Innehållsförteckning för 103 från Simply Crochet

I don’t know about you but I’m looking forward to Christmas more than ever this year. While we won’t be sorry to say goodbye to 2020, let’s fully embrace the festive season before we do. And what better way to celebrate than using our favourite pastime – read on for a sackful of inspiration! From a gorgeous Christmas collection on page 14 to create a holiday haven in your home, to a joyful jumper on page 28. Don’t miss perfect present ideas like stripy socks for style-savvy feet on page 61 or an adorable trio of Christmas mice on page 33. Please share your makes on Instagram tagged #sctreblemaker, or on our Facebook group Simply Crochet SCtreblemakers, as we love to see them!…

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 next month to see if you’re a winner! Beth Bailie, County Antrim Candy Colbourn, North Yorkshire Scarlett Walsh, West Midlands 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.…

Hats Keep the heat in with woolly headwear PEAK TIME If a beanie isn’t your style, a newsboy hat might be for you. The practical peak will keep the winter sun out of your eyes, without the need for sunglasses. Go to knittyvikki’s Etsy shop and buy in either pink or red for £20.00. BOBBLE DAZZLER Nothing says winter hat more than a Fair Isle-effect bobble design. This one is £15 from A Good Right Hook on Folksy, where it is available in other colourways. BUN-DERFUL It can take time perfecting a messy bun, so keep it sweet and hook a hat worked around a hair band. The pattern is £4.61 from Etsy shop mrsbs customcrochet. BRRR GRRR! Get this bear hat pattern for free from www.repeat crafterme.com and you’ll find…

YOU WILL NEED RowanCottonGlac DK (100% cotton, 50g/115m) 2 balls of Oyster (730) 1 ball of each: Poppy (741) Shoot (814) Ochre (833) Shell (845) Mineral (856) A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook 6 safety eyes, 9mm Stitch markers Toy stuffing Black stranded cotton Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact www.knitrowan.com01484 668200 TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Reindeer Mouse measures approx 22cm (8½in) tall Angel Mouse and Elf Mouse each measure approx 18cm (7¼in) tall ABBREVIATIONS invdec Insert hook in front loop of first st to be decreased, insert hook in front loop of second st to be decreased, yrh, pull through 2 loops, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook For a full list,…

YOU WILL NEED KingColeGlitz97% acrylic, 3% polyester, 100g/290m) 1 ball of each: Sapphire (3499) Pewter (3388) A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Each Snowflake and Star measures approx 10cm (4in) in diameter ABBREVIATIONS point st Ch3, ss in second ch from hook, ss in next ch Fhtr Ch3 (skipped ch count as first st), *yrh and insert hook into last ch from hook, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and pull through one loop (loop will sit at base of Fhtr), yrh and pull through all loops on hook; rep from * inserting hook into loop at base of prev Fhtr For a full…

1 Start a treble as usual: yrh, insert hook in next st, yrh, pull up loop, yrh, pull through first 2 loops (2 loops on hook). Start a second tr and work it halfway (3 loops hook). 2 Without completing the first or second tr, start a third treble and work it halfway (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 usual.…

This Christmas, it feels more important than ever to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere in our homes for us to enjoy the Yuletide – and there is no better way to do this than by using your skills to crochet your own unique and meaningful decorations. We chatted to four designers and asked what they love about Christmas crafting and the different ways in which they make their living spaces at this time of year extra special… CLASSIC CHRISTMAS MAKES “I’m sure lots people have turned to their craft, or started crafting to help them get through this year. Christmas is the perfect time to focus ourselves on family and also on sustainability – getting creative and making decorations or gifts is a brilliant way to combine this,” says Sarah-Jane…

YOU WILL NEED Lopilafosslopi(100% wool, 100g/100m) 3 balls of Light Ash Heather (56) A 6.5mm ( US K/10½) hook Adjustable leather strap, 3.5cm wide Heavy-weight iron-on interfacing, approx 110x40 Lining fabric approx 110x40cm For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 10 sts and 4 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over shell patt using a 6.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Bag measures approx 36x32x6cm (14x12½x2¼in) ABBREVIATIONS shell 3tr in st/sp indicated, ch1, (dc, htr, tr) around post of final tr from 3-tr group For a full list, see page 88 Your estimated departure time will be quicker with one of these bags packed and ready to go. The use of shell stitch and a scalloped edge add a feminine touch. NOTES Bag…

