Indholdsfortegnelse for Issue 155 i Simply Crochet

Fun and festivities

Explore our great gifts to make for Christmas! The kids will love the elf on page 31, and grown-ups will be all smiles with our gorgeous Christmas jumper on page 26. For smaller projects, you’ll be in the pink with a hat and shawl set on page 50, and we even have socks on page 36. If you’d like a new look for home, our stylish Christmas décor collection on page 14 is for you – we’re loving the impala wall art. And don’t miss our fab yarn pack gift when you subscribe!* Share your makes on Instagram tagged #sctreblemaker, or on our Facebook group, Simply Crochet SCtreblemakers. Have a merry making time!…

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Simply Crochet|Issue 155

COOL YULE

BLISS BLANKET What’s better than a crochet blanket? A belter of a graphic blanket from mosaic crochet supremo Esme Crick, that’s what ■ Yarn And Colors Must-Have (100% cotton; 50g/125m), 10 balls of Yarn A Black (100), 8 balls of Yarn B White (001)■ Yarn And Colors Glamour (100% polyester; 20g/158m), 5 balls of Yarn C Gold (089)■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook■ Cardboard, 12cm long TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures approx 90x117cm (35½x46in) excluding tassels ABBREVIATIONS mtr Tr in skipped st 3 rows below, working in front of the ch-sps of the previous 2 rows. For a full list, see page 78 NOTES Parts of this pattern are worked using the mosaic method. Instead of changing colour mid-row,…

29 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

Twinkle toes

YOU WILL NEED ■ West Yorkshire Spinners Signature Sparkle 4ply (75% wool, 23% nylon, 2% polyester, 100g/400m) 1 ball of Yuletide (1208)■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook.■ 2 stitch markers For yarn stockists contact WY Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION 12 sts and 11 rounds measure 5x5cm (2x2in) over double crochet using 3mm hook, or size needed to achieve correct tension ABBREVIATIONS fdc (foundation double crochet) *Insert hook in base of last st, yrh and pull up a loop, pull through one loop on hook (loop will sit at base of fdc), yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook; rep from * as required For a full list, see page 78 It’s just not Christmas without a pair of socks under the tree! Don’t forget to block…

5 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

WILD WONDERLANDS

Cait McCormack’s ‘Souvenirs of the Wasteland’ exhibit featured in a recent Hooked, and we were so intrigued we couldn’t resist finding out more. Growing up in rural New Jersey influenced the creations of the talented fibre artist, who explores themes such as grief and climate anxiety via crochet sculptures of bird skeletons, plants, and other organic forms. ART AS AN HOMAGE “I grew up as an only child living in a tiny two-room cabin,” says Cait. “My parents are both artists and I would use their leftovers to make my own toys.” Not only did they use art materials, but Cait’s grandmother taught them to crochet before the age of four. “She was Italian, and she and her sisters learnt to make doilies and other domestic creations,” says Cait. “She’d…

5 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

Bibelots & BAUBLES BLANKET

YOU WILL NEED ■ West Yorkshire Spinners Colour Lab DK (100% wool, 100g/225m) 6 balls of Arctic White (011) 3 balls of each: Electric Blue (364) Cerise Pink (539) Thistle Purple (717) Deep Teal (716) 1 ball of Citrus Yellow (229)■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists contact WY Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION 17 sts and 14 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over half treble crochet using a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures 144cmx144cm (56¾x56¾in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 Sparkling, glittering decorations all turning in the tree lights… nothing says Christmas quite like it. Don’t forget Part 2 next issue! NOTES Blanket is made up of 25 Squares. There are 5 patterns for the Squares, each worked…

3 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

Call any time!

