Innehållsförteckning för 101 från Simply Crochet

Hello Hooksters! We don’t know about you guys but we’ve been spending a lot of time at our home work stations recently! For those of you glued to the kitchen table or spare bedroom, and for the many soon returning to schools and offices, we thought it was high time our work spaces were shown some love. Our desk buddies (on page 14) are so cute and practical and will inspire you to keep up the good work. Elsewhere in this issue you’ll find plenty of projects to occupy you. We’ve got the gorgeous, easy-to-wear cardigan (see page 26) on our hook ready for autumn, and the stunning blanket (on page 65) is at top of our to do list! Whichever project you decide on, share your pictures on Instagram…

AMIGURUMI STYLE CROCHET CARA MEDUS (£14.99,WhiteOwl) Make Betty and dress her in vintage-inspired crochet doll’s clothes! With wonderful details in every removable outfit, right down to jewellery and accessories, play dress-up to your heart’s content and even swap hairstyles on the same doll. There are diagrams and illustrations to help you with the making, along with options for different skill levels. Cara Medus is a regular contributor to Simply Crochet. ANIMAL FRIENDS OF PICA PAU 2 YAN SCHENKEL (£15.95, Meteoor Books) Welcome into the wildly imaginative world of Pica Pau! Get together with the creative zebra, the thoughtful lion, the witty anteater, the flamboyant elephant and many more – there’s room for all at Yan’s craft table! Toy maker, character designer and crocheter Yan Schenkel shows her passion for amigurumi…

Back to school Hook up essentials to help with study 1 TEACHER’S PET This apple cosy is practical as well as cute, as it protects your fruit from bruises and dirt while in transport, or if accidently dropped. Get the pattern from the Etsy store 5SnowflakesDesigns for £2.93. 2 MONSTER MUNCH A washable and lightweight lunch bag that fits a box or sandwiches. Ideal for children! Go to www. hookedonpatterns.com for the £3.00 pattern, and other monster items. 3 UNDER COVER Ready made laptop bag with helpful handles. Available in other colours and as a horizontal orientation. £35.44 with free delivery from CutecraftsLT on Etsy. 4 ON POINT Looking sharp! A pencil-shaped pencil case is sure to inspire some imaginative play. Make it in their fave colour too. Go to FatsosFriends…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Aran (50% wool, 50% acrylic, 100g/180m) 1 ball of each: Champagne White (802) Rose Red (813) Mandarin Orange (817) Daffodil Yellow (821) Lime Green (828) Sailor Blue (839) Dusty Lilac (846) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook ■ Toy stuffing For yarn stockists contact LoveCrafts 01409 404010 www.lovecrafts.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Clown measures approx 30cm (12in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 Clowns have been around in some form for thousands of years, making people laugh and bringing joy through silly performances. We hope your crochet clown will do the same. NOTES Parts of this pattern are worked in the amigurumi style, working rounds in…

1 First, make sure you fasten off, weave in ends and block pieces. Place pieces wrong sides together. With a slip knot on the hook, insert it into the far right stitch on both pieces, work a slip st. 2 Make 1ch (the t-ch for dc). Insert hook into the 2nd stitch of both layers and work a dc stitch. Work more dc stitches in this way along the edge, as far as you need to. 3 Fasten off, weave in ends, open out the seam and lightly press from the wrong side. You’ll create a raised seam for a decorative effect on the right side (see above), using any colour of yarn. 4 In step 1, if you were to place your pieces with right sides together and work…

FRAN MORGAN Not only does Fran have an enviable eye for colour, but she’s also a dab hand at inventing brand new stitches. Check out her cute ‘case with a face’ on page 21. CLAIRE GOODALE Claire has been crocheting for 17 years. She loves creating intarsia and tapestry patterns that push the boundaries of colour work. See her rug on page 77. ROSINA PLANE Rosina loves colour and geometric patterns, and draws inspiration from the bold shapes and prints used in textiles, and particularly quilting. Check out her blanket on page 65. VICKI ROBERTS Vicki is a versatile crocheter who moves from hats to homewares with ease. Bold projects or intricate details, her brilliant designs are truly off the hook! Check out her scarf on page 68. OTHER CONTRIBUTORS…

