Innehållsförteckning för 88 från Simply Crochet

The witching hour is upon us – plus the stitching hour, since we hope you’ll enjoy hooking up Erinna Lee’s spooktacular little witch kit this issue! And, why not get going on your Christmas makes now? Join in our new crochet-along to make a fab festive cushion (p95), and find cool (but cosy) Nordic-inspired festive jumpers for all the family in your extra mag. We’re also loving stunning ombré cushions (p70), Wool Couture’s huge lion (p34), and the cutest panda motif baby quilt (p57). Plus – ever considered selling your crochet online? Check out our guide on page 64.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ DK yarn from your gift or from your stash in: Purple Flesh Orange Black ■ A 2.5mm (US B/1 or US C/2) hook ■ Stitch markers ■ Toy stuffing ■ Black plastic safety eyes ■ Black stranded cotton ■ Pipe cleaners TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Witch measures 16.5cm (6½in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Yarn of gift and hook of stitch, help me make the cutest witch! Did that work? If not, try the pattern below. This devilish little darling has pipe cleaners in her limbs so she can assume a yoga class-worth of poses, but omit them if she’ll be playing with toddlers. NOTES This pattern is worked…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Skies Light (100% cotton, 100g/340m) Cumulus (111) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com TENSION 21sts and 9 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 3.5mm hook or size needed to obtain stated tension Central stitch pattern panel measures 11.5cm (4½in) across ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Leafy autumn’s on its way and we couldn’t be happier. Fields are rich with traffic light colours, thick with crunchy leaves, the last of the summer sun and bonfires! What a stunning season. This relaxed cotton top is just right for turning seasons, and its leafy panel pays its autumnal respects. While this is a simple make (especially for a garment),…

1 Make a foundation ring (see p89) and work the t-ch (1ch for dc). Now work 12 dc stitches into the ring, but do not join the last stitch and first stitch of this first round with a slip stitch. 2 Instead, work the first dc stitch of the second round into the first stitch of the first round. To do this, insert the hook into the stitch, yrh, pull yarn through, yrh and pull the yarn through both loops. 3 You’ll now be working in a spiral. Continue to work more rounds of dc stitches in a spiral, according to your pattern instructions. 4 On the last round, after you’ve worked the last dc stitch, you’ll need to finish off the spiral with a slip stitch for a neat…

I n this pattern, you’ll work the stitches in the round. If you’ve never done this before, don’t worry, it’s easy! At the end of each round, you’ll need to join together the first and last stitches, using a slip stitch, for a neat finish. Our step-by-step guide (right) will show you how to do this. 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 t-ch. 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 will have slip stitched the round together. Before working another round, be sure to make the required…

YOU WILL NEED ■ DROPS Baby Merino (100% wool, 50g/175m) 18 balls of Yarn A Light Grey (22) 2 balls of each: Yarn B Black (21) Yarn C White (01) Yarn D Rose (46) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures approx 72x82cm (28¼x32¾in) ABBREVIATIONS bobble (Yrh, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) 3 times, inserting the hook in the same st each time, yrh and draw through all four loops on hook For a full list, see page 92 Nobody loves a granny square blanket as much as us, but when winter…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Cygnet DK (100% acrylic, 100g/298m) 1 ball of each: Emerald (377) Apple (6711) ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook For yarn stockists contact Cygnet Yarns 01274 743374 www.cygnetyarns.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS 1 pattern repeat measures 9cm (3½in) long Garland can be made to desired length ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Perfect if you’ve had an early-season sherry, this festive festooner is a simple make that hooks up to something rather special. There isn’t even a specific end point – just stop when you feel the length is about right. NOTES Each length of Garland uses a single shade of yarn. They are then twisted together. Work the…

ROUNDED STAR MOTIF Ch60, ss to first ch to make a ring. ROUND 1 Ch1 (does not count as st) *dc in next 3 ch, 3dc in next ch, ch1, 3dc in next ch, dc in next 3 ch, skip 1 ch, dc2tog, skip 1 ch; rep from * four times more, ss to beg dc to join. FASTEN OFF and weave in ends. VIKING OF NORWAY AURORA WEIGHT DK CONTENT 75% superwash wool, 25% nylon BALL 150g/375m HOOK 3.5mm RRP £8.99 Here’s a yarn for lovers of 80s and 90s neons! Aurora is a self-striping sock yarn with a fabulously bright range of colours. If mind-blowing neons aren’t your thing, don’t fret – there’s a total of 20 colour variations for you to choose from, ranging from natural shades…