SIMPLE DONUT MOTIF Ch18, ss to last ch from hook to form a loop. ROW 1 Ch3 (counts as tr), 23tr in loop, ss to top of beg ch-3 to join. [24 tr] Fasten off. SCHEEPJES SOFTY WEIGHT DK CONTENT 75% polyester, 25% nylon BALL 50g/145m HOOK 4mm RRP £2.19 If you’ve tried fur yarns before and found them a challenge to crochet with, then you should definitely give Scheepjes Softly a try. It’s a proper eyelash-style yarn which hooks up into a consistent DK weight. The fluffy fibres are quite short, making it easy to crochet with, and create a lovely soft, squishy and full fabric. The fibre combination also adds an interesting shimmering effect that glitters in the sunlight. It’s available in 12 colours: six natural and six…

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.…

YOU WILL NEED KingColeTimelessClassicSuper Chunky (90% acrylic, 10% alpaca, 100g/85m) 3 balls of Granite (4647) King Cole Timeless Super Chunky (90% acrylic, 10% alpaca, 100g/85m) 2 balls of each: Grey (4454) Merlot (4451) A 15mm (US P/19) hook For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Shawl measures 156x110cm (61½x43¼in) across widest edges, excluding tassels ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 of Simply Crochet magazine Hook this shawl up and you’ll have a new best friend to put their arm round your shoulders whenever you need a warming pick me up; any time of the day, no questions asked. NOTES Shawl is worked in rows. All RS rows are…

YOU WILL NEED KingColeBrambleDK(100% acrylic, 100g/290m) 4 balls of Loganberry (4486) A 4.5mm (US 7) hook For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Each Motif to measure 10x20cm (4x8in) using a 4.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Shawl measures 160x81cm (63x32in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 of Simply Crochet magazine Could this be your next project? How satisfying will it be to watch your pile of motifs stack up – 34, 35, 36… now it’s time to build your shawl, block by block. Sound tempting? NOTES Shawl is made up of 36 Motifs, which are sewn together at the end. Refer to diagram below when joining the Motifs. BLOCK BY BLOCK SHAWL MOTIF (MAKE 36) Ch4, ss to first…

VICTORIA KAIRIS Victoria is completely amigurumi-obsessed and loves the challenge of making her characters as cute as they can possibly be. See her Christmas mice on page 33. STEFFI GLAVES Steffi is a teacher and jewellery designer who loves to create flowers, rainbows and granny squares in micro-crochet. Check out her festive wreath on page 21. KRISTEN TENDYKE Kristen lives in Maine where she designs crochet sweater patterns that are easy to follow, enjoyable and engaging to make. Take a look at her stylish cardigan on page 45. ELISABETH DAVIS DE HERRAIZ Elisabeth is a self-taught crocheter living in Madrid. She is a complete shawl addict and is always planning her next project. Find her gorgeous wraps in the supplement. OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Natalie Beard, Ilaria Caliri, Lucy Croft, Hannah Cross,…

A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE KERRY LORD (£11.99,Pavilion) In this festive crochet book, Kerry Lord takes inspiration from the famous carol TheTwelveDaysof Christmas. There is much discussion over the symbolism and meaning of the song, and here the twelve gifts of true love are interpreted as birds. From the obvious partridge in a pear tree, through to the drumming of the woodpecker, readers can crochet their way through the verses to create their own collection of birds. CROCHETED HOME KATE EASTWOOD (£12.99, CICO Books) Create something beautiful for every room in the house, every time of the year with these 35 inspiring crochet patterns. As well as seasonal items such as the Christmas Nordic wreath, patterns include a colourful bolster cushion, stylish pompom-edged throw for the living room, a…

PROJECT NOTES Some of the projects are worked in the amigurumi style. Work stitches in a continuous spiral without closing off each round with a slip stitch, unless otherwise instructed. You may find it helpful to mark the first stitch of the first round, moving it up as you work. Some of the projects feature embroidery. If you're not sure how to work the suggested stitches, you'll find some tutorials at www. gathered.how/needlework/embroidery . Refer to the images when making up. HEARTS & STARS Break away from a bauble-only tree and shake up your shapes with Emma Leith's patterned heart and diamond star JamiesonSmith2ply Jumper Weight (100% wool, 25g/115m), 1 ball of each: red (93), yellow (90), violet (131mix), green (FC11mix), turquoise (71), pink (FC22mix), white (01), light blue…

In this pattern, you’ll work the stitches in spiral rounds. If you’ve never done this before, don’t worry, it’s easy! At the end of a round, don’t join the first and last stitches with a slip stitch. Instead, just work the first stitch of a new round into the top of the first stitch on the previous round. Using stitch markers will help you to keep track of spiral rounds. Our step-by-step guide (right) will show you how to do this. 1 Work the first stitch of a round and place a stitch marker in this first stitch. 2 Work a spiral round of double crochet stitches until you’ve worked the last stitch of the round. The next stitch you’ll want to work into will have the stitch marker in…

