Innehållsförteckning för 105 från Simply Crochet

We have finally arrived at the end of the year; a long time coming I think you’ll agree. Let’s welcome a fresh new year in with a calm and positive outlook, by hooking something from our zen homewares collection on page 14 to rejuvenate your space. If your New Year’s resolution is to be mindful of your carbon footprint, then our eco crochet supplement is essential reading. And for amigurumi fans the Rosa Parks doll on page 32 will inspire us all to stand up for equality. Whatever you choose to hook, we wish you all a happy New Year full of crochet joy. Share your makes on Instagram tagged #sctreblemaker, or on our Facebook group Simply Crochet SCtreblemakers, as we love to see them!…

ALL-PURPOSE POUFFE This super-chunky pouffe would be a versatile addition to your living space. Footrest, seat, makeshift table… it can be all those things and look on-trend at the same time. Get the pattern from Etsy shop IsWoolish for £3.36. SHRUG IT ON This oversized, open-fronted shrug is made for cold days and will cocoon you in its yarny depths. Great for beginners, the pattern is £6.38 from Etsy shop CrystalBearDesigns. STASH SPACE Depending on your ball size, you could have enough yarn in one to make both of these baskets – use your stash to create a stash! The pattern is from Etsy shop Jodiesyarn for £1.20. IN TO INTARSIA? Practise your colourwork skills with JustBeCrafty Shop’s zebra print scarf. The pattern is free on www. justbcrafty.com but the ad-free…

1 Also known as ladder stitch or whip stitch. With wrong sides together, thread needle with yarn and insert into the back loops only of the corner stitches on both pieces. Leave a fairly long tail. 2 *Insert needle from bottom to top into the back loops of the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * along the motif edges, sewing together the inner loops of corresponding stitches. 3 When you reach the next corner, you could fasten off. Or carry on with the next 2 motifs for a continuous seam that forms a strong join on blankets and means there are fewer ends to weave in. 4 Once you’ve oversewn all the rows in one direction, repeat the process in the other direction. Cross over the seam you previously created…

YOU WILL NEED Rico Creative Cotton (100% cotton, 50g/115m) 1 ball of White (001) Rico Ricorumi (100% cotton, 25g/58m) 1 ball of each: Light Green (046) Candy Pink (012) Grass Green (044) Emerald (042) Purple (020) Tangerine (026) Blue (032) Mustard (064) A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook Lining fabric, 25x50cm Zip, 20cm Multicoloured beads (see Notes) Split ring For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.co.uk TENSION 20 sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 3mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Beaded Purse measures 20x17cm (7¾x6¾in) ABBREVIATIONS beaded tr Place bead on hook, yrh and insert hook into st indicated, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through 2 loops, yrh and pull through 2 loops and…

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.…

1 Secure the yarn at back of fabric and bring a loop to the front with your hook, at the point where you want to start your line of surface crochet. Keep the working yarn at the back of the fabric and the hook at the front. 2 Insert the hook from front to back into the next hole in the fabric, where you want to create the next stitch. Work yrh with the yarn at the back of the fabric. Pull the loop of yarn through to the front of your fabric (2 loops on hook). 3 Draw the new loop through the first loop to form a slip stitch. Make sure the stitch lies flat against the surface of the fabric. Repeat from step 2 to make more…

What I love about crochet is seeing something gorgeous and then recreating it for myself. But have you ever found that your item is bigger or smaller than the same item made by a friend? This is because of tension. We’re all wonderfully different and how loosely or tightly you crochet is unique to you – sometimes mine varies with my mood! An item made with a loose tension will be larger than the same item made with a tight tension. A looser tension also consumes more yarn. You can measure how tightly you work your crochet stitches by making a tension square… see below. With many makes, tension is not particularly important and you don’t have to make a tension square – these are projects where a small difference…

