Innehållsförteckning för 109 från Simply Crochet

As lockdown rules begin to ease (at least in the UK) and we are allowed out and about a bit more, don’t forget your trusty, portable crafting companion crochet! We have plenty of makes to keep you hooking on the go; our Modern Lace collection will give you a frill on page 14. Pop on the colourful granny square poncho from page 42 or the fruity motif bag on page 77 when you are out at the shops. Not going out? Then the stars and stripes cushion and blanket set on page 57 should brighten your living room and your day. Please share your makes on Instagram tagged #sctreblemaker, or on our Facebook group Simply Crochet SCtreblemakers, as we love to see them!…

100 MICRO CROCHET MOTIFS STEFFI GLAVES (£15.99,David&Charles) Explore the world of micro crochet with this collection of crochet patterns and charts for 100 exquisite crochet motifs. This collection of teeny, tiny crochet motifs from talented crochet designer and Simply Crochet designer Steffi Glaves, explores the world of miniature in crochet form. Learn to make jewellery, accessories, appliqués, or just tiny things for the sheer joy of it. ZOOMIGURUMI 10 VARIOUS DESIGNERS (£12.50, Meteoor) This new collection of 15 projects, featuring designers from all over the world (including Simply Crochet designer Ilaria Caliri), provides enough fresh inspiration to keep you crocheting. In this book you will find a feisty crab, a bouncy kangaroo, a lively squirrel, a dainty bunny and much more. Surprise your family and friends with handmade gifts, or…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Legacy no.8 (100% cotton, 100g/330m) White (009) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ Removable stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION 21 sts and 28 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 3mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension 24 sts and 11 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Filet Patt using a 3mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 96 Bust width a: 45 (50: 55: 60: 65: 70)cm, 17¾ (19½: 21½: 23½: 25½: 27½)in Length b: 56 (57: 59: 60: 61.5: 62.5)cm, 22 (22½: 23¼: 23½: 24¼: 24½)in Add a layer of intriguing checkerboard pattern to your plain vests…

When I crocheted a sweater for first time I was convinced I was going to mess it up. Surely such a thing was way beyond my skill level? So no-one was more surprised than me when it turned out fine and actually fit. Sure, some of the seams were a bit bumpy and I definitely didn’t block it properly, but it was wearable, cosy and even looked like the picture! A PROBLEM SHARED I began learning all about the different construction methods and techniques involved in crocheting garments. I fell in love with the process and wanted to share it with everyone who would listen. As I published more designs, I started seeing comments which mirrored those familiar reservations I first had. Responses such as “I could never make that”…

YOU WILL NEED ■ DROPS Cotton Merino (50% wool, 50% cotton, 50g/110m) Yarn A Turquoise (24) See table for measurements and quantities of Yarn A 1 ball of each: Yarn B Pistachio (10) Yarn C Vanilla (17) Yarn D Mustard Yellow (15) Yarn E Powder Pink (05) Yarn F Cerise (14) Yarn G Coral (13) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION Rounds 1-3 of Plain Square to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) using a 6mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension Rounds 1-6 of Sleeve Motif measure 15cm (6in) in diameter using a 6mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 96 Take the comfort and cosiness of a poncho, combine with…

YOU WILL NEED ■ A 6mm (US J/10) hook For the blanket ■ Caron Simply Soft (100% acrylic, 170.1g/288m) 2 balls of Yarn A White (9701) 1 ball of each: Yarn B Autumn Red (9730) Yarn C Lavender Blue (9756) Yarn D Soft Pink (9719) Yarn E Sunshine (9755) Yarn F Pumpkin (9756) Yarn G Persimmon (9754) ■ A pompom maker, 3.5cm For the cushion ■ Caron Simply Soft (100% acrylic, 170.1g/288m) 1 ball of Yarn A White (9701) *A small amount of each: Yarn B Autumn Red (9730) Yarn C Lavender Blue (9756) Yarn D Soft Pink (9719) Yarn E Sunshine (9755) Yarn F Pumpkin (9756) Yarn G Persimmon (9754) *See Notes ■ A pompom maker, 8.5cm ■ Cushion pad, 45x45cm For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818…

THE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL Junior doctor Daniel Huntington uses crochet to unwind “Watching my mum [Simply Crochet’s editor Sara Huntington] crocheting is a strong memory. I’m a junior doctor, currently doing clinical rotations, and Mum suggested I learn how to crochet during the pandemic as a way to occupy myself when I had to self-isolate. “First, Mum taught me how to chain and I watched a webinar she had done on how to make granny squares. My square has been getting bigger and bigger – you could say it’s a baby blanket now! I’m going see how big I can get it, then move on to hats and tote bags. I find the repetition of crocheting really relaxing. It seems to occupy a unique part of your brain where you can…

