Catching Rays CAL Week 3
Week 3 of the CAL is here! Are you ready to add that final edging? It is only 2 rounds, so it should work pretty quickly.
Before beginning here are a few notes:
I switched to an I hook by accident (you will see it in the photos) you do not have to switch. I just had too many projects open at once and made a mistake. Oops.
When working Round 1, skip over the surface sl stitches made when joining the squares.
The SC/Picot/SC is worked into the same stitch.
Stitch explanation:
Picot – ch 3, sl st in the first chain
I think that’s it! Grab your hook and yarn and let’s finish this project!
Round 1:






*2 SC in ch sp, 15 SC in ea st across, 3 SC in the ch 2 sp, 15 SC in ea st across, 2 SC in ch sp, sk sl st* 6 more times.
2 SC in ch sp, 15 SC in ea st across, join with a sl st to the first SC. (296 SC)
Round 2:


SC in last st. Join with a sl st to first ch 1. Fasten off. Weave in the ends.
(444 st – 222 SC, 74 picot, 148 ch 1)


Well done! Your Catching Rays Table Runner is complete! Please share photos of your table runners with me. I would LOVE to see them & share them in my social media feed! Tag me on Instagram or Facebook or send them via email.
I would also appreciate feedback so feel free to leave a comment or send me an email about your experience.
Thanks again for your participation!
💕Rachel
Catching Rays CAL Week 2
Welcome back to week 2 of the Catching Rays Table Runner CAL! Now that you’ve worked up your squares, it is time to join them together. I chose to use the surface sl st method for joining. I love how it provides extra interesting texture on top of the squares.
If you have not used this method before, watch this video tutorial by Happily Hooked.
If you prefer to join your squares using another method, this is fine, but please review how to layout your squares before joining.
Let’s begin.
First, lay out your squares as I have below:


I have placed a number on each square to make it easier to follow as we join. We will work all the squares in a continuous join in a zigzag, then repeat the same method in reverse.
Begin your surface sl st in the chain on the corner of squares 1&2, surface sl st in each st along the sides of the squares (17 st).


Add in squares 3&4 and continue up the side in the same manner.

Add in square 5 and work along the side of 5&4.

Add in 6&7 and continue working along the sides.

Add square 8 and work along the sides of 8&7.

Add 9&10 and work along the sides until you come to the 2nd to the last ch.


Fasten off.
Repeat the same method in the opposite direction. Fasten off and weave in the ends.




That’s it for this week! Come back next week for the final step! 💕Rachel
Catching Rays Crossbody Pouch – Free Pattern

This pattern is copyright protected by Warming the Heart and cannot be sold, transmitted, distributed or reproduced in any form or by any means. This applies for all content on Warming the Heart, all free patterns, all patterns for sale in the store, and even content such as tutorials.
In accordance with US copyright laws, you may sell any items made from this pattern. Items must be handmade, not produced commercially. If you sell your work online, please link to my website (or tag on social media): http://warmingtheheartcrochet.com
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
For customer support and questions about the pattern, please email us at
warmingtheheartcrochet@gmail.com.
Materials:
Worsted weight/ weight 4 Cotton yarn
I/9 hook (5.50mm)
darning needle
scissors
Approximate yardage needed: 93 yds
Pouch Construction: Begin with making Catching Rays granny square. Work in rounds to create the pouch using a variety of stitches. Attach the square and the strap to the pouch, and add fringe if you want.
Abbreviations (US terminology):
st – stitch
ch – chain
MC – magic circle
SC – single crochet
SC DEC – single crochet decrease
HDC – half double crochet
HDC DEC – half double crochet decrease
DC – double crochet
DC2TOG – double crochet 2 together cluster
DC3TOG – double crochet 3 together cluster
TR – treble crochet
ea – each
ch-sp – chain space
sk – skip
yo – yarn over hook
[ ] / * – repeat stitch pattern in brackets or beginning at asterisk as indicated
( ) – explanation as needed
BLO – back loop only
Special Notes:
a) ch 3 counts as first DC and ch 1 throughout the pattern unless otherwise noted.
b) ch 2 in Round 28 does not count as a st.
c) Stitch explanation:
Double Crochet 2 (3) Together (cluster): [yo, insert hook in st, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through 2 loops,] 2 times for 2 together(3 times for 3 together), yo, pull through all loops on hook.
d) YARN: I used Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton. Any worsted weight 4 cotton yarn works as a
substitute.
Catching Rays Square
I (5.50 mm) hook
Worsted weight/ weight 4 yarn
Now that you’ve gathered your materials, let’s get started!
Begin with MC
Round 1: Work 16 DC into MC. sl st to first DC. (16 DC)
Round 2: ch 3, *DC in between next 2 DC, ch 1* 15x. sl st in the 2nd ch. (16 DC, 16 ch 1-sp)
Round 3: sl st into ch 1-sp, ch 2, DC2tog in ch 1-sp, *ch 1, DC3tog* 15x, ch 1. sl st to the top of the DC2tog. (16 DC3tog, 16 ch 1-sp)
Round 4: ch 4 (counts as first DC and ch 2-sp), DC in same st, sk ch 1, *DC/ch2/DC in top of DC3tog from previous round, sk ch 1* 15x. sl st in the 2nd ch. (32 DC, 16 ch 2-sp)
Round 5: ch 2 (counts as first DC), *2 DC/ch 2/2 DC in ch 2-sp, 1 DC in next DC, 1 HDC in next DC, 1 HDC in ch 2-sp, 1 SC in each of the next 2 DC, 1 SC in ch 2-sp, 1 SC in each of the next 2 DC, 1 HDC in ch 2-sp, 1 HDC in next DC, 1 DC in next DC* 3x. 2 DC/ch 2/2 DC in ch 2-sp, 1 DC in next DC, 1 HDC in next DC, 1 HDC in ch 2-sp, 1 SC in each of the next 2 DC, 1 SC in ch 2-sp, 1 SC in each of the next 2 DC, 1 HDC in ch 2-sp, 1 HDC in next DC. sl st in the 2nd ch.
(60 st, 4 ch 2-sp) Fasten off. weave in ends. One square made.
For step-by-step pictures of the square, check out our blog post, Catching Rays Granny Square.