SHARK SMILE Emma aka @made_ lovingly is so proud of her son Riley (@mini_ made_lovingly) who has made a mini version of the shark pouffe from issue 87. Well done, Riley! NO ILLUSIONS “Another jumper to add to my almost full wardrobe,” says Toyah aka @penelope _and_ the_squish of issue 102’s. It’s so cosy that it went back on after taking the photo! FLY THE FLAG Gemma Thimbleby aka @made.by.gem is proud to say that in her house they believe in magic, so no wonder she fell in love with this project from issue 103. STACKABLE STARS This star tree from issue 103 was made by Nikki Drinkwater aka @hookyhq who says that this project is great for using up yarnie odds and ends. Excellent tip!…

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 Scheepjes Skies Heavy (100% cotton, 100g/170m) 1 skein of each: Stratus105 Cumulonimbus107 Undyed109 A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook Toy stuffing 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 Globe measures 15cm (6in) in diameter ABBREVIATIONS invdec (invisible decrease) (Insert hook in front loop only of next st) twice, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook, yrh and pull through all loops on hook For a full list, see page 88 of Simply Crochet magazine Don’t stitch up our precious planet Earth, stitch this one instead! NOTES Pattern is worked in the amigurumi method. Work stitches continuously in a spiral without closing off each round with a slip stitch. It may help…

1 After working the last stitch, you’ll have one loop left on your hook. Cut the yarn leaving a 15cm-long tail. Work yrh and pull the yarn right through the stitch. 2 Now remove the hook and pull the yarn tail through the last stitch to tighten it up and make sure your hard work doesn’t unravel. 3 Thread the tail end onto a tapestry needle. On the wrong side, weave the needle up and down, in and out of the back of the stitches to secure the tail end. 4 Make sure you weave the yarn tail in two different directions to prevent it from being pulled out. Also check that the tail end of yarn is not visible from the right side.…

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.…

We’re all becoming more aware of the need to reduce our impact on the planet by reducing our consumption, reusing what we already have and recycling where we can. As crocheters there are lots of ways in which we can do our part too – using more stash yarn, buying eco-friendly yarns and even unravelling old projects or garments to reuse the yarn are three ideas. Hooking with ‘plarn’ is another idea. What is plarn, you ask? Plarn is a composite word that refers to yarn that’s been made out of plastic bags. It’s a great way to give new life to old shopping bags and upcycle them into something useful. There are loads of items you can hook from plarn, from shopping bags and storage pots to garden ornaments…

MARGARET HUBERT Starting in the needle arts business in 1963, Margaret has since written 31 books on crochet and knitting in her career. See her sequinned jumper on page 43. GWEN BUTTKE MCGANNON Also known as GwenGoods, Gwen enjoys making accessories and quick projects, and incorporating different techniques within her designs. Find her mindful mandala on page 22. ELEONORA TULLY Eleonora loves sharing her designs with people worldwide through her annual blanket CAL. She also enjoys hosting crochet workshops. Check out her quick-hook scarves on page 60. KAT PERDUE A Virginia, USA native working in software by day and the creative mind behind KaperCrochet, Kat is drawn to earth-themed designs such as her world amigurumi in the supplement. OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Natalie Beard, Jess Bennett, Kwannie Chen, Hannah Cross, Elisabeth Davis…

STYLISH SUCCULENTS TO CROCHET SARAH ABBONDIO (£6.99,Search Press) If you love to crochet and decorate your home with lovely projects, this is the book for you! Inspired by real succulent species, there 15 different crocheted succulents to make, in a variety of sizes. The projects are quick and easy to make so suitable for crocheters of all abilities – you can make a whole display for your windowsill, desk or shelf in no time. MINI KINGDOM OLKA NOVYTSKA (£13.95, Meteoor Books) Discover the bustling little realm where Olka of Aradiya Toys shares her passion for amigurumi with 36 themed Minis. Each Mini stays upright on its own, so they make perfect toys for playful little dreamers. You can swap the hair pieces and hats of the figures as you wish,…

