Innehållsförteckning för Issue 138 från Simply Crochet

Summer memories

For me, July is for making memories with my kids – but as they’re all busy adults now, I need to schedule our meaningful moments well in advance! So, I’m taking my daughter to a music festival, where we’ll both sport a water bottle holder from page 53. Then, I’ll help my eldest son settle into his new flat with retro-fab décor from page 14. Finally, I’ll watch the Women’s World Cup with my younger son – and give him the ami’ footballer from Ellie’s Craft Boutique on page 30. Share your own crochet memories on Instagram tagged #sctreblemaker, or on our Facebook group, Simply Crochet SCtreblemakers.…

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Simply Crochet|Issue 138

INSPIRING BOOKS

MINI AMIGURUMI OCEAN SARAH ABBONDIO (£7.99, Search Press) If you love sealife and amigurumi, dip into this colourful collection of 26 cute and colourful sea critters. You’ll find easy-to-hook patterns for sharks, whales, jellyfish, an octopus, a seahorse, a turtle and lots of different fish. These small creatures can be transformed into lovely little key rings, or you could hang several from an embroidery hoop to make a simple baby mobile. ALL-NEW 20 TO MAKE: FLOWERS TO CROCHET SARAH-JANE HICKS (£6.99, Search Press) Crochet bouquets seem to be everywhere on social media these days, so we’re excited to get our hands on this collection of twenty realistic florals – and get them on our Instagram feeds! Inside, you’ll find a sunflower, rose, daisy, snowdrop, lavender and more. They’re all great…

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Simply Crochet|Issue 138

Make a point

YOU WILL NEED ■ West Yorkshire Spinners Colour Lab DK, (100% wool, 100g/225m) Yarn A Natural Cream (0010) See table for measurements and Yarn A quantities 1 ball of each for all sizes: Lime Green (0198) Citrus Yellow (0229) Coral Crush (0361) Bottle Green (0363) Electric Blue (0364) Zesty Orange (0476) Cerise Pink (0539), Crimson Red (0056), Very Berry (0647) Aqua Green (0705) Deep Teal (0716), Thistle Purple (0717) Candy Pink (1133) Sky Blue (1136) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists contact WY Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION One half-and-half granny Motif measures 10 (11: 12: 13: 13)cm, 4 (4¼: 4¾: 5: 5)in square using a 4mm hook or size needed to obtain stated tension; Front and Back Motifs vary according to size; All Sleeve motifs are…

7 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

FLIRTY FUN

YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico Essentials Crochet (100% cotton, 50g/280m) Fuchsia (005) See notes for yarn quantities ■ A 1.5mm (US 7 steel) hook ■ A denim skirt For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.com/en/home TENSION 48 sts and 12 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using a 1.75mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS To fit skirt measuring at least 40cm long ABBREVIATIONS tr4tog (Yrh, insert hook into next st, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook) 4 times, yrh and pull through all loops on hook tr7tog (Yrh, insert hook into next st, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook) 7 times, yrh and pull through all loops on hook dec…

3 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

Flying colours

YOU WILL NEED ■ Yarnsmiths Create DK (100% acrylic, 100g/290m) Blanket 2 balls of Cream (3050) 1 ball of each: Fuchsia Pink (3370) Burnt Orange (3120) Primrose Yellow (3160) Opal Green (3220) Cornflower Blue (3270) Lavender (3360) Cushion 2 balls of Cream (3050) 1 ball of each: Fuchsia Pink (3370) Burnt Orange (3120) Primrose Yellow (3160) Opal Green (3220) Cornflower Blue (3270) Lavender (3360) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook ■ A cushion pad, 404 times0cm ■ A tassel maker For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures approx 65x87cm (25½x34¼in) Cushion measures 40x40cm (15¾x15¾in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 Welcome a little one home with the bright shades and…

10 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

SIMPLE STEPS HOW TO MAKE A WAISTCOAT DC

1 The waistcoat dc (also known as a split dc) is worked into the centre of the dc rather then into the top. At the front of the dc there are 2 strands; insert your hook in the centre of this. 2 The hook should come out at the back of the fabric between the strands of yarn. 3 Yrh and pull the yarn through to the RS. Yrh and pull through both loops on hook. Repeat Steps 1-3 to the end of the row. 4 This swatch was worked with RS facing throughout and fastening off at the end of each row.…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

Behind the skeins

Time and time again, we crocheters find ourselves enraptured by idependently dyed yarns, also known as ‘indie-dyed yarns’. With dreamy colour effects, squishable fibre blends and imaginative shade names, it’s easy to fall in love with a one-of-a-kind skein. But independent dyers – often just one to four people working out of a kitchen, shed or art studio – operate very differently to major yarn brands, and it can be helpful to know what to expect. Therefore, to demystify all things indie dyer-related, we’ve spoken with some of our favourites and put together this short guide to answer some of your major questions about these yarns and their makers. Discover the who, what and how of the hand-dyed yarns we love to love! WHO MAKES INDIE-DYED YARN? Behind every extraordinary…

8 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

SIMPLE STEPS HOW TO WORK A FRONT POST TREBLE STITCH

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.…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

Show us yours

WINNER! MAKING WAVES Jane Lowe zigzagged her hook around this fabulous throw project from issue 135 and put her own spin on it by using different colours. We think this finished product hits all the right angles! Perhaps Jane could hook up a matching cushion from the same collection. COLOURFUL FYB One of the best ways to add a bit of colour to your home is with a set of fun box covers like these. Mette Peterson thought so too and hooked up her own to display in her hallway. Issue 135 features lots of other zigzag makes, including a matching light shade, which we know would look great in Mette’s home as well. LACEY LOVE Claire Slade’s make from issue 122 is a breath of fresh air in the…

5 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

TRY 3 ISSUES FROM JUST £5*

Great reasons to subscribe: ● Trial your first 3 issues from as little as £5* ● Save up to 41% after your trial period ● Delivered straight to your door ● Never miss an issue ● Perfect summer reading This offer closes on 31st August 2023 and is valid for UK delivery addresses and by Direct Debit only. The discounts shown are savings calculated as a percentage of the full shop price. For overseas rates visit www.buysubscriptions.com. Should the magazine ordered change in frequency; we will honour the number of issues and not the term of the subscription. You are free to cancel your subscription at any time – if you cancel within 2 weeks of receiving your penultimate issue you will pay no more than the trial rate. These…