Every month, three subscribers win a prize as thank you for their loyalty to Simply Crochet. This month, the winners (below) will each receive eight balls of Caron Simply Soft yarn plus a pattern to make this gorgeous blanket worth £46.99! Check your issue next month to see if you’re a winner! Sarah Lowman, Devon Michael Grogan, Buckinghamshire Charlotte Kingston, East Sussex Immediate Media Company, publishers of Simply Crochet, Subs Stars giveawayTerms and Conditions. Prizes were dispatched before the 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.…

DOG WRIST REST Protect yourself from wrist strain with this adorable design by Marianne Rawlins ■ King Cole Giza Cotton 4ply (100% cotton, 50g/158m), 1 ball of each: Teal (2414), Cream (2191), Coral (2196) ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ Black stranded cotton ■ Toy stuffing ■ 2 safety eyes, 6mm TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Wrist Rest measures approx 50x11cm (19¾x4¼in) not including Feet, Tails or Ears NOTES Body is worked in two identical Panels; the second Panel will be flipped over when sewn together. Feet, Ears and Tail are added to each Panel before being joined together. DOG WRIST REST BODY PANEL (MAKE 2) Using Teal, ch110. Row 1 (WS) Ch1 (does not…

1 Make a foundation ring as directed in pattern and work the t-ch (1ch for dc). Now work 6 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…

YOU WILL NEED ■ MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran (100% merino wool, 50g/80m) Yarn A Ivory (221) Yarn B Oat (228) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 5.5mm (US I/9) hook For yarn stockists contact LoveCrafts 01409 404010 www.lovecrafts.com TENSION 16 sts and 16 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 5.5mm hook or size needed to obtain stated tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 Bust width a: 44.5 (47: 49.5: 52.5: 55: 57.5)cm, 17½ (18½: 19½: 20¾: 21¾: 22¾)in Length b: 50 (50: 52: 52: 54: 54)cm, 19¾ (19¾: 20½: 20½: 21¼: 21¼)in Sleeve length c: 10cm, 4in The U-shaped rows and diagonal seams in this stripy top give the illusion of a corridor going into the distance. Plus, on a…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Lily Sugar ‘n Cream (100% cotton, 70.9g/109m) 3 balls of Yarn A Jute (00082) 5 balls of Yarn B Overcast (01042) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook ■ Cushion pad, 40x40cm For yarn stockists contact Readicut 01162 713759 www.readicut.co.uk TENSION Rounds 1-4 to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern, using a 4.5mm hook or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Cushion measures approx 40x40cm (16x16in) ABBREVIATIONS 7-dtr cl *Yrh twice, insert hook into st indicated, yrh and pull up a loop, (yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook) twice; rep from * 6 times more working into same st each time, yrh and pull through all loops on hook, ch1 to close reverse dc Working in opposite direction, insert hook into next st to the…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Merino Soft (50% merino wool, 25% microfibre, 25%acrylic, 50g/105m) Lautrec (630) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 4mm (USG/6) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION 18 sts and 20 rounds to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS post-tr join Work the post st in patt to last 2 loops on hook, insert hook into beg post tr of round, yrh, draw through this stitch and all loops on hook BPtr2tog *Yrh, insert hook around post of st indicated from back, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook; rep from * once more, yrh and pull through all loops…