CUSHIONS Rest your posterior while sitting in the lotus position with one of these circular cushion designs by Marianne Rawlins Rico Ricorumi DK (100% cotton, 25g/58m), 4 balls of each: Cream (002), Powder (022), Peach (023), Lotus (067), Ice Green (037), Ivy (043) A 4mm (US G/6) hook Cushion insert, 30cm diameter Cushion insert, 40cm diameter TENSION Rounds 1-3 to measure 10cm (4in) in diameter using a 4mm hook and two stands of yarn MEASUREMENTS Ombre Cushion measures 40cm (15¾in) in diameter; Green Cushion measures 30cm (11¾in) in diameter NOTES Cushions are worked in rounds, with RS facing throughout. You will use 2 strands of yarn held together as one throughout. OMBRE CUSHION PANEL (MAKE 2) Using 2 strands of Cream held together as one, ch6 and ss in first…

YOU WILL NEED Any DK cotton in the following shades: skin colour white sage green steel blue light blue black brown a small amount of pink A 2.5mm (US C/2) hook Stitch marker 2 safety eyes, 8mm Toy stuffing Tapestry needle 20cm (73/4in) of black coated wire Pliers Craft glue or black sewing thread TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Rosa measures approx 20cm (7¾in) tall Rosa Parks was a campaigner for human equality. Her efforts and suffering made her one of the leaders of the civil rights movement, inspiring others with her dignity and bravery. NOTES Rosa is worked using the amigurumi method. Work in a continuous spiral without closing off each round with a slip stitch. You…

YOU WILL NEED King Cole Galaxy DK (65% acrylic, 31% wool, 4% soft payette, 50g/175m) Merlot (3421) See table for measurements and yarn quantities A 3.75mm (US F/5) hook For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION 5.5 stitch patt reps and 5.5 row patt reps to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stitch patt using a 3.75mm hook or size needed to obtain tension Alternatively, measure 11 st and row patt reps to 20cm Bust width a: 49 (53: 56.5: 60: 63.5: 67: 71)cm, 19¼ (20¾: 22: 23½: 25: 26½: 28)in Length b: 59 (60: 61: 62: 63: 64: 65)cm, 23¼ (23½: 24: 24¼: 24¾: 25: 25½)in Sleeve length c: 49 (48: 47: 46: 45: 44: 43)cm, 19¼ (19: 18½: 18: 17¾: 17¼: 17)in When faced with short days…

YOU WILL NEED Scheepjes Alpaca Rhythm (80% alpaca, 20% wool, 25g/200m) Charleston657 Scheepjes Mohair Rhythm (70% mohair, 30% microfibre, 25g/200m) Charleston677See table for measurements and yarn quantities of Yarns A and B Scheepjes Catona, 4ply (100% cotton, 10g/25m) 1 ball of each: SnowWhite106 HotRed115 Tangerine281 YellowGold208 Tropic253 PowderBlue384 UltraViolet282 Note re Yarns C to I: for the lightening, only Yarn F is required; for the raindrops, only Yarn H is required A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook A 4mm (US G/6) hook 5 buttons,10mm Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION 15 sts and 11 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) in treble crochet using Yarns A and B held together and a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain tension Chest width a: 26 (27: 28.5: 31:…

YOU WILL NEED WestYorkshireSpinnersSignature4ply (75% wool, 25% nylon, 100g/400m) 5 balls of DustyMiller129 2 balls of Marshmallow0111 ball of each: SourApple390 BlueRaspberry333 BlackcurrantBomb735 Sarsaparilla545 FTurmeric358 A35mmUS E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact WY Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures approx 130x105cm (51x41in) ABBREVIATIONS tr3d Working in front of ch-sp, treble in skipped st 3 rows below For a full list, see page 88 The contrast between the alternating coloured and plain squares in this blanket creates a truly stunning effect. PATTERN NOTES Blanket is made up of 46 Squares. Each Square is worked in rounds using the mosaic style. Turn your work after every round, except the first. Change colour every…

Stereotypically, people often view crochet as a sedate, sensible pastime used to wile away the hours and produce soft, fluffy things that keep us warm in winter. But it’s so much more than that – we caught up with some of our favourite artists and activists to find out how this classically solitary activity can be used to raise awareness amongst many. GETTING STARTED With everything that 2020 threw at us, it’s unsurprising to hear that people want to get involved with community movements. From Black Lives Matter to LGBTQ+ rights, climate change and more, there’s so many different causes to get behind. “I started in 2014, when I single-handedly yarn-bombed my town to promote an arts trail I was involved with,” explains Emma Leith, a crochet designer from Bath…

