Love crochet november 2016 freemags cc 2

92 PAGES OF GORGEOUS IDEAS TO TRY TODAY

NEW ISSUE!

L VE

CRAFT series

HEDGEHOG COSIES

Love

22 IRRESISTIBLE PATTERNS YOU'LL LOVE!

COOL CATS!

PRETTY APPLIQUÉ

QUICK MANDALA

November 2016 £4.99

A STITCH IN TIME!

BEST FOR QUICK & EASY MAKES! ✿ NICKI TRENCH CUSHION

Fun amigurumi project

Doorstops get CUTE

✿ TSHIRT YARN POUFFE

SWEET PROJECTS WITH A FESTIVE FEEL

L ALL SKLILS LEVE D! COVERE

EXPERT ADVICE Perfect circles every time!

✿ GREAT FOR BEGINNERS!

EDITOR’S LETTER

Welcome With winter in full swing, nothing beats nestling on the couch, with a cup of cocoa (optional whipped-cream), and hooking up projects with a festive, comforting feel. And when the chill outside has you clutching your coat tighter against the wintry wind, there really is no place like home – so what better makes to crochet than quirky, unique ideas to give your house a lovely handmade touch?

Well, this issue, that’s exactly what we have in store for you.

Ideas with a difference in warm, seasonal yarn, to make a room feel really special. Whether it’s a retro granny-square feel, or delicate loopy-lace touch you’re after, we have a make to suit.

Try our cosy, vintage-inspired lampshade on page 51, lacy mug hug (p.44) and granny blanket (p.20). We also have our adorable cover stars over on page 46 – the cute, cool cats! These pair are doorstops, designed to make you smile every time you see them!

And if it’s small makes you’re after, check out our equally sweet hedgehog tea cosies (p.75), contemporary triangle cushion (p.66) and comfy bath pillow (p.55). Plus, with Christmas round the corner, we have some seasonal projects for you to tuck into too, including a gorgeous star-centred wreath (p.13), crochet fairy lights (p.16) and festive-themed coasters (p.34).

Cute cool cats, p46

Hedgehog tea cosies, p75

Autumn mandala, p78

So, without further ado, get stuck in and we’ll see you next issue!

Zeena Moolla Editor PS. The next issue of Love Crochet is on sale on December 7th 2016.

If you have any queries about patterns, email patternhelp@ immediate.co.uk and we’ll be happy to give you a hand!

Cuckoo clock, p68 LO V E C R O C H E T 3

Love

Crochet

Contents 46

13 62

COOL CATS IN HATS! PROJECTS 13 STELLA WREATH

23 SNOWMAN CUSHION

41 ROSES CUSHION

Twinkle, twinkle... you’ll love this celestialthemed wreath by Kate Alinari.

You’ll want to hook up Jenny May’s cute little snowman as soon as you see him.

Two designs in one from Nicki Trench that give a house an instant cosy feel

16 FAIRYLIGHT BUNTING

30 JAR HOLDERS

44 LACY CUP HOLDER

Brighten up your kitchen with Liz Ward’s sparky design.

These sweet-as-candy covers make great holders for yummy treats.

A pretty and easy-to-make project using lovely loopy stitches.

18 XMAS STOCKING

34 COASTERS

46 CAT DOORSTOP

Little snowflakes adorn this sweet make to hang at the end of the bed.

What a wonderful trio! And practical too.

These cool cats will bring a cute, handmade touch to any home.

38 ROSES BLANKET 20 GRANNY BLANKET A winter warmer in cheery hues.

4

LO V E C R O C H E T

A beautiful blanket in bright shades against a pure white background.

51 GRANNY LAMPSHADE Get stylishly retro with your homeware.

20

IDEAS P O FR OM T ERS DESIGN

52

16 38

64

58 66

55

44

52 FILET TRIM

66 TRIANGLE CUSHION

Edging with a kitchen-themed motif.

Make a statement with this cushion in lookat-me orange and button detail.

55 BATH PILLOW

18

Bring a little lace luxury to your relaxing bathtime rituals.

68 CUCKOO CLOCK

58 WASH BAG

75 HEDGEHOG TEA COSIES

PLUS SOME GREAT READS

Cheer up laundry day with this unique bag.

Three cute little fellas to hook and love.

62 CABLED BLANKET

78 AUTUMN MANDALAS

A bold, two-toned delight in festive hues.

Round and round we go...

64 BOLSTER

80 POUFFE

Celebrate autumnal shades!

Vintage-hued footrest by Kyoko Nakayoshi.

7 ASK THE EXPERT 10 NEWS, BOOKS AND EVENTS 2 TUTORIAL: HOW TO CROCHET A FLAT CIRCLE 32 MEET THE BLOGGER BEHIND ANNIE’S PLACE 40 BACK ISSUES 82 REVIEWS 84 HOW TO CROCHET 90 NEXT ISSUE

Make as a very special gift for Christmas.

LO V E C R O C H E T 5

! N Y RR S SOO

HUER END OFF

Join our

Save 50%

when you subscribe exClusiVe to SubscRiberS

We are so excited to be launching our Pick ‘n’ Mix crochet-along blanket which is available exclusively to subscribers!

To celebrate this exciting news, we wanted to offer you an extra-special LIMITED TIME offer! Subscribe to Simply Crochet today and you’ll get 13 issues for just £32.49 - saving you £2.50 every issue! Each issue, you’ll receive two more crochet-along square patterns, then in your 13th issue you’ll learn how to crochet them together to create this beautiful blanket. Plus, every issue’s bursting with more than 20 beautiful crochet patterns for gifts, garments, accessories and more and a FREE gift! Don’t miss out – subscribe to join our Pick ‘n’ Mix crochet-along today!

Sara Huntington, Editor

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£4.99 Just £2.50 an IssUe!

EXPERT ADVICE

Crocheting for the Winter Home Fancy a few handmade touches to your house?

Joanna Benner has some fabulous top tips… inter is the nicest time to curl up with a crochet hook and a ball of luscious yarn in front of a roaring fire and a good thriller on the television! But what to make? You’ve probably got a load of hats, scarves and cowls, so the most practical project to make would be something for the home.

You may think you won’t have time with Christmas on the way but there’s often an empty afternoon or evening that can be filled with relaxing crochet.

W

Then place the cushion pad on the crochet and sew around three sides.

If you would like something smaller, how about some Christmas ornaments to decorate your home? Val Pierce’s book Mini Christmas Crochet (Twenty to Make) is available from most book shops for £4.99. It contains patterns for a stocking, a snowman, a Christmas cracker, a pudding, an angel, a fairy and more. They’re great for decorating the house or the tree and you could even tie one to a special present as an extra gift. With easy

Plan projects and kit them up for the cold January months, when Christmas is over. Choose a throw for your sofa or crochet a pouffe!

Think about making presents, too, as a couple of balls of yarn can soon be worked up into a ‘one of a kind’ cushion. You can either use up balls of different coloured double knit or Aran to make a striped cushion or buy a self-striping yarn like Lion Brand’s Landscapes. It has a long dye run, which you need for crochet. Although it’s influenced by hand-painted silk it’s made of 100 per cent premium acrylic, which keeps the price down to approximately £6.50/100gm.

There are various sellers at www.amazon.co.uk and you’ll see that the American shops ship post free from the USA. You’ll need a couple of balls as it uses a 6.5mm hook. It’s easy to work out how many double crochets you need to start with as there are 12 double crochets and 15 rows to every 10cm. So start off with the width of your cushion pad and carry on working until you have covered both sides.

instructions and very little yarn, it’s a great way to attack the yarn stash and make your home extra special at Christmas.

Plan projects and kit them up for the cold January months, when Christmas is over. Choose a throw for your sofa or go mad and crochet a pouffe! You can download this pattern (left), for £5.17 from the CAROcreated shop at www.etsy.com. It contains two pdfs (21 pages) of detailed instructions. Do, though, bear in mind that the crochet terms are in American, so a single crochet is a double and a double is a treble! Also, you’ll only need to use DK or 4ply yarn with a 2.5mm hook – this makes the fabric fairly dense, which means it won’t stretch. The finished depth will be approximately 45cm/17.7in and approximately 17cm/6.7in high. With all this crocheting, it’s a perfect project and excuse to put your feet up! Enjoy!

From top: Val Pierce’s Mini Christmas Crochet (Twenty to Make) (£4.99, Search Press); Lion Brand Landscapes selfstriping yarn (£6.50/100gm); download this pouffe pattern fom CAROcreated shop at etsy.com for £5.17.

LO V E C R O C H E T

7

I N S P I R AT I O N

Shopping hooked Get yourself in a crafty frame of mind with this lovely lot of stuff... ✱ Notebook set, notonthehighstreet.com/ beckagriffinillustration £7

✱ Tape measure storage crates, dotcomgiftshop.com £35

✱ Owl crochet hook case, homespunwonders.etsy. com £18.45

✱ Metal desk lamps, notonthehighstreet. com/redlilly £75 each

✱ Plate, notonthehighstreet. com/ollieandmoo £15

✱ Baby avaiator hat, notonthehighstreet. com/attictextiles £18 ✱ Rustica Upcycled Trunk Box, littletreefurniture.co.uk £325 8 LO V E C R O C H E T

✱ Personalised bag, notonthehighstreet. com/andreafays £14

I N S P I R AT I O N ✱ Water Hyacinth Basket, lauraashley.com, £50

✱ Porcelain Heart Buttons, melissachoroszewska.com £9 for a set of five

✱ Genius print, thursdaypress.co.uk £38.50

✱ Mug, notonthe highstreet.com/beckagriffin illustration £12.50

✱ Steel toolbox, allthingsbrightonbeautiful.co.uk £24.25

✱ Southwold Chair in Highland Check Cranberry, lauraashley.com £900

✱ Badger Crochet Kit, hawthornhandmade. com, £32.95

✱ Personalised yarn bowl, folksy. com/shops/ LittleWrenPottery, £30

✱ Retro Upcycled Sideboard, iloveretro.co.uk £749

✱ Personalised crochet hook, woodpaperscissorsuk.com £5.95 each

LO V E C R O C H E T

9

NEWS

In the Loop Books, workshops, crafty events, top of the blogs – we have the latest crochet lowdown for you here…

Spring stitching

WE

love

If, like us, browsing amid yarn and haberdashery is your idea of heaven, then you have to get your ticket for The Spring Knitting and Stitching Show at London Olympia, now! It’s not until spring next year, but book now to avoid disappointment. If you haven’t been before, it’s a sanctuary of gorgeous materials, innovative workshops and amazing designer meet-and-greets. It’s on March 3rd to 5th 2017, but in the meantime take a look here for more info: www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/spring

Top of the Blogs!

Emmavarnam.co.uk We love a crochet blog with real personality – one that doesn’t just list a pretty pattern and where you can buy it. And Emma Varnam clearly gets that. She offers an unpretentious sense of her lifestyle and the reasons behind her quirky, clever crochet. We absolutely love her! Take a look at her fab blog and books here: emmavarnam.co.uk

1 0 LO V E C R O C H E T

Kindle crazy

Browse for gorgeous patterns in style with this fantastically sleek 8GB Fire Tablet, priced £49.99. Better still, subscribe to Radio Times and you can get this tablet as a bonus! Ring 01795 414 750 and quote RTPFIRE, or visit www.buysubscriptions. com/RT-Fire to get yours – plus 25% off the full price of the Radio Times subscription!

CROCHETED SCARVES AND COWLS

There’s nothing like curling up on a wintry, chilly night with a lovely glass of wine and good crochet book to flip through for inspiration.

And we cannot wait to get our mitts on this latest offering from Nicki Trench – Crocheted Scarves and Cowls, published by CICO Books, out October 13th 2016, priced £12.99. In true Nicki Trench style, her makes are imaginative, very fashionable and catering for a wide and varied range of crochet skill.

35 CROCHETED BAGS

If a bag project is more your accessory-thing, then you will love this collection of shoppers, purses, duffles, totes and so much more, from Emma Freidlander-Collins. Out now and published by CICO Books, priced £12.99, 35 Crocheted Bags is packed full of beautiful designs to satisfy the most committed of bag-lover. And best of all, as is always the beauty with handmade, it’s so easy to customise a project and make your bag truly unique.

Crochet

loads of neat ideas!

C H R I S T M A S

NE

W!

Crochet W E LO V E C R A F T

find me on page 26!

Cr SiFmAVOURITYOUR ocply ES FROM he t

C H R I S T M A S Patterns to crochet today!

BRIGHT CHRISTMAS!

elf SerVice fun IdeAs for Kids

HOOK YOURSELF A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON

Get ready for a cosy Christmas with this collection of festive projects from Simply Crochet magazine. From gifts for all the family to unique handmade decorations, there’s something here to suit every crocheter and every home. Plus there are gorgeous patterns for accessories in every style from relaxed to glam, so you can treat yourself to a new winter wardrobe in time for Christmas!

FesTive StyLe LuxUry to Wear

JUST

£7.99 inc P&P*

QuiCk MakEs Easy DecOrAtiOns CHRISTMAS 2016

SeaSonal SpaRkle get the ParTy Look

PRINTED IN THE UK

£7.99

ScaNdi Chic TraDiTion With a TwiSt!

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY! Order online www.buysubscriptions.com/crochetspec Or call 0844 844 0388 and quote ‘Your Crochet Christmas 2016’

Lines open weekdays 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm. Overseas please call +44 (0) 1795 414676. * Price applies to UK orders only. EUR price £9.99, ROW price £10.99. All prices include P&P. Please allow up to 28 days for delivery.

C R O C H E T W R E AT H

Star quality Twinkle, twinkle this Xmas with Kate Alinari’s seasonal crocheted Stella Wreath.

TOP TIP Before starting, read the pattern carefully as it will give you an overview LO V E C R O C H E T 13

C R O C H E T W R E AT H

YOU WILL NEED ✿ Sublime Extra Fine Merino DK: 2 x balls in Julep (307)

yarn A; 1 x ball in Botanist (449) yarn B; 1 x ball in Red Hot (167) yarn C; 1 x ball in Cinnamon (377) yarn D

✿ 3.5mm hook or as needed to obtain tension ✿ 3mm hook (or 0.5 smaller than the previous one) ✿ White polystyrene wreath 250mm (flat base) ✿ Small amount of polyester fibrefill ✿ Tapestry needle ✿ Pins

hristmas is a time for holly and stars, and Stella Wreath is the perfect accessory for your festive season. Stella Wreath is formed of different parts then assembled. The polystyrene wreath is covered by a dc strip, worked in rows and sewn on the back. The hanging ribbon, holly leaves and berries are crocheted separately and then sewn onto the wreath. The star is formed by two parts, back and front, worked in rounds and then assembled with a small amount of fibrefill inside. You’ll have fun making this festive project, for sure.

C

SIZE ✿ Finished wreath is approx 25cm in diameter

TENSION ✿ With 3.5mm hook, 18dc x 20 rows (not blocked) = 10cm x 10cm

ABBREVIATIONS ✿ Turn to page 90 for a full list of abbreviations

WREATH COVER With yarn A and 3.5 mm crochet hook, ch31

Points

loosely.

Turning ch does not count as st, work first st of

Row 1: ch1 (does not count as a st), dc in second

each row in same st as turning ch.

ch from the hook and each following ch to end.

Row 1 (RS): ch1, dc in next 5 st. (5st)

(31dc)

Row 2 (WS): ch1, turn, dc in next 5 st. (5st)

Row 2-115: ch1 (doesn’t count as a st), turn, dc

Row 3 (RS): ch1, turn, dc in the same st, dc2tog,

in each st across. (31dc)

dc in next 2 st. (4st)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Row 4 (WS): ch1, turn, dc in the same st, dc2tog, dc in next 1 st. (3st)

COPYRIGHT 2016

STAR

Row 5 (RS): ch1, turn, dc in the same st, dc2tog.

Made By Kate. All rights reserved. This

The star is worked in two pieces: multi-colour

(2st)

pattern may not be reproduced, mechanically,

front and one-colour back. Changing colour as

Row 6 (WS): ch1, turn, dc2tog. (1st). Fasten off.

electronically or by any other means, including

indicated in colourway, crochet each piece as

On right side, join yarn in the next unworked st

photocopying or scanning for commercial use

following pattern. The star centre is crocheted in

of the star centre.

without the written permission of Kate Alinari

the round but points are worked in rows.

Repeat Row 1-6 five times more, for making

(madebykate.me).

Option: make both sides of the star in the

next five points. Join yarn on right side, in next

same colour or choose your own colourway

unworked st of the star centre. Six points in total.

and have fun!

Colourway 1 – Front Rounds 1-5: yarn A

Centre

Point 1: yarn C

The star centre is crocheted in a continuous

Point 2: yarn D

spiral without turning and closing off rounds

Point 3: yarn B

with a ss. Use a stitch marker in first stitch of each

Point 4: yarn C

round, moving it up as you work.

Point 5: yarn D

With 3mm crochet hook, make a magic loop.

Point 6: yarn B

Round 1 (RS): ch1 (does not count as st), 6dc

Colourway 2 – Back

into the ring. (6dc)

Rounds 1-5: yarn C

Round 2: 2dc in each st around. (12dc)

Point 1-6: yarn C

ABOUT THIS YARN

Round 3: *dc in next st, 2dc next st; repeat from

SUBLIME EXTRA FINE MERINO DK

* around. (18dc)

HOLLY LEAF

100% extra fine merino wool

Round 4: *dc in next 2 sts, 2dc next st; repeat

Make 8

116m per 50g £4.59 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk

from * around. (24dc)

Holly leaves are worked in round, crocheting on

Round 5: *dc in next 3 sts, 2dc next st; repeat

both sides of foundation ch. Starting ch does not

from * around, ss in next st. (30dc)

count as st, work first st of each round in same

1 4 LO V E C R O C H E T

C R O C H E T W R E AT H

st as starting ch. Join each round with a ss in top of first st, not in starting ch. Do not turn at the end of the round. With yarn B and 3 mm crochet hook, ch10 loosely.

Round 1 (RS): ch1, starting from second ch from the hook, *dc in the same st, htr in next 2 st, tr in next 4 st, htr in next 2 st, 2dc in next st; do not turn, working in remaining loops of foundation ch, repeat from * to end of chain. Join with a ss in top of first st of the round. (22st) Round 2: ch1, *dc in next 2 st, (dc, ch3, dc) in

These pretty little berries are made using the amigurumi method, in a continuous spiral

next st; repeat from * two times more. Dc in next st, (dc, ch3, dc) in next st, dc in next st. **(dc, ch3, dc) in next st, dc in next 2 st; repeat from ** two times more. 2dc in next st, ch4, ss in second ch from the hook and in next 2 st. Join with a ss in top of first st of the round.

Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.

Weave beginning end on the back of the leaf.

Do not block the leaf, an uneven and curly aspect makes it more similar to real one.

TO FINISH

the whole leaf. Pin leaves and berries in place

To make up the wreath, wrap the cover around

before sewing. Leaves and berries don’t need to

HOLLY BERRY Make 3

the polystyrene ring and sew on the flat back,

be in symmetrical position on left and right hand

Holly berries are made with amigurumi method:

along the long side of the strip. Make sure the

side, it makes your wreath look more natural.

crocheted in a continuous spiral without turning

beginning of each row matches up to the end

Place five leaves with the stem on the centre

and closing off rounds with a ss. Use a stitch

of the same row. Before sewing, place a pin

and with different orientation. Place one leaf

marker in first stitch of each round, moving it

every 10 rows, on both sides of the wreath cover,

on left hand side approx on the 10th row from

up as you work. With yarn C and 3 mm crochet

it may help to check you’re sewing properly,

the centre. Place two leaves on right hand side

hook, make a magic loop.

matching up the rows. Thread the tail left after

approx on the 10th row from the centre. After

Round 1: ch1 (does not count as st), 6dc into the

making the wreath cover and sew the smallest

sewing leaves, place three holly berries on the

ring. (6dc)

sides with mattress stitch on the right side. To

central leaves and sew them onto the wreath

Round 2: 2dc in each st around. (12dc)

make invisible seam, do the stitches inserting

and leaves.

Round 3: dc in each dc around. (12dc)

the needle in both loops of last row and in the

Round 4: dc2tog six times, ss in next st. (6dc)

loop of the foundation chain. Fold the ribbon

Steam block star back and front: lay on a

Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.

along Row 12 row, with yarn D sew it in place

blocking board, pin to shape, set a household

Thread tail on tapestry needle, pass it trough

along the small side. Pin the ribbon on the back

iron to hottest temperature and maximum

sts of last round and tighten.

of wreath, on the seam made to join the small

steam, hover it about 2cm from the work. Steam

sides of the cover, place the single layer part on

them without ever touching the iron to the star

RIBBON

the wreath and the double layered one over.

pieces. Move the iron around the work and then

With yarn D and 3 mm crochet hook, ch10

The double layered part of the ribbon is a loop,

let them dry for approx 2 hours before removing

loosely.

that could help you to hang your Stella Wreath

pins. Place star front and back facing the wrong

Row 1: ch1 (don’t count as a st), dc in second

on door, window or wall. Use the ribbon as a

sides, with yarn C sew together the two pieces

ch from the hook and each following ch to end.

benchmark, it marks the centre of the wreath

on the border. After sewing one point start

(11dc)

and helps you decide where to sew holly leaves,

stuffing. Sew it onto the centre of the wreath,

Row 2-34: ch1 (don’t count as a st), turn, dc in

berries and star. With tails left making holly

approx 3 sts from the flat back.

each st across. (11dc)

leaves and berries, sew them onto the wreath

Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.

with a few sts close to the stem, don’t sew along

Weave in all the ends.

LO V E C R O C H E T 15

FA I R Y L I G H T S

Christmas lights Brighten up your winter kitchen with this happy string of lights by Liz Ward.