For many of us, crochet isn’t just a way to pass the time and flex our creative muscles – it’s also a nostalgic treat that takes us right back to our childhood, when we picked up a hook and made that first stitch. Crochet is a skill well worth passing on to the next generation, so we spoke to a few of our favourite artists and educators to find out more. WHERE TO BEGIN? There is no correct answer to the question of how old a child should be when you teach them to crochet, as all children are different and their capacity for picking up new hobbies will vary. However, many educators agree that it’s better to start when they’re a little older – toddlers aren’t known for their…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Cygnet Boho Spirit Solids (100% acrylic, 100g/240m) 4 balls of Misty (6707) 1 ball of each: Azalea (6606) Quartz (6202) Indigo (6505) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook For yarn stockists contact Cygnet Yarns 01274 743374 www.cygnetyarns.com TENSION Square motif measures 11cm (4¼in) after blocking MEASUREMENTS Scarf measures approx 182x33cm (71¾x13in) excluding tassels ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 Flowers, targets or a nod to 60s mod fashion? Whatever your preference, your scarf will run rings around the rest! NOTES The Scarf is made in 2 pieces and sewn together with a seam at the centre back. SCARF MOTIF (MAKE 6) Using Azalea, make a magic loop. Round 1 (RS) Ch2 (counts as htr), 7hrt into loop, ss to top of beg ch-2. [8…

BAMBOO LEAF MOTIF ROW 1 Ch10, *ch9, dc in second ch from hook, htr in next 2 ch, tr in next 2 ch, htr in next 2 ch, dc in next ch, ss in next ch**, ch4, rep from * to ** 3 times, turn to work into opposite side of ch-4, ss in next 2 ch, rep from * to **, ss down remaining 11 ch. Fasten off. SCHEEPJES BAMBOO SOFT WEIGHT 4ply CONTENT 50% bamboo, 50% cotton BALL 50g/150m HOOK 3mm RRP £2.99 When it comes to producing top quality yarns, Scheepjes have it in the bag – and their bamboo soft range is no exception. This 50/50 blend of bamboo and cotton fibres is not only made of natural fibres, but is also vegan friendly and produced…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Deramores Studio Aran (100% acrylic, 100g/165m) 4 balls of Yarn A Jasmin (70601) 3 balls of Yarn B Persian Blue (70630) ■ A 6.5mm (US K/10) hook For yarn stockists contact Deramores 01733 777345 www.deramores.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Rug measures approx 90x60cm (35½x23½in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 Hook up this neat little rug to liven up a plain room or hide a less-than-perfect carpet or floor. Consider using anti-slip grip for safety. NOTES Rug is worked in rows throughout. Change colour on the final yrh of st before colour change is indicated. Carry the unused yarn across the back of your work, ready to pick up again. Be…

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…

When my mum’s patience failed, my nan took over teaching me to crochet. I was very young when I started learning. My nan used to make delicate lace doilies and I still have lots of her old patterns and hooks. She came from a generation of makers and could often be found with needles or hook in hand, knitting, crocheting or sewing. She was an inspiration to me and I’m pleased to have learnt these skills from her – though the one skill that seemingly hasn’t been passed down to me is the ability to cook well! The first things I used to crochet were granny squares, as I didn’t have much interest in the doilies my nan made. I remember Saturday mornings spent with her making clothes and blankets…

STRAWBERRY YOU WILL NEED ■ Lily Sugar ‘n Cream Solids (100% cotton, 70.9g/109m) A small amount of each: White (00001) Red (00095) Mod Green (01223) ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook For yarn stockists contact Readicut 01162 713759 www.readicut.co.uk MEASUREMENTS Strawberry measures approx 11cm (4¼in) in diameter TENSION Tension is not critical for Coasters, but may affect yarn quantities ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 of Simply Crochet magazine NOTES Coasters are worked in rounds, with RS facing throughout. One ball of each colour is enough to make all five Coasters. COASTER Using Red, make a magic loop. Round 1 (RS) Ch3, 11tr in loop, ss to top of beg ch-3. [12 sts] Round 2 Ch3, tr in st at base of ch-3, 2tr in each st around,…

