they’ve been altered slightly to make them into rectangles instead of squares so that they’ll match the finished shape of the Hello Kitty Granny Squares.

Make as many as you need for your scarf. I’m making at least 7 per scarf, 4 starting with white and 3 with grey.

IMG_2437

In a nutshell, along two sides opposite each other, I substituted triple crochets for the double crochets (see photo below). So if you already know how to granny square, grab a 6.00mm hook and have at it, making the necessary stitch changes on two sides.

IMG_2438

Otherwise, here’s the pattern for the slightly altered granny squares. By the way, here’s a video by Beth showing how to change color and draw in your starting tail on granny squares and here’s a video by Anne showing how to weave in your ending tails on granny squares.

Start with Color 1 (white/grey) yarn and 6.00mm hook:

Start: use a magic ring (or alternate method:  ch 6, or 5 or 4…, sl st to starting ch to join into a ring).

R1: ch 3 (counts as 1 dc st, here and throughout), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, 3 tc in ring, ch 2, 3 dc in ring, ch2, 3 tc in ring, ch 2 (this makes the 4th corner), sl st to top chain of beg ch-3. Bind off.

Switch to Color 2 (background color: pink, purple, aqua) yarn.

R2: Insert hook into the 4th corner ch-2 sp, yo (with new color) and pull a loop through, ch3, 2 dc in same sp, {ch1, DOUBLE,} ch 2, 3 tc in same sp, {ch 1, TRIPLE,} ch2, 3 dc in same sp, {ch 1, DOUBLE,} ch 2, 3 tc in same sp, {ch 1, TRIPLE,} ch2, sl st to top chain of beg ch-3. Bind off.

Switch to Color 3 (grey/white) yarn.

R3: Same as R2, except do parts in {} brackets twice. Bind off.(Optional: mark the 4th corner so you can easily see which corner to start at later.)

By the way, here’s a video by Beth showing how to change color and draw in your starting tail on granny squares and here’s a video by Anne showing how to weave in your ending tails on granny squares.

 

Last Rounds

Your squares – kitty and granny – should all be almost done now, just waiting for their last round(s).

For this part, first decide on the order in which you’ll be attaching the squares to form the scarf.

Next, finish your first square separately. (Or if you don’t want to “join as you go”, then finish all your squares separately, using the following two patterns. Then whipstitch/stitch/sc them together.)

* * *

Here is the pattern to finish a stand-alone Hello Kitty Granny Square (as shown below).

IMG_1886

Start with background color yarn (pink), 5.00mm hook and a Hello Kitty face:

R9: Turn/Hold face so marked ear is on the right if you’re right-handed, on the left if you’re left-handed. Starting at tip of ear, put hook through middle (marked) st of W in previous round, yo and pull loop through, ch 1, sc in same st, sc x 5, skip 1 st, sc x 2, skip 1 st, sc x 5, W, sc x 13, V, sc x 12, V, sc x 14 (14th sc is in same st as 1st sc of current round), sl st to 1st sc of current round —60 st.

(If you prefer to use conventional crochet pattern terminology, abbreviated version is here and full text is here.)

Switch to larger 6.00mm hook.

R10: Don’t turn. Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc st), 2 dc in sl st from previous round, ch1, TRIPLE, ch1, TRIPLE, ch1, DOUBLE, ch 2,
3 tc in same st, ch1, DOUBLE, ch1, DOUBLE, ch1, TRIPLE, ch2,
3 tc in same st, ch1, DOUBLE, ch1, DOUBLE, ch1, TRIPLE, ch 2,
3 tc in same st, ch1, DOUBLE, ch1, DOUBLE, ch1, TRIPLE, ch 2,
sl st to top chain of beg ch-3; bind off —68 st.

* * *

Here is the pattern to finish a stand-alone regular Granny Square.

(photo coming soon…)

Start with background color yarn (pink), 6.00mm hook and a Granny Square Center:

R4: Insert hook into the (marked) 4th corner ch-2 sp, yo (with new color) and pull a loop through, ch3, 2 dc in same sp, {ch1, DOUBLE} 3 times, ch 2, 3 tc in same sp, {ch 1, TRIPLE} 3 times, ch2, 3 dc in same sp, {ch 1, DOUBLE} 3 times, ch 2, 3 tc in same sp, {ch 1, TRIPLE} 3 times, ch2, sl st to top chain of beg ch-3. Bind off. 

* * *

Next, finish the remaining squares, joining one edge to a previous square as you go by substituting joining slip stitches for chain along that edge. Photo tutorial down at the end.

* * *

If your next square is a regular granny square, here are the directions for adding the last round and joining as you go.

