Free Crochet Pattern: Ribbed Button Cowl

Ribbed Button Cowl

I am simply loving the cowls of the season!  I can't seem to stop looking in Department Stores and Boutiques for new ideas.  I love the natural wooden buttons and comforts of fall.  This is a quick and easy pattern for your most amateur beginners!

Supplies:
I Hook (5.5 mm)
Worsted Weight Yarn of your choice
Tapestry Needle for finishing


Abbreviations:
HDC - Half Double Crochet
CH - Chain



Instructions:

Row 1: Ch 86 - HDC in 2nd CH from hook and across, CH 2, Turn.  (85)

Row 2: In this row and remaining rows we will be working in the 3rd loop to give us the ribbed effect.  When working in the 3rd loop, you will notice your HDC from Row 1 will have 2 loops on top of your row and a "3rd" loop to the side of your row.  You will work a single  HDC in each 3rd loop across, CH 2, turn (85)

Row 3 - 19: Repeat Row 2.  Do not tie off at the end of Row 19.

Finish: At the end of row 19 SC up your short side (22)

Finish End:

Row 2-14: SC each across, Ch 1, Turn (22)










Add 2 (or 3) buttons, whatever your preference, to the unfinished end.  I used medium sized buttons so no need to worry about button holes on the opposite end!







Add buttons to unfinished end (end without SC)

Free Pattern: Crochet Dragon Fly Afghan

 

 As much as I love the summer months, I do enjoy the comfort of cooler weather.  I enjoy the delicious smells in my kitchen, sitting in front of a crackling fire and snuggling under a cozy blanket with my family.  It's also that time of year again, the time when I'm scouring through patterns and ideas looking for Christmas present opportunities! My mother is my biggest fan yet I'm ashamed to say I seldom crochet for my mom.  I'm not sure why, but aside from a quick scarf I hooked when I first started learning, I haven't thought to share one of my creations with her.  Being a lover of the dragonfly, when I saw this instructional video for the dragonfly stitch I knew it was perfect for a project for Mom!  This afghan not only worked up quickly, it's also easy for beginners!



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8LyxJN4P54





Materials:

Yarn - (Mom has a romantic rose color theme in her bedroom)

Color A - Lion  Brand Pound of Love in Oxford Grey
Color B - Caron One Pound in Rose
Color C - Lion  Brand Pound of Love in Antique White
5.0 mm (H) Hook
Tapestry Needle for finishing

Abbreviations:

CH - Chain Stitch
SC- Single Crochet
DC - Double Crochet
SL - Slip Stitch
SK - Skip Stitch
TRC - Triple (Treble) Crochet

Instructions:

Afghan:

(Color A) - CH 157
Row 1 (Color A) - DC in 3rd CH from hook.  DC across, CH 2
Row 2 - DC Next 12 *CH 1, SK next st, DC next 12* Repeat between (*) across, CH 2 and turn
Row 3 - DC Next 8, *CH 3, SK next 3 st, SC in space left by CH 1 in previous row, CH 3, SK next 3 st, DC Next 8* Repeat between (*) across. CH 2 and turn
Row 4 - DC Next 7, *CH 4, SK next 4 st, SC in SC from previous row, CH 4, SK next 4 st, DC next 7* Repeat between (*) across. CH 2 and turn
Row 5 - DC Next 7, *DC in 4 CH from previous row, TRC in SC from previous row, DC in 4 CH from previous row, DC Next 7* Repeat between (*) across.  Ch 2 and turn
Row 6 - DC Across, Tie off and finish

