Innehållsförteckning för Issue 170 från Simply Crochet

What are your plans for 2026? While I did resolve to rescue my WIPs from their pile of shame, I’m also going to make the polo neck jumper on page 49 – I just can’t resist! If your goal is to use up leftover yarn, check out our stash-busting rug on page 52, or turn to page 55 to make a stylish bracelet from your odds and ends. Plus, our guide on magic knots (page 72) will show you how to join your scraps into one ball! And for all you bookworms, turn to page 42 – you’ll love our cosy book sleeve. Don’t forget to share your makes with the hashtag #sctreblemaker on Instagram, or join our Facebook group, Simply Crochet SCtreblemakers. CONTRIBUTORS Some of the names behind this…

GRANNY SQUARE SCARF Claire Fearnley’s statement scarf uses eye-catching geometric patterns and yarn held double for a bold look and cosy feel ■ Cygnet DK (100% acrylic, 100g/298m), 3 balls of Black (217), 2 balls of White (208), 1 ball of Bright Lime (6869) ■ A 6mm (US J/10) hook TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Scarf measures approx 240cmx35cm (94x14in) NOTES Scarf is made up of 7 Squares. Squares are sewn together into a strip to form the Scarf. Scarf is crocheted with 2 strands of yarn held together, to create a chunky effect. You will need to wind the ball of Bright Lime into 2 balls before you begin. There is a Diagram on page 81, which you can refer…

YOU WILL NEED ■ DROPS Nepal (65% wool, 35% alpaca, 50g/75m) 5 balls of Chalk (8915) 4 balls of Red Clay (8914) ■ A 7mm (US K10½ or L/11) Tunisian hook with short extension cable For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 14 sts and 12 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Arrowhead st using a 7mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Scarfmeasures approx196x33cm (77x13in) ABBREVIATIONS Tfs (Tunisian foundation stitch) Insert hook in next ch, yrh and pull up a loop, leave loop on hook Tss (Tunisian simple stitch) Insert hook through bar on next st from right to left, yrh and pull up a loop, leave loop on hook RetP (return pass) Ch1, (yrh, pull through 2 loops on hook) rep to end…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Softfun (60% cotton, 40% acrylic, 50g/140m) 1 ball of each: Dove (2510), Bright Turquoise (2423), Latte (2622), Violet (2519), Pumpkin (2651), Hot Pink (2495), Light Rose (2513), Bumblebee (2634) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ A tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION 20 sts and 12 rows measures 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Rug measures approx 30x100cm (12x39in) ABBREVIATIONS Fhtr (Foundation half treble) Ch3 (counts as first st), insert hook in last ch from hook, yrh and pull up a loop, pull through one loop on hook (loop will sit at base of Fhtr), yrh and pull through 3 loops on hook *insert hook in loop at base of prev…

While we’re used to news about scientific breakthroughs, we don’t often hear of the spread of scientific knowledge coming about through sheer chance. But this is exactly what happened when Peter Hobolt Jensen, Chief Marketing Officer of crafting business DMC Group, found Dr Anne Kirketerp. He had been searching worldwide for researchers to work with on promoting the health benefits of craft, when he was surprised to find that close to home in Denmark, Anne had already written a book on the subject: Craft Psychology: How Crafting Promotes Health. In turn, Anne was keen to get her book translated and distributed abroad, so she was delighted when Peter contacted her and they were able to work together. A NEW SCIENTIFIC FIELD While most of us would agree that everyone could…

SCAN ME Learn more online! HOLDING THE HOOK Try these methods and see which works best HOLDING THE YARN Even tension results in even stitches MAKING A SLIPKNOT The first loop on the hook CHAIN STITCH Use this stitch to make your foundation chain How to count chains Each chain or loop counts as one stitch. Never count your first slipknot or the loop on the hook (called the working loop). So that you can be accurate, make sure the chain is not twisted and that the front is facing you. SLIP STITCH (ss) This stitch has no height – often used to join rounds DOUBLE CROCHET (dc) US term: single crochet One of the key stitches in crochet, doubles are simple, compact stitches that form a dense fabric HALF…

