Friday, April 17, 2009

Easiest Crochet Wool Soaker Pattern


simple stretchy easy wool soaker crochet pattern

This soaker pattern is the simplest of the simples to crochet. It is very economical, as it will fit most babies from start to finish, because it is so S-T-R-E-T-C-H-Y. For newborns, you can fold down the waist. :) Even the most novice of crocheters can work it up in no time.

You will need:

250 yards Worsted Weight Wool Yarn

H hook

Understanding of HDC, Understanding of back loops, Understanding of Slip Stitch

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Chain 81 (You can chain more or less -- this pattern is totally customizable)

Row 1: HDC in back loops of second ch from hook, and every ch across, ch 1 (80 HDC's)

(Please Note: ch 1 never counts as a stitch throughout this pattern)

Row 2: HDC in back loops each HDC across, ch 1 (80 HDC's)

Row 3-23: Repeat Row 2

To Finish Off, fold your soaker strip in half from left to right (Matching first stitch with last stitch). Slip stitch the sides together through 20 stitches leaving 40 stitches that are your leg holes. Repeat on the other side.

If you want leg bands, you can attach your yarn and crochet leg bands of your choice. Even just simple SC in the round a few rows works great. :)

For Draw String, I usually use a single crochet chain about a yard long. If you want something simpler, you could use a simple chain, or even double up your yarn for a thicker chain to thread through the top of the soaker.

If you have any questions regarding this pattern, feel free to ask. This pattern is my original idea, and belongs to me. Do not copy as your own. Do not sell this pattern. If you would like to make soakers from this pattern to sell, I give you permission, but if you intend to sell your item online, please be sure to include this link, that you used this free pattern in your listing. :)

EXCEL FILE DOWNLOAD






Thanks!
<a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png" /></a><br /><span xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" property="dc:title">Easiest Crochet Soaker</span> by <a xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" href="http://crochetcastle.wordpress.com/2009/04/17/easiest-crochet-wool-soaker-pattern/" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL">Julie West</a> is licensed under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/">Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License</a>.<br />Based on a work at <a xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" href="http://crochetcastle.wordpress.com/2009/04/17/easiest-crochet-wool-soaker-pattern/" rel="dc:source">crochetcastle.wordpress.com</a>.<br />Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at <a xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" href="http://crochetcastle.wordpress.com/2009/04/17/easiest-crochet-wool-soaker-pattern/" rel="cc:morePermissions">http://crochetcastle.wordpress.com/2009/04/17/easiest-crochet-wool-soaker-pattern/</a>.



Creative Commons License
Easiest Crochet Soaker by Julie West is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at crochetcastle.blogspot.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://crochetcastle.blogspot.com/2009/04/easiest-crochet-wool-soaker-pattern.html.

126 comments:

  1. How much wool do you use for this pattern?

    AKA tavish on Ravelry

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  2. Paula, it takes me under 250 yards for this pattern. I am sure it would depend on gauge, but a little under 250. :)

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  3. what is this? a diaper cover?

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  4. Cat, yes, it is a diaper cover. Wool soakers are used as diaper covers primarily by those who cloth diaper their babies. :)

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  5. Kewl! I learned something new today! & I guess it could just be a decorative diaper cover.

    Pretty!

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  6. Great idea, Cat! It could be any type of diaper cover, as well. :)

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  7. Great pattern! I wish I knew someone who'd use this so I could have an excuse to make it.

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  8. In the pattern it says to have an understanding of back loops. I do not see in the pattern where to do anything with the loops.........

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  9. Thank you Elaine, you are so right. Changes have been made. :)

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  10. Regarding customizing, I am assuming you have a gauge similar to mine of 4 hdc per inch, thus yielding a rise of 20" - which is perfect for me. If you include that information, people can more easily adjust how many chains they start with as determined by their gauge and desired rise (from front to back of diaper plus extra length).

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  11. Thank you MandyzMoon.

    Now by popular demand, I am adding a customizable version of this pattern. If you have Excel, you will be able to download the spreadsheet, and you can simply add your own measurements, and have a pattern perfect for you and your baby.

    Thanks, and if anyone has any questions, feel free to ask. :) HTH!