1 First, make sure you fasten off, weave in ends and block pieces. Place pieces RS together. Insert hook into the first stitch on both pieces. Make a slip knot 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 second stitch of both layers and work a slip stitch. Work a slip stitch in the third 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 WS. 4 From the RS, the slip stitch seam forms an ‘invisible’ join (see above). It forms a firm, flat seam that doesn’t give much stretch.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 50g/125m) 2 balls of Yarn E Shell (255) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Watermelon (252) Yarn B Peach (386) Yarn C Sweet Orange (411) Yarn D Cherry (413) ■ Cotton fabric, 40x70cm ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ Tassel maker (or cardboard 20cm long) For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION Rounds 1-4 of Square measures 8x8cm (3¼x3¼in) MEASUREMENTS Bag measures 32.5cmx32.5cm (12¾x12¾in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 96 This is not just a bag for life, it has a zest for life as well, what with the fruit -inspired colours it’s made of. Even the yarn names are making our mouths water! NOTES Bag is made up of 32 Square motifs. Block each motif to…

Learning how to work decreases opens up a whole new world of crochet possibilities. Decreasing is where you turn two (or more) stitches into one stitch, thereby decreasing the stitch count. You can use combinations of decreases to create all sorts of shapes, like triangles, to shaping within a fabric, like waist cinching. The standard double crochet decrease is the ‘dc2tog’ or ‘2dctog’, which works well for most fabrics. However, there are some projects where this method can leave you with a problem gap in the fabric, such as stuffed toys where the stuffing might become visible – in these cases, the invisible decrease is ideal. In this workshop, I’ll explain three double crochet decrease methods – each one has pros and cons, so experiment to see what will work…

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…

EMMA LEITH Author of the books Mindful Crochet and Colourful Crochet, Emma’s exuberant use of colour makes it easy to spot her cheerful designs. Find her floral garter on page 21. KRISTEN TENDYKE Kristen lives in Maine, USA where she designs knit and crochet sweater patterns that are easy to follow, enjoyable and engaging to make. Discover her tank top on page 26. HANNAH CROSS Crochet designer Hannah is also a blogger and runs HanJan Crochet. She loves designing simple yet detailed crochet patterns that everyone can try. See her bow on page 23. MILLIE MASTERTON Millie is the crochet designer behind Ruby and Custard. She’s been busy creating the embellished T-shirt on page 39 which gives classic Breton stripes a floral update. OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Natalie Beard, Jess Bennett, Jade…

1 A STITCH IN TIME Made from time softened and re-purposed vintage furnishing fabric, this needlecase and notions pouch are the perfect addition to any crochet bag, adding a classic aesthetic. Find for £15 each at Folksy shop Ericka Eckles. 2 CROCHET ALL DAY With hand-painted vintage-style roses, this pretty hanging sign will look lovely on the handle to a yarn stash cupboard. It’s £6 from www. pedrosplaques.com /plaques 3 KEEP GROOVING Hook up some retro vibes with the Groovy Dreams Sweater. Check those fun flared sleeves! Find the pattern on LambentCrochet’s Etsy shop for £5.47. 4 QUIRKY KITTIES Vintage cat bunting is a thing and can now be yours. Marvel at moggies from the olden days with this unique decoration. Buy for £15 from Folksy shop PollyKrafts. 5 BUTTON GLUTTON…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico Ricorumi (100% cotton, 25g/58m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Light Green (046) Yarn B Pastel Yellow (062) Yarn C Rose (008) Yarn D Raspberry (013) Yarn E Mint (041) Yarn F Pistachio (047) ■ Rico Ricorumi Neon (100% acrylic, 25g/60m) 1 ball of Yarn G Orange (001) ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.de/en/home TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS All sizes are approximate Small Carnation: 2cm (¾in) diameter Large Carnation: 4cm (1½in) diameter Daisy: 2.5cm (1in) diameter Pink Flower: 6cm (2¼in) diameter Flower Bud: 3.5cm (1¼in) tall Hyacinth: 10cm (4in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 96 If you’re lacking green fingers…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Viking of Norway Nordlys (75% wool, 25% nylon, 100g/350m) 1 ball of each Yarn A 938 (multicoloured) Yarn B 915 (grey) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook ■ Tassel maker or cardboard For yarn stockists contact LoveCrafts 01409 404010 www.lovecrafts.com TENSION 17 sts and 8 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using a 4.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Shawl measures approx 235x52cm (92½x20½in) after blocking ABBREVIATIONS cluster Ch3, 2-tr cl in top of prev tr worked For a full list, see page 96 If you’ve got a skein of multicoloured yarn burning a hole in your stash, this project will do it justice. Watch with anticipation as your hook moves through the spectrum of colours and find your finished shawl…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Rowan Creative Linen DK (50% linen, 50% cotton, 100g/200m) See table for measurements and yarn quantities Yarn A Cloud (620) Yarn B Mustard (647) Yarn C Raspberry (631) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ 4 (4: 5: 5: 6: 6: 6) buttons, 2cm For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 668200 www.knitrowan.com TENSION 9 sts and 14 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Elizabeth Stitch using a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 96 Chest width a: 25.5 (26.5: 29: 30: 32: 33.5: 35.3)cm, 10 (10½: 11¼: 11¾: 12½: 13: 14)in Length b: 26 (28: 32.5: 35: 38.5: 40: 43)cm, 10¼ (11: 12¾: 13¾: 15: 15¾: 17)in Sleeve length c: 16 (17.5: 21: 22: 22.5: 27: 28)cm,…