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Simply Crochet|Issue 138

Crochet essentials

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…

8 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

MEET THE MASTER: BECKY SKUSE

Becky is a wealth of crochet knowledge. For over ten years, she’s helped make Simply Crochet the magazine of choice among hooksters looking to improve their stitchy skills. Here, she shares a bit of her hooky journey with us… IN THE BEGINNING Though Becky has made her career in crochet, she was originally intimidated by the craft. “My nan showed me a few crochet stitches when I was a child – she’d made a little granny square blanket for my dolly and I was fascinated by it,” says Becky. “I already knew how to knit, but seeing my nan hook these elongated stitches blew my little mind, so I stuck with knitting.” However, in 2009, Becky began working on a crochet magazine. That changed everything. “There were so many lovely…

3 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Let’s make a practice piece with 12 sts and two contrasting olours – we used DK cream (A) and pink (B), with a 4mm hook. Cable fabrics often use post stitches in various lengths depending on how far they’ll travel – for simplicity, we’ll use htr as the base stitch and dtr for all post stitches. Step 1 To work Row 1 (RS): using A, ch11, ch2 (counts as htr throughout), htr in third ch from hook, htr in next ch, 2htr in B, 4htr in A, 2htr in B, 2htr in A. Now the cable strands are set, you’ll work all A sts into A sts, and all B sts into B sts, making it easier to keep track. Step 2 For Row 2 (WS), turn and remember to…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

Tangerine twist

YOU WILL NEED ■ Rowan Felted Tweed DK (50% wool, 25% viscose, 25% alpaca, 50g/175m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Clay (177) Yarn B Zinnia (198) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01924 371501 www.knitrowan.com TENSION 21sts over 15 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over htr st MEASUREMENTS Boot Cuffs measure 36cm (14in) in circumference ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 of Simply Crochet magazine Designer Becky Skuse says: “Keep your ankles cosy and stylish with these two-tone cabled boot cuffs – perfect for giving yourself a much-needed colour boost this winter. The felted tweed yarn adds a fuzzy halo that helps to merge the stitches together, so the cable strands really look like they’re hovering over the fabric. The soft greige…

4 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

HOW DO I WORK AN EXTENDED STITCH?

To practise extended and half stitches, you can use any yarn you like and a hook in a suitable size for the yarn – whatever you feel most comfortable with. We used DK cotton yarn and a 4mm hook. Start your practice piece with a couple of rows of treble stitches to give the fabric a sturdy foundation – it will also give you a base row of ‘normal’ stitches to compare against your extended stitches. We worked 13 tr for two rows (ch15, tr in 4th ch from hook and in each ch to end, turn, ch3, tr in each tr across, turn). Step 1 Start the new row with a turning chain as usual – for extended stitches, just work the same number of turning chains as you…

2 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

CHANGING COLOUR

One reason we love crochet is so we can play with colour! Many fantastic creations involve changing yarn shades mid-row, but this often creates confusion – which colourwork technique should you use? SPOILED FOR CHOICE You could use the tapestry crochet method, the Fair Isle technique or the intarsia approach, but which one is best and for which projects? In this workshop, we’ll explain the differences between these three key colourwork techniques and how best to use each one. The main differences between these techniques are about what you do in between spaced-out stitches of the same colour. We’ll practise by making some samples of the same checked pattern using each method, so you can learn the pros and cons involved and make an informed choice for your next project.…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

WHAT IS TAPESTRY CROCHET?

Tapestry crochet is quite similar to Fair Isle – both involve taking different yarn colours across each row as you work. In tapestry crochet, however, you work the new stitches over the spare ‘strands’ of yarn of the other colours, encasing them inside the fabric at the back of your work. To try it out, start a new practice piece, as before (2 rows of 10 dc in cream). Step 1 Work Row 3 as *2 dc in cream, 2 dc in pink; repeat from * to end. As you work, position the unused yarn colour over the dc stitches below and work the next 2 dc in the contrasting yarn colour – you will be effectively weaving the unused colour into the fabric. Remember to twist the yarns together…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

Dive right in

YOU WILL NEED ■ Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/125m) 1 ball of each: Pear Green (465) Sailor Blue (440) Summer Sky Blue (463) Slate Grey (406) Daffodil Yellow (422) ■ A 3mm (US C/2) hook ■ An A5 notebook ■ Lining fabric, 2 pieces each approx 18x25cm ■ Sewing clips For yarn stockists contact LoveCrafts 01409 404010 www.lovecrafts.com TENSION 22 sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) MEASUREMENTS Cover measures 33x22cm (13x8½in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 in Simply Crochet magazine Designer Becky Skuse says: “Embrace the joy of crocheted colour with this leaping dolphin notebook cover. It’s the perfect project for flexing your colourwork muscles, with plenty of features to keep you interested without being too tricky. On each row, there are no…

3 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

HOW DO I FINISH THE SQUARE?

Step 1 To finish the Square and get to the right place for the next Square, we need to slip stitch across. *Insert hook under the next vertical bar, yrh and pull through all loops on hook. Repeat from * another 4 times (5ss). Step 2 Work a sixth and final ss into the next unused chain in the foundation chain, to finish the first Square. Step 3 At the end of this, and each Square, the loop left on the hook forms the first loop of the next Square. To make the next Square, repeat from Step 2 of the first Square to Step 2 here, slip stitching into the last chain of the foundation chain. Fasten off this colour. You’ll see that the foundation chain has been joined…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

HOW DO I DECREASE SQUARES?

We’ll work the next level in the same colour as the first level (it makes a nice checked pattern). We’re going to work two Squares again, to show you how to decrease the number of Squares. Step 1 To decrease by one Square at the start of a new level, join the yarn at the top-right of the first Square of the previous row, in the first ss. This forms the first loop of the row. Step 2 Work this Square as a plain Square. Step 3 Work the next Square as a plain Square as well. You can just stop here and you will have decreased one Square at the end of the row. You will have 2 Squares on this finished third level.…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

MOSAIC CROCHET

Mosaic crochet may look complex, but you might be surprised by how easy it is to work. It’s a simple way to create colourful fabrics working with just one yarn colour at a time per row or round. The technique produces a geometric effect, reminiscent of tiled floors. In this workshop, we’ll take you through the basics and you’ll be ready to tackle our bath mat project on page 28. Mosaic crochet is similar to interlocking crochet and you might see the two names used interchangeably, but there are important differences to note. With mosaic crochet, you’ll work two rows with one colour before changing to a second colour and working two rows with the new colour, and so on – working two rows with each colour. These rows will…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

WHAT’S A MOSAIC CHART?