* Search for Simply Crochet on your chosen app store Available on Apple, Google Play, Zinio and Nook iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. NOOK is a registered trademark of Barnes & Noble, Inc. NOOK Tablet is a trademark of Barnes & Noble Inc. *Free trial is for new users on annual subscriptions only. Cancel at any point during the trial to avoid being charged. Free trial not available on Zinio.…

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…

YOU WILL NEED Snowflake ■ Ricorumi (100% cotton, 25g/58m), 1 ball of each: White (001), Midnight Blue (035) ■ Rico Creative Lamé (62% polyester, 38% polyamide, 25g/135m), 1 ball of Silver (001) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook Flamingo ■ Ricorumi (100% cotton, 25g/58m) 1 ball of each: Sky Blue (031), Fuchsia (014), Black (060) ■ Rico Creative Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/115m), a small amount of each: Red (008), Fir Green (017) ■ Rico Creative Lamé (62% polyester, 38% polyamide, 25g/135m), 1 ball of Gold (002) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ 1 safety eye, 3mm size For yarn stockists contact Rico www.rico-design.co.uk TENSION 17 sts and 17 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Each…

Cosy and warm, cheerful and welcoming – Christmas jumpers really do capture the essence of the festive season. Plus, a handmade jumper is the perfect gift; call us sentimental but we think our loved ones can feel the care and affection we've put into every stitch. To get you ahead this season, we’ve created this exclusive collection of Christmas jumpers, all made with yarns from Novita's stunning collections. From falling snowflakes to prancing reindeer, there's a design here to suit every festive appetite.…

1 Work to the point where you want to change colour and on the last stitch in the first colour, work the final yrh using the second colour. 2 Work a stitch using the second colour, but hold the working end of the first colour on top of the stitches below and make sure you work your new stitch over the top of it, effectively encasing the first colour. 3 Continue working in this way, encasing the working end of the first colour. When you want to change colour again, use the same method as before: on the last stitch in the second colour, work the final yrh using the first colour. 4 It’s important at this point not to pull too tightly on the first colour of yarn or…

1 Work to the point where you want to change colour and on the last stitch in the first colour, work the final yrh using the second colour. 2 Work a stitch using the second colour, but hold the working end of the first colour on top of the stitches below and make sure you work your new stitch over the top of it, effectively encasing the first colour. 3 Continue working in this way, encasing the working end of the first colour. When you want to change colour again, use the same method as before: on the last stitch in the second colour, work the final yrh using the first colour. 4 It’s important at this point not to pull too tightly on the first colour of yarn or…

MATT SPIERS One Man Crochet blogger and artist Matt is known for his bold use of colour. A creator of artisan herbal teas, he jumped at the chance to design our recycled herb pots on page 18. STEFFI GLAVES Steffi is a teacher and jewellery designer who loves to create flowers, rainbows and granny squares in micro-crochet. Check out her pretty flower earring project on page 28. FRAN MORGAN Designer and teacher Fran says the secret of her success is patience, positive thinking and a sense of humour. Check out the fruits of her labour – a summer top on page 30. STASSIA MYERS Stassia is addicted to the pure joy of making something beautiful by essentially tying a very complicated knot! Her current obsession is with crochet textures. See…

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO TUNISIAN CROCHET EMMA GUESS (£9.99, Search Press) Suitable for complete beginners upwards, this book teaches basic stitches and colour changes with clear photography and step-by-step guides, and then moves into ten projects that enable you to dive right in and use your new skills. CROCHETED CACTUSES SARAH ABBONDIO (£6.99, Search Press) If you could kill a real cactus, maybe you just need something a little lower maintenance. These 16 cacti are a super-fun and simple set of mini makes that look just like the real thing and come in a range of styles. Just add plant pot. The book features a techniques section at the beginning to help guide you through the patterns. CROCHET HORSES & PONIES MEGHAN KREINER (£14.99, Silver Dolphin Books) This book features ten…

