Tag Archives: Crochet

Twinkle Star Blanket

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Whether baby is out and about or ready for a nap, this beautiful crocheted star blanket will keep your precious little one warm and cozy.

Materials

  • Pink worsted-weight yarn, 28 oz.

Tools

  • Crochet hook, size 5 (3.75mm)
  • Yarn needle

Basic Supplies

scissors

Abbreviations

ch = chain
dc = double crochet
rep = repeat
rnd(s) = round(s)
sk = skip
sl st = slip stitch
sp(s) = space(s)
st = stitch

Directions

Medallion

1. Ch 8, sl st to form ring.

2. Rnd 1: Ch 3, 2 dc in ring. (Ch 2, 3 dc in ring) five times. Ch 2 , sl st in top of ch-3.

3. Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc. (Ch 2, dc in ch-2 sp, ch 2, dc in next 3 dc) around. End with sl st in top of ch-3.

4. Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc. *(Ch 2, dc in next sp) twice; ch 2, dc in next 3 dc. Rep from * around. End with sl st in top of ch-3.

5. Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc. *(Ch 2, dc in next sp) three times; ch 2, dc in next 3 dc. Rep from * around. End with sl st in top of ch-3.

6. Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc. *2 dc in next sp, (ch 2, dc in next sp) twice. Ch 2, 2 dc in next sp, dc in next 3 sps. Rep from * around. End with sl st in top of ch-3.

7. Rnd 6: Ch 3, dc in next 4 dc. *2 dc in next sp. Ch 2, dc in next sp, ch 2, 2 dc in next sp. Dc in next 7 sps. Rep from * around. End with sl st in top of ch-3.

8. Rnd 7: Ch 3, dc in next 6 dc. *2 dc in next sp, ch 2, 2 dc in next sp; dc in next 11 dc. Repeat from * around. End with sl st in top of ch-3.

9. Rnd 8: Ch 3, dc in next 8 dc. *(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next sp; dc in next 15 dc. Rep from * around. End with sl st in top of ch-3.

10. Rnd 9: Ch 5, skip 2 dc, dc in next dc. (Ch 2, sk 2 dc, dc in next dc) twice. *Ch 2, dc in ch-2 sp; ch 2, dc in same sp. (Ch 2, sk 2 dc, dc in next dc) six times. Rep from * around. End with sl st in third st of ch-5. Fasten off.

Joining Medallions

1. Join medallions on 9th round. (Note: Medallion in-progress is A; medallion being joined is B). Work Rnd 9 to first corner.

2. Dc in ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in corresponding sp on B; ch 1, ch in same ch-2 sp on A.

3. *Ch 1, sc in next sp on B, ch 1, sc in next sp on A. Continue from * across to corner and join as for first corner. Continue Rnd 9 around.

Joining Multiple Medallions

1. When joining to more than one medallion, work corners as follows: Dc in ch-2 sp on A, ch 1, sc in corresponding sp on B; ch 1, sc in corresponding sp on third medallion; ch 1, dc in same ch-2 sp on A. Continue joining to adjacent side of third medallion and work across.

2. To complete afghan, join 27 medallions: five in Row 1, six in Row 2, five in Row 3, six in Row 4, and five in Row 5. Do not fasten off after finishing Rnd 9 of last medallion.

Edging

1. Row 1: Ch 6, (dc in next dc, ch 3) to corner. Work dc, ch 2, dc in ch-2 sp, (ch 3, dc in next dc) along side. Where medallions are joined at corners, work dc in dc before join, ch 1, dc in dc following join, and continue ( ).

2. Row 2: Ch 5, dc in next dc. (Ch 2, dc in next dc) around. Work corners as for Row 1. In sp above medallion joins, work dc in dc before ch-1 sp, ch 3, dc in ch-1 sp, ch 3, dc in next dc. Continue around. Fasten off.

3. Use yarn needle to weave in all ends

by Darlene Polachic

Great Finds Friday: Books

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Welcome to Great Finds Friday on the Crafts ‘n things Blog! Before we take a look at some fabulous new craft books that have just been released, we want to announce the lucky winner of the Wishy Washi Tape prize package offered on the April 12th blog post. The winner is Ruby Thursday. Ruby told us that she loves to use washi tape to cover her phone case for a unique look she can change whenever she likes. Congratulations, Ruby! Please contact Stacey at tape@wishywashi.com to claim your prize.