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  12. Hi , still somewhat new to crochet and am almost done with it , but it looks kinda small . Not the rise but the waist . Do you have any rough measurements on what it suppose to be ? Maybe I need to add a few rows but my dd's pretty small , 14 lbs . Wanted to ask before I keep going . Thank you , Lison

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  13. Lison, you are the best judge on measurements. If you think it is small, you can easily add more rows to fit your baby. This soaker, when crocheted properly in the back loops, should be very stretchy, but if yours does seem small, then I would go ahead and add extra rows. I don't think it would hurt anything. :) I have also added an Excel customizable version to this pattern at the bottom of the pattern. If you download it, you can use your own gauge with your baby's specific measurements, and it will tell you your customized pattern. Maybe that would help. :)

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  14. Thank you for your help ! I just realized that I wasn't doing my hdc correctly . Now I'm debating starting over or just adding a bunch of rows . I have no idea what stitch I was using ... Thanks again , it is a really nice pattern btw :)

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    Replies
    1. You could easily give the smaller version to someone else, and just make a different one a little larger. I love this pattern, too, and have made several. I just use regular yarn, because most of the moms I know use pampers....

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  15. Oh no! Sorry to hear it Lison. I am sure whichever you decide to do will look great. Let me know how it turns out! Good Luck!

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  16. I was wondering if you have any shots of your little one wearing this cover? I know, strange question, but I like the mindless go-go-go of this pattern (a must for me, since the little guys keep interrupting while crafting). I ask because I want to see how it fits to figure out if it would be a good pattern for my little guy.

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  17. Kristina, I will try to post a pic within the next couple days for you. She is napping right now, but I will get one ASAP. :)

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  18. Hi ! I decided to undo it and start over . I just finished and it looks great ! Thanks for the pattern . It fits very nice and I can see it will fit a nice while too . Not bulky, looks comfy and is just plain nice . Thank you ! I've already taken pics , I will post a link if I'm aloud :)

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  19. Oh, congrats Lison. Glad it worked out, and thanks for letting me know! I would love to see a pic. You are more than welcome to post a link. I'm sure others would appreciate seeing, as well. :)

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  20. Here it is ! Btw , I'm still somewhat new to crochet real things , other than blankets :)
    http://s77.photobucket.com/albums/j65/Lisonh/crochet%20soakers/

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  21. Lison, it turned out beautiful, and such a pretty baby girl wearing it. :) Thanks for sharing!

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  22. Thanks for the help! I appreciate it. I just dyed some wool yarn and it is begging to become a soaker.

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  23. hi, i was wondering how you use this in relation to cloth diapering. do you just use prefolds inside? i am new to total cloth diapering, i am trying to get a head start on crocheting a bunch for when i decied to have a third. i currently use the gdiaper system but only have them for when the are over 3-4 mos old and need something to use for a newborn. thanks for the great pattern, i cannot wait to start. does it have to be wool yarn? can i use and organic cotton or something that is softer on the skin? thanks again!

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  24. Oh, and I wanted to add that I am not the owner of the wool soaker group, but I do recommend it, because everyone there is friendly and helpful. :)

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  25. Lisa, yes you can use these with any type of cloth diapers. Wool diaper covers/soakers are used as a natural alternative to using PUL. There is a wonderful group on yahoo:

    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wool_soaker_group/

    This group is wonderfully helpful at answering questions about anything you need to know about wool covers. :) I highly recommend it! Good luck with your soakers, and feel free to ask if you have any more questions!

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  26. thank u and i am going to join their group. i am a member of gdiapers there. i will look around and see if i can find answers to my other questions i have about using these. but i will definitely use this pattern, and maybe i will have the guts to alter it. i am crocheting baby booties and hats right now for someone else. thanks again!!!

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  27. Great, Lisa. That group is definitely the place to look for answers about wool soakers. They are wonderful and helpful there. Also, I am more than happy to answer any questions you might have. :) It sounds like you are busy with the crochet. :)

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  28. I love the yahoo soaker group! Awesome. I've been a member for some time and love all the patterns that are posted. I used the Crochet Ribbed Soaker Pattern as my goto pattern for some time, but when I saw how super stretchy yours was, I decided to branch out!