Pouch
Ch 16
Round 1: 3 SC in the end ch, 1 SC in ea of the next 13 SC, 3 SC in next ch, 13 SC in the back bump of the ch. Join with a sl st to the first SC. (32 SC)
Round 2: ch 2(counts as first DC), 1 DC in same as ch 2, 1 DC in next st, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in ea of the next 13 stitches, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in next st, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in ea of the next 13 stitches. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch 2. (36 DC)
Round 3: ch 1, SC in ea st around. sl st to the first SC. (36 SC)
Round 4 & 5: Repeat Round 3.
Round 6: 1 HDC in ea st around. Join with INVJOIN. (36 HDC)
Round 7: 1 SC in 3rd BLO of ea st around. (36)
8-11: Repeat Round 3.
Round 12: ch 3 (counts as first DC and ch 1 sp), sk 1, *DC in next, ch 1, sk 1*17x. Join with sl st to ch 2. (18 DC, 18 ch 1)
Round 13: ch 1, SC in top of ch 2, 1 SC in ch 1 sp, *1 SC in next DC, 1 SC in next ch 1 sp*17x. Join with sl st to first SC. (36 SC)
Round 14: ch 1, SC in ea st around. (36 SC)
Round 15-16: Repeat round 14.
Round 17: Repeat Round 12.
Round 18: Repeat Round 13.
Round 19-22: Repeat Round 14.
Round 23: Repeat Round 6.
Round 24: Repeat Round 7.
Round 25-27: Repeat Round 14.
Round 28: ch 2, 1 DC in same as join. 1 DC in ea st around. Join with sl st to top of first DC. (36 DC)
Round 29: Repeat Round 14.

Join square to pouch.
Attach the square to the pouch beginning with an SC in the right ch sp and BLO of the last round of the pouch. Continue across the square in the BLO of the square stitches and the pouch stitches until reaching the next ch sp. Work an SC in the ch sp and BLO of the next st on the pouch.
*SC in the ch sp, SC in ea st across the square to the next ch space. 2 SC in the ch space.* Repeat from * to * one more time.
Sc in ea st across the square and place one SC in the ch sp. sl st to first SC. Fasten off and weave in end. (68 SC)








Create the strap.
ch 156, DC in the BLO of the 2nd chain from hook and in ea BLO of the chains across. (155 DC)
TURN. Fold the DC in half. SC in the 2 loops of the DC and the 2 loops in ea ch to the end of the row. (155 SC) Fasten off and weave in end.
The strap will be twisty. I recommend wet blocking.


Sew the strap to the pouch into the 2 SC immediately to the left of the square. Fasten off and weave in ends. Repeat on the opposite side. Weave in ends.



