Innehållsförteckning för 97 från Simply Crochet

Hello Hooksters! Amidst the uncertainty of life during the pandemic, the simple pleasure of crochet continues to provide a calming familiarity. Picking up a hook and feeling yarn move through your fingers is a soothing balm to the soul. We hope you’ll be inspired to continue creating with our projects – blue is the colour this issue with a collection of fantastic makes including a gorgeous, batwing cardigan on page 26. If you are looking to bust your stash then the glorious multicoloured scarf on page 59 is for you. Or perhaps you want to take your cue from the sea with the amigurumi mermaid on page 31? Whatever you decide, share your pictures on Instagram tagged #sctreblemaker, or on our Facebook group Simply Crochet SCtreblemakers, as we love seeing…

HOW TO CROCHET MOLLIE MAKES (£9.99,Pavilion) This book is aimed at complete beginners, with step-by-step techniques and easy, fun projects of all levels. The team behind Mollie Makes magazine have brought together all their favourite crochet designers to share their tips, stories and beautiful projects. A handy beginner’s section is followed by 15 exclusive projects such as bouquet of woolly flowers, a cute set of Russian dolls, or an on-trend bolster to bring your home up to date. FAIRYTALE BLANKETS TO CROCHET LYNNE ROWE (£12.99, Search Press) Do you know a child with a favourite character? Here are 10 fantasy-themed blankets for storytime cuddles. Including a deer, a dragon, a lion and a unicorn, each blanket can be made for toddlers and for young children. Every blanket tells a story,…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Cascade Heritage Solids 4ply (75% wool, 25% nylon, 100g/400m) Royal (5615) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 5 v-sts and 9 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) using a 5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS v-st (Tr, ch1, tr) in sp between each v-st from previous row and NOT into the v-st ch-sps corner-cs (V-st, ch1, v-st, ch1) into marked ch-sp (pm in corner ch-1 sp between v-sts) For a full list, see page 88 You’ll be a cool customer in this open fronted, batwing cardigan. It’s just the thing to throw on when chilling out, and looks extra fresh when teamed with…

1 Make a magic loop (see page 87) and work the t-ch (ch1 for dc). Work the number of dc stitches indicated in pattern into the loop, do not join the last stitch to the first st 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…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Lang Yarns Merino 120 (100% merino wool, 50g/120m) Yarn A 439 (chestnut) Yarn B 85 (pink) Yarn C 149 (yellow) Yarn D 159 (orange) Yarn E 316 (green) Yarn F 31 (blue) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook For yarn stockists contact LoveCrafts 01409 404010 www.lovecrafts.com TENSION 16 sts and 10 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 4.5mm hook or size required to achieve tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 Your search for a colourful summer cardigan is over: the loose, long style is flattering and offers a breezy, relaxed look that’s great with jeans or shorts. Rainbow stripes and tasselled edge complete the boho vibe.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Metropolis (75% merino wool, 25% nylon, 50g/200m) 2 balls of each: Yarn A Ankara (010) Yarn B Vancouver (028) Yarn C Dhaka (040) Yarn F Montreal (059) 1 ball of each: Yarn D Marseille (019) Yarn E Darwin (044) Yarn G San Juan (027) Yarn H Suwon (018) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook ■ 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 it requires MEASUREMENTS Wrap measures 37x217cm (14½x85½in) after blocking ABBREVIATIONS standing dc Place a slipknot on hook, insert hook into st indicated, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook spiked dc Insert hook into…

Stitches are the key to creating crochet fabrics of all shapes and sizes, and the first stitch most crocheters learn is a double crochet. Double crochet is the smallest crochet stitch and the simplest one to work, so it’s great for beginners. Double crochet is often used for amigurumi and other projects where you need a fabric that’s dense with almost no gaps. Crocheters in the US call it ‘single crochet’, but the technique is just the same. It’s abbreviated as ‘dc’ in UK patterns and ‘sc’ in US patterns. Once you can work a neat, even chain, you’ll be ready to make dc stitches. We’ll show you exactly what you need to do to make your first row of dc stitches, worked into a chain length. WHICH PART OF…

YOU WILL NEED ■ For The Love of Yarn Single Ply, (65% merino, 15% yak, 20% silk, 120g/480m) 1 skein of Sensation ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ 2 stitch markers For yarn stockists contact www.fortheloveofyarn.co.uk TENSION 24 sts and 7 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 3.5mm hook or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Shawl measures 71x146cm (28x57½in) ABBREVIATIONS shell 5tr in st indicated v-st (Tr, ch2, tr) in st indicated picot Ch3, ss to third ch from hook picot shell (3tr, picot, 3tr) in st indicated For a full list, see page 88 Up your style with this lightweight shawl, the perfect cover up for warm summer nights. It’ll add a touch of relaxed sophistication to your daytime wear, too. NOTES Shawl…