IMG_1980

Start with background color yarn (pink), 6.00mm hook and a Granny Square Center:

Round 4: Insert hook into a (marked) 4th corner ch-2 sp, yo (with new color) and pull a loop through, ch3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same sp, {ch1, DOUBLE} 3 times, ch 2, 3 tc in same sp, {ch 1, TRIPLE} 3 times, JSS, ch 1, 3 dc in same sp, {JSS, DOUBLE} 3 times, ch 1, JSS, 3 tc in same sp, {ch 1, TRIPLE} 3 times, ch2, sl st to top chain of beg ch-3. Bind off.

* * *

If your next square is a Hello Kitty with the joining edge at the bottom, i.e. under her chin, below are the directions for the last two rounds and joining as you go.

(photo coming soon)

Start with background color yarn (pink), 5.00mm hook and a Hello Kitty face:

R9: Turn/Hold face so marked ear is on the right if you’re right-handed, on the left if you’re left-handed. Starting at tip of ear, put hook through middle (marked) st of W in previous round, yo and pull loop through, ch 1, sc in same st, sc x 5, skip 1 st, sc x 2, skip 1 st, sc x 5, W, sc x 13, V, sc x 12, V, sc x 14 (14th sc is in same st as 1st sc of current round), sl st to 1st sc of current round —60 st.

(If you prefer to use conventional crochet pattern terminology, abbreviated version is here and full text is here.)

Switch to larger 6.00mm hook.

R10: Don’t turn. Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc st), 2 dc in sl st from previous round, ch1, TRIPLE, ch1, TRIPLE, ch1, DOUBLE, ch 2,
3 tc in same st, ch1, DOUBLE, ch1, DOUBLE, ch1, TRIPLE, JSS, ch1, 3 tc in same st, JSS, DOUBLE, JSS, DOUBLE, JSS, TRIPLE, ch1, JSS, 3 tc in same st, ch1, DOUBLE, ch1, DOUBLE, ch1, TRIPLE, ch2, sl st to top chain of beg ch-3; bind off —68 st.

* * *

And if your next square is a Hello Kitty with the joining edge at the top, i.e. above the ears, below are those directions.

(photo coming soon)

Start with background color yarn (pink), 5.00mm hook and a Hello Kitty face:

R9: Turn/Hold face so marked ear is on the right if you’re right-handed, on the left if you’re left-handed. Starting at tip of ear, put hook through middle (marked) st of W in previous round, yo and pull loop through, ch 1, sc in same st, sc x 5, skip 1 st, sc x 2, skip 1 st, sc x 5, W, sc x 13, V, sc x 12, V, sc x 14 (14th sc is in same st as 1st sc of current round), sl st to 1st sc of current round —60 st.

(If you prefer to use conventional crochet pattern terminology, abbreviated version is here and full text is here.)

Switch to larger 6.00mm hook.

R10: Don’t turn. Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc st), 2 dc in sl st from previous round, JSS, TRIPLE, JSS, TRIPLE, JSS, DOUBLE, ch1, JSS, 3 tc in same st, ch1, DOUBLE, ch1, DOUBLE, ch1, TRIPLE, ch2, 3 tc in same st, ch1, DOUBLE, ch1, DOUBLE, ch1, TRIPLE, ch2, 3 tc in same st, ch1, DOUBLE, ch1, DOUBLE, ch1, TRIPLE, JSS, ch1, sl st to top chain of beg ch-3; bind off —68 st.

 

Picot Border

With the squares all attached together, next step is to finish the edges and add some structure to the scarf by adding a border.

Notes: For the picot round, R3, you will be doing a series of {sc, sc, picot} sets except at the corners where there should be a picot in the stitch before the corner st, then 3 sc in the corner st, then a picot in the stitch after the corner st. So, depending on where you start along an edge, you may need to add a picot or a sc, picot before starting your first full set of {sc, sc, picot}. Also, if the number of stitches between the two corner stitches along an edge:

  • is evenly divisible by 3, then add an extra sc into two of the {sc, sc picot} sets somewhere along the edge;
  • has a remainder of 1, then no extra sc are needed;
  • has a remainder of 2, add an extra sc into one of the {sc, sc, picot} sets.

* * *

Easy way (but I didn’t like how the border dipped in slightly at every spot where two squares joined):

Start with background color (pink), 6.00mm hook (I think, or maybe I used the 5.00mm one…) and joined squares:

R1: sc all the way around the scarf, doing 3 sc in each ch-2 sp corner, sl st to 1st sc of current round.

R2: ch 1, turn, sc all the way around the scarf, doing 3 sc at each corner, sl st to 1st sc of current round.