Add fringe (If you want)
Cut 17 12” strands. Attach by double strands along the bottom of the pouch.

I hope you enjoy this FREE pattern. Please tag me if you create one on Facebook and Instagram! I would love to see your Catching Rays Crossbody Pouches!
Happy hooking, Rachel
CAL Week 1
Catching Rays Table Runner CAL
Welcome to week 1 of our CAL. I intend for this to be a very low key, easy-going CAL. This week all you have to do is 1) choose your color(s) and 2) make granny squares! Then weave in your ends.
I am labeling this as an advanced beginner/intermediate project, but if you have ANY questions at all, please contact me via Instagram @warming.the.heart or email me at warmingtheheartcrochet@gmail.com .
Here’s what you’ll need:

H/8 Hook to obtain a square measuring 4″ across the center and 5″ diagonally corner to corner.
Scissors
Darning needle for weaving in the ends of your yarn
Approximately 372 yds of any worsted (weight 4) cotton of your choice.
I used 24/7 Cotton by Lionbrand Yarn in white and taupe. I love 24/7 Cotton yarn because it is durable and gives great definition to stitches. It also comes in a wide variety of amazing colors.
I chose to make 4 squares in white for the center of my table runner and 6 in taupe for the sides, then I stitched them together and crocheted the final edging using white. Please feel free to be creative with your colors. You may even wish to change colors within the square itself. For smooth color changes from round to round, remember to finish your last stitch with the contrasting color. (see our tutorial here) .
Now that you’ve chosen your colors and gathered your materials, let’s begin!
Follow the pattern below and make 10 squares.
For a step-by-step photo tutorial with instructions, click here.
Begin with MC
Round 1: Work 16 DC into MC. sl st to first DC. (16 DC)
Round 2: ch 3, *DC in between next 2 DC, ch 1* 15x. sl st in the 2nd ch. (16 DC, 16 ch 1-sp)
Round 3: Sl st into ch 1-sp, ch 2, DC2tog in ch 1-sp, *ch 1, DC3tog* 15x, ch 1. sl st to the top of the DC2tog. (16 DC3tog, 16 ch 1-sp)
Round 4: ch 4 (counts as first DC and ch 2-sp), DC in same st, sk ch 1, *DC/ch2/DC in top of DC3tog from previous round, sk ch 1* 15x. sl st in the 2nd ch. (32 DC, 16 ch 2-sp)
Round 5: ch 2 (counts as first DC), *2 DC/ch 2/2 DC in ch 2-sp, 1 DC in next DC, 1 HDC in next DC, 1 HDC in ch 2-sp, 1 SC in each of the next 2 DC, 1 SC in ch 2-sp, 1 SC in each of the next 2 DC, 1 HDC in ch 2-sp, 1 HDC in next DC, 1 DC in next DC* 3x.
2 DC/ch 2/2 DC in ch 2-sp, 1 DC in next DC, 1 HDC in next DC, 1 HDC in ch 2-sp, 1 SC in each of the next 2 DC, 1 SC in ch 2-sp, 1 SC in each of the next 2 DC, 1 HDC in ch 2-sp, 1 HDC in next DC. sl st in the 2nd ch. (60 st, 4 ch 2-sp) Fasten off. weave in ends.

One square made.
Remember to repeat this 10 times for a total of 10 squares!
That’s it for week 1! See ya next week for the next step! 💕Rachel
Festival Flair Tank Top Pattern

The pattern for the Festival Flair Tank Top is now available in our Etsy and Ravelry shops! I designed this as a comfortable, empire waisted tank top. It is created by combining Lionbrand’s 24/7 Cotton & Comfy Cotton blend yarns and simplistic stitches. This pattern has all the works, photo tutorials, symbol charts, is size inclusive: XS-2X, and is flattering on every body type. For color inspiration, check out all of my tester’s photos below.









Thanks for all your constant support! I cannot express how encouraging it is! Check us out on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with our designs. Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive sales!
Wishing you sunshine and happiness,
Rachel
Iris Dreams Collection – New Pattern
The Iris Dreams Collection launched this year and it is such an elegant and airy collection. The first pattern in this collection, that inspired the entire collection, has actually been published by We Crochet on their site. They have named it Lattice Back Tee and it is part of the lovely Terrace Collection. You can purchase this pattern from them.


The next pattern I added to the collection was the Iris Dreams Shawl. It is perfect for those transitional times between seasons!