Now that you’ve worked mosaic crochet rows – made up of dc stitches, chain lengths and mosaic trebles – the next step is being able to use a chart that sets out where to place each of these stitches to create a specific mosaic pattern. Here’s the charted version of the pattern we’ve been working. Each square represents the size of 1 dc stitch, but not every square is worked as a dc stitch. We’ve drawn some elongated rectangles in a bolder line to show you where the mosaic trebles are worked instead of dc to create the pattern. In practice, you’ll only use the chart as a guide for where to skip dc sts and work chain lengths instead – otherwise you can just read your fabric for what…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

Bathroom bliss

YOU WILL NEED ■ Hoooked Zpagetti (90% recycled cotton, 10% synthetic fibres, 850g/120m) 1 ball of Yarn A Montana Beige 2 balls of Yarn B Green Flowers ■ A 12mm (US P/15) hook For yarn stockists contact www.hoooked.co.uk TENSION 7 sts over 8 rows measures 10x10cm (4x4in) TENSION Bath Mat measures 80x50cm (31½x19¾in) ABBREVIATIONS mtr (mosaic treble) Yrh, insert hook in skipped dc stitch specified, three rows below, rotate hook so that it sits in front of the two ch-3 lengths of contrasting colour yarn, yrh and pull up loop, (yrh and pull through 2 loops) twice. The finished treble should sit in front of the two ch-3 lengths For a full list, see page 88 in Simply Crochet magazine Designer Becky Skuse says: “Freshen up your bathroom by using…

2 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

INTERLOCKING STITCHES

When the foundation row is made it’s time to work the interlocking stitches into the front and back of the fabric – rest assured, it’s easier than it might look! Place the light yarn working loop on the hook, ready to work Row 1a. Try not to tangle the yarns, and position the dark yarn at the back (this is where the already-worked starting chains will help). First, you’ll work an interlocking back stitch – this is just a treble worked into the next treble of the light yarn, but in order to create the interlocking effect, you need to work the treble behind the dark yarn. It’s easier than it sounds. Step 1 To start an interlocking back treble, yrh and insert the hook into the back of the…

2 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

Pot it up

YOU WILL NEED ■ Paintbox Cotton Aran (100% cotton, 50g/85m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Misty Grey (604) Yarn B Raspberry Pink (644) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ Stitch markers or waste yarn For yarn stockists contact Paintbox Yarns www.paintboxyarns.com MEASUREMENTS 17x21cm (6½x8½in) including hanging loop ABBREVIATIONS IBtr (Interlocking back treble) Tr in the next tr of the same colour behind the sts of the contrasting colour IFtr (Interlocking front treble) Tr in the next tr of the same colour in front of the sts of the contrasting colour For a full list, see page 88 in Simply Crochet magazine Designer Becky Skuse says: “Dip your toe into the exciting world of interlocking crochet with this simple pot holder, featuring a woven zigzag pattern. If you’ve followed…

4 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

CROCHET MASTERCLASS

Looking to level up your crochet skills? Great news – we’ve asked the author of our technical features, Becky Skuse, to put together an essential guide to some of our most asked-about techniques. Here, you’ll find all the information you need to tackle cabling, extended stitches, colourwork, Tunisian entrelac and mosaic and interlocking crochet, as well as beautiful patterns that will let you practise your new skills. Make the projects over and over again until you’re a pro, then give them away as handmade gifts – not only will you have some new techniques in your repertoire, you’ll also have half you Christmas list sorted before autumn! Editor, Simply Crochet…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

SHOW YOUR TRUE COLOURS

YOU WILL NEED ■ Yarnsmiths Create DK (100% acrylic, 100g/290m) 1 ball of each: Cornflower Blue (3270) White (3040) Black (3000) Primrose Yellow (3160) Bright Red (3110) Deep Purple (3320) Fondant Pink (3390) Opal Green (3220) Bright Orange (3130) ■ A small amount of any DK yarn in grey ■ Toy stuffing ■ A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Elmer measures 30cm (11¾in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 of Simply Crochet magazine Crochet Lucy Ward’s cuddly adaptation of David McKee’s Elmer elephant character as a reminder to let your true colours shine! NOTES Elmer is made up of motifs.…

4 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

CONTRIBUTORS

DEBBIE WARD Debbie trained in machine knitting but took up the hook around five years ago and has never looked back! She’s a fan of all things retro and colourful. Find her laptop bag on page 14. BLAZENKA SIMIC-BORO Blazenka always tries to get new crafters into crocheting by creating beautiful makes using simple stitches. The outcome is always great! Hook up her summer-ready bag on page 65. CANDY DOWNS Ever since her grandmother taught her how to crochet when she was younger, Candy hasn’t put her hook down. Check out her amazing puzzle tissue box on page 14. SANDY JONES Sandy is a pattern designer who also runs an Etsy shop where she sells her designs and crochet makes. See her super-cute upcycled denim frill skirt on page 41.…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

5 FAB FINDS Charming cactus cuties

SPELL IT OUT If you want to say something, say it with cacti! These four flowering cactus plants are shaped like the letters in the world ‘love’ – how sweet! Get the pattern for £5.99 from LilysLyric on Etsy or about £4.77 on www.lilyslyric.com RAINBOW GARDEN If you have a real passion for plants, create a whole professional pot of them with this pattern set from Cleverlyblu on Etsy. Download the pattern for £4.30. JUST FOR YOU This flat Cactus Gift Pouch has a little pocket in it for tiny presents! Download the pattern for £2.99 from A Crafty Concept on Etsy, or for free at www.acraftyconcept.com LITTLE BUDDIES Create a whole team of tiny cactus dudes with a Cactus Doll pattern from Etsy shop misssBerlin. It’s a three-in-one pattern,…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

