Innehållsförteckning för Issue 42 från Simply Crochet

At last! Spring has arrived and brought with it a new sense of creativity and anticipation. It’s the perfect time to dig those bright colours out of your stash and get your hook into something exciting. Cécile Balladino’s rainbow shawlette on p31 is a beauty, and I’m smitten with the clever corner-to-corner blanket on p51 – it’s such an effective technique. We’re loving Tunisian crochet this month, too – you’ll find our bonus pattern collection includes how-to info and tips from top designers. Let’s do this!…

MAKE A NEST We adore blogger Carmen’s loopy nest and pretty pastel eggs. Find the free patterns at www.craftyqueens.nl LITTLE LAMB Use scrummy wool to stitch Simon the Sheep. Amigurumi kits available from www.thetoft alpacashop.co.uk BUNNY BAG Silhouettes take rabbits from sweet to chic. This cool oilcloth shopper is from www.annabel james.co.uk EGG-CITING DIY Pick up an egg-painting kit from www.noths.com. Kids will love creating their own bright Easter designs. CHICKS RULE CrochetPerfect has some fab amigurumi Easter patterns in her store. See www.en.dawanda.com for cool chicks.…

This cool, cotton-blend sweater is a real beauty that will see you through spring and summer. The elegant eyelet lace detail is worked on the sleeves and yoke, and subtly echoed around the hem, too. The sleeves themselves are three-quarter length, but have lots of volume and are drawn in at the cuff. We love the speckled effect Sirdar’s Amalfi yarn gives the jumper. YOU WILL NEED Sirdar Amalfi (75% cotton, 25% viscose, 50g/110m), Positano (0751), see table for yarn quantities and measurements A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook Tapestry needle For yarn stockists, contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION 17sts and 8 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 3.5mm hook or size required to obtain tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 NOTES…

Crochet your own mini camping adventure and then you can answer the call of the wild whenever the whim takes you. Imaginative designer Kate Bruning’s adorable caravan opens up to reveal a kitschy wallpapered interior, complete with bunk beds, granny square blankets and even the kitchen sink. You’ll find the patterns for the caravan, bench and bunk beds overleaf. It’s playtime. YOU WILL NEED For the caravan: DK cotton (50g balls), 3 balls of each: cream, green 4ply cotton, 1 ball of each: silver, pale blue and black A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook Cardboard Lightweight cotton fabric, approx 44x17cm Glue 1 button 1 red bead Duct tape Small amount of lace for curtains For the bunk beds and bench: 4ply cotton, 1 ball…

Designer Kath Webber says: “Using super-soft brushed cotton and a diagonal box stitch, this baby blanket is made all the more special with the addition of a bunny friend!” A fun-to-hook project that has all the benefits of a toy and a blanket in one – what’s not to love? And it would make such a special gift for a precious new arrival. Sweet dreams, little one. If you need a hand getting your head around the diagonal corner-to-corner construction, crafty Bella Coco blogger Sarah-Jayne has a great video tutorial for this at http://bit.ly/SC42corner YOU WILL NEED Sublime Evie (94% cotton, 6% nylon, 50g/115m), 6 balls of Haze (512) 1 ball of Nougat (508) A small amount of black cotton for the bunny’s face A 5mm (US H/8) hook Toy…

“I don’t have a vast amount of spare time outside of knitting and crocheting, and being a mum, but I love music, I like baking bread and I’ve recently taken a tentative step into keeping a couple of house plants – it’s a big responsibility!” See more at www.annaknits.com Simply Crochet readers can purchase a copy of Learn to Crochet, Love to Crochet by Anna Wilkinson for the special price of £9.99 (RRP £14.99, published by Quadrille) including free p&p. To order your copy of the book, call 01256 302699 and quote the code DE4.…

1 Check your 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 your 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,…

DO THE TWIST Look at the stitch definition on that! And it matches the bag – amazing. It’s the cabled headband from issue 40, made by @woollymiller. SO SQUARE Savvy stitcher @willandtheo is making issue 39’s starry block blanket for Mother’s Day. It looks fantastic in pinky-purple. CAT APPROVED @peacockaren used a Debbie Bliss yarn to hook issue 35’s treble jumper. It’s lovely, but we can’t take our eyes off her cute kitty Mao.…

YOUR NEXT STEPS! Put your broomstick crochet skills to the test and conjure up a pretty bracelet. Designer Becky Skuse says: “When you’re learning a new technique, it’s always best to start off small. This little bracelet is the perfect first project for using your new broomstick crochet skills. There are only 12 stitches to worry about and each broomstick row is so tall that you’ll make progress really quickly. The Reflet yarn gives a very pretty finish, with sparkly strands woven in with the soft organic cotton to give your wrist a real treat. With a bit of practice, you’ll soon be whipping up these bracelets in a flash for friends and family.” YOU WILL NEED Bergère de France Reflet (61% organic cotton, 39% polyester, 100g/300m), 1 ball of…

