Crocheted Twiddle Muff
This muff is crocheted in two layers, which gives extra warmth. Each layer is worked in the round and in a spiral, so please do not join rounds unless instructed to do so. The bobbles are optional; you can work rows of bobbles, individual bobbles, or none at all. In the outer layer I carried along strands of textured yarns - mohair, ribbon, chain and boucle - for some rows, but this is again optional. I have also added instructions for a buttoned tab so that any non-washable embellishments can be removed for washing. Instructions are given for two different diameters of muff and length can be adjusted by working more of fewer rows. Note: Please make sure that all materials used are machine-washable, all sewn-on embellishments are securely stitched in place, and all ends are securely woven in. Any ends that are to be left for twiddling should be non-fray. Materials for basic muff:
| Yarn: | aran |
| Hook: | 8mm (or size required for tension) 6mm (optional, for button tab) |
| Tension: | 10 stitches and 9 rows to 4" |
| Finished dimensions: | S/M 10.5" long by 7" diameter, laid flat. M/L 10.5" long by 7.5" diameter, laid flat. |
| Abbreviations: | ch - chain |
| dc - double crochet | |
| htr -half treble crochet | |
| mb - make bobble | |
| Make bobble (mb): | [Yarn over hook, hook through stitch, yarn over and pull through 2 loops] 5 times in same stitch, yarn over and pull through all 6 loops on hook, 1 ch to secure (ch does not count as a stitch for next rnd. |
Inner/ outer sleeve: (make 2)
With aran yarn and 8mm hook chain 36 (40). Taking care not to twist the chain slip stitch into furthest chain from hook to make a ring. Rnd 1 (RS): Ch 1 (does not count as first stitch), 1 htr in same ch, 1 htr in each ch to end of rnd, place marker if using, 36 (40) sts. Rnd 2: 1 htr in each st to end, move marker to denote new end of rnd, 36 (40) Sts. Rnds 3-21: Repeat rnd 2. Rnd 22: 1 htr in each st until 1 st remains, 1 dc in next st, sl st in next st. Fasten off and break yarn leaving a long tail (at least 2 metres) for finishing Off. Bobble round (optional - work as desired) MB in next st, dc in next st to end of rnd. \* Important: following a bobble round remember that the chain that secures each bobble does not count as a stitch and should be skipped over on the next round.
Decorate inner and outer sleeve
Embellish each sleeve as desired with buttons, zips, beads and ribbons. If you want to add non-washable decorations such as a short string of beads you can make a button tab as follows;
Button tab
With 6mm hook ch 4. Row 1: 1 dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in each of next 2 ch, turn, 3 sts. Row 2-6: Ch 1 (does not count as first st), 1 dc in each st to end, turn. Row 7: Ch 1 (does not count as first st), 1 dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, 1 dc in last st, turn. Row 8: Ch 1 (does not count as first st), 1 dc in next st, 1 dc in chain space, 1 dc in last st. Fasten off and weave in finishing tail. Use starting tail to stitch tab in place on muff and sew a button on top.
Join inner and outer sleeves
Turn the inner sleeve inside-out and slip it inside the outer sleeve. Make sure that you have one long yarn tail at either open end. Using 8mm hook and long yarn tail join the inner and outer sleeve together by working a round of dc, working into the starting chain of one layer and the final round of the other. Do this at each end to form a double-layered tube.
Weave in all ends. @ 2015 Shirley MacDonald for Woolly Whatsits
