Timeless Crochet Earrings

When I realized that this design would be debuting on the same day as the end of the Mayan Long Count Calendar, I knew that I had to do something special! So for inspiration I looked to the group of designs known as Mayan Crop Circles. And the result is something a little geometric, a little tribal looking, and very modern. Best of all, a pair takes less than 30 minutes to make - truly Timeless Crochet Earrings! (And now we all know we'll be around to make them, heh.)

You can use this pattern to cover up old worn hoops, or buy a set of new plain hoops at the craft store or dollar store. I purchased a set of Darice brand hoops for less than $3, from the jewelry findings department at JoAnn Fabrics. These particular hoops are also available online in the US and in the UK, if you search for "1999-283 30mm hoops." But any hoops should work, as long as they are roughly the same size.

Timeless Crochet Earrings

Add this pattern to your Ravelry Queue and Favorites

• US #7, 1.65mm steel hook
• 5 yards Size 5 crochet thread (vintage Star Pearl Cotton in black shown)
• 1 pair hoop earrings, 30mm or similar size
• Small sewing needle
• Optional: White School Glue or other water soluble glue that dries clear:

Special Abbreviations Used
sk - skip: skip the indicated stitch, leaving it unworked
trc - treble crochet: see this video tutorial
dtr - double treble crochet: worked the same as the treble crochet, but start with 3 yarn overs before inserting the hook and work 4 sets of 2 loops off to complete the stitch.
ch sp - chain space: see this video tutorial

Row 1:

Working around the hoop of the earring, make a slip stitch so that the thread is tight to the metal.

Working along the hoop, sc 34, being sure to enclose the tail end of the thread. Turn. Adjust sts as needed to make sure the tops of all sts are facing out from the hoop. (34 sc)

Row 2:

Ch 1, sc in the first 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, hdc in the next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in the next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, trc in the next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dtr in the next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, trc in the next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in the next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, hdc in the next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, sc in the last 2 sts. Sc once more around the metal loop. Turn.

Row 3:

Skip the first st and sl st in next 2 sts. [Sc 3 in the next ch sp] twice, [sc 4 in the next ch sp] 4 times, [sc 3 in the next ch sp] twice. Sl st in the last 2 sts, sc around the metal loop. Break yarn and finish off. Weave in ends.

Optional Stiffening Instructions:

These are ready to wear as is, but if you would prefer the crocheted parts to be a little stiffer, mix one part white school glue with 3 parts water. Dip Rows 2 and 3 carefully into the glue mixture, doing your best not to get any on the metal. Squeeze out excess with fingers. Shape and pin earrings out on a pinning board or cardboard box covered in plastic wrap. As soon as they're dry, you're done!

So what do you think? I couldn't time it exactly because I kept stopping to take photos, but I think I could make a pair of these in about half an hour - depending on how many times the kids interrupted me! I can't wait to wear them out - and see what all you brilliant crocheters do with this pattern!

The Fine Print

Written pattern and photos copyright Tamara Kelly 2012. Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please feel free to link to this page to share this pattern with others. Be sure to Like the moogly Facebook page for the latest updates and have some fun with us!