As you may have seen in my newsletter or instagram, my sister had twins! Emma and Owen were a little early, but they started eating and growing and thriving right away. I mean, can you handle the cuteness?
Of course, I want to crochet EVERYTHING for them, so I started with personalized Crochet Garlands. I thought it would make the perfect crochet baby photo prop. The original pattern is for a larger banner, but I wanted to make something a little smaller for these tiny cuties. I used crochet thread instead of worsted yarn, and I think they turned out great.
Making the banner was super easy (scroll down for tips for making your own), but taking the kiddos’ pictures was not. My sister – who took all the pictures in this post – had a few challenges.
First, after 8+ months of sharing space in close quarters, Owen and Emma like having plenty of personal space. They even get a little combative about sharing a pic with each other.
Which leads to – surprise! – some serious tears. (If seeing these sweet darlings cry upsets you, look at their synchronized leg lifts and have a giggle).
So then it was time to try some single shots…. first, Ms. Emma, who before the prop was giving full-on blue steel.
But add the prop and you might as well forget it.
And her brother is no better. He’s feeling his look, but he is not feeling that crooked banner.
Luckily, the banners are something their mama can use in a future photo shoot when they’re feeling a little more cooperative, or just as a sweet nursery decoration.
While the pattern instructions are written for worsted weight yarn, it’s easy to modify it for crochet thread. Just use a size 7/ 1.65mm hook for the flags and a 10 / 1.30mm hook for the letters. For Emma’s banner, that’s the only change that I made to the pattern.
If you’d like to make a banner more like Owen’s (no scalloped edge), it’s easy to modify the pattern. Follow all instructions up to the trim. Then, ch 41, starting at left of last flag with wrong side facing (for this banner, “n” would be first.): place hook underneath first pair of back loops. Pull yarn through back loops, yarn over, and pull yarn through both loops on hook. Then we deviate from the instructions. Ch 21, then slide hook underneath the last pair of loops, yarn over, and pull yarn through both loops on hook. You’ll continue with the instructions except when you reach a flag, then repeating single crocheting through first and last loops with 21 chains in between.
When you reach the end of the banner, you will be working in the back of the chain. Dc in the third chain from hook and every chain or sc to the end. When you reach the other end, ch 1, turn, and sc in each dc. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Fold flags in half, ensuring the last row of single crochets is facing the front of the banner. Then, starting with the first flag, insert needle through first pair of loops below the trim.
Pull yarn through, then insert hook, in the opposite direction, through the next set of loops. Continue until you reach the other side of the flag with the last pair of loops just below the trim. (I used a contrasting thread, but you should use the same thread as the flag).
And there you have it! I hope you’ll make these for your kids, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, neighbors, customers – whoever! And please share them using the hashtag #hijennybrown
Bye,
Jenny Brown
PS – Always be cautious when using a photo prop with a child – especially an infant. Always have a “helper” to watch baby as you snap pictures. Never leave a prop with an unattended infant. If using your banner for decoration, do not place it in or on a crib/ playpen. Be sure it is fully secured and completely out of reach.
Lately, our once little William has been insisting that he is a grown up. He drinks “coffee” (water in a coffee cup). He plays video games (or at least yells at the controller). He even works from home (by doing little chores). And although his “grown-up” life is totally full, there’s nothing he’d rather do than ride that big yellow school bus with the rest of the kiddos and go to class (but only if it’s OK for mommy to sit right beside him).
I’m a big fan of 
While she used cut-out felt to add a message to her crochet hearts, I thought I’d step it up a notch and use 