For the foreseeable future we will be listing online spaces that offer crochet inspiration and support. Watch Leicester’s Insta Yarn Show to see what Leicestershire yarn dyers and vendors are up to @leicestersinstayarnshow The Craft Shows is holding Creative Craft Show Live on 5–6 September on their Facebook page. Check there for crochet demonstration times Perth Festival of Yarn is virtual this year on 12–13 September, 10-4pm. Find out more at www.perthfestivalofyarn.uk Virtual Yarndale is being held on 26–27 September. More details coming soon at www.yarndale.co.uk Get crochet tips and advice from the Nomad Stitches vlogcasts. Search for Nomad Stitches on YouTube…

YOU WILL NEED ■ DROPS Brushed Alpaca Silk (77% alpaca, 23% silk, 25g/140m) Yarn A Powder Pink (12) See table for measurements and yarn quantities of Yarn A 1 ball of each for all sizes: Yarn B Cerise (18) Yarn C Curry (19) Yarn D Light Sea Green (15) Yarn E Steel Blue (25) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook For yarn stockists contact DROPS Design www.garnstudio.com TENSION 12.5 sts and 8 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using two strands of yarn held together and a 4.5mm hook or size required to obtain tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 Bust width a: 65.5 (70.5: 75: 80 : 85: 89.5)cm, 25¾ (27¾: 29½: 31½ : 33¼: 35¼)in Length b: 54 (54: 54: 54: 56: 56)cm,…

1 Sewing with a tapestry needle is the regular and neat way to join seams. Place two pieces of crochet wrong sides together and oversew them as shown above, using a tapestry or yarn needle. 2 To slip stitch a seam, place the crochet pieces right sides together. *Insert hook through both edge stitches, yrh, pull through to complete 1 slip stitch; rep from *, keeping your work fairly loose. 3 For a dc seam, place the crochet pieces right sides together, or wrong sides together for a visible seam. Work as for slip stitch seam, using double crochet instead of slip stitch. 4 A useful variation on the dc seam, the dc and chain seam is used when you need less bulk and/or greater flexibility in your seam. Work…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK (75% wool, 25% silk, 5% cashmere, 50g/116m) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ 4 small buttons ■ Stitch markers ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.com TENSION 17 sts and 12 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over half treble crochet using a 4mm hook or size needed to obtain tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 Chest width a: 22.5 (25: 27: 30.5: 33)cm, 8¾ (9¾: 10½: 12: 13)in Length b: 24 (28: 31: 38: 42.5)cm, 9½ (11: 12¼: 14¾: 16¾)in Sleeve length c: 16 (18: 20: 23: 27)cm, 6¾ (7: 7¾: 9: 10½)in The combination of half treble stitches and a central stitch pattern make a lovely, textured…

1 Identify the post of the next stitch. Then work yrh (as usual for a treble stitch) and insert hook into the front of the fabric, around the back of the post, and bring out hook on other side of post. 2 Work the rest of the stitch as you usually would for a treble, so yrh and carefully pull the loop of yarn out of the fabric – it should loop around the post of the stitch. 3 Work yrh again and pull the yarn through the first 2 loops. Yrh and pull the yarn through the remaining 2 loops to complete the front post treble stitch. 4 You’ll see how the stitch is raised up, compared to the rest of the fabric. Work more front post treble stitches…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Merino Soft (50% merino wool, 25% microfibre, 25% acrylic, 50g/105m) 19 balls of Yarn A Wood (618) 13 balls of Yarn B Constable (629) 3 balls of Yarn C Matisse (635) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION One square motif measures 7x7cm (2¾x2¾in) using a 4mm hook or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Finished Blanket measures approx 125x125cm (49x49in) ABBREVIATIONS tr4tog *Yrh, insert hook into next st, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook; rep from * 3 times more, yrh and pull through all loops on hook standing tr Place slip knot on hook and steady with your finger, yrh, insert hook into sp/st indicated,…

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.…

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 2 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.…

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.…