Team player

YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico Essentials Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/120m) 1 ball of each: White (080) Cobalt Blue (032) Taupe (089) Black (090) Turquoise (033) ■ A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook ■ 2 safety eyes, 10mm ■ Toy stuffing ■ Black stranded cotton ■ A red colouring pencil (optional) For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.com/en/home TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Football Player measures approx 26cm (10¼in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 Support your favourite team – or help a football fan celebrate their love of the game – with an adorable ami’ athlete! Why not hook this skilled sportsperson up in time for the Women’s World Cup this summer? NOTES Parts of this…

8 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

Come in waves

YOU WILL NEED ■ The Fibre Co. Amble (70% Merino wool, 20% alpaca, 10% recycled nylon, 100g/325m) Wild Rose See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 4.25mm (US G/6 or 7) hook For yarn stockists contact The Fibre Co. www.thefibreco.com TENSION 2.5 shells and 8 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern after blocking using 4.25mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS shell st 5tr in st indicated half shell st 3tr in st indicated mattress stitch With RS facing, leaving a tail to weave in, use a threaded darning needle to pick up the bar that runs horizontally between the first and second sts on one of the pieces you wish to join. Pick up the corresponding bar on the other piece. Continue, picking…

4 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

Animal instincts

Jen Starbird is proof that whatever your passion in life, there’s bound to be a way to celebrate it using crochet. “Crochet is a means of sharing my love of the natural world with others,” says Jen. “My focus is on endangered creatures [and] unusual and less well-known fauna, as well as recently extinct and ancient animals. With crochet I can demonstrate to others the tremendous variety of creatures on the planet that are currently in our care.” Jen came to crochet nearly 13 years ago, learning the craft mostly via YouTube and dedicated tutorial sites. Before too long her friends were asking her to crochet items, such as purses and animal hats for kids, but then she discovered an amigurumi dragon pattern by Megan Lapp of Crafty Intentions. “I…

5 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

Water pouch

Rebecca O’Kane “It was surreal but super exciting when the editor of Simply Crochet asked me to take part in this water bottle holder Hook to Hook designer challenge! I live by the sea and was inspired to go with a shell/wave stitch pattern for this summer accessory. I’m really pleased with how it turned out. I’m drawn to using bright, cheerful and contrasting colours in a lot of my own crochet, too, so it was a joy to play around with these happy shades.” Find Rebecca on Instagram at @stitchmeawkward Rosalie Reeves “While following Simply Crochet on Instagram, I came across this exciting challenge and loved the idea of taking part. When I was asked, I eagerly joined in the fun and became inspired by the vibrant, summery hues…

5 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

HOT PROPERTY

YOU WILL NEED ■ Cascade Yarns Pima Cotton (100% cotton, 100g/200m) 2 skeins of Ember (3862) 1 skein of each: Coral (3752) Coral Cloud (3827) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ U-shaped bamboo handles, 20cm wide For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 12 sts and 10 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 3.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Bag measures approx 31x31cm (12¼x12¼in) excluding handles ABBREVIATIONS ftr (foundation treble crochet) Ch3, *insert hook in last ch from hook, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through 1 loop (loop will sit at base of ftr), (yrh and pull through 2 loops) twice; rep from * inserting hook in loop at base of prev ftr standing dc…

5 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

SUMMER FRUIT

YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico Creative Cotton Aran (100% cotton, 50g/85m) See table for measurements and yarn quantities Green (49) Light Pistachio (44) Fuchsia (13) Black (90) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook ■ 5 (5: 6: 6: 7: 7: 7) buttons, 1.5cm diameter For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.co.uk TENSION 14 sts and 9 rows to measure 10x10cm(4x4in) over tr patt using 4.5mm hook ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 Chest/Bust width a 34.5 (36: 38: 49: 54.5: 58: 65) cm, 13½ (14¼: 15: 19¼: 21¼: 22¾: 25½)in Length b 35 (39: 48: 57: 57: 58: 59)cm, 14 (15½: 19: 22¼: 22¼: 22¾: 23)in Sleeve length c 24 (27: 31: 44: 47: 47: 47)cm, 9½ (10½: 12¼: 17½: 18¼: 18¼: 18¼)in To make this pattern easier…

5 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

DOUBLE TAP ❤

QUICK HOOK Christine Crawford, aka @christines crochetedstuff, was delighted with this jumper from issue 136. She says it was the quickest make she’s completed yet! FANTASTIC FOX What’s cuter than a fox? A kid wearing this super-adorable fox-themed cardigan from issue 62! This cosy cutie was made by Alice Banks, aka @hooked.by.alice FUN AND FILET Toya Redbourne, aka @penelope_and_the_squish, loved hooking up these filet stitch socks from issue 136. We love the watermelon-esque colours she used! GREEN FINGERS This cute amigurumi corn cob is too cute not to share. Crochet fan Anna Dobbie, aka @feltcutecrafting, hooked this up from issue 134. There are six other veg to make!…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

Luxury floral collection

ON SALE NOW! JUST £9.99* inc free UK P&P What’s inside! ✖ 132 pages of cross stitch inspiration ✖ Bouquets, gardens, wildflowers and more! ✖ 21 projects by all your favourite designers Order your copy today! ORDER ONLINE www.buysubscriptions.com/CrossStitchFlorals23 Or CALL 03330 162 138+ and quote ‘Cross Stitch Florals 2023’ +UK calls will cost the same as other standard fixed line numbers (starting 01 or 02) and are included as part of any inclusive or free minutes allowances (if offered by your phone tariff). Lines open weekdays 9am to 5pm. Overseas please call +44 (0)1604 973 746. Price. EUR price £11.99, ROW price £12.99. All prices include P&P. Please allow up to 28 days for delivery. Offer subject to availability.…