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  29. Kristina, which pattern is the crochet ribbed soaker pattern? I don't think I've seen it. I'd be interested in trying it, too. :)

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  30. Ok, you go click on files, and then "crochet patterns." It's called "crocheted ribbed soaker pattern."

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  31. Thank you, Kristina. I hadn't ever seen it before, but I think I will give it a try. A little more complicated, but not too much, and I think it gives a more custom fit?? Thanks!

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  32. It's really not as complicated as it looks. You essentially end up making a T shape and assembling it that way. Once you make one, it's very easy and fits great. I added more rows to mine because I thought my guy had out grown the lrg size, but it turns out I was using a "herringbone half double crochet" instead of a double crochet. That's what I was taught what a double crochet was. :) That, and he's also very tall and wide.

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  33. I just did the test square as per instructions and it looks really loose- would this soaker be suitable for naps/ night time?

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  34. Hi I've made one. I picked up stitches around the legs and knitted a leg cuff.
    http://madquilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/easiest-crochet-soaker-ever.html

    Thanks for the pattern!

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  35. Could this be used as a longies pattern by adding rows to the legs, or would it bunch too much in the middle area for that? Thanks!
    Shellie

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  36. How wide should the rectangle be? my stitches are like 6 to an inch so everything is off.

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  37. Do you have to do anything the the yarn to prepare it for making a wool soaker?

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  38. Do you have the formula for figuring the size to make?

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  39. What did you do for the legs bands on this soaker? You crocheted in the same way as the rest of the soaker? in my head it works like this:
    start at top of thigh, chain 5ish HDC in back loops. ch 1 , turn, joining each returning end back to the soaker, for what seems like 20 rows? does that make any sense to you??? (this is why I don't write patterns!)

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  40. How did you do the leg cuffs? It looks like more than just SC rows. Thanks for this pattern, by the way. I'm really excited to give wool a try!

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  41. Yes, Mandie. That is basically how I did these leg cuffs. I think it was maybe 10 sc acrossed, and then SC in the back loops, if I'm not mistaken. :) Your way would work, too, though. :)

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  42. Kayla: I attached my yarn through a loop on the leg hole. Then, I chained about 10 -- You could do more or less to your preference. Next, I turned, and SC in each chain across, until I get back to the leg hole. I then SLST through the next loop on the soaker, and TURN. Again, I SC in BACK LOOPS of each chain across. CH 1, and TURN. Then, just continue this throughout the entire leg, and SLST each side together when you get all the way around.

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  43. Love this! I knit soakers all the time and most of the knit patterns have way too narrow crotches. This is the first crochet pattern I will try...simple and beautiful! Thank you!

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  44. Thank you, Brandy! Be sure to let me know how it turns out! :)

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  45. This is a lovely pattern! It is harder to find crochet patterns for soakers so thank you for posting this one. My grams and I are going to make some together.

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  46. Thanks for the pattern! This is my first experience with wool soakers, I'll have a newborn in July. Do I need to preshrink/pre-felt the yarn before I crochet this?

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  47. Hi Cindy! Congrats on your soon-to-be-babe. :-) You do not need to felt or pre-shrink. This is an awesome group:

    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wool_soaker_group/

    This group has a wealth of information on wool soakers! :-)

    Good Luck!

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  48. Hi
    Thanks for this pattern, looks great, I'm about to try it. I'm just wondering if it needs to be lanolised before first use? Thanks again

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  49. I just made this soaker, and it turned out lovely! I changed a few things (like doing a few less HDCtbl rows and adding a few sc rows for 20ish sts, and seamed those- think side panels). I also added ruffles to the cuffs, as I am having a girl this summer! It turned out great- just not as stretchy as I thought it would be. I think mine turned out more like a size small, or NB with a long rise. Thanks for the pattern :)

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  50. Yes, You will want to lanolize, Kylie. Good luck!

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  51. Congrats on the baby girl, Cori. Your soaker sounds cute. :-)

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  52. I was reading through the comments and see where it says you've added an Excel spreadsheet to customize sizes. I can't seem to find that spreadsheet anywhere. Can you point me to it?