Love vintage style? Grab your Tunisian hook and get going with this boudoir-glam cushion. It’s another glorious, patchwork-inspired design by Simone Francis. Those sweet pastel segments are created by working short rows, which are actually much more straightforward than you might imagine. The front and back of the cushion are identical, each made up of 20 dazzling segments. The Tunisian stitches also create the effect of concentric circles, which draws your eye to the covered button at the centre. YOU WILL NEED Debbie Bliss Mia DK (50% wool, 50% cotton 50g/100m), 2 balls of each: Yarn A Mauve (07) Yarn B Stone (21) Yarn C Light Pink (11) Yarn D Robin Egg (05) A 6mm (US J/10) Tunisian hook 2 buttons, 3.5cm (1 in) in diameter Round cushion pad, 41cm…

CUTE CHICK Despite the warnings, sometimes we are inclined to put all of our eggs in one basket. If you’re entertaining the idea, those eggs had better be going in a suitable handmade receptacle. This cute basket’s spot on for Easter egg hunts. EGGS-PRESS YOURSELF Hand-painted eggs are lovely, but they just don’t have that yarny quality we love so much. Get cracking with these not-so-fragile amigurumi versions, and you can have fun playing around with stripes and embroidery. No yoke. NO BUN INTENDED Hook a high-fibre Easter treat that will last long after all the eggs have been scoffed. The ears on this super-cute bunny headband are made with wire so they’re fully posable – just the thing for little rabbits with big personalities. WONDERFUL EWE Puddle-splashing prep time…

1 Begin working a treble as usual: yrh, insert hook under top two loops of next stitch on prev row, yrh, pull loop through (3 loops on hook), yrh and pull through first 2 loops (2 loops on hook). 2 Without finishing the first tr, begin the next tr, working yrh, insert hook in next stitch on prev row. Again, work yrh and pull loop through, yrh and pull through first 2 loops (3 loops on hook). 3 Now complete both the treble stitches together by working yrh and pull this loop through all 3 loops on the hook. 4 This is how your completed tr2tog should look. You will have neatly decreased one tr stitch. On subsequent rows, you can simply work a stitch into the top of the…

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 hk through both edge stitches, yrh, pull through to complete 1 slip stitch; rep from *, keeping your work fairly loose. 3 For a dc seam, place the crochet pieces right sides together, or wrong sides together for a visible seam. Work as for slip stitch seam, using double crochet instead of slip stitch. 4 A useful variation on the dc seam, the dc and chain seam is used when you need less bulk and/or greater flexibility in your seam. Work…

1 To start a Magic Loop, don’t make a slipknot. Instead, make a loop with the yarn, leaving a tail around 10cm long. Make sure the tail end is under the working yarn. 2 Insert your hook into the loop, from front to back. Wrap the working yarn around the hook anticlockwise and pull the yarn through the loop. 3 Make a t-ch for the sts you want to work (above, we made 1 t-ch for dc). Now work your sts into the Magic Loop, making sure you work over both the loop and the tail end (so two yarn strands). 4 Once you’ve worked the number of stitches you need, simply pull the tail end of the yarn to draw up the ring. Work a slip stitch to join…

There’s something special about ponchos, isn’t there? Trickier than a shawl but not as complicated as a cardi, it’s an achieveable garment that’s so easy to wear. For a handy extra diagram to help with this project, log on to our blog at simplycrochetmag.co.uk YOU WILL NEED Bergère de France Magic + (50% combed wool, 50% acrylic, 50g/80m), Bleu Gris (34725), see table for yarn quantities and measurements A 6.5mm (US K/10½) hook For yarn stockists, contact Bergère de France www.bergeredefrance.co.uk TENSION 9 sts and 8 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using a 6.5mm hook or size required to achieve tension ABBREVIATIONS 5-tr cluster (5-tr cl) (Yrh, insert hook in space/st indicated, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) 5 times, inserting…

Yes, we know it’s not crochet – but our sister titles Simply Knitting and The Knitter are teaming up with Arena Travel for the holiday of a lifetime. If you’re a knitter, indulge your love of knitting in beautiful surroundings! A TRIP OF A LIFETIME On this trip, you’ll visit the Gu run & Gu run shop, the Snældan wool producers, the fjords and the isolated villages keeping Faroese knitting traditions alive. This is a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Faroe Islands, meet other knitters and get your hands on some amazing yarn. LEARN AS YOU RELAX Your tutor for the trip, Juliet Bernard, used to be the editor of The Knitter, and now works with many brands such as KnitPro, Stylecraft and the UK Hand…