Now, here are three new craft titles available in your local book or craft store that will inspire cute ‘n cuddly, warm ‘n fuzzy projects for home, gift-giving, craft fairs, and good causes close to your heart.

Adventures in Pompom Land: 25 Cute Projects Made from Handmade Pompoms by Myko Diann Bocek, Lark Crafts (www.larkcrafts.com), ISBN: 978-1-4547-0386-0.

Welcome to Pompom Land, where handmade wool pompoms are transformed into cute creatures of all kinds. All projects reference basic techniques explained in Pompom Making Essentials, which walk you step-by-step through the pompom-making process, as well as the basics of needle felting. Different textures, small felt details, needle-felted appendages, and the illusion of fluffy feathers, manes, and tails add to the appeal. Projects include precious birds, darling woodland inhabitants, farmyard friends, zoo animals, popular pets, holiday designs, and more. With the author’s guidance and just a few basic materials (wool yarn, wool roving, wool felt, and desired embellishments), you’ll soon be creating personalized, beloved pompom critters for all occasions. Adventures in Pompom Land retails for $17.95.

Crochet One-Skein Wonders: 101 Projects from Crocheters Around the World edited by Judith Durant & Edie Eckman, Storey Publishing (www.storey.com), ISBN: 978-1-61212-042-3.

When extra skeins of yarn are left over from knitting and crochet projects, it’s easy to collect quite a yarn stash. Editors Durant and Eckman scoured the crochet community to find the best crochet patterns using only one skein of yarn. The result is 101 gorgeous projects by well-known pattern designers from the U.S. and abroad. Projects hail from a wide variety of contributors, many of whom are bloggers, published designers, yarn shop owners, Etsy shop sellers, authors, and creative-industry professionals. Projects are organized by yarn weight and include scarves, shawls, hats, gloves, socks, bags, purses, jewelry, baby clothes, home décor, and amigurumi (Japanese-style crocheted stuffed toys). The book also includes clear stitch diagrams and a techniques glossary that will help even new crocheters succeed. Crochet One-Skein Wonders retails for $18.95.

Doodle Stitching: Embroidery & Beyond by Aimee Ray, Lark Crafts (www.larkcrafts.com), ISBN: 978-1-4547-0363-1.

In her first two Doodle Stitching books, Aimee Ray proved that doodling isn’t just for paper anymore. Now, she brings her irresistible art to a variety of embroidery techniques in a timeless resource for anyone with a needle and thread. The book’s 20+ projects feature a wide array of techniques beyond basic embroidery, all fresh and accessible and with extra motifs so you can personalize your creations. Techniques include cross stitch, redwork, crewel, sashiko, stumpwork, and more. Designs are delightfully modern and enhance a variety of surfaces including cloth, paper, canvas, and upcycled ready-made clothing. Don’t miss the Flower Hill Zipper Pouch (the perfect quick, creative, colorful accessory), the Butterfly Wrist Cuff (learn to tint fabric with crayons), and the Canvas Cuckoo Clock (the clock really works).  Doodle Stitching: Embroidery & Beyond retails for $14.95.

I’d like to send these three beautiful books to three lucky winners! Simply leave a comment that answers this question: “What new-to-you craft do you most want to try?” We’ll announce the randomly-selected winners here on May 10th.

Happy Crafting!

Dawn Gehring, Crafts ‘n things Editorial Staff

Recycled Plastic Bag Tote

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Celebrate Earth Day! Instead of throwing out those old plastic grocery bags cluttering up your closet, “go green” and recycle them into a sturdy and handy tote. Mother Earth will appreciate your efforts.

Materials

  • Recycled plastic shopping bags: blue, white, grey

Tools

  • Size Q (or 19) crochet hook

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler

Directions

STEP 1

To make “yarn”, cut handles from plastic grocery bag. Cut 3”-wide strip from bag. Continue cutting around bag creating one long strip. Repeat process to create multiple plastic strips.

STEP 2

Measure 4” from end on blue strip. Make loop on hook. Chain 16. Single crochet in second chain from hook. Make a single crochet in each of remaining chains (15 single crochets total). At end of plastic strip, overlap 6” at end of first strip with beginning 6” of second strip; crochet two together. At end of row, knot end of first plastic strip with beginning of second strip before chaining one to start next row.

STEP 3

Chain one. Turn crocheted piece. Single crochet in each single crochet already worked.

STEP 4

To change color, cut blue strip 4” from last single crochet. Tie white and blue strips into knot at end of last single crochet.