YOU WILL NEED ■ King Cole Cottonsoft Crush (100% cotton, 100g/210m) 2 balls of Rhododendron (2441) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION 20 sts and 14 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using a 3.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Scarf measures 150cm (59in) in circumference and 17cm (6¾in) deep ABBREVIATIONS puff st (Yrh, insert hook into st indicated, yrh and pull up a loop to height of treble st) 3 times, yrh and pull through all 7 loops on hook, ch1 For a full list, see page 88 of Simply Crochet magazine Accessorise your Tees with this gorgeous infinity scarf in summer garden shades. The combination of stitches and multicoloured yarn creates a beautiful striped…

JENNY KING Jenny describes her garments as designer knitwear made with a hook. Teaching others is her favourite thing in the world. See her batwing cardigan on page 26. BECKY SKUSE Becky is a freelance writer, editor and craft designer who creates crochet, sewing and knitting patterns for sale as MakeMeDo. Find her sparkly shoulder pads on page 41. CASSIE WARD Cassie loves to design garments. They are inspired by a love of fashion and desire to be different. Crochet is good therapy for her anxious mind. Find her boho cardigan on page 44. JESS BENNETT Jess loves to design and make crochet garments for children. Her aim is to create clothes that are modern, practical and fun. Check out her child’s T-shirt on page 55. OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Natalie Beard,…

1 ARC EN (WINDOW) CIEL Here’s a 3D rainbow for your windowsill, or any other surface that needs a bit of cheering up! Spread the love (and only the love) and grab the pattern from LuckyTwinsWorld on Etsy for £2.77. 2 HAPPY RAINBOW For a permanent show of solidarity hook up this cute amigurumi rainbow and raindrops mobile. The pattern is £3.58 from Etsy store Crochetgiftshop. 3 FLOWER OF LIFE This geometric motif in rainbow yarn is great for those who want a more subtle take on the theme. It is £9.13 from Etsy store crochet4angel. The pattern is also available. 4 SUNSHINE ON A RAINY DAY You can’t make a rainbow without rain. Make your own hanging rainbow and raindrops with a pattern from SewSewBabyStore on Etsy for £2.40.…

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…

In a topsy-turvy world it can sometimes be tricky to keep your spirits up and find the time and energy to dedicate to the things you love. I recently found myself having to think hard about what crochet meant to me after having to have a break from it. I’m so happy to say that in no time at all I was back on track and enjoying my craft more than ever. So if you find yourself needing a bit of a cro-jo boost I want you to know that you are not alone. It happens to all of us and it’s possibly the best thing that could happen. It can give you a chance to rediscover and reconnect so that you can enjoy it with renewed energy and drive.…

1 Cut a piece of cardboard 10cm long. Make a 1cm cut in one short end of the card. Tie a knot in one end of the yarn and secure it in the slot. 2 Wrap the yarn around the length of the card 25 times. 3 Cut a small piece of yarn, thread under the yarn wraps at the top of the card and knot the ends. Cut through the bottom wraps and snip off the starting knot(s). 4 Cut another piece of yarn and wrap it around the tassel, approx 2cm from the top, to form head. Thread end onto a needle and insert down inside the head wraps. Trim ends.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Erika Knight Gossypium Cotton (100% cotton, 50g/100m) Yarn A Paddle (516) Yarn B Milk (500) Yarn C Daring (509) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 4mm (US G/6) crochet hook For yarn stockists contact The Knitting Network 01795 570303 www.theknittingnetwork.co.uk TENSION Yarn used crochets as DK to this tension: 15.5 sts and 10 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stitch patt (alternate rows of treble and half treble crochet) using a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension; alternatively, measure 31 sts over 20cm ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 NOTES T-shirt is worked top down in joined rounds. The rounds are alternately in htr (Yarn A) and tr (Yarn B). Change colour on the last yrh of each…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Merino Soft (50% merino wool, 25% microfibre, 25% acrylic, 50g/105m) 3 balls of each: Yarn A Bennett (633) Yarn B Picasso (621) Yarn C Van Eyck (645) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ 2 safety eyes, 3mm ■ Cushion insert, 40x40cm ■ Stitch markers ■ Small pompom maker For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION 18 sts over 18 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Cushion measures 38x38cm (15x15in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 Looking for something a little different to hook up for your home? We’re sure this quirky crustacean cushion will claw its way into your heart, and the colour combination and pompoms give it…