Row 7 (Color C) - SC across

Row 8 (Color B) - DC in 3rd CH from hook.  DC across, CH 2
Row 9 - DC Next 12 *CH 1, SK next st, DC next 12* Repeat between (*) across, CH 2 and turn
Row 10 - DC Next 8, *CH 3, SK next 3 st, SC in space left by CH 1 in previous row, CH 3, SK next 3 st, DC Next 8* Repeat between (*) across. CH 2 and turn
Row 11 - DC Next 7, *CH 4, SK next 4 st, SC in SC from previous row, CH 4, SK next 4 st, DC next 7* Repeat between (*) across. CH 2 and turn
Row 12 - DC Next 7, *DC in 4 CH from previous row, TRC in SC from previous row, DC in 4 CH from previous row, DC Next 7* Repeat between (*) across.  CH 2 and turn
Row 13 - DC Across, CH 2 and turn
Row 14 - DC Next 12 *CH 1, SK next st, DC next 12* Repeat between (*) across, CH 2 and turn
Row 15 - DC Next 8, *CH 3, SK next 3 st, SC in space left by CH 1 in previous row, CH 3, SK next 3 st, DC Next 8* Repeat between (*) across. CH 2 and turn
Row 16 - DC Next 7, *CH 4, SK next 4 st, SC in SC from previous row, CH 4, SK next 4 st, DC next 7* Repeat between (*) across. CH 2 and turn
Row 17 - DC Next 7, *DC in 4 CH from previous row, TRC in SC from previous row, DC in 4 CH from previous row, DC Next 7* Repeat between (*) across.  CH 2 and turn
Row 18 - DC Across

Row 19 (Color A) - SC across

Repeat pattern (Row 1 - 19) and color scheme until desired length completed.  I repeated 5 times and finished with a repeat of Rows 1-6.  This gave my afghan a consistent start and finish with a single row of dragonflies. 



Edging:

Round 1 - (Color A) Single Crochet around perimeter of afghan
Round 2 - (Color C) I started at the SC before a corner - SC, CH 2, SK 1 around.  In Corners SC, CH 2, SC in each corner ST. 

If you'd like a finished product please visit my Etsy store: 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/490954307/dragonfly-afghan

https://www.etsy.com

Crochet Owl Appliqué

If you're like me, I've loved owls since before owls were cool. I include owls in many of my projects from hats to scarves and amigurumi plush owls. Seriously, they're a hoot! (Okay, that was corny) Anyway... I put together this pattern for an owl appliqué to include on the Fall Baby Poncho and I couldn't be more happy with how he livened up this project! 

I apologize in advance for not taking pics along the way. I was caught up in a Netflix binge of 'Dexter' and I just kept hooking. Oops. Sorry. I am sure I will use this pattern again and I will do better next time. 😉 I promise to update with instructional pics on my next owl. 

Supplies- 

I used scraps to put this guy together so there is no telling what yarns I've used. This is where our art turns on those creative juices... Grab whatever you've got handy and start hooking. I used 7 different colors (one for each round) but he would be adorable with any color scheme so get crazy with him! 

4.25 hook (G)

Tapestry Needle for finishing 

Abbreviations: 

Ch - Chain Stitch
SC - Single Crochet
DC - Double Crochet

TR - Treble/Triple Crochet
SL - Slip Stitch

SK - Skip

Body-

Round 1: Magic Circle, CH 3, 10 DC in center of circle. SL to join. Tie off and finish. 

Round 2: CH 3, DC in same st, 2DC in each DC around. SL to join. Tie off and finish. 

Round 3: CH 3, *DC in next st, 2DC in next* Repeat between (*) around. SL to join. Tie off and finish. 

Round 4: CH 4, Sk 1DC, SL in next. *CH 2, Sk 1 DC, DC in next* Repeat between (*) around. SL to join.  Tie off and finish. 

Round 5: CH 3 under 1st CH st from previous round. 2DC in same CH space, *CH 1, 3 DC in next CH space* Repeat between (*) around. SL to join. Tie off and finish. 

Round 6: CH 1 under first CH st from previous round. 2 SC in same CH space, *CH 2, 3SC in next CH space* Repeat between (*) around. SL to join. Tie off and finish. 

Round 7: SL into 2nd DC in cluster on Row 5, CH 4. *DC in next 3 st (SC from prev row), TC in 2nd DC Row 5* Repeat between (*) around. SL to join. 

Round 8: CH 3, TRC next st, DC next 2, HDC next 2, SC next 10, HDC next 2, DC next 2, TRC next 2

Round 9: Repeat round 8. SL to join. Tie off and finish. 

Eyes- 

Round 1 - Magic Circle, CH 2, 10 DC in center of circle. 

Round 2- (change color) CH, SC around. Tie off and finish.
 

Nose- 

CH 5, DC in 2nd CH, HDC in next, SC in next. Tie off and finish. 