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Simply Crochet|Issue 138

Organic forms

TikTok: @heegeldab Followers: 250 Instagram: @heegeldab Followers: 50K IF YOU LIKE… truly lifelike crochet creations, you’ll do a double-take when you see Marianne’s natural-looking bouquets. #jawdroppinglyrealistic IF YOU NEED… imaginative crochet that is “playful, magical [with] lots of colour,” Marianne’s work will inspire you. #becomeanartist #explorecrochet IF YOU WANNA… learn how Marianne makes her crochet magic, you’re in luck – she has a course on Domestika! #learnfromthemaster #beyondthesea IF YOU ARE… a lover of the natural world, check out Marianne’s page. “Everything you see in nature is recreatable in crochet.” #wowyourself IF YOU LOVE… 17th century Dutch flower paintings, you’ll get a similar vibe from Marianne’s flatlays on dark backgrounds. #eatyourheartoutvanaelst IF YOU HAVE… a playful approach to crochet, Marianne is your kindred spirit. “There really are no limits,” she…

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Simply Crochet|Issue 138

COLOURFUL CABLES

Cables add texture to your makes, with raised strands criss-crossing the fabric in an infinite variety of interesting ways. With a bit of know-how, you can work these strands in a contrasting colour to the background to really make the cables stand out against the background fabric. COLOUR AND CABLE COMBOS Colour cables mix colourwork and cabling techniques to create an amazing effect that you can use on most cable patterns. We’ll show you how to work a simple two-strand cable with two colours: one for the background and another for the cable. When you’re more confident, you could use multiple colours to work a cable with multiple strands. MULTI-SKILLED CROCHET To make colour cables, you need to be able to change colour between stitches, and work post and crossed…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

HOW DO I WORK COLOUR CABLES?

Moving cables around the fabric is surprisingly easy to do by skipping stitches and returning to them. Moved background sts are worked as post sts to avoid holes and are hidden on the WS. Step 1 Let’s move the cable strands closer together on Row 4 (WS). Turn, using A, ch2, htr in next A st, skip 2 B sts, FPdtr around next A st, change to B. You’ve moved an A st from between the cable strands to the outside and hidden the move on the WS. Step 2 Using B, BPdtr around the first skipped B st, then the second skipped B st, change to A. Using A, htr in the next unworked A st (we’ve marked it) – don’t work into the A st that already has…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

EXTENDED AND HALF STITCHES

Do you ever wish you could work a stitch that’s a little bit taller than a treble, but a little bit shorter than a double treble? Let us introduce you to the wonders of extended and half stitches! SMALL DIFFERENCES Both techniques are really quick and easy, and allow you to make any standard crochet stitch a little bit taller (extended) or a little bit shorter (half). The process of extending or halving involves only a small difference in how you work the stitch – the height of the finished stitch is only slightly different, but those differences add up across a piece of fabric and mean that you can create stitches of many more varying heights. PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT We’ll explain everything you need to know about making extended…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

HOW DO I WORK A HALF STITCH?

To practise half stitches, continue with your practice piece or start a new one. If you start a new one, begin with a couple of rows of half double trebles. As with the extended trebles on your practice piece, if you made one, it will give the fabric a sturdy foundation and a base row of ‘normal’ stitches to compare your extended stitches with. Work 13 hdtr (ch15, hdtr in fourth ch from hook and in each ch to end, turn, ch3, hdtr in each tr across, turn). Step 1 Start the new row with a turning chain as usual – for half stitches, you need to work one chain fewer than the number of turning chains you would usually use for the standard stitch that you’re adjusting. So for…

2 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

HOW DO I CHANGE COLOUR MID-ROW?

The process for changing colour between stitches is the same for tapestry crochet, Fair Isle and intarsia. To practise this process, you just need two colours of DK yarn (we used cream and pink) and a 4mm hook. Using colour 1 (cream), work 2 rows of 10 dc (ch11, dc in 2nd ch and each ch to end, turn, ch1, dc in each dc across, turn). Step 1 Start Row 3 (a RS row) with ch1 and then work the first 2 dc in cream – stop before the final yrh of the 2nd dc. Step 2 Twist together the cream yarn with colour 2 (pink) to make sure there are no holes in the fabric. You can make it loosely initially and then tighten it up. Step 3 Work…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

WHAT IS INTARSIA?

Intarsia is different to both Fair Isle and tapestry crochet, which share similarites. With intarsia you use separate balls of yarn for each colour section. To prepare an intarsia sample, wind two small balls in pink yarn and three small balls in cream yarn. Start a new practice piece, as before (2 rows of 10 dc in cream). Step 1 Work Row 3 as *2 dc in cream, 2 dc in pink; repeat from * to end. As you work, use a new ball for each colour change and twist the yarns together as before. Let the unused yarns dangle free on the WS. Turn and your work should look like this on the WS. Step 2 Follow the chart on page 14 for Row 4, using the relevant ball…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

TUNISIAN ENTRELAC

Entrelac is Tunisian crochet’s answer to C2C (corner to corner) technique and it’s great for creating all sorts of colour effects and shapes. In Tunisian entrelac, the Squares have a raised look that creates a woven effect. SIMPLE STITCHES Tunisian entrelac is usually worked in Tunisian simple stitch (Tss), so it will help if you can already do this. For this workshop, you can use any yarn, but choose a hook that’s a bit bigger than usual for the yarn. We’re going to use a DK yarn and a 5mm hook. The hook needs to have a straight shaft that can hold 7 loops. VARIOUS COMBINATIONS You can make entrelac Squares any size you like (by adjusting the number of stitches and rows) and combine them in various ways. We’ll…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

HOW DO I INCREASE AT THE START OF A LEVEL?

Let’s use a contrasting yarn colour for the next level, which will have three Squares and involves working increase Squares. There’s no need to turn – Tunisian crochet is worked with the right side facing at all times. Step 1 To work an increase Square at the start of a new level, join the new colour to the bottom-right corner of the first Square of the previous level. Ch6. Step 2 For the Forward Pass, pull up a loop in the second chain from hook and in each ch until you have 6 loops. Step 3 To get the seventh and final loop, insert hook into the side of the first row of the adjacent Square (make sure the hook is under 2 yarn strands), yrh and pull up a…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

There are plenty of possibilities of the effects that can be achieved with Tunisian entrelac crochet, so grab some Squared paper and plan something great! Here are a few ideas. You can continue the fabric by working more levels with more or fewer Squares. To create a triangular shawl, start with one foundation level Square and increase at the start and end of every level. Or try starting with 30 foundation level Squares, then alternate between 29 and 30 on each level for a rectangular fabric with jagged edges. TIP You’ll notice that Tunisian crochet does have a tendency to curl up at the edges, but you can tame this with blocking, adding a dc edging, or by adding more Squares. TIP Change yarn colour between Squares on the same…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

To get started, you just need two yarns in contrasting colours and an appropriately-sized hook – we used DK yarn in pink (Yarn A) and cream (Yarn B) with a 4mm hook. You’ll also find it helpful to have four stitch markers. Step 1 Using Yarn A, make 2 rows of 22 double crochet stitches. To do this, ch23, dc in second ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. Ch1 (does not count as st throughout), dc in each dc across. On the final dc of the second row, change to Yarn B on the final yrh, turn and your work should look like this. At the end of every even row on a mosaic crochet piece, you’ll need to change to the contrasting colour yarn on the…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

HOW DO I USE A MOSAIC CHART?