YOU WILL NEED ■ Lily Sugar’n Cream (100% cotton, 70.9g/109m) 1 ball of any 4 colours■ A 3.75mm (US F/5) hook■ 1 button, 25mm For yarn stockists contact Readicut 0116 271 3759 www.readicut.co.uk or Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 15 sts and 16 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using a 3.75mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS To fit device measuring 6x11.5cm (2½x4½in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 Ideal for extra gifts, whip a few cases up in Lily Sugar’n Cream. It comes in a huge range of shades, so you can choose their favourites. NOTES Phone Case is worked in rounds with RS facing throughout. Case is made using 4 colours, which are referred to Yarns A-D. Pattern is written in…

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Simply Crochet|Issue 155

Show us yours

KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY Emma Jowett’s niece Kara is so lucky – her aunt loves to crochet for her. Emma says, “Crochet keeps my brain active.” We’re pleased to hear that Kara is learning to crochet, just like her Auntie Emma! The tank top looks great on you, Kara, it fits like a dream. Find the pattern in issue 148. DRESS UP IN STYLE Reader Kelly Parker had been searching for a straightforward dress pattern to crochet for a while, as she’d mostly made accessories, homewares and toys up until she found Cassie Ward’s Granny Dress in issue 152. We think you’ve done a great job Kelly, your stitches are so neat and even. Your first crochet dress looks fab! MADE TO ORDER Sue Drew used squares from 50…

3 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

Escape artist

HERE’S WHO WE’RE FOLLOWING ON SOCIALS! Instagram: @knottedneon Followers: 270k IF YOU LIKE… ambitious, playful and fun crochet, this is your spiritual home. Aynsley says anything can be (re)created with yarn, foam and hook! #crochetitall IF YOU NEED… to push boundaries, take inspiration! The Pizza Rat Bag sparked a shift in Aynsley’s crochet journey and she loves sharing the pattern. #pizzaratbag IF YOU WANNA… have fun with your creations and use your inspirations as a jumping-off point for your desires. For more see Aynsley’s book. #madhatter IF YOU ARE… a creative crocheter, Aynsley has your back, preferring not to follow rules and confirming there is no wrong way to crochet. #freeformcrochet IF YOU LOVE… the crochet community, Aynsley’s with you. She loves that it’s so supportive, and seeing all the exciting projects people…

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Simply Crochet|Issue 155

FESTIVAL DOLLS

NOTES Pattern is worked using the amigurumi method. Work stitches continuously in a spiral without closing off each round with a slip stitch. It may help to use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round, moving it up as you work. Legs and Body are worked seamlessly. Arms are made separately, then joined as you work the Body. The Head is made separately and sewn to the Body. Variations for each Doll are included in individual patterns. If you are making these toys for a child under 36 months, do not use safety eyes; instead, embroider eyes with stranded cotton. TENSION Tension is not critical for any of these projects, but it may affect the yarn quantities required. ABBREVIATIONS See individual patterns for special abbreviations For a…

5 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

HOLI

Where: India, worldwide When: 14 March 2025 What’s it all about: This Hindu festival includes religious ceremonies, but it’s also a time for fun. Celebrations start up to 40 days before, bonfires represent the triumph of good over evil, there are dancing and singing, special food and desserts, the exchange of gifts, and throwing of powder paint and coloured water. Everyone joins in and is fair game! The story of the god Krishna and goddess Radha is thought to be behind throwing the water and paint. For more info: Discover some traditional Holi locations at www.incredibleindia.org MARCH: HOLI (INDIA) YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar Happy Cotton DK (100% cotton, 20g/43m) 2 balls of Biscuit (776) 1 ball of each: Cookie (777) School Days (758) Liquorice (775) Stomp (774) Jammy (755)…

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Simply Crochet|Issue 155

MIDSUMMER

Where: Sweden When: 20-21 June 2025 What’s it all about: Festivities are held over the weekend of the summer solstice. Dances are held around a maypole, and girls used to pick seven different kinds of flowers, putting them under their pillows to dream of future husbands. Wearing a wreath of flowers is an old symbol of rebirth and fertility. Drinking songs are popular, as are games and dancing, and food includes new potatoes, pickled herring, cheese pie and strawberries. For more info: Celebrations vary, but visitors are welcome! www.visitsweden.com JUNE: MIDSUMMER (SWEDEN) YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar Happy Cotton DK (100% cotton, 20g/43m) 3 balls of Sandcastle (773) 1 ball of each: Tea Time (751) Buttercup (771) Treetop (780) Fizz (779) Melon (794) Dolly (761) Sorbet (793)■ A 2.5mm (US…

