Easy Crochet Headband DIY

I knocked out more than 50 of these babies for the first booth I had at the Renegade craft fair.  They don't take a lot of time to whip up, and are a great beginner project for you budding crocheters out there.  

You'll need:

*1 Ball of Cotton Yarn in a fun color (I used Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Worsted Cotton)

*5mm crochet hook (I like the Clover hooks)

*A cute button  

*Embroidery thread closely matching your yarn

*Darning needle

First, let's learn the coolest trick for starting a double crochet project.  This will change your life.  No more boring foundation chains!  Go master this technique and come back to me.  Okay, got it?  Now lets make a headband!

Start your double crochet foundation row as we learned above, leaving a short tail of about 4-5 inches.  I can't tell you the exact amount of stitches you will need in your foundation because you'll be fitting this to your particular head.  I made 44 stitches, and I'd like to think that I have an average sized head.  Your chain should be around 45 stitches, more or less.  These headbands will stretch over time, and the button closure will allow for easy adjustment.  Not too tight, not too stretchy is what we're going for here!

Once you've got the length that feels right, make your turning chain of 3 single stitches.  

Double crochet into the top of the 2nd stitch from the base of the turning chain.  

Continue on until you reach the end of the row, and then slip stitch down the side and around the edge of your first row.  

The purpose of this step is to make the structure sturdier and more "finished" looking.  Once you come to the end of the first row, bind off and use your darning needle to weave in your strands.

Now rummage in your button jar and find a cute one that is the right size to fit through your stitches, but not too small that it won't "latch."  Now use your embroidery thread and needle, and sew it on at the end of one side, making sure it is lined up to push nicely through a stitch on the other end.  Adjust to size and wear with pride!

This weekend I've got a high school graduation to attend, a screen printing project to attempt, and a river to float down with friends.  It's going to be a good one...

Daily Dog - HOMER

I actually got to meet this charming fellow at the "Bark in the Park" Round Rock Express game back in April, and I can vouch for him being a social butterfly!  I can't believe he hasn't been adopted yet, because he is so friendly and well-behaved.  Homer is just over a year old, weighs 54 lbs, and is in the care of Blue Dog Rescue.  He has just realized that he loves to swim, so he could have a lot of fun with you at the lake this summer!  Go meet him this weekend!