To practise using a chart, let’s work Row 7 from the chart (see previous page), reading the squares from right to left. Step 1 This is a Yarn B row and the first 8 squares are in Yarn B, over Yarn A squares, so simply ch1 and dc into each of the first 8 dc. Step 2 The next 2 squares are in Yarn A – since this is a Yarn B row, you need to skip 1 dc for each square, so skip 2 dc and ch3 instead. The length of your chain is equal to the number of sts skipped, plus one extra so that the fabric doesn’t pucker. If this was a Yarn A row and there were 4 squares in Yarn B, you would skip 4…

2 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

INTERLOCKING

Welcome to the world of interlocking crochet where the stitches of two different yarns are woven together into amazing, intricate patterns! It might look complex, but the technique is achievable with just a few new skills, which we’ll show you over the next few pages, and then you can make the pot holder on page 33. First, you’ll need some DK or aran yarn in two colours: a light shade (or Yarn A) and a dark shade (or Yarn B). Then just grab an appropriately sized hook and a few stitch markers. We used a DK yarn in cream and coral, along with 4mm hook. With interlocking crochet, there are two basic types of stitch: a front stitch (worked in front of the stitches in the other yarn) and a…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

Best of friends

HOT DAYS Get ready for the beach – or just a day in the sun – with the snazzy summer-ready outfits and cover-ups in Sirdar’s new Summer Beach collection. We’re particularly enamoured with the Cocoa Beach Co-ords above, with its granny square details, bobbly border and ruffled straps. Get the pattern for £3.35 or buy both the pattern and all the yarn you’ll need for £16-£25.60 at www.sirdar.com DISH IT OUT Made with 100% recycled fibres, King Cole’s new Big Value Recycled Dishcloth Cotton will have you feeling extra-good about your hooky projects. It comes in vibrant shades including Cranberry, Fuchsia, Black and Turquoise, and is made up of 85% cotton and 15% polyester. Use this yarn for projects that need to be durable, like bags, coasters and other homewares.…

8 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

BACK IN TIME

ROLLERSKATE MOTIF Visit your favourite roller rink wearing this graphic retro appliqué motif by Lucy Croft – you’ll look funky, groovy and far out! ■ Rico Creative Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/115m), 1 ball of Black (020) ■ Ricorumi DK (100% cotton, 25g/58m), 1 ball of each: Orange (027), Blue (032), Green (049) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ Stitch markers TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Approx 17x18cm (6¾x7in) ABBREVIATIONS standing tr Place slip knot on hook, yrh and hold in place with your index finger, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up a loop, (yrh and pull through 2 loops) twice standing htr Place slip knot on hook, yrh and hold in place with…

25 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

HEATHER’S JOURNAL …from the studio

Disclaimer time! When I first started crochet, I very much disliked variegated yarn. It always seemed so busy, and some of the dazzling yarn options made my eyes go fuzzy. But over the years, I’ve slowly come around and found the perfect crochet projects for such yarns. WHAT WORKS WELL? I think sometimes variegated yarns are given a bad rap for being too busy or not fitting in with the crowd, but if used correctly they can work really well and give your work that little lift you didn’t even know it needed. I’ve definitely heard through the Instagram grapevine that variegated yarns are often designed for knitting and, because of this, simple crochet stitches usually look better than more complicated ones. Maybe this is where I was going wrong…

4 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

SIMPLE STEPS HOW TO WORK A MATTRESS STITCH SEAM

1 Lay the pieces out flat with RS facing up. Line up the edges you want to join, matching up each crochet stitch or row-end carefully. It’s best to work the mattress stitch seam vertically from bottom to top, so start at the bottom. Thread the needle with yarn and insert it into the right-hand piece, from back to front, 1 stitch up from its bottom edge and 1 stitch in from its left edge. 2 Insert needle into the front of the left-hand piece in the same position, 1 stitch up from the bottom edge and 1 stitch in from the right edge. Continue working the seam 1 stitch in from the edges that you’re joining, as follows: bring needle up from back to front on left-hand piece, 1…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

Hoppy days

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Furry Tales (100% polyester, 100g/57m) 8 balls of Yarn A Frog Prince (986) ■ Scheepjes Chunky Monkey (100% premium acrylic, 100g/116m) 2 balls of Yarn B Pale Grey (1203) 1 ball of Yarn C White (1001) ■ Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 25g/62.5m) 1 ball of Yarn D Primrose (522) ■ Any scrap yarn in pastel colours for the numbers (we’ve used a mix of cottons, acrylics and fur yarns) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ A 6mm (US J/10) hook ■ Toy stuffing ■ 65m cotton macrame cord, 4mm thick ■ A stitch marker For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION Squares should measure 13x13cm (5x5in) MEASUREMENTS Rug measures approximately 69x111cm (27¼x43¾in) ABBREVIATIONS wdc (waistcoat dc) Insert hook directly through the centre of st…

4 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

golden MOMENTS BLANKET

YOU WILL NEED Materials are for the whole Blanket ■ Rico Design Essentials Merino DK (100% virgin wool, 50g/120m) 5 balls Yellow (65) 3 balls Mustard (70) 2 balls of each: Green (42) Light Blue (34) Cobalt Blue (29) Pearl Pink (16) Orchid (07) Navy (28) 1 ball of each: Red (05) Light Mint (33) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.de TENSION 19 sts and 12 rows to meas 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 4.5mm hook MEASUREMENTS Granny Square: 15x15cm (6x6in) Walk in the Wood Rectangle: 11x15cm (4¼x6in) ABBREVIATIONS RS pc 4tr in st, remove live loop from hook, insert hook from front to back in first tr, place loop on hook and pull through…