TOP TIP Hook up an extra string of these lights to decorate your Xmas tree

1 6 LO V E C R O C H E T

FA I R Y L I G H T S

YOU WILL NEED ✿ 50g Rico Essentials Cotton DK in Red (002), Fuchsia (014), Turquoise (33), Anthracite (28), Royal Blue (36), Emerald (45), Banana (063) ✿ 3.5mm crochet hook ✿ Wool needle ✿ Toy stuffing

his jolly string of crochet fairy lights will bring some winter cheer to your home. We love the array of bold colours that Liz has chosen: red, fuchsia, turquoise, blue and yellow – just gorgeous!

These lights are easy to make and perfect for beginners to show off their skills while more experienced crocheters will whip them up in an evening.

T

TENSION ✿ Tension is not important for this project

ABBREVIATIONS

FAIRY LIGHTS

✿ Turn to page 90 for a full list of abbreviations

Bulbs

SIZE ✿ 127cm long

Make 12, two in each colour; start each one in grey yarn.

Start with 6dc into magic ring. (6sts)

Bright, primary colours give this string of lights plenty of ‘zing’!

Round 1: (dc in next st, 2dc in next), repeat to end. (9sts) Round 2: (dc into each of next 2sts, 2dc in next), repeat to end. (12st) Change to bulb colour after round 2.

Round 3: (dc into next st, 2dc in next st), repeat to the end. (18sts) Round 4: dc in each st to the end. (18sts) Round 5: (dc in the first 2sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. (24sts) Rounds 6-8: dc in each st to the end. (24sts) Round 9: (dc2tog, dc in next 10sts) repeat to end. (22sts) Round 10: (dc2tog, dc in next 9sts) repeat to end. (20sts) Round 11: (dc2tog, dc in next 8sts) repeat to end. (18sts) Round 12: (dc2tog, dc in next 7sts) repeat to end. (16sts)

Tape

Round 13: (dc2tog, dc in next 6sts) repeat to

Make one in grey yarn.

end. (14sts)

Ch 261.

Round 14: (dc2tog, dc in next 5sts) repeat to

Dc in second ch from hook, (dc in next 20 ch sts,

end. (12sts)

slip stitch in the top of a bulb to attach it to the

Round 15: (dc2tog, dc in next 4sts) repeat to

tape). Repeat until you have connected all the

end. (10sts)

bulbs along the tape, evenly spaced, dc in the

Round 16: (dc2tog, dc in next 3sts) repeat to

remaining ch sts.

end. 8sts. Fill with stuffing.

Weave in and cut off any loose ends.

Round 17: (dc2tog, dc in next 2sts) repeat to

ABOUT THIS YARN

end. (6sts)

RICO ESSENTIALS COTTON

Cut the yarn leaving a long tail and pull through

100% cotton 130m per 50g £2.49 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk

the loop to secure.

Using a wool needle, weave the yarn through the last 6sts and pull tight to close. Weave in the yarn ends and cut off the remaining yarn.

LO V E C R O C H E T 17

CROCHET STOCKING

TOP TIP Crochet the flakes in metallic yarn and add a touch of sparkle

Snow sweet Hang this festive stocking by Val Pierce high on Christmas Eve.

1 8 LO V E C R O C H E T

CROCHET STOCKING

YOU WILL NEED ✿ Sirdar Beachcomber 2 x balls in Blue; 1 x ball in Red; 1 x ball in White ✿ 3.5mm and 3.25mm crochet hook

SIZE ✿ Approx 26cm

hristmas is such a fun time for crocheters with so many gorgeous projects to hook up. Experienced crocheters will be able to make this really simple Christmas stocking in just a couple of evenings and, using double crochet, it’s a pattern suitable for a beginner too. Trims and snowflakes are added afterwards to embellish the finished project.

C

TENSION ✿ Not important for this project

ABBREVIATIONS

STOCKING

✿ Turn to page 90 for a full list of abbreviations

Worked in the round in dc, but you will turn your

Continue in rounds of dc, turning your work as

work at the end of each round to give the ridged

before on each round.

effect of the double crochet.

When work measures 12cm break blue and join

Using 3.5mm hook and blue make 40ch.

in red.

Work 1dc into 2nd ch from hook, 1dc into each

Work toe

dc to end, join with a sl st to form a circle. Turn.

Work 2 rounds in dc.

Next row: 1ch, work 1dc into each dc to end

Now decrease 4sts evenly on every other round

join with a sl st , turn.

3 times in all. Fasten off.

Repeat the last row until work measures 20cm.

Fasten off.

Cuff

Work heel

Using 3.5mm hook and Red make 10 ch, work

Fold the stocking in half lengthways, flatten

1dc into 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc into each ch to

the piece so the back seam where you joined

end, turn.

the work on each round will be facing you. You

Next row: 1ch, 1dc into each dc to end. Turn

will now work the heel using stitches from the

Repeat last row until piece is long enough to fit

beginning and end of the last dc round you

around the top of the stocking, fasten off.

worked in blue., the heel will be worked across the back seam.

Snowflakes

Using red and 3.5mm hook join yarn to the 11th

Make 8 or desired amount.

stitch from the right hand side, work across those

Note: Because of the slub in the yarn all the

11sts in dc, now continue in dc across the next

snowflakes will differ slightly in shape and size.

10sts of the left hand side. 21dc in all, turn.

Using 3.25mm hook and white yarn make 5ch,

Next row: work 14 dc, turn,

join into a circle.

Next row: work 7dc and turn.

1dc into circle, * 5ch, sl st into 3rd ch from hook,

You will now work short rows, working into

4ch, sl st into same place, 4ch, sl st into same

remaining dc in red on either side of the heel.

place, 2ch, 1dc into circle * rep from * to * 4 times

Next row: 1ch, 1dc into next 7 dc, now work 1dc

more, sl st to dc at beginning of round. fasten off.

into next dc on row below, turn.

Next row: 1dc into each of next 8dc, 1dc into

Hanging loop

next dc on row below. turn

Using blue make a chain 12 cm long .

Continue in this working 1 extra dc from either

Work 2 rows dc and fasten off.

side on each row until all stitches of the heel are

ABOUT THIS YARN

worked off. Break yarn and fasten off.

To make up

SIRDAR BEACHCOMBER

You will now proceed to work the foot part of

Work in ends. Sew toe together. Sew side seam

100% cotton 140m per 50g £2.89 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk

the stocking.

on cuff, place around stocking top and secure

Rejoin blue to centre dc of heel. Work in dc

in place. Work in ends on snowflakes. Sew

across first half of heel, work around leg and then

snowflakes to stocking as desired.

across second half of heel, join with a sl st.

LO V E C R O C H E T 19

GRANNY BLANKET

TOP TIP As you go, join each square to make a strip and then join each complete strip to another strip

Patchwork cosy Hook up a snug, granny square blanket to ward away the coming winter chills. By Hannah Reed.

2 0 LO V E C R O C H E T

GRANNY BLANKET

annah has let her creativity flow with this beautiful granny square blanket as no two squares are the same. It’s easy to adapt too, so you can hook it up with combinations of your favourite colours. So, celebrate the heritage of the granny square with this freeflowing, gorgeous project! It’s a timeless classic…

H

YOU WILL NEED ✿ Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK: 8 balls of Waterlily (005); 3 balls of Piglet (001); 2 balls of each: Buttermilk (345), Frenchie (347), Cuddle (002);1 ball of each: Button (051), Gooseberry (004), Puzzle (195), Cheeky (048), Little Miss Plum (243), Elkin (337) ✿ 4mm crochet hook

TENSION ✿ Each square measures 9 x 9cm

ABBREVIATIONS ✿ Turn to page 90 for full list of abbreviations

SIZES ✿ 84 x 132cm The outside round of Waterlily makes all the other colours stand out

SQUARES Make 126 squares. Every square has the final round

ch-sp, ch1, 2tr in corner ch-sp, ss in third ch of beg

worked in Waterlily and uses a different colour

ch-6. (12 3-tr groups, 4 corner ch-3 sp, 8 side ch-1 sp)

(referred to as Yarn A, B and C) for each of the first

Fasten off.

three rounds. Every square on our throw is different,

Round 4: With Waterlily, ss into corner ch-sp, ch6

but you can use random colour combinations for

(counts as tr and ch3), 3tr in same place as ss, *(ch1,

the first 3 rounds until the yarn is used up.

3tr in next side ch-sp) twice, ch1, (3tr, ch3, 3tr) in corner ch-sp; rep from * twice more, (ch1, 3tr in next

With Yarn A, ch6, ss in first ch to form a ring.

side ch-sp) twice, ch1, 2tr in corner ch-sp, ss in third

Round 1 (RS): Ch6 (counts as tr and ch3), working

ch of beg ch-6. (16 3-tr groups, 4 corner ch-3 sp, 12

into ring (3tr, ch3) 3 times, 2tr, ss in third ch of beg

side ch-1 sp)

ch-6. (4 3-tr groups, 4 corner ch-3 sp)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Fasten off.

Round 2: With Yarn B, ss into corner ch-sp, ch6

To join

(counts as tr and ch3), 3tr in same place as ss, *ch1,

Join squares using Waterlily and a dc seam to form

(3tr, ch3, 3tr) in next corner ch-sp; rep from * twice

a grid of 14x9 squares, as folls:

more, ch1, 2tr in same place as first ss, ss in third ch

With WS of 2 squares facing, insert the hook in

ABOUT THIS YARN

of beg ch-6. (8 3-tr groups, 4 corner ch-3 sp, 4 side

each space or stitch of both squares, and work a

SUBLIME BABY CASHMERINO SILK DK

ch-1 sp)

double crochet stitch as normal. Join the yarn in

Fasten off.

the corner space and work 2dc in each corner

75% merino wool; 20% silk; 5% cashmere 116m per 50g £5.83 www.sublimeyarns.com

Round 3: With Yarn C, ss into corner ch-sp, ch6

space and 1dc in each other stitch or space.

(counts as tr and ch3), 3tr in same place as ss, *ch1,

When working seams in the other direction, at the

3tr in next side ch-sp, ch1, (3tr, ch3, 3tr) in corner

joint of 4 squares ch1 to go over the top of the

ch-sp; rep from * twice more, ch1, 3tr in next side

existing seam.

LO V E C R O C H E T 21

SNOWMAN CUSHION

TOP TIP Make this adorable cushion as a Christmas gift for friends and family

Cool cushion Crochet this cute little fella to adorn a small scatter cushion. By Jenny May. LO V E C R O C H E T 23

SNOWMAN CUSHION

YOU WILL NEED ✿ KnitPicks CotLin: 3 balls of Yarn A Raindrops (25326); 1 ball of each; Yarn B Coffee (24138); Yarn C Swan (24134); small amount of orange DK CotLin Clementine (24460) ✿ 3.5mm hook ✿ 41 x 41cm cushion

SIZE ✿ 41 x 41cm

ne of the things we most enjoy about Christmas time is the excuse to adorn every household object we can lay our hands on and decorate it with a festive-themed motif. Jenny has created a character with real personality for this scatter-size cushion and you’ll have great fun hooking up this snowman but take your time making all the different elements as you’re working with a small-sized hook (3.5mm), which can be taxing on your fingers.

O

TENSION ✿ 19 sts x 12 rows of htr on 3.5mm hook = 10 x 10cm

ABBREVIATIONS ✿ Turn to page 90 for a full list of abbreviations

PATTERN NOTE

Change to Yarn B.

The chains at the beginning of the rounds can look

Rounds 20-21: Repeat row 4.

like scar. You can solve it by changing where the

Change to Yarn A.

round starts every few rounds. Before starting a

Rounds 22-23: Repeat row 4.

new round, ss a few sts then continue as normal.

Change to Yarn B. Rounds 24-25: Repeat row 4.

Change to Yarn A.

CUSHION BASE

Rounds 26-27: Repeat row 4.

With Yarn A, make a magic loop.

Fasten off.

Round 1 (RS): (Ch2 (counts as htr), htr, (tr, 2htr) 3 times, tr) into loop, ss in top of ch2. (12 sts)

SNOWMAN

Note: trs form corners; you might find it helpful

Body

to mark them with stitch markers for this round.

Note: work in the spiral method (instead of ss

Round 2: Ch2 (counts as htr), htr in same st,

into beg st at end of row and ch1 at beg of next

(*2htr next st, (3tr in tr)*, 2htr next st) 3 times, rpt

row, work straight into next stitch at end of each

from * to *, ss in top of ch2. (28 sts; 6 sts each side

row). With Yarn C, make a magic loop.

+ corner st)

Round 1 (RS): Ch1 (doesn’t counts as st), 6dc in

Round 3: Ch2 (doesn’t count as st), htr in same

loop, ss in beg st. (6sts)

st, 4htr, (*3tr in next st (which is the corner tr)*,

Round 2: 2dc in each st. (12sts)

6htr) 3 times, rpt from * to *, htr, ss in beg st. (36

Round 3: (2dc in next st, dc) 6 times. (18sts)

sts; 8 sts each side + corner st)

Round 4: (2dc in next st, 2dc) 6 times. (24sts)

Round 4: Ch2 (doesn’t count as st), htr in same

Round 5: (2dc in next st, 3dc) 6 times. (30 sts)

st, *htr in each st along side, 3tr in corner st*, rpt

Round 6: 2dc, (2dc in next st, 4dc) 5 times, 2dc

from * to * all round, ss in beg st. (2 sts inc each

in next st, 2dc. (36sts)

side)

Round 7: (2dc in next st, 5dc) 6 times. (42sts)

Round 5: Ch2 (doesn’t count as st), htr in same

Round 8: 3dc, (2dc in next st, 6dc) 5 times, 2dc

st, *htr in each st along side edges to 2 sts before

in next st, 3dc. (48sts)

corner st, 2htr in next st, htr, 3tr in corner st, htr,

Round 9: (2dc in next st, 7dc) 6 times. (54sts)

2htr in next st*, rpt from * to * all round, ss in beg

Round 10: 4dc, (2dc in next st, 8dc) 5 times, 2dc

st. (4 sts inc each side)

in next st, 4dc. (60sts)

ABOUT THIS YARN

Rounds 6-15: Repeat rows 4 and 5 four times

Round 11: (2dc in next st, 9dc) 6 times. (66sts)

KNIT PICKS COTLIN

more.

Round 12: 5dc, (2dc in next st, 10dc) 5 times,

70% Tanguis cotton, 30% linen

Rounds 16-19: Repeat row 4.

2dc in next st, 5dc. (72sts)

112m per 50g £2.69 www.knitpicks.com

NB: If the corners begin to look tight, work round

Round 13: (2dc in next st, 11dc) 6 times. (78sts)

5 instead of row 4 to increase sts at corners. It

Round 14: 6dc, (2dc in next st, 12dc) 5 times,

doesn’t matter if your stitch count isn’t perfect.

2dc in next st, 6dc. (84sts)

2 4 LO V E C R O C H E T

SNOWMAN CUSHION

Round 15: (2dc in next st, 13dc) 6 times, ss in next st. (90sts) Fasten off.

Head With Yarn C, make a magic loop.

Work rounds 1-9 of Body, ss in next st.

Fasten off.

Eyes Make 2 Using 3.5mm hook and Yarn B, make a magic loop, leaving a long tail.

Round 1 (RS): Ch1 (doesn’t counts as st), 8dc in loop, ss in beg st.

Fasten off and pull centre tail to back.

Carrot nose With orange DK, make a magic loop, leaving a long tail.

Round 1 (RS): Ch1 (doesn’t counts as st), 8dc in loop, ss in beg st.

Fasten off and pull centre tail to back.

Mouth

Tie the two long tails together to create a neat

sts apart, then sew along the edge of the Body

With Yarn B, ch15, leaving a long tail.

end (but don’t trim off ).

through the Head using a running stitch.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Open out to RS.

Scarf

With RS of Eyes and Nose facing down and using

Bin lid beret

With Yarn A, ch83.

long yarn tails, sew them to the head.

With Yarn B, ch22, leaving a long tail.

Row 1 (RS): Leaving Yarn A loop on hook, join

Using long tails, attach Mouth to Head,

Row 1 (RS): Dc in 3rd ch from hook, and in each

Yarn C in 4th ch from hook and ch2, *wrap Yarn

shape into a smile and sew a couple of

ch to end. (20sts). Fasten off.

A over hook and through both loops, with Yarn

stitches evenly spaced.

Row 2: Rejoin yarn 2 sts in on RS, ch1 (doesn’t

A htr next ch, leave loop on hook, insert hook in

Alternatively, you could embroider a smile using

count as st), dc in same st, 17dc, turn. (18sts)

next ch, pull Yarn C through and ch2 with Yarn C

the curve of the rounds as your guide.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

only*, rep from * to * to last ch, with Yarn A ch2, ss

Wrap scarf around Snowman and secure with

Row 3: Rejoin yarn 9 sts in on RS, ch3, ss in next

in last ch. (80sts)

a stitch. With Yarn C sew Snowman to cushion

st. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Tie the two

Fasten off Yarn C.

back. Using long tails, sew Beret and Arms to

long tails together to create a neat end (but

Row 2: Turn work so foundation ch is at top, with

Snowman.

don’t trim off ).

Yarn A ss in base of each st from row 1 to end.

Weave in remaining ends.

Fasten off yarn.

Arms With Yarn B and leaving a long tail, ch18, ss in

TO FINISH

2nd ch from hook, ss next ch”, ch4, ss in 2nd ch

Weave in ends, except long tails needed for

from hook, ss next 2 chs, sk ss marked”, ss next

sewing up.

ch^, ch3, ss in 2nd ch from hook, ss next ch, sk ss

Sew head to body: using Yarn A, with RS facing

marked ^, ss to end.

(the curve of the Head with be higher than the

Fasten off, leaving long tail.

curve of the Body), sew 2 holding stitches 15 LO V E C R O C H E T 25

CROCHET TUTORIAL

Flat circles This month Joanne Scrace of The Crochet Project looks at how to crochet a flat circle. rochet lends itself very well to making

C

circles, in a way that knitting doesn’t,

so for circular items it is your go-to craft. There are lots of times you’ll

want to be able to crochet a perfect flat circle: making coasters and table mats, mandalas, doilies, as the crown of a hat, the base of a pot or even a beautiful circular christening shawl. Once you’ve read over the tutorial, turn over and test your skills to make a two-tone coaster.

Turn over to crochet Joanne’s two-tone coaster

STEP BY STEP

1

2

3

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

Make a magic loop or chain and join to form a

Working into the loop, work your chosen stitch,

Join in a new yarn at any point in the round.

loop (as we have here).

with enough stitches to form a flat circle. Here

Increase in every stitch by working, in this

we have worked 16 trebles. The turning chain

case, 2 trebles into each treble (we worked

hasn’t been counted as a stitch in this example.

in the back loops only for a really neat colour

Slip stitch to join, fasten off the yarn. Check

change). Slip stitch to join, fasten off the yarn

your circle lies nice and flat.

and check the circle still lies flat. Check that you have 32 stitches.

2 6 LO V E C R O C H E T

CROCHET TUTORIAL

Increasing in size If a circle is to lay perfectly flat then it needs to be increased at just the right rate. Increase too fast and your circle will ripple at the edges.

Increase too slowly and your circle becomes a bowl. Luckily, it is fairly easy to calculate just the right increase rate and if you follow the rules you can guarantee nice flat circles every time.

You need to increase every round by the same number of stitches that you had in round one. So, for example, if you start with eight stitches in round one, round two needs to have 16 stitches (increase in every stitch), round three needs to have 24 stitches (increase in every second stitch), round four needs to have 32 stitches (increase in every third stitch) and so on. But how do you know how many stitches you need to have in the first round? It depends on the stitch you choose. Double crochet needs 6-8 stitches in round one, half trebles need 10-12 stitches in round one and trebles need 12-16 stitches in round one to make the first round a flat circle.

The taller the stitch, the more stitches you need in the first round.

HOOKING

A perfect circle

TOO FAST

TOO SLOW

If you want a true circle then it is important not to work all your increases on top of one another as this starts to form a corner.

Scatter your increases by sometimes starting the round with the increase and sometimes working the increase in the middle of the group of stitches. If you are changing yarn colours then it is easier just to join the yarn in at a different point each time (this also stops there being an obvious seam) If you want to work in a pattern then as long as you keep the stitch counts right, you can.

When you work in pattern you can use chain spaces instead of a stitch, as you’ll see if you try making the example coaster pattern. Just keep the stitch count plus the chain space (chsp) count to the correct count for the row. A 1ch-sp would count as one stitch and a 2ch-sp would count as two stitches.

TOP TIP Use the same weight yarn for each stripe if you use different colours or it will affect the circle.

4

5

STEP 4

STEP 5

Join in the yarn at any point in the round and

Join in the yarn into any stitch that is not

this all the way around. Slip stitch to join, fasten

increase in every other stitch. Work two trebles

an increase stitch (this is to make sure your

off the yarn and check your circle is flat and has

in the first stitch, then one treble in the next

increases are scattered) and increase this stitch

64 stitches. For a bigger circle repeat this step,

stitch, repeat this all the way around. Slip stitch

and in every third stitch. That is, work two

increasing the number of stitches you work

to join, fasten off the yarn and check the circle

trebles in the first stitch then work one treble

one treble into by one for each round.

lies flat. You should now have 48 stitches.

into each of the next two stitches and repeat

LO V E C R O C H E T

27

CROCHET TUTORIAL

TOP TIP Always scatter your increases to avoid your circle turning into an octagon

Time for tea...

Joanne Scrace creates the perfect circle using a two-tone pattern...

YOU WILL NEED ✿ Small amounts of 4 ply yarn (we used Blacker Yarns Pure Polwarth 4ply and Hebridean wool with Mohair 4ply) ✿ 3.5mm crochet hook

FINISHED SIZE

ake your time to read through Joanne’s tutorial on the previous pages and you should be all set to go with this quick and easy coaster in a groovy two-tone pattern. Remember, the aim of this tutorial is to create a perfectly flat circle, so scatter your increases to avoid peaking and work neither too fast or too slow.

