Sunset on the Water Earrings

We have come to the final earring pattern in this fun Summer Earring CAL! These gorgeous Sunset on the Water Earrings are pretty unique, I’ve only seen one other designer use this technique for earrings (is that a bad thing, does that mean you won’t like them? Was this a bad idea? Cue crisis mode in my brain as I debate all my choices making this pattern……..) ANYWAY, I hope you do like them, I think they are really cool and honestly, if you have experience with tapestry crochet and using crochet thread, they are easier than last week’s sun patterns. I did my best to make the tapestry portion of these easy to understand in the written instructions. The PDF includes a 3 page photo tutorial. The way I write the photo tutorials, it would take to much time to break it up and put it on the blog, because there are 24 photos in this one! BUT please! If you need help using the free pattern and purchasing the PDF isn’t an option for you, reach out to me on Instagram @motherlodecrafts and I would be happy to help you!

The pertinent info for this pattern: use 4 colors of size 10 crochet thread to make a lovely sunset design tapestry earring. They are a medium difficulty due to the use of tapestry crochet, which has many color changes. You’ll need a 1.5 mm hook, size 10 thread, earring findings, and stiffening spray to make these earrings.

Supplies

• Size 10 crochet thread in 4 colors as desired, approx 10 yards each, samples are WeCrochet Curio size 10 color A: Bahama, color B: Clarity, color C: Conch, color D: Canary
• Size 1.5 mm crochet hook
• Tapestry needle and scissors
• Earring findings: 2 fishhook style earrings
• Jewelry pliers, or other small pliers
• Fabric stiffener, like Aleene’s Fabric Stiffening Spray, t-pins, and a blocking mat

Gauge

12 rows of single crochet with 13 sts = 1 inch square

Personally, I find the smallest hook I can handle for the thread size (for earrings) produces the best, tightly stitched look.

Stitches (US Terms)

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• sl st = slip stitch
• st/sts = stitch/stitches
• sc BLO = single crochet in the back loop only
• sk = skip
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• Special Stitch: dec = insert hook in st, pull up a loop, insert hook in next st, pull up a loop, pull that 3rd loop through 2 loops on hook

Notes

• Pattern is worked in one flat piece in turned rows for each earring. (2 pieces total)
• For the best look, stiffen the earrings. I use Aleene’s Fabric Stiffening Spray and t-pins on a blocking mat.
• Stitch counts are marked in { } at the end of each row.
• Finished dimensions: 1.25 x 1.25 inches
• This pattern uses tapestry crochet technique. Tapestry crochet uses single crochet stitches to create intricate colorwork. When changing colors, carry the previous color just behind the work and crochet over it. The color changes are noted with a bold letter corresponding to that color, for example, Row 2: A 6, B 3, A 6, ch 1, turn. {15 sc} means sc with color A in the first 6 sts, change to color B, sc with color B in the next 3 sts, then change back to color A for the last 6 sts, then ch 1 and turn (still using color A.)
• Row 8 uses sc BLO to help create a flatter horizon. Continue using tapestry crochet method as above.
• This pattern uses a special decrease stitch to help form the nice, round shaping at the top. Follow the instructions as above, do not use a regular single crochet decrease stitch.

Written Instructions

(Make 2) beginning with color A:

Row 1: Ch 16, sc 2nd st from hook and each ch across, ch 1, turn. {15 sc}

Row 2: A 6, B 3, A 6, ch 1, turn. {15 sc} [RS]

Row 3: A 15, ch 1, turn. {15 sc}

Row 4: A 5, B 6, A 4, ch 1, turn. {15 sc}

Row 5: A 15, ch 1, turn. {15 sc}

Row 6: A 4, B 6, A 5, ch 1, turn. {15 sc}

Row 7: A 15, ch 1, turn. {15 sc}

Row 8: Sc BLO: C 4, D 7, C 4, ch 1, turn. {15 sc BLO}

Row 9: C 4, D 7, C 4, ch 1, turn. {15 sc}

Row 10: Sk 1st st, C 4, D 5, C 3, C finish with dec last 2 sts, ch 1, turn. {13 sc}

Row 11: Sk 1st st, C 4, D 3, C 3, C finish with dec last 2 sts, ch 1, turn. {11 sc}

Row 12: Sk 1st st, C 8, C finish with dec last 2 sts, ch 1, turn. {9 sc}

Row 13: Sk 1st st, C 6, C finish with dec last 2 sts. {7 sc}

Row 14: Sk 1st st, C 4, C finish with dec last 2 sts. {5 sc}

Finish off and weave in ends on the WS.

Blocking and Assembly

Pin earring to blocking mat. Spray from about 6-10 inches away with fabric stiffening spray, or pour some of the spray liquid into a small cup and paint the liquid on. Once dry, use the jewelry pliers to attach fish hook style earring to top of rounded area, through one of the stitches.