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Simply Crochet|Issue 155

REGATA STORICA

Where: Venice, Italy When: 7 September 2025 What’s it all about: Today, all ages take part in a tradition dating back over 1,000 years. The most popular race is the gondalini regatta, when the day sees St Mark’s Bay and the Grand Canal packed with boats of every shape and size. The athletic Venetian-style rowing takes place standing up! The spectacular historical pageant which heads the parade is a reminder of Venice’s past glory, as well as the major sporting event of the year for Venetians. For more info: Watch the Venetian maritime Olympics here: www.regatstoricavenezia.it SEPTEMBER: REGATA STORICA (ITALY) YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar Happy Cotton DK (100% cotton, 20g/43m) 2 balls of Sandcastle (773) Melon (794) 1 ball of each: Shower (762) Cookie (777) Chilli (791) Biscuit (776)■…

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Simply Crochet|Issue 155

DAY OF THE DEAD

Where: Mexico, worldwide When: 1-2 November 2025 What’s it all about: Día de los Muertos is celebrated across Mexico with colourful skulls, skeletons and cemetery visits. Thousands of years old, the festival gives people the chance to honour, love and respect deceased family members. Parties, costumes, parades, singing, dancing and offerings to lost loved ones (often made on altars decorated with marigolds), occur throughout Hispanic communities. For more info: Discover this mix of tradition, magic and history at www.visit-mexico.mx NOVEMBER: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS (MEXICO) YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar Happy Cotton DK 100% cotton, 20g/43m) 2 balls of Liquorice (775) Dolly (761) 1 ball of each: Jammy (755) Biscuit (776) Freckle (753) Seaside (784) Currant Bun (756)■ A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook■ A 2mm (US 4 Steel or…

7 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

CONTRIBUTORS

CHLOÉ ELIZABETH BIRCH Chloé is a lover of all things pattern and colour! Her passion as a designer is making pieces that are just as much fun to crochet as they are to wear. Make her bobble sleeve raglan, page 45. MARCY GARDNER Marcy learned how to crochet in 2012 and quickly fell in love with the art. She loves designing fun amigurumi patterns. You can find her cute elf on page 31. ESME CRICK Esme describes herself as equal parts designer, teacher and mum and she’s never far from her hook. This issue, she’s created a stunning monochrome blanket – find it on page 14. HELEN ANDERSON Helen loves experimenting with colour and texture to create playful and exciting designs. Check out the first part of her fabulous new…

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Simply Crochet|Issue 155

Up to snow good

YOU WILL NEED ■ West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4ply (75% wool, 25% nylon, 100g/400m) Yarn A Marshmallow (11) Yarn B Cherry Drop (529) See table for measurements and yarn quantities for Yarns A and B 1 ball of each: Yarn C Sunflower (1001) Yarn D Honeysuckle (234) Yarn E Chocolate Lime (395) Yarn F Cobalt (1005) Yarn G Pacific (1007) Yarn H Cornflower (325)■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook For yarn stockists contact WY Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION Hexagon measures 10cm (4in) in diameter across widest points 22 tr and 9.5 rows measures 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 3mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 Width a: 49 (54: 59: 64: 69: 74)cm, 19¼ (21¼:…