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  53. You are absolutely right, Kathy. I recently switched sites for my blog, and it was lost in the switch. I have emailed you the Excel file. Anyone else who wants it, feel free to ask, and I'll send it via email

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  54. Please send me the excel file! I'm expecting #6 and need to rebuild my stash... this looks like a fun pattern to try! :)

    Sadie

    smrfchic @ gmail . com

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  55. Hi,
    I am getting ready to make this soaker. When you get a chance can you send me the excle spreadsheet? Also, can a chainless foundation be used to start this pattern?

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  56. Hi! Could I get some measurements for this pattern? I mean measurements how long and how wide it should be. I'm making it from different kind of yarn so I need to modify the pattern a bit.

    Thanks for the great pattern!:)

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  57. I love how easy this is! Could you email me the Excel file? Thanks!

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  58. Could you please email me the Excel spreadsheet?

    thanks!

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  59. hi, can i get the excel sheet? i am about to try this pattern also. can't wait to see how it turns out. thank you so much!!

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  60. I'd love to have the excel copy of the diaper soaker. My daughter uses cloth diapers and is expecting her 9th child. She's interested in learning to crochet and I thought this would be wonderful for her to make once she catches on how to crochet. I can crochet also and will be attempting to make one or two for her.
    Thanks!!

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  61. I apologize for the delay getting the excel file sent out. If anyone who wanted the excel file did not receive it, please let me know.

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  62. I would appreciate having the excel file, please. I will be grandma in the fall and my DIL is planning on using cloth diapers. Thank you for sharing your darling soaker pattern!

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  63. I just gotta say I love this pattern! It's very versatile. I found that for some reason my chain row is always tight so I crochet the first row into the back bumps instead of the back loop and it comes out much stretchier and easier to put the sides together. Just thought I would throw that tip out there!

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  64. Great point, and thanks for bringing this out. I guess I assumed that the back bump on the chain was the same as the back loop, but some might not think so. Thank you for bringing this out. :-)

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  65. I just started cloth diapering and really would like to make some soakers for my daughter. I joined the wool soaker group on yahoo that was recommended earlier in this thread, but there's one slight problem here. I'm really allergic to wool and lanolin. I was wondering if cotton or bamboo would work as materials for a soaker. Right now I'm using Econobums, but I'd love to make my own soakers. Any advice?

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  66. I honestly don't recommend using something like cotton or bamboo for a soaker. I have heard of some using acrylic yarns, but I am unsure how well it would work. You may want to try asking other mothers in the wool soaker group. They may hav more experience with this subject. HTH

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  67. I would like the excel file also please.

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  68. I would love to receive your Excel spreadsheet. Also if I wanted to use this pattern but add wings to make it a wrap, any suggestions on how I could do that?

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  69. Debbie, I just sent you the Excel file. :-)

    As for making wings, I am not sure, because I haven't tried it. If you do it, I'd love to see what you come up with, though. :-D

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  70. Could you send me the excel file? Thanks so much!

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  71. could you send me the spreadsheat please. i am going to start using wool and like the looks of this pattern. is this pattern only for personal use or would i be able to make and sell soakers made from this pattern. i am looking to make some extra income, my husband hasnt had steady work for almost 2 years. thanks in advance.

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  72. This looks like a great pattern. Could you send me the excel file? Thanks so much. I really like the idea of using it for many different sizes.

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  73. Alisa, I do not mind you making these to sell, at all. I only ask that you give me credit for the pattern, and that you do not sell the actual pattern, itself. Good luck!

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  74. Thank you so much for this pattern.
    What dimensions should the finished soaker be (in the size you originally wrote the pattern for)?

    To a previous question posted above: if you are allergic to wool/lanolin, would alpaca yarn cause you allergies? If not, I am told it is an excellent option for soakers.
    The one I am making at the moment is made using alpaca yarn (it's my first try with alpaca though).

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  75. Could you please send me your Excel file for sizing? Thank you for the great pattern!

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  76. Hi! Looks so adorable! Can you send me the excel file so I can give it a go? Thanks so much!!

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  77. This looks like a great pattern. I'm so excited to try it! Could you send me the excel file, please? Thanks!!!

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  78. This looks like a great nighttime soaker, which is what I am looking for. I am going to give it a try and would love to receive the excel file to make sure it will fit my chunky little girl!

