Innehållsförteckning för Issue 43 från Simply Crochet

This issue, it’s all about the 60s. Our fab designers have hooked up a stunning, retro modern collection in bold geometrics so perfect for crochet. See the projects in all their monochrome glory on p18. With yarn show season now in full swing, we’ve been out and about quite a bit hunting for exciting new yarns and projects. One of our fave finds is designer Lisa Naskrent – we love her quirky sense of fun! Head to p58 to hook her cute cupcake dress.…

BIG HOOK RAG CROCHET Dedri Uys (£11.99, Search Press) Earth-conscious stitchers take notice – this book shows you how to make your own yarn from fabric leftovers, plus there are 25 stylish projects to hook with your eco-friendly jumbo yarn. Crochet bags, jewellery, home accessories and more. POETIC CROCHET Sara Kay Hartmann (£16.99, Interweave) Elegant and feminine is how we’d describe this collection of 20 timeless shawls. The designs are inspired by classic poems and written in US crochet terms. Each pattern is accompanied by stitch charts and diagrams. KNITTING WITHOUT NEEDLES Anne Weil (£14.99, Potter Craft) Go for a truly hands-on approach and learn arm and finger knitting. This beautiful guide has all the how-to info you need, plus 30 achievable yet oh-so stylish projects to test your new…

RETRO HIT As a twist on the little black dress, this monochrome frock would make Mary Quant proud. It’s simple enough even for first-time garment makers – the geometric shapes are worked separately and then joined together. ALL THE RAGE Take your hook back to a time when bold patterns were all the rage. These rebellious knee-high socks are perfect for indulging your inner wild child. The classic houndstooth pattern is surprisingly simple to crochet. BLOCK PARTY Never underestimate the power of a crocheted square. With just a handful of black and white blocks, this clutch bag has one foot in the geometric 1960s and the other foot firmly in the now with a nod to pixel art. Far out. ROUND IN CIRCLES You don’t have to backcomb your barnet…

Love them or loathe them, granny square jackets are having a bit of a fashion moment. At first, a few trendsetters were spotted in hand-hooked garb – Vogue.com’s Fashion News Director Chioma Nnadi, for example, was papped in a distinctly vintage-looking granny cardi. And then more recently supermodel Gigi Hadid was seen swanning about in a granny square jacket and matching scarf from Rosetta Getty’s Fall 2015 collection. All of a sudden, crochet jackets had hit the big time. But for us, crochet hitting the spotlight is just the universe confirming what we already knew: crochet rules. One of the best things about this trend is how unashamedly handmade these items look. They’re not crochet designs masquerading as anything else – they’re bold, cosy, blanket-inspired trebles to be worn with…

YOU WILL NEED Cascade 220 (100% Peruvian Highland wool, 100g/200m), 3 skeins of:Yarn A Aspen Heather (8011) 1 skein of each:Yarn B Caribbean (8907)Yarn C Gold (9463B)Yarn D Grape Jelly (8911)Yarn E Rouge Red (7801)Yarn F Mineral Blue (8311) A 5mm (US H/8) hook Stitch marker For yarn stockists, contact Cascade Yarns www.cascadeyarns.com TENSION 14 sts and 8 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) MEASUREMENTS 90cm (35½in) deep and 212cm (83½in) wide ABBREVIATIONS Puff Stitch (PS) *Yrh, insert hook into st, draw yarn through, keeping the yarn loops long; rep from * a further 5 times, yrh and draw through all loops on the hook, ch1 to close the stitch Picot Ch3, ss in third ch from hook For a full list, see page 92 . Designer Laura…

YOU WILL NEED Schachenmayr Catania Denim (100% cotton, 50g/125m), Yarn A Natural (102) (see table for quantities of Yarn A and measurements) 1 ball of each: Yarn B Pink (135), Yarn C Tangerine (124) A 4mm (US G/6) hook A 4.5mm (US 7) hook Button, approx 1cm (½in) in diameter, for back Mini buttons, 25-35, each approx 5mm (¼in) in diameter Stitch marker For yarn stockists, contact LoveCrochet 0845 544 2196 www.lovecrochet.com TENSION 18 sts and 20 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 4mm hook or size needed to obtain correct tension. Row tension is less critical than stitch tension, as all lengths are given as measurements. ABBREVIATIONS Chain 2 Loop (Ch2-lp) (dc, ch2, dc) in space indicated Popcorn (pc) 5dc in st indicated,…

DIAMOND MOTIF Ch5, ss to first ch to form a ring. Round 1 (RS) Ch3 (counts as tr), working into ring: 2tr, ch1, 3tr, ch3, 3tr, ch1, 3tr, ch3, ss to top of beg ch-3. Round 2 Ch3 (counts as tr), 2tr, 2dtr in ch-1 sp, 3tr, (3tr, ch3, 3tr) in ch-3 sp, 3tr, 2dtr in ch-1 sp, 3tr, (3tr, ch3, 3tr) in ch-3 sp, ss to top of beg ch-3. Fasten off and weave in ends. SCHEEPJES SUNKISSED WEIGHT 4ply CONTENT 100% cotton BALL 50g/170m HOOK 3mm RRP £2.49 Sunkissed by Scheepjes is the ultimate cotton for summer stitching. It’s a crisp, tightly twisted 4ply yarn that provides excellent stitch definition. Our favourite thing about this yarn, though, is the amazing colour effect. Sunkissed is dyed with subtle tonal…

