Innehållsförteckning för 96 från Simply Crochet

Hello Hooksters! At the time of writing, shops and restaurants are closed, people are working from home and the government has just announced unprecedented restrictions on movement. Strange and unsettling times indeed! However uncertain things are, I really believe that crafting (and our craft is crochet!) can help us through. To be inspired, to learn and to create something beautiful or useful is truly a gift, keeping us calm, occupied and positive. In these pages you will find many crochet projects to help you through the days ahead, and if you can’t get to the shops make sure to check out our 3 issue offer to deliver free to your door on page 95. Stay safe and keep crocheting!…

CROCHETED HATS & SCARVES NIKKI TRENCH (£9.99, CICO Books) Wrap up in style with these 35 cute crocheted projects. It takes no time at all to crochet a scarf or a hat, and Nikki Trench has created a wide range of contemporary designs, with a variety of stitches and fashionable colours, so you’ll really stand out from the crowd. Not every scarf has to be for winter – the delicate daisy scarf and the pretty rose headband can be worn all year round. CROCHETED WREATHS ANNA NIKIPIROWICZ (£12.99,SearchPress) 12 beautiful crocheted wreaths to make for all year round, each with accompanying smaller projects. These lovely yarny creations are festooned with flowers, leaves and other decorations such as birds, owls, pumpkins, stars, bunnies and foxes. If you love the look but…

HEXAGON BLANKET Join-as-you-go granny hexagons make a statement in this blanket by Fran Morgan ■ Rico Baby Cotton Soft DK (100% cotton, 50g/125m), 9 balls of White (001), 3 balls of each: Emerald (032), Saffron (059), Flamingo (053), Lobster (029) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook TENSION Tensions is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures 140x110cm (55x43¼in) ABBEVIATIONS adjacent Motif This refers to the Motif that you will be joining to. If joining to multiple Motifs the pattern will refer to ‘next adjacent Motif’ corner join Where joining to the ch-2 sps on 2 adjacent motifs work 1dc into both ch-sps For a full list, see page 94 NOTES Blanket is made up of three types of Motifs. You will…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Furry Tales (100% polyester, 100g/57m) 1 ball of each: Wood Cutter (972) Snow Queen (971) ■ Scheepjes Stone Washed (78% cotton, 22% acrylic, 50g/130m) 1 ball of each: Moon Stone (801) Brown Agate (822) Rose Quartz (820) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ Toy stuffing ■ 2 black safety eyes, 9mm ■ Pink stranded cotton ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Guinea Pig measures 17cm (6¾in) long ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 94 If you need another pet in your life then Erinna’s realistic guinea pig could be the answer. Easy to care for…

Sharing a passion with other like-minded people is an amazing way of bringing people together. Crochet and other crafting clubs create their own community, building a bond between the members who regularly meet, whether in person or through an online community, to stitch and socialise. We spoke to founders and members of different crochet clubs to find out exactly what they love about them and why they want everyone to get involved. This piece was written before the pandemic, so the clubs are not meeting in person, but are still providing support to each other. WHY CROCHET CLUBS? “I was definitely not the only one who thought knitting in pubs would be fun” Becky Skuse is the founder of the Keynsham Crafters in Bristol. The team meet every other week…

1 Work to the point where you want the spike dc (we worked ch1 and 2 dc). 2 Work the next dc as a spike dc stitch: don’t insert your hook into the top of the next stitch or ch-sp, but into the st one row down from here (or further down, as instructed). 3 Work yrh and pull up a loop. Lengthen the loop to bring the st up to the height of the current row, making sure the fabric doesn’t pucker. 4 Complete the stitch as usual for a double crochet: yrh and pull through 2 loops.…

With a new decade came a rebranding of the much-loved Spring Knitting and Stitching Show. This was the festival’s first foray as The Stitch Festival and 16,000 craft enthusiasts braved the cold and descended on London’s Business Design Centre across the four-day event . As ever, the show was jam-packed with workshops, exhibitions, demonstrations, and stalls to stock up on all your supplies. With 150 of these it’s stash-accumulation-beyond-life-expectancy just waiting to happen. GET A HANDLE ON IT One of the workshops we popped along to was Hannah Johnson’s of Han Made It who was teaching people how to make Fimo crochet hook handles. Makers could choose from a range of bright and pastel colours and were taught some different design techniques. Besides creating a completely unique hook that looks…