TIN CAN PLANTER Keep greens at your fingers. By Matt Spiers. ■ Hoooked Somen (60% recycled cotton, 40% linen, 100g/165m), 1 ball of each: Pietra (SO18), Oro (SO16), Corallo (SO22) ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ 3 tin cans, 400g size ■ Stitch markers TENSION Rounds 1–8 meas approx 7.5cm (3in) diameter MEASUREMENTS To fit standard 400g tin can NOTES Planters are worked in rounds from the base up. Each Planter uses three different colours, choose which colours to use where; throughout the pattern they are referred to as Yarn A, Yarn B and Yarn C. TIN CAN PLANTER Using a 3.5mm hook and Yarn A, make a magic loop. Round 1 (RS) Ch1 (does not count as st throughout), 6dc…

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 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 2 loops on the hook. Your treble crochet will be complete.…

The brilliant thing about crocheting for your home is that it suits almost any style. If you are into monochrome interiors, chunky textured crochet projects work perfectly. If you are a minimalist, a few splashes of colourful crochet will really pop. And if you are into a more-is-more type of decoration, you can fill your house with a rainbow of colour/texture combinations. Like many others, my family and I rent our house and do not have the freedom to turn our home into the backdrop of our dreams. Even so, our house is filled with handmade items that bring us joy, and they will continue to do so throughout the years, no matter the setting. SPARKING JOY Every item I make tells a story about me or my loved ones.…

Karen Peacock “I’m drawn to geometric designs and knew that was the direction I wanted to go with the challenge. This pattern is versatile and can be made wider and longer, and I’ve included instructions to do so in the pattern. The shawl is made up of alternating blocks of trebles and chain bars, which have a striking resemblance to whiskers and windows.” You can find more crochet inspiration from Karen on Instagram @peacockaren Lena Nemchenko “I found the Hook to Hook challenge very useful for me as a designer, as it gave me the opportunity to create something outside my comfort zone. I took my design inspiration from nature – ‘mariposa shawl’ means butterfly shawl in Spanish. The idea came to me during a picnic with my kids when…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 50g/125m), 10 balls of: Yarn A Mercury (074) ■ Scheepjes Whirl (60% cotton, 40% acrylic, 220g/1000m), 1 cake of Yarn B Blueberry Bambam (755) Note Yarn quantities are enough to make two cushions ■ A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook ■ 2 cushion pads, 35x35cm ■ 5 buttons per cushion, 2cm diameter For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com TENSION 21 sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 2.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Cushion Cover measures 38x38cm (15x15in) ABBREVIATIONS puff stitch (Yrh, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up loop) 6 times, yrh and draw through all loops on hook reverse dc As standard dc but working from left…

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 the pins – if you have less than the pattern, your tension is too loose so you need to use a smaller hook, but if you have too many, use a larger hook. It’s usually better to match the stitches than rows, because you can always work more or fewer rows.…

Materials list for entire CAL project ■ Ricorumi (100% cotton, 25g/58m) 2 balls of White (001) 1 ball of each: Pink (011) Candy Pink (012) Raspberry (013) Midnight Blue (035) Pistachio (047) Wine Red (029) Orange (027) Green (049) Fuchsia (014) Sky Blue (031) Purple (020) Yellow (006) Black (060) ■ Rico Creative Lamé (62% polyester, 38% polyamide, 25g/135m) 1 ball of each: Gold (002) Silver (001) ■ Rico Creative Cotton (100% cotton, DK, 50g/115m) 1 ball each of: Red Fir Green ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ 60x35cm cushion pad ■ 3 safety eyes, 5mm size ■ 1 safety eye, 3mm size…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Novita Venla 220 (75% wool, 25% polyamide, 100g/420m) Yarn A Apple Blossom (505) Yarn B Willow Herb (539) Yarn C Tomato (543) Yarn D Off White (10) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 4mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact Deramores 01733 777345 www.deramores.com TENSION 16 sts and 17 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) using yarn held doubled over double crochet with a 4mm hook or size needed to obtain stated tension 16 sts and 7.5 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) using yarn held doubled over treble crochet with a 4mm hook or size needed to obtain stated tension ABBREVIATIONS FPhtr (Front Post htr) Work as for a standard htr, inserting hook from front to back to front around the post of…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Novita 7 Brothers Aran (75% wool, 25% polyamide, 100g/200m) Yarn A Evergreen (371) Yarn B Off White (010) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists see page 3 TENSION 14 sts and 18 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 5mm hook or size needed to obtain stated tension ABBREVIATIONS foundation treble crochet Ch4 (counts as first tr), *yrh, insert hook into last ch from hook, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through one loop (ch-1 sp made), (yrh and pull through 2 loops) twice; rep from * inserting hook into ch-1 sp at base of previous st For a full list,…

