Easy Crochet Decoy Wasp / Hornets Nest

With Spring here and Summer making their return, so are Wasps and Hornets.  By now, we all know how important all species of bees are. While some may not be as cute and fuzzy as others, it's important we do what we can to coexist with them outside and not cause them harm.  This decoy nest will deter Wasps and Hornets who create hanging nests from making their home on your porch or in your yard.  

 

This is great and safe alternative to sprays and pesticides.

 

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Yarn and Inspiration:

 

A friend of mine requested I make her one of these for her yard, after doing some research I saw that they actually work!  I set out to find a pattern, but was unable to find one that I liked, or felt would hold up while out in the elements.  So, I set out to make my own.  

 

I chose Bernat Maker Outdoor  because its a durable Nylon / Acrylic blend and is specifically made to work in an outdoor setting.  The yarn is a bulky, 5 weight, and comes in a variety of colors (don't be afraid to get creative with the colors you choose!).  

 

Materials:

 

1 Skein Bernat Maker Outdoor  in Summer Storm Grey

Size K/6.5mm Crochet Hook

Poly Fill

Darning needle

Scissors

 

Gague:

16sts x 12 rows (in repeat row pattern) = 4x4 inch 

Finished Size:  Approx. 12 inches in length, 10 in diameter

 

Difficulty:

Easy - knowledge of basic crochet, increases and decreases required

 

Notes: 

• Body is worked in the round and joined with a SS at the end of each row.  Do not turn
• Strap will be worked in rows, turning at the end.
• Repeat stitch pattern between * * 
• Total stitch count will appear in () at the end of each row
• Chain 1 & 2 at the beginning of each round does not count as a stitch
• Slipped stitch does not count as a stitch.
• Each new row will begin in the same stitch you slipped into to join the round.
• Special Stitch:  SC in the 3rd loop
• see video below

 

Abreviations: US crochet terminology

• SC:  Single Crochet
• SS:  Slip Stitch
• CH:  Chain
• INC:  Increase 
• DEC:  Decrease 
• DC: Double Crochet
• HDC:  Half Double Crochet
• MR:  Magic Ring
• F/O:  Fasten Off

Begin:

 

1:  DC 8 in MR (if you prefer, chain 3 and join in place of the MR) SS to join (8)

2:  CH 1, 2 HDC around. SS to join (16)

3:  CH 1, 1 SC in 3rd loop of previous rows HDC (16)

        How to SC in the 3rd loop

4:  CH 2, *DC into the first stitch, INC in the next*  Repeat * * until the end of the round. Slip into         1st stitch of the round to join (24)

5:  CH 1, *1 HDC in next two stitches, INC in the next*  Repeat * * until the end of the round. Slip          into 1st stitch of the round to join (32)

6:  CH 1, 1 SC in 3rd loop of previous rows HDC (32)

7:  CH 2, *1 DC in the next 3 stitches, INC in the next*   Repeat * * until the end of the round. Slip        into 1st stitch of the round to join (40)

8:  CH 1, *1 HDC in the next 4 stitches, INC in the next*   Repeat * * until the end of the round. Slip      into 1st stitch of the round to join (48)

9:  CH 1, 1 SC in 3rd loop of previous rows HDC .  SS to join (48)

10:  CH 2, 1 DC in each stitch around.  SS to join (48)

11:  CH 1, 1 HDC in each stitch around.  SS to join (48)

12:  CH 1, 1 SC in 3rd loop of previous rows HDC .  SS to join (48)

 

Repeat Rows 10-12 3 more times

 

22:  CH 2, *1 DC in next 4 stitches, DEC in the next*   Repeat * * until the end of the round. Slip            into 1st stitch of the round to join  (40)

23:  CH 1, *1 HDC in the next 3 stitches, DEC in the next*   Repeat * * until the end of the round.           Slip into 1st stitch of the round to join.  (32)

24:  CH 1, 1 SC in 3rd loop of previous rows HDC (32)

25:  CH 2, *1 DC in next 2 stitches, DEC in the next*  Repeat * * until the end of the round. Slip              into 1st stitch of the round to join (24)

 

*Begin stuffing.  Stuffing does not have to be perfect, it will look more natural if its not.*

 

26:  CH 1,*1 HDC in first stitch, DEC in the next*   Repeat * * until the end of the round. Slip into 1st stitch of the round to join (16)

27:  CH 1, SC DEC in each stitch around.  SS to join (8) - Note*  this row of SC is not worked into the 3rd loop.

 

Strap:

1:  CH 1, SC in the next 4 stitches.  CH 1 and turn (4)

2:  1 SC in each stitch.  CH 1 and turn (4)

3 - 16:  Repeat Row 2

F/O and leave a long tail for sewing.  Attach the strap to the 4 stitches left over from Round 27 of the body.  Add any additional stuffing.  Without cutting the yarn, sew the top of Round 27 together, closing the gap. 

I can't wait to see your creations!  

Make sure to find me on Social Media:  @Not_Your_Yiyas_Crochet on Instagram and Facebook .  And use the hashtag #NotYourYiyasCrochet so I can see what you're making :)  

Legal Disclaimer:  

This pattern and its images are copyright protected and the sole property of Not Your Yiyas Crochet. Please do not redistribute, transfer/sell the pattern, or alter it to claim as your own. You may sell any products you create from this pattern. I do ask that you credit the designer.