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…

HANNAH CROSS Creating has always been a part of Hannah’s life and over the past few years HanJan Crochet has grown beyond her wildest dreams! Hook up her blanket on page 78. KATE MCCULLY Kate has been designing amigurumi toys for two years. She fuses contemporary designs with bright colour palettes. Take a look at her shelf buddy on page 23. SAM HERMES Crochet has a positive impact on Sam’s mental wellbeing. Yarn and colour inspire the patterns she designs to come to life. Find her collar on page 43. ELEONORA TULLY Eleonora started her blog, Coastal Crochet, five years ago. She lives by the sea and just loves sharing her huge passion for crochet with others. Check out her dog bandana on page 57. OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Natalie Beard, Ilaria…

Every month, three subscribers win a prize as thank you for their loyalty to Simply Crochet. This month, the winners (below) will each receive 8 balls of Caron Simply Soft yarn plus a pattern to make this gorgeous blanket, worth £46.99! C eck your issue next month to see if you’re a winner! Julie Spindler, Derbyshire Sharon Howard, Worcestershire Rowena Renshaw, Worcestershire Immediate Media Company, publishers of Simply Crochet, Subs tars giveaway Terms and Conditions. Prizes were dispatched before he on sale date of this issue. There are no cash alternatives. Three winning entries will be chosen at random from all current subscribers. The draw is final and no correspondence will be entered into.…

YOU WILL NEED ¦ Rowan Cotton Cashmere (85% cotton, 15% cashmere, 50g/125m) Coral Spice (214) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ¦ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ¦ Buttons, 6 (BN1800 from Bedecked) For yarn contact www.knitrowan.com 01484 668200 TENSION 15 sts and 8.5 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 4mm hook or size required to achieve tension ABBREVIATIONS ERd (Embossed Roundel) (tr, ch2) 9 times all into same st, remove hook from working loop, insert hook from back through top of first tr of Roundel and, keeping sts of Roundel at back of fabric (RS), pick up working loop again and draw through to close Roundel For a full list, see page 94 Bust width a: (at 2.5cm below armhole) 45.5 (50.5: 54.5: 60:…

1 Start by inserting the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch on the previous row. Begin to work a double crochet stitch in the usual way, working yrh and pull loop through (2 loops on hook). 2 Without finishing the first dc, begin the next dc by inserting the hook in the next stitch on the previous row. Again, work yrh and pull loop through (3 loops on hook). 3 Now complete both dc stitches together by working yrh and pull this loop through all 3 loops on the hook. 4 This is how your completed dc2tog should look. You will have neatly decreased one stitch. On subsequent rows, you can simply work a stitch into the top of the dc2tog stitch as usual.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Fyberspates Vivacious 4ply (100% superwash merino, 100g/365m) Heavenly (624) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact LoveCrafts 01409 404 010 www.lovecrafts.com TENSION Upper Section: 20 sts and 11 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet with a 3.5mm hook or size required to achieve tension. This is the measurement after blocking. Filet Section: 10 filet squares and 11 filet rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet with a 3.5mm hook or size required to achieve tension. This is the measurement after blocking. ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 94 Here is the perfect top to keep you stylish and cool this summer – delicate diamonds dominate the lower half, while…

Sara Scales “The colours for this challenge are gorgeous and making a cheerful flower garland was a joy on these all too grey days. I love to use 4ply yarn and this is a lovely product. The garland could go on your wall or make pretty curtain tie backs. I kept the flowers simple but bold to create an impact. They are versatile and would make great hair decorations or brooches. Just use your imagination and bring some sunshine into your life.” Sara is @Octopudding on Instagram and Facebook Michaela Lethbridge “My inspiration came whilst I was in my local park with my four-year-old niece. She asked me what the flowers were called – daffodils, tulips, crocuses – and told me their colours. With all the rain we’ve had in…