R3: ch 1, turn. Including the exceptions and additions as explained in picot note above, {sc, sc, picot} all the way around, doing 3 sc at each corner, sl st to 1st sc of current round

* * *

Slightly more complex way (that gives a smoother/straighter border because of the increased stitch heights at every spot where two squares join; see photo below)

IMG_2029

Start with background color (pink), 6.00mm hook (I think, or maybe I used the 5.00mm one…) and joined squares:

R1: Starting with 1 sc in the ch-2 sp at a corner heading toward a short edge, sc all along the short edge, 3 sc in the ch 2 corner space, 15 sc, {hdc, dc, hdc, 14 sc*}, repeat {} until you reach next corner, 3 sc in the ch 2 corner space, sc along the short edge, 3 sc in the ch 2 corner sp, 15 sc, {hdc, dc, hdc, 14 sc*}, repeat {} until you reach the corner, 1 sc in ch2 corner sp, sl st to 1st sc of current round.

*You might have to do fewer or more sc, depending on how you joined your squares.

R2: ch 1, turn, sc all the way around, doing 3 sc at each corner, sl st to 1st sc of current round.

R3: ch 1, turn. Adding extra sc if needed as explained in picot note above, {sc, sc, picot} all the way along, doing 3 sc at each corner, sl st to 1st sc of current round. Bind off.

 

Finishing

Weave in all ends and block the scarf. (If you’ve never blocked before, Rachel at crochetspot has some good info to get you started.) Then add the facial features and accessories and you’re done!

* * *

One of the keys to really making this look like Hello Kitty is correct placement of eyes, nose, and whiskers. Hopefully the gridlines on the image below are helpful. The eyes are really low, in the bottom half of her face, each about ¼ of the way in from the sides. And her nose is even lower, about ¼ of the way from the bottom edge.

clip_image001[4]

So, using black yarn in a yarn needle, embroider eyes and whiskers. Embroider nose using yellow yarn.

In order to make a face on both sides, I made the eyes and nose by putting 3-4 stitches on top of each other, allowing two of the stitches to curve outward to create the oval shape and then tying each one off individually and trying to hide the knot under the stitches on the “back” side. For the whiskers, I did one long stitch for each, tied a knot on the “back” side, slid the knot as far to the outside as I could, i.e. off of her face, onto the outline, and then dabbed some FrayCheck/fabric glue onto the knot before cutting the tails off really short.

I will warn you – this was the hardest part for me and at least one other person: getting the eyes to be the same size and evenly aligned, getting the “back” to look at least half-way decent, hiding the knots on the back… I pulled out all my work and started over a number of times. But it is possible. I’ll take pictures of the next face I do.

* * *

Now for the flower for her ear…

IMG_1888

With flower color yarn (yellow):

R1: Start with magic ring (or alternate method: ch 4-6 and join into ring with sl st), ch 1 (does not count as st), 5 sc into magic ring (or plain chain ring), sl st to 1st sc (counts as a st).

R2: {sl st, ch 3, sl st} in BLO of each st. [6 petals].

After last sl st, cut yarn, pull through and tie to starting tail. Sew onto Hello Kitty face near right ear using white yarn so stitches don’t show on the other side. (For a one-sided application, I would have just used one of the yarn tails.)

* * *

I tried two bows and didn’t like either one. But they can’t be that hard to make. Any ideas? : )

 

Join As You Go

As mentioned earlier, this pattern joins the squares as they’re finished, not after the fact. Essentially, you substitute a slip stitch for a chain stitch along sides you want to join, inserting your hook into the corresponding chain space of another square before completing the slip stitch. For the scarf, always join along the longer edge of the square. The photos below show joining along the third edge; if you’re attaching a Hello Kitty square along its top edge, you will have to join right away along the first edge. In that case, do steps 6-16, then loop back to the beginning.

Here’s a photo tutorial of how I did that:

1. Finish last 3 tc shell of current edge. Match up current square to previous square.

IMG_1977

2. Insert hook, front to back, through ch 2 space at corner of previous square.

IMG_1978

3. Yarn over…

IMG_1979

4. …and pull loop through to create joining slip stitch.

IMG_1980

5. Chain 1 to finish corner (not shown in photos).

6. Crochet first dc shell of current edge.

IMG_1984

7. Insert hook, front to back, through next ch 1 space on previous square.

IMG_1985

8. Yarn over…

IMG_1986

9. …and pull loop through to create joining slip stitch.

IMG_1987

10. Crochet next dc shell.

IMG_1988

11. Repeat 7-10 until you reach ch 2 space at next corner.

IMG_1997

12. Chain 1 to finish edge/start corner (not shown in photos).

13. Insert hook, front to back, through ch 2 space at corner.

IMG_2000

14. Yarn over…

IMG_2001

15. …and pull loop through to create joining slip stitch.

