I’ve been meaning to post this since Christmas, but I didn’t have a decent photo of it and kept on forgetting to get one before my hubs left for school. Today it so happens that we were once again left with only our phone cameras, but I figure it’s better than nothing, and I want to post this before it’s legitimately spring.
I think I made four or five of these for Christmas, and they were a big hit all around. Who doesn’t want an instant beard? Don’t answer that.
When I first looked around for a free pattern I couldn’t find anything that I really liked, so one night when I was with Harper in the hospital, I spent three hours just figuring this out. I referenced no other pattern, so if you see any similarities, than they are purely coincidental. I came up with this after much trial and error, and it’s still not a perfect pattern. In fact, I would love it to be a work in progress, so if any of you try it and figure out a better way, I would love for you to add any suggestions into the comments section. I am NOT a seasoned crocheter, so please forgive any ignorance or mistakes on my part. I will likely add photos or any other tips to this post if I make more.
Free Crochet Beard Pattern:
I used Nature’s Choice Cotton yarn, because it would be nice and soft on the face. 85 grams made about three or four beards if I’m remembering right. I wouldn’t use 100% wool as it would probably be a little itchy. Size J hook.
*note: your crochet rows will be going from bottom to top of beard, rather than from ear to ear, i.e. your rows will be vertical when finished, rather than horizontal.
Chain 6. Turn.
Single crochet into each chain, chain two and turn.
# Bobble stitch, (or half double crochet) TWO times into first stitch. Single crochet into next stitch to close bobble. *bobble stitch three times into next stitch, and then single crochet into next stitch to close off bobble.* Continue between *’s to the end of row, and increase by adding a bobble (just pull a loop open and create a hole) at the end (you want to end on the bobble stitch, and NOT on the single crochet; just turning will close the bobble). Chain two and turn.
Single crochet across. Chain two at end and turn. #
Repeat between #’s until you reach your desired width. I go until I have 5 bobbles across for an adult, or 4 for a child.
Now just alternate between rows of bobbles and single crochet, until you reach your desired length before decreasing. (Remember to always chain to at end of rows before turning and begin bobble stitch rows by bobbling twice into first stitch–the initial two chains complete the bobble). IF YOU CAN, it is SO MUCH BETTER to make this with the intended person handy. Fitting can be tricky, and I highly recommend making this while intermittently trying it on to ensure a good fit. I did 16 rows total (8 bobble, single) for a child, 22 rows (11 bobble, 11 single) for around my size, and 26 rows (13 bobble, 13 single) for my husband. That includes increase/decrease rows, so for my size, I’d have 4 rows increasing, 14 full rows, and then 4 rows decreasing.
Repeat the ear loop and then weave tail through remaining edge for other side. Check fit, adjust and then slip knot and weave in loose ends.