YOU WILL NEED RedHeartBoutiqueUnforgettable (100% acrylic, 100g/250m) 1 ball of Flowerfield (03968) A 5.5mm (US I/9) 30cm long Tunisian hook For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.com TENSION 19 sts and 11 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Tps using a 5.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Cowl measures 81x25cm (32x10in) ABBREVIATIONS ss bo (slip stitch bind off) Insert hook under next vertical bar, yrh and pull loop through both the vertical bar and the loop on hook Tss (Tunisian simple stitch) Loop on hook counts as first st, do not work into the vertical bar on edge of work, *with yarn at back, insert hook from side to side behind next vertical bar, yrh and pull up loop and leave loop on…

RETRO FLOWER MOTIF ROUND 1 *Ch6, tr in fourth ch from hook and in next 2 ch; rep from * 5 times, ss into first ch of beg ch-6 to join. FASTEN OFF and weave in ends. SCHEEPJES NAMASTE WEIGHT Chunky CONTENT 50% wool, 50% acrylic BALL 100g/285m HOOK 8mm RRP £6.29 We’re loving Scheepjes’ soft Namaste yarn, as it’s a very pleasing yarn to crochet with. The 50/50 mix of wool and acrylic is like cotton wool in overdrive! The roving style of it is fun too – it’s super squishy and fluffy, and its light twist formation doesn’t split, but keeps its form nicely during working. It’s a perfect yarn for blankets and cosy winter accessories. There are 34 solid shades to choose from (each named after a…

It’s simple to be in with a chance of winning a great hooky prize in a future issue! Show us your Simply Crochet makes on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or via email by 1st January 2021. For all terms and conditions, and more information, visit www.gathered.how/simplycrochetcomps COMPETITION RULES By Promoter: Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited (“Promoter”). By taking part in one of our Competitions, you agree to be bound by these Competition Rules. Late or incomplete entries will be disqualified. No responsibility accepted for lost, delayed, ineligible or fraudulent entries. Proof of posting (if relevant) shall not be deemed proof of delivery. Entries must be submitted by an individual (not via any agency or similar) and, unless otherwise stated, are limited to one per household. The Promoter reserves the right in…

YOU WILL NEED We Are Knitters Recycled Yarn (95% cotton, 5% other fibres, 100g/192m) 1 ball of Spotted Pink A 5mm (US H/8) hook An old pair of jeans A leather punch/bradawl Fabric scissors Sewing machine and thread 5 buttons, 1.5cm For yarn stockists contact We Are Knitters www.weareknitters.co.uk TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Measurements are dependent on the size of jeans used Love your jeans, but they’ve become unwearable? Here’s a practical way to extend their life, use your crochet skills and get a new garment all in one! NOTES Denim Dress is made from an old pair of jeans. Pattern begins by preparing your jeans. We advise you to use a sewing machine; however you could…

YOU WILL NEED Wool and the Gang New Wave (53% cotton, 47% recycled polyester, 100g/140m) 2 balls in a shade of your choice; we use Bronzed Olive, Seaweed Green and Dusty Denim A 4.5mm (US 7) hook Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Wool and the Gang www.woolandthegang.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Bag measures approx 30x50cm (12x20in) including handles Pack your loose fruit and veg in colourful bags that will last for years. How many apples will they transport in their lifetime? NOTES Bag is worked from the bottom up in rounds. The top border and handles are added at the end. The Bag will have some stretch when full STRING BAG Ch36. Round 1 (RS) 3dc…

YOU WILL NEED Debbie Bliss Eco Baby Organic Cotton (100% cotton, 50g/125m) 1 ball of Citrus (57) A 3.5mm (US E/4) 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 Small Patch measures 4cm (1½in) in diameter Medium Patch measures 6cm (2¼in) in diameter Large Patch measures 8cm (3in) in diameter Denim damage is no problem when you have a creative way of covering it up like this. Why not experiment with the running stitches to make petals, sunbeams… give it a go! NOTES Patches are worked in rounds with RS facing throughout. JEANS PATCH SMALL PATCH Make a magic loop. Round 1 (RS) Ch3 (counts as tr throughout), 11tr in loops, ss to…

