Happy Monday, T.H.R.I.V.E. Association family! This is the Worsted Weight Crochet Gaiter, compliments of our staff at T.H.R.I.V.E. HQ! This gaiter is quick to craft, quite economical in the yarn needed, and comfortably fits under a jacket for our underprivileged veterans and their dependents. It can be as warm as a scarf, but less of the bulk. Here is how to make it:

The Worsted Weight Crochet Gaiter

Abbreviations:

Ch = Chain(s)

Sl st = Slip stitch

Hdc = Half double crochet

St(s) = Stitch(es)

Fphdc = Front post half double crochet

Bphdc = Back post half double crochet

Gauge: Chain 11, hdc into second chain from hook, 1 hdc in each ch to the remaining 9 sts. It should measure 3 inches in length. Adjust the amount of chains and/or hook size accordingly to meet 3 inches. If adjustments were needed, use those same adjustments to augment the pattern.

Ch 71. Join first ch with sl st, making sure not to twist the ch when joining the ends.

Foundation row: Ch 1, place stitch marker, 1 hdc in each st around (70), sl st into first st.

Row 1: Ch 1, fphdc around the first hdc from the foundational row. *Bphdc around the next. Fphdc around next.* Rep *…* to marker (70), sl st into first st.

Row 2-25: Ch 1, fphdc around the previous row’s first post. *Bphdc around the next. Fphdc around the next. Rep *…* to marker (70), sl st into first st. At the end of Row 25, fasten off after the sl st and weave in the ends.

Tips: If you have never tried Front post half double crochets (fphdc) and Back post half double crochets (bphdc), don’t worry – they are much easier than they sound! Here is a picture of what going through the front post looks like:

And here is a picture of what going through the back post looks like (note that the work is being tilted toward the camera to show the back post, thus effectively is a top down view):