YOU WILL NEED Cascade Ultra Pima (100% cotton, 100g/200m), 1 skein of each: Buttercup (3748), Lavender (3778), Regal (3708) A 4mm (US G/6) hook One 15mm knitting needle (or other ‘broomstick’ of the same diameter) For yarn stockists, contact Wool Warehouse www.woolwarehouse.co.uk MEASUREMENTS Finished wrap measures 32cm wide and 102cm long, or the length you’d like ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Designer Becky Skuse says: “If you’ve never hooked zigzag stripes, prepare to be addicted! The gentle ripples of colour in this wrap create a beautiful effect that’s a joy to work and to wear. Alternating lacy rows of broomstick crochet with solid rows of treble stitches gives the wrap elegance and structure – a winning combination! You’ll have the chance to practise…

YOU WILL NEED The Fibre Co. Knightsbridge (65% baby llama, 25% merino, 10% silk, 50g/110m), Bishops Green A 4.5mm (US 7) hook For yarn stockists, contact The Fibre Co. 07749 466037 www.thefibreco.com ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Experiment with treble clusters and picots. In this pretty three-round sunburst design, the treble clusters look like petals while the chains and picots on the final round form open, lacy sun rays that make joining your motifs super-simple. A fancy shawl or bedspread could be on the cards. SPECIAL STITCHES 4-tr cluster (Yrh, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) 4 times, inserting the hook in the same st each time, yrh and draw through all 5 loops…

“IF YOU HAVE PASSION THEN ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.” LISA NASKRENT Designer Lisa has an incredible eye for detail. The cupcake-inspired child’s dress she whipped up for this issue even has tiny button sprinkles – so sweet. Whet your appetite on page 58. SKEINS OF YARN STILL BRING “ ME SO MUCH JOY.” MEI LI LEE It’s no secret that Amigurumei blogger Mei has a soft spot for crochet toys. Turn to page 98 to read all about her most precious amigurumi design. Spoiler: it’s totally adorable. I FIND THE CHANGING SEASONS “VERY INSPIRING.” MAAIKE VON KOERT Crochet author Maaike is the crafty lady behind the Crejjtion blog. On page 62, she’s chatting to us about taking the leap into full-time crafting and her love affair with crochet blankets. “CROCHET IS…

SUPER STRIPES Isn’t this houndstooth-esque hairband a beauty? Visit www.allaboutami.com to find Stephanie’s free crochet pattern. TEK-TEK IT AWAY Head to www.themakery.co.uk to find their full range of Tek-Tek fabric yarn – it’s top for hooking storage baskets. SO SIMPLE Find pared-down Swedish design at www.onemust dash.com. We think these totes would make fab project bags. COOL COWL Love this cowl from issue 23? See page 86 to download digital back issues on Apple, Zinio or Google Play. MIX TAPES Ah, washi tape – what would we do without you? Take your pick from this stylish selection at www.berylune.co.uk…

YOU WILL NEED Cascade Ultra Pima (100% cotton, 100g/200m), 1 ball of White (3728) for all sizes, see table for quantities of Black (3754) A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists, contact LoveCrochet 0845 544 2196 www.lovecrochet.com TENSION 17 sts and 23 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over dc in rows using a 4mm hook or size required to achieve tension. 1 motif from the central panel measures 3x15cm (1x6in) and the completed panel measures 12.5cm (5in) wide. ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Channel your inner Twiggy or Jean Shrimpton with this unashamedly retro crocheted tunic dress. It’s worked in several separate double crochet panels and sewn together afterwards. The central monochrome panel was inspired…

YOU WILL NEED Toft DK (100% wool, 100g/225m), 1 ball of Camel A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook Black embroidery thread for eyes Toy stuffing For yarn stockists, contact TOFT 01788 810626 www.thetoftalpacashop.co.uk MEASUREMENTS 18cm (7in) tall when sitting ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Nope, we’re not entirely sure how to pronounce it either. But we’re still smitten with this prehistoric amigurumi cutie. Made from a single ball, Anthony is a spiky fella with a bit of a tummy. The head, body, limbs and spikes are made separately and sewn together afterwards. He’s the perfect companion for little monsters. NOTES The pattern is worked using the amigurumi method. Work stitches continuously in a spiral without closing off each round with a slip…

YOU WILL NEED Scheepjes Catona (100% mercerized cotton, 25g/62.5m), Shade 164, see table for yarn quantities and measurements A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook Sewing needle and matching thread Ladies T-shirt (a close-fitting T-shirt with a shaped sleeve is ideal) For yarn stockists, contact Deramores 0845 519 4573 www.deramores.com TENSION 5.5 patt reps and 10 rows to meas 10x10cm (4x4in) over st patt using a 3mm hook or size needed to obtain correct tension. You can work to 11 patt reps to 20cm, which will give the same tension. ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . The classic cotton T-shirt is a prime target for a spot of crochet customisation. Give your tee the full DIY treatment with a super set of airy sleeves…