T

✿ Approx 11cm across

TENSION

COASTER

✿ Tension is not important for this project

In colour A, ch 6, sl st to form a loop.

tween any of the 3 tr clusters, ch 3, (3 tr, ch 1)

Round 1: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch), 16 tr

into the same space, (3 tr, ch 1) into each space

into loop, sl st to join, do not turn. (16sts)

around, sl st to join, fasten off colour A, do not

Round 2: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch),

turn. 16 3 tr clusters and 16 1ch-sps (equivalent

(1tr, ch 1) in each st around, sl st to join, fasten

to 64 stitches).

off colour A, do not turn. 16 sts and 16 1ch-sps

Round 5: Join colour B in to any 1ch-sp, ch 3

(equivalent to 32 stitches).

(does not count as a stitch) 5 tr in same ch-sp, 5

ABOUT THIS YARN

Round 3: Join colour B in to any 1ch-sp, ch 3

tr in each 1ch-sp around, sl st to join, fasten off

PURE POLWARTH 4PLY

(does not count as a stitch) 3 tr in same ch-sp, 3

colour B. (80sts) (in 16 5tr clusters)

100% wool 175m per 50g www.blackeryarns.co.uk

tr in each 1ch-sp around, sl st to join, fasten off

2 8 LO V E C R O C H E T

colour B, do not turn. (48sts) (in 16 3tr clusters)

To finish

Round 4: Join colour A in to the space be-

Weave in ends, block lightly.

Love

y

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CHRISTMAS JARS

TOP TIP Thread some metallic or sparkly ribbon to give your jars an extra festive feel

Sweet makes Kate Eastwood has hooked up a playful design that’s as cute as Xmas candy.

3 0 LO V E C R O C H E T

CHRISTMAS JARS

YOU WILL NEED ✿ Cascade Sunseeker, DK 1 x Crimson 06; 1 x Treetop 32; 1 x White 35 ✿ 2.5mm crochet hook

SIZE ✿ To fit any size jar

his project is a good way of using up leftover yarn in gorgeous Christmassy colours. Cascade Sunseeker works particularly well because it has a metallic thread worked in to it – very festive! The patterns for the jar covers have been written to fit any sized jar, but the jars Kate has used are glass baby food jars.

T

TENSION ✿ Not important for this project

TO MAKE THE JAR COVER

Edging

ABBREVIATIONS

Round 1: Make a magic ring and work 6 dc into the

Join yarn and dc1. *Work 3 Tr all into the next stitch,

✿ Turn to page 90 for a full list of abbreviations

ring. Sl St to join and Ch 1.

leaving the last loop of each tr on the hook. Yarn over

Round 2: Work 2 dc in to each stitch, 12sts. Sl St to

and pull through all 4 loops, CH 1 and Sl St in to the

join and Ch 1.

next stitch.* Repeat from * to * all the way around the

Round 3: *Work 2 dc in to the first stitch and 1 dc in

top of the cover, join with a Sl St, finish off and sew in

to the next stitch*. Repeat from * to *. 18 sts. Sl St to

the ends.

join, Ch 1.

Round 4: *Work 2 dc in to each of the first two

To finish

stitches , followed by 1 dc into each of the next 2

Thread a length of co-ordinating ribbon through

stitches.* Repeat from * to *. 24 sts. Sl St to join, Ch 1.

the last round of tr and fasten.

Round 5: *Work 2 dc into the first stitch and 1 dc in to each of the next 3 stitches.* Repeat from * to *, 30

BOBBLY COVER

sts. Sl St to join , Ch 1.

Work up to the end of Round 9 in one colour. At the

Round 6: *Work 2 dc into the first stitch and 1 dc

end of the round Sl St to join and Ch 1.

into each of following 4 stitches.* Repeat from * to *.

Round 10: You are now going to work the first

36 sts. Sl St to join, Ch 1.

Bobble round. Dc 5, *yarn over with your contrast

Round 7: *Work 2 dc in to the first stitch and 1 dc in

colour and then work 4 tr all into the next stitch,

to each of the next 5 stitches.* Repeat from * to *. 42

leaving the last loop of each tr on the hook. Yarn over

sts. Sl St to join, Ch 1. After Round 7, I found the base

with your main colour and pull through all 5 loops

was the right size for the baby jar, however, if you

on your hook. Continue working in your main colour

need it bigger simply keep working in increasing

and dc 5*. Repeat from * to * to the end of the round.

rounds as above until the crochet base comfortably

Join with a Sl St and Ch 2.

covers the bottom of the jar.

Round 11: Work a round of tr, Sl St to join at the end

Round 8: Work a round of dc. (42sts)

of the round and Ch 1.

Sl St to join and Ch2.

Continue working alternate rounds of a bobble

Round 9: You are now going to start building the

round, followed by a tr round until your cover is

sides of the cover, so to create an‘edge’, for this round

the correct size for your jar, finishing with a tr round

only, you will be working in to the back loops only.

followed by a round of DC without any bobbles.

Working in to the back loops only, work a round of Tr. Sl St to join and Ch 2.

Edging Join yarn and dc1. *Work 3 tr all in to the next stitch,

STRIPY COVER

leaving the last loop of each tr on the hook. Yarn over

Work up to the end of Round 9 in one colour. At

and pull through all 4 loops, Ch 1 and Sl St in to the

ABOUT THIS YARN

the end of the round join in your second colour

next stitch.* Repeat from * to * all the way around the

CASCADE SUNSEEKER

when working the Ch at the end of the round.

top of the cover, join with a Sl St and sew in the ends.

48% Acrylic; 47% Cotton; 5% Metallic 217m per 100g £6.50 www.loveknitting.com

Alternate each round of Tr in the two colours.

Final round: Work a round of dc. Sl St to join and Ch1.

To finish Thread a length of co-ordinating ribbon through the last round of Tr and fasten off.

LO V E C R O C H E T 31

DESIGNER INTERVIEW

Annie’s place...

Inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese design, crocheter and blogger known simply as ‘Andrea’ has created a haven at Annie’s Place to celebrate colour in the most tasteful way possible. By Judy Darley.

Andrea, is a notoriously private person, despite her natural warmth and friendliness. “I enjoy being an anonymous blogger,” she explains. And of course, it’s completely her right…

Before embracing crochet herself, Andrea had to overcome a few, quite challenging, childhood misconceptions. “Unfortunately, as a child, I was told I would never get the hang of crochet because I’m left-handed. I gave up trying to learn. Of course, I know much better now!” Andrea says proudly.

artillery when she and her husband bought their first home in Cumbria. “I spent a lot of time looking at interior design websites and I was particularly drawn to Scandinavian interior design,” Andrea explains. “Many of the Scandinavian homes I saw featured crochet blankets edged in white and I wanted one of my own. A voice in my head said ‘make your own’.”

Determined to succeed this time around, Andrea sat down one day with a hook, yarn, Claire Bojczuk’s brilliant book Crochet Unravelled: A Clear and Concise Guide to Learning Crochet (which includes left-handed tutorials), and several YouTube videos.

“Being left-handed is just a part of who I am. I don’t think about it when I’m crocheting and I don’t class it as a hindrance,” she comments. “I’ve come to realise that everyone has a preference with the kind of pattern they like to follow, whether it’s written, a photo tutorial or a crochet diagram. Left-handed crocheters have an array of tools to use to help them develop their crochet skills further.”

It’s difficult to believe that this was just a few years ago, but a desire to be surrounded by exquisite things meant Andrea learnt fast and soon started producing pieces to fill her new home. “It probably took me two weeks to master how to make a granny square and once I had there was no stopping me!” she says. “Being on a budget when we bought our home brought out my creativity.

I also started visiting charity shops for vintage curtains, furniture, pictures and china. Crochet perfectly complements the vintage style in our house. I love having the freedom to create exactly what I want for our home”

Driven by beauty Crochet finally became part of Andrea’s crafting

Message to the past Andrea created her first blog one cold February

Top: Annie busy at work in her crochet-laden home; bright and beautiful granny square cushion

3 2 LO V E C R O C H E T

DESIGNER INTERVIEW

morning, and believed it would fizzle out after a few weeks. “I honestly thought no one would read my posts and I’d lose interest,” she recalls. “The impetus was to create a space where I could document how we were making our house into a home on a limited budget and share my crochet journey.

All these years on, I’m still very passionate about

the most rewarding benefits of blogging is the sense of being part of a club where sharing and encouragement are readily available,” she says. “I’m totally addicted to Pinterest and Scandinavian craft and interior blogs such as www.pinkfriday.blogg.se.

If I need colour inspiration, I visit Hakenenmeer.”

“One of the most rewarding benefits of blogging is the sense of being part of a club where encouragement is readily available.” blogging and being part of a special community of crafters and homemakers.”

Originally, the blog was called Betty & Annie named after Andrea’s grandmothers, Mary Elizabeth and Annie Rose. “My nanna and grandma were both crafters and I feel they would have been very popular bloggers, were they alive today,” says Andrea. “They have been a constant source of inspiration to me with the memories of their handicrafts – originally naming my blog after them is a small tribute to their talents and influence on my own craft and style today.”

Many of Andrea’s crochet blankets have a story behind their creation and it’s an element she really loves about handmade items. “There is an emotional aspect to my crochet, as my grandmothers are never far from my thoughts. I do wonder what they‘d make of my blog and how my creations can be sent around the world at the click of a button.”

Andrea is as fervent about the blogging world as she is about the art of crochet itself. “One of

Painting with yarn Andrea’s visual talents were enhanced by studying the history of fine art when she was at university, and outside influences continue to spur on her creations today. “I’m influenced by nature and the colours of every season. I feel fortunate to live so close to the Lake District and the coast,” she enthuses. Eye-catching works on the Betty and Annie blog include the Kaleidoscope Blanket,

which was prompted by a blanket by one of Andrea’s readers. “A Latvian crocheter called Ceita told me about a blanket she’d just finished named Tambordeka – a piece of crochet art made of hexagons,” says Andrea. “It really inspired me to start a similar project of my own. I had a vision of how I wanted the blanket to look and so I started making the hexagons.”

Andrea admits that the blanket is now different from her initial vision. “There have been several moments when I have declared it finished, but I’ve just started adding more hexagons! It’s a happy project and feeds my thirst for colour.

Without the message from Ceita, Andrea may never have begun the blanket. “It represents everything that is so special about craft blogs – it’s a genuine community where people are happy to share their talents and encourage others on their own creative journeys.”

From top: Annie celebrates colour with her Kaleidoscope Blanket; find all these designs and more at www.hookandbake.blogspot.co.uk

A few of her favourite things “Being creative is a huge part of who I am – I love to work on something creative every day, whether that’s crochet, embroidery or appliqué.

Every time I look through Japanese crochet books, my heart just races with excitement!

The styling is so fresh and modern – the plentiful use of

white allows the crochet to shine.

This is what I strive for in my home; I’ve informed my husband that we now need more rooms as every chair, sofa and bed is laden with crochet and I can’t see me putting my hook down any time soon.”

Visit www.hookandbake. blogspot.co.uk

LO V E C R O C H E T 33

CROCHET COASTERS

TOP TIP Use a hard-wearing yarn for these coasters.

They need to be practical and fun!

Festive tea Hook up these happy faces to brighten your table at teatime. By Val Pierce.

3 4 LO V E C R O C H E T

CROCHET COASTERS

YOU WILL NEED ✿ Scheepjes Catona x 25g balls. 1 ball In shades, Red, Pink, Green, Blue, Light Brown, Brown, White, Black ✿ 3.5mm crochet hook

SIZE ✿ 8cm in diametre

ABBREVIATIONS ✿ Turn to page 90 for a full list of abbreviations

e love hooking up a theme and what better way to welcome in the festive season than with this happy threesome!

Coasters are definitely a beginner’s project but Val has spiced up these patterns with some glorious details making it fun for more experienced crocheters too. We enjoyed making all the different aspects that give these characters their personality. Hook all the elements separately then sew together at the end. Remember, a change of angle when placing the hat or whiskers can create a different mood.

W SANTA Base

Hat

Using 3.5mm hook and pink make 2ch, work 6dc

MB = to make bobble, * yrh, draw loop through

into 2nd ch from hook, join into a circle with a sl st.

next st, repeat from * 4 times more, leaving loop

Next round: 1ch (does not count as st), 2dc into

made on hook, yrh and draw yarn through all

each st to end. (12dc)

loops on hook, 1ch to secure. Using 3.5mm hook

Next round: 1ch (does not count as st), * 1dc in

and Red make 21ch, 1dc into 2nd ch from hook,

next dc, 2dc in next dc. rep from * to end, join as

1dc into each ch to end. (20 dc)

before. (18dc)

Next row: 1ch, 1dc into each dc to end. Turn.

Next round: 1ch (does not count as st), * 1dc

Now work dc2tog at each end of next and

into each of next 2 dc, 2dc in next dc. rep from *

following alt rows to 2sts, dc2tog, fasten off.

to end, join as before. (24dc)

Work edging

Next round: 1ch (does not count as st), * 1dc

Using 3.5mm hook and white work 1 row of dc

into each of next 3dc, 2dc into next dc. rep- from

along starting chain. (20dc)

* to end, join as before. (30sts)

Work row of bobbles

Next round: 1ch (does not count as st), * 1dc

Next row: * 2dc, mb *, rep from * to * 5 times

into each of next 4dc, 2dc into next dc. rep from

more, 1dc in each of last 2dc. Fasten off.

* to end, join as before. (36sts) Break pink and join in white

Pom pom

Continue as before, increasing on each round

Using 3.5mm hook and White, make 2ch. Work

until you reach the round 1dc into each of next

6dc into 2nd ch from hook, join into a circle with

10dc, 2dc into next dc. (72dc). Fasten off

a sl st.

Next round: 1ch (does not count as st), 2dc into

Whiskers/beard

each ch to end. Join as before. (12dc)

Using 3.5mm hook and White make 2ch, 2dc

Next round: 1ch (does not count as st), * 1dc in

into 2nd ch from hook, turn.

next dc, 2dc in next dc. Rep from * to end, join as

Next row: 2dc into each of next 2dc.

before. (18dc)

Next row: 2dc into first and last dc.

Next round: 1ch (does not count as st), * 1dc

Work 4 rows dc.

into each of next 2 dc, 2dc in next dc. Rep from *

*Decrease

to end, join as before. (24dc)

ABOUT THIS YARN

Work 1dc into each dc but leave last loop of each

Next round : 1ch (does not count as st), * 1dc

SCHEEPJES CATONA

st on hook, yrh and draw through all loops on

into each of next 3dc, 2dc into next dc. Rep from

100% Cotton 50m per 125g £1.79 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk

hook, 1ch. Work 1dc into ch.

* to end, join as before. (30dc)

Next row: Work 6dc into dc. Work 4 rows dc.

Decrease 1 st at each end of every row to 2dc,

Eyes and nose

dc2tog, fasten off.

Using 3.5mm hook and Black make 2ch. 6dc into LO V E C R O C H E T 35

CROCHET COASTERS

2nd ch from hook. Join into a circle with a sl st.

Fasten off. Make another eye the same.

Nose Work as for eyes, using pink and fasten off.

To assemble Place whiskers mid way on face, angle slightly downwards and sew. Stitch nose just above the

Hook up an oversized red nose for Rudolph

whiskers and an eye on each side of the nose.

Sew pom pom to top of hat. Place and sew. from * 5 times more and fasten off. Fold piece

SNOWMAN

into an oblong and join the short ends. Secure

Base

the centre together to form the holly leaf.

Using 3.5mm hook and White, work the base as Santa’s.

Fasten off.

Antlers Make 2 alike

Berry

Using 3.5mm hook and brown, make 15ch, work

Using 3.5mm hook and red make 2ch. 6dc into

1dc into 2nd ch from hook, 1dc into each ch to

Hat

2nd ch from hook. Join into a circle with a sl st.

end, turn.

Using 3.5mm hook and Blue make 25ch. 1dc into

Fasten off.

Next row: 1ch, work 1dc into each dc to end.

2nd ch from hook, 1dc into each ch to end.

Next row: 1ch, work 8dc, make 8 ch, 1dc into

Next row: 2ch, 1htr into each dc to end. Turn.

To assemble

2nd ch from hook, 1dc into each ch, sl st to

Next row: As previous row.

Place hat onto top half of head at slight angle

centre, turn, work 1 row dc on these 8 sts and

Next row: Sl st across 6 sts, work in htr to last

and sew. Sew holly leaves together in a pair,

fasten off.

6sts, turn.

place the berry on the leaves and secure, sew

Next row: Work in htr on remaining 12sts.

onto one side of hat. Sew nose in centre of face

Ears

Work 3 more rows htr and fasten off.

and sew eyes on either side of nose. Sew the

Make 2 alike

chain for the mouth.

Using Light Brown and 3.5mm hook make 3ch,

Eyes

work 4tr into 3rd ch from hook. Turn.

Make 2 alike

RUDOLF

Next row: 3ch, (counts as first tr ). 1tr into each

Using 3.5mm hook and black make 2ch, 6dc into

Base

tr to end, work last tr into top of 3ch of previous

2nd ch from hook. Join into a circle with a sl st.

Using 3.5mm hook and Light Brown, work the

row. Repeat last row once more.

Fasten off.

base as Santa’s.

Next row: 3ch, work 1tr into each tr to end, but

Nose

Muzzle

Using 3.5mm hook and red make 2ch, 6dc into

Using 3.5mm hook and Light Brown, work as

2nd ch , join with a sl st.

base until you reach the round, 1dc into each of

Mouth

Next round: 1ch (does not count as st), work

next 6 dc, 2dc into next dc. Fasten off. (48dc)

Using 3.5mm hook and Black, crochet 11 ch and

keep last loop of each tr on hook, yrh, draw yarn

fasten off.

2dc into each dc to end, join with a sl st and fasten off.

through all loops on hook and fasten off.

Nose Using 3.5mm hook and Red, work as base until

To assemble

Mouth

you reach the round 1dc into each of next 3dc,

Place muzzle onto base 2 thirds of the way down

Using 3.5mm hook and black make 14 ch.

2dc into next dc. Fasten off.

and sew. Put nose onto centre of muzzle, secure.

Fasten off.

Place a black eye onto a white eye and sew. Sew

Eyes

eyes onto either side of muzzle. Sew mouth in

Holly

Make 2 White and 2 Black

place. Sew ears onto either side of head. Sew

Make 2 alike

Using 3.5mm hook and White make 3ch, 8tr into

antlers in place on top of head, reversing one of

Using 3.5mm hook and Green:

3rd ch from hook. Fasten off. Using 3.5mm hook

the antlers before sewing.

* Make 5ch, sl st into 5th ch from hook, repeat

and Black, make 2ch, 6dc into 2nd ch from hook.

3 6 LO V E C R O C H E T

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ROSE BLANKET

Gypsy rose Strong, bold colours pop against a white background in this blanket by Annemarie Benthem.

TOP TIP Sew each panel as you go so your project won’t sit in a basket waiting to be sewn

3 8 LO V E C R O C H E T

ROSE BLANKET

YOU WILL NEED ✿ DROPS Paris 16 balls of Yarn A White (16); 3 balls of Red (12); 1 ball of each Light Pink (33); Dark Pink (06); Purple (07) ✿ 4mm crochet hook

TENSION

ink, purple and red paired against pure white make a perfectly perky combination. Worked in simple granny treble stitches this is an ideal project for beginners, while the colour changes keep it interesting for more experienced crocheters. Hook one as a baby blanket and one as a throw to take on summer picnics.

P

✿ Each square of five rounds measures 12.5cm square using a 4mm hook

ABBREVIATIONS ✿ Turn to page 90 for a full list of abbreviations

SIZE Approx 84 x 140cm

PATTERN NOTE Yarn B is a contrast colour of your choice from the yarns listed.

Square Make 32

(3tr, ch2, 3tr) in the corner ch-sp; repeat from *

With Yarn A, ch4, ss in the first ch to join

twice more, (ch1, 3tr in the next ch-sp) 3 times,

into a ring.

ch1, 2tr in the corner ch-sp, ss in the third ch

Round 1 (RS): Ch5 (counts as tr and ch2),

of the beginning ch-5. (20 3-tr groups, 4 corner

working into the ring, (3tr, ch2) 3 times, 2tr, ss

ch-2 sp, 16 side ch-1 sp)

in the third ch of the beginning ch-5. (4 3-tr

Fasten off and weave in ends.

groups, 4 corner ch-2 sp) Follow this colour order for an identical copy or make up your own for a bespoke version

A bold red border gives this gorgeous granny square blanket a crisp finish

Round 2: Ss into the first corner ch-sp, ch5

With Yarn A, join the squares in a grid of 8x4 by

(counts as tr and ch2), 3tr in the same place as

sewing them together with an overstitch.

ss, *ch1, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in the next corner ch-sp; repeat from * twice more, ch1, 2tr in the same

Border

place as the first ss, ss in the third ch of the

Join Yarn A into the corner ch-sp of a corner

beginning ch-5. (8 3-tr groups, 4 corner ch-2 sp,

square with a ss. Work around the entire piece

4 side ch-1 sp)

as follows:

Round 3: Join Yarn B in a corner ch-sp, ch5

Ch5 (counts as tr and ch2), 3tr in the same place

(counts as tr and ch2), 3tr in the same place as

as ss, (ch1, 3tr) in each side ch-sp, at the join of

ss, *ch1, 3tr in the next side ch-sp, ch1, (3tr, ch2,

two squares (ch1, 2tr into the corner sp of the

3tr) in the corner ch-sp; repeat from * twice

first square, 2tr into the corner sp of the next

more, ch1, 3tr in the next side ch-sp, ch1, 2tr

square), in each corner (ch1, 3tr, ch2, 3tr) and in

in the corner ch-sp, ss in the third ch of the

the final corner (ch1, 2tr, ss in the third ch of the

beginning ch-5. Fasten off. (12 3-tr groups, 4

beginning ch-5).

corner ch-2 sp, 8 side ch-1 sp) Round 4: With Yarn A, ss into the first corner

Work the next round in Yarn A in the same

ch-sp, ch5 (counts as tr and ch2), 3tr in the same

fashion, omitting the instructions for the joins

place as ss, *(ch1, 3tr in the next side ch-sp)

of the squares and continuing with (ch1, 3tr) in

twice, ch1, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in the corner ch-sp;

each side ch-sp.

repeat from * twice more, (ch1, 3tr in the next

ABOUT THIS YARN

side ch-sp) twice, ch1, 2tr in the corner ch-sp,

Repeat this round in Yarn A for another eight

DROPS PARIS

ss in the third ch of the beginning ch-5. (16 3-tr

rounds (10 in total), then use Red for a final two

100% cotton 75m per 50g £1.80 www.garnstudio.com

groups, 4 corner ch-2 sp, 12 side ch-1 sp)

rounds.

