The name's Cake.... Cupcake

 Many moons ago I promised you a simple cupcake pattern. Well... here he is! 

Notes and abbreviations

This pattern is written in UK terms.  But as there is only really one stitch in the pattern, simply substitute 'dc' for 'sc' to switch to US terms and you'll be on your way!

ch chain
s.s slip stitch
dc double crochet (US single crochet)
htc half treble crochet (US hdc)
2dc 2 double crochet in the same stitch (dc increase)
dc2tog double crochet 2 sts together (dc decrease). Insert hook into first dc and pull up a loop, then insert hook into second dc and pull up a loop, yarn round hook and pull through both sets of loops. 
st/ sts stitch/ stiches

This pattern uses the magic/ adjustable loop method to start, which ensures a tight hole that can be closed securely. If you're not sure how to do a magic loop you can find a good video tutorial here.

In this pattern you begin each round by chaining 1, which does not count as a stitch.  At the end of the round, you skip over this ch1 and s.s into the first proper st of the round.This method gives a more regular shape and size than the continuous spiral technique.

The pattern is worked in two pieces: the base and the lid. If you wish to add a smiley face to your cupcake base then do this before you join the two parts together.  

Base

Using a cakey colour (or white if you want your cupcake to be in a case)...

1.  In a magic ring, crochet 6dc and join with a s.s (6sts).

2. Ch1, 2dc in each dc around, skip ch1 and join to first dc with a s.s  (12sts).

3. Ch1, (2dc in the first st, 1dc in the next st) around, skip ch1 and join to first dc with a s.s (18 sts). 

4. Ch1, (2dc in the first st, 1dc in each of the following 2 sts) around, skip ch1 and join to first dc with a s.s  (24 sts).

5. Ch 1, (2dc in the first st, 1dc in each of the following 3 sts) around, skip ch1 and join to first dc with a s.s  (30sts).

6. Now work one row straight (ch1,1dc in each dc around, skip ch1 and join with s.s), double crocheting through the back loops only. This gives the base a nice flat bottom. 

7. Now, working through both loops as normal, work straight (ch1, 1dc in each dc around, skip ch1 and join with s.s) for as many rows as you choose. This will depend on how deep you like your cupcake base to be. I ususally work straight for 6 rows. When you are finished, fasten off and work the yarn ends in. 

*If you want to add a face to your cupcake then this is the time to do it.* 

Lid (iced part) 

Choose a colour for your icing (or you can work in stripes- yum!) Follow steps 1-5 until you have 30sts. Then work 2 row straight. This forms the top of your cupcake. 

In your final round you are going to add some frilly bits around the edge of your cupcake top.

Final round: Ch1. (1dc, 1htc, 1dc in first st, sl.st in the following two stitches) around, s.s to join. Fasten off, leaving a long tail of yarn for stitching the pieces together. 

Cherry

1.3dc in a magic ring (3sts).

2. 2dc in each st around (6sts).

3. (2dc in first st, 1dc in next st) around (9 sts).

4.Work one row straight.

5. Decrease row- (dc2tog, dc in next st) around (6sts). Stuff with a little red yarn.

6. (dc2tog) around (3sts). Fasten off and join to lid. 



Stuff base and start to join the lid, when it is almost joined stuff some stuffing into the lid too and seal.

Smile at your cupcake and watch him smile back :) (But do not talk to him because this is viewed as being a little crazy).