Innehållsförteckning för 98 från Simply Crochet

Hello Hooksters! Waking up to sunlight, bees buzzing, the call of ice lollies… summer is here, regardless of the pandemic. Take inspiration from the great outdoors – even if you haven’t been outside for months – and choose one of our summery projects. A blooming collection of homely makes includes a floral wallhanging on page 17, or the most chilled lion you’ll ever meet on page 16. If a T-shirt refresh is in order, hook up the stunning mandala embellishment on page 41. Whatever you pick, share your pictures on Instagram tagged #sctreblemaker, or on our Facebook group Simply Crochet SCtreblemakers, as we really enjoy seeing them!…

HOW TO CROCHET KRISTI SIMPSON (£15.95,SearchPress) Babies are adorable, and their crocheted swag should be, too! Blankets, sweaters, booties, hats, toys, and so much more make this book of 40 easy and oh-so-cute baby essentials the only one you’ll need for crocheting for the babies in your life. Sizes from newborn to 12 months will keep baby in style for their first year, and toys and blankets will continue to bring joy for years to come! CROCHET BLANKETS TO SNUGGLE UNDER ANA MORAIS SOARES (£14.99, Tuva) Designer Ana Morais Soares has a great passion for colour and blankets. In this book she presents 15 colourful projects, using different crochet techniques and styles, from simple blankets to more elaborate designs. The blankets are crocheted using gorgeous yarns – linen, wool, cotton,…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Whirl (60% cotton, 40% acrylic, 220g/1000m) 1 cake of Cotton Candy Man (760) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) 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 required MEASUREMENTS Shawl measures approx 153x66cm (60¼x26in) ABBREVIATIONS  v-st (Tr, ch2, tr) in sp indicated tr3tog *Yrh, insert hook into next st, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through two loops on hook; rep from * twice more, yrh and pull through all loops on hook dtr picot Dtr, (ch3, ss to third ch) 3 times, dtr For a full list, see page 88 When the weather starts to sizzle, match your threads to the rays and hook up this hot accessory!…

1 Make a magic loop (see page 87) and work the t-ch (ch1 for dc). Now work 6 dc stitches into the loop, but do not join the last stitch and first stitch of this 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…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Caron Simply Soft Heathers (100% acrylic, 142g/228 m) Yarn A Gray Heather (H9509) ■ Caron Simply Soft Ombre (100% acrylic, 142g/215 m) Yarn B Teal Zeal (22002) Yarn C Gold (22008) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 13 sts and 14 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 5mm hook or size needed to obtain tension ABBREVIATIONS Bust width a: 50.5 (56: 58.5: 63.5: 71: 80.5)cm, 20 (22: 23: 25: 28: 31¾)in Yoke depth b: 37.5 (39: 40.5: 40.5: 42: 42)cm, 14¾ (15½: 16: 16: 16½: 16½)in Lower body depth c: 18 (18: 18: 20: 23: 25.5)cm, 7 (7: 7: 8: 9: 10)in Neckline…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Paintbox Cotton Aran (100% cotton, 50g/85m) 5 balls of Red Wine (616) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ Stitch marker ■ 2 D-rings, 25mm (available from www.terrysfabrics.co.uk) ■ Brass chain bag strap with lobster clasp ends, 110cm For yarn stockists contact LoveCrafts 01409 404010 www.lovecrafts.com TENSION 17 sts and 9 rounds to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 3.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Bag measures approx 30cm (11¾in) tall ABBREVIATIONS back two loops Where directed to work into the back two loops, insert hook into the back loop and the third loop that sits on the WS of the st; this will push the front loop forward to produce a raised chain on the RS For a full…

Last issue, I showed you the basics of working double crochet stitches into a foundation chain. Now that you’ve had chance to practise, you might find you’re encountering a few problems – don’t worry! In this issue I’ll show you how to overcome the most common problems with working stitches into a foundation chain. I’ll also show you an alternative method for working into the foundation chain – the ‘back bumps’ technique, which is my personal preference because it creates a neater finish at the bottom edge of your crochet fabric. WHY DOES MY FIRST ROW OF STITCHES LOOK WRONG? How to tackle common problems… Step 1 Last issue, we made a practice row of double crochet (dc) stitches, which should have looked like this. In brief, we made 11…