IMG_2002

16. Continue around remaining edges, starting with a
tc shell in the ch 2 corner space.

IMG_2004

Finished Edge, joined as you went!

IMG_2008 IMG_2009

 

PDFs of pattern

If you want a shorter version to print out, here it is. Click the paper size you want to get to the downloadable pdf…

Hello Kitty Granny Square Scarf: Free Crochet Pattern
* US Letter size * A4 size *

102 comments:

  1. Hi, this is a wonderful tutorial with nice clear pictures. I will probably give this a try bit later. Just started on doing granny squares as a new project. Thanks for putting such effort into this!

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  2. this is perfect . so helpful..i love it !!thanks

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  3. I am so excited about the hello Kitty squares! Thank you for sharing :) I'm thinking of making a blanket for my daughter out of your squares since she LOVES Hello Kitty! And it's neat that they are rectangles. Again, thank you so much for sharing!

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  4. Glad you're able to use this! And thanks for leaving a note. If you get stuck anywhere, just drop me a line. (Or if you see a spot I should change/improve...)

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  5. I am new crochet but I know how to do all the stitches necessary. I'm just not quite getting how to make the face. I'm not getting R2 with the top and bottom fsc instruction. I don't get what that means. Also am I supposed to be crocheting through the front or the back of the stitches or through both of them....I LOVE HK and really want to make this but I know I am doing something wrong. Please help!

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  6. I tried a few times and I think I got it now. Just gotta keep track of my stitches so each face is the same. I messed up a little but practice makes perfect. Anyway, tahnx for the pattern. I really appreciate it. Yours is the best crocheted HK I've found yet.

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  7. Thanks, Ms Reyes. I started to reply to you yesterday by clicking your link, but then it asked me for an aol log in. And then I forgot to come back here and just leave a comment.

    Anyway, glad you figured it out. Just to be sure: imagine the fsc makes a line of Xs on a sheet of paper. The next round goes sort of like a letter C -- a wide, short one -- around the line of Xs. Yeah, looking back now, my HK face is full of weirdness, non-conventions, etc, but when I was doing it, I didn't think I'd be writing up a pattern. And then when people started asking for the pattern, I didn't feel like figuring out how to do it all the "normal" way. : )

    To answer another question, you always go through both loops. Well, except for at the very end if you follow my instructions for the little flower for her ear...

    As for keeping track of the stitches, if you mess up the locations of hte increases, it probably won't be noticable. The main thing is to have the right number of increases so the face lies flat...

    Any other questions, let me know. I'll try to answer them here.

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  8. Thank you so much! I'm making a coin purse for my little niece's birthday using your hello kitty pattern. Awesome tutorial!

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  9. hey K ana here ^^
    thank uuu for this =)
    quick question: what r th exact stiches for the ear?:s I made my version of it buuut it does not look good =(

    xxx

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  10. Ana BananA - sorry to hear you're having trouble. The ear stitches are listed in a top section called "Special stitches" (or something like that). I've pasted the ear portion here:

    EAR = sl st in next st, hdc in next st, ch 1, dc in same st as hdc, ch 1, tc in next st, ch 1, dc in next st, ch 1, hdc in same st as dc, sl st in next st

    If this is still unclear, please let me know exactly what your trouble is; I might be able to help more...

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  11. GRACIAS POR COMPARTIR, TU EXPLICACION HARÀ MAS FACIL HACER UNA MANTITA DE BEBE!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. i love this project but im having trouble reading the instructions. what does {ch1, DOUBLE} mean?

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  13. Hi Yayi--
    The "DOUBLE" is written up under "Special Stitches & Techniques"

    Good luck.

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  14. im such a goof, i noticed after the fact. it's always helpful to READ before i ask!! LOL btw, i finished it using teal, gray and white. it's beautiful, if i do say so myself. i'm giving it to my 16yr old niece for christmas :) thank you for such a great pattern. you rock!

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  15. Hei, thank you so much for posting this amazing pattern. I have a question about the kitty face. What does 'W ' mean when I'm doing the lining for the face? I'ts probably simple answer but my english isn,t so good. Thank's again!

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  16. Sorry. I found the meaning in your tutorial.

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  17. It's under "Abbreviations" -- W = 3 single crochets in next stitch. I decided to write it that way instead of writing "3 sc in next st" each time.

    Good luck, jonnis!

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  18. Hi. Thanks so much for this tutorial! I finally made one!
    http://magneticmary.blogspot.com/2011/01/hello-kitty-scarf.html

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  19. Thanks SO much for posting this, and with so much helpful detail and pictures! I have a friend who is obsessed with Hello Kitty, and I am going to make this for her. She will love it!

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  20. Thanks so much for your dedication to putting this all down on paper. I am working on the face squares right now and then will finish the others to make a tote bag out of them for a dear friend.