7 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

Bobble-icious

YOU WILL NEED ■ Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky (55% wool, 33% acrylic, 12% cashmere, 50g/65m) Royal (18) See table for measurements and yarn quantities■ A 6mm (US J/10) hook■ A 7mm (US K/10½ or L/111) hook For yarn stockists contact LoveCrafts 01409 404010 www.lovecrafts.com TENSION 11 sts and 8 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over half treble crochet using a 7mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS 5-popcorn 5tr in next st, remove live loop from hook, insert hook in first tr, place loop back on hook and pull through st 4-popcorn 4tr in next st, remove live loop from hook, insert hook in first tr, place loop back on hook and pull through st 3-popcorn 3tr in next st, remove live loop from hook, insert hook in…

4 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

Block party

YOU WILL NEED ■ Cygnet Sugar Spun DK (80% acrylic and 20% wool, 100g/300m)2 balls of each: Candy Cotton (3440) White Floating Island (3310)■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook■ A stitch marker■ Faux fur pompom, 11cm (available at bit.ly/3BytRLr) For yarn stockists contact Cygnet Yarns 01274 743374 www.cygnetyarns.com TENSION 19 sts and 7 rows measures 10x10cm (4x4in) using a 4.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Shawl measures approx 135x92cm (53x36¼in) across widest points ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 This accessory set is fun to hook up, with block stitch featuring on both hat and shawl. The wool blend yarn is great value, too! NOTES Shawl is worked in rows throughout. Turn at the end of every second row, working 2 rows with RS…

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Simply Crochet|Issue 155

Hanging out

YOU WILL NEED ■ Wool and the Gang Jersey Be Good (98% cotton, 2% elastane, 500g/100m) 1 ball of Cuppa T■ A wooden ring, 7cm diameter■ A 12mm (US 0/16) Tunisian hook For yarn stockists contact Wool and the Gang www.woolandthegang.com TENSION 6 sts and 5 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Tunisian simple stitch using a 12mm hook MEASUREMENTS Basket measures approx 35cm (13¾in) tall and 21.5cm (8½in) wide at base ABBREVIATIONS Tss (Tunisian simple stitch) Loop on hook counts as first st, *insert hook through bar on next st from right to left, yrh and pull up a loop, leave loop on hook; rep from * as indicated Tss2tog Insert hook through bars on next 2 sts, yrh and pull through both bars, leave loop on hook RetP (return…

3 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

Your reader offers

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Simply Crochet|Issue 155

CROCHET Unravelled With Becky Skuse

IS A TREBLE TURNING CHAIN 3 OR 2? Brush up on your technique with our simple guide… Turning chains are a part of crochet that many people struggle with, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There is an easier way to think about turning chains, and I’m here to help! In crochet, each stitch we make is a slightly different length or height – that’s how we create such a beautiful variety of fabrics. When you make a stitch, the hook starts off at the finished height of the previous stitch (1), then you hook the yarn upwards from the previous row (2), and the hook finishes at the height of the new stitch (3). At the end of a row or round of stitches, you need a…

4 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

MISSED AN ISSUE?

ISSUE 154 Our cover star this issue is a shawl inspired by dandelion clocks, and the rainforest collection features beautiful designs for your home, as well as some fun plant ideas. Plus, other must-make projects include a cute Gothic gal, great accessories for gifts including hat, scarf and bag, a stashbuster cardigan, a fab sweater, a placemat, star blanket, boho jacket, baby comforters and more! SEE OUR BACK ISSUE PROJECTS IN DETAIL ON RAVELRY BIT.LY/RAVSIMPLYC RETURN TO THE APP TO BUY YOUR BACK ISSUES All issues of Simply Crochet are available as digital editions, ready to read whenever you want. Every purchase is permanently stored in your magazine library. Once your magazine has downloaded, an internet connection is not required, so you can take your magazine with you wherever you go.…

