Rainbow Cherry Moss Stitch Barrette Free Crochet Pattern
Rainbow Cherry Moss Stitch Barrette Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This little rainbow barrette cover is a joyful project for teens and anyone who loves a pop of color in their hair. Worked in soft moss stitch stripes with a mohair-silk blend held double, it has a gentle halo and a rustic farmhouse feel that looks lovely against any hair color. The tiny cherry motif on one side adds a sweet, playful detail that makes it feel handmade in the best way. It is a quick, satisfying make that uses up small amounts of leftover lace yarn and fits a standard 3-inch barrette.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Lace weight mohair silk blend (70% mohair, 30% silk), held double throughout. Approximately 10 yards each of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet; a small amount of brown for the stems.
- Hook: 3.5 mm (E-4) crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, small amount of polyester fiberfill for the cherries, one 3-inch (7.6 cm) barrette.
- Finished size: Cover measures 3.25 inches (8.3 cm) wide x 1 inch (2.5 cm) tall, to fit a 3-inch (7.6 cm) barrette.
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- inc – increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec – decrease (single crochet 2 stitches together)
- sp(s) – space(s)
- MR – magic ring
- sts – stitches
Gauge
22 sts and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in moss stitch. To check, work a small swatch in moss stitch and measure the stitch and row counts across 4 inches; adjust your hook size if needed to match.
Tips Before You Start
- Hold two strands of the mohair silk together at all times so the fabric stays soft and consistent; the halo hides small tension differences.
- Change colors at the end of the last sc of a row, leaving a short tail to weave in later, so the stripes stay crisp.
- Keep your moss stitch tension relaxed; tight stitches make the cover stiff and hard to slide over the barrette.
- Work the cherry motif first and set it aside so the cover stays clean while you assemble.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cover (moss stitch, changing color every 2 rows)
With red, ch 19.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, [ch 1, skip 1 ch, sc in next ch] across, turn. (10 sc, 9 ch-1 sps)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 1, skip ch-1 sp, sc in next sc] across, turn. (10 sc, 9 ch-1 sps)
Rows 3-4: Change to orange, repeat Row 2. (10 sc, 9 ch-1 sps)
Rows 5-6: Change to yellow, repeat Row 2. (10 sc, 9 ch-1 sps)
Rows 7-8: Change to green, repeat Row 2. (10 sc, 9 ch-1 sps)
Rows 9-10: Change to blue, repeat Row 2. (10 sc, 9 ch-1 sps)
Rows 11-12: Change to indigo, repeat Row 2. (10 sc, 9 ch-1 sps)
Rows 13-14: Change to violet, repeat Row 2. Fasten off. (10 sc, 9 ch-1 sps)
Cherry (make 2, with red)
Rnd 1: MR 6 sc. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: Inc x6. (12 sts)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6. (18 sts)
Rnds 4-5: Sc in each st around. (18 sts)
Rnd 6: [sc, dec] x6. (12 sts)
Rnd 7: Dec x6. (6 sts)
Stuff lightly, then close the opening.
Stem (with brown)
Ch 8. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (7 sl sts) Fasten off.
Leaf (with green)
Ch 6. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, hdc in last ch. Fasten off.
Edging
With right side facing, join red in any corner of the cover. Sc evenly around the entire cover, working 3 sc in each corner. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Assembly and Finishing
Sew one cherry to each end of the stem. Sew the leaf to the base of the stem. Sew the finished cherry motif to the right side of the cover, centered vertically and 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) from the right edge. Insert the barrette into the cover and sew the openings closed. Weave in all remaining ends, then block lightly by misting with water and shaping flat to dry.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the rainbow stripes for a two-color palette for a more subtle, everyday look.
- Use a slightly larger hook for a looser cover if your barrette is on the wider side.
- Add a tiny bead or embroidered highlight to each cherry for extra charm.