WOOL AND THE GANG NEW WAVE YARN Made from recycled plastic bottles and comes in 12 shades. Because of its plastic content, WATG suggest washing in a GuppyFriend bag to minimise the microplastic entering oceans and rivers – you can order one from WATG when buying your yarn. Worsted, 53% cotton, 47% polyester recycled, 100g/140m, £10.50 www.woolandthegang.com/en WE ARE KNITTERS THE RECYCLED YARN This yarn is made from recycled jeans and spun into a single strand, with a textured tweed-like appearance and light feel that hooks into a softy draping fabric. It’s vegan-friendly and available in six solid shades – four pastels, natural and navy. DK, 95% cotton, 5% other fibres, 100g/192m, £8 www.weareknitters.co.uk DEBBIE BLISS ECO BABY The cotton in Eco Baby has Global Organic Textile Standard certification (which…

19 DEC Watch Yorkshire Yarn Fest’s virtual festival on Instagram Live @yorkshirefest www.yorkshireyarnfest.com Virtual beginners crochet course with dates throughout 2021 – last-minute gift alert! www. craftcourses.com/courses/first-steps-in-crochet Hook up quick decorations with this tutorial www.bit.ly/StarGarland and others from the Search Press Art and Craft Christmas Festival Listen to mother and daughter Vivian and Alyson Chu on their Keep Calm and Carry Yarn podcast www.kcacypodcast.wordpress.com/subscribe HG Designs shares granny square chat, tutorials and more www.youtube.com/c/ HGDesignsCrochet…

YOU WILL NEED Rico Luxury Magic Mohair (34% polyester, 28% mohair, 28% polyamide, 10% wool, 50g/200m) Gold001See table for measurements and quantities of Yarn A Rico Essentials Soft Merino Aran (100% merino wool, 50g/100m)1 ball of each: Cream61 Azalea022 BrickRed07 Orange73 Navy37 Jeans28 Lemon63BrickRed (07) and Orange (73) have been discontinued; we suggest substituting Red (08) for Brick Red, and Coral (78) for Orange A 4.5mm (US 7) hook For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.co.uk See page 30 for Rico yarn discount code details TENSION 1 Diamond Motif measures 14 (15: 16)cm across and 15 (16: 17)cm in length using a 4.5mm hook 16.5 sts and 8.5 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 4.5mm hook or size needed to obtain tension Alternatively, measure 33 sts…

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 stitches 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 as…

1 Start by inserting the hook under the top 2 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 StylecraftBatikElementsDK(80% acrylic, 20% wool, 50g/138m) 3 balls of Krypton1933or Copper (1934) Stylecraft Classique Cotton 4ply (100% cotton, 50g/128m) 1 ball of GreekBlue3095 or Fondant (3094) A 6mm (US J/10) hook For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Scarf measures approx 14cmx185cm (5½x72¾in) excluding fringe ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 Decisions, decisions… are you feeling the cool and calm vibes of green and blue today, or vibrant and feisty like pink and orange? Either way, you’ve got two additions to your winter wardrobe just a stitch (or so) away. NOTES Scarf is shown in two colourways. In the You Will Need section, the yarn for the…

YOU WILL NEED ScheepjesRiverWashedXL(70% cotton, 30% acrylic, 50g/75m) 3 balls of each: Murray978 Wheaton990 Scheepjes Colour Crafter (100% acrylic, 100g/300m) 1 ball of each: Veendam1004 Barnevelde1005 A 4mm (US G/6) hook Stitch markers Cushion pad, 50x30cm For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION 14.5 sts and 19 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Cushion measures 50x30cm ABBREVIATIONS pompom bobble Ch4, 4-tr cl in third ch from hook, ch3, 4-tr cl in third ch from hook, ss in first ch of beg ch-4, ch1 For a full list, see page 88 Third eye, all-seeing eye, Mati – whatever this represents to you, it’s quite the cushion for adding quirky character to your space. The pompom bobble…