Round 5: Ss into the first corner ch-sp, ch5 (counts as tr and ch2), 3tr in the same place as

Fasten off and weave in ends.

ss, *(ch1, 3tr in the next side ch-sp) 3 times, ch1, LO V E C R O C H E T 39

Love Save when you subscribe to the digital edition Get ready for the new season with the Love Crochet collection of wintry homeware

TAP HERE for more info

With winter here, we have created a gorgeous collection of seasonal-inspired homeware to give your house a warm, personable feel. From adorable, uy hedgehog tea cosies to a vintage-feel, granny-square lampshade, plus coasters, doorstops, cushions and much, much more - we've got a pattern for every style and ability. Our crochet expert, Joanne Scrace, shows you how to hook the perfect circle, we meet big-time blogger Andrea of Annie's Place, and we have all the latest in news and reviews from the wonderful world of yarn craft! Take a look today!

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ROSES CUSHION

Bloomin’ lovely Go for a classic look with Nicki Trench’s colourful granny square cushion.

TOP TIP Wash the cover in Soak to make it smell wonderful and keep the moths at bay!

ROSES CUSHION

YOU WILL NEED ✿ Rooster Almerino DK, 3 balls of Brighton Rock (211), 1 ball of each Custard (210), Strawberry Cream (203), Ocean (208), Lighthouse (220), Gooseberry (207), Lilac Sky (215), Starfish (218), Beach (217) ✿ 4mm hook ✿1 cushion pad 41cm square

ost of us started out crocheting granny squares and it’s an addiction most crocheters never lose, so this design by Nicki is ticking all our boxes. This dynamically-coloured cushion will add a splash of colour to your favourite chair or sofa. It’s also reversible so you can choose a side to suit your mood.

M

TENSION ✿ Tension is not important for this project

FRONT

ABBREVIATIONS

Make 16 in the following colourways:

from * to end, ss into first dc, do not fasten off.

✿ 2-tr cluster: (Yrh, insert hook in space/st indicated, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) 2 times, inserting the hook in the same space/st each time, yrh and draw through all loops on hook. ✿ 3-tr cluster: Work as for 2-tr cluster, repeating () 3 times.

Colourway 1 (make 3): A: Custard, B:

(4 corner ch-3 sp, 4 ch-2 sp, 8 dc)

Ocean, C: Beach, D: Gooseberry, E: Lighthouse

Round 5: Ss in first ch-3 sp, ch3, (2tr, ch2, 3tr)

Colourway 2 (make 3): A: Lighthouse,

in same ch-3 sp (corner), *(ch1, 2tr, ch1) in next

B: Starfish, C: Custard, D: Gooseberry,

ch-2 sp, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-3 sp (corner);

E: Brighton Rock

rep from * to last ch-2 sp, (ch1, 2tr, ch1) in last

SIZE

Colourway 3 (make 2): A: Custard,

ch-2 sp, ss in top of beg ch-3. [8 3-tr groups, 4

✿ To fit a 41cm square cushion pad

B: Lighthouse, C: Strawberry Cream,

2-tr groups, 4 ch-2 sp, 4 ch-1 sp] Fasten off. Join

D: Gooseberry, E: Custard

Yarn E in any corner ch-2 sp.

Colourway 4 (make 3): A: Custard,

Round 6: Ch3, (2tr, ch2, 3tr) in same ch-

B: Brighton Rock, C: Strawberry Cream,

sp (corner), 3tr in each of next 2 ch-sp, *(3tr, ch2,

D: Ocean, E: Beach

3tr) into corner ch-sp, 3tr into each of next 2

Colourway 5 (make 2): A: Brighton Rock,

ch-sp; rep from * to end, ss into top of beg ch-3.

B: Custard, C: Starfish, D: Ocean,

Fasten off.

E: Strawberry Cream Colourway 6 (make 3): A: Custard,

Join squares

B: Brighton Rock, C: Lighthouse,

Place squares in 4x4 grid. With right sides facing,

D: Gooseberry, E: Lilac Sky

sew together to form front.

Using Yarn A, ch4, join with ss to form ring.

EDGING

Round 1 (RS): Ch1 (does not count as st), 8dc

In the following rounds, ‘sp’ refers to the space

into the ring, join Yarn B with a ss into first dc.

between groups of treble sts.

Fasten off Yarn A. (8 dc)

Round 1: With RS facing, join Lilac Sky with

Round 2: Ch3 (counts as tr throughout), 1tr in

ss in any corner sp, ch3 (counts as tr), (2tr, ch2,

st at base of ch, ch2, *2-tr cluster in next st, ch2;

3tr) in same ch-sp (corner), *3tr in each of next

rep from * to end, ss in top of beg ch-3.

4 sp (next corner sp of same square), miss next

(8 clusters, 8 ch-2 sp)

sp (first corner sp of next square), rep from * to

Fasten off.

corner sp of panel, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in corner ch-sp;

Join Yarn C in first ch-sp.

rep from * to end of rnd, ss into top of beg ch-3.

Round 3: *Ch3, 3-tr cluster into same ch-sp,

Fasten off.

ch4, ss into same ch-sp (1 petal made), 1dc in

Round 2: Join Lighthouse with a ss into any

top of next 2-tr cluster, ss in next ch-sp; rep

corner sp, ch3 (counts as tr), (2tr, ch2, 3tr) into

from * to last 2 tr, 1dc in top of first tr, ss in same

same ch-sp (corner), *3tr into each sp to next

ABOUT THIS YARN

ch-sp as the first petal. (8 petals) Fasten off. Join

corner, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) into corner sp; rep from * to

ROOSTER ALMERINO DK

Yarn D in top of any dc between petals.

end of rnd, ss into top of beg ch-3. Fasten off.

50% baby alpaca; 50% Merino wool 112.5m per 50g £5.75 www.roosteryarns.com

Round 4: Ch1 (does not count as st), 1dc in

Round 3: Using Beach, repeat Round 2.

same st, *ch3 (corner), keeping the petal at front

Fasten off.

4 2 LO V E C R O C H E T

of work make 1dc into top of next dc (between next petal), ch2, 1dc into top of next dc; rep

ROSES CUSHION

BACK Repeat Rounds 1-6 of square for Front using this colour sequence: A: Custard, B: Lighthouse, C: Beach, D: Ocean, E: Brighton Rock. Do not fasten off.

Round 7: Cont with Brighton Rock, ss in each of next 2 sts, ss in next ch-sp (corner), ch3 (counts as tr), (2tr, ch2, 3tr) in same ch-sp (corner), 3tr in each sp to next corner sp, *(3tr, ch2, 3tr) in corner ch-sp, 3tr in each sp to next corner ch-sp; rep from * to end, ss in top of beg ch-3.

Repeat Round 7 until Back measures

Nicki has essentially designed a double-fronted cushion as the ‘back’ is as striking as the front

41cm square.

Fasten off.

LO V E C R O C H E T 43

MUG HUG

TOP TIP Any type of DK yarn can be used but make sure it’s washable

Loopy lace 4 4 LO V E C R O C H E T

A simple broomstick lace crochet mug hug to cheer your coffee break by Vicki Brown.

MUG HUG

YOU WILL NEED

f you’ve ever wanted to try broomstick lace crochet, give this simple mug hug by Vicki Brown a try. It’s so easy, you’ll master the technique before you know it. The pretty, loopy mug cosy with a cute button fastening is a lovely way to showcase your broomstick lace stitches – it will also keep your cuppa toasty, without burning your fingers.

I

✿ King Cole Merino Blend DK 1 ball of White (001) ✿ 4.5mm crochet hook ✿ 15mm knitting needle ✿ One button, 2cm diameter

TENSION ✿ Tension is not important for this project

ABBREVIATIONS

MUG HUG

✿ Turn to page 90 for a full list of abbreviations

Using a 4.5mm hook, ch21.

SIZE

Row 1 (RS): 1dc into the second ch from hook,

✿ Mug hug measures 11x19cm

1dc into each ch to the end, turn. (20 sts) Row 2: Ch1 (does not count as st throughout), 1dc into each st to end, turn.

Row 3: Repeat Row 2, do not turn.

Row 4: Take the loop off your crochet hook

Loop the loop with Vicki’s sweet design

and place it on the knitting needle. Skip first st, *without a loop of yarn on your crochet hook, insert hook into next st, yrh, pull loop through and place on needle; repeat from * to end, working from left to right across the row, do not turn. (20 loops)

ch10, 1dc into the last st (button loop made).

Row 5: *Without a loop of yarn on your crochet

Fasten off and weave in ends.

hook, insert hook in next 5 loops, take loops off

ABOUT THIS YARN

the needle, yrh, pull through loops, ch1, 5dc

To finish

KING COLE MERINO BLEND DK

into the 5 loops; repeat from * to end, turn.

Block to measurements.

100% wool 112m per 50g

(20 sts)

With right sides together and using slip stitches,

Row 6: Ch1, 1dc into each st to the end, turn.

seam together the first 5sts (at the opposite end

£3.79 www.loveknitting.com

Repeat Rows 4-6 a further 5 times.

from the button loop).

Row 22: Ch1, 1dc into each st to the last st,

Weave in ends and sew the button in place.

SIMPLE STEPS DOUBLE CROCHET

1

2

3

4

STEP 1:

STEP 2:

STEP 3:

STEP 4:

To make a double crochet stitch,

Wind the yarn around the hook

Yrh again, then pull the yarn

For foll rows, turn and make 1

insert the hook under the top

(yrh) and pull it through the stitch,

through both loops. There’s

turning chain. For dc only, the t-ch

two loops of the first stitch on the

giving you two loops on your

your double crochet made and

does not count as a st. Work first dc

previous row.

crochet hook.

you’ll have one loop left on your

of the row in the st at base of the ch.

hook ready to do the next stitch.

At end of the row, do not work into

Continue to the end of the row.

the top of the t-ch.

LO V E C R O C H E T 45

C AT D O O R S T O P

Cute cats in hats!

What a purrfect pair. Make this adorable cat duo your autumn project. By Liz Ward.

TOP TIP If you see stuďŹƒng through the stitches, try a smaller hook to tighten your tension 4 6 LO V E C R O C H E T

C AT D O O R S T O P

YOU WILL NEED ✿ 50g DMC Natura Just Cotton 4ply in Ivory (N02), Sable (N03), Gris Argent (N09), Jade (N20), Tropic Brown (N22), Passion (N23) and Safran (N47) ✿ 3mm crochet hook ✿ 12mm black toy safety eyes ✿ Wool needle ✿ Toy stuffing ✿ Rice or pellets for weighting ✿ Black embroidery thread ✿ Small white pom-poms

ow adorable are these sweet little kittens? Nordic style is always a big trend for winter and these kitties in their Fair Isle knits are the cat’s whiskers! As well as being super-cute, our funky felines are weighted with rice so they can be used together as a doorstop or as a pair of bookends, so they make great gifts for friends and family.

H

KITTENS Head

*Stuff the head with toy filling.

Make 1 in Safran and 1 in Sable. Make a magic

Round 20: (dc2tog, dc in the next 2sts) repeat

TENSION

ring and work 6dc into the ring. (6sts)

to end. (18sts)

✿ Tension is not important for this project

Round 1: 2dc into each st to the end. (12sts)

Round 21: (dc2tog, dc in the next st) repeat to

Round 2: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st)

end. (12sts)

repeat to end. (18sts)

Round 22: (dc2tog) repeat to end. (6sts)

Round 3: (dc in the first 2sts, 2dc in the next st)

Fasten off, then thread the cut yarn onto a wool

repeat to end. (24sts)

needle and weave through the last 6 stitches,

Round 4: (dc in the first 3sts, 2dc in the next st)

pull the yarn to close the hole. Weave in yarn

repeat to end. (30sts)

and cut off any loose ends.

ABBREVIATIONS ✿ Bobble stitch: Yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over, draw loop through, yarn over, draw through 2 loops on the hook, (yarn over, insert hook in same space, yarn over, draw loop through, yarn over, draw through 2 loops on hook) repeat 3 times, yarn over, draw through all 6 loops on hook.

Round 5: (dc in the first 9sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. (33sts)

Body

Round 6: (dc in the first 10sts, 2dc in the next st)

Make 1 in Safran and 1 in Sable.

repeat to end. (36sts)

Make a magic ring and work 6dc into the ring.

Round 7: (dc in the first 11sts, 2dc in the next st)

(6sts)

repeat to end. (39sts)

Round 1: 2dc into each st to the end. (12sts)

Round 8: (dc in the first 12sts, 2dc in the next st)

Round 2: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st)

repeat to end. (42sts)

repeat to end. (18sts)

Round 9: (dc in the first 13sts, 2dc in the next st)

Change colour to the main jumper colour.

repeat to end. (45sts)

Round 3: (tr in the first 2sts, 2tr in the next st)

Round 10: (dc in the first 14sts, 2dc in the next

repeat to end. (24sts)

st) repeat to end. (48sts)

Round 4: fptr in each st to the end. (24sts)

Round 11: (dc in the first 15sts, 2dc in the next

Change to Ivory yarn.

st) repeat to end. (51sts)

Round 5: (dc in the first 3sts, 2dc in the next st)

Round 12: (dc in the first 16sts, 2dc in the next

repeat to end. (30sts)

st) repeat to end. (54sts)

The next round is worked by changing colour

Place 2 stitch markers on the next row 12sts

each st. Start in Ivory and work 1st Ivory, 1st

apart to mark where you will put the eyes.

contrast colour throughout round.

Rounds 13-14: dc in each st to the end. (54sts)

Round 6: (dc in the first 4sts, 2dc in the next st)

Round 15: (dc2tog, dc in next 7sts) repeat to

repeat to end. (36sts)

end. (48sts)

Change colour to jumper contrast colour

Round 16: (dc2tog, dc in next 6sts) repeat to

Passion or Jade

end. (42sts)

Round 7: (dc in the first 5sts, 2dc in the next st)

ABOUT THIS YARN

Round 17: (dc2tog, dc in next 5sts) repeat to

repeat to end. (42sts)

DMC NATURA JUST COTTON

end. (36sts)

Round 8: (dc in the first 6sts, 2dc in the next st)

100% cotton 155m per 50g £3.49 www.dmccreative.co.uk

Round 18: (dc2tog, dc in next 4sts) repeat to

repeat to end. (48sts)

end. (30sts)

The next round is worked by changing colour

Round 19: (dc2tog, dc in the next 3sts) repeat

each st. Start in Ivory and work 1st Ivory, 1st

to end. (24sts)

contrast colour throughout round.

LO V E C R O C H E T 47

C AT D O O R S T O P

Round 9: (dc in the first 7sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. (54sts) Change colour to Ivory Round 10: (dc in the first 8sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. (60sts) Change to main jumper colour The armholes are formed on the next round.

Round 11: Skip the first 10sts, dc in next 20sts, skip the next 10sts, dc in the last 20sts. (40sts) Round 12: (dc in the first 19sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. (42sts) Round 13: (dc in the first 13sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. (45sts) Round 14: (dc in the first 14sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. (48sts) Rounds 15-16: dc in each st to the end. 48sts) Round 17: tr in each st to the end. (48sts) Round 18: fptr in each st to the end. (48sts) Change colour to the main body colour.

Round 19: dc in each st to the end. (48sts) Round 20: (dc2tog, dc in next 14sts) repeat to end. (45sts) Round 21: (dc2tog, dc in next 13sts) repeat to end. (42sts) Round 22: (dc2tog, dc in next 12sts) repeat to end. (39sts) Round 23: (dc2tog, dc in next 11sts) repeat to end. (36sts) *Stuff using toy filling.

Add a small sandwich bag filled with rice or pellets to weight the body and place toy stuffing around the bag so the finished cat feels soft.

Round 24: (dc2tog, dc in next 4sts) repeat to end. (30sts) Round 25: (dc2tog, dc in the next 3sts) repeat to end. (24sts) Round 26: (dc2tog, dc in the next 2sts) repeat to end. (18sts) Round 27: (dc2tog, dc in the next st) repeat to end. (12sts) Round 28: (dc2tog) repeat to end. (6sts) Fasten off, then thread the cut yarn onto a wool needle and weave through the last 6 stitches, pull the yarn to close the hole. Weave in yarn Always weave in ends and then trim to keep your cats looking perfectly pucker

48 LO V E C R O C H E T

and cut off any loose ends.

Sew the head onto the body securely.

Weave in and cut off any loose ends.

C AT D O O R S T O P

DMC Natura Just Cotton is easy to work with and has a beautifully tight finish

Legs

Round 8: dc in the first 3sts, dc2tog, dc in the

on the underside of the body.

Make 2 for each cat starting in Tropic Brown.

next 4sts, dc2tog, dc in the next st, dc2tog, dc in

Weave in and cut off any loose ends.

*Stuff as you go along

the next st, dc2tog, dc in the last 3sts. (16sts)

Make a magic ring and work 6dc into ring. (6sts)

Round 9: dc in the first 8sts, dc2tog, dc in the

Arms

Round 1: 2dc into each st to the end. (12sts)

next st, dc2tog, dc in the last 3sts. (14sts)

Make 2 starting in Gris Argent yarn.

Round 2: dc in the first 2sts, 2dc in the next st,

Round 10: dc in each st to the end. (14sts)

*Stuff the arms fairly tightly with toy filling

dc in the next 2sts, 3htr in the next st, htr in the

Round 11: dc2tog, dc in each st to end. (13sts)

as you go along

next 2sts, 3htr in the next st, dc in the next 2sts,

Change colour at the end of this round to the

Make a magic ring and work 6dc into the ring.

2dc in the last st. (18st)

same colour used for the head.

(6sts)

Round 3: dc in the first 3sts, 2dc in the next st,

Rounds 12-16: dc in each st to the end. (13sts)

Round 1: 2dc into each st to the end. (12sts)

dc in the next 2sts, htr in the next st, 2htr in the

Round 17: dc2tog, dc in each st to the end.

Round 2: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st)

next st, htr in the next 4sts, 2htr in the next st, htr

(12sts)

repeat to end. (18sts)

in the next st, dc in the next st, 2dc in the next st,

Rounds 18-22: dc in each st to the end. (12sts)

Round 3: (dc in the first 5sts, 2dc in the next st)

dc in the last 2sts. (22sts)

Round 23: dc2tog, dc in each st to the end.

repeat to end. (21sts)

Round 4: 2dc in the first st, dc in the next 8sts,

(11sts)

Round 4: dc in each st to the end. (21sts)

3htr in the next st, htr in the next 5sts, 3htr in the

Rounds 24-28: dc in each st to the end. (11sts)

Round 5: (dc2tog, dc in next 5sts) repeat to end.

next st, dc in the last 6sts. (27sts)

Round 29: dc2tog, dc in each st to the end.

(18sts)

Round 5: dc in each st to the end. (27sts)

(10sts)

Round 6: Bobble stitch in first st, dc in each st to

Round 6: dc in the first st, dc2tog, dc in the next

Rounds 30-34: dc in each st to the end. (10sts)

end. (18sts)

8sts, dc2tog, dc in the next 6sts, dc2tog, dc in

Cut the yarn leaving a long tail and pull through

Round 7: (dc2tog, dc in next 4sts) repeat to the

the last 6sts. (24sts)

loop to secure.

end of the round. (15sts)

Round 7: dc in the first 11sts, htr3tog, htr in the

Finish stuffing the legs firmly with toy stuffing.

Round 8: (dc2tog, dc in next 3sts) repeat to end.

next 3sts, htr3tog, dc in the last 4sts. (20sts)

Sew closed the top of the legs, then sew in place

(12sts) LO V E C R O C H E T 49

C AT D O O R S T O P

Round 9: dc in each st to the end. (12sts) Change yarn to the colour for the jumper.

Round 10: tr in each st to the end. (12sts) Round 11: fptr in each st to the end. (12sts) Rounds 12-18: dc in each st to the end. (12sts) Round 19: dc2tog, dc in each st to the end.

(11sts) Rounds 20-24: dc in each st to the end. (11sts) Round 25: dc2tog, dc in each st to the end.

(10sts) Rounds 26-30: dc in each st to the end. (10sts) Cut the yarn leaving a long tail and pull through loop to secure. *Finishing stuffing the arm firmly with toy stuffing

Don’t forget to finish off the hat with a white fluffy pom pom. Very seasonal!

Position the arms into the armhole gaps on the jumper and sew in place. Weave in and cut off any loose ends.

Muzzle

repeat to end. (12sts)

Round 4: (dc in the first 3sts, 2dc in the next st)

Make two in Ivory.