Sew eyes and nose onto owl. 

http://tonesofhomeky.blogspot.com/2016/08/fall-poncho-for-baby.html

Fall Owl Poncho for Baby

You may remember, earlier in the year I was itching with Spring Fever and put together the adorable Simply Soft Baby Poncho for my little Princess. Found here: 

http://tonesofhomeky.blogspot.com/2016/01/free-pattern-simply-soft-baby-poncho.html?m=1

(Instructional photos below are from original pattern) 

Now that summer is winding down (sadly) I am getting started on her fall digs. My little Princess is walking now and is developing a personality that is unique to her. I'm so delighted with the little lady that's emerging before me. That being said, I will now refer to her as Miss Sassy... Because, well, she is Saaaaasssssyyy! 

I used the Simply Soft Baby Poncho pattern as a guide and I used a fluffier yarn and added a row to accommodate the change in size. This poncho should fit her for a couple of years - 12 mos to 3T(ish)?  

My favorite thing about creating new patterns is the creativity of selecting the colors that I will use in my project. I always encourage putting your own spin on a project. The colors I used for the poncho are listed below:

Supplies: 

Color A: Lion's Brand Woolspun- Taupe

Color B: Lion's Pride Woolspun - Pumpkin

Color C: Lion's Pride Woolspun - Fisherman

Color C: Lion's Pride Woolspun - Mesa Print

4.25 hook (G)

Tapestry Needle for finishing 

Abbreviations: 

Ch - Chain Stitch
SC - Single Crochet
DC - Double Crochet

TR - Treble/Triple Crochet
SL - Slip Stitch

SK - Skip

Instructions: 

Color A

Ch 72. SL to join with 1st CH to make a round. 

Row 1 - SC each. SL to join. Tie off and finish. 

Color B

Row 2 - CH 2, Dc each remaining st. 

Row 3 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 35, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 35, 2TR SL to join. 

Row 4 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 36, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 36, 2TR SL to join.  Tie off and finish. 

Color C 

Row 5 - CH 1, DC same st, SC next 38, 2DC, 2DC, SC next 38, 2DC SL to join. Tie off and finish. 

Color D

Row 6 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 40, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 40, 2TR SL to join. 

Row 7 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 42, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 42, 2TR SL to join. Tie off and finish. 

Notice: The deeper stitches (i.e. TC in DC row) are creating the point in the 'V' on the front and back of your poncho so they should line up with the previous row's 'V' throughout. 

Color A

Row 8 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 44, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 44, 2TR SL to join. Tie off and finish 

Color B

Row 9 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 46, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 46, 2TR SL to join. 

Row 10 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 48, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 48, 2TR SL to join. 

Row 11 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 50, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 50, 2TR SL to join. Tie off and finish 

Color C

Row 12 - CH 1, DC same st, SC next 52, 2DC, 2DC, SC next 52, 2DC SL to join. Tie off and finish. 

Color D 

Row 13 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 54, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 54, 2TR SL to join. 

Row 14 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 56, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 56, 2TR SL to join. Tie off and finish. 

Color A

Row 15 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 58, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 58, 2TR SL to join. Tie off and finish. 

Shoulder Ties - (Color A) Ch 40 - count 18 from front middle of Row 1 and join with SC, Sc next 35, ch 40. Tie off and finish. 

Fringe - (All colors) Cut strands of each yarn approximately 3-4 inches in length. Hold 3 mixed yarns together and pull middle of loose strands through a loop in the bottom row in a slip knot. (I added fringe every 3rd stitch) Add fringe to the ends of ties at the shoulder. 

I've added a couple of appliqués to my poncho to give this project a little bit of funky. It's adorable plain but I don't live in a world of plain so I understand the need to cover it in fun! The patterns for the appliqués I used are found below. Enjoy! 

Heart Appliqué- http://www.skiptomylou.org/crochet-heart-applique/

Owl Appliqué-

http://tonesofhomeky.blogspot.com/2016/08/crochet-owl-applique.html?m=1

Funky Daisy Appliqué- 

http://tonesofhomeky.blogspot.com/2016/08/crochet-funky-daisy-applique.html?m=1

I've added a few variations below to get your creative juices flowing! 

This poncho leaves me craving pumpkin spice... 

A special order for a friend's niece... so cute! 