BRIGHT AND BURDA-FUL Here is Maureen Willis’ daughter, who is modelling her mum’s first attempt at a jumper. Maureen’s crocheted for years, but never managed to make something to wear – until issue 96, with the bonus Burda garment patterns, came along! They are both well-chuffed with the outcome, and so you should be! HEDGEHOG HIGHWAY Issue 95 has certainly sent @petra.bela on an imaginative journey. This lovely amigurumi pal of Peter Rabbit, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, is scurrying through an atmospheric forest. It is a very evocative scene; we can picture another one of Beatrix Potter’s characters, maybe Benjamin Bunny, popping out from round the next toadstool! PINING FOR PINEAPPLE Barbara Bell has hooked up not one but four mighty fine-apple cushions from issue 86. They’re the perfect accessory for her…

SAMANTHA FLETCHER Sammyjo specialises in all things rainbow – everything is bright and cheerful. Rainbow projects are the perfect way to pass a rainy day. See her child’s tunic on page 55. MARTINE DE REGT Martine is Dutch, lives in the UK and is mum to two boys. She loves amigurumi and crocheting little projects in bright colours. Find her pen toppers on page 21. SANITA BRENSONE Sanita lives in Latvia and is a stay-at-home mom for three rascals. She’s a colour-loving blanket designer and crochet is her way to find peace in everyday chaos. Find her blanket on page 67. SHARI WHITE Shari finds inspiration all around her. She sketches a design when it pops into her head and brings it to life with crochet on her commute to…

LIGHTEN UP Add colour and light to your outdoor space with these stripy lanterns. Include an appliqué alpaca for a bit of fun! Follow the detailed PDF tutorial to make Elealinda Design’s pattern – buy on Etsy for £4.36. CACTUS COASTERS Grab your sunglasses, rest your margarita on a cactus coaster and pretend you’re in Mexico! Available for £12.52 from Etsy store DaoDazzling Creations. WATER FIGHT! Crocheted water balloons – is there anything we can’t hook? £8.00 from BlossomKnitsGB’s Etsy store. Use the exclusive code SIMPLY10 for a 10% discount. SITTING ON SUNSHINE Careful, you might burn yourself – this seat looks hot! Get the pattern for this double thickness cushion by OlgaAndrew Design on Etsy for £2.40. GREEN WITH IVY A hand-sculpted polymer clay hook to remind you of…

1 Start a treble as usual: yrh, insert hook in next stitch, yrh, pull up loop, yrh, pull through first 2 loops (2 loops on hk). Now start a 2nd tr and work it until you’re halfway through, as before (3 loops hook). 2 Without completing the first or 2nd tr, start a 3rd treble and work it until you’re halfway through, as before (4 loops on hook). (If you’re instructed to tr4tog, just repeat the process again.) 3 Now complete all the treble stitches together by working yrh and pull this loop through all the loops on the hook. 4 This is how your completed tr3tog should look. You will have neatly decreased 2 tr stitches. On subsequent rows, just work into the top of the tr3tog stitch as…

Do you ever get so inspired by another crocheter that you absolutely have to try out a new technique? I was lucky to be introduced to Steffi Glaves who specialises in designing and making the most exquisite micro crochet jewellery and now I can’t wait to have a go! I crocheted some earrings once and they were clumsy and awkward but Steffi has the most amazing way of making items that are delicate, professional and simply beautiful. Travelling meant Steffi needed a much more portable craft than her background in metalwork and enamelling and so she found micro crochet. Alongside her work as a design and technology teacher Steffi has a flourishing business that includes designing for magazines and creating bespoke pieces for customers. She shared with me how much…