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Simply Crochet|Issue 155

UP-HELLY-AA

Where: Lerwick, Shetland When: 28 January 2025 What’s it all about: Up-Helly-Aa means ‘the end of the holidays’; it’s a celebration of Shetland history and Norse heritage. Senior and junior festivals take place, with bands, songs and processions. An elected chief, the ‘Guizer Jarl’, leads a squad of Vikings, followed by squads of locals in fancy dress. The day ends with the lighting of over 1,000 torches and the ceremonial burning of a Viking ‘galley’ (longship), marking the return of the light after winter. For more info: Find out about this torchlit Viking fire festival at www.uphellyaa.org JANUARY: UP-HELLY-AA (SHETLAND) YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar Happy Cotton DK (100% cotton, 20g/43m) 2 balls of Sandcastle (773) 1 ball of each: Beach Hut (750) Splash (767) Sorbet (793) Cookie (777) Ketchup (790)…

7 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

SONGKRAN

Where: Thailand, worldwide When: 13-15 April 2025 What’s it all about: Thailand celebrates Songkran, its traditional Thai New Year, when the sun passes into the constellation of Aries. Originating in a Buddhist folk myth related to the rice harvest, pouring water symbolises cleansing, reverence and good fortune. There are huge water fights where everyone joins in (even the elephants!), plays, games, music and feasting. Unity, cooperation, forgiveness and astrological knowledge all play important roles. For more info: To take part in the World Water Festival, visit www.tourismthailand.org APRIL: SONGKRAN (THAILAND) YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar Happy Cotton DK (100% cotton, 20g/43m) 2 balls of Sandcastle (773) 1 ball of each: Freckle (753) Cookie (777) Jammy (755) Melon (794) Pebble (759) Bunting (797)■ A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook■ A…

5 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

MUD FESTIVAL

Where: Boryeong, South Korea When: 19-26 July 2025 What’s it all about: Korea’s largest international festival has been held since 1998. People enjoy well-being and beauty events including mud baths and mud powder massage, and relaxing in mineral rich mud baths. Others take part in the extreme mud games held along the 136km coastline. Parties go on day and night, there’s a street parade, and millions of tourists attend the week-long festival, also visiting beautiful Daecheon Beach. For more info: If the mud is calling, visit the site at www.boryeongmudfestival.com JULY: BORYEONG MUD FESTIVAL (SOUTH KOREA) YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar Happy Cotton DK (100% cotton, 20g/43m) 3 balls of Pebble (759) 1 ball of each: Sandcastle (773) Bath Time (765) Sulk (768) Beach Hut (750)■ A 2.5mm (US B/1…

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Simply Crochet|Issue 155

OKTOBERFEST

Where: Munich, Germany When: 20 September – 5 October 2025 What’s it all about: The world’s largest fair, also known as the Beerfest, attracts six million people every year. It began as a royal wedding celebration in 1810, and remains an important part of Bavarian culture. To start the festival, the mayor shouts, “O’zapft is!” which means “It is tapped”, hammering a tap into a beer keg. Fairground rides, music, beer, wine, lots of toasts and Bavarian cuisine make the atmosphere fun and often a little boisterous! For more information: Don your Dirndl apron or Lederhosen at www.oktoberfest.de OCTOBER: OKTOBERFEST (GERMANY) YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar Happy Cotton DK (100% cotton, 20g/43m) 2 balls of Sandcastle (773) 1 ball of each: Splash (767) Shower (762) Liquorice (775) Sundae (787) Melon…

7 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

CHRISTMAS

Where: All over the world When: 24-25 December 2025 What’s it all about: A Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus, it coincides with earlier festivals celebrating the winter solstice such as Yule. Family, lots of food, a Christmas tree, holly, stockings, gifts and decorations take centre stage. Celebrating the feast day of Saint Nicholas and Nordic folktales, today Santa Claus or Father Christmas lives in Lapland, and carries gifts for good children all around the world on Christmas Eve. For more info: Meet Santa Claus and cross the Arctic Circle at www.santaclausvillage.info DECEMBER: CHRISTMAS (WORLDWIDE) YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar Happy Cotton DK (100% cotton, 20g/43m) 2 balls of Cherryade (754) 1 ball of each: Treetop (780) Biscuit (776) Chilli (791) Melon (794) Dolly (761)■ A 2.5mm (US B/1…