We’re digging Becky Garratt’s super-cute Easter bunny decorations (and love any excuse to make bun puns). One half is popping up to say hello while the other is busy burrowing away. The rabbit bits and bobs themselves are worked in amigurumi style – that’s double crochet stitches in spirals – then embellished with felt and flowers. Won’t they look adorable on your table or in the middle of a bright spring wreath? Hop to it. YOU WILL NEED Sirdar Cotton DK (100% cotton, 100g/212m), 1 ball of each: Cottonfield (517) Hot Pink (511) Honeysuckle (508) Sapling (529) Bluebird (515) Light Taupe (504) Toasted (505) Mill White (501) Black cotton yarn or embroidery thread for face details A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook A 4mm (US G/6) hook Safety eyes…

EGG MOTIF Ch5, ss to first ch to form a ring. Round 1 (RS) Ch3 (counts as tr), 11tr into ring, ss to top of beg ch-3. [12 tr] Round 2 Ch1 (does not count as st), 6dc, 2htr in next st, 3tr in next st, 2htr in next st, 3dc, ss to top of first dc. [10 dc, 4 htr, 3 tr] Fasten off and weave in ends. LOUISA HARDING CASSIA PRINTS WEIGHT DK CONTENT 75% wool, 25% nylon BALL 50g/133m HOOK 4mm RRP £4.95 For spring/summer 2016, Louisa Harding has released a variegated print version of their scrummy Cassia DK. The yarn is the springy, super-soft wool blend you’d expect, but with startling colour effects. There are 10 exciting shade variations to try, each with a punchy handful…

1 Use a pin to mark position of your button, lining up with the buttonhole. Secure yarn on wrong side of fabric and thread onto tapestry needle. Bring needle out at pin mark and through button. 2 Push the needle back through the button and the fabric, pulling the yarn firmly. Bring the needle out through the fabric and button, and back down again. 3 Take yarn to the front of the fabric, but under button and NOT through button. Wrap yarn around twice, pull yarn tight (to create a shank and prevent fraying). 4 Take the yarn to the back of the fabric and weave in the end to secure.…

Here’s one for your crochet bucket list: an entrelac-style cushion worked in Tunisian crochet. The combination of the two techniques is actually much easier than it sounds, but no one else needs to know that. The entrelac element simply involves working the squares on their sides, picking up stitches to work the next square along the sides of the previous square. There’s also a bit of simple increasing involved, but this is easy in Tunisian Simple Stitch. The finished fabric has a lovely raised effect – and if you use a vibrant variegated yarn, the effect is even more eye-catching. YOU WILL NEED King Cole Riot Chunky (70% acrylic, 30% wool, 100g/134m), 2 balls of Rainbow (623) A 6mm (US J/10) Tunisian hook A 7mm (US K/10½ or L/11) standard…

Recognise some of these beauties? Talented crochet designer Simone is responsible for a lot of the gorgeous Tunisian projects featured in Simply Crochet, particularly those with fab colourwork, but how does she do it? We had a old good natter with Simone to get the lowdown on her best tips, tools and techniques for Tunisian crocheting. How did you discover Tunisian crochet? I first saw it in a magazine – the pattern was for a sweater that looked knitted. The fabric produced with the Tunisian stitch was so neat and smooth, I thought it would be something I’d love to try because I enjoy knitting as well as crochet. Why is it such a winner for you? I like the fact that the stitches are neat and uniform, and colourwork…

WHY SHOULD I LEARN? Here’s the basic lowdown on this fab technique… Tunisian crochet combines the best of knitting and crochet – it’s got a hook like crochet, but it also keeps several stitches on the hook, like knitting. You can achieve many different stitches and effects, and even combine it with regular crochet. To make room for all those stitches, most Tunisian crochet is done with a special, long hook or a small hook on a cable. If you’d like to try the technique with just a few stitches, you can use a standard crochet hook with a straight shaft. The key difference with Tunisian crochet is that one row is made up of two parts: a ‘forward pass’ (where you pick up the stitches onto the hook) and…

