crossed hdc and a free pattern

A few weeks ago, Jessica asked me if I knew how to make a dish towel hanger for her oven handle. Every time her son dried his hands, it ended up on the floor. I'd seen dish towels with crocheted toppers, but I knew she wouldn't want permanent toppers on all of her towels. Just something to keep it in place so her kids could use it. This is what I came up with.




My first try I just used a double crochet across. But it looked a little boring. So I pulled out one of my favorite stitches--the crossed half double crochet. It's a lot more interesting than a double or half double crochet, don't you think? Here are the instructions for this stitch if you've never tried it.

Crossed Half Double Crochet Stitch

If you can do the half double crochet (hdc) stitch, you can do this very cute variation. Here's how:

Starting with any number of chains, ch 2, *sk next st, hdc in next st, hdc in previously skipped st, repeat from * to end of row. If you have a chain left, do a hdc in that st. Ch 2, turn. Repeat.


Once I got going with it, I wanted to keep using it! But seriously, how many towel hangers do we Birdies need? So I came up with a new pattern using this old favorite. This iPod or cell phone cozy was made using the crossed hdc stitch. I love the way this stitch looks with two strands of cotton yarn. Practice the crossed hdc a little, then try this fun pattern!

iPod/Cell Phone Cozy Crochet Pattern



Finished size: 3" x 4.25" (approx.)--holds a full-size iPod and many cell phones, but measure yours before making this. You can always add stitches to make it taller or wider.

Materials:
G hook, 2 strands cotton yarn (we like Lion Brand's Cotton Ease)

Okay, let's get started!

Ch 13, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.

Row 1: Ch 2, turn (counts as hdc). Sk 1st st, hdc in 2nd st, hdc in 1st skipped st (crossed hdc completed). Repeat across row, ending with hdc in last st. (12 total hdc)

Rows 2-20: Same as row 1.

Row 21: Crossed hdc twice (4 sts), ch 2, skip next st, hdc in next st, hdc in previous st, sk next st, hdc in next st, hdc in skipped st, hdc in last st. (This row creates the buttonhole.)

Row 22: Repeat row 2.

Row 23: Sc in each st across. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Decide which side you want to be the right side. Fold over with right-sides together at about row 10. Make sure your device will fit inside with a flap folded over the top--adjust fold if necessary.

Using your tapestry needle and a length of yarn, sew up each side. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Turn right-side out. Position button so it will fit through buttonhole and sew to front side. You're done!

So are you going to try it? Oh, you don't crochet? No worries--there are couple of these cuties in Mandy's etsy shop. And if you like them, I'll make more.