Introduction: DIY Halloween Accessory: Crochet a Bobble Beard!
These bobble beards are so fun and easy to make! This tutorial is for a size small, which should fit children ages 7-10. They are the perfect accessory for a variety of costumes, a great tool for pranking (heehee), and the ideal article for keeping your face warm in the cold winter months. Crochet skills needed to complete this fun project are the ability to chain, single crochet, half double crochet, and half double crochet decrease.
Stitches used in this tutorial are as follows:
- Chain (ch)
- Single crochet (sc)
- Half double crochet (hdc)
- Half double crochet decrease (hdc2tog)
- Bobble - Yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and draw up a loop. Yarn over once more and draw it through the first two (2) loops on your hook. Repeat this process (yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and draw up a loop, yarn over once more and draw it through the first two [2] loops on your hook) three (3) more times in the same stitch. There are now five (5) loops on your hook. Yarn over and draw the loop through all five (5) stitches. You've now made one (1) bobble stitch. *Notice that the bobble puffs to the back side of the swatch you're working, which will be the right side of the work.
Step 1: Materials
For this DIY, you will need:
- Any color yarn. I am using brown for this tutorial, however I have also used a variety of colors including pink, blue, and camouflage.
- A crochet hook. In this tutorial I am using a size H crochet hook. However, you may need one size up or down depending on how loosely/tight you crochet.
- Scissors.
Step 2: Chain 32
To begin this project, chain 32. Make a slip knot around your hook and, holding your hook in your right hand and your yarn in your left, yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook. Continue this process until you have thirty-two (32) stitches.
Step 3: Row 1
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and in each stitch across (31 sc)
Step 4: Row 2
Row 2: ch2, turn, hdc, *hdc, bobble stitch* repeat across, hdc twice (31 stitches)
Photo A shows the bobble when completed. Note that this is the right side of the work which is the opposite side that you are working on for this row. Photo B shows the wrong side of the work (side you are working on) and the indention the bobble makes. Photo C shows the completed row.
Step 5: Row 3
Row 3: ch1, turn, sc in next 11 stitches, hdc in next 9 stitches, sc in last 11 stitches (31 stitches)
Photo A shows the completed row. Photo B also shows the completed row, however it's focused on the center. (edges are blurred out)
Step 6: Rows 4 and 5
Row 4: ch2, turn, *hdc, bobble stitch* repeat across, hdc (31 stitches)
Row 5: ch1, turn, sc in next 12 stitches, hdc in next 7 stitches, sc in last 12 stitches (31 stitches)
Photo shows through row 5
Step 7: Row 6
Row 6: ch2, turn, hdc, *hdc, bobble stitch* 4 times, *hdc2tog, bobble* 2 times, hdc, *bobble, hdc2tog* 2 times, *bobble, hdc* 4 times, hdc (27 stitches)
Photo A shows the first step of a hdc2tog: Yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, pull up a loop
Photo B show the second step of a hdc2tog: Yarn over again, insert your hook into the next stitch, pull up a loop. Then you will yarn over and pull through all the loops on your hook.
Photo C shows the comparison of a normal hdc and a hdc2tog. The arrow points to the hdc and the circle shows the hdc2tog. Notice the difference. Photo D shows the completed row, notice that the hdc2tog stitches create a slight curve in the beard, which helps it to fit your face.
Step 8: Row 7
Row 7: ch1, turn, sc across (27 stitches)
Step 9: Row 8
Row 8: ch2, turn, *hdc, bobble* 5 times, ch5 skip 7 stitches, *bobble, hdc* 5 times
Photo A shows the first half of the row. The "ch5 skip 7 stitches" means that after you finish the first set (*hdc, bobble* 5 times), you chain 5 then skip 7 stitches before inserting your hook in to start the second set (*bobble, hdc* 5 times). The beard looks crooked in the photo, this is because the row hasn't been completed. Photo B shows the completed row. (No longer crooked!)
Step 10: Row 9
Row 9: ch1, turn, sc 10 times, working in the ch space- *bobble, sc*, 3 times, bobble, (now work in the stitches) sc 10 times
*The bobbles on this row will be backwards. Simply push them through to the other side using your finger or crochet hook*
Photo A shows how to work the chain space. The circle highlights that first bobble. It's a little tricky but if you go slowly you'll get it. Photo B show myself pushing the bobble through. Photo C shows the completed row.
Step 11: Finishing It Off - Part 1
We will finish off this first side by adding an ear hook. You should have just ended row 9 with a single crochet. You will now ch 11 then do a slipstitch into the bottom corner of the beard. *Photo A*
Now, cut your yarn and tie it off. You do this by yarning over and pulling through the loop, then pulling the knot tight. *Photo B (is not pulled all the way through, just shows the process)*
Finally, weave in the ends and trim. *Photo C*
Step 12: Finishing It Off - Part 2
We will now finish off the beard completely by adding the second ear hook to the other side. Begin by inserting your crochet hook into the top corner and then making a slip knot around your hook with the end of your ball of yarn, just like starting a new project. *Photo A*
Yarn over and pull up a loop, then ch 11. Finish it off in the bottom corner just like Step 11. *Photo B*
Voila! You have now completed a crochet bobble beard! *Photo C shows the completed beard*
I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial! I plan to post more crochet DIY's and Nail Art soon. Please comment below with any suggestions/questions.