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…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Paintbox Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/125m) 1 ball of each: Bubblegum Pink (451) Vanilla Cream (408) Soft Fudge (410) Peach Orange (455) Lipstick Pink (452) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn contact LoveCrafts 01409 404010 www.lovecrafts.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Mandala measures approx 28cm (11in) in diameter ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 They say home is where the heart is so why not choose colours to complement your room decor for this little make. Hook up a matching set and spread the love… NOTES Mandala is worked in rounds with RS facing throughout. Where using more than one colour in a round, change colour on the final yrh…

YOU WILL NEED Scheepjes Colour Crafter (100% acrylic, 100g/300m) 2 balls of each: Barneveld (1005) Brussel (2004) Eindhoven (1114) Emmen (1116) Franeker (1826) Leuven (2008) Terneuzen (1821) 1 ball of Malmedy (2014) ■ 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 required MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures approx 125x154cm (49¼x60½in) ABBREVIATIONS tr3tog *Yrh, insert hook into next st, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook; rep from * twice more, yrh and pull through all loops on hook For a full list, see page 88 Lose yourself in the pleasing geometry of this cleverly constructed blanket. The double…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Hoooked Spesso Eco Barbante Chunky Cotton (100% cotton, 500g/127m) 1 ball of each: Pine Lagoon Spring ■ A 10mm (US N/15) hook For yarn stockists contact Hoooked 0031 7033 51886 www.hoookedyarn.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project MEASUREMENTS Table Mat measures approx 32cm (12½in) in diameter ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 Add colour to your meal times and protect your table with contrasting mats. NOTES Table Mats are worked in rounds with RS facing throughout. Each Table Mat uses two colours of yarn. TABLE MATS Using any colour, ch8 and ss to last ch to from hook to form a loop. Round 1 (RS) Ch1, 12dc into loop, ss to top of beg dc. [12 dc] Round 2 Ch3 (counts as…

My current favourite crochet project would have to be the summer bag that I made last year. I made a bag out of a massive ball of jute twine yarn and two wooden handles. It has been on many amazing journeys, met some lovely people and carried my well-loved essentials over the last year. The bag endured some damage when my husband accidentally stepped on it! He snapped one of the wooden handles, so I had to carefully replace them. I’ve received many lovely comments on the design of the bag when I’ve been out and about and received a lot of publicity over Instagram. This encourages my motivation to keep creating. I used Nutscene Natural Jute Twine yarn and a 7mm hook to create the summer bag. The wooden…

FLOWER CUSHION Rest your head on a patchwork of flower motifs. By Emma Leith ■ Caron Simply Soft (100% acrylic, 170.1g/288m), 1 ball of each: Chartreuse (9771), Grape (9610), Fuchsia (9764), Blue Mint (9608), Persimmon (9754), Dark Country Blue (9711) ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook ■ Cushion pad, 30x30cm TENSION Single Motif measures 6.5cm (2½in) in diameter MEASUREMENTS Cushion cover measures 30x30cm (11¾x11¾in) ABBREVIATIONS 4-dtr cl *Yrh twice, insert hook into st indicated, (yrh and pull through 2 loops) twice; rep from * 3 times more, yrh and pull through all loops on hook, ch1 to close For a full list, see page 88 NOTES Cushion is made up of 60 Motifs, which are joined together at the end. Each Motif is worked in rounds with RS facing throughout.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ DMC Natura Just Cotton (100% cotton, 50g/155m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Safran (N47) Yarn B Nacar (N35) Yarn C Chartreuse (N48) Yarn D Ixora (N104) Yarn E Aquamarina (N25) ■ A 2.75mm (US C/2) hook ■ 2 black safety eyes, 11mm ■ Toy stuffing ■ Tapestry needle ■ Brown stranded cotton For stockists contact DMC 01924 231669 www.dmc.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Crab measures approx 13cm (5in) tall ABBREVIATIONS  inv dec (invisible decrease) Insert hook through fl of next 2 sts, yrh and pull through the two fl on hook, yrh and pull through two loops on hook (alternatively work standard dc2tog) bobble Worked individually over surface of Shell, join yarn…

