Paper chains are used for all sorts of events... and send a lot of paper to the trash! Instead, make the interactive Countdown Crochet "Paper" Chain! Get the crochet pattern right here on Moogly!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links; materials provided by Yarnspirations.
Go Green with Crochet "Paper"!
Paper chains were a staple of my childhood. We used them to countdown to holidays, decorate for birthdays, and for all sorts of school projects. We went through a *lot* of construction paper. So I decided to come up with the Countdown Crochet "Paper" Chain!
Reusable year after year, the Countdown Crochet Paper Chain can be made in any color, for any occasion or decor. The oversized links are bold and modern - I'd love to see a set in all neutrals for a boho look!
These links also make a great counting toy for preschoolers working on their numbers and manual dexterity! Make them in a rainbow for a double dose of learning, or use them as a candy-free advent calendar. It's decor and a learning tool all in one. You might get looped into making a set for your kids' classroom!
Add Numbers, Letters, or Mix Up the Stitch Pattern!
In this small sample set of Countdown crochet Paper Chains, I used the Moogly Crochet Numbers as appliques. But of course, you can also write out a message, or do the entire Moogly Crochet Alphabet! The ideas are endless - you can even have kids pair uppercase and lowercase by mixing in the Moogly Lowercase Crochet Alphabet.
And if you need even more options, there's the Moogly Currency Set and Moogly Greek Alphabet!
In addition to making this project kid-friendly, I wanted to make this pattern beginner-friendly! So I used just single crochets and chains. Each link whips up in a half hour or less, especially once you've got it memorized. But if you want to add texture to the equation, here is the formula I landed on: Make sure that the link is 3 times longer than it is wide, plus however much you want the ends to overlap. With that, you can get creative with the pattern and yarn!
Countdown Crochet "Paper" Chain
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US-L, 8.0 mm hook, Susan Bates
US-F, 3.75 mm hook, Susan Bates (for numbers only)
Bernat Blanket (6 - Super Bulky; 100% polyester)
Colorway Shown: Bernat Blanket O'Go in Sky
35 yds per paper chain link
Bernat Softee Cotton (3 - Light; 60% cotton, 40% acrylic) (for numbers only)
Colorway Shown: Clear White
10 yds approx per number
1 ⅝" Buttons - 2 per link made
Optional: Craft Glue and Spray Starch
Gauge: 8 sts x 8 rows = 4" in Blanket with 8mm hook
Finished size: each link measures approx 4" wide x 14" long laid flat
HELPFUL LINKS AND TUTORIALS
Countdown Crochet "Paper" Chain Tutorial
For the Crochet Numbers - or Other Appliques!
To fit the links as made with Bernat Blanket, use Bernat Softee Cotton and a 3.75mm hook when using any of these patterns.
- Moogly Crochet Numbers
- Moogly Crochet Alphabet
- Moogly Lowercase Crochet Alphabet.
- Moogly Currency Set
- Moogly Greek Alphabet
PAPER CHAIN INSTRUCTIONS (Using Bernat Blanket and 8mm crochet hook)
Row 1: Ch 9, skip the ch closest to the hook, sc in each rem ch across; turn. (8 sc)
Rows 2 - 25: Ch 1, sc in each st across; turn.
Row 26 [RS]: Ch 1, sc in first 2 sts, ch 3 (or as needed to get around your choice of buttons), sc in next 4 sts, ch 3 (or as needed), sc in last 2 sts; break yarn and weave in ends.
Assembly: Sew buttons to RS of Row 1, spaced to match up with the ch loops on the other end.
Add Appliques (optional):
Block the appliques WS up. When they are dry, use spray starch (optional) to add a bit of stiffness and hold the blocking. Let dry before adding to the links.
Then, use Bernat Softee Cotton to sew appliques to the RS of the links as desired, or use craft glue to glue them on. (Sewing will be more secure for long-term use.)
Make Them Smile with Patterns on Moogly
Looking for more makes for kids? Check out the Sleepy Time Blanket Baby, Magical Toadstool Finger Puppets Set, and Jungle Finger Puppet Set, as well as the Cuddle Up Dinosaur and Cuddle Up Unicorn Blankets!
Looking for something else? Check out the Moogly Free Patterns Page or my full Ravelry listings!
If the Countdown Crochet Paper Chain pattern inspires you to make your own project, and you post a photo on social media, be sure to tag me @mooglyblog or #mooglyblog so I can check it out too!
THE FINE PRINT
Follow Moogly on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram! Thank you to Yarnspirations for providing the materials shown in this post. Written pattern copyright Tamara Kelly 2022, all rights reserved. Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please do link to this page to share this pattern with others.
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Lyn
Super cute! Thank you for sharing this pattern.