STEP 5

Repeat process to single crochet two rows with white strips.

STEP 6

Continue chaining one and working single crochets, alternating two rows of blue and two rows of white strips for 34 rows.

STEP 7

To end, cut blue strip 4” from last single crochet. Pull strip through loop on hook.

STEP 8

Fold crocheted rectangle in half so loose ends are at sides. Tuck loose ends inside. Using grey strips, single crochet sides of rectangle together forming rectangle shape.

STEP 9

For handle, attach grey strip to top of rectangle on one side. Chain 30. Attach chain to opposite side of rectangle. Make single crochet in each chain on handle.

Go Green!

  • Many grocery stores and retail shops provide the opportunity to recycle your plastic bags! Make the effort to bring a bunch back each time you go to the store. This helps keep bags out of landfills and cuts down on the energy used to make new bags!

by Mary Ayres

Crocheted Lacy Wrap

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Whether it is cool and breezy in the summer months or a bit brisk in early autumn, this soft and cuddly wrap has just the right amount of warmth, elegance, and style for your wedding day.

Materials

  • Coats & Clark Red Heart Baby Clouds Yarn, 3 skeins, Cloud

Tools

  • Crochet hook, size Q
  • Yarn needle

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler

Abbreviations

ch = chain
dc = double crochet
sc = single crochet
st(s) = stitches
v-st = V stitch

Special Stitches

V-st: – A V-stitch resembles a “V” when it is completed and is actually three stitches created in one stitch. To create a V-stitch, work the following all in a single stitch: one double crochet stitch, then one chain stitch, and then another double crochet stitch (Dc, ch 1, dc – all in same stitch).

Directions

Size

24”x72”

Gauge

2 rows = 2”

Wrap

1. Ch 37. (Note: For wider shawl, use a multiple of three, plus one to increase size.)

2. Row 1: Beginning in 5th ch from hook, work 1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc, for a V-st. *Skip 2 ch, 1 V-st in next ch, repeat from * across, ending with 1 dc in last ch. Ch 3, turn.

3. Row 2: Work 1 V-st in space of V-st of previous row. Continue in same way across, ending with 1 dc in top of turning ch. Ch 3, turn.

4. Repeat Row 2 until shawl is 72”, or desired length.

5. For side borders, sc in each of the 37 sts, ch 1, turn. Repeat for four additional rows. Fasten off.

6. Attach yarn to opposite end of shawl. Crochet border in same way. Fasten off. Use yarn needle to weave in yard ends.

7. For fringe (optional), see Figs. 1-4. Cut three 8” strands for each fringe. To attach, fold strands in half. Insert hook through shawl edge from front to back. Hook folded strands at center. Pull strands half way out to form a loop; bring strand ends through loops and pull to tighten.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

by Madeline Arendt

Charming Crochet Charm Bracelet

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February is the month dedicated to love and romance. All things sweet, pretty and lovely are often given as gifts on or around Valentine’s Day. This year, why not create a few pieces of charming and romantic jewelry to really get in the mood? Make one for yourself as well as one for each of your favorite friends! Using charms, Swarovski Crystals, and the most basic crochet technique, a single chain stitch, you too can recreate this fun and personalized charm bracelet!

SIZE

approx. 8”

YOU’LL NEED

materials

  • CRYSTALLIZED Swarovski Elements: Crystal, Bicone, 4mm; Vintage Rose, Cubes, 8mm, two; Assorted Colors: Pearls, 4mm, 10; 6mm, eight
  • Beadalon Satin Gold 7-Strand Bead Stringing Wire
  • Nunn Design Antique Gold findings: Small Textured Cable Chain; Headpin, 2″; Mum Flower Charm; Small Jump Rings, two; Large Jump Ring; Vetri Beaded 14 Oval; Vetri Glass

tools

  • Judikins Diamond Glaze Adhesive
  • Patterned paper, small scrap
  • Beadalon Tools: Round-Nose and Flat-Nose Pliers, Wire Snips
  • Crochet hook, size G

directions

1  Pass headpin through 4mm crystal, and 6mm pearl as shown. Use round-nose pliers to create loop at top of pin, wind excess length around top of bicone to create bead cap.

2  Pass half of remaining pearls and crystals randomly onto beading wire. Create slip knot in end of wire and chain two; pull first bead up chain three more. Pull up additional beads one at a time, and chain random number of stitches until chain is approximately 8-1/2” long, secure end. Repeat with second half of beads, secure end.