8 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

Blooming lovely

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Softfun Colour Pack (60% cotton, 40% acrylic, 20g/56m) 1 pack of each: Pastel Rainbow Note: each pack has 12x20g balls in total ■ Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 50g/125m) 4 balls of English Tea (404) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ 156 rainbow-coloured beads ■ A fine crochet hook (small enough to fit through the centre of the beads) For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures approx 101x101cm (39¾x39¾in) ABBREVIATIONS standing FPtr (standing front post treble) Place a slip knot on the hook, yrh, insert hook around post indicated working from front to back to front, yrh and pull up a loop, (yrh and draw through 2 loops) twice For…

4 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

C is for… COLOURWORK

‘C’ PATTERN Ch19. ROUND 1 (RS) Dc in second ch from hook, dc in next ch, (dc2tog) 7 times, dc in last 2 ch. [4 dc, 7 dc2tog] FASTEN OFF and weave in ends. The leftover yarns from this yarn review will be donated to Knit for Peace. Learn more at www.knitforpeace.org.uk and go to www.gathered.how for more yarn donation ideas. CREATIVE WORLD OF CRAFTS HELLO COTTON PETITE BALL WEIGHT DK CONTENT 100% cotton BALL 25g/62.5m HOOK 2.5-3.5mm RRP 99p The new kid on the block when it comes to little balls of loveliness, Hello Cotton is a yarn you won’t say ‘goodbye’ to. (Get it?) It’s quite a thin DK, so it’s ideal for patterns that call for a Baby/Sport yarn. It has a classic cotton feel – soft,…

3 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

HOW MUCH YARN SHOULD I BUY?

Running out of yarn before the end of your project is a crochet nightmare! Most of us have played ‘yarn chicken’ at some point – it’s not a fun game. So, how do you make sure you buy enough yarn in the first place? The easiest way is to use a good pattern (such as one from Simply Crochet), find the exact yarn used in the pattern, buy the number of balls recommended and check your tension. If you’ve got the budget and storage space, you could buy an extra ball just in case. In the real world, that isn’t always possible – for instance, maybe you’re working on a pattern with no yarn amounts, or the exact yarn is out of stock, or it’s a vintage pattern and that…

5 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

DOWNLOAD SIMPLY CROCHET!

You can buy a digital edition of Simply Crochet, ready to read whenever you want. Single issues and subscriptions are available and every issue you purchase is stored in your magazine library permanently. Once your magazine has downloaded, an internet connection is not required so you can take your magazine with you, wherever you go. To buy your digital copy of Simply Crochet visit www.gathered.how/digital-issues iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. NOOK is a registered trademark of Barnes & Noble, Inc. NOOK Tablet is a trademark of Barnes & Noble, Inc…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

MISSED AN ISSUE?

ISSUE 137 Discover your perfect summer project with our June issue! Inside, you’ll find a collection of beach necessities, picnic basics, a lacy mandala and bunting, a zigzag tank top, a floaty shawl and more. Plus, learn about different yarn weights, how to take your crochet projects outdoors and much more. RETURN TO THE APP TO BUY YOUR BACK ISSUES All issues of Simply Crochet are available as digital editions, ready to read whenever you want. Every purchase is permanently stored in your magazine library. Once your magazine has downloaded, an internet connection is not required, so you can take your magazine with you wherever you go. EVERY ISSUE IS AVAILABLE DIGITALLY, STARTING FROM ISSUE ONE! ISSUE 136 Showtime collection, lacy jumper, ami’ pink fairy armadillo, mosaic makes, fun sleeves,…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

WHAT SKILLS WILL I NEED TO KNOW?

Step 1 To change colour between stitches, work up to the final yrh of the last stitch in colour A, where the next stitch is colour B. For example, with a half treble: yrh, insert hook in next st, yrh and pull up a loop, stop. Twist together colours A and B (this stops a hole forming in the fabric). Step 2 Yrh in B and pull through all the loops on the hook to finish the st. You’ll have a working loop of B ready to work the next B stitch. Place the unused yarn at the wrong side (WS) of the fabric (or on a right side (RS) row – this is at the back (not shown)). Ensure the tension of the carried strands is even (neither loose…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

HOW DO I CONTINUE MY COLOUR CABLES?

To create the traditional cable pattern, we’ll cross the cable strands before moving them apart again. By the end, you’ll be sketching out your own colourful charts. Step 1 Let’s cross the cable strands on Row 6 (WS). Turn, using A, ch2, htr in 3 A sts, change to B, skip next 2 B sts, BPdtr around next 2 B sts, BPdtr around skipped 2 B sts, change to A, htr in last 4 sts, turn. You’ll see that the two strands have crossed over. Step 2 Now we’ll look at how to move the strands apart again on Row 7 (RS). Using A, ch2, htr in 2 A sts, change to B, skip next A st (marked). Step 3 Using B, FPdtr around next 2 B sts, change to…

2 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

WHY DO I NEED EXTENDED AND HALF STITCHES?

Adding any new technique to your crochet skillset will increase your versatility, but extended and half stitches are really easy to work and have loads of beneficial uses. Have a look at these two fabrics – both are made up of 15 stitches, but the final sloping row has been made with two different sets of stitches. Step 1 The final row on this fabric has been made with 5 half trebles, 5 trebles and 5 double trebles. The slope is fairly gradual but you can see a definite step where there’s a change between each of the shorter and the taller stitches. Step 2 The final row on this fabric has been made with 3 half trebles, 3 trebles, 3 extended trebles, 3 half double trebles and 3 double…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

Sea to sky

YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico Ricorumi (100% cotton, 25g/57.5m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Teal (40) Yarn B Emerald (42) Yarn C Turquoise (39) Yarn D Fox (25) Yarn E Papaya (68) Yarn F Saffron (63) ■ A 4mm(US G/6) hook ■ A dowel, 6cm diameter, 22cm 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 Wall Hanging measures 17x16cm (6¾x6¼in) excluding fringe ABBREVIATIONS ext (extended stitch) See page 10 for how to work half (half stitch) See page 11 for how to work For a full list, see page 88 of Simply Crochet magazine Designer Becky Skuse says: “Give yourself the chance to practise making extended and half stitches, and create this…

4 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

WHAT IS FAIR ISLE?

