Free Pattern: Customizable Skull Applique [Revisited]

Last summer, I created a skull applique, and I wasn't 100% happy with it. I updated it April 2013, but never got around to taking a better photo to go with it. Not long ago, I decided I would FINALLY make some appliques for an updated photo -- and I realized I still wasn't 100% happy with the pattern! So, I revised the pattern, and worked with a handful of testers -- here is my final revision!

Special thanks to testers: Michelle of The Perfect Knot, Cara of HeritageHeartcraft, Christine of PickleWhat Crochet, Jan of Fairy Dust Creationz, and Ellamay J.

Pattern and photos are Copyright © 2012/2013 Lillian Minneman - Just Stitched. Pattern shall remain free, and may not be reproduced or sold. Feel free to link to this pattern!

Materials:
G/6/4.25mm Hook
WW Yarn in White (or desired color)

Notes:
Ch2 counts as 1st DC.
It is important to remember your last DC in rows 2-4 will be in the top of the ch2 (1st DC) of the previous row.
Slsts worked in the foundation chain counts as a stitch.

Basic Skull
To begin, chain 10

Row 1: DC in 3rd ch from hook. DC in next st, slst in next. DC in next st, 2DC in next st, slst in next st. DC in next st, 2DC AND slst in last st. (12 st)

Row 2: Rotate your piece so you are now working across the back side of beginning chs. Ch2. DC in same as ch2. DC across. (10)

Row 3: Ch2, turn. DC in next st. Ch2, skip 2 st, DC in next 2 st. Ch2, skip 2 st, DC in last 2 st. (6 DC + 2 ch2 sp)

Row 4: Ch2, turn, DC in next st, 4DC in chain space, DC in next 2, 4DC in chain space. Dc in next st. Ch2, slst in last st. (14 DC)

F/O. leaving long tail for sewing. Weave in beginning end. Sew on.


Variation 1: Slightly Sinister Eyes
Follow beginning of basic skull pattern to row 2.
Row 3: Ch2, turn. DC in next st. Ch2, skip 2 st, sc in next 2 st. Ch2, skip 2 st, DC in last 2 st.
Finish pattern as written.

Variation 2: Evil Eyes
Note: Slst worked in this row count as a st.
Follow beginning - row 2.
Row 3: Ch2, turn. DC in next st. Ch2, skip 2 st, slst in next 2 st. Ch2, skip 2 st, DC in last 2 st.
Finish pattern as written.

Variation 3: Monster Teeth
Note: Row 1 uses a picot stitch to create a point on each tooth. To create a picot, Ch3, then slst in 1st ch made.
To begin, chain 10
Row 1: DC in 3rd ch from hook. Picot. DC in next ch. Slst in next ch. DC in next st. Picot. 2DC in next ch, slst in next ch. DC in next ch. Picot. 2DC and slst in last st. (12 stitches, and 3 picots.)
Finish pattern as written.

Other ideas:
Use Tr stitches in row 3 of Variations 1 & 2.
Add extra rows between Row 2 & 3.
Add extra rows after Row 4.
Use ideas from above in endless combination!

Have fun!!


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Free Pattern: Bikini Top Applique/Alternative top for Keesha Arthur's "Booby Coozy" pattern

I thought these Boobie Koozies on Ravelry/Craftster were hilarious, and was ecstatic when a friend wanted to learn to crochet so she could make one last year. I spent hours teaching her and her cousin the basics of crochet, and we each started making a koozie. That day, I made the bikini top as written in the pattern, but I wasn't too fond of it. When a different friend asked me to make more, I decided I wanted something different, so I came up with this! One of the best parts is that its really easy to customize and make each look a little bit different! These could also be used as a large applique - just change the bikini strings to chains for an easier piece to sew down. Enjoy!

Pattern and photos are Copyright © 2013 Lillian Minneman - Just Stitched. Pattern shall remain free, and may not be reproduced or sold. Feel free to link to this pattern.

Materials:
G/4.25mm Hook
WW yarn in desired color
(Optional) WW yarn in contrasting color
Yarn Needle
Scissors

Key:
ch - Chain
sc - Single Crochet
st - Stitch
sc2tog - Decrease
F/O - finish off

Bikini Top (Make 2):
Leaving a couple inches extra to start with, Ch11.
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Turn (DO NOT CHAIN).
Row 2: sc2tog, sc across til last 2 st. sc2tog. (8st) Turn (DO NOT CHAIN)
Row 3: sc across. (8st)
Row 4: sc2tog, sc across til last 2 st. sc2tog. (6st) Turn (DO NOT CHAIN)
Row 5: sc across. (6st)
Row 6: sc2tog, sc across til last 2 st. sc2tog. (4st) Turn (DO NOT CHAIN)
Row 7: sc across. (4st)
Row 8: sc2tog, sc across til last 2 st. sc2tog. (2st) Turn (DO NOT CHAIN)
Row 9: sc across. (2st)
Row 10: sc2tog, sc across til last 2 st. sc2tog. (1st).
ch1, F/O. Leave long tail for top ties.

Finishing:
Attach tops together either by tying a knot in the starting tails, or sewing together with the tails.
Embellish as you wish (flowers, bows, sc around in contrasting colors, etc).
Cut two long pieces of yarn. Fold in half, and attach in the bottom corners of each bikini piece as you'd attach a tassel. Tie in back.
Weave in ends, and trim any excess on the ties.

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Free Pattern: Customizable Skull Applique (Updated April 15, 2013)

This is a great little applique to use if you're making Super Mario Mushrooms - it's perfect for the top of the purple mushroom! It's really versatile, so it's really easy to customize it to your liking!I paired mine with Linda Potts/Wolfdreamer's Mario Brother Mushrooms Pattern
This pattern was revised and updated.

Pattern and photos are Copyright © 2012 Lillian Minneman - Just Stitched. Pattern shall remain free, and may not be reproduced or sold. Feel free to link to this pattern.
Materials:
G/6/4.25mm Hook
WW Yarn in White

Row 1: Chain 10
Row 2: DC in 3rd ch from hook, DC in next, slst in next, *DC in next 2st, slst in next st* (9 st)
Row 3: Ch2, turn. Working across back side of beginning chs, DC across (8)
Row 4: Ch2, turn, DC in same st as ch2, ch2, skip 2 st, DC in next 2 st, Ch2, 2DC in last st. (5 DC)
Row 5: Ch2, turn, DC in next st, 4DC in chain space, DC in next 2, 4DC in chain space, Ch2, slst in last st.
F/O. leaving long tail for sewing. Weave in beginning end. Sew on.

Here's a few ways to customize:
In Row 2, add a picot between the DC's to make pointed teeth.
Add extra rows between Row 3 & 4.
In row 4, instead of DC (bolded text), SC or slst for slightly sinister-looking eyes.
Add extra rows after Row 5.

The possibilities are endless! Have fun!

If I forgot anything, or something doesn't make sense, please contact me!

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