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 hook). Start a second tr and work it until you’re halfway through, as before (3 loops hook). 2 Without completing the first or second treble, start a third 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 the 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.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Mohair Rhythm (70% mohair, 30% microfibre, 25g/200m) Yarn A Lindy (679) Yarn B Twist (675) ■ Scheepjes Alpaca Rhythm (80% alpaca, 20% wool, 25g/200m) Yarn C Polka (656) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A hairpin crochet loom ■ A 2.5mm (US C/2) hook ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ Scrap yarn in contrasting colour ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION 35 loops to measure 20cm (8in) long including edging Each Strip measures 7.75cm (3in) deep including edging ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 96 Width a: 43 (48: 53: 58.5: 63.5: 69)cm 17 (19: 20¾: 23: 25: 27)in Length b: 63 (63: 71: 71: 71: 71)cm 24¾ (24¾: 28: 28: 28: 28)in An intriguing mix of…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Stylecraft Batik Swirl (80% acrylic 20% wool, 200g/550m) 1 ball of Hedgerow (3738) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) 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 Cowl measures approx 107cm (42in) in circumference ABBREVIATIONS shell 5tr in same st picot Ch3, ss in last ch from hook For a full list, see page 96 Start the day early on one of those beautiful mornings where the sun rises among peachy clouds, and take this cowl to keep you warm. NOTES Cowl is worked in rows and seamed together at the end. You can substitute any DK-weight yarn into this project, but it may affect the finished measurements and…

The Rushlade Wool Company is all about 100% British wool from Jess and Russ Steer’s sheep on their small Devon farm. Their yarn journey began with selling raw wool to hand spinners before having their wool spun up in a mill in Cornwall. They started dyeing when the yarns arrived in 2018 and today every skein they sell is hand dyed by Jess in the farmhouse kitchen. NATURE’S PALETTE Rushlade Farm is nestled on the side of the Dartmoor National Park and the fields are rolling patchworks of pasture, hedgerows and meadows. As a result the farm is surrounded by an ever-changing range of colours and combinations in every season, which inevitably provides inspiration for Jess’ dyeing. “For example we have a colour way called Skyline [above, bottom left] which…

PUPPY LOVE We are smitten with this darling yorkie. Thanks, Sarah Colvin, for sharing a picture of Yorkshire terrier puppy Mindy with Simply Crochet. Mindy is sporting a dog bandana from issue 96 – Sarah isn’t sure if Mindy likes it yet, but she’s been very gracious in letting you photograph her! LIL’HELPER Here is the second monkey that Kate Rudd has made from Simply Crochet – this warmly-dressed one is from issue 102. She’s hoping to sell it to raise money for her local hospital’s breast cancer charity as she’s done before with other animals she’s made from the magazine. Thank you, Kate, for being one of the many crocheters using your skills for the benefit of others. STAR OF THE STASH This version of the star yoke jumper…

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.…

BAG Natalie Beard’s drawstring pouch would surely dangle from a Bridgerton wrist, though the contents will be different today ■ Scheepjes Legacy no. 8 (100% cotton, 100g/330m), 1 ball of White (009) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ Small amount of toy stuffing TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Bag measures approx 22cm (8¾in) tall NOTES Bag is worked from the bottom up. Parts of the pattern are worked in the amigurumi style. Work stitches in a continuous spiral without closing off each round with a slip stitch. You may find it helpful to mark the first stitch of the round, moving the marker up as you work. BAG BASE Make a magic loop. Round 1 (RS) Ch1…

1 Make a foundation ring, then work the t-ch (1ch for dc). Work 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 the 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 edge: insert the hook…