ANIMAL HEADS Vanessa Mooncie (£14.99, GMC) Get a faux taxidermy fix with this imaginative crochet trophy head collection. There are 10 striking animal designs to make, from a meek mouse to a ferocious bear, each beautifully photographed and charted. It’s perfect if you’re after a challenge. VINTAGE STYLE CROCHET PROJECTS Agnieszka Strycharska (£14.95, Tuva) If granny chic homestyle is your thing, be sure to grab a copy of this gem. Inside are 32 vintage-inspired projects to make, including bags, cushions, blankets, potholders, coasters and more, all in 4ply cotton. TAKE A BALL OF STRING Jemima Schlee (£12.99, GMC) Go back to basics and draw inspiration from a humble ball of string. You can knit, weave or crochet 16 practical, understated accessories with this book. There are how-tos for all the…

YOU WILL NEED Scheepjeswol Invicta Colour (75% wool, 25% nylon, 100g/420m), 1 ball of Cold Fire (957) A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook Stitch markers For yarn stockists, contact Deramores 0845 519 4573 www.deramores.com MEASUREMENTS 180x32cm (71¾x12½in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Just one ball of vibrant, variegated yarn is all you need to bring this exciting design to life. Cécile’s delicate shawlette is made up of a series of circles and chains. Get hooking. NOTES Work with RS always facing. The bottom half of each ‘Row’ is worked from left to right, then the top half of the Row is worked back along the top of the sts just worked from right to left. SPECIAL STITCHES Circle (C) Ch9, ss in 7th ch from hook to…

For unwinding, I really like to use meditative crochet and I find that the most soothing, healing project for me is always to work on a large granny square blanket without too many colour changes. It’s the repetition of the stitching, of working on something that I already know how to do, of working on something that people have been making in crochet for years upon years. It ties me to the generations before and to the crafters of today, while really helping me feel in the moment. I now have a bunch of one-skein granny squares and am trying to figure out what I want to do with them all. Maybe some clothing. Maybe a large patchwork blanket or maybe some square cushions. I’m undecided so far, but that’s…

Nothing in the wardrobe is beyond the reach of our trusty crochet hooks. In fact, it’s amazing the difference a simple bit of hookery can make to a plain garment. Use a contrasting shade to work this subtle jumper trim. The ‘V’ shape adds a western vibe. This ain’t our first rodeo. YOU WILL NEED Rowan Wool Cotton DK (50% cotton, 50% merino wool, 50g/113m), 1 ball of Misty (903) A 4mm (US G/6) hook Sewing needle and matching thread Plain jumper Stitch marker For yarn stockists, contact Rowan 01484 681881 www.knitrowan.com MEASUREMENTS Trim measures 5cm (2in) deep. Length made to fit. ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 NOTES Make 1 piece of trim for each of the front and back of the jumper, and…

Broomstick lace is a simple and versatile form of crochet that’s quick to learn yet has in nite possibilities for creating light, open fabrics with great drape. The technique is traditionally worked using a crochet hook and a broomstick handle (hence the name), although nowadays most crocheters use a large knitting needle instead. We’ll show you just how to do it and then you can try making our pretty bracelet on page 83. WHAT WILL I NEED TO WORK BROOMSTICK CROCHET? Here are the three vital materials you’ll need to work the technique. SMOOTH DK YARN AND HOOK You can use any yarn to work broomstick crochet, but when you’re learning it’s best to use a smooth DK yarn that won’t split when you work with it. To go with…

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…

There’s no better way to brighten up a space than with bold, geometric shapes in cheerful colours – handmade in Tunisian crochet, of course. Imaginative crochet designer Michelle Robinson has created a blanket and cushion set that’s a veritable carnival of Tunisian colourwork, with diamonds and triangles worked from charts. The blanket is worked in four strips, so you always have a manageable number of stitches on your hook. The cushion is made more interesting by combining Tunisian Simple Stitch with Tunisian Purl Stitch, to create an oh-so touchable moss stitch texture. If you’ve not tried Tunisian colourwork before, just be sure to read through the pattern notes carefully, take it steady and it’ll soon feel like second nature. YOU WILL NEED King Cole Cotton Soft DK (100% cotton, 100g/210m)…

Why should quilters have all the fun? This striking blanket uses a classic log cabin patchwork design to create a stylish, colourful effect. We love the look in yarn rather than fabric, with the Tunisian stitches adding elements of texture and depth for a three-dimensional look. The white, blue and brown colour scheme will cheer up any space, although you can crochet it with any five colours you like. The patchwork-style construction means it’s portable and breaks the blanket down into manageable chunks. If you’re new to Tunisian crochet, this is a great simple project to start with. YOU WILL NEED Scheepjes Merino Soft DK (50% merino wool, 25% microfibre, 25% acrylic, 50g/105m) 7 balls of Yarn A Malevich (600) 3 balls of each: Yarn B Giotto (613), Yarn C…