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  79. I should also mention that the file is in the CROCHET pattern file.

    Thx!

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  80. I am sorry, but with my daughter being potty trained, now, I am no longer able to keep up with the EXCEL file requests. I have uploaded a copy to this yahoo group:

    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wool_soaker_group/files/

    Feel free to download it from there.

    Thanks! Happy Crocheting!

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  81. Thanks for the link to the group and while I tried to join, my membership was denied. I was so very sad. I still hope to try your pattern though.

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  82. Thank you for this unique item. I would like access to that excel spread sheet & what is the suggested gauge? I am a beginner!
    thanks again.

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  83. I would love this spread sheet also!! Thanks!

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  84. I hope I can get Excel

    THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR KINDNESS

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  85. You you could change the page title Easiest Crochet Wool Soaker Pattern Crochet Castle to more suited for your blog post you make. I loved the blog post however.

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  86. Hey thank you so much for this pattern I was looking for somehting super easy to try to see if I like these covers better than the plastic ones

    all the best!

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  87. This is the coolest idea ever for such an easy way to make a soaker! Thank you! To answer a previous question... yes you can use acrylic yarn. It works fine for a daytime soaker if you have a good diaper underneath. I wouldn't use it for overnight or long car trips.

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  88. I love this pattern, I'm going to try it as soon as I finish the outfit I am working on for my son! Do you still need to lanolize this after you make it? I don't have much experience with wool, but I am told that you have to lanolize cover? Thanks!

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  89. Hi I just finally got around to making one of these covers and the pattern is fantastic! I love it. I used an H/8 needle and only chained 51ch and then began the pattern doing only 50hcd which turned out nicely. On the legs I only chained 4 and did 3sc then sc into leg two times turn and sc across three ch1 repeat. It gave it a little 'bump' at the end so it turned out quite nicely. It fits my 1mth old (she is only around 8lbs). I plan to make more since it comes together so quickly. I have know idea where I could post a picture for you to see.
    Anyway I love the pattern and plan to make more.

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  90. There is an error in the excel spreadsheet. I beleive the cell 29F should be =SUM((F13*F5)-(F17*F5)/2

    I could be wrong on the correction, but I know what you have in that cell doesn't work.

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  91. [...] This pattern calls for half double crochet (hdc) stitches placed in the back loop which makes it rather stretchy. It also makes these ridges that I love the look of. [...]

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  92. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  93. I would like the excel spreadsheet please :)
    cassroberts89ATgmailDOTcom

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  94. My cover looks huge! I'm certain I followed the pattern as it was given. Has anyone else had this feeling? It just seems so big, but as this is my first one it may be normal. Any thoughts, suggestions?

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  95. Thank you so much for this pattern, I've got your link bookmarked and plan to sell my own wool diaper covers crochet and wool material.


    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wobots-Diapers/335809609781802

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  96. Fantastic -- I'm so excited that I found this pattern! I was wanting to crochet a couple of soakers, but I'm not much into complicated patterns ... they hurt my head too much, LOL! This is exactly what I've been looking for! Thank you so much for sharing. :)

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  97. Oh man I followed this pattern but mine came out soooooooo big :/ I almost feel like it could fit me! Haha im using all of the right stuff..can you help me figure out what im doing wrong?

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  98. hello, i would love the excel file. im going to try this tonight, i am fed up with pocket diapers and microfiber inserts! thanks id prefer you sent it to ritatorres83@yahoo.com

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  99. Can you please send me the excel file as well? My email is sdgarcia_83@yahoo.com. Thanks!

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  100. I'm a super novice crocheter and I made two of these in the past 24 hours! I had some bulky wool yarn, so I just used it. I made one bigger one that I chained 71 (too tall) and did 17 rows. When it was folded, slip stitched down the side about 20 stitches. On my second one, I chained 61 (much better) and did 15 rows. I used LB Alpine Wool. For the larger one I used a little over one skein, probably ~ 130-150 yards. The smaller one I did with just one skein. I wasn't sure I'd have enough to do the leg cuffs, so I did two rows in the cream color and trimmed the leg with two rows of red. LOVE this one!!!