1 After the foundation row, have the RS facing you. Bring the working yarn to the front of the fabric and *insert the hook from right to left under the second vertical strand of yarn on the row below. 2 Yrh and pull through the vertical strand. Leave the loop of yarn on the hook. 3 Keeping the working yarn at the front of the fabric, repeat from * in step 1, placing a loop on the hook for each vertical strand across to form a row of Tunisian purl stitches. 4 The fabric created looks a lot like bumpy knitted purl stitches, but is a lot thicker. This stitch is often used in combination with other stitches to create texture, rather than on its own.…

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 I was fourteen, it was 1970 and the fashion trend was for crocheted granny square waistcoats, dresses and also trousers. I could knit but couldn’t crochet. At playtime, the girls in the fifth form used to sit outside the art room and crochet. I asked one of them to teach me. I didn’t have a crochet hook, so I improvised with a knitting needle. I know that’s weird, but to me it was a similar process, wrapping yarn over a needle and pulling it through. Of course, I eventually got a proper hook. I remember making a loopy jacket in brown wool. It was very 70s. Initially I began my career as a knitwear designer. Although I have been crocheting since my teens, I only started writing my own…

YOU WILL NEED Any DK yarn in colours to complement your chosen garment; we used: UK Alpaca Baby Alpaca Silk DK (80% alpaca, 20% silk, 50g/112m) 2 balls of Blush Pink UK Alpaca Superfine Alpaca DK (75% alpaca, 25% wool, 100g/112m) 4 balls of each: Rose Pink Moss Sapphire A 4mm (US G/6) hook A 2.5mm (US C/2) hook Large sized jumper of cardigan For yarn stockists contact UK Alpaca 01884 243579 www.ukalpaca.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Our Blanket measures 166x117cm (65¼x46in); the size of your Blanket will depend on the number of squares you cut from your garment We all have woolly garments that we can’t bear to part with as they bring back happy memories,…

YOU WILL NEED Hedgehog Fibres Sock Minis (90% merino, 10% nylon, 20g/80m) 1 skein of each: Orion Rosehip Pucker Glacier Zephyr SkinnyDip Tweedy A 2.75mm (US C/2) hook A 4mm (US G/6) hook Upholstery needle and thread For yarn stockists contact Hedgehog Fibres shop.hedgehogfibres.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Base Circle measures 12cm (4¾in) in diameter Don’t despair if your favourite upholstered item gets damaged, you can disguise it with beautiful flowers and make it into a feature. NOTES All parts are made separately and joined together at the end. FLORAL PATCH BASE CIRCLE Using a 4mm hook and Yarn G, ch3 and ss to first ch to form a loop. Round 1 (RS) Ch1 (doesn’t count as…

1 Make a foundation ring, as instructed in the pattern. Work the turning chain for the stitches you’re going to work (3ch for tr). Yrh and insert hook into the centre of the ring. 2 Yrh and pull yarn through the centre of the ring (3 loops on hook). 3 Finish the treble in the usual way (yrh, pull through first 2 loops, yrh, pull through rem 2 loops). Work all the trebles of the first round in this way, inserting hook into centre of the ring. 4 Complete all the treble stitches of the first round as instructed in your pattern, pushing the stitches closer if you need to. Use a slip stitch to join the last stitch to the top of turning chain.…

YOU WILL NEED Plarn, 2cm wide, made from plastic bags in rainbow colours (see Notes) An 8mm (US L/11) hook TENSION Tension is not critical for this project MEASUREMENTS Finished pot measures 15cm (6in) tall, 55cm (21¾in) circumference, 17cm (7in) across Designer Becky Skuse says: “There are loads of ways to get creative with plarn, so start off by making my simple storage pot. I raided my plastic bag stash and found every colour of the rainbow! It’s great to be able to give new life to something old, and create something pretty in the process. I’ll be using my pot in the bathroom to store toiletries, and will make more to use as plant pots.” NOTES Learn how to make plarn with our guide on page 30. When making…