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  21. Hi I really love this tutorial but I'm still haveing trouble on making the kitty ears D:, R7, When I do it it still looks like a circle, help please?

    Please reply at kiyotoap@yahoo.com if you can that'd be great :D

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sorry to hear you're having trouble, Kiyoto. An email to you is on its way...

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  23. Thank you soooooooo much for the wonderful pattern and tutorial!

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  24. I love your tutorial. Thanks so much for posting this. I'm using this to make some hello kitty blankets for my twins.

    However, I am having a little trouble with Round 10. While I've mastered the cat face, it seems when I finish the square, it doesn't come out exactly square. When skipping 4 stitches, is there an exact number of times we do this or should the 3 lines you have listed be enough to go completely around the cat face?

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  25. Karin first off thank you for the great pattern!So here is my problem I think I am not getting the "W" stich in the right spot so when I try to finish the cat granny square it is not linning up right. Can you tell please me where abouts the "W" stitch should be so I know where to start the granny square with the cat face in it? mmm lol I hope that makes sense!

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    Replies
    1. Sorry I didn't reply to this earlier, Jodi. I just discovered more than a dozen "pending" comments. Not sure why some comments went through and some were caught in the "pending" folder (that I didn't even know existed!)

      In case you (or someone else) is still wondering, the "W" stitch (which is just three sc in ONE stitch) is made right at the tip of the ear.

      Delete
  26. Thanks for the written directions, I tried using the pattern graph from somewhere else, but I was to "challenged" :) I'm so glad you shared. THANKS !!

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  27. Thanks for the written directions, I tried using the pattern graph from somewhere else, but I was to "challenged" :) I'm so glad you shared. THANKS !!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thank you for this beautiful scarf's tutorial. I love it ^^ .

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  29. just thought you'd want to know that there is a person on yardsellr.com selling the pattern for your hello kitty scarf...

    http://yardsellr.com/for_sale/hello-kitty-crochet-scarf-pattern-402245

    ReplyDelete
  30. thanks so much!
    i have made a bow using the following (UK abbr):

    Ch20, dc around 6 times. Break off.
    get one of the tails and gather in the middle.

    R1: 5dc in magic ring, sl st
    R2: dc, (sl st, tr, tr, sl st) in the next st, dc, (sl st, tr, tr, sl st) in the next st, dc ,sl st – break off


    connect to the first part.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry I didn't reply to this earlier, Anon. I just discovered more than a dozen "pending" comments. Not sure why some comments went through and some were caught in the "pending" folder (that I didn't even know existed!)

      Anyway, thanks for posting this.

      Delete
  31. Thank you for posting this tutorial. This is the best Hello Kitty I've seen. I haven't made the scarf yet, but I did make her and put her on an ear warmer I made. I did a white face with grey trim, and the ear warmer is pink with purple trim. I also used the picot stitch so that it will match the scarf when I make it. I made a bow by wrapping yarn around 2 of my fingers, then cinching it in the middle by wrapping some yarn around it there. (you had said that you had difficulty making a bow for her) It turned out so cute, and I've gotten so many great comments! I switched my profile pic to show my daughter wearing it. I hope you're able to see it. Thank you again!!!

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    Replies
    1. Sorry I didn't reply to this earlier, Jennifer. I just discovered more than a dozen "pending" comments. Not sure why some comments went through and some were caught in the "pending" folder (that I didn't even know existed!)

      The ear warmer sounds so nice!! And thanks for the tip on how to make the bow too!

      Delete
  32. This is awesome. I can't wait to make it for my sister. Thanks!

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  33. I found a really simple and cute bow from a pattern for a backpack from hKittyBPpattern.

    All you do is the following:
    Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (Ch 1 and turn, sc in each st across) 3 times more. Using a piece of yarn, gather in the middle and tie a knot.

    I did not ch 1 when I got to the end of the row, instead I turned and sc in the first stitch and all the way down and when I got to the ends. I also left the tails long and then weaved them in to the middle and wrapped them around the middle going opposite ways and tied knots and then attached to the scarf with a needle going thru the area on the back of the bows where I wrapped it around and then tied knots behind the bows so you cant see.
    Let me know what you think!!!

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    Replies
    1. Sorry I didn't reply to this earlier, Patricia. I just discovered more than a dozen "pending" comments. Not sure why some comments went through and some were caught in the "pending" folder (that I didn't even know existed!)

      This bow sounds great, nice and easy. Thanks for taking the time to tell me about it!