Last week, we released the Iris Dreams Cover-Up. This garment is very versatile. It has a variety of styling options and looks great with a tank top, long sleeved shirt, or with a swimsuit as a cover-up!



This week the Iris Dreams Shrug became available. This adorable little jacket is perfect for layering with dresses, tank tops, or t-shirts.



You can find the Iris Dreams Collection on Ravelry and Etsy, with the exception of the Lattice Back Tee.
Happy crocheting! If you make any of these items, be sure to tag us on social media!
Seaming with the Mattress Stitch
There are many ways to join your crochet projects. Some methods include the whip stitch, the slip stitch, the zig zag stitch and the mattress stitch, and I’m sure there are many more. Today, we will focus on creating a seam using the mattress stitch.
The mattress stitch is a wonderful way to join your projects. I really like that it leaves a flat and almost invisible seam. It is worked along through the “v”‘s created in crocheted fabrics in a shoe lace type weave.
I begin by placing the right sides of the work together. Line up the sides so the stitches match. Place stitch markers to hold ends in place if you are working a large project.
Using your darning needle, thread yarn from the outside to the inside for the first stitch, then thread yarn from the inside to the outside of the stitch on the opposite side. Follow this method, weaving the yarn from the inside to the outside through the tops of the stitches you are seaming together. (You can see the shoe lace weave appearance forming in the last photo of the collage below.)
After working through a few stitches, make sure to gently pull your yarn to bring the sides together and close the seam. Be careful not to pull too tightly as it will cause your work to pucker. If you happen to pull it too tightly, don’t worry, just gently tug your work from both ends and it will become straight again.
When you have finished working through all the stitches and pulled the sides together, fasten off your yarn and weave in ends. If you worked right sides together, remember to turn your work right side out again.

I hope this tutorial was helpful to you. I love using the mattress stitch for its ease and rewarding appearance. Happy hooking.
-Rachel
Iris Dreams Shawl – New Pattern
The Iris Dreams Collection embodies the feeling of spring as the beauty of spring fills our souls with delight and happiness. The newness of the blooming flowers and the flitting of butterflies brings clearness to our gaze after the long cold winter.
This interactive .pdf pattern is full of wonderful pictures, tips, and tutorials and links to tutorials. It includes a crochet stitch chart as well as instructions for blocking and finishing.
Features:
- simple, but lacy look worked in back and forth rows
- instructions included for adjusting the size
Details:
- written instructions
- photo tutorials
- gauge is included
- tips for blocking
- schematic
- crochet stitch charts
Materials:
- 650 yards of sport weight yarn (weight 2), yarn with natural fibers works best with this project
- 4.25 mm hook
- darning needle
- blocking materials
You can purchase this pattern on Ravelry or Etsy. Contact us for custom orders.
American Spirit Fingerless Gloves – New Release

Happy Friday!
We are pleased to release the American Spirit Fingerless Gloves pattern into the crochet world! This pattern features a crossing cable pattern that is worked from the cuff upward. It comes with instructions in four sizes – tween through adult large, a colorwork chart, and photo tutorials. We have also linked colorwork hacks found on our blog.
In celebration of this pattern’s release, we are offering a 30% discount on the entire #americanspirit pattern collection today through Sunday. You can follow the link in our bio to purchase these in our Etsy or Ravelry shops.
Thanks so much for supporting handmade in the USA!

Heart on a Stick
Happy Friday, I am back with another cute craft involving the Crochet Mini Heart. I have to admit “Heart on a Stick” is a funny title.. kinda reminds me of kabobs 🤣, but we won’t be grilling any hearts.. though am the intention in certainly to warm the heart of the intended recipient.

You know the drill!
Let’s gather the materials needed:
Worsted weight yarn
H hook
Scissors
Stitch markers
Darning needle
Dowel Rod or Skewer
2 Crochet Mini Hearts

Begin by placing your mini hearts together with wrong sides facing each other. I like to place stitch markers in the inner most chains and the ch 1 space at the point of the heart. The stitch markers help to keep the hearts in place and help you keep track of your count around.








I added mine to a bouquet of flowers. I also made a couple for my children to hand to their teachers. How will you use these? I would love to see your ideas. Share them with me on Facebook or Instagram.
Shout out to Kathy’s Kozies for the amazing wooden logo nameplate. I love the sweet touch they add to photos. You can order yours here.
I hope you’re enjoying all the crafts with these crochet mini hearts. I have another one coming at you next week. 💕Rachel