Fair Isle is a classic technique that involves stranding different yarn colours across the wrong side (WS) of the fabric. To try it out, continue with your practice piece: Step 1 Work Row 4 as *2 dc in cream, 2 dc in pink; repeat from * to end. As you work, let the unused yarn colour dangle free at the back but remember to twist the yarns together when you change colour. On the WS, you’ll see that each time you change colour, the yarn travels across the fabric from where you previously used it – this creates a strand or float of coloured yarn across the WS. Don’t pull the strand tight because it could pucker the fabric, but don’t leave it loose either as the stitches could look…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

WHICH COLOURWORK TECHNIQUE SHOULD I USE?

Having practised the three main colourwork techniques, you’ll realise that each one is more or less suitable for different colourwork patterns. FAIR ISLE Fair Isle produces a lot of strands, which can be handy for creating a thick, cosy jumper. But it can be tricky to get the strand tension right, plus they can get easily snagged on toes or fingers (not good for gloves or items meant for babies). Long strands (more than four stitches apart) can be unmanageable, so Fair Isle is best for patterns with colour changes no more than four stitches apart. Fair Isle is also great for anything that will be lined, such as jackets or luxury throws. That way the strands are safely hidden. TAPESTRY CROCHET You can use tapestry crochet, which also creates…

2 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

WHERE DO I START?

For our practice piece, we’ll make Squares made up of 5 sts and 5 rows. The first foundation level can be any number of Squares, but we’ll make two. Start with a foundation chain. For each Square, ch1 for each stitch and row, plus 1 extra. So for each of our 5x5 Squares, we’ll chain 11 (5 + 5 + 1), plus we need to add 1 chain at the very end. This is a multiple of 11 + 1. If you were making 4x4 Squares, you’d need a multiple of 9 + 1; for 6x6 Squares, you’d need a multiple of 13 + 1, and so on. Step 1 To start a practice piece, ch23. To start the Forward Pass, insert hook in second chain from hook (you can…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

HOW DO I INCREASE AT THE END OF A LEVEL?

Step 1 Pull up a loop in each slip stitch (6 loops), then pull up an extra loop in the final foundation chain down the edge of the Square below. On this Square, there’s no foundation chain to join to on the left, so the extra loop will help form a neat edge. Step 2 For this Square, each Entrelac Return Pass needs to start with a ‘ch1’, so yrh and pull through the first loop. Step 3 Continue by repeating ‘yrh and pull through 2 loops’ until one loop remains, to finish the first row. Step 4 Continue as for a standard Tss piece: pull up a loop in each vertical bar (7 loops) for the Forward Pass (ensure the hook goes under 2 strands of the last bar);…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

Check it out

YOU WILL NEED ■ DROPS Soft Tweed (50% wool, 25% viscose, 25% alpaca, 50g/130m) 2 balls of Cherry Sorbet (14) 3 balls of Pebbles (06) ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook ■ A stitch marker ■ 2 buttons, 18mm diameter For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION Each entrelac Square measures 3x3cm (1¼x1¼in) MEASUREMENTS Coat measures approx 50x36cm (19¾x14¼in) ABBREVIATIONS FwdP (Forward Pass) 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 of next vertical bar, yrh and pull up loop (leave loop on hook); repeat from * across RetP (Return Pass) Yrh and draw through first loop on hook, *yrh and draw through 2 loops on hook;…

5 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

HOW DO I WORK A MOSAIC TREBLE?

Now you’re ready for the fun bit: making a mosaic treble (abbreviated to mtr). The stitch markers and the ch-3 lengths show you where you need to place mosaic trebles on the next row. Step 1 Using Yarn A to work Row 5, ch1 and dc in the first 3 dc. Now you’re going to work a mosaic treble into the first marked stitch (it will help to remove the stitch marker before trying to make the stitch). Step 2 To start a mosaic treble, yrh and insert hook into the top of the stitch. Rotate the hook so it sits in front of the ch-3 lengths of Yarn B above it. Yrh and pull up loop. Step 3 (Yrh and pull through 2 loops) twice. You’ll see that the…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

HOW DO I MAKE MY OWN CHARTS?

Follow these guidelines and suggestions for making your own charts, then set your imagination free! ● You can make charts with squared paper and a pencil, or with an app where you can colour in the squares. ● Start by making a chart with simple two-row stripes, then plan your vertical links. ● Start and finish with two plain rows of dc. ● To anchor the stitches of a row, the first and last dc must be worked in the main colour: Yarn A for Yarn A rows, Yarn B for Yarn B rows. If necessary, add these sts to each end of the row. ● On a Yarn A row, you can’t place Yarn B squares over Yarn A squares, and vice versa on Yarn B rows. ● For…

1 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

HOW DO I START OFF?

The easiest and fastest way to get started working with interlocking crochet involves making a treble mesh row in each of the yarn colours, then joining them together to make the foundation row from which to work subsequent rows. There are other ways, but this is a good way to learn. It’s not a cheat – making a quick start like this means you can get on with the fun bit of interlocking the stitches! First of all, choose an odd number (we chose 7) then double it (14), then add 6 (20). Using the light yarn, make this many chains – for this tutorial, ch20. Now work the foundation row: treble in the sixth chain from the hook, *ch1, skip next ch, tr in next ch; repeat from *…

2 min

Simply Crochet|Issue 138

WORKING MORE ROWS

So you’ve finished Row 1a in light yarn, now you’ll work Row 1b in dark yarn. Place the dark yarn working loop on the hook and remove the marker. The ch4 starting chain will sit behind the light yarn on this row. Step 1 *Work an interlocking front treble into the next treble of dark yarn in the same way as before (reversing the instructions for the light and dark yarns), ch1, interlocking back treble, ch1; repeat from * until you reach the turning chain on the row below. You’ll need to work one more interlocking front tr into the third ch of the ch-4 starting chain – you might find it helpful to mark the correct chain with a stitch marker each time you ch4 in the dark yarn.…

3 min