Round 5: (dc in the first 5sts, 2dc in the next st)

repeat to end. (30sts)

Make a magic ring and work 6dc into the ring.

repeat to end. (14sts)

Round 5: (dc in the first 9sts, 2dc in the next st)

(6sts)

Round 6: (dc in the first 6sts, 2dc in the next st)

repeat to end. (33sts)

Round 1: 2dc into each st to the end. (12sts)

repeat to end. (16sts)

Round 6: (dc in the first 10sts, 2dc in the next st)

Rounds 2-8: dc in each st to the end. (12sts)

Cut the yarn leaving a long tail and pull through

repeat to end. (36sts)

Stuff lightly with toy filling.

loop to secure. Sew in place on the head after

Round 7: (dc in the first 11sts, 2dc in the next st)

Round 9: (dc2tog) repeat to end. (6sts)

you’ve made the hat.

repeat to end. (39sts)

Fasten off, then thread the cut yarn onto a wool

Round 8: (dc in the first 12sts, 2dc in the next st)

needle and weave through the last 6 stitches,

Tail

repeat to end. (42sts)

pulling the yarn to close the hole. Weave in yarn

Make 1 for each cat in the same colour as the

Round 9: (dc in the first 13sts, 2dc in the next st)

and cut off any loose ends.

body. Make a magic ring and work 6dc into the

repeat to end. (45sts)

Position the muzzle onto the bottom half of

ring. (6sts)

Round 10: (dc in the first 14sts, 2dc in the next

the cat’s face. When you are happy with the

Round 1: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st)

st) repeat to end. (48sts)

positioning, sew in place.

repeat to end. (9sts)

Round 11: (dc in the first 15sts, 2dc in the next

Use a full strand of black embroidery thread and

Rounds 2-15: dc in each stitch to the end of

st) repeat to end. (51sts)

long straight stitches to create the nose and a

the round. (9sts)

Round 12: (dc in the first 16sts, 2dc in the next

mouth over the muzzle, as shown.

Fasten off. Stuff with a pipe cleaner, cut to

st) repeat to end. (54sts)

size and sew onto the body of the cat.

Round 13: dc in each st to the end. (54sts)

Ears

Round 14: tr in each st to the end. (54sts)

Make 2 in same yarn as body.

Hat

Round 15: fpdc in each st to the end, sl st to

Make a magic ring and work 4dc into the ring.

Make 2, one in Passion and one in Jade

finish. (54sts)

Round 1: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st)

Make a magic ring and work 6dc into the ring.

repeat to end. (6sts)

(6sts)

Cut the yarn leaving a long tail and pull through

Round 2: (dc in the first 2sts, 2dc in the next st)

Round 1: 2dc into each st to the end. (12sts)

loop to secure. Sew the hat in place on the head,

repeat to end. (8sts)

Round 2: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st)

weave in and cut off any loose ends.

Round 3: (dc in the first 3sts, 2dc in the next st)

repeat to end. (18sts)

Glue or sew a small white pom-pom to the top

repeat to end. (10sts)

Round 3: (dc in the first 2sts, 2dc in the next st)

of the hat to finish.

Round 4: (dc in the first 4sts, 2dc in the next st)

repeat to end. (24sts)

50 LO V E C R O C H E T

GRANNY LAMPSHADE

Light & shade Give your bedroom a vintage feel with this lampshade cover by Kirstie McLeod. ll it takes is a simple granny square to create a gorgeously authentic retro addition to your room. This project couldn’t be easier so it’s perfect for all you beginner crocheters out there! Read the joining notes carefully at the end of the pattern to create a picture perfect piece.

A

TOP TIP Don’t be tempted to glue your crochet to the shade as the glue could be flammable

YOU WILL NEED ✿ Rowan Pure Wool DK 1 x ball in Snow (012), Gold (051), Damson (030), Hyacinth (026), Dahlia (042), Orchid (052), Kiss (036), Indigo (010), Cypress (007) ✿ 4mm crochet hook ✿ Lampshade: about 60cm circumference

NOTE

into same sp, * ch3, 4tr into the next ch2-sp;

Each square uses three colours: yarns A, B and C,

rep to end of round, ss into top of beg ch-3.

plus Snow. Use any colour combinations you like.

(8 groups of 4 tr, 8 ch3-sp)

Each square measures approx 8cm.

Break yarn.

Round 4: Join Snow into first ch3-sp, (ch3

TENSION ✿ Keep your tension tight

[counts as tr], 4tr, ch2, 5tr) into the same sp, *5tr

GRANNY SQUARE

into next ch-sp, (5tr, ch2, 5tr) into next ch-sp;

ABBREVIATIONS

Using yarn A, ch8, join with a ss into a ring.

rep from * 2 more times, 5tr into next ch-sp, ss

✿ Turn to page 90 for a full list of abbreviations

Round 1: Ch1, work 16dc into ring, join with a

into top of beg ch-3. (12 groups of 5 tr, 4 ch2-sp)

ss into first ch. Break yarn.

Fasten off.

ABOUT THIS YARN

Change to yarn B.

ROWAN PURE WOOL DK

Round 2: Beginning Cluster, * ch2, miss 1 dc,

To finish

100% superwash wool 125m per 50g £4.95 www.knitrowan.com

Cluster into the next dc; rep from * 6 times, ch2,

Make 15 squares. Join in strips of 7 and 8

ss into top of beg ch-3. (8 Clusters, 8 ch2-sp)

squares, sewing only at corners and centre

Break yarn.

of side. Join the two strips together lengthways

Round 3: Join yarn C into first ch2-sp, ch3, 3tr

to fit shade.

LO V E C R O C H E T 51

FILET EDGING

TOP TIP Add a beautiful filet crochet finishing touch to your kitchen décor with this crisp border

Pretty trim Try your hand at filet crochet with this cute, kitchen-themed motif designed by the Knit Picks team.

5 2 LO V E C R O C H E T

FILET EDGING

YOU WILL NEED ✿ Knit Picks Curio: White 26255 1-3 balls for projects shown ✿ 4.5mm steel crochet hook ✿ Sew-on Velcro, double-stick tape, or brad nails (for shelf border) ✿ Needle and thread (for curtain edge)

ilet crochet is a traditional technique that is seeing a resurgence in popularity, particularly in homeware, which especially suits the delicacy of the stitches. We just love the mug motif on this charming trim that can hang from a curtain or a shelf. Read the notes below if you want to adjust the length of your trim to suit your project.

F

TENSION ✿ 20 open squares and 20 rows = 10cm

PATTERN NOTE

ABBREVIATIONS

This pattern is expandable depending on how

✿ See page 90 for a full list of abbreviations

many times the pattern is repeated. Each repeat

SIZE

of the shelf border length pattern uses approximately

✿ Width is adjustable; each pattern repeat is about 7.6cm wide Shelf border length: 12.7cm Curtain edge length: 20cm

5g of thread, meaning you could get as many as

Example 1 Shelf length is 101cm 101cm/7.6cm = 13.3 repeats. 13 x 5g = 65g (1 ball)

(100cm width) from one ball.

Example 2 Width of two curtain hems = 183cm 183cm/7.6cm = 24 repeats 24 x 7.5g = 180g (2 balls)

20 repeats (152cm width) from one ball of Curio.

Each repeat of the curtain border uses about 7.5g, meaning you could make about 13 repeats

NOTES To determine your yarn requirements, measure in cm the length of border you will need. Divide this number by 7.6cm to give you the number of repeats of the pattern you will need to work to reach this length. (If the length is not evenly divisible, this border can easily be blocked a little narrower or wider to fit). Multiply the number of whole repeats by 5g for shelf border or 7.5g for curtain border to get the weight of yarn required.

Turn to the chart on p54 to find the chart for the mug motif for both the shelf and curtain trim

Add about 10% more thread to your estimate to ensure you don’t run out! If, for example, you

Smooth increases

use a different hook size and have a gauge of 16

To increase smoothly at the end of a row, tr

open squares and 16 rows per 10cm, you would

into bottom of last tr worked, htr into bottom

divide by 4 instead of 3.

of previous tr, tr into bottom of previous htr. To increase smoothly at the beginning of a row, Ch

SQUARES

4, tr into 2nd chain from hook, htr into next ch,

Open mesh square

tr into next ch. Continue in pattern.

Ch 2, Skip next ch 2 (if open mesh is below)

ABOUT THIS YARN

or Skip next 2 tr(if solid mesh is below), tr

Smooth decreases

in next stitch.

To decrease smoothly at the beginning of a row, work 1 Ch , (sl st, tr, htr) on the first sq of the row,

KNIT PICKS CURIO 100% cotton 660m per 100g £2.51 www.knitpicks.com

Closed mesh square

tr in first tr of second square of row. To decrease

2 tr in ch-2 space if open mesh is below; 1

smoothly at the end of a row, (htr, tr, sl st) into

tr in each of next 2 tr if solid mesh is below,

sts of last square. When you turn the work, sl st

tr in next tr.

back to the 1st tr of the next square.

LO V E C R O C H E T 53

FILET EDGING

Mug Border 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

16

PATTERN

15 14 13

Shelf border: Ch 60 Curtain Edge: Ch 87

12 11 10

Both sizes Row 1: Tr in 4th ch from hook and in each remaining ch. Begin working from chart,

9 8 7 6

working as many repeats of the 16 rows as you like. After the last row of the last repeat, work a row in solid mesh.

5 4 3 2 1

FINISHING

Curtain Border (28 blocks)

Shelf Liner (19 blocks)

Weave in ends and block to measurements.

Attaching borders

KEY

The shelf border can be attached with Velcro,

Open mesh: Ch2, sk next ch2 (if open mesh

double-stick tape, or small brad nails. The

is below) or skip next 2tr (if solid mesh is

Curtain border can be sewn with needle and

below), tr in next tr

thread directly to the curtain hem, or attached

Solid mesh: 2 tr in chain-2 space (if open

with a row of single crochet through punched

mesh is below) or 1tr in each of next 2tr if

holes. The methods depend largely on the type

solid mesh is below, tr in next tr

of surface or fabric you have.

Perfect for beginners as the treble pattern is easily counted and worked

5 4 LO V E C R O C H E T

MORE INFO This project is taken from Classic Kitchen Crochet a collection of beautiful and useful crochet projects. From kitchen towels and bread warmers, to a rug that warms a bare kitchen oor. Make these projects to liven your kitchen, or give away as lovely handmade gifts. £11.24 from www.knitpicks.com.

B AT H P I L L O W

YOU WILL NEED ✿ Rowan Handknit Cotton, 1 ball of each Bleached (263) and Cloud (345) ✿ 4.5mm hook ✿ 50cm of 5mm elastic ✿ A bath pillow (we used one from The Body Shop)

ith Anne’s gorgeously pretty pillow cover, you can really treat yourself when it comes to bathtime. Using just two simple colours, this little beauty looks perfectly clean and fresh. Take a look at the chart and read through the pattern carefully as this project will require attention to detail. Then simply sit back and relax!

W

TENSION ✿ Tension is not important for this project

FRONT

row end sts), 5tr, (ch3, sk2, tr, ch3, sk2, 6tr) twice,

✿ tr7tog: (yo, insert hook in next st, yo and pull up loop, yo and draw through 2 loops) 7 times, yo and draw through all loops on hook. ✿ Turn to page 90 for a full list of abbreviations.

Using Bleached, ch41.

omitting 1 tr at end of last rep, corner (in the last

Row 1: Tr in fourth ch from hook, 4tr, (ch3, sk2,

tr of the 28 row end sts), ch1,** (working

tr, ch3, sk2, 6tr) 3 times, turn. (27 tr, 6 ch-3 sp)

remaining loop of foundation ch) 6tr, (ch3, sk2,

Row 2: Ch3 (counts as tr throughout), 5tr, (ch1,

tr, ch3, sk2, 6tr) 3 times; rep from * to **,

SIZE

dc in next ch-sp, ch2, dc in next ch-sp, ch1, 6tr

ss to top of beg ch-3.

✿ Approx 36 x 26cm. Central white section without end rows approx 26 x 19cm

in next 6 tr) 3 times, turn. (24 tr, 6 dc, 3 ch-2 sp,

Round 2: Work as for row 2, then row end

6 ch-1 sp)

as follows:

ABBREVIATIONS

Row 3: Ch3, 5tr, (7tr in next ch-2 sp, 6tr in next 6

Ch1, tr in first corner tr of previous round, ch1,

tr) 3 times, turn. (24 tr, 3 7-tr fans)

corner in ch-1 corner sp, ch1, work as for row 2

Row 4: Ch3, 5tr, (ch2, dc in 4th tr of next fan,

replacing beg ch-3 with tr in the last corner tr

ch2, 6tr in next 6 tr) 3 times, turn. (24 tr, 3 dc, 6

of the previous round, for 2 patt reps instead of

ch-2 sp)

3. Ch1, corner in ch-1 corner sp, ch1, tr in last

Row 5: Ch3, 5tr, (ch3, tr in dc, ch3, 6tr in next 6

corner tr of previous round, ch1. Work as for row

tr) 3 times, turn. (27 tr, 6 ch-3 sp)

2, replacing beg ch-3 with tr, work row end as

Rows 6-13: Repeat rows 2-5 twice more.

above, ss to top of beg ch-3.

Rows 14-16: As rows 2-4.

Round 3: Work as for row 3, then row end

Turn work by 90° to work into row ends,

as follows:

ch3, 28tr distributed evenly along edge.

Ch1, tr in first tr, ch1, tr in next tr, ch1, corner

Fasten off.

in ch-1 corner sp, ch1, tr in last corner tr of

With RS facing join with ss on opposite edge,

previous round, ch1, work as for row 3 replacing

ch3, 28tr distributed evenly along edge.

beg ch-3 with tr, for 2 patt reps instead of 3.

Fasten off.

Ch1, tr in first corner tr of previous round, ch1, corner in ch-1 corner sp, ch1, tr in last corner tr

Edging

of previous round, ch1, tr in next tr, ch1. Work as

The edging adds a complete pattern repeat all

for row 3, replacing beg ch-3 with tr, work row

around, with an expanding trellis in the corners.

end as above, ss to top of beg ch-3.

Corner: (2tr, ch1, 2tr) in each corner st.

Round 4: Work as for row 4, then row end

For round 2 onwards, each round is split

as follows:

into sections.

(Ch1, tr in next tr) 3 times, ch1, corner in ch-1

Work the first and third part of the round as

corner sp, ch1, sk 1 tr, (tr in next tr, ch1) twice,

directed by following the stitch pattern in the

work as for row 4 replacing beg ch-3 with tr, for

row section above, without turning.

2 patt reps instead of 3. (Ch1, tr in next tr) twice,

The second and fourth parts are listed as the

ch1, corner in ch-1 corner sp, ch1, sk 1 tr, (tr in

ABOUT THIS YARN

‘row ends’ and include the corner stitches.

next tr, ch1) 3 times.

ROWAN HANDKNIT COTTON

With RS facing, join Cloud to top of last st of

Work as for row 4, replacing beg ch-3 with tr,

100% cotton 85m per 50g £4.50 www.knitrowan.com

final row of pattern (not including row end

work row end as above, ss to top of beg ch-3.

stitches).

Round 5: Ch1, dc around (2dc in ch-2 sp, 1dc in

5 6 LO V E C R O C H E T

Round 1: Ch3, 5tr, (ch3, tr in dc, ch3, 6tr in next

ch-1 sp, skipping corner ch-sp), join with ss.

6 tr) 3 times, *ch1, corner (in the first tr of the 28

Fasten off.

B AT H P I L L O W

BACK Join Cloud in centre of top edge.

Round 6: Ch3, (tr to 4th from the corner st, tr7tog) 4 times, tr to end, ss to top of beg ch-3.

The following round includes holes which take the pillow sucker fastenings.

Round 7: Ch3, tr up to and including the 13th st from the first corner, ch3, sk3, 6tr, tr7tog for corner, tr around working corners as for previous round until the last tr7tog for corner has been worked, 6tr, ch3, sk3, tr to end, ss to top of beg ch-3.

Round 8: As round 6, working 3tr in each of the ch-3 sp.

Round 9: As round 6.

Round 10: Ch1, dc around inserting elastic into the sts as you go.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Sew ends of the elastic together.

KEY Chain (ch) Double crochet (dc) Treble crochet (tr) Stitches already worked

Make a washable cotton lining if you don’t want your pillow to show through

STITCH PATTERN

ROW END

LO V E C R O C H E T 57

LAUNDRY BAG

OPTION Make a casing at the top of a pillowcase with 2.5cm tape and thread ribbon through

Clean living Adorned with ribbons and buttons, Rebecca Reid’s bag is a multi-crafting delight to make on a rainy day.

5 8 LO V E C R O C H E T

LAUNDRY BAG

YOU WILL NEED ✿ Wendy Supreme DK, 1 ball of Salmon (1953) ✿ 3.5mm hook ✿ Calico fabric 80x100cm ✿ DMC Stranded embroidery cotton, 3328 (coral) ✿ Crewel embroidery needle ✿ Three cream buttons, 1.5cm diam ✿ Ribbon 1.5x200cm, coral ✿ Sewing kit including cream thread

SIZE ✿ Finished bag: 43x69cm

dd buttons, ribbons, motifs and a touch of embroidery... and, voila! A laundry bag is transformed into something special. This is as much a sewing project as a crochet one, but we just love a crafty crossover and this is such a quick and fun idea. Thread a length of matching satin ribbon through the top to make a nifty drawstring.

A FLOWER Make 3

smaller calico piece and embroider over the

Ch7 and ss to join into a ring.

letters in chain stitch using four strands of

Round 1 (RS): Ch3 (counts as first tr

stranded cotton and crewel needle.

OPTIONAL SIZES

throughout), 17tr into the ring, ss to top of

✿ Large flower: 23x9.5cm ✿ Small flower: 20x9.5cm

beg ch-3. (18 tr)

Pin the embroidered calico onto the front

Round 2: Ch4 (counts as tr and ch 1), *tr into

fabric piece of the bag, positioning it 36cm

next st, ch1; repeat from * to end of round, ss to

down from the top and centrally across the

top of beg ch-3. (18 tr, 18 ch-1 sp)

width. Machine stitch in place 1cm in from the

Round 3: Ch3, 2tr in first ch-1 sp, ch3, (3tr in

edges. Work a running stitch, using two strands

next ch-1 sp, ch3) around, ss to top of beg ch-3.

of stranded cotton, on top of the machine

Fasten off and weave in ends.

stitching for decoration.

LEAF

Using the photo as a guide, pin the flowers,

Make 9

stems and leaves below the embroidered

Ch 10.

label and stitch into place using the matching

Round 1 (RS): 3tr in fourth ch from hook, tr in

stranded cotton and small stitches. Stitch a

each of next 3 ch, 1htr, 1dc, ss in last st, ch1, ss in

button to the centre of each flower.

ch just made (leaf point made). Rotate to work in the remaining loops of the foundation ch: ss

Place the front and back fabric pieces of the

in next st, 1dc, 1htr, 3tr, 3tr in st at base of beg

bag right sides together. Stitch down one side,

ch, ss to top of beg ch-3, ch4, ss in second ch

across the bottom and up the other side using

from hook and in each of next 2 ch, ss to next tr,

a 1.5cm seam allowance. Turn the top over by

(leaf stem made).

1.5cm to the wrong side and press. Then turn

Fasten off and weave in ends.

it over again by 7.5cm. Stitch the fabric down close to the lower edge, then work another

STEM

line of machine stitching 1.5cm up from that to

Make 3

form the casing.

Ch until the length measures 20cm, dc into second ch from hook and each ch to end.

Turn the bag right sides out and snip the side

Fasten off and weave in ends.

seam stitches between the casing lines on both sides. Cut the ribbon in half and thread one

MAKING THE BAG

piece through the casing all the way round. Tie

Cut calico fabric into three pieces: one front

the two ends in a knot. Thread the other length

ABOUT THIS YARN

piece measuring 78 x 45cm, one back piece

through the casing but starting and finishing at

WENDY SUPREME DK

measuring same as front and one piece

the other side. Tie the ends in a knot and pull

100% cotton 201m per 100g £3.59 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk

measuring 10 x 34cm for the embroidered label.

both ribbons to close the bag.

Hand draw your wording or print it out from your computer. Trace the wording onto the LO V E C R O C H E T 59

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CABLED BLANKET

TOP TIP Try various colourways to suit the mood of different rooms in your house

Winter warmer 6 2 LO V E C R O C H E T

Elizabeth de Herraiz’s cosy cabled blanket is a breeze to make and a joy to use.

CABLED BLANKET

YOU WILL NEED ✿ Drops Merino Extra Fine DK, 100% Merino. 11 balls each of: 05 Light Grey Mix and 11 Red ✿ 4.5mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge

TENSION ✿ Small block measures 14 cm x 14 cm

inter is the season to cosy up and snuggle by the fire on cold evenings. This cabled blanket by Elizabeth will make the experience even more special and we love the way she’s used the festive colour combination of red and grey. Two bold blocks of each shade are needed – hook all four before sewing them together.

W

SIZE ✿ Small block: before blocking 14 cm x 14cm Large block: before blocking 66cm x 48cm ✿ Final measurements: 129.5cm x 129.5cm

PATTERN Small block

back of sts just made, fpdtr in each of 3 skipped

Make 2 in each colour

sts, fptr in next 3 sts, tr in next 3 sts, fptr, tr in

Row 1: 23 Foundation tr, turn.

next 3 sts, turn.

Row 2: RS Ch 3, tr in next 2 sts, fptr, tr in next 3

Row 5: As row 3

sts, fptr in next 3 tr, sk next 3 tr, working in front

Row 6: As row 2

of skipped sts, fpdtr in each of 3 skipped sts, tr in

Row 7: As row 3

next 3 sts, fptr, tr in next 2 sts, turn.

Row 8: As row 4

ABOUT THIS YARN

Row 3: Ch 2, htr in next 2 sts, bptr, htr in next 3

Row 9: As row 3

DROPS MERINO EXTRA FINE DK

sts, bptr in next 9 sts, htr in next 3 sts, bptr, htr in

Row 10: As row 2

100% Merino 105m per 100g www.garnstudio.com

next 3 sts, turn.

Row 11: As row 3

Row 4: Ch 3, tr in next 2 sts, fptr, tr in next 3 sts,

Row 12: As row 4

sk 3 sts, fpdtr in each of next 3 sts, working in

Row 13: As row 3

Large block Make 2 in each colour Row 1: 78 foundation treble crochet, turn.

Row 2: Ch 3, tr in next 6 sts, *fptr, tr in next 7 sts, sk 3 sts, fptr in each next 3 sts, working in front of sts just made fptr in each of 3 skipped sts, tr in next 7 sts * rep from * 2 times, fptr, tr in next 7 sts, turn.

Row 3: Ch 2, htr in next 6 sts, *bptr, tr in next 7 sts, bptr in next 6 sts, htr in next 7 sts* rep from * 2 times, bptr, htr in next 7 sts, turn.