When you first start to crochet, there are a lot of things to get used to and nobody gets things perfect straight away. Making chains is the first crochet technique to learn and all it takes is a bit of patience and good advice. Your chains will probably look a bit uneven to start with, but don’t worry, you haven’t done it wrong – you might just need to adjust your technique slightly. In this workshop, we’re going to look at some of the common problems you might encounter with your chain stitches and how to overcome them. WHY IS MY CHAIN SO TIGHT? Relax and make your crochet looser… One of the biggest challenges in crochet is getting your tension right, so if your chain stitches look odd then…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Metropolis (75% merino wool, 25% nylon, 50g/200m) 4 balls of Yarn A Munich (079) 1 ball of Yarn B Istanbul (037) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ A 2.75mm (US C/2) hook For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities it requires MEASUREMENTS Shawl measures 180x148x81cm (70¾x58¼x32in) after blocking ABBREVIATIONS htr-hump Work st indicated into the extra loop that sits on the WS of the htr st in previous row; this loop will be facing you as you are working in turned rows spike dc Insert hook st indicated two rows below, yrh and pull loop up to height of current round, yrh and pull…

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.…

CROCHET TRIANGULAR SHAWL A shawl that is full of surprises! Make it in a discreet natural-coloured really gets you noticed. CROCHET PULLOVER 03 34-48 03 Crochet pullover Sizes: 34-36 (38-40) 42-44 (46-48) Finished measurements: Bust circumference: 96 (104) 110 (116) cm Length back: 60 (61) 62 (64) cm Inner sleeve length: 43 (44) 45 (46) cm Materials: BC Garn, Babyalpaca. Content: 100% alpaca. 50 g = 250 m. 6 (7) 7 (7) skeins col 43 fog Hook: Size 3 mm Tension: 24 tr and 13 rows = 10 x 10 cm Popcorn: 7 x (yarn over, insert into stitch, fetch yarn), pull yarn through all loops, ch1 Decrease: Decrease 1 tr by crocheting 2 tr together. Decrease 2 tr by crocheting 3 tr together. Increases: (for sleeves) Increase 1…

Nourish your soul We can’t get enough of Scheepjes’ ninth issue of their YARN bookazine. Called NOW Age, it presents four concepts across four carefully curated chapters containing a plethora of gorgeous crochet projects to inspire you like this amazing cushion by Simply Crochet regular designer, Esme Crick. The beautifully styled photography in the Joyful, Mindful, Spiritual and Respectful chapters are interspersed with a selection of articles and inspiration to offer the reader a meaningful moment to pause and absorb the theme of the bookazine. For more information on the designs and a list of stockists visit www.scheepjes.com SCANDI SPRING Like the sight of a bright green bud on a bare tree, the arrival of Gudrun Södjen’s spring collection brings optimism. “In our collections, we like to mix natural, simple…

RUNNER FOR YOUR LIFE Bare table? Add a focal point to your social gatherings, from dinner party to casual catch up with a cuppa, with this Spring Flower Table Runner. The pattern is £7.22 from Etsy store WhittyCreationStudio. SHRINKING VIOLET Attention fairy fans! A tiny crocheted African Violet is just what your fairy house needs outside its door. £7 from Fancyknittles on Etsy. A NEW LEAF Look at this monstera badge beauty! Each crocheted leaf is backed onto glittered pink felt for that extra sparkle. £4.70 from Etsy store SheMakesWhatever. SOFTLY SPIKY The combination of green acrylic and eyelash yarn makes for a very realistic representation of an actual cactus. £16 from hookedandhung’s Etsy store. DAZZLING DAFFODILS Spring party coming up? Bring the sunshine in to your home with a…

1 Begin working a treble as usual: yrh, insert hook under top two loops of next stitch on prev row, yrh, pull loop through (3 loops on hook), yrh and pull through first 2 loops (2 loops on hook). 2 Without finishing the first tr, begin the next tr, working yrh, insert hook in next stitch on prev row. Again, work yrh and pull loop through, yrh and pull through first 2 loops (3 loops on hook). 3 Now complete both the treble stitches together by working yrh and pull this loop through all 3 loops on the hook. 4 This is how your completed tr2tog should look. You will have neatly decreased one tr stitch. On subsequent rows, you can simply work a stitch into the top of the…

Let me start with a confession: I can’t knit. In fact, I’m knit-phobic. My mum tried to teach me when I was young but I failed miserably – I forgot how to cast on, cast off… disastrous. But the thing was, I kept looking at KaffeFassett’sbook Glorious Knitting andlovingthe textures, colours and intricate designs of Fair Isle and wishing I could do that. When I learnt to crochet I had absolutely no idea of its depth and flexibility – in fact, it’s actually an incredibly versatile and utterly magical craft. And 11 years in, I feel like I’m only just starting the journey… BACK TO BASICS “Classic crochet lends itself perfectly to stripes, blocks and squares, ripples and zigzags” If you’re anything like me and love experimenting with colour and…