YOU WILL NEED For entire CAL (Blanket or Jumper) ■ Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/295m) 3 balls of each: Yarn A Black (1002) Yarn C Fiesta (1257) 2 balls of each: Yarn B Jaffa (1256) Yarn D Kelly Green (1826) Yarn E Mustard (1823) Yarn F Aster (1003) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ Stitch markers For your local stockists contact Stylecraft Yarns 04184 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.ukFor other stockists, see the page opposite CAL TENSION/MEASUREMENTS Tension is not critical for the Blanket; the finished measurements will be approx 138x138cm (54¼x 54¼in) if you make your motifs to the sizes stated. The fully reversible Jumper is one size only with an actual Bust measurement of approx 120cm (47¼in), although there are guidelines at the end on how to adjust for…

1 To make a half treble crochet stitch, work to where you want the htr and then wind the yarn round the hook (yrh). 2 Insert the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch in the previous row. Wrap yarn around the hook again (yrh). 3 Pull the yarn through the stitch only (3 loops on hook). 4 Yarn round hook again, pull the yarn through all 3 loops. You’ve made a half treble crochet. Continue working htr into next and following sts to the end of the row.…

Our homes have been our absolute world these last few months, and some of us have found that added time has sparked creativity, inspiring crafty projects. Read on to discover what our homebody hooksters have been up to, and hopefully be inspired to make your own versions at home. HATTIE’S COLOURFUL KEEPSAKES My girls and I have painted rainbow pebbles to say a huge ‘thank you’ the NHS and all the other frontline workers, which we’re displaying in the front garden. We’re also quite into tie-dye too. It has become a very colourful house! Getting crafty is an excellent way to unwind and feel like you’re achieving something at the same time: it is the perfect activity to create a sense of wellbeing. My patterns for the Togetherness Mandala and…

1 Place pieces together, insert hook into the first stitch on both pieces. Make a slip knot (we’ve used a contrasting colour to make it easier to see) and place it onto the hook. 2 Pull the slip knot through both stitches to bring it to the front. Now insert hook into the 2nd stitch of both layers and work a slip stitch. Work a slip stitch in the 3rd stitches of both layers. 3 Continue working slip sts along the edge, as far as you need to. Fasten off, weave in ends, open out the seam and lightly press from the wrong side. 4 From the right side, the slip stitch seam forms an ‘invisible’ join (see above). It forms a firm, flat seam that won’t give much stretch.…

RAINBOW MOTIF Ch7. ROUND 1 2dc in second ch from hook, 2dc in next 5 ch, turn. [12 dc] ROUND 2 Ch3 (counts as tr), (tr in next st, 2tr in next st) twice, tr in next 2 sts, (2tr in next st, tr in next st) twice, tr in last st, turn. [16 tr] ROUND 3 Ch1 (does not count as st), dc in first st, (2dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts) twice, 2dc in next 2 sts, (dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in next st) twice, dc in last st. [22 dc] FASTEN OFF AND WEAVE IN ENDS. SIRDAR CROFTER DK WEIGHT DK CONTENT 60% acrylic, 25% cotton, 15% wool BALL 50g/170m HOOK 4mm RRP £3.29 Describing itself as a ‘Fair Isle effect’ yarn…

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…

GETTING STARTED! What will I need to do broomstick crochet? Step 1 You can use any yarn for broomstick crochet, but when you’re first learning, it’s best to use a smooth yarn that won’t split when you work with it. Grab a standard hook to go with it, in a suitable size for the yarn (check the yarn’s ball band). We’re using a DK yarn and a 4mm hook. Step 2 You also need a large ‘broomstick’ – you could use a crafting dowel, large knitting needle, ruler, marker pen, cardboard tube or an actual broomstick. Most patterns will quote the diameter of the ‘broomstick’ but if you use a ruler, measure the circumference and divide by pi (3.14) to get the diameter equivalent. Step 3 In order to work…