Rows 4-63: Repeat rows 2 and 3 (30 times) Row 64: Repeat row 2

Finishing Block the squares before joining to ensure a smooth finish.

Using photo as a reference, join the four small blocks together using sl st.

Again using photo for reference, join the large blocks to the centre square using sl st.

Weave in all ends.

LO V E C R O C H E T 63

BOLSTER

TOP TIP Work a whole repeat at a time and mark it down to keep track of the pattern

Roll with it...

Celebrate all the colours of autumn with Jane Crowfoot’s bright and breezy bolster.

6 4 LO V E C R O C H E T

BOLSTER

YOU WILL NEED ✿ Rowan Panama 1 ball each of: Yarn A Jacaranda (308) Yarn B Orchid (304); Yarn C Begonia (306); Yarn D Tulip (307); Yarn E Aster (310); Yarn F Dahlia (305) ✿ 3mm crochet hook ✿ Bolster cushion pad, 45x17cm ✿ Tapestry needle

dd a dash of colour and style to your living spaces with this bold bolster. Jane loves to make the most of colour and she certainly celebrates all the shades of the rainbow in this fun project.

The main section of this cushion is crocheted in one piece and seamed together to make a tube, then two crochet circles make the end pieces.

A

TENSION ✿ 15sts and 14 rows to 10cm square over pattern when using a 3mm crochet hook

BODY

repeat from * to end of round, ss to join to top of

Using Yarn A, ch77.

beg ch-3. (27sts)

ABBREVIATIONS

Foundation row: 1dc into second ch from hook

Round 3: Ch3 (counts as 1tr), skip st at base of ch,

✿ 2-tr cluster (yarn over, insert hook in st indicated, yarn over and pull up loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops) 2 times, inserting the hook in the same st each time, yarn over and draw through all loops on hook

(missed ch does not count as st), 1dc into each of

1tr into next st, 2tr into next st, *1tr into each of

next 4 ch, *(2-tr cluster in next ch) 4 times, 1dc into

next 2 sts, 2tr into next st; repeat from * to end of

each of next 4 ch; repeat from * to end of row, join

round, ss to join to top of beg ch-3. (36sts)

SIZE

in B on the final step of the last st, turn. (76 sts)

Round 4: Ch3 (counts as 1tr), skip st at base of ch,

Row 1: Ch3, 1tr into base of ch (counts as 2-tr

1tr into each of next 2 sts, 2tr into next st, *1tr into

cluster), (2-tr cluster in next st) 3 times, 1dc into

each of next 3 sts, 2tr into next st; repeat from * to

each next 4 sts, (2-tr cluster in next st) 4 times;

end of round, ss to join to top of beg ch-3. (45sts)

repeat from * to end of row, join in C on the final

Round 5: Ch3 (counts as 1tr), skip st at base of ch,

step of the last st, turn.

1tr into each of next 3 sts, 2tr into next st, *1tr into

Row 2: Ch1 (does not count as st), 1dc into each

each of next 4 sts, 2tr into next st; repeat from * to

next 4 sts, *(2-tr cluster in next st) 4 times, 1dc into

end of round, ss to join to top of beg ch-3. (54sts)

each next 4 ch; repeat from * to end of row, join in

Fasten off D. Join in A.

D on the final step of the last st, turn.

Round 6: Ch3 (counts as 1tr), skip st at base of ch,

Row 3: Work as for row 1, join in E on the final step

1tr into each of next 4 sts, 2tr into next st, *1tr into

of the last st, turn.

each of next 5 sts, 2tr into next st; repeat from * to

Row 4: Work as for row 2, join in F on the final step

end of round, ss to join to top of beg ch-3. (63sts)

of the last st, turn.

Round 7: Ch3 (counts as 1tr), skip st at base of ch,

Approximately 45x16cm

Row 5: Work as for row 1, join in A on the final

1tr into each of next 5 sts, 2tr into next st, *1tr into

step of the last st, turn.

each of next 6 sts, 2tr into next st; repeat from * to

Continue in the stitch and colour sequence set

end of round, ss to join to top of beg ch-3. (72sts)

until a total of 10 repeats have been worked

Round 8: Ch3 (counts as 1tr), skip st at base of ch,

or the work measures 45cm from the

1tr into each of next 16 sts, 2tr into next st, *1tr into

ABOUT THIS YARN

foundation edge.

each of next 17 sts, 2tr into next st; repeat from * to

ROWAN PANAMA

Next row: Using yarn A, work as for

end of round, ss to join to top of beg ch-3. (76sts).

55% viscose, 33% cotton; 12% linen 50g/135m £5.95 www.knitrowan.com

row 2. Fasten off.

Fasten off.

Bolster ends

Finishing

Make 2

Weave in loose ends.

Using D, make a magic loop.

Pin out the pieces onto a padded surface and

Foundation round: Ch3 (counts as 1tr), work 8tr

lightly block.

into centre of magic loop, ss to join to top of beg

Using Yarn A, with RS facing outwards and double

ch-3. (9sts)

crochet, join the foundation row of the main piece

Round 1: Ch3 (counts as 1tr), 1tr into st at base of

and the last round of the bolster end, working

ch, *2tr into next st; repeat from * to end of round,

stitch for stitch along both edges.

ss to join to top of beg ch-3. (18sts)

Repeat with the second bolster end and the last

MORE INFO Jane’s gorgeous book includes 20 fab crochet and knitting projects.

Homespun Vintage is published

by Collins & Brown (RRP £14.99).

Visit www.lovecrafts.co.uk/books for more information.

Round 2: Ch3 (counts as 1tr), skip st at base of ch,

row of the main piece.

2tr into next st, *1tr into next st, 2tr into next st;

Insert bolster pad and oversew the side seam.

LO V E C R O C H E T 65

TRIANGLE CUSHION

Retro cushion Jennifer May gets straight to the point with this threesided beauty.

TOP TIP Stick to a small hook as we need a close fabric so the stuffing doesn’t escape!

6 6 LO V E C R O C H E T

TRIANGLE CUSHION

YOU WILL NEED ✿ Rico Creative Cotton Aran; 3 x balls of Orange (74) ✿ 4mm crochet hook ✿ 5cm button ✿ Polyester stuffing ✿ Tapestry needle

e love a bold statement and this striking design by Jenny May is a bona fide look-at-me piece of homeware. A new cushion can instantly change the look of a room and with its unusual shape, this triangular beauty strikes the right balance between quirky and stylish. Make this cushion larger by chaining to the desired length.

W

TENSION ✿ Tension is not important for this project

BASIC TRIANGLE PATTERN

CUSHION FRONT AND BACK

ABBREVIATIONS

Chain as many as you need for the desired

Make 2

length of one side of your triangle and add

Using Orange and a 4mm hook, ch61 (or

1 chain more.

however many needed for width +1) and

✿ Turn to page 90 for a full list of abbreviations

SIZE ✿ Cushion: 34 x 31cm

work 60 rows according to basic pattern.

Row 1: Dc in second chain from hook (missed

Fasten off and weave in ends.

ch does not count as st), dc in each chain to end, turn.

Optional: If you’d like the peak of your cushion

Row 2: Ch1 (does not count as st) dc2tog, dc to

to be more rounded and less pointy, fasten off

end, turn. (1 st decreased)

when you have 5 stitches remaining.

Rep row 2 until 2 sts remain.

Next row: Ch1 (does not count as st), dc2tog.

Finishing

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Stitch together, leaving a hole for stuffing.

Stuff cushion and sew up hole.

Sew on button.

ABOUT THIS YARN RICO CREATIVE COTTON ARAN 100% cotton 85m per 50g £1.95 www.loveknitting.com LO V E C R O C H E T 67

CUCKOO CLOCK

TOP TIP Use superglue in dots along the edges to be joined, and then press together

Hello, cuckoo!

Peek a boo! Hook up a special gift for a craft-loving friend with Janine Holmes’ colourful clock.

6 8 LO V E C R O C H E T

CUCKOO CLOCK

YOU WILL NEED ✿ DK yarn in light yellow, dark yellow, light green, midgreen, dark green, red, pink, blue, white and black ✿ 3.25mm (UK 10) crochet hook ✿ Yarn needle ✿ Toy stuffing ✿ Two x 2mm round seed beads ✿ Two x 4mm round seed beads ✿ Scrap of yellow felt ✿ Four x 1cm red buttons; four x 6mm pink flower brads; four x 6mm blue flower brads; clock mechanism with 4cm hands and 8mm spindle length ✿ A3 sized 1mm thick mount board ✿ Super glue ✿ Double-sided tape ✿ Stitch marker

TENSION ✿ Tension is not important for this project

nspired by traditional German and Austrian Alps chalets, this wonderful cuckoo clock features a host of woodland delights. This is a real project to get your teeth stuck into with deer, fir trees, toadstools, wild strawberries and, of course, the star of the show, the cuckoo himself.

Use the templates provided to get your cuckoo clock looking tickety boo!

I

PATTERN NOTE

two rows underneath next st, dc in the next st, 2dc

Using the templates on pages 70, cut all the shapes

in last st, turn. (25sts). Change to dark yellow yarn.

from mount board. Cut the 8cm square from the

Row 11: 1ch, 2dc in first st, dc in the next 23sts,

middle of the clock back using a craft knife, then cut

2dc in last st, turn. (27sts)

out the circle using scissors. Make a hole in the centre

Row 12: 1ch, 2dc in first st, dc in the next 25sts,

of the clock face that is large enough to insert the

2dc in last st, turn. (29sts)

clock mechanism spindle through.

Row 13: 1ch, 2dc in first st, dc in the next 27sts, 2dc in last st, turn. (31sts)

ABBREVIATIONS

Change to light yellow yarn.

✿ Turn to page 90 for a full list of abbreviations

CLOCK

Row 14: 1ch, dc in each st to the end, turn. (31sts)

SIZE

Front panel

Change to light green yarn.

✿ 15 x 21cm

Make one in light yellow starting at the top.

Row 15: 1ch, dc in each st to the end, turn. (31sts)

Make 8ch.

Change to dark yellow yarn.

(Note: start every row in second ch from hook).

Row 16: 1ch, dc in each st to the end, turn. (31sts)

Row 1: dc in each st to the end, turn. (7sts)

Change to red yarn.

Row 2: 1ch, 2dc in first st, dc in the next 5sts, 2dc in

Rows 17-18: 1ch, dc in each st to the end, turn.

last st, turn. (9sts)

(31sts). Change to pink yarn.

Row 3: 1ch, 2dc in first st, dc in the next 7sts, 2dc in

Row 19: 1ch, dc in each st to the end, turn. (31sts)

last st, turn. (11sts)

Rows 20-31: 2ch, (counts as first htr) miss st at

Row 4: 1ch, 2dc in first st, dc in the next 9sts, 2dc in

base of 2ch, htr in each st to the end, turn. (31sts)

last st, turn. (13sts)

Change to red yarn.

Change to light green yarn.

Rows 32-33: 1ch, dc in each st to the end, turn.

Row 5: 1ch, 2dc in first st, dc in the next 11sts, 2dc

(31sts). Change to blue yarn.

in last st, turn. (15sts)

Row 34: 1ch, dc in each st to the end, turn. (31sts)

Change to light yellow yarn.

Rows 35-39: 2ch, (counts as first htr) miss st at

Row 6: 1ch, 2dc in first st, dc in the next 13sts, 2dc

base of 2ch, htr in each st to the end, turn. (31sts)

in last st, turn. (17sts)

Row 40: 2ch, (counts as first htr) miss st at base of

Change to dark yellow yarn.

2ch, htr in each st to the end, do not turn. (31sts)

Row 7: 1ch, 2dc in first st, dc in the next 15sts, 2dc

To finish, rotate work and dc evenly in the row ends

in last st, turn. (19sts)

on the first side of the front panel, dc in each of the

Row 8: 1ch, 2dc in first st, dc in the next 17sts, 2dc

7sts across the top, then dc evenly in the row ends

in last st, turn. (21sts)

of the opposite side of the front panel.

Change to light yellow yarn.

Fasten off.

SUGGESTED YARN

Row 9: 1ch, 2dc in first st, dc in the next 19sts, 2dc

Cover the front panel template with double-sided

STYLECRAFT SPECIAL DK

in last st, turn. (23sts)

tape. Stretch the crocheted clock back smoothly

100% acrylic 295m per 100g £1.95 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk

Change to light green yarn.

over the mount board so that you have an overlap

Row 10: 1ch, 2dc in first st, dc in the next st, (dc in

of approximately 1cm all the way around. Turn

corresponding st two rows underneath next st, dc

over and glue the overlaps to the back of the

in the next 2sts) six times, dc in corresponding st

mount board.

LO V E C R O C H E T 69

CUCKOO CLOCK

Clock face Use the templates below to cut out the structure of the clock from your A3 thick mount board

Make one starting in pale yellow yarn.

Make 6ch, join with a sl st to form a ring (this method will give you a larger hole at the centre through which to fit the clock mechanism).

Round 1: 2dc in each st to the end. (12sts) Round 2: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. (18sts) Change to dark yellow yarn.

Round 3: (dc in the first 2sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. (24sts) Change to pale yellow yarn.

Round 4: (dc in the first 3sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. (30sts) Round 5: (dc in the first 4sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. (36sts) Change to dark yellow yarn.

Round 6: (dc in the first 5sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. (42sts) Change to light green yarn.

Round 7: (dc in the first 6sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. (48sts) Round 8: dc in each st to the end.

Round 9: BLO, (dc in the first 6sts, dc2tog) repeat to end. (42sts) Round 10: (dc in the first 5sts, dc2tog) repeat to end. (36sts)

Pretty buttons in bright colours bring a sweet, child-like feel to this clock

70 LO V E C R O C H E T

CUCKOO CLOCK

Fasten off leaving a long yarn tail. Fit crocheted clock face over the 8cm diameter cardboard clock face. Use the yarn tail to gather up the stitches from round 10, pulling to tighten as you go. Fasten off.

Weave in the yarn end.

Round 11: Join dark green yarn in any leftover front loop from round 9, single crochet in each leftover loop to end, join with a sl st to first st.

Fasten off leaving a long yarn tail for sewing.

Sew edge of Clock Face to Clock Back directly over the square hole. Glue on red buttons at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. If using brads, pierce holes in the clock face with a drawing pin at 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 11 o’clock. Apply a small spot of glue over each hole and push the brad in. Alternatively, you could simply glue on smaller buttons, beads or sequins.

Roof Make two in red yarn.

It’s the exquisite detail that makes this project so special

Make 12ch.

Round 1: 2dc in second ch from hook, dc in next 9sts down first side of ch, 2dc in last ch, dc in next 9sts up second side of ch. (22sts)

Side panels

Green band

Rounds 2-31: BLO, dc in each st to the end.

Make two in red yarn.

Make one in light green yarn.

Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail on one of

Make 6ch.

Make 33ch.

the pieces.

Round 1: 2dc in second ch from hook, dc in next

Row 1: Starting in second ch from hook dc in each

Score the mount board roof down the centre so

3sts down first side of ch, 2dc in last ch, dc in next

st to the end.

that it will bend easily and neatly. Insert one side

3sts up second side of ch. (10sts)

Fasten off. Weave in yarn ends. Glue to the base of

of the roof into the first piece of crochet and insert

Rounds 2-34: BLO, dc in each st to the end.

the clock front.

the second side into the second piece of crochet.

Fit over the cardboard side panels and sew

Sew both pieces together in the middle. Glue the

the end closed.

Windows

roof to the top of the clock back in the middle

Glue panels in place, flush with the clock front.

Make two in black yarn.

Make 6ch.

of the strip, so you have the same amount of

Bottom shelf

(Note: start every row in second ch from hook).

Make one in red yarn.

Rows 1-4: dc in each st to the end, turn. (5sts)

Make 12ch.

Change to white yarn.

Make one in red yarn.

Round 1: 2dc in second ch from hook, dc in next

Finishing round: dc in each st and row end

Make 6ch.

9sts down first side of ch, 2dc in last ch, dc in next

around. Fasten off. Sew a long vertical and a

Round 1: 2dc in second ch from hook, dc in next

9sts up second side of ch. (22sts)

long horizontal stitch to the front of the window

3sts down first side of ch, 2dc in last ch, dc in next

Rounds 2-51: BLO, dc in each st to the end.

dividing it into four window panes. Glue to the

3sts up second side of ch. (10sts)

Fasten off leaving a long yarn tail for sewing.

front of the clock, either side of the clock face.

Rounds 2-38: BLO, dc in each st to the end.

Fit over the bottom shelf cardboard template and

Fit over the cardboard top shelf and sew the end

sew end closed. Glue the shelf to the underside

CUCKOO

closed. Weave in the yarn tail. Apply glue to the

of the clock front and side panels so that the back

Head and body

back edge and ends of the shelf and fix in place

of the side panels are flush with the back of the

Make one in blue yarn

underneath the roof ledge.

bottom shelf.

Start with 6dc into magic ring. (6sts)

overhang at the front and back.

Top shelf

Round 1: 2dc in each st to the end. (12sts) Round 2: dc in each st to the end.

LO V E C R O C H E T 71

CUCKOO CLOCK

Round 3: (dc2tog) repeat to end. (6sts) Round 4: 2dc in each st to the end. (12sts)

Round 5: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. (18sts) Round 6: dc in each st to the end.

Round 7: (dc2tog, dc in the next st) repeat to end. (12sts) Round 8: dc in each st to the end.

Make extra tiny deer to hang from your Xmas tree

*Stuff cuckoo Round 9: (dc2tog) repeat to end. (6sts) Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail. Thread the tail onto a yarn needle and weave through the last six stitches. Pull tight to close the hole. Weave in the yarn tail.

Rounds 7-8: dc in each st to the end.

hand side of the bottom shelf, glue the side of

Round 9: (dc in the first 4sts, 2dc in the next st)

the tree to the side panel at the point where it

Wings

repeat to end. (18sts)

touches. Glue the mid-green tree to the opposite

Make two in blue yarn.

Rounds 10-11: dc in each st to the end.

side in the same way.

Start with 3dc into magic ring, turn. (3sts)

Round 12: (dc in the first 5sts, 2dc in the next st)

(Note: start every row in second ch from hook).

repeat to end. (21sts)

Short fir tree

Row 1: 1ch, 2dc in each st to the end, turn. (6sts)

Rounds 13-14: dc in each st to the end.

Make one starting in dark green yarn.

Row 2: 3ch, 1sl st in st at base of 3ch, * (1sl st, 3ch,

Round 15: (dc in the first 6sts, 2dc in the next st)

Follow pattern and instructions for tall fir tree,

1sl st) in the next st, repeat from * once more.

repeat to end. (24sts)

omitting rounds 5, 7, 8, 13 and 14.

Fasten off leaving a long yarn tail. Sew wings to

Round 16: dc in each st to the end.

Glue the base of this tree to the right-hand side of

sides of cuckoo with feathers facing forwards.

Round 17: (dc2tog, dc in the next 2sts) repeat to

the bottom shelf so that it stands just in front and

end. (18sts)

to the left of the tall fir tree. Glue the back of the

Tummy patch

Continue crocheting in both loops.

tree to the front panel.

Make one in white yarn.

Round 18: (dc2tog, dc in the next st) repeat to

Start with 6dc into magic ring. (6sts)

end. (12sts)

DEER

Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail. Sew to the

*Stuff tree

Head

front of body.

Change to brown yarn.

Make one in starting in white yarn.

Sew two round black beads for eyes. Cut a small

Round 19: (dc2tog) repeat to end. (6sts)

Start with 3dc into magic ring. (3sts)

triangle of yellow felt and glue to face for beak.

Rounds 20-21: dc in each st to the end.

Round 1: 2dc in each st to the end. (6sts)

Glue the base of bird to middle of top shelf.

Round 22: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st)

Change to beige yarn.

repeat to end. (9sts)

Round 2: dc in each st to the end.

Tall fir tree

Round 23: dc in each st to the end.

Round 3: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st)

Make one starting in mid green yarn and one

Fasten off leaving a long yarn tail.

repeat to end. (9sts)

starting in dark green yarn.

*Stuff trunk

Round 4: (dc in the first 2sts, 2dc in the next st)

Start with 3dc into magic ring. (3sts)

Thread the tail onto a yarn needle and weave

repeat to end. (12sts)

(Note: Make all stitches in rounds 1-17 in the back

through the back loops only of the last nine

Round 5: dc in each st to the end.

loops only.)

stitches. Pull tight to close the hole. Weave in the

Round 6: (dc in the first 3sts, 2dc in the next st)

Round 1: 2dc in each st to the end. (6sts)

yarn tail.

repeat to end. (15sts)

Round 2: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st)

Round 24: Make all stitches in this round in the

Round 7: dc in each st to the end.

repeat to end. (9sts)

leftover loops from round 17. Holding the tree

Round 8: (dc2tog, dc in the next 3sts) repeat

Round 3: (dc in the first 2sts, 2dc in the next st)

upside down, re-join mid-green/dark green yarn in

to end. (12sts)

repeat to end. (12sts)

any loop, (4ch, sl st) in the same st, sl st in the next

*Stuff head

Rounds 4-5: dc in each st to the end.

st, *(sl st, 4ch, sl st) in next st, sl st in next st, repeat

Round 9: (dc2tog) repeat to end. (6sts)

Round 6: (dc in the first 3sts, 2dc in the next st)

from * to end.

Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail. Thread the tail

repeat to end. (15sts)

Glue the base of the dark green tree to the left-

onto a yarn needle and weave through the last six

72 LO V E C R O C H E T

CUCKOO CLOCK

stitches. Pull tight to close the hole.

Back legs

Weave in the yarn tail.

Make two in beige yarn.

Sew on round black beads for eyes. Embroider the

Follow instructions for front legs, omitting round 5.

nose using black yarn.

Sew legs to underside of deer.

Body

Ears and tail

Make one in beige yarn.

Make three in beige yarn.

Start with 6dc into magic ring. (6sts)

Make 3ch.