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Simply Crochet|Issue 155

Hooked

Colour’s coming home! Home to spinning for over 100 years, 20 brand new shades of Stylecraft Special DK are being dyed, spun and balled in Stylecraft’s Spa Mill in the Colne Valley. Eventually all 120 shades in the range will be manufactured here, and Sales & Marketing Director Annabelle Hill says, “Bringing Special back to Yorkshire has been our dream, and it makes us the only end-to-end acrylic hand knit spinner in Western Europe.” Look out for our patterns in the new shades coming soon! FOR THE KIDS Hannah Cross of HanJan Crochet has released a new collection of garments for little ones just in time for Christmas. The Franny Granny Kids Collection includes four designs to fit newborns to 10 years: a Granny Stitch Cardigan, Sweater, Dress and Hoodie.…

7 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

ME, MY ELF & I!

YOU WILL NEED ■ King Cole Yummy Yarn (100% polyester, 100g/120m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Shamrock (4758) Yarn B Cream (2223) Yarn C Chocolate (4759) Yarn D Red (4749) Yarn E Black (4742)■ King Cole Big Value DK (100% acrylic, 50g/145m) 1 ball of each: Yarn F White (4020) Yarn G Black (4053)■ A 6.5mm (US K/10½) hook■ Toy stuffing■ 2 safety eyes, 20mm For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Elf measures approx 48cm (19in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 Chenille yarn makes this chap super soft to cuddle, and we love his roguish expression. Your little ones won’t want to put him down! NOTES Elf is…

6 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 10g/25m) 2 balls of Snow White (106) 1 ball of each: Hot Red (115) Jet Black (110) Light Silver (172) Cornflower (511) Sweet Mandarin (523) Sweet Orange (411) Hazelnut (503)■ A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook■ A stitch marker■ A small bell■ Wooden skewer For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Puppets measure approx 8cm (3¼in) tall ABBREVIATIONS reverse dc Insert hook in next st to right (or left if left-handed), yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook picot Ch3, ss in last ch from hook For a full list, see page 78 Little ones will have a ball with this…

7 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

HO HO HO!

YOU WILL NEED ■ Any 4ply cotton yarn, we used: Yarn and Colors Must-Have (100% cotton, 50g/125m) 1 ball of each: White (001) Peach (042) Cardinal (031) Soil (028)■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook For yarn stockists contact Yarn and Colors www.yarnandcolors.com TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Each motif measures 5.5x9cm (2¼x3½in) ABBREVIATIONS 4-tr cluster (Yrh, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) 4 times, inserting the hook in the same st each time, yrh and draw through all 5 loops on hook For a full list, see page 78 This Santa motif works like a dream on a top, or hook just one if you’re short on time. Santa…

2 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

Wrap up Christmas!

Now’s the time to start, if you’ve been thinking you would like to hook up some gorgeous crocheted goodies for Christmas gifts but haven’t quite got around to it. While you don’t want to be hooking in a panic when you should be celebrating, crocheting in the lead-up to Christmas can be a wonderful way to spend your time. Think of it as a way to fit in a bit of relaxation – and you’ll be making gifts at the same time. It’s a win-win! FIRST THINGS FIRST Whether you can dedicate a lot of time to making or just a little, spending some time planning at the start of the process is well worth it. Ask yourself if you really want to make gifts, or is this the year…

6 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

T is for… TWINKLE

‘T’ PATTERN Ch9. ROW 1 (RS) Dc in second ch from hook, dc in next 5 ch, leave last 2 ch unworked. [6 dc] ROW 3 Ch3, dc in second ch from hook, dc in next ch, dc in side of last dc from Row 1, dc in next 2 ch from foundation ch. [5 dc] FASTEN OFF and weave in ends. The leftover yarns from this yarn review will be donated to Knit for Peace. Learn more at www.knitforpeace.org.uk and go to www.gathered.how for more yarn donation ideas. RICO RICORUMI TWINKLY TWINKLY WEIGHT DK CONTENT 99% cotton, 1% polyester BALL 25g/57.5m HOOK 4mm RRP £1.59 Part of the popular Ricorumi range, this has the same familiar softness, easy hooking and clear stitch definition, but with an extra touch of…

