Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts challenged me to make one of their free summer crafts, and they provided me with a gift card for supplies. I took up the challenge and ended up making four of them! Considering the only other item I’ve crocheted that was similar was their Easter Bunny Baskets, I think I did pretty great!
Their patterns were easy to follow, and I changed them up a bit to make them more baby friendly. Here are the patterns and what I did to make them mine. The photos below (used with permission from Joann Fabric and Crafts) are the original creations on the left and my attempt on the right.
These work up fast and cost $1-$2 a dollars a piece (the bag was $8, but it’s much larger than it needs to be for just three sea creatures) – wouldn’t they make the perfect party favors or decorations for a Little Mermaid or Under the Sea birthday party?!? You could easily stuff them with candy or add baby- or pet-safe squeakers. The conch shell, unstuffed and closed up, is the perfect place for a party trinket!
Updated 7/27/14 – Special thanks to the reader who alerted me to the broken links – they’ve all be updated as of 7/27/2014. Joann.com updated their site and changed them all, but sadly, the update makes it harder to find the free patterns so I’ve posted the companion pieces here for others, like me, who plan on making the whole set.
Crochet Pattern: Conch Shell
Get this Conch Shell Pattern
Speaking of the conch shell, no matter how many times I made the conch shell, I couldn’t get the number of stitches to come out right on the rows with the bobbles (which make the bumps). In the end, I just made sure the number of stitches I had matched those in the pattern. It was a bit frustrating, but I don’t know if it was the pattern or me. Instead of the solid blue called for in the pattern, which was out of stock at my JoAnn’s, I used a variegated yarn which in person is spectacular and really showed off the levels of the shell, but it doesn’t photograph as well. You can find the conch shell crochet pattern here.
Crochet Pattern: Oyster with Pearl
Get this Oyster and Pearl Crochet Pattern
I chose the purple for the oyster with pearl based on another variegated yarn I plan on making a fish out of. It’s different from the original, but I like it. I decided on a pink purl just to make it more colorful. There’s no stuffing in the oyster, and it makes up so quick and easy. How cute would these be placed on the table at a birthday party! Find the free Oyster with Pearl crochet pattern here.
Crochet Pattern: Crab
Get this free crochet crab patternThe crab amigurumi pattern was so much fun. I made mine baby-friendly by embroidering the eyes on instead of using glue and felt like the original pattern called for. I also placed his claws up front where a crab’s claws really are, and I’m ignoring the fact that he’s missing all of his hind legs. He’s pretty darn cute in person and has a lot of personality with his mismatched googly eyes.
Additional Patterns in this Free Beach Animals Set
Get this Coiled Shell Crochet Pattern
Download this free Octopus Crochet Pattern
Download this free starfish crochet pattern
Download this free whale pattern
Download this free Starfish Beach bag Pattern
A great way to store these soft toys!
Crochet Pattern: Market to Beach Bag
Download the original market bag crochet pattern
I wanted a kid-safe bag to keep all the sea treasures in so I chose the market bag pattern but did it upside down, so the pattern of the weave looked more like waves. I did the top tan to look like sand and would have done the bottom navy had I had enough of that color on hand. I did have black, and it makes the embroidered starfish and knots along the bottom stand out (I did six rows of single crochet and then used a single crochet to close the bottom – see the photo at the top of the post for details). As you can see from the pics, I also made it shorter (I wanted little hands to be able to reach in and grab the toys).
I changed to a drawstring closure which is attached to the center back and then added a loop for carrying or hanging on a door. I wanted to make sure there wasn’t a chance of entrapment or strangulation. I’m making these for small children, and their safety is paramount.
Free Summer Crafts
So, what do you think? How’d I do on the challenge? Don’t crochet? No worries, there are plenty of other free summer fun crafts available for kids and ones that are kid-friendly. Painting, stamping, weaving, and so many more. All of the instructions include a list of product you’ll need, and they’re available in the store or online.
the links still don’t work
Hi Virginia – I just checked and all but the Market Bag were working. I made the links more obvious by making them buttons. Let me know if you need anything else. Thanks! Connie
I love these projects they are so cute. I really envy people that can do this it looks so relaxing. My grandma and great grandma tried to teach me how to crochet when I was younger but I couldn’t get it.
Love the project ideas – especially the crab! If only I were good at crocheting! 🙂
I’m not a great crocheter and I did it so anyone can! They’re really cute.
You did a great job. I love the bright colors. Any child would love to play at the beach with these little treasures. Good luck on the contest.
Ah, thanks so much!
I love the shells Connie! If only I could sit still long enough to create and/or teach my daughter to create something so adorable. I’m working on it though.. this summer is the turning point. 🙂
There were SO easy! Even the crab. Try it!
You always have such great craft projects. You also make them look so easy. I will have to check out Joann Fabric to see what classes they have for my daughter. she wants to do a lot of projects this summer. Good luck in the contest.
They do have classes! This month they’re doing a starfish crochet potholder!
I love these! They are just so cute! I wish that I could crochet but unfortunately I do not have the skill or the patience. Thank you for sharing these craft ideas they are truly adorable.
It calms me down and focuses me. I’m a crochet addict – I was when I stopped, over 20 years ago, and I am again now. I can’t believe I put it down for 20 years while raising kids.
Love your projects – great job! I think your bag is even better because it kind of looks like brain coral. Going to have to check out more of the events at Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts this summer since we were SO impressed with our son’s birthday party over the weekend. The perk to the kids going….I can shop for more yarn!
I don’t know what brain coral is so I’ll have to take your word for it 🙂 I just found the patterns for some more of the sea creatures and I can’t wait to make them…darn press trips cut into my crochet time! Happy Birthday to the little one!