Special Stitch:

• Seed Cluster: (sc, dc) in sc

Gauge/Tension:

Working in pattern, 3 seed clusters x 5 rows = 2″ by 2″

Pattern Multiple:

Multiple of 2 + 1

Pattern Overview: The main body of the car seat tent is worked vertically, giving it a unique and textured appearance. You have the option to start with a chainless foundation, which helps maintain a consistent tension and makes for a smoother edge.

Main Body Pattern:

Note: You can chain 81 and then go to Row 1 of the pattern or start with a chainless foundation of sc, then dc, repeated to the end, ending in a dc. Make a total of 80 sts (40 sc’s, 40 dc’s). Then jump to Row 2 of the pattern.

With MC, ch 81 loosely:

• Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next st, sc in next st, dc in next st, rep from * to * to last st, ch 1, turn.
• Row 2: sk dc, (sc, dc) in sc, sk dc, (sc, dc) in sc, rep from * to * to last st, ch 1, turn.
• Rows 3-55 (or as needed): Repeat Row 2. Do not fasten off at the end of Row 55. Turn work 90 degrees clockwise to begin working along edges of rows.

Edging:

Round 1: ch 1, work 1 sc into top of last worked dc of Row 55, sc into second half of same dc, work 2 sc’s into each dc along edge, none in between dc’s; work 3 sc’s in corner stitch (second half of last dc on the edge); sc in each stitch along edge until last st, 3 sc’s in last st, rep from * to * once more, 2 sc’s in same st as beg of round, sl st into 1st st, fasten off.

Round 2: (You can fudge if stitch count isn’t exact.) Join new color into any corner’s 2nd sc, ch 3 (making hdc + ch 1), (hdc, ch 1) in same st, (hdc, ch 2) in next st, sk 2 sts, [(hdc, ch 2) in next st, sk 2 sts, rep from * to * to next-to-last st before corner, (hdc, ch 1) in next-to-last st, (hdc, ch 1, hdc, ch 1) in corner st, rep from * to * to next-to-last st before corner], (hdc, ch 1) in next-to-last st, (hdc, ch 1, hdc, ch 1) in corner st, rep from [ to ], (hdc, ch 1) in next-to-last st before corner, (hdc, ch 1) in same st as ch 3 at beg of round, sl st to 2nd ch of beg ch 3, ch 1, turn.

Round 3: sc in same st as ch 1, 3 sc’s in 1st ch-1 sp, [sc in hdc, sc in ch-1 sp, sc in hdc, 2 sc’s in ch-2 sp, sc in hdc, rep from * to * to ch-1 before corner V st, sc in ch-1 sp, sc in hdc, 3 sc’s in ch-1 sp, sc in hdc, sc in ch-1 sp, sc in hdc, rep from * to * to ch-1 before corner V st, sc in ch-1 sp], sc in hdc, 3 sc’s in ch-1 sp, rep from [ to ], sl st to 1st sc, fasten off, turn.

Round 4-6: Join new color to any corner’s 2nd sc, ch 1, sc in same st, sc across to other corner, 3 sc’s in 2nd sc of corner, sc across to other corner, 3 sc’s in 2nd sc of corner, rep from * to *, 2 sc’s in same st as 1st sc of round, sl st to 1st sc, fasten off, turn.

Round 7-10: Continue with the same color as Round 6. Rep Round 4, modifying as necessary so that there is 1 sc in each st all around and 3 sc’s in the corner sts.

Chain Ribbon/Bow:

Ch 40 loosely. This will be the beginning of the chain length that will form the “shoelace” to tie in a bow with the ending chain length.

Round 1: In the center 2 hdc’s at the bottom edge of the tent/blanket, sc around the hdc on the left, ch 2, sc in next hdc, ch 2 to 1st hdc of the 4 hdc’s in the corner; sc in 1st hdc, ch 1, sc in next hdc, ch 2, rep from * to * to 4 hdc’s in corner; sc in 1st hdc, ch 1, sc in next hdc, ch 2, sc in next hdc, ch 1, sc in next hdc, ch 2, rep from * to * to hdc right before the 1st hdc in round, sc in hdc, ch 2.

Round 2: sc into next hdc, with the sc being made adjacent to the sc prev worked so that you have begun a second round of the chain ribbon; rep Round 1 until working an sc into the last sc of Round 1, ch 41, fasten off, and pull securely on yarn tail. (Tie in a bow the beginning ch40 length with the ending ch41 length.)

Handle Straps (Make 2):

• Row 1: Join yarn to desired placement of strap, ch 1, sc in same st, make 3 more sc’s, ch 2, turn.
• Row 2: hdc in next 3 sts, ch 2, turn.
• Rows 3-14: Rep Row 2; ch 1 at end of Row 14, turn.
• Row 15: sc in same st as ch 1, sc in next 3 sts, ch 1, turn.
• Row 16 (buttonhole): sc in same st as ch 1, ch 2, sk 2 sts, sc in last st, ch 1, turn.
• Row 17: sc in same st as ch 1, 2 sc’s in ch-2 sp, sc in last st, fasten off.

Weave in ends.

Finishing Touches:

Once your tent is complete, you can add any appliqués or embellishments to personalize it. The ends of the chain ribbon serve as a bow but also to tie around the blanket tent when it is folded. This little detail not only adds a decorative touch but also ensures that the tent stays neatly wrapped when not in use.

This car seat tent is a wonderful project that combines utility with a touch of creativity. Whether you’re making it for your own baby or as a gift, it’s sure to be a cherished item. Happy crocheting!