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.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Cahlista (100% cotton, 50g/85m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Cyan (397) Yarn C Shocking Pink (114) A small amount of Yarn B Rich Coral (410) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ Dog collar For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Bandana measures 12cm (4¾in) in height and 19cm (7½in) across widest points Flowers measures 3.5cm (1½in) in diameter ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 94 The latest in canine chic, this bright bandana will ensure your furry friend stands out from the pack. Why not make several in different shades to match your outfits! NOTES Bandana is worked in increasing…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Go-to DK (100% acrylic, 100g/289m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Grey (020) Yarn B White (018) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact The Knitting Network www.theknittingnetwork.co.uk 01795 570303 TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Bag measures approx 22x26x12cm (8¾x10¼x4¾in) ABBREVIATIONS mtr Work standard treble into skipped st 3 rows below keeping the ch-sps on the WS of the work reverse dc Working opposite direction, insert hook into next st to the right (or left if left-handed), yrh and pull up a loop, yrh, pull through two loops on the hook Reasons why we love this bag: the symmetrical pattern looks fab in…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/295m) 2 balls of Yarn A Graphite (1063) 1 ball of each: Yarn B Kelly Green (1826) Yarn C Copper (1029) Yarn D Violet (1277) Yarn E Aster (1003) Yarn F Mustard (1823) Yarn G Fuchsia Purple (1827) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ Foam cushion, 46x46x10cm (available from www.anyfoam.co.uk) For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www. woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 20 sts over 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using a 4mm hook or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Floor cushion measures 48x48x10cm (19x19x4in) ABBREVIATIONS spiked dc Work a dc into st indicated from a previous row, skip the next st across on current row For a full list, see page 94 Ideal for a…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Stylecraft Bambino DK (100% acrylic, 100g/268m) 1 ball of each: Denim Dungarees (3943) Grey Mist (7115) Sage (7117) Blue Mist (3945) Clotted Cream (7112) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook ■ 4 stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft Yarns 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures 75x75cm (29½x29½in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 94 The calming colours in this blanket are very restful and may induce sleep, but we can’t guarantee it – sorry! NOTES Blanket is made up of three Panels. Each Panel is worked individually and bordered before being joined together. Once all the Panels are joined, the Blanket is finished with a Border. BABY BLANKET…

1 In the next stitch, work 6 treble stitches up to half way, so work: (yrh, insert hook into stitch, yrh, pull loop through, yrh, pull through first 2 loops) 6 times. Now work yrh, pull through all loops on hook. 2 Work one final yrh and pull loop through the remaining bobble loop on the hook. 3 This is how your completed bobble should look now. Continue to work the row in treble stitches, as instructed in your pattern. 4 Once you’re a few stitches past the bobble, you can go back to it and push it through to the right side with your finger.…

Only two years ago the thought of reading a pattern would petrify me, so now to have become a crochet designer literally blows my mind! My point here is if I can, you can too! When in the early stages of designing a new pattern, the self doubt can be overwhelming and thoughts of ‘how will this be received?’, ‘is it good enough?’ and ‘is it clear?’ creep in. But after speaking with many incredible designers, I have learnt that this in fact all part of the process. To date the Jagged Little Wrap has been by far my most successful pattern, and it wasn’t even intended to be published! Since being a little girl I have always enjoyed making handmade gifts for my family and friends, and the JLW…

CROCHET PONCHO Check out this stunning crocheted 06 One size Design: Lea Petäjä Yarn: 7 Veljestä 01 Crochet granny square sweater and polo neck Sizes: One size: 36-40 Finished measurements: Sweater: Bust circumference: 124 cm Length: 62 cm Inner sleeve length: 42 cm Polo neck: 28 cm in width x 60 cm in length before sewing Materials: Katia, AZTECA. Blend: 53% wool, 47% acrylic. 100 g = 180 m. Sweater: 4 balls col. 7856 Katia, MERINO ARAN. Blend: 52% merino superwash, 48% acrylic. 100 g = 155 m. Sweater: 6 balls col. 9 Polo neck: 2 balls col. 9 Crochet hook: Size 5 mm Gauge: Measurements are taken after slightly blocking swatch. Using MERINO ARAN and size 5 mm crochet hook, in Double crochet: 12 sts and 6 rows…