Tuesday 12 January 2016

MY DARTH VADER INSPIRED CASE

Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog ; photo of the front of the Darth Vader case

MY DARTH VADER CASE

I love making little cases that are multi functional.. and this one could be used as a pencil case, but the general pattern can be adapted for several other uses too.

After the huge success of my Rafael inspired TMNT pencil case, this was the next order.. from a Star Wars lover, obviously.. and Darth is hmmm.. a difficult one. So here, I thought I’d highlight his eyes and that mouth piece, that should hopefully make the ‘who is this’ obvious.. so let’s see.

Thank you for joining me.

In case you have just joined me, know that you can access all of my earlier creations by checking under ‘categories’ on the right hand side of this blog under “Labels”.  Then, for your convenience, follow me here or on Facebook, You Tube, Pinterest, Twitter or Instagram.

Check out all my social media handles at the bottom of this blog

Oh, and may I add that the fastest way to find any of my blogs is via Pinterest.


All my blogs can be printed.  Find the printer friendly (green) link at the bottom of this blog.  You can also hit Control P (or Command P for Mac) on your keyboard, and the blog will go directly to the connected printer.

Remember that you only print if absolutely essential.  Save paper – Save Our Earth. 


Do remember to add my blog URL when you make and show off your creation. 

Just copy the link on the search bar above - that's the blog URL.


To purchase this or similar yarn online, click here to buy your yarns online via Amazon.  While you will still pay the same, I may get paid by Amazon as well. 

This is a free blog - so do pay it forward for me.  Cheers.


Materials used : Indian polyester cone yarn with a 3.5 mm crochet hook ; fabric glue to seal ends 

For Indians : You could use Anchor , Red ros or unbranded knitting cotton as well
General yarn info : This polyester yarn is available only in India.
The yarn used today is not specific to this pattern.
You can use any yarn with a suitable hook to make this project to any size.

International yarns :  Among the international yarns I have used in this thickness, I’d suggest Aunt Lydia Cotton 10, Aunt Lydia Bamboo-Viscose 10, DMC Petra, Sullivans knitting cotton (Australia), Milford Soft, Hilaza Rustica Eclat , Alize cotton yarn and Alize bamboo yarn.

Stitches used :
Starting slip knot : Here’s how you start with a slip knot.  https://youtu.be/lJcqsVcs8cw

Starting slip knot 1 or the Sloppy Slip knot : This is a neat new way to start your work without a slip knot.  https://youtu.be/YfC7KmGpifs

What is a slip stitch : Here is a neat video tutorial at https://youtu.be/weB3QNbA8Iw

What is a chain stitch ? Here is an easy video tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXx5ukBjKkY


Foundation Single Crochet : fsc : To refresh your skill on the fsc, please view this video https://youtu.be/mcT85fwh4mA 

How to change colors seamlessly : Here’s an easy video tutorial to show you how to change from the Main color to the Contrast or second color of yarn seamlessly.  View it at https://youtu.be/fRzSBja9jno

How to carry your yarn when using two colors : Here’s an easy video tutorial to show you how to carry your yarn along when working with two colours. 


How to attach a zipper : 


Abbreviations used :
lp(s) : Loop(s)                        sc : Single crochet
dc : Double crochet               ch : Chain
sp : Space                             sl-st : Slip stitch
st(s) : Stitch(es)                     hk : Hook
yo : Yarn Over                                                        
sc 2-tog  Single crochet 2-together                                                         
fsc : Foundation Single Crochet


Instructions :
Please note that I start all my rows with a ch 1, turning chain for ease.
Please check the top of this blog for easy video tutorials on all stitches used in today's pattern.
Please read through all my notes before you pick up your hook, so you know just where we're heading in our pattern.
In my patterns I work with the principle of stitch count and body measurement.  
This means that you need to work the stitch count in pattern, till you get the measurement (length and/or width) that you need for your project. 

For your convenience, there are video links for stitches used at the top of this blog and through the blog.

First we’ll make a rectangular simple bag, and we’ll then make the special Darth Vader face (mask) that we will attach or applique on.  So let’s get on with it.

So there are two ways to get this simple bag done.