Round 1: 2dc in each st to the end. (6sts)

Row 1: sl st in second ch from hook, dc in

Round 2: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st)

the next ch.

repeat to end. (9sts)

Fasten off, tie both yarn ends together.

Rounds 3-4: dc in each st to the end.

Use both yarn ends to sew the pieces to the

Round 5: (dc in the first 2sts, 2dc in the next st)

head and body. The ears are placed between

repeat to end. (12sts)

rounds 6 and 7 of head, approximately three

Round 6: (dc in the first 3sts, 2dc in the next st)

stitches apart. The tail is placed between rounds

repeat to end. (15sts)

8 and 9 of the body.

Round 7: (dc in the first 4sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. (18sts)

TOADSTOOLS

Rounds 8-10: dc in each st to the end.

Make two (one for the garden and one for the

Round 11: (dc2tog, dc in the next st) repeat to

chimney), starting in red yarn.

end. (12sts)

Start with 6dc into magic ring. (6sts)

*Stuff body

Round 1: 2dc in each st to the end. (12sts)

Round 12: (dc2tog) repeat to end. (6sts)

Round 2: (dc in the first 3sts, 2dc in the next st)

Fasten off leaving a long yarn tail. Thread the tail

repeat to end. (15sts)

onto a yarn needle and weave through the last six

Rounds 3-4: dc in each st to the end.

stitches. Pull tight to close the hole. Weave in the

Change to white yarn.

yarn tail.

Round 5: BLO (dc2tog, dc in the next 3sts) repeat

Embroider spots on back of deer in white.

to end. (12sts)

The pips are embroidered on once you’ve finishing hooking up the strawberry

Round 6: (dc2tog) repeat to end. (6sts)

Neck

Rounds 7-8: dc in each st to the end.

Make one in Beige yarn.

Round 9: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st)

Start with 6dc into magic ring. (6sts)

repeat to end. (9sts)

Leaving long yarn tails at either end make a 70ch

Round 1: BLO dc in each st to the end.

Round 10: dc in each st to the end.

cord and a 20ch cord.

Round 2: dc in each st to the end.

*Stuff toadstool

Fasten off leaving a long yarn tail. Sew closed end

Fasten off leaving a long yarn tail. Thread the tail

STRAWBERRIES

of neck to underside of head, towards the back.

onto a yarn needle and weave through the back

Make three in red yarn.

Stuff the neck and sew the open end to the top

loops only of the last nine stitches. Pull tight to

Start with 3dc into magic ring. (3sts)

front portion of the body.

close the hole.

Round 1: 2dc in each st to the end. (6sts)

Weave in the yarn tail.

Round 2: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st)

Using white yarn, embroider several small white

repeat to end. (9sts)

Make two in beige yarn.

spots on top of the toadstool with little running

Round 3: (dc in the first 2sts, 2dc in the next st)

Start with 5dc into magic ring. (5sts)

stitches. Glue the base of one toadstool to the

repeat to end. (12sts)

Rounds 1-5: dc in each st to the end.

bottom shelf just behind the deer. Glue the

Round 4: (dc in the first 3sts, 2dc in the next st)

Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail.

second toadstool to the right-hand side of the roof

repeat to end. (15sts)

Cut a length of pipe cleaner that is just over twice

to make the chimney.

Rounds 5-8: dc in each st to the end.

Front legs

as long as the leg, fold in half. Fold over and twist

Round 9: (dc2tog, dc in the next 3sts) repeat to

in any sharp ends. Use the pipe cleaner to stuff

Pendulum cords

end. (12sts)

the leg.

Make two in mid-green yarn.

*Stuff strawberry LO V E C R O C H E T 73

CUCKOO CLOCK

Round 10: (dc2tog) repeat to end. (6sts)

CUCKOO CLOCK CONSTRUCTION

Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail. Thread the tail onto a yarn needle and weave through the last six stitches. Pull tight to close the hole. Weave in the

FRONT VIEW

yarn tail.

Use light yellow yarn to embroider little seeds all over each strawberry.

Leaves Make three leaves (one for each strawberry), in light green yarn.

Start with 6dc into magic ring. (6sts) Round 1: (sl st in next st, 4ch, sl st in second ch from hook, dc in the next 2ch) repeat to end, sl st to next st.

Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail. Sew the leaves

Centre the clock face in the middle of the square cutout

to the top of the strawberries.

Sew the yarn tail from one end of the longest cord to the top of the first strawberry. Sew the yarn tail on the opposite side of longest cord to the top of the second strawberry. Sew the yarn tail from the shortest cord to the top of the third strawberry.

Fold the longest cord over so the strawberries hang at different heights. Pierce a hole in the centre of the bottom shelf and use the final yarn

Fold the roof along the central score line

tail from the shortest cord to sew the pendulums in place at the centre of the base of the bottom shelf, threading the yarn tail through the hole

REAR VIEW

and out through the back.

Fasten off at the back of the clock.

FLOWERS Make four starting in yellow yarn.

Start with 5dc into magic ring. (5sts) Change to white yarn.

Round 1: * (sl st, 4ch, sl st) in the next st.

Repeat to the end. Five petals made.

Fasten off.

Weave in the yarn tails.

Glue the flowers to the clock using the photographs as a guide.

Fit the clock mechanism through two of the htr stitches on the front panel and through the hole you made in the centre of the clock face.

Attach the hands, to finish.

7 4 LO V E C R O C H E T

Align rear edges of bottom shelf, sides panels and roof

HEDGEHOG COSIES

Mr Prickles Keep your pot warm and bring a little humour to teatime with this cosy by Janine Holmes.

TOP TIP Try to work all the ‘fluffy’ yarn in one go as it’s easy to lose your place

HEDGEHOG COSIES

YOU WILL NEED ✿ Aran yarn in beige (15g) and small amount of black DK fake fur yarn (30g) ✿ DK yarn to match the colour of the fur yarn (20g) ✿ Two 18mm diameter buttons for eyes ✿ 4.5mm crochet hook ✿ Yarn needle ✿ Stitch marker

ho said teatime is a serious business? We adore this supercute design by Janine that’s bound to cheer up a mid-winter cuppa! Find a good-quality fake fur yarn – such as King Cole Moments or Sirdar Funky Fur to create this lifelike little hedgehog that comes complete with a long, spiky snout. What a character!

W

TENSION

HEDGEHOG COSY

✿ Not important for this project

Starting in black aran weight yarn.

Round 28: (dc in the first 8sts, dc2tog) repeat

ABBREVIATIONS

Make 9 ch, join with a sl st to form a ring.

to end. (54sts)

✿ Turn to page 90 for a full list of abbreviations

Round 1: dc in the first 4sts, 2dc in the next st,

Round 29: (dc in the first 7sts, dc2tog) repeat

SIZE ✿ To fit a 12cm tall, round teapot

dc in the next 4sts. (10sts)

to end. (48sts)

Round 2: 2dc in the first st, dc in each rem st to

Round 30: (dc in the first 6sts, dc2tog) repeat

end. (11sts)

to end. (42sts)

Change to beige aran weight yarn

Fold your tea cosy in half and place a marker in

Round 3: dc in the first 5sts, 2dc in the next st,

the bottom centre stitch (Step 2).

dc in the next 5sts. (12sts)

Crochet a few more single crochet until you

Rounds 4-6: dc in the first 6sts, htr in the next

reach the marker then begin the closing flaps

6sts. (12sts)

from this point.

Round 7: dc in the first 6sts, htr in the next st, tr in the next 4sts, htr in the next st. (12sts)

Right hand closing flap

Round 8: dc in the first 6sts, htr in the next st,

Row 1: dc in the first 21sts, turn.

2tr in the next 4sts, htr in the next st. (16sts)

Now work in rows in these 21sts only.

Round 9: dc in the first 6sts, htr in the next st, tr

Note: 1ch at beginning of each row does not

in the next 8sts, htr in the next st. (16sts)

count as a st.

Round 10: dc in the first 6sts, htr in the next st,

Row 2: 1 ch, dc in each st to the end, turn.

2tr in the next 8sts, htr in the next st. (24sts)

(21sts)

Round 11: (dc in the first 3sts, 2dc in the next

Row 3: 1ch, (dc in the first 5sts, dc2tog), repeat

st) repeat to end. (30sts)

to end, turn. (18sts)

Round 12: (dc in the first 4sts, 2dc in the next

Row 4: 1ch, (dc in the first 4sts, dc2tog), repeat

st) repeat to end. (36sts) Round 13: (dc in the first 5sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. (42sts) Round 14: (dc in the first 6sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. (48sts) Round 15: (dc in the first 7sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. (54sts) Round 16: (dc in the first 8sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end, sl st to next st. (60sts) Fasten off.

Note: The treble crochets are situated at the

ABOUT THIS YARN

bottom of the snout.

KING COLE MOMENTS

With wrong side facing join one strand of fluffy

100% polyester 90m per 50g £1.79 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk

DK yarn and one strand of plain DK yarn held

7 6 LO V E C R O C H E T

together in stitch at bottom center of face.

(Step 1) Rounds 17-27: dc in each st to the end. (60sts)

HEDGEHOG COSIES

Hook up a little family of hedgehogs in autumn shades

to end, turn. (15sts) Row 5: 1ch, (dc in the first 3sts, dc2tog), repeat to end, turn. (12sts) Fasten off.

Left hand closing flap With wrong side facing, re-join one strand of fluffy DK yarn and one strand of plain DK yarn held together in stitch immediately to left of right hand flap. (Step 3) Rows 1-5: Follow pattern for Rows 1-5 of right hand flap.

Fasten off.

Weave in the yarn ends.

Cords Join one strand of plain DK yarn to the centre stitch on edge of one of the flaps and make 25ch. Fasten off and trim end. Repeat on opposite flap. Weave in the yarn ends.

Sew on button eyes using black yarn.

Slide cosy onto teapot and tie the cords in a bow in the space between the top and bottom of the handle.

SIMPLE STEPS HOOKING THE ‘SPIKES’

1

2

3

STEP 1:

STEP 2:

STEP 3:

With wrong side facing, join yarn in stitch

After round 30, mark the bottom centre stitch.

Shows right hand closing flap finished. With

at bottom centre of face.

Crochet up to this point and begin Row 1 of

wrong side facing, start left hand closing flap

the closing flap from here.

in this stitch.

LO V E C R O C H E T 77

MANDALA

Autumn shades Go round and round in circles with Wink’s fun mandala design in rich seasonal hues.

TOP TIP Make bigger or smaller by using thicker or thinner cotton yarn and the right sized hook

01

02

03

04

06

07

08

09

7 8 LO V E C R O C H E T

05

10

MANDALA

YOU WILL NEED ✿ Rowan Handknit Cotton 1 x ball Linen (205), Sunshine (354), Florence (350), Burnt (343), Rosso (215) ✿ 4mm crochet hook

TENSION ✿ Tension not important for this project

he late, great Wink is renown in the crochet world for her playful use of colour and wonderful designs. This mandala, the last project from the talented designer, is made up of mesmerising circles worked in warm shades. The circles are joined together to form a ring. Reverse the order of your colours to achieve different effects.

T

ABBREVIATIONS ✿ 1tr2tog: (Yrh, insert hook in next stitch, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) 2 times, yrh and draw through all loops on hook. ✿ tr3tog: As above, but work () 3 times. ✿ For a full list of abbreviations turn to page 90

Make 6

beginning ch-3. Fasten off.

With Rosso, make a magic loop.

For the next round, you will be working in the

Round 1 (RS): Ch3 (counts as first tr

centre of the mandala, rejoining Sunshine to

SIZE

throughout), 11tr into loop, ss to the top of the

one of the stitches of Round 3. You will work

✿ Diameter 22.5cm

beginning ch-3 to join. Fasten off. (12sts)

over 9 sts from each of the circles, leaving 5

FIRST CIRCLE MOTIF

01

07

&

08

Round 2: With Burnt, join with ss into any st,

sts from Round 3 on both sides of each circle

ch3 (counts as tr), tr in st at base of ch, 2tr in

unworked.

each st around, ss to the top of the beginning

Next round: Count the next 5 unworked sts

ch-3. Fasten off. (24sts)

from Round 3 on one of the circles and rejoin

02

Round 3: With Florence, join with ss into any st,

Sunshine in the next st. *Ch3, 2tr, (tr2tog) 3

ch3, 2tr in next st, (1tr, 2tr in next st) around, ss

times; repeat from * on each circle, replacing

to the top of the beginning ch-3.

the beginning ch-3 with tr, ss to the top of the

Fasten off. (36sts)

beginning ch-3. Fasten off. (36 st)

03

Arrange your six circles as in picture

09

&

10

Next round: Rejoin Linen so that the next 3 sts

04

will be 3 tr from the previous round. Ch2, tr2tog

To join circles

(counts as tr3tog), (tr3tog) 11 times, ss to the

Round 4: With Sunshine, take the first circle

top of the beginning tr3tog. Fasten off.

11

and join with ss into any st. *Ch3, tr in st at base of ch (counts as 2tr in same st), 2tr in each of

To finish

the next 2 sts, 6tr. Work tr2tog, but complete

Turn the work over, and using Florence, ss

the first ‘leg’ of the st in the next st of the first

together the back loops of the unworked 5 sts

circle, and the second ‘leg’ of the st in any st of

on each circle. Fasten off and weave in ends.

the next circle, 6tr; repeat from * 5 more times,

12

&

13 .

replacing the first (ch-3 and st at base of ch)

ABOUT THIS YARN

Depending on your tension, this mandala might

with (2tr in the next st), ss to the top of the &

benefit from a light wet pressing or blocking to

ROWAN HANDKNIT COTTON

beginning ch-3. Fasten off. (114sts)

100% cotton 50g/85m £4.50 www.knitrowan.com

Round 5: With Linen, join in first st, ch3, tr in

11

05

06

help it lie flat.

14

&

15

next st, *(2tr in next st) twice, 7tr, tr3tog, 7tr; repeat from * 5 more times, omitting the last 2 tr on the final repeat, ss to the top of the

12

13

14

15

LO V E C R O C H E T 79

V I N TA G E F O OT R E S T

TOP TIP Every colour is finished off and a new colour started with the first stitch of the next row

Pretty pouffe Relax with this charming, vintage-hued footrest by Kyoko Nakayoshi.

8 0 LO V E C R O C H E T

V I N TA G E F O OT R E S T

YOU WILL NEED ✿ DMC Hoooked Zpagetti: Yarn A 1 cone of Rose (N06); Yarn B 1 cone of Ibiza (N01); Yarn C 2 cones of Gris Argent (N09) ✿ 12mm crochet hook ✿ Fabric (we used calico) at least 75x150cm ✿ Heavy polyester fibre fillings 4kg (www.noblecraft.co.uk) ✿ Thread and needle

TENSION ✿ 5sts and 2.5 rows to 10cm over treble crochet using 12mm hook

ABBREVIATIONS

ound and round you go and before you know it... bingo! You’ve got a gorgeous pouffe to rest your feet on at the end of the day. We love the vintage pink, white and charcoal grey colour combination and, as this pouffe is made from super-chunky Hoooked Zpagetti, it’ll be whipped up in no time at all.

R

POUFFE Cushion Cut 2 circles of fabric, each approx 70cm diameter.

Place the pieces with the RS facing each other and

✿ tr2tog: (Yrh, insert hook in next stitch, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) 2 times, yrh and draw through all loops on hook. ✿ Turn to page 90 for a full list of abbreviations.

sew the edges with 1cm seam allowance leaving

SIZE

close the gap.

about 20cm opening.

Turn the piece right side out.

Crispy white yarn ‘bridges’ the stronger shades

Stuff with fibre fillings and sew the opening to

52cm diameter, 27cm high

Cover With Yarn A, make a magic loop.

Round 1: Ch3 (counts as tr throughout), 11tr into the loop, ss into top of beg ch-3. (12 tr)

more, replacing beg ch-3 with tr, ss into top of beg

Round 2: Ch3, tr into st at base of ch, *2tr into next

ch-3. (64sts). Fasten off.

st; rep from * 10 times more, ss into top of beg ch-3.

Round 9: Join Yarn A. Ch3, tr to end, ss to top of beg

(24 tr). Fasten off.

ch-3. Fasten off.

Round 3: Join Yarn B. Ch1 (counts as dc), *ch3, (yrh,

Round 10: Join Yarn B. Ch1 (does not count as st), dc

insert hook into next st, draw up a loop, yrh, insert

to end, ss to first dc. Fasten off.

hook into the same st, draw up a loop) 3 times, yrh

Rounds 11-12: Join Yarn C, work as Round 9.

and draw through all but 2 loops, yrh and draw

Rounds 13-15: Repeat Rounds 9 to 11, using same

through rem loops (cluster made), ch3, 1dc into next

colour sequence of 1 round of each Yarn A, B and C.

st; rep from * 5 times more, omitting dc on last rep, ss

Round 16: *Ch3, 5tr, tr2tog; rep from * 7 times more,

to first ch. (6 clusters, 12 ch-3 sp, 6 dc). Fasten off.

replacing beg ch-3 with tr, ss into top of beg ch-3.

Round 4: Join Yarn C into dc on previous round. Ch3,

(56sts). Fasten off.

tr into st at base of ch, * dc into top of next cluster,

Round 17: Join Yarn A. Ch3, 4tr, tr2tog; rep from * 7

5tr into next dc; rep from * 4 times more, dc in top of

times more, replacing beg ch-3 with tr, ss into top of

next cluster, 3tr in next dc, ss to top of beg

beg ch-3. Fasten off. (48sts)

ch-3. (6 5-tr groups, 6 dc). Fasten off.

Weave in ends and place cushion part inside the

Round 5: Join Yarn A. Ch3, tr into each of next 7 sts,

crochet piece. Then, weave in ends as you go.

2tr into the next st, *tr into each of next 8 sts, 2tr into

Round 18: Join Yarn B. Ch1 (does not count as st),

the next st; rep from * twice more, ss into top of beg

*2dc, dc2tog; rep from * 11 times more, ss into first

ch-3. (40sts). Fasten off.

ch. (36sts). Fasten off.

ABOUT THIS YARN

Round 6: Join Yarn B. Ch1 (does not count as st),

Round 19: Join Yarn C. *Ch3, tr2tog; rep from * 11

DMC HOOOKED ZPAGETTI

(4dc, 2dc into next st) 8 times, ss into first dc. (48sts).

times more, replacing beg ch-3 with tr, ss into beg

92% high-quality recycled cotton; 8% other recycled fibres 120m per 950g £8.95 www.hoooked.co.uk

Fasten off.

ch-3. (24sts)

Round 7: Join Yarn C. *Ch3, 4tr, 2tr into next st; rep

Round 20: Ch2, tr in next st (counts as tr2tog),

from * 7 times more, replacing beg ch-3 with tr, ss

(tr2tog) 11 times, ss into beg ch-3. (12 sts). Fasten off.

into top of beg ch-3. (56sts)

Round 21: Join Yarn A. Dc3tog to end. Fasten off.

Round 8: *Ch3, 5tr, 2tr into next st; rep from * 7 times

Use tail to close rem hole.

LO V E C R O C H E T 81

CRREOVCI E HW E TS T U T O R I A L

Luxury Crochet Lace Throw Kit WARM PIXIE Priced £49 www.warmpixie. com If you’re looking for something really special to give as a gift, then this luxury package from yarn and kit producers, Warm Pixie, will be ticking all the right boxes for you. This is a really special project made from soft 100% lambs wool. It comes in three gentle shades – grey, beige or brown – and measures up into 150cm x 100cm. This project requires a lacy pattern, so it’s great for intermediate crocheters who already have a little experience. In each kit you will receive the yarn, pattern and a Pony crochet hook. It also comes with a stitches guide and Warm Pixie reassure us that the pattern will guide you through step-by-step. The only problem is that if you buy it as a gift, you might be more than a little tempted to keep it for yourself!

Crochet Flower Brooch Kit QUIRKY BOOTS Price £9.95 www.notonthehighstreet.com/quirkyboots Sometimes simplicity is best and this lovely little kit to make a single rose brooch is a gorgeous way to introduce a younger family member to crochet. And, even better, they can wear their gift once they’ve made it, so it really is the gift that just keeps giving. Each kit includes 15g of cotton yarn, bamboo crochet hook (size 4), pattern card, brooch back. All you need is a sewing needle and thread. A great gift for Christmas or maybe in the run up to Valentine’s Day. The maker behind this kit, Quirky Boots, also offers gift wrapping in you want it to be delivered directly to the recipient. A lovely touch!

Boho Bags Kit EMMA LEITH Priced £25 www.emmaleith.co.uk

Robins Needle Felting Craft Kit HAWTHORN HANDMADE Priced £17.45 www.hawthornhandmade.com Okay, we know this isn’t crochet – but felting is a yarn craft that’s close to our hearts and we just couldn’t resist sneaking in these seasonally-appropriate pair of sweet robins. If you’re new to felting this is a lovely way to get started, using the felting needles to turn loose wool into a pair of beautifully fluffed up robins. Each kit contains wool, two felting needles and step-by-step photo instructions to guide you through the process. Hawthorn Handmade estimate that it will take five to seven hours to make this sweet pair – but what a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Make them to hang from your Christmas tree or give the kit as a gift to a crafty friend.

8 2 LO V E C R O C H E T

Designer, teacher and artist Emma is well known in the crochet world for her wonderful eye for colour. This lovely design maximizes on the bright, rich shades she loves so much and we think it’s absolutely boho perfect! The bags come in three different colourways. Each kit contains a choice of carefully-selected colourful yarn and crochet hook, easy-to-follow photo instructions and a pattern written in Emma’s laidback style.

The yarns provided with this kit are a variety of chunky acrylic, pure cottons and re-spun sari silk, which will give your bag a gorgeous textured appearance.

It also means that each and every bag is unique! Emma says this project is perfect for a confident beginner and will make a great gift for Christmas.