3 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

Crochet essentials

HOLDING THE HOOK Try these methods and see which works best 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. 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. HOLDING THE YARN Even tension results in even stitches METHOD ONE Pass the ball end of the yarn between the little finger and third fingers of your left hand (if you are right-handed), then behind the third and middle fingers, over your index finger. METHOD TWO Loop the ball end of…

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Simply Crochet|Issue 155

CELEBRATE WITH US!

Welcome to our Simply Crochet Festivals of the World booklet, featuring dolls representing iconic cultural celebrations held every year in countries all over the globe. We’ve teamed up with amazing Australian amigurumi designer Clare Cooper to bring this idea to life; all made in Sirdar Happy Cotton, the perfect yarn for detailed multicolour amigurumi, each doll tells the story of their celebration, accompanied by a little accessory design. Bring the dolls out to celebrate each festival, hook them as thoughtful birthday gifts, or make the whole set as an heirloom. We hope you’ll love them as much as we do! You’ll discover that each doll is made with the same basic doll shape, so once you’ve made one, you’ll easily be able to make all twelve. Don’t forget to look…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

RIO CARNIVAL

Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil When: 28 February–8 March 2025 What’s it all about: The biggest event of Brazil’s cultural calendar, the parades at the 80,000-seat Sambadrome attract millions of visitors. Its origins began in 1840, and samba, the “perfect illustration of the Afro-European blend that defines Brazilian culture” appeared in the 1900s. Samba schools perform in front of judges who appraise the costumes, songs and dances. Balls take place alongside street parties, which get going three months before! For more info: Get dancing at ‘the greatest show on Earth’ at www.riocarnival.org FEBRUARY: RIO CARNIVAL (BRAZIL) YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar Happy Cotton DK (100% cotton, 20g/43m) 2 balls of Biscuit (776) 1 ball of each: Fizz (779) Bubblegum (799) Laundry (782)■ A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook■ Stitch…

4 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

KODOMO NO HI

Where: Japan When: 5 May 2025 What’s it all about: On Kodomo No Hi, or Children’s Day, families celebrate children and pray for their health and happiness. Koinobori (carp streamers) festivals are held with food stalls and concerts. The coloured streamers are flown on buildings and homes and over flowing water. They are symbolic of the carp’s nature to swim upstream against the current, and a Chinese legend of a carp becoming a dragon when it swims up a waterfall. For more info: It’s held at the end of the Golden Week holiday, see www.japan.travel MAY: KODOMO NO HI (CHILDREN’S DAY, JAPAN) YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar Happy Cotton DK (100% cotton, 20g/43m) 2 balls of Sandcastle (773) Piggy (764) 1 ball of each: Chilli (791) Cookie (777) Shower (762)…

9 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 155

LA TOMATINA

Where: Buñol, Spain When: 27 August 2025 What’s it all about: This fiesta sees crowds having a wonderful time throwing tomatoes! A pole goes up in the town square, covered in soap with a huge ham on the end, and people try to reach it. Water soaks the ‘soldiers’, and at 11am a shot announces the start. Tomato ‘ammunition’ trucks appear, the crowd rushes for their ‘bullets’, and soon everything turns red. A second shot signals the end of the battle, and the brave participants are hosed down. For more info: Fancy being pelted in a mass tomato battle? See www.spain.info AUGUST: LA TOMATINA (SPAIN) YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar Happy Cotton DK (100% cotton, 20g/43m) 2 balls of Sandcastle (773) 1 ball of each: Shower (762) Princess (798) Bunting…

5 min