We start with my favourite foundation single crochet, and then either work in a round, or work straight in rows.

If you work in a round, then you will get the whole bag made as you’re working it up – in that first round you will work along the top of the fsc first, and then work around and under the fsc row, to make it your round, and then continue working without any increase till we get it to the length we need.

Stitch wise : I’d suggest that we just do it in some simple stitch, and not complicate the base which is not really going to show… it will, hopefully, be over-shadowed by the applique.
That said, you are most welcome to choose any pattern for this base bit, as it does not affect the applique we’re making.

If making this as a rectangle that you are going to stitch the sides of later, then these instructions.

Pattern 1 for case :

Start with as many fsc as you’d like for the length of your case. Turn.

Single Crochet : Sc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (2 lps on hk); yo, draw through both lps.  One sc made.  Check out the video at https://youtu.be/ghACqBpA-3k

First stitch for Single Crochet : This is how I like to start my row of sc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/6pVYRfsf4_M

Row 1 : sc in the 1st fsc and in each fsc till end. Turn.

Row 2 : sc in the 1st sc and each sc till end. Turn.

Row 3 : (Increase row) : 
2 sc in the 1st sc ; sc in the next 8 sc ; 
2 sc in the last sc. Turn.

Rep Row 3 till your rectangle, when folded in half, is the height that you are happy with.

We will add on the applique and then sew the sides, attach the zipper and line it before showing this beautiful creation off.


Pattern 2 for case :

In this case we’ll be working in a round, so that as we work our pattern, we will have it all ready as a bag, and only need to attach the applique, attach zipper and line the bag.  The sides will be automatically done.

Start with as many fsc as you’d like for the length of your case. Turn.

Row 1 : sc in the 1st fsc and in each fsc till end ; 3 sc in the last fsc ; 
Turn and working along the base of the fsc chain, 
sc in each fsc till the last fsc ; 
2 fsc in the last fsc.  
Join with a sl-st to the 1st fsc.

Round 2 : sc in the 1st sc and in each sc till end   
Join with a sl-st to the 1st fsc.

Rep Round 2 till your project is of the height you are happy with.

Fasten off and weave in ends.


Darth Vader face mask :  Part 1 :
For the face mask, I’ve used  silver and black.  
There are two parts to this, the eye part and then the mouth part. 
So I’ve divided this into two sections.

Start with black and 5 fsc.  Turn.

Attach silver yarn. 
Now from here on we’ll be using both our silver and black yarns.  
We will make the centre of the eyes openings with silver , followed by black and then a silver outer line.
We will be carrying our un-used yarn along all through.

Row 1 : [(using silver) : sc in the 1st fsc ;
(using black) : 1 sc in the same 1st fsc ;
(using silver) : 1 sc in the same 1st fsc] ; sc in the next 3 fsc ;
{(using silver) : 1 more sc in the  same last fsc ; 
(using black) : 1 more sc in the  same last fsc ; 
(using silver) : 1 more sc in the  same last fsc}. Turn.

Row 2 : [(using silver) : sc in the 1st sc ;
(using black) : 1 sc in the next sc] ;
(using silver) : 1 sc in the next 6 sc ;
{(using black) : 1 sc in the  next sc ; 
(using silver) : 1 sc in the last sc}. Turn.

Row 3 – 6 : Rep Row 2.

Single crochet 2-together : sc 2-tog :  
Insert hk into st, yo and pull up a lp (2 lps on hk) ; insert hk into next sc, yo and pull up a lp (3 lps on hk); yo and draw through all 3 lps.  One sc 2-tog complete.  Visit this video tutorial at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whlsMemDHLc

Row 7 : [(using silver) : sc 2-tog over the 1st 2 sc ;
(using black) : 1 sc in the next sc] ;
(using silver) : 1 sc in the next 4 sc ;
{(using black) : sc 2-tog over the  next 2 sc ; 
(using silver) : 1 sc in the last sc}. Turn.

Row 8 : [(using silver) : sc in the 1st sc ;
(using black) : 1 sc in the next sc] ;
(using silver) : 1 sc in the next 4 sc ;
{(using black) : 1 sc in the  next sc ; 
(using silver) : 1 sc in the last sc}. Turn.

