Monthly Archives: August 2020

Crochet multi-colour Belt – Free Pattern

Hey fellow crocheters,

I recently bought some rather nice nylon crochet thread because I really liked the colours. Nylon is quite stiff and abrasive, so you have to be careful what you use it for — but I thought it would be perfect for a belt.

This is a simple free crochet belt pattern, worked mainly in single crochet (US terms). I used a double-layer technique to give the belt some extra structure, and I’ve included step-by-step photos below to show how I worked it.

Original pattern by Manjri’s Place

I used a 1.4mm crochet hook for this project.

CH – chain stitch
SC – single crochet

YO – yarn over

Start with 11 CH

Row 1: skip first chain and 1 SC into remaining 10 CH, CH 1 and turn

Row 2: To create a double layer SC, put hook through the back loop only of the SC made on row 1 and also the loop left over from initial chain stitch (see marked image below).  Repeat until end of row, CH 1 and turn.

pic1

Row 3:  From now on, the double layer SC will be easier to make.  Insert hook through the leftmost loop in the SC just made on last row, and in the remaining loop in the corresponding stitch in the previous row. Repeat until end of the row, CH 1 and turn.

pic2

Keep working this way until you reach the desired length.

For the buckle, I used 2 brass hoops, recycled from an old handbag. 

belt

Hope this has given you some ideas!

Happy crocheting!


Where the crochet journey led…
This pattern comes from the earlier days of Manjri’s Place. Years of experimenting with crochet, colour and different techniques eventually grew into Studio Manjri, my creative studio in Malta, where I now make handmade crochet creations, accessories and plenty of other little ideas that begin with a hook and some yarn.

Visit Studio Manjri →

Versatile Seaside Wrap – Crochet Project

Hey all!

Update — September 2026:
I originally shared this project in 2020, when the Seaside Wrap pattern was available free. The pattern is no longer available free, but I’ve kept this post as part of my crochet archive and to share my version of the wrap.

I came across this beautiful boho-inspired wrap and decided to make my own version. I used a different yarn and hook size, which explains the difference in size from the original — but I loved how it turned out!

As you can see, it can be worn 2-ways:

1 – over the shoulders as a wrap,

2 – as a skirt-wrap – perfect for the beach.

The original design is the Seaside Wrap. The pattern is no longer available free, but you can still find the pattern page on Ravelry here: Seaside Wrap pattern

Hope this gives you a little inspiration for your own summer crochet projects. 😊

The Virus Shawl

Hey everyone! Hope you are all enjoying summer and safe! I might have mentioned once or twice, or a hundred times that I love winter – I am totally a winter person. I love being able to snuggle with soft, warm woolly things – so it is no surprise that I make a lot of winter projects.

Firstly, a little disclaimer about the title of this post and the name of this pattern i.e. “The Virus Shawl” – this name and pattern has been around for years and has nothing to do with COVID-19.

I have made a few shawls so far, but it’s always been a challenge to properly showcase these without a model. I have asked politely, then begged and even tried to bribe my lovely daughter into being my model – but with no luck. So, I now am a proud owner of a mannequin!

Here is one of the shawls that I made. There are several free versions of the Virus Shawl pattern available online. If you’d like to try making one yourself, Hobbii has a free version with a detailed visual guide and video tutorials:

Virus Shawl – free crochet pattern →

If you do try making one, I would love to see your creation! Please feel free to share it in the comments.

N.B. I used a variegated 4-ply yarn and a 4 mm hook.

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Label and Identity

Hey everyone! For some time now, I’ve been thinking about what type of sew-on labels I want to use for my creations. It’s easy to get something ready-printed and then just attach it, but I wanted something a bit more authentic and decided on handcrafting these myself. While this takes time to do, I can boast that 100% of the creation is handmade by me. 

First decision was theme: I knew it had to include flowers because the name Manjri (which is my name) means “a bunch or cluster of flowers” in Hindi. My first prototypes were not very successful. It was my husband who came up with a brilliant idea to use as my inspiration: 

Poirot’s Lapel Pin

I am a great fan of Agatha Christie’s stories. I enjoy reading her books, and also enjoy watching TV/film adaptations of the stories. I also run a Facebook group dedicated to Agatha Christie (Agatha Christie Club Malta and Gozo) – so if you are interested, please do join! My favourite adaptation to date has to be the ITV series “Agatha Christie’s Poirot” starring Sir David Suchet as Hercule Poirot. For me, he is the definitive Poirot! But anyway, in this adaptation, Poirot often wears the above lapel pin/brooch, changing the flowers each time.

The below design is a nod to Poirot and also includes reference to my name (the flowers) . Below is a photo of my label – would love to hear your feedback!

A little update – September 2026

It’s lovely looking back at this early attempt at creating an identity for my handmade work. A few years later, that creative journey eventually grew into Studio Manjri, my little creative studio in Malta.

The branding may have evolved, but the idea behind it hasn’t changed very much — creating things by hand, with plenty of personality in every piece. 🌸

Fruit Garden CAL – Complete

Hi all! I’m really pleased to share with you photos of the completed lap blankets. It was great fun and to be honest, I’ve been feeling a bit at a loose end now that these are over.

I will definitely use some parts of this pattern by Jane Crowfoot for other projects, such as cushion covers, but more on that when I actually do make them!

While I do have some smaller projects on the go, however, I am now on the lookout for the next big one….if anyone has any suggestions, please feel free to message me!

If you’d like to see where this project started, including details of the pattern and my progress along the way, have a look at my original Fruit Garden CAL post →