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…

YOU WILL NEED DebbieBlissBabyCashmerino(55% wool 33% acrylic, 12% cashmere, 50g/125m) Flame306 Ecru101See table for measurements and yarn quantities Stitch markers A 4mm (US G/6) crochet hook 5 (6: 7) buttons, 12cm For yarn stockists contact LoveCrafts 01409 404010 www.lovecrafts.com TENSION 21 sts and 14 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stitch patt of alternating treble and double crochet rows using a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 Make sure you take some ‘elfies’ with Santa’s little helper in this candy cane-inspired outfit. The classic stripes mean it can be worn other times of the year too! NOTES Baby Grow is made from the bottom up, with separate Leg pieces that are joined together to form the Body. Sleeves are…

YOU WILL NEED DeramoresStudioAran100% acrylic, 100g/165m) 7 balls of Gardenia706022 balls of each: PurpleTulip70611 Poppy70606 Cinnamon70621 Cyan706371 ball of each: PersianBlue70630 Azalea70635 Fern70638 Pineapple70642 Aster70627 Juniper70639 A 5mm (US H/8) hook Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Deramores 01733 777345 www.deramores.com TENSION Rounds 1-4 of Granny Square to measure 12x12cm (4¾x4¾in) using a 5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures approx 146x190 (57½x74¾in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 For those who love all the colours of the rainbow together, this blanket is a must-make. The two colourways add variety and the dark purple yarn really sets it off. NOTES Blanket is made up of 32 Motifs. The Granny Square Motifs are made in two colourways. The instructions for the first colourway…

YOU WILL NEED RicoCreativeCottonDK(100% cotton, 50g/115m) 2 balls of Dark Blue (013) 1 ball of each: White (001) Candy Pink (005) Rico Creative Lame (38% polyamide, 62% polyester, 25g/135m) 1 ball of Gold (002) A 4mm (US G/6) hook A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook Various small pompom makers Thin dowel, 29cm long For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.co.uk TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Finished piece measures 29cm (11½in) across and 35cm (14in) long without tassels ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 This wallhanging has got it all – gold stars, pompoms, tassels, and a life-affirming message to keep us dreaming big. NOTES Wallhanging is worked from the bottom up in rows. There is a…

YOU WILL NEED ScheepjesMetropolis75 wool, 25% nylon, 50g/200m) 4 balls of Miami0692 balls of each: Seoul (035) Dhaka (040) 1 ball of Warsaw (072) A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook Cushion pad, 50x50cm For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION 24 sts and 25 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using a 2.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Cushion measures 50x50cm (19¾x19¾in) ABBREVIATIONS mtr (mosaic treble) Work a standard tr in the fl of st 2 rounds below, working in front of the dc sts of previous round For a full list, see page 88 Inspired by the ancient interwoven triangle symbol known as the Viking knot, or valknut, the design of this cushion is certainly intriguing. Reminiscent of a particular tile-stacking video…

YOU WILL NEED KingColeCuriosityDK(100% acrylic, 150g/480m) 2 cakes of Charcoal (2890) A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Wrap measures approx 170cmx47cm (67x18½in) ABBREVIATIONS shell 5tr in st/sp indicated v-st (Tr, ch2, tr) in st/sp indicated picot Ch3, ss to last ch from hook spiked long dc Insert hook in s/sp indicated, yrh and pull up loop to height of current row, yrh and pull through one loop on hook, yrh and pull through all loops on hook For a full list, see page 88 of Simply Crochet magazine If you’re after a project to try out variegated yarn, this wrap should do the trick!…

YOU WILL NEED KingColeMerinoBlendDK (100% wool, 50g/104m) 6 balls of Cranberry (703) King Cole Moments DK (100% polyester 50g/90m) 1 ball of Koala (499) A 4.5mm (US 7) hook For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Wrap measures approx 146x43cm (57½x17in) ABBREVIATIONS Fhtr Ch3 (skipped chs count as first st), *yrh and insert hook into last ch from hook, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and pull through one loop (loop will sit at base of Fhtr), yrh and pull through all loops on hook; rep from * inserting hook into loop at base of prev Fhtr For a full list, see page 88 of Simply Crochet magazine This is…

Listen to yarn punk Vincent Green-Hite discuss all things ami with Lovecrafts at www.bit.ly/LoveCraftsPodcast *19 NOV Make eco crochet gifts £25, Wiltshire www.thesecretcrocheter.com *22 NOV Crochet a toy monster £44, Bristol www.bristolfolkhouse.co.uk *27 NOV Crochet basket workshop £62.07, Nottinghamshire www.bit.ly/EventBriteCourse *27 NOV Christmas crochet £35, West Sussex www.madeandmaking.co.uk 27–29 NOV www.digitalcraftfestival.co.ukLive tatting demonstration with Olive Rose Contemporary Jewellery *In-person courses adhere to current Government guidelines. Please check individual websites for updates…