GLARE IN THE AIR Trick or treat? Looks like these two candy-stash bags have already made up their minds. Finished bags are 10x11in and 4¾x5in. The pattern, from Etsy shop WhiskersAndWool, is for both bag sizes. FANGING OUT Chloe the bat is such a sweetheart we might invite her round for a bite to eat; what’s the worst that could happen? Pattern from Etsy – search Manuska. CLOWN JEWELS Clowns have finally completed their transition from entertainer to agent of terror. Get in on the trend with this collar and gloves set pattern from Etsy – see Crochetverse. FUNNYBONES A spooktacular decoration for year after year; just keep this bony bad boy away from the dog. Eight-page pattern with pictures from Etsy – search for PinkPumpkinStudio. DRAC’ ATTACK You need…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Gütermann hand-quilting thread (100% cotton, 200m) 1 spool of each: Mint Green (8816) Cream (919) Lilac (4226) or Pink (2346) ■ A 0.6mm (US 16 steel) hook ■ Beading needle ■ 2 seed beads (optional) ■ 4 jump rings, 3mm ■ 2 earwires (available from www.spoiltrottenbeads.co.uk) ■ Pliers For yarn stockists contact Hobbycraft 0330 026 1400 www.hobbycraft.co.uk TENSION Tension is not critical for this project MEASUREMENTS Flowers measure approx 2cm (¾in) across widest point ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Incurable creatives will have already seen the abounding opportunities of this motif. Hook the earrings, then adapt for a necklace and bracelet, to make a jewellery bouquet! EARRINGS FLOWER Using Cream, make a magic loop. Round 1 (RS) Ch1, 15dc into loop, ss to…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Wool Couture Cheeky Chunky (100% merino wool, 200g/130m) 3 skeins of Mustard 1 skein of Dark Brown Any black yarn Any pink yarn ■ An 8mm (US L/11) hook ■ Toy stuffing For yarn stockists contact Wool Couture 01226 414950 www.woolcouturecompany.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Lion measures approx 66cm (26in) tall ABBREVIATIONS 5-tr cluster (Yrh, insert hook into st specified, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook) 5 times, yrh and pull through all loops on hook fringing knot Fold strand of yarn in half, pass folded end through st, pass 2 ends through the loop formed by the folded ends, tighten to secure For a…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico Fashion Cotton Métallisé (53% cotton, 35% acrylic, 12% metallic, 50g/130m) Aquamarine (015) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook ■ A 6mm (US J/10) book ■ Stitch markers ■ 1 button, 15mm diameter For yarn stockists contact Rico www.rico-design.co.uk TENSION 6 sts and 9 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over V-st pattern using a 6mm hook or size needed to obtain stated tension First 5 rounds of Mandala measure 16cm (6¼in) diameter Completed Mandala of 16 rounds measures 44.5cm (17½in) diameter ABBREVIATIONS V-st (Tr, ch1, tr) in st or sp indicated; when working V-sts into V-sts from the previous row, always work into the ch-sp of the V-st dtrV-st (Dtr, ch1, dtr) in st or sp indicated For a…