LACE ROSETTE MOTIF Make a magic loop. ROUND 1 Ch3 (counts as tr), 11tr in loop, ss in top of ch3 to join. [12 tr] ROUND 2 Ch3 (counts as tr), tr in st at base of ch-3, ch2, *skip next st, 2tr in next st, ch2; rep from * 5 times, ss to top of beg ch-3. [12 tr and 12 ch-sps] ROUND 2 Ss in sp between next 2tr, *ch6, ss in same sp, ch7, skip ch-2 sp, ss in sp between next 2tr; rep from * 5 times more. FASTEN OFF AND WEAVE IN ENDS. DROPS LACE MIX WEIGHT Lace CONTENT 70% baby alpaca, 30% silk BALL 50g/400m HOOK 3.5mm RRP £4.70 DROPS Lace Mix is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a luxury yarn on…

1 Check your yarn’s ball band for advice on whether to dry, wet or steam block your item. To wet block, wash the item before pinning. For dry and steam blocking, pin out when dry. To pin out, lay the item flat on a towel over a blanket. 2 Using long, rust-proof pins or blocking wires, pin out to the measurements in your pattern (check the schematic for garments). Start at the corners, then move evenly around the edges. You can reposition pins if needed. 3 Place pins inside the last row or round of stitches, not in the actual stitches or you risk distorting them. Insert the pin’s point towards the centre of the fabric, away from the edge, to balance out the forces involved. 4 For wet blocking,…

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…

1 Work to where you want to your puff stitch. Now work *yrh, insert hook into the next stitch, yrh and pull through a loop of yarn. Bring the loop up to the same height as a treble stitch. 2 Repeat from * in Step 1 twice more (or as instructed in your pattern). You will now have 7 loops on the hook. Work one more yrh and carefully pull this through all the loops on the hook. 3 You will have formed a puff stitch with 3 repeats. Vary the number of repeats from * to create a puff stitch with 4 or 5 repeats – the more repeats you work, the larger your puff stitch will look. 4 To secure and complete the puff stitch, chain 1 (yrh…

BAKER BOY HAT Get ahead of the crowd with an on-trend hat by Hannah Cross ■ Cascade Heritage Solids 4ply (75% wool, 25% nylon, 100g/400m), 2 balls of Placid Blue (5713) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ Plastic milk bottle cap, 4cm ■ Sheet of plastic, 20x10cm (eg plastic milk bottle) TENSION 20 sts and 13 rounds to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over half treble crochet using a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS To fit head circumference of 54-57cm (21¼-22½in) ABBREVIATIONS htr2tog *Yrh, insert hook into next st, yrh and pull up a loop; rep from * once more, yrh and pull through all loops on hook NOTES The body of the Hat is worked in rows and then joined and gathered at the top…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar Happy Chenille (100% polyester, 15g/38m) 2 balls of each: Yarn A Cheeky (0015) Yarn B Bon Bon (0017) 1 ball of each: Yarn C Tutti Frutti (0032) Yarn D Mermaid (0016) A small amount of each: Yarn E Fuzzy (0013) Yarn F Ink Spot (0022) ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ 2 safety eyes, 6mm ■ Toy stuffing For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Mermaid measures approx 29cm (11½in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 Seas the day and crochet this beauty from the watery deep. Her tails of ocean life will engage you; her ringlets will enthrall you –…

1 To make a half treble crochet stitch (htr), 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.…

HIDE YOUR VEG! Look out, Peter Rabbit’s about! Judy Griffiths has hooked up this fab example from issue 95. We love the little carrot holder she’s added inside his jacket, perfect for hiding what he’s stolen from Mr McGregor’s garden, or even Judy’s vegetable box! Thanks for emailing the evidence, Judy. GRANNY’S GOLD The colours of @freesia_crochet’s granny square cardigan from issue 90 really suit her. She’s used Stylecraft DK in gold, spice, cream and black. For those of you who may want to replicate the look we understand why! It’s a great combination that works well with dark colours. You could say it is golden! OCEANS OF COLOUR This gorgeous version of the ocean wrap from issue 79 has been made by @loulie_rae. She’s used Stylecraft Yarns Meadow Batik…

I learnt to crochet a few years ago. I’d always made things out of fabric and yarn since I was a child and enjoyed making my own clothes. However, living in a small flat with no dedicated space to set my machine up meant that I’d fallen out of love with sewing. I was missing something creative to do when I discovered crochet; a craft I could do while I watched TV in the evenings and could easily store away. I was, as they say, hooked! I made this little hat shortly before I gave birth to my daughter. It was the first shaped item that I’d ever made and I didn’t use a specific pattern; I looked at how different people suggested to make the crown of the hat…