3  Cut 8-12” length of chain. Braid crocheted chains and textured chain. Use pliers to open large jump ring, secure all six ends of chains and top loop of dangle in jump ring before closing ring.

4 Use pliers to open small jump rings; place on loops of charms. Attach charms to bracelet and close jump rings. Trace Vetri glass onto patterned paper, trim and adhere to center of Vertri Charm. Cover surface of paper with Diamond Glaze and adhere glass over top. Set aside to dry completely.

Design and photography by Keri Lee Sereika (www.pinklemonade.typepad.com)

Ribbed Möbius Crocheted Cowl

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

This reversible ribbed pattern by Kollabora, created with front and back post crochet stitches, makes a stretchy cowl and is a fun, one-skein project. The cowl is worked as one rectangle, crocheted on the long edge, and then twisted once to create a Mobius effect before joining the short edges.

Materials

  • Kollabora Glam Rocker Chunky Hunk Yarn, 1 skein

Tools

  • Crochet hook, size N (or size needed to obtain gauge)
  • Yarn needle

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler

Abbreviations

BPdc = back-post double crochet (see Special Sts)
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
ea = each
FPdc = front-post double crochet (see Special Sts)
sc = single crochet
sk = skip
st(s) = stitch(es)
yo = yarn over

Directions

Size

One size fits most. Length: 29″.

Gauge

14 sts in patt = 4″. Exact gauge is not critical for this project.

Special Stitches

BPdc: Back-post double crochet – Yo, insert hook from back around post of next st from previous row. Yo and draw up a loop around post. *Yo and draw through two loops.* Repeat from * once.

FPdc: Front-post double crochet – Yo, insert hook from front around post of next st from previous row. Yo and draw up a loop around post. *Yo and draw through two loops. Repeat from * once.

Cowl

1. Ch 108.

2. Set up row: Turn. Sk 2 ch, dc in next st and in ea st across.

3. Row 1: Turn. Ch 2 Dc in first st. FPdc. *2 BPdc, 2 FPdc.* Repeat from * across to last 4 sts. 2 BPdc, FPdc, dc.

4. Row 2: Turn Ch 2. Dc in first st. BPdc. *2 FPdc, 2 BPdc.* Repeat from * across to last 4 sts 2 FPdc, BPdc, Dc.

5. Rows 3 – 7: Repeat Rows 1 and 2 twice. Repeat Row 1 once more.

Join Cowl

1. Twist cowl once to create Möbius strip. Hold short edges together, lining up dc on each side. Join by working 2 sc in ea set of dc across edge. Fasten off.

2. Turn cowl inside out so sc join is on inside. With yarn needle, weave in yarn tails on inside of cowl.

Share your version of this project at Kollabora.com

by Marie Segares for Kollabora (www.kollabora.com)

Woven Crocheted Purse

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Weave knitted cord through a crocheted-mesh pattern for a stunning purse you can make in any color combination.

Materials

  • Caron yarn: Jewel Box Emerald, one 2-1/2 oz. skein; Simply Soft Country Blue, one 6 oz. skein
  • Bond America Embellish-Knit! cording machine
  • Toggle button, 3/4″

Tools

  • Crochet hook, size G/6
  • Large safety pin or bodkin

Basic Supplies

scissors, large needle

Directions

Size

 7″ square

Gauge

16 sts and 14 dc rows = 4″/10cm over pat st

Purse

1. Row 1: With Emerald, ch 37.

2. Row 2: Sk first 3 ch. *Dc in next ch 1. Ch 1. Sk next ch.* Rep bet *’s across, ending with dc in last ch. Ch 3.

3. Row 3: *Dc in top of dc on previous row. Ch 1.* Rep bet *’s across, ending with last dc in last ch. Ch 3.

4. Rep Row 3 for pat st. Continue for 30 rows of mesh grid; end off.

5. Follow cording machine manufacturer’s instructions to make cording from entire Country Blue skein.

6. To finish, attach safety pin or bodkin to end of cording. Weave cording horizontally through crocheted mesh, over one dc st and under the next. Work weaving in opposite direction for next row. Rep until entire purse has been woven, except last row.

7. For last row, weave through all but last grid row. Weave to center and pull down a 1″ loop to use as the button loop; continue weaving across the row. Cut remaining cording; end off. Fold up bottom 6″ and sew side seam. Fold over top. Sew button to front at loop.

by Cari Clement for Caron International