1 Bring needle to front of fabric, after securing the thread at the back. Insert needle back into same hole (or very close to it) and pull gently to leave a small loop. 2 Bring needle to the front a little way to the right, making sure the needle passes through the loop. Insert the needle back into the same hole (or very close to it). Pull gently to leave a small loop. 3 Repeat step 2 to make more loops. 4 After the final loop, make a small stitch over the last loop to secure it.…

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

1 An example of Row 2 completed, with sections of dc at each end, and ES with (htr, ch1, htr) groups between. This is turned to the RS ready to work Row 3. 2 One of the ES sections, showing where you will work the increase st of Row 3, and each further ES. In this example there were 5 ES in Row 2, and there will be 6 ES once you have increased in Row 3. 3 It can be easier to see the placement of the ES from the top of the row. Here the increase ES has already been worked, so you will need to skip the ch1 before working the next ES under the next ‘stitch’. 4 This section of Row 3 is now complete, showing…

Win a digital copy of the next Simply Crochet issue! Enter by voting for your favourite on Instagram @simplycrochetmag HOOK to HOOK Helen Smith “I love to take on new crochet challenges, so when I was asked to take part in this Hook to Hook houseplant challenge, I jumped at the chance. I was inspired by the visits I’d take to my nanna’s house when I was little, where she always had beautiful aloe vera plants dotted around. She liked to use the gel inside the leaves to help heal my cuts and scrapes. This cotton yarn was just perfect for the job of making my crochet version.” Find Helen on Instagram at @emkatcrochet Ria Patel “Coming from my background of making playful amigurumi characters, the theme of crocheted houseplants…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Stylecraft Bellissima (100% acrylic, 100g/268m) 2 balls of each: Purple Passion (3934) Totally Teal (3976) Overly Olive (3927) 1 ball of Mellow Yellow (3925) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ Pompom maker, 2.5cm ■ Cushion pad, 60x60cm For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION Each Square to measure 19x19cm (7½x7½in) before blocking MEASUREMENTS Cushion measures approx 60x60cm (23½x23½in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 96 Soften the edges of your room with a couple of versatile floor cushions. Add extra seats on the floor at kids’film nights, or hide behind one at scary bits on grown ups’film nights! NOTES Cushion is made up of 18 Square Motifs; 9 Squares are joined together to make each panel. When joining, you can change the…

1 Identify the post of the stitch indicated. 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 stitch. 4 You’ll see how the stitch is raised up, compared to the rest of the fabric.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Rushlade Wool Masham DK (100% wool, 100g/170m) 1 skein of Crocus ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ 3 hoops, 10cm in diameter ■ 1 hoop, 30cm in diameter ■ 6 capiz shells (available: www.bit.ly/3cvmrbD) ■ Assortment of wooden beads ■ Tassel maker For yarn stockists contact www.rushladewool.co.uk TENSION Rounds 1-4 of Small Mandala measures 8cm (3¼in) in diameter Rounds 1-5 of Large Mandala measures 10cm (4in) in diameter MEASUREMENTS Dream Catcher measures approx 65cm (25½in) long ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 96 Hang this dream catcher in your bedroom or chill-out space as a reminder to slow down your thoughts and let the daydreams in – it can do you a world of good in times of stress. Where will the…

FLOWER MOTIF Ch4 and ss in first ch to make a ring. ROUND 1 (RS) Ch3 (counts as tr), 15tr in ring, ss to top of beg ch-3 to join. [16 sts] Fasten off. ROUND 2 (RS) Ss around post of any tr from Round 1 (taking hook from back to front to back), *ch8, dc in second ch from hook, htr, tr in next 3 ch, htr, dc, BPss around next tr; rep from * 15 times more. FASTEN OFF and weave in ends. NOVITA WOOLLY WOOD WEIGHT DK CONTENT 70% Tencel Modal, 30% Merino wool BALL 100g/225m HOOK 4mm RRP £7.50 This new yarn from Novita has sustainability at its heart, and is a really interesting yarn to crochet with. Its main fibre is Tencel Modal, which is…

Grandmother, Aunties and Mother were incredibly talented in many areas of needlework so crafting is obviously in my blood. My mother made amazing wedding dresses and both my aunties knitted and crocheted clothes and homewares for their families. It was inevitable that there was every chance I would follow in their footsteps and become a crafter myself. Taught to knit by my dad at age five, knitting became my first passion, but I always wanted to learn to crochet. Sadly, my grandmother had passed away before that time so I had to teach myself. It wasn’t easy to begin with, since there were no video tutorials, computers or smart phones around then. I really struggled to get edges straight and an even tension on my work. I gave up quite…