Week 17: Celebrate the First Day Of Summer

Week 17: Celebrate the first day of summer (June 21, 2014) by crocheting a beach or summer fun project.

When I think of summer, I think of flip flops. There's nothing like the "twack, twack", sound and the effortlessness of getting them on and off. Tuck a pair into a beach bag with a swimsuit and towel and you're good to go. I've seen flip flop sock patterns but I decided to make my own. They are a fun and colorful companion for my favorite flip flops and feel great on my feet.

Instead of creating a pattern, I will share a basic tutorial so you can make a pair for yourself. See the end of the tutorial for special stitch instructions and a list of abbreviations. I used EZC Nautika yarn (85% microfiber acrylic/15% nylon) in turquoise for the main color. The orange and yellow are Frog Tree Pediboo Sock Yarn. I used a size D (3.25 mm) crochet hook, but use whichever size is necessary for your sock yarn.

Measure the circumference of the width of your foot, then subtract 1 inch to allow for stretching. This is length you will make your foundation double crochet (dc) row. Begin the sock at the toe edge.

Foundation dc row: With main color yarn, ch 3, and yarn over (yo). Insert your hook into the 3rd ch from your hook and pull up a loop. [Pay attention to this 1st loop, you may wish to mark it because you will be working the next stitch into it.] Yo, and draw through 2 loops, twice, to complete the dc stitch. Dc into the 1st loop of the previous stitch to create the next dc stitch. Work in this manner, making as many stitches as necessary until the unstretched row measures the length you need. Join with a sl st into the beg dc, taking care to not twist the row.

Esc rounds: Ch 1 and work extended single crochet (esc) sts in each st around. Do not join at the end of each round,. Work continuously in a spiral until the sock measures 2 1/2 inches, then join with a sl st. Fasten off main color yarn.

Attach color B (orange in my case) with a sl st in any esc and ch 3. Dc in the next esc and in each esc around. Join in beg dc and fasten off color B.

Attach color C (I used yellow) with a sl around the post of any dc of the previous round. Ch 3, work a front post dc around each dc of the previous round. Fasten off color C.

Finishing: Using the beg length of yarn, sew the bottom of the foundation row closed . Place the socks on your feet, with the foundation row closest to your toes, to determine where you would like the toe strap to be. To make the toe strap: use main color yarn and attach with a sl st to the foundation row. Ch 20, skip 6 chs (for buttonhole) and sl st in the remaining 14 chs. [My buttons are 3/4 inch, but you may need to adjust the number of chains depending on your yarn and button size.] Sl st in the beg esc st and fasten off.

Sew buttons to the tops of your socks that align with the toe loops. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Enjoy your flip flop socks!

Additional information:

Special stitch:
Extended single crochet (esc): insert hook into the st and pull up a loop. Yo, and draw through 1 loop on hook. You will have 2 loops on your hook. Yo, draw through 2 loops to complete the esc stitch.

Abbreviations:
beg - beginning, ch(s) - chains, dc - double crochet, esc - extended single crochet, sl st - slip stitch, st(s) - stitch(es)

Thanks for joining me for week 17 of the 52 Week Crochet Challenge!
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52 Week Crochet Challenge
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Weeks 15 and 16: "Interpret" a Crochet Pattern and Crochet a Project From a Chart

Week 15: Did you know that crochet terminology is different in the US and UK? Google search UK crochet patterns (or vice versa) and find a pattern you'd like to "interpret".

Week 16: Find a small crochet pattern, such as a square or motif, that has a stitch chart. Work the project from only the chart, without following any written instructions.

Understanding the differences between US and UK crochet terminology opens up so many new patterns to explore and crochet. One of my favorite sites for UK patterns is Drops Design.

However, instead of using a published pattern, I decided to design my own, Hexagon Potholder Pattern. I also combined both Challenges into one and created complete symbol charts of the Hexagon. I made pdf files in both US and UK crochet terminology. I've really enjoyed this as it's been awhile since I published a new pattern and it gave me some practice, especially with my crochet charting software. It's a simple design, but practical and useful. I hope you enjoy crocheting this project as much as I have. Enjoy!

Click the links below to download the pdf files, which are available as free Ravelry downloads:

Hexagon Potholder Pattern US Crochet Terms
Hexagon Potholder Pattern UK Crochet Terms

Thanks for joining me for Week 15 and 16 of the 52 Week Crochet Challenge!
It's never too late to join in the fun and there's no need to catch up, just jump right in:

52 Week Crochet Challenge
Ravelry Group - 148 members and growing