Fancy making yourself this crochet skull and crossbone mat? Then print out our exclusive Crafty Crafty pattern and you'll be one step closer to Jolly Roger joy.
Pattern after the jump
This is a very straightforward pattern, using rows of Double Crochet (US Single Crochet), turning at each end to work forwards and backwards. Each square represents one DC (US sc).
Materials:
2.5mm crochet hook (MM)
Black and Red Mercerised cotton, using two strands of cotton for each for extra thickness.
You can use any wool and any hook size you want to achieve your preferred look and feel.
Notes:
Chain 27 to begin. DC (US sc) into second chain on hook and continue along. You should have 26 stitches in each row.
Chain one to turn - this counts as your first DC (US sc). If you find this confusing, use a dangly earring or a stitch marker.
Carry the colour not being used through the back of the mat. However, remember to check which side you are on at the time or you'll end up with wool at the front! Don't worry about this too much, however, the messiness adds to the final gothic look.
The pattern is slightly different to the finished mat - I thought the pattern needed a bit more bone on the bottom left side, and I also made the pattern square (not sure why I didn't think of that when I was making it!)
To finish:
Do a row of double crochet (US single crochet) in your chosen bone colour to finish it off. Do two dc (US sc) into each corner to turn.
To add the extra long stitches, simply pull the yarn through a row or two rows below. Do this randomly through as and when required for full gothic effect!