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  101. This is fantastic! Thank you so much for posting. I haven't been Using my modern cloth nappies overnight due to leaks, and wool soakers from the nappy websites are very expensive. So made this soaker, lanolised it and used it on my 10mth old last night- no leaks! Also looks super cute. Thank you!

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  102. I just made this and added scalloped edges on the legs for my little girl! I'm thinking I'll add scallop ruffles on the bum as well! Thank you thank you thank you!

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  103. Thank you so much for this pattern! I am pregnant and wanting to cloth diaper and so many people are talking about wool soakers. I figured I could crochet (and maybe attempt to knit one or two) to save a ton of money!! Thanks for all the advice from everyone else on here :)

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  104. Hello! I'm in the midst of making this soaker, and I'm wondering about felting. I crochet fairly loosely, so I used a smaller sized hook, but I"m afraid even with the smaller hook it's too loose to be water resistant. I've heard felting can help, but I"m not sure when/how to do the felting, specifically in regards to the drawstring. Felt before, or after? How do you put the drawstring in if you do it before?

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  105. Hi, thank you for the pattern. Tell me if I'm wrong, but I think there is a mistake in the xcel sheet. Shouldn't the number of rows you need to knit (cell F27) be =PRODUIT(F9/2;F15) instead of =PRODUIT(F9;F15)? As you make the TWO ends of the rectangle meet to get the waist measurement right? I'm also wondering how you assess the right tension of your gauge in order to take into account the "stretchiness" of the stich you use here? In other words, to get the right number of rows, do we need to stretch the test square before we count the number of stiches and rows so that we don't end up with too bulky a crotch (the size of the waist)? Thank you anybody if you can answer my questions and sorry for the mistakes. I'm not a native speaker of english!

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    1. Anon,

      This is crochet not knit so that may be your confusion.

      You basically make a big rectangle, fold "hamberger" and stitch half way down the legs. Then, one can stitch around the legs to make gusset cuffs, add a drawstring, and I like to finish off the top. Other women have used shells to make ruffles. The crotch needs to be "bulky" because the prefold is somehat bulky.

      Jillian

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  106. Would it work to do some rows of single crochet in the round around the waist or would that make it not stretchy enough anymore? If I do single crochet on the legs I can just do that in the round right or do I need to go back and forth? Thanks!

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  107. hi
    Did u wash and lanolize it before using? how it looks when it is felts (I'ld appreciate photo)?

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  108. Hi,
    This looks adorable, we've just switched to fitted diapers and wool covers, so I can't wait to try it. Could you email me the Excel file at delapenafamily@hotmail.com Thanks!

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  109. I love this pattern. I would love to add legs. Any suggestions on how to do this?

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    Replies
    1. My email is jazkben@yahoo.com. thanks.

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  110. Hi, just made the body of this and it's great but I'm confused as to why I can't just go round with a dc or hdc into the preexisting stitches around the leg holes? People on here are talking about chains etc but surely long chains would create an extra sticky-out bit? Thanks!

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  111. In row two and on, do you start your hdc in first or second stitch? My rows seem off. I googled it and it says to start in second stitch with a hdc, but that's with a chain 2. I'm not sure where to start with a chain 1. Any reply would be appreciated! Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. I have this exact same question! I have done about 10 rows and it's getting narrower and narrower. This is my first time crocheting and I read that for HDC you always start in the second stitch as well. Woops!

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  112. Just made the drawstring, now how on earth do I sew it through? It's way thicker than my biggest yarn needle and I only did a SC into chains

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    Replies
    1. I think the drawstring was supposed to be chains, then slip stitches back to the beginning chain. And in one of the beginning rows (4th or 5th? - haven't looked lately), it was supposed to be a stitch pattern that creates little spaces, which is where the chain is threaded through....

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  113. I have made several colors and sizes of this pattern and just love it! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  114. I have made several colors and sizes of this pattern and just love it! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  115. What is the finished size of the soaker? Love the pattern

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  116. This looks great! My boy's a heavy wetter so I was hoping to do this pattern with a 4mm hook. How many extra stitches would you recommend adding in order to make it roughly the same size?

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  117. The EXCEL FILE DOWNLOAD doesn't work. :(

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