A special order for a friend. She requested the poncho pictured as a 40th birthday gift to herself. (I started with CH 110 for adult size)

Free Crochet Pattern: ZigZag Baby Afghan

I accidentally made these zig zags in my last afghan project when I changed color too soon. Oops!  It happens... I thought to myself "What a great idea for a sassy little baby blanket!" and with that, this pattern was born. I love how it compliments my little fashionista's personality...so full of pizazz and flash! 

The pattern is so simple even for the newest beginner and works up so quickly it's a perfect last minute gift or weekend project. I just love how it turned out!

Materials: 

- Yarn - I used Red Heart Black, White, Heather Gray and Magenta.

- 4.25 mm (G) Hook

- Tapestry Needle for finishing

(Hint: To soften the Red Heart yarn for baby soak your finished product in warm water and drop a few squirts of hair conditioner on your afghan. Work the conditioner into your afghan until it begins to soften then rinse thoroughly. Toss it in the dryer for a few and viola! Super simple and much softer!) 

Abbreviations: 

Ch - Chain Stitch
SC - Single Crochet
DC - Double Crochet
SL - Slip Stitch

SK - Skip

Instructions: 

Afghan:

Row 1: (black) Ch 85 - SL st in 3rd ch from hook, *sk 2, 3 DC in next st* repeat between (*) until last st, finish with 1 DC in last st

Row 2: (magenta) Ch 2, *DC in 2nd DC of the 3 DC cluster in1st row, ch 2, DC same st* Creating your 'V' stitch (Zigzag) Repeat between (*) until last st, finish with 1 DC in last st

Row 3-40: Repeat rows 1 and 2 rotating magenta and white on 2nd row of each pair.

Edging:

Row 1: (Heather Gray) Starting in a corner SC, CH 1, SC in same stitch. 1 SC in each st around continuing with same st combination in each of the remaining 3 corners (SC, Ch 1, SC)

Row 2: (White) Repeat row 1 

Row 3: (Black) Starting in a corner, DC, CH 2, DC in same st. 1 DC in each st around, continuing with same st combination in each of the remaining 3 corners (DC, ch 2, DC)

Row 4: (Magenta) *SL st first 2 st, DC next* repeat between (*) around. Sl into starting st and tie off

I hope you enjoy this zig zag afghan as much as I did! If you need a finished product please visit my Etsy store https://www.etsy.com/listing/263942608/zig-zag-baby-afghan 

Free Pattern: Crochet Boston Terrier Hat

My 6 yr old niece lost her Boston Terrier, Dixie, a few weeks ago and she has been heartbroken since losing her girl.  She requested a Boston hat for Christmas but I couldn't find any free patterns so I worked up this sweet little hat for her.  I hope she enjoys it as much as I enjoyed making it for her!  This Boston hat has a lot of pieces but she's simple to work up, even for a beginner.  Enjoy!

Crochet Boston Terrier Hat

Materials -

• 4.25 mm (G) Hook
• Yarn 
• White
• Black
• Brown
• Tapestry Needle for finishing
• Poly-fill Stuffing

Abbreviations -

CH - Chain Stitch
SC - Single Crochet
DC - Double Crochet
HDC - Half Double Crochet
SL - Slip Stitch
DC2TOG - Double Crochet 2 Together (decrease)
SC2TOG - Single Crochet 2 Together (decrease)

Instructions:

Hat: 

Round 1: (black) Ch 3, 10 HDC in the 1st Ch stitch, sl stitch into beginning ch, ch 2 (10)
Round 2: 2 HDC in each stitch, sl into beginning ch, ch 2 (20)
Round 3: * 2 HDC, 1 HDC in next* Repeat between (*) until final stitch, sl stitch into beginning ch, ch 2 (30)

Round 4: *1 HDC 2 st, 2 HDC in next* Repeat between (*) until final stitch, sl stitch into beginning ch, ch 2 (40)

Round 5: *1 HDC 3st, 2 HDC in next* Repeat between (*) until final stitch, sl stitch into beginning ch, ch 2 (50)

Round 6: 1 HDC each, sl stitch into beginning ch, ch2 (50)
Round 7- 15: Repeat Round 6.  Finish round 15, tie off and tuck ends.