Setting up a shop online can be both rewarding and exciting, but also slightly daunting! If you’re not quite sure where to start, then look no further. We’ve teamed up with two amazing experts to give you the lowdown on all the technical know-how you need to run a successful online crochet store. Enjoy! FIND YOUR PLATFORM There are plenty of online platforms where you’re able to sell your patterns and finished designs. Some of the most popular, which you’ve most likely heard of, are Etsy and eBay – but don’t be afraid to branch out a little and try out other selling platforms that may fit your style more. Irene Strange, amigurumi maker and crochet pattern designer (irenestrange.co.uk), has been selling her patterns online for almost ten years now:…

1 Use a pin to mark position of your button, lining up with the buttonhole. Secure yarn on wrong side of fabric and thread onto tapestry needle. Bring needle out at pin mark and through button. 2 Push the needle back through the button and the fabric, pulling the yarn firmly. Bring the needle out through the fabric and button, and back down again. 3 Take yarn to the front of the fabric, but under button and NOT through button. Wrap yarn around twice, pull yarn tight (to create a shank and prevent fraying). 4 Take the yarn to the back of the fabric and weave in end to secure.…

We’ve been double tapping on Instagram and admiring your makes. Tag us @simplycrochetmag and use the hashtag #SCtreblemaker SNOUT AND ABOUT Gabriela, aka @gpbittencourt, has whipped up this stitch-perfect lady badger. Thanks for hooking our make – we consider it a real badger of honour. COAST TO COASTER This mind-muddling coaster from issue 86’s Sun and Shade story collection is now a prize piece in @lnewman56’s living room. Your table will thank you lnewman! FILET OKAY Jaimie, aka @5plusdime, had a crack at one of our gorgeous filet garments from issue 83, and just look at the result! High five! *hand slap sound* ODD BODS Leonie, known by her Insta-gang as @l_redgate, is rocking a pair of very warm feet, not to mention these mismatched marvels. 12/10 – we love…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo (80% bamboo, 20% wool, 50g/95m) 5 balls of Nellie (99) 1 ball of each: Chatterbox (94) Carrot (84) Lemonade (116) Limey (155) Deckster Blue (120) Peony (110) Candy (114) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures 65x65cm (25½x25½in) ABBREVIATIONS c2c block Ss into next ch-3 sp, (ch3, 3tr) into ch-3 sp For a full list, see page 92 Designer Becky Skuse says: “Take your first steps with c2c crochet by making this eye-popping baby blanket. The geometric rainbow effect is really easy because the project is divided into four quarters. Each quarter is made with the…

As a self-confessed crochet blanket queen, being pregnant meant I was truly in baby blanket-making heaven. However, when my son was born, I experienced the crochet hiatus that inevitably comes alongside the exhaustion of being a new mum. When I did eventually find the time and energy to pick up my hooks again, I resolved to make my son a really special blanket that was different to the traditional pastel wraps I had hooked up previously. I wanted to create something that reflected the things that he was beginning to notice and like – which at the time was primarily rainbow colours and cars. He had reached an age where a lot of his day was spent rolling around on the floor, so I also wanted it to be interactive;…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Novita Muumitalo (Moomin House) (75% wool, 25% nylon, 100g/225m) Little My (583) Snork (152) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook ■ A stitch marker For yarn stockists see page 3 TENSION 16.5 sts and 13 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over half treble using a 4.5mm hook or size needed to obtain tension; if you find it easier to measure, you can work to a tension of 33 sts to 20cm. The Hem Pattern Strip of 25 sts should measure 14cm (4½in) in width using a 5mm hook or size needed to obtain stated tension; the row tension of this Strip is 18.5 rows to measure 10cm (4in) or 37 rows to 20cm…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Novita Nalle DK (75% wool, 25% polyamide, 100g/260m) Glacier (324) White (011) Graphite (044) Stone (043) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 3.25 mm (US D/3) hook ■ A 3mm (US D/3) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists see page 3 TENSION 20 sts and 20 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 3.25mm hook 20 sts and 13 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over htr patt using 3mm hook ABBREVIATIONS FPhtr (Front Post htr) Work as for a standard htr, inserting hook from front to back to front around the post of the st below For a full list, see page 92 of Simply Crochet magazine Chest Width a: 34.5 (36.5: 39.5: 42)cm, 13½ (14½: 15½: 16½)in Length…