REVIEWS

SPECIAL OFFER Rossi Bag & Love Bird Blossom Kit HOOOKED Priced £16.57 (bag); £8.46 (bird) www.hoooked.co.uk Because we just couldn’t choose, we decided to include both of these kits from the lovely people at Hoooked who produce a variety of DIY kits for all levels of crocheter. The Rossi bag is very easy, so perfect for beginners and it comes complete with 120m of Zpagetti yarn, one faux leather handle, 12mm bamboo crochet hook and the pattern. If cute is more your thing, then you’ll love the Love Bird Blossom, which comes in a variety of colours. The Love Bird kit includes Eco Barbante (recycled cotton, known for its quality and softness), a 4mm crochet hook and pattern - and just to whet your appetite further, you get enough yarn to make three or four love birds.

Cheap, cheap! For a special discount on these kits, enter the code HoookedLC40 (valid until November 30).

Fox Crochet Craft Kit HAWTHORN HANDMADE Priced £35.95 www.hawthornhandmade.com Hello, Mr Fox! We have fallen in love with this sleek, dapper fella with his rich colours and smart, white bib and we simply can’t wait to get hooking him up. Measuring up at 25cm in height, this foxy fiend is classed by producers Hawthorn Handmade as an amigurumi animal – whatever he is, he’s certainly very cute. The kit is great for beginners – but not for younger children as the tapestry needle is very sharp and Hawthorn Handmade recommend Mr Fox for kids over 10 years old only. In this beautifully packaged box you will find British aran yarn (russet and black and felting wool (black and white) a 3.5mm crochet hook, polyfill stuffing and bent tapestry needle as well as a ‘how to crochet’ guide with step-by-step photos and a detailed pattern.

Crochet Pug Kit

Whale Walter

THE PUDGY RABBIT Priced £19 www.thepudgyrabbit.com

SUGARIDOO £17.38 www.sugaridoo.com

If anything is going to get keen and budding crafters addicted to the wonderful world of crochet, then these little cuties by The Pudgy Rabbit will do it! Coming in at an itsy bitsy 2.5cm tall this pug is just adorable and will look perfect sitting near your computer as a work companion. These kits are aimed at beginners and are classed as very easy to make, so it’s a great gift for kids (those over 10 only). In each kit you will get 3.75mm hook, tan, brown and black yarn (or as appropriate, for the cutie you choose to make), polyester stuffing, 6mm safety eyes, embroidery floss, needle, stitch marker and super-easy step-by-step instructions. The Pudgy Rabbit does a variety of sweet little characters as well as some scrummy-looking sushi and an apple.

Irene – the driving force behind Sugaridoo has a penchant for hooking the cutest, sweetest little characters and Walter the Whale is no exception. With his podgy body, tiny tale and sweet little eyes, he’s just the kind of goofy friend you’re going to love to have hanging around. Every kit includes pattern, cotton yarn, safety eyes, stuffing, needle and crochet hook. Irene says the pattern comes in full colour and with plenty of pictures, so there’s no reason not to hook up the perfect little Walter. You don’t need extensive crochet knowledge required to make this little dude, so he’s another great starter pack for wannabe crocheters.

LO V E C R O C H E T

83

CROCHET KNOWHOW

Crochet essentials Over the next few pages, you’ll find simple step-by-step guides to many useful stitches and techniques that you’ll use every time you pick up a hook.

Holding the hook

Holding the yarn

PENCIL METHOD Hold the hook like a pencil, in your right hand (if you’re right-handed), about 3-5cm from the hooked end. If your hook has a flat area, you’ll find it comfortable to hold it here.

METHOD ONE Pass the ball end of the yarn between the little finger and third fingers of your left hand (if you are righthanded), then behind the third and middle fingers, over your index finger.

✿ TRY THESE METHODS AND SEE WHICH WORKS BEST

KNIFE METHOD Hold the hook between your thumb and forefinger, about 3-5cm from the hooked end, resting the end of the hook against your palm. This will give you lots of control.

✿ EVEN TENSION RESULTS IN EVEN STITCHES

METHOD TWO Loop the ball end of the yarn loosely around the little finger of your left hand, then take it over the third finger, behind the middle finger and over your index finger.

Making a slipknot ✿ THE FIRST LOOP ON THE HOOK

1 Hold the tail of the ball of yarn in your left hand and drape the yarn clockwise over the top of it to form a circular loop.

2 Hold the loop between left thumb and forefinger, then insert the crochet hook through the centre of the loop from front to back.

3 Catch the ball end of the yarn with the hook and pull it back through the centre of the loop, taking the yarn through with it.

Chain stitch ✿ USE THIS STITCH TO MAKE YOUR FOUNDATION CHAIN

4 Pull both ends of the yarn to tighten the knot, then pull just the ball end to tighten the loop so it’s close to the hook, but not touching it.

How to count chains 9

1 Hold the hook in your right hand, and both the yarn end and the working yarn in your left hand. Move the hook under and over the yarn to wrap it around anticlockwise.

8 4 LO V E C R O C H E T

2 Pull the hook towards the slipknot, catching the yarn in the hook, and pulling it through the slipknot loop.

This forms your first chain (ch) stitch.

Repeat steps 1 and 2 to form a chain length.

3 This is what your row of chains will look like. Hold the chain with your left hand near the hook, to keep the tension. Keep going until you have the number of chains stated in your pattern.

8

7

6

5

4

Each chain or loop counts as one stitch. Never count your first slipknot or the loop on the hook (called the working loop). So that you can be accurate, make sure the chain is not twisted and that the front is facing you.

3

2

1

CROCHET KNOWHOW

Working in rows ✿ FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE RULES TO CONSTRUCT

Slip stitch (ss)

✿ THIS STITCH HAS NO HEIGHT  OFTEN USED TO JOIN ROUNDS

CROCHET FABRIC

1 The slip stitch is used to join a length of chain into the round. Insert the hook from front to back into the first chain you worked. Wrap yarn round the hook (yrh) in an anticlockwise direction.

1 The first row is made by working across the foundation chain from right to left. At the end of the chain or row, turn the work so that the yarn is behind the hook.

2 Pull the yarn through the chain stitch (as shown) and then the loop already on the hook to make a slip stitch. You can also work this stitch into each stitch along a row to form a neat edging.

2 For the next row, first make the turning chain for the stitch you’re about to work. Now work the next stitch into the top of the stitches on your first row, missing the first stitch.

Double crochet (dc) US term: single crochet

✿ ONE OF THE KEY STITCHES IN CROCHET, DOUBLES ARE SIMPLE, COMPACT STITCHES THAT FORM A DENSE FABRIC

1 To make a double crochet stitch, insert the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch on the previous row.

2 Wind the yarn around the hook (yrh).

3 Pull the yarn through the stitch, giving you two loops on your crochet hook.

4 Yarn round hook again, then pull the yarn through both loops. There’s your double crochet made and you’ll have one loop left on the hook, ready to do the next stitch.

Half treble crochet (htr) US term: half double crochet

✿ A HANDY STITCH THAT’S BETWEEN DOUBLE AND TREBLE CROCHET IN SIZE, AND IT LOOKS SLIGHTLY LOOSER THAN DOUBLE CROCHET

1 To make a half treble crochet stitch, work to where you want the htr and then wind the yarn round the hook (yrh).

2 Insert the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch in the previous row. Wrap yarn around the hook again (yrh).

3 Pull the yarn through the stitch only (3 loops on hook).

4 Yarn round hook again, pull the yarn through all 3 loops. You’ve made a half treble crochet. Continue working htr into next and following sts to the end of the row.

LO V E C R O C H E T 85

CROCHET KNOWHOW

Treble crochet (tr) US term: double crochet

✿ ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR STITCHES IN CROCHET, THIS SIMPLE STITCH IS TWICE AS HIGH AS A DOUBLE CROCHET STITCH

1 To work a treble crochet, start by winding yrh and then insert the hook under the top two loops of the stitch on the previous row.

2 Wrap the yarn around the hook (yrh) and pull the yarn through the stitch only.

3 You will now have 3 loops on the hook.

Yrh again, and draw the yarn through just the first 2 loops on the hook.

4 You will now have 2 loops on the hook. Yrh again and draw the yarn through the remaining loops on the hook. Your treble crochet is complete.

Double Treble crochet (dtr) US term: treble crochet

Triple Treble crochet (ttr) US term: double treble crochet

This is a stitch regularly used as an elongated version of the treble (described above). It’s worked in a very similar way to the treble, as follows: 1 Make a foundation chain. Skip 4ch, *yrh twice, and insert the hook under the top loop of the next ch.

2 Yrh, pull the yarn through the ch loop only (4 loops on hook).

3 Yrh and pull the yarn through 2 loops only (3 loops on hook). Yrh and pull the yarn through

This is one of the longest standard crochet stitches and is mainly used in fancy stitch patterns. It’s taller than a double treble crochet stitch (described left) and is worked in a very similar way, as follows: 1 Make a foundation ch. Skip 5 ch, *yrh 3 times, insert hook under top loop of next ch.

2 Yrh, pull yarn through ch loop only (5 loops on hook).

2 loops only (2 loops on hook).

4 Yrh and pull the yarn through the remaining 2 loops. Repeat from * to make more dtr sts.

5 To make the next row of dtr, turn work and ch4. This turning chain counts as the first dtr in a new row.

Skip first st at the base of the t-ch, work 1dtr under the top two loops of the 2nd stitch in the previous row; continue to the end of the row.

Turning Chain (t-ch)

How to count stitches

✿ FOR AN EVEN FINISH, START EACH ROW WITH A

✿ CHECK YOUR WORK IS CORRECT

TURNING CHAIN

In crochet, you need to add turning chains (t-chs) to the beginning of rows. The reason for this is to bring the hook up to the height of the stitches you’re crocheting. Each basic stitch has its own number of chains. The

table below tells you how many t-ch sts form the first stitch. *For dc, usually the turning chain does not count as a stitch and the first stitch of the row is worked into the stitch at the base of the turning chain.

STITCH

Add to foundation chain before starting row

Skip at start of foundation row (counts as first st)

For turning chain (counts as first st)

Double crochet

1 ch

1 ch*

1 ch*

Half treble

1 ch

2 ch

2 ch

Treble

2 ch

3 ch

3 ch

Double treble

3 ch

4 ch

4 ch

Triple treble

4 ch

5 ch

5 ch

8 6 LO V E C R O C H E T

3 † Yrh, draw loop through 2 loops only. Repeat from † 3 times more and your triple treble will be finished.

Repeat from * to make more ttr sts.

4 To make the next row, turn work and ch5. This turning chain counts as the first triple treble in a new row. Skip first st at base of the t-ch. Work 1 triple treble, inserting hook under the top 2 loops of the 2nd st in the previous row; continue to the end of the row.

Being able to count your stitches is very important and helps you to ensure that you’re following a pattern correctly. It’s a good idea to count your stitches at the end of every row. To count short stitches such as double crochet, look at the plaited tops (see above right). For taller stitches, count the upright ‘stems’ – each ‘stem’ is counted as a stitch (see right).

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

5

5

6

6

7

8

7

9

CROCHET KNOWHOW

How to change colour

Increasing and decreasing

1 Before you work the final yrh (yarn round hook) on the last stitch of a row in the old colour, drop the old yarn and pick up the new one with your hook.

INCREASE To increase one stitch is very simple – work one stitch into the next stitch on the row below. When you’ve finished, work another stitch into the same stitch.

✿ CREATE STRIPES AND OTHER COLOUR EFFECTS

2 Pull through a loop of the new yarn to finish the old stitch. The working loop will be in the new colour. Continue, keeping the old yarn at the wrong side.

✿ SHAPING STITCHES ARE VITAL FOR MAKING GARMENTS

DECREASE For a quick decrease, just skip one stitch. For a neater look, work the first part of one stitch and then begin the next stitch. Finish both together.

Sewing seams

✿ YOU CAN JOIN CROCHET SEAMS BY USING A TAPESTRY NEEDLE OR A CROCHET HOOK, USING ONE OF THESE FOUR METHODS.

1 Sewing with a tapestry needle is the regular and neat way to join seams.

Place two pieces of crochet right sides together and oversew them as shown above, using a tapestry or yarn needle.

2 To slip stitch a seam, place the crochet pieces right sides together. *Insert hook into both edge stitches, yrh and pull through to complete 1 slip stitch; rep from * working into the next edge stitches, keeping work fairly loose.

3 For a dc seam, place the crochet pieces right sides together, or wrong sides together for a visible seam. Work as for slip stitch seam, using double crochet instead of slip stitch.

4 A useful variation on the dc seam, the dc and chain seam is used when less bulk and/or greater flexibility is needed. Work 1 double crochet and 1 chain alternately.

How to check Most crochet patterns state the tension required, in rows and stitches of a specific type.

Make a swatch at least 15cm square and check that your tension matches.

Place a ruler across the swatch and insert two pins, 10cm apart. Then place the ruler along a column of stitches and insert two pins 10cm apart.

Count the stitches and rows between

LO V E C R O C H E T 87

CROCHET KNOWHOW

Foundation ring

✿ CREATE A FOUNDATION RING FOR WORKING IN THE ROUND

1 Make a chain the length stated in the pattern instructions. Next, insert the crochet hook into the first chain.

Close the ring with a slip stitch, working yrh…

2 …and pull yarn through 2 loops on hook. Now you’re ready to start crocheting in the round, following the instructions given right.

Working stitches into a ring ✿ TO MAKE CIRCLES, TUBES AND OTHER SHAPES

1 Make a foundation ring and work the t-ch (3ch for treble sts). Work a treble st as usual, but insert hook into centre of ring. For treble sts, yrh, insert hook into ring.

2 Finish the treble as usual (yrh, pull yarn through ring, yrh, pull yarn through first 2 loops, yrh, pull yarn through 2 loops). Work more sts into the ring as needed.

Working a magic loop

✿ AN ALTERNATIVE FOUNDATION RING FOR WORKING IN THE ROUND Working yarn Pull

Tail end

1 To start a Magic Loop, don’t make a slipknot. Instead, make a loop with the yarn, leaving a tail around 10cm long.

Make sure the tail end is under the working yarn.

2 Now insert your hook into the loop, from front to back. Wrap the working yarn around the hook and pull the yarn through the loop.

3 Make a t-ch for the sts you want to work (above, we made 1 t-ch for dc).

Work your sts into the Magic Loop, over both the loop and the tail end (so two yarn strands).

Joining rounds

✿ Finish off each round of crochet stitches nice and neatly by using a slip stitch

4 Once you’ve worked the first round of stitches, simply pull the tail end of yarn to draw up the ring.

Work a slip stitch to join the last and first sts to finish the first round (as instructed below).

Rounds or spirals ✿ CHECK WHICH TECHNIQUE TO USE

1 To close a round of stitches, work a slip stitch into the top of the turning chain. To do this, insert the hook into the top stitch of the turning chain.

8 8 LO V E C R O C H E T

2 Then place the yarn round the hook.

Pull the yarn through the turning chain stitch and through the original stitch on your hook.

3 You’ve slip stitched the round together! Before working another round, be sure to make the required turning chain. Always work rounds on the right side, unless you pattern instructs you otherwise.

Some patterns are worked in rounds that are joined together at the end of each round (see left). Other patterns are worked in a spiral so you don’t need to join the rounds at the end, just keep going, working into the next stitch on the previous row.

Amigurumi toys are often worked in a spiral like this.

CROCHET KNOWHOW

How to follow a crochet pattern ✿ USE OUR HANDY GUIDE BELOW IF YOU’RE NEW TO CROCHET

You will need Our shopping list tells you what hooks to use, how much yarn to buy and whether you need any extra items such as buttons or embroidery thread.

Tension The tension tells you how many rows and stitches you need to crochet to the correct size. Make a tension square to ensure you’re getting it right before you start to crochet.

Top tips About this yarn

You’ll find expert’s top tips and ideas throughout Love Crochet, to help you add to your skills.

Crochet chart key Some of the patterns in this issue feature a crochet chart. Here’s a guide to the symbols featured.

Details about the weight, cost and length of yarn.

Chain Slip stitch

or

Double Crochet (DC) Half treble crochet (htr)

Treble crochet (tr)

Crochet hook conversions

Double treble crochet (dtr)

UK

METRIC

US

14

2mm

–

13

2.25mm

B/1

12

2.5mm

–

–

2.75mm

C/2

11

3mm

–

10

3.25mm

D/3

9

3.5mm

E/4

–

3.75mm

8

UK/US conversions UK

Triple treble crochet (trtr)

US

Double crochet (dc2tog)

chain

ch

chain

ch

Double crochet 3tog (dc3tog)

slip stitch

ss

slip stitch

ss

Treble crochet 2tog (tr2tog)

double crochet

dc

single crochet

sc

half treble

htr

half double

hdc

treble

tr

double

dc

F/5

double treble

dtr

treble

tr

4mm

G/6

triple treble

ttr

double treble

dtr

7

4.5mm

7

6

5mm

H/8

5

5.5mm

I/9

4

6mm

J/10

3

6.5mm

K/10½

Hook size

UK yarn weight 4ply yarn

Treble crochet 3tog (tc3tog) 3 treble crochet cluster

3htr cluster 5tr popcorn 5tr shell

Which hook do I use?

2

7mm

–

2.5-3.5mm hook

0

8mm

L/11

3.5-4.5mm hook

double knitting yarn

00

9mm

M/13

5-6mm hook

aran yarn

000

10mm

N/15

7mm and bigger

chunky yarn

Chain 3 picot Front post treble (fptr)

Back post treble (bptr) Worked in back loop only Worked in front loop only

LO V E C R O C H E T 89

Love

Crochet

CROCHET KNOWHOW

Meet the team…

Abbreviations across alt approx beg bl BPtr

ch(s) ch-sp(s) chcl(s) 4-tr cl

cont dc dc2tog

dec dtr dtr2tog fl foll/folls FPtr htr

to end of the row alternate/alternating approximate(ly) beginning insert hook under back loop only Back Post treble: yrh, starting from the back, insert hook from back to front to back around post of st in row below, complete as treble st chain/chain stitch(es) chain space(s) refers to ch made previously, eg. ch-3 clusters (yrh, insert hook in sp/st, yrh & pull up loop, yrh & draw through 2 loops) 4 times, inserting hook in same sp/st, yrh & draw through all loops on hook continue double crochet (insert hook in next st, yrh and draw a loop through) twice, yrh and draw through all 3 loops on hook decrease double treble crochet work 2dtr together insert hook under front loop only following/follows Front Post treble: work in opposite way to BPtr half treble

htr2tog in next inc LH lp(s) meas p or pc patt(s) pm prev rem rep RH rnd(s) RS sk sp(s) ss st(s) tbl t-ch(s) tog tr tr2tog

ttr WS yoh yrh *

[] or ()

work 2htr together sts to be worked into the same stitch increase left hand loop(s) measures picot pattern(s) place marker previous remain(s)/remaining repeat right hand round(s) right side skip space(s) slip stitch stitch(es) through back loop turning chain(s) together treble crochet (yrh, insert hook in next st, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) twice, yrh and draw through all loops on hook triple treble crochet wrong side yarn over hook yarn round hook work instructions immediately foll *, then rep as directed work or repeat all instructions in the brackets as directed

Publisher Kerry Lawrence Editor in Chief Debora Bradley Editor Zeena Moolla Commissioning Editor Sara Huntington Art Editor Tricia Ball Publishing Director Cath Potter Managing Director Andy Marshall Brand Sales Executive Jane Hendy Production Director Sarah Powell Production Manager Rose Griffiths Subscriptions Director Jacky Perales-Morris Direct Sales Manager Kevin Slaughter Reprographics Tony Hunt, Chris Sutch Photography Phil Sowels, Steve Sayers Distribution Frontline Printed in the UK by William Gibbons A special thank you to contributors: Katie Nicholls, Jo Benner, Sara Huntington, Joanne Scrace, Kate Alinari, Jenny May, Kate Eastwood, Val Pierce, Elizabeth Davis de Herraiz Pattern checker & technical editor Jo Benner patternhelp@immediate.co.uk Order hotline and customer enquiries To order a single copy of Love Crochet or any of our wonderful sewing, baking or craft magazines, please call the order hotline on 0844 844 0388. The line is open on weekdays from 8am-8pm and on Saturday from 9am-1pm.

Copyright guidelines Unauthorised reproduction of this magazine, in whole or part, is prohibited without written permission of the publisher. This magazine is not to be resold, lent or hired out for more than the recommended retail price or in part.

Immediate Media is working to ensure that all of its paper is sourced from well-managed forests. This magazine can be recycled, for use in newspapers and packaging. Please remove any gifts, samples or wrapping and dispose of it at your local collection point.

HOW TO GET A PERFECT FINISH ✿ TO PREVENT YOUR HARD WORK UNRAVELLING ONCE YOU’VE FINISHED CROCHETING, FASTEN THE END OFF CAREFULLY

Complete the final stitch, then cut the yarn about 15cm from the work. Pull it through the last loop on the hook and pull to close the loop. Thread the yarn tail onto a tapestry needle and weave into the back of the work. Most crochet items don’t need a lot of blocking, but cotton lace work usually does. To do this, very carefully pin out the item with rust-proof pins, mist with a water spray and leave to dry naturally.

Love Crochet is published by: Immediate Media Limited, 9th Floor, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN. Tel: 0117 927 9009 Fax: 0117 934 9008 Immediate Media is a company dedicated to producing the very best consumer specialist magazines. Magazines are edited and designed to inform our readers, enhance their lives and give them the best value for money possible. We are also the publisher of Love Knitting, Knit Today, Cardmaking & Papercraft, Quick Cards Made Easy, Vintage Cards, Make Christmas Cards, Enjoy Cross Stitch,The World of Cross Stitching, Cross Stitch Gold, Cross Stitch Card Shop, Cross Stitch Crazy and Cross Stitch Favourites magazines. © Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited 2015

9 0 LO V E C R O C H E T

We take great care to ensure all elements of Love Crochet are accurate. However, we accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes that appear in this magazine.

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In the next issue...

The new year is looming and we know that beginner and seasoned crocheters vow to make more time for their favourite pastime.

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