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…

PERFECT PAIR So cute! This otter duo from Simply Crochet issue 40 is so spot on. They even have different facial expressions. By @debgar85. GRANNY COOL @bamcrafts crocheted the rainbow blanket from issue 30 while she was pregnant with her daughter. Look at them both now! CABLE HAPPY @lila_giraffe_ used a bold blue yarn to make her cable headband from issue 40 and it looks fantastic. Hooray for cable texture.…

1 Start by inserting the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch on the previous row. Begin to work a double crochet stitch in the usual way, working yrh and pull loop through (2 loops on hook). 2 Without finishing the first dc, begin the next dc by inserting the hook in the next stitch on the previous row. Again, work yrh and pull loop through (3 loops on hook). 3 Now complete both dc stitches together by working yrh and pull this loop through all 3 loops on the hook. 4 This is how your completed dc2tog should look. You will have neatly decreased one stitch. On subsequent rows, you can simply work a stitch into the top of the dc2tog stitch as usual.…

Mei-chan, a fuzzy pink fox, was one of the first crochet items I made with fuzzy yarn – and you know how difficult it is to work with fuzzy yarn! I got frustrated when I kept having more or fewer stitches in each round, but everything turned out fine in the end. It’s also special because when I made Mei-chan, I was aiming to make a doll that represented me in the amigurumi world. She’s the mascot of my work. I love anything Studio Ghibli, so I had to top her off with a Totoro hat! Mei-chan signifies everything I love about crochet. I’m still amazed that skeins of yarn can bring me so much joy when I turn them into a fuzzball of an animal or a sweet-faced doll.…

1 Place your two pieces out flat with right sides facing up. Line up the two 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 RH piece, from back to front, one stitch up from its bottom edge and one stitch in from its left edge. 2 Insert needle into the front of the LH piece in the same position, one stitch up from the bottom edge and one stitch in from the right edge. Continue working the seam one stitch in from the edges that you’re joining, as follows: Bring needle up from back to front…

1 Start by inserting the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch on the previous row. Begin to work a double crochet stitch in the usual way, working yrh and pull loop through (2 loops on hook). 2 Without finishing the first dc, begin the next dc by inserting the hook in the next stitch on the previous row. Again, work yrh and pull loop through (3 loops on hook). 3 Now complete both dc stitches together by working yrh and pull this loop through all 3 loops on the hook. 4 This is how your completed dc2tog should look. You will have neatly decreased one stitch. On subsequent rows, you can simply work a stitch into the top of the dc2tog stitch as usual.…

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,…

YOU WILL NEED DROPS Muskat (100% cotton, 50g/100m), 1 ball of each:Yarn A Apple Green (53)Yarn B Old Pink (29)Yarn C Blue (15)Yarn D Light Yellow (07)Yarn E Heather (39) A 3.75mm (US F/5) hook (use a 3.5mm if you don’t have 3.75mm) Reusable large loop bag handle attachment (optional) Toning fabric (the sample shown used 2 fat quarters), 100% cotton (optional) Sewing needle and thread (optional) For yarn stockists, contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk MEASUREMENTS 33x25cm (13x9¾in) for the crochet section when laid flat ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Designer Deborah Stuart says: “This colourful lined bag has a real vintage vibe and will hold all of your essentials with style.” We love the quirky, off-centre clasp on the bag handle…

YOU WILL NEED Malabrigo Sock (100% merino wool, 100g/402m), 2 skeins of Azules (856) A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists, contact LoveCrochet 0845 544 2196 www.lovecrochet.com TENSION The first 8 rows of the shawl make a semicircle measuring 27x10cm (10½x4in) Tension is not critical, but will affect yarn quantities and finished dimensions (see note below) MEASUREMENTS The shawl forms a circle of 90cm diameter (35½in) when laid flat. ABBREVIATIONS Cluster St (Cl) (3-dtr cluster, ch3, 3-dtr cluster, ch3, 3-dtr cluster) in same sp Dc ch-sp Worked into the Cl of the previous row: (dc in first ch-sp of Cl, ch5, dc in second ch-sp of cl) Increase st Work (tr, ch5, tr) into the same st 3-dtr cluster *Yrh twice, insert hook in space/st indicated, yrh…

Last issue, we explained the basics of how to work broomstick crochet – this issue, we’re delving deeper into its creative potential with a guide to colourwork, shaping and seaming. We’ll explain all and then you can try making our colourful zigzag wrap on page 83. Just to clarify, broomstick crochet is also known as Peacock stitch, Jiffy lace, Witchcraft lace (in the USA) and Lattice loop (in Sweden). But we’re calling it broomstick crochet. WHAT ELSE CAN I LEARN? The potential is huge for colourwork and shaping. You can change colour at the start of a loop row or a stitch row to create all sorts of different striped effects. With a bit of practice, it’s also possible to use different colour yarns in the same row to form…

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…