      Delete
  34. Thank you for this tutorial - I have just finished making a scarf to go in my daughter's Christmas stocking! I did a bow for Kitty's ear - if you'd like the pattern, just let me know. I also made a matching hat :-) You can see pics here: photobucket.com/hellokittyscarf (password is Hell0K1tty)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry I didn't reply to this earlier, FebFiesta. I just discovered more than a dozen "pending" comments. Not sure why some comments went through and some were caught in the "pending" folder (that I didn't even know existed!)

      Your scarf and hat look great!! Thanks for including the link and password!

      Delete
  35. Greetings K,

    I do appreciate the spirit of sharing on this forum. I found this site, and I decided to make a scarf for my niece. However, I also did the Hello Kitty granny square for my Japanese Culture Class at UNCA; I added a link to your blog on a wiki page in our class forum at Japanese Outsider, and I explained the importance of Hello Kitty in Japanese culture.

    http://outsiderjapan.pbworks.com/w/page/37892912/hello%20kitty%20granny%20square

    My professor was blessed with the fruits of my labor. I would say that the most challenging part of creating this grand granny square lies in creating the face. I have never been very patient where these sort of tasks are concerned. However, I did appreciate the diagram of the face that you provided on this site.

    Due to the fact that Hello Kitty debuted in Japan in 1974 on a coin purse, I would love to do a really groovy crocheted Hello Kitty coin purse. How if we have a Hello Kitty Groovy crocheted coin purse challenge?!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry I didn't reply to this earlier, Ife. I just discovered more than a dozen "pending" comments. Not sure why some comments went through and some were caught in the "pending" folder (that I didn't even know existed!)

      Anyway, thanks so much for your comments. The class sounds so interesting and I'm glad you were able to use my pattern for it!

      While I don't have time right now to do a coin purse challenge, I LOVE the idea!!! Perhaps if I just let it simmer at the back of my mind for a while, I won't be able to let it go and will "have" to make a coin purse. How CUTE would that be!!!!!

      Delete
  36. Thank you so much for sharing this cute scarf! If I get brave I might have to make it for one of my nieces next year :) Thank you for doing so much work to put this together and for the PDF file!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry I didn't reply to this earlier, Elicia. I just discovered more than a dozen "pending" comments. Not sure why some comments went through and some were caught in the "pending" folder (that I didn't even know existed!)

      Anyway, I just wanted to thank you (and other "thankers" above) for your note(s). It's nice to be appreciated sometimes. : )

      Delete
  37. I'm having a problem with the ears putting the outline in grey. It says to skip sl st. I'm confused because there is no slip st. Can you help my addy is krodriguez5@ msn.com. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry I didn't reply to this earlier, Kelly. I just discovered more than a dozen "pending" comments. Not sure why some comments went through and some were caught in the "pending" folder (that I didn't even know existed!)

      So sorry to hear you're having trouble. If you still want help -- 4 months later! -- let me know!

      Delete
  38. you should really make a video tutorial on you tube! i love the pattern but im a beginner and seeing it helps so much!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh, tempting. I know I love seeing things on video too! Just not sure where I'll find the time right now...

      p.s. Sorry I didn't reply to this earlier, Krys. I just discovered more than a dozen "pending" comments. Not sure why some comments went through and some were caught in the "pending" folder (that I didn't even know existed!)

      Delete
  39. I can't get the cats ears to come out right. My cats ears are round. My cat looks like a polar bear! Lol. Help? :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. Oh no, Lynn! See what happens if you take out the chains between the stitches that make up the ear. Perhaps your chains are looser than mine.

    If that doesn't do the trick, email me a photo of your "polar bear" -- maybe I'll have another idea after I see it.

    Good luck!

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  41. THANK YOU very much - Sorry for screaming! But I´m just so happpy you shared this. There´s good picture´s and tutorial.
    My grandchild is so happy. Her friend want one as well :-) But I will try to make a bag first.
    Again, thanks!!!

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  42. Thank you SO SO much for these instructions!!! Deeply grateful!

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  43. OMG thank you for sharing and the tutorial is definitely easy for a beginner like me -Nana-

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  44. I am totally going to make this. Thanks!

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  45. What is the marked ear?

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    Replies
    1. It's the very tip of the first ear, as mentioned in R8 after the "W" stitch (emphasis added)...

      "R8: ch1, turn, sc x 3, skip sl st, sc x 4, W (mark middle/2nd stitch), sc x 4, skip sl st, sc x 4, skip sl st, sc x 4, W, sc x 4, skip sl st, sc x 2, V, sc x 2, V, sc x 14, V, sc x 2, sl st to 1st sc of current round; bind off —56 st."

      Delete
  46. Thank you soooo much!!! my daughter will love this x

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  47. In Row 8 of the face ; it says "skip sl st" , does that mean SKIP a stitch & sl into the NEXT stitch?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, in Row 7, you should have added four slip stitches, two per each "ear." In Row 8 then, you SC around, skipping the slip stitches at the base of each ear.