Row 9 : (using silver) : sc in the 1st sc ;
(using black) : 1 sc in the next 5 sc ;
 (using silver) : 1 sc in the last sc. Turn.

Fasten off black.

Row 10 : (using silver) : sc 2-tog over the 1st sc ;  
sc in the next 4 sc ; 
sc 2-tog over the last 2 sc.

Fasten off silver.

We’ve completed one side of the eye mask. 
We will now re-attach both black and silver yarns at the other side of the fsc chain.

Let’s do the little flat bit in between now, and for convenience I am going to label them A, B and C.

Row A : [(using silver) : sc in the 1st sc]
{(using black) : sc in the next sc}
Rep [ to ] once ; 
rep { to ] once  
Rep [ to ] once. Turn.

Row B : [(using silver) : sc in the 1st sc]
{(using black) : sc in the next sc}
Rep [ to ] once ; 
rep { to ] once  
Rep [ to ] once. Turn.

Row C : (using black) : sc in the 1st sc and each sc till end.  Turn.

We will now work the other side of the mask, for which we will rep the earlier rows – i.e Rows 1 – 10 for that side.

Fasten off leaving a tail to sew this onto the pencil case.

We will now work the lower part (mouth part) of the mask.


Darth Vader face mask :  Part 2 :

Start with black and 5 fsc.  Turn.

Row 1 : sc in the 1st fsc and each fsc till end.  Turn.

Row 2 : 2 sc in the 1st sc and the next 3 sc till last fsc ; 
2 sc in the last sc.  Turn.

Row 3 : sc in the 1st sc and each sc till end.  Turn.

Attach silver yarn.  Once again, we will carry the un-used yarn.

Row 4 : (Using silver) sc in the 1st sc ;
(Using black) 2 sc in the same 1st sc ;
(Using silver) sc in the next 5 sc ;
(Using black) 2 sc in the last sc ;
(Using silver) sc in the same last sc ; Turn.

Row 5 : (Using silver) sc in the 1st sc ;
(Using black) 2 sc in the same 1st sc ;
(Using silver) sc in the next 7 sc ;
(Using black) 2 sc in the last sc ;
(Using silver) sc in the same last sc ; Turn.

Thus far we were adding 4 sc per row.  
We will now be adding only 2 sc each row

Row 6 : (Using silver) sc in the 1st sc ;
(Using black) sc in the same 1st sc ; sc in the next sc
(Using silver) sc in the each sc till the 2nd last sc ;
(Using black) 2 sc in the same 2nd last sc ;
(Using silver) sc in the last sc ; Turn.

Rows 7 – 10 : Rep Row 6.

Row 11 : (Using silver) sc in the 1st sc ;
(Using black) sc in the same 1st sc ; 
sc in the next sc and in each sc till the 2nd last sc ; 
2 sc in the same 2nd last sc ;
(Using silver) sc in the last sc ; Turn.

Rows 12 : Rep Row 6.

Fasten off, keeping a long tail to join. 


Finishing :
Using your black yarn, run rows of running stitch over the trapezoid (triangle of sorts) that we’ve just created to give the mask its special mouth feature.

Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog ;  photo showing the inside of the front of the Darth Vader case

Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog ; close up photo of the front of the Darth Vader case

Enjoyed this ?? I sure did.. Come back right here for more freebie patterns

Remember to share this blog post when you share your photos with me on Facebook.  I’d love to feature your photos on my FB page.  Cheers.

If you're visiting me here for the first time, and have liked the experience, do add me to your mailing list (for your convenience) , and all my future free patterns will come straight to your mail box.  

I’d appreciate if you could credit my blog (and link the original pattern link) when you make your own creation.  Thanks.

Check out my awesome pins on Pinterest at https://in.pinterest.com/shyamanivas/


Join me on YouTube at https://youtube.com/shyamanivas

And on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Sweet-Nothings-Crochet/ for more patterns.

Do follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ShyamaNivas


Find me on Ravelry at ravelry.com/projects/shyamanivas/


Have a great day and see you soon. 

And here are links to some of my beautiful and unusual bag / purse patterns.