YOU WILL NEED RicoDesignLuxurySuper100 DK (100% wool, 50g/170m) NavyBlue010 Rico Design Creative Lamé 4ply (62% polyester, 38% polyamide, 25g/135m) Silver001See table for measurements and yarn quantities A 3.25mm (US D/3) hook A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.co.uk TENSION 15.5 sts and 14 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stitch patt of alternating half treble and double crochet rounds using a 3.5mm hook or size needed to obtain tension Alternatively, measure 31 sts to 20cm Each Motif measures approx 6.5cm (2½in) across top ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 Bust width a: 46 (51.5: 56.5: 61.5: 66.5)cm, 18 (20¼: 22¼: 24¼: 26)in Length b: 53 (54: 56: 56: 58)cm, 20¾ (21: 22: 22: 22¾)in Sleeve length c: 45cm, 17¾in A sparkly jumper…

YOU WILL NEED ScheepjesStoneWashedXL(70% cotton, 30% acrylic, 50g/75m) MoonStone841 Rhodochrosite875 RoseQuartz860 PinkQuartzite861 See table for measurements and yarn quantities A 5mm (US H/8) hook For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION 18 sts (1 st-patt rep) measures 11cm (4¼in) and 7 rows measures 10cm (4x4in) over Chevron Patt using a 5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS tr3tog (yrh, insert hook in next st, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) 3 times, yrh and draw through all loops on hook V-st (Tr, ch3, tr) in indicated st. When working into V-sts on subsequent rows, always work in the ch-3 sp. The V-st counts as a complete unit, so when instructed to work ‘V-st in V-st, tr in next tr’, ‘next…

1 Begin working a treble as usual: yrh, insert hook under top 2 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…

YOU WILL NEED StylecraftHeadOverHeelsAllstars (75% wool 25% nylon, 100g/400m) 1 ball of Splash (3920) A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook Stitch markers Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 24 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using a 3mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Sock measures 18.5 (20: 21.5: 23)cm (7¼ (7¾: 8½: 9)in) in circumference ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 Receiving a pair of socks as a Christmas present is a common tradition, but why not ring the changes by giving these beauties? So cosy and colourful, there are going to be plenty of happy feet around the tree this year. NOTES Socks are worked from the Toe up. The length of…

1 Follow the instructions in your pattern, or try this method. Cut two pieces of yarn, twice as long as you want the fringe to be. Fold in half. 2 Insert hook through the edge of the fabric, where you want the first piece of fringing to be placed. Loop the yarn lengths over the hook and pull back through the fabric. 3 Pull the yarn lengths to make a small loop next to the fabric. Pass the ends of the yarn lengths through this loop and pull tight to secure. 4 Repeat from step 1 along the edge of your fabric, as close together or far apart as you wish. Use a matching or contrasting yarn colour. Trim any uneven lengths of yarn to create a neat finish.…

One of the greatest joys of crochet is the ease with which you can create flat circular motifs. To hook these sorts of motifs, the stitches are worked in the round. This is just as easy as working in rows – there are just a couple of extra little rules that I’ll show you how to master in this workshop. I’ll also be explaining how to make sure your motifs stay flat, so they don’t turn into tubes. To practise, all you need is yarn and a suitable sized hook. I’m using blue DK yarn and a 4mm hook, but you can use anything you’ve got to hand. Let’s hook… HOW DO I WORK IN THE ROUND? Start by making a foundation loop… To make a flat circular motif, you…

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 KingColeForestAran(35% wool, 25% viscose, 20% acrylic, 20% polyamide, 100g/300m) 7 balls of Avondale Forest (1920) A 4mm (US G/6) hook Pompom maker, 5cm For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Each Motif measures approx 17x17cm (6¾x6¾in) Wrap measures 54x156cm (21¼x61½in) ABBREVIATIONS puff (Yrh, insert hook in st/sp indicated, yrh and pull up a loop to height of a row) 3 times, yrh, pull through all loops on hook, ch1 to close beg puff Ch3, (yrh, insert hook in st/sp indicated, yrh and pull up a loop to height of a row) twice, yrh, pull through all loops, ch1 to close For a full list, see page 88…

YOU WILL NEED KingColeBabyAlpacaDK (100% alpaca, 50g/100m) Sunset (1788) See table for measurements and yarn quantities A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION 19 sts and 8 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using a 3.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 of Simply Crochet magazine A cape is a great alternative to a shawl or wrap; just pop over your head and go. This version has been made in alpaca which helps it to hang beautifully for a sophisticated look. NOTES Cape is made of four identical Panels, two for the front and two for the back. Each Panel is worked in rows. There is no RS or WS…