Ear Flaps:

Row 1: (black)  Start new row in any stitch from round 10.  SC 12 stitches, ch 2, turn (12)

Row 2: 1 DC each (12)
Row 3: DC 2 TOG, DC next 8 stitches, DC 2 TOG, ch 2, turn (10)
Row 4: DC 2 TOG, DC next 6 stitches, DC 2 TOG, ch 2, turn (8)
Row 5:  DC 2 TOG, DC next 4 stitches, DC 2 TOG, ch 2 turn (6) 

Row 6: DC 2 TOG, DC next 2 stitches, DC 2 TOG, ch 2 turn (4) 

ROw 7: DC 2 TOG twice,

Count 14 stitches across the front of the hat, start new row for 2nd ear flap.
Row 1: SC 9 stitches, ch 2, turn (9)
Row 2: DC 2 TOG, DC next 5 stitches, DC 2 TOG, ch 2, turn (7)
Row 3: DC 2 TOG, DC next 2 stitches, DC 2 TOG, ch 2, turn (4)
Row 4: DC 2 TOG twice, tie off and finish

Cut 9-12 strands of black and white yarn (8-10" each) and pull through bottom of each earflap.  Braid and tie off. 

Cheeks:

Row 1: (white) Ch 17, 6 DC (all in same stitch) 2nd st from hook, 1 DC, HDC next 2, SC next 8, HDC next 2, DC, 6 DC last st, working around ch - DC, HDC next 2, SC next 8, HDC next 2, DC, Sl into starting ch

Row 2: Ch 2, DC next 2, 2 DC, 2 DC, DC next 2, HDC next 2, SC 8, HDC next 2, DC next 2, 2 DC, 2DC, DC next 2, HDC next 2, Sl. Tie off 

Row 3: Find middle stitch on top row and count 3 to the right. (5th loop from the top of the right cheek) Sl into 5th loop and SC in same st. SC next 5, ch 1 and turn

Row 4: SC across, ch 1 and turn (6) 

Row 5 and 6: Repeat Row 4 

Row 7: SC 2 TOG, SC next 2, SC2TOG, ch 1 and turn

Row 8: SC2TOG twice tie off 

Leave tail long enough to stitch on to hat

Chin:

Round 1: (white) Ch 2, 10 SC in the 2nd st from hook, sl stitch into beginning ch, ch 1 (10)
Round 2: 2 DC in 1st 6 stitches, 1 DC in next 4, sl into beginning ch (16) Tie off

Nose 

Row 1: (brown) Ch 5, SC 2nd st from hook and across (4)

Row 2: Sc across, ch 1 turn (4) 
Row 3: Sc 2 tog twice (2)

Row 4: Sc 2 tog (1)

Tie off 

Sew onto cheeks (middle)

Ears (make 2) 

Row 1: (pink) Ch 7, SC in 2nd ch from hook, 6 SC, ch 1 turn

Row 2: SC each, 6 

Row 3: Repeat row 2 

Row 4: SC2TOG, SC next 2, SC2TOG

Row 5: SC each, 4

Row 6: SC2TOG twice 

Row 7: SC each (2) 

Row 8: SC2TOG tie off 

Row 9: (black) SC around your triangle 

Repeat Rows 1-9 in all black for back of ears. Sew front and back together and tie off.  Leave tail long enough to stitch on to hat.

Eyes 

Round 1: (white) Ch 3, 10 DC in the 2nd stitch from the hook, sl stitch into beginning st, tie off


Round 1: (brown) Ch 2, 10 SC in the 1st st from hook, sl stitch into beginning st, tie off

Sew brown circle to middle of white circle.  Note: I added a stitch of white for accent 

Putting it all together!  - Sew chin onto hat before cheeks. The full part of the circle (2 DC st) should be on bottom for a pouty chin. Leave about 1/2 inch from bottom of hat.  I tucked a little poly-fill under the chin to make it pout.  Stitch cheeks over top of chin piece. 

If you're looking for a finished product please visit my Etsy store:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/490988725/crochet-boston-terrier-hat

https://www.etsy.com

Free Crochet Pattern: Boho Baby Afghan (V- Stitch)



Baby K approved!

This funky little afghan is a must-have accessory for the Boho Baby Girl in your life!  With a faux tie-dye pattern and daisy accents your little lady will be cozy and stylish!  My 3 month old granddaughter is just discovering her hands and the daisies double as entertainment for her grabbing hands!
 