      Delete
  48. I have been able to complete the cats face all the way around to the final round to make the square and am not able to understand the instructions. I cannot make it square. I am going to wear the yarn out pulling it out and redoing. Any suggestions?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When you say you can't make it square, do you mean that you are inserting the double/triple crochets where the pattern says to insert them but it's not looking right/meeting up?

      If that's the case, then maybe you have a different number of stitches in your outline colors (grey and/or pink) and so you need to abandon counting the stitches and just put the double/triple crochets wherever they seem like they should go.

      (See this photo: http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HeAZI_Ym1xM/SxyHt2raVCI/AAAAAAAADe0/5gFk-c1gmU8/IMG_1886_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800 under the "Last Rounds" heading.)

      Along the top edge of the kitty face, you put a set of double crochets into the tip of one ear, then a set of triple crochets near the inside base of each ear, then another set of double crochets into the tip of the other ear. Along the edges at the sides and bottom of the face, you do the opposite -- you put a set of triple crochets into the tip of the ears and near the bottom "corners" of the face and you put sets of double crochets (two sets) along the middles of the edges.

      If you're still confused, then I need to know more about your specific problem in order to help you. Like, exactly what part of the instructions don't you understand? How much experience do you have with granny squares? Do you have the same number of stitches as mentioned in the pattern (56 for the grey SC outline, 60 for the pink SC outline)? When you say you can't make it square, what exactly does that mean? What DOES it look like, if not square (or actually rectangular)?

      Hope you don't wear your yarn out any more! : )

      Delete
  49. Do you have a video on how to do the granny squares ? I dont actually get it. Like where do I do the () very confusing !!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry, at this time, I do not have a video for this project. There are many videos on youtube about how to make a granny square. The only difference between those and these ones here are that usually you do double crochets on all four sides of the granny square. In this one, you need to do double crochet on two of the sides and triple crochets on two of the sides, so that you end up with a rectangle instead of a square.

      Delete
  50. Hi, I'm making this scarf as a birthday present for a 6 yr old, and don't have a lot of time left. I went through the face squares in a breeze! But the granny squares I'm finding confusing. I'm not a beginner by any means, but is there a more specific broken down method you have? I'm finding the brackets hard to follow, not the stitches themselves, but where I'm supposed to place them? My email is ash071404@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry to hear it's confusing. I agree - I just haven't had the time to change things, too many other things that are more pressing. But an email with some attempts to better explain is on it's way. Hope it works for you!

      Delete
  51. Hello Karin, I am trying to adapt the pattern to a crib size afghan. Could you tell me how many skeins for the background color did you use for the scarf? Please respond to fizzstix @ gmail.com just in case I miss your response here.

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  52. I've come up with a bow that doesn't require a kind of "wrap around" technique (which I find can become loose more easily):

    6 sc into Magic loop/double ring.
    sl st to join
    (ch2, dc in same st, ch1, hdc in same st, ch1, hdc in same st, ch1, dc in same st)*
    ch2, sl st in next 2 st.
    *repeat
    ch2, sl st
    Bind off.

    Here is my result:
    http://i48.tinypic.com/mv70i1.jpg

    Thanks so much for sharing this pattern, I made this scarf for my little sister who turned 7 last week and she loved it!

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  53. This is so cute - I am going to make it for 2 of my granddaughters for Christmas this year!!!!!

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  54. Hi I was wondering when you ch1 then turn are you now going right to left then next row left to right ch1 turn right to left again all the way around.? It's so simple it's messing me up sorry

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yup, bookseller, you're going around the circle in the opposite direction every time. I know many people just go around the same direction for each row, but then the stitches start to spiral a bit -- many people probably don't even notice (or care) but I do. I like the stitches to all stack up on top of each other, hence I change directions after every row.

      Delete
  55. This is amaaaaaazing!!!I can't wait to make it!!!

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  56. I love this,it's so cute. Thank you for sharing. :)

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  57. bellissima questa hello kitty...non si potrebbe avere però la spiegazione in Italiano di come eseguire la faccina?
    grazieeee

    ReplyDelete
  58. Hi, love your pattern! :D

    I have an inspiration-page in fb here: http://www.facebook.com/InspirasjonTilHandarbeide

    aaand i linked to this pattern. :) Hope that is ok.:)

    The questions popped in, asking me if I could translate the pattern in my blog? To norwegian, -and off course link to you-here- noting that this is your pattern.
    Is that ok?

    Have a beautiful day! :)

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  59. I've discovered that some of the instructions seem to be right hand specific....and I am left handed. But no worries, I'm printing out a copy of the pattern and will make the necessary changes for myself. Just wanted to comment in case any other lefties were feeling a little confused. P. S. I am making my nieces each a scarf for Christmas- I think they will love them!