Materials:

• 5.5 mm (I) Hook 
• Yarn - I used Red Heart with Love Punch for the body of the afghan.  It worked up in a fun tie-dye look!
• Tapestry Needle for finishing

Abbreviations:
Ch - Chain Stitch
SC - Single Crochet
DC - Double Crochet
TRC - Triple Crochet
SL - Slip Stitch

Instructions: 

Afghan -

Row 1: Ch 73

Row 2: 1 SC in 2nd ch from hook. 1-SC each ch across, ch 1 (72)

Row 3: SC in the 'V' of the 1st SC in Row 1, (this will create the split SC or 'V' st). Repeat in each SC across (72) 

Row 4 - Row 96: Repeat row 3

Border -
 

I used a complimentary color from my scrap stash for the first round of my afghan border. If you choose to do an alternative color, you will want to cut and tie off ar the end of row 96. If you want to continue with your afghan color, simply continue. 

Round 1: *SC (through top loops as normal) across (Row 97) In final/corner st- SC 1, Ch 2, SC 1* - Repeat (*) around. Finish and tie off. 

Daisy Edging -

• Daisy

Round 2: Using yellow yarn or preferred color for the center of your daisy. Ch 3, 8 DC in 1st ch (2 from hook) finish and tie off - (8)

Round 3: Change to white or your preferred petal color. Join in any DC loop and Ch 2, *TRC, Ch 1, TRC, Ch 2, Sl St, Ch 2* all in first St. Repeat (*) in each St around (8) Tie off and finish 

I used 24 Daisies for my afghan - 12 on each end. You may chose to use daisies on all 4 sides of your afghan edging, if so simply double your number of daisies. 

• Edging: 

Starting in corner stitch 1 SC first 3 St, *Ch 1, SL St in Ch (between 2 DC) of daisy petal, Ch 1, SC in next St, SC in next 2* Repeat (*) across to corner st, SC, Ch 1, SC. 

- If you chose to add daisies to all 4 sides of afghan continue around to starting corner st. In starting corner 1 SC, CH 1, SL into first ST of the round. 
 

- If you are only using daisies on 2 ends like my afghan, SC each down length of afghan and repeat daisy attachment on bottom, then SC back up remaining side. In starting corner 1 SC, CH 1, SL into first ST of the round. 

Ignore the ends that still need to be tucked.  My least favorite part!

Free Crochet Pattern: Shell Hat with Heart

This little hat is sweet and simple even for the newest beginner. This is one of my favorite hats to whip up quickly before Baby K and I enjoy some outdoor fun or a Girl's Day on the town. Every fashionista needs a fun, stylish hat - no matter her age! 

Note: The pattern below is for infant 3-6 mos. - to increase size you will add increase rounds (After Row 4) in multiples of 5. 2 increase rounds should give you an adult size hat. Add Shell stitch rows until desired length has been achieved. 

 

Materials:

• 4.25 mm (G) Hook 
• Yarn 
• Whatever color you prefer for hat 
• Heart color 
• Tapestry Needle for finishing
  

Abbreviations:

CH - Chain Stitch
SC - Single Crochet
DC - Double Crochet

HDC - Half Double Crochet
SL - Slip Stitch

Instructions:

Hat: 

Round 1:  Ch 3, 10 DC in the 1st Ch stitch, sl stitch into beginning ch, ch 2 (10)
Round 2: 2 DC in each stitch, sl into beginning ch, ch 2 (20)
Round 3: * 2 DC, 1 DC in next* Repeat between (*) until final stitch, sl stitch into beginning ch, ch 2 (30)

Round 4: *Sk 2 st, 5 DC in next st, Sk 2 st, SC in next st* this is your first shell stitch. Repeat (*) around, sl stitch into beginning ch 

Round 5: To line up your shells in this (and future) rounds, you will want to: Sk to middle DC of first shell stitch. 5 DC in center stitch (3rd DC) of 1st shell. Sk 2 st, SC in SC from row 4, *Sk 2 st, 5 DC, Sk 2 st, SC in next st*. Repeat (*) around, sl stitch into beginning ch. 

Round 6 - 10: Repeat round 5.  Tie off and finish. 

Heart

I used this simple Crochet Heart Appliqué pattern I found on "Skip to my Lou" at http://www.skiptomylou.org/crochet-heart-applique/. It's simple and an adorable embellishment for any project you can think of! 

(There are tons of other free patterns to browse so make sure to look around when you're done with your shell hat! )