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  60. I so love this hello kitty pattern and will do one for my own. Thanks for sharing the cool pattern!

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  61. Ugh I can not get this to print at all. Even when I try to highlight and print the selection. Anyone else having this problem? I wish there was a PDF or downloadable pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  62. I have a question in the pattern what does turn mean

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    Replies
    1. It means to chain one and then turn your work around so that you are crocheting the opposite direction of the last round or row.

      Delete
  63. Found your pattern on Pinterest. It is AMAZING!! Thank you so much for providing it for free! My daughter is going to love it!!

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  64. Love your pattern... Thanks so much for posting it.
    I've used it for the scarf and for squares to go in children's afghans. <3
    http://anothervegetarian.blogspot.com/2013/02/hello-kitty.html

    ReplyDelete
  65. Thank you tons for this Ive been looking for a hk head that actually looks like hk and urs is perfect. And fun to make xoxo

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  66. I cant get the head down. somewhere I keep messing up. I make the ch's then do first row. then go around and around it circles. my ear ended up in the middle or so of the head, I am doing everything you list however my stitches are still off. I have tried 3 times now. I really want to make this scarf.

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  67. Thanks a million for sharing the pattern! I love it!!

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  68. Thank you for sharing! I am going to give this a try tonight :)

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  69. THANK YOU SO MUCH

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  70. I made one of these as a gift for my daughter. I went on etsy to see other color variations and saw someone selling one using your wonderful pattern, when I clicked on the listing I noticed sthey took your photo to sell their scarf. If interested here is the listing: https://www.etsy.com/listing/87015729/hello-kitty-scarf-crochet-granny-square?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_query=hello+kitty+scarf&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=hello+kitty+scarf

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  71. How do you make ears i cant seam to find it

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  72. this looks amazing thank you for sharing the pattern

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  73. Hi--I seem to have problems when I am outlining in grey--when I get to skipping the slip stitch, I don't really see where to skip it? So I just skip a stitch and then do the single x 4? Does the slip stitch look different on top than a normal stitch, because I'm not really seeing it?

    Also, after one ear outlined in grey, it says to sc x 4, then skip the sl st, then sc x 4 and I should be at the base of the other ear? It seems like it is sc x 8 and then I am at the base of the next ear...HELP!

    ReplyDelete
  74. Would it be okay for my to sell a finished product made from this? I could site the url in the description if you would like

    ReplyDelete
  75. I am knitting Hello Kitty hats for my little nieces for Christmas (we're celebrating in January this year). These scarves will go GREAT with the hats! I have recently returned to crochet after EXTENDED hiatus (we're talkin' decades), so I hope I can pull this off. You're instructions are quite clear. I think if I am patient, I can do it. Thank you so much!

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  76. Oh my goodness, what an adorable pattern. Thanks so much for sharing!

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  77. Thank you so much for all of the work you put into figuring out and writing down this pattern! I am making the scarf now and consider myself a beginner at crochet but it seems to be turning out nice! I am looking forward to the finished product :)

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  78. Thank you so much for the pattern! It was my first attempt at Granny Squares and it turned out nice, I think. It finished much bigger than I expected tho, guess I should have read the dimensions, lol!! Thank you again :)

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  79. hi love this pattern having trouble finishing the outside of hk square dont know what ch1/j means and the other full descrip doesnt make much sense either please help i want to make this for my daughter

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  80. I absolutely love this! i am making a blanket for a toddler using this... Only thing is did anyone come up with something easier for making the face than embroidering each one? In this blanket, I have 21 kittys and i'm dreading doing the faces :(

    ReplyDelete
  81. I could not have made my Hello Kitty foodie photo without your help! I just did her face with a black outline. I didn't embroider the face, you are much better at it than I am! I used felt but it worked so well. Thank you for your guidance and inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Hi! I would like to say that this pattern is wonderfully written and beautiful! I've really enjoyed working on it! I have run into one problem that very likely my lack of understanding the instructions. I'm making the granny square for the face to go on, and I've gotten the first round using the magic ring method created, no issues. But when it comes to round 2, I got the to DOUBLE part, went to the special instructions, and am VERY confused on which four stitches to skip. It seems like no matter what I do, I can't get this round to work well. Can you explain to me what I'm doing wrong or if I've missed a step somewhere?
    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  83. this is so sweet especially for the beginner like me, i'd like to try thank you, really like this!

    ReplyDelete
  84. I liked this pattern very much! Used it to make a blanket for my cat :) blogged it here:

    https://craftbylemonfox.wordpress.com/2015/04/09/hello-kitty-crochet-blanket/

    and linked this page :)

    ReplyDelete