Here we are in January – not exactly my favourite time of year. You know what will make it better? Crochet, and lots of it! Whether you treat yourself to a new beanie or go all-out with a matching set for the family, we’re confident you’ll love the five different styles featured in this bonus magazine. And if you’ve got your mitts on a pompom maker, you’ll know the soothing effects of winding yarn around… and around… and around. I’ve changed my mind. I love January! Just don’t look at my hat hair……

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Colour Crafter 100% acrylic, 100g/300m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Geraardsbergen (2011) Yarn B Oostende (2005) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook ■ A pompom maker For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION Rounds 1-4 measures 9cm (3½in) in diameter using a 4.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Hat measures 48cm (19in) in circumference around head ABBREVIATIONS stacked tr Insert hook in first st, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and pull through 2 loops (dc completed), insert hook in left leg of dc (right leg for left-handers), yrh and pull up loop, yrh and pull through 2 loops reverse dc Insert hook in next st to right (or left if left-handed), yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Cygnet DK (100% acrylic, 100g/298m) Yarn A Black (0217) Yarn B White (0208) Yarn C Bright Pink (6534) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ A 3.75mm (US F/5) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact  Cygnet Yarns 01274 743374 www.cygnetyarns.com TENSION 18 sts and 9 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 3.75 hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS spiked dc Insert hook in next st 2 rounds below, yrh and pull loop up to height of current round, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook For a full list, see page 78 For 10% OFF at www.woolwarehouse.co.uk use the code SC170 at the checkout Discount code not valid on certain…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Terrazzo (70% wool, 30% viscose, 50g/175m) 23 balls of Piuma (740) 4 balls of Sabbia (746) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION 6x6 c2c blocks measure 10x10cm using a 4mm hook or size needed to obtain tension MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures approx 156x185cm (61½x73in) ABBREVIATIONS c2c block Ss in next ch-3 sp, ch3, 3tr in same sp For a full list, see page 78 Flowers may be in short supply outside at the moment, but this lily motif blanket will guarantee year-round florals in your home. NOTES Blanket is worked using the corner-to-corner (c2c) method. Each row is worked diagonally, starting with 1 c2c block (see abbreviations) in the first row, increasing to 2 blocks in…

Sign up for our monthly newsletter and you’ll receive the link to download our Amigurumi Collection for free. This one’s full of animal toys, from a teddy in beach shorts to a sleepy sloth. You can also stitch a pencil topper, tiny campervan and smiley ice cream. There are 47 patterns in total, and the bookazine is worth £8.99 – but you’ll get it for free! Just head to our website: www.gathered.how/newsletters…

SAFARI STYLE Following an acquired brain injury, Emma Jane was supported by a charity and is now a trustee. The support worker who helped her through is expecting a baby, so Emma stitched this gorgeous giraffe blanket to match her safari-themed nursery. What a lovely gesture! VALIANT VAMP Susan Houghton made this adorable vampire, christened Louis, for her grand-child who recently started university. “I thought it would be a nice surprise,” she told us. “Something to brighten up their room.” We love his cheeky little smile and blood-red fangs! Find the pattern in issue 167. COUNTING SHEEP Nikky Younani emailed in to show us her sheep motif baby blanket from issue 125, designed by Ana Morais Soares. “I made this for my cousin’s second baby who runs her own lamb…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Chunky Monkey (100% acrylic, 100g/116m) 2 balls of Heather (1724) ■ An 8mm (US L/11) hook ■ A pompom maker For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION 12 sts and 10 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over rib pattern using an 8mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Child Hat measures approx 46cm (18in) in circumference around brim Adult Hat measures approx 52cm (20½in) in circumference around brim ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 of Simply Crochet magazine Hot take: anyone can wear a bobble hat. Mums, dads, children and friends – this is your cue to make a matching set! NOTES Hat is worked in vertical rows, then seamed to form a tube. The top is gathered before adding…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Stone Washed XL (70% cotton, 30% acrylic, 50g/75m) 1 ball of each: Axinite (871) Morganite (7021) Rhodochrosite (875) Larimar (868) ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook ■ A pompom maker For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION 13 sts and 9 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over block stitch using a 5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Toddler Hat measures approx 39cm (15¼in) in circumference Child Hat measures approx 46cm (18in) in circumference ABBREVIATIONS standing dc Place slip knot on hook, insert hook in st/sp indicated, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook standing tr Place slip knot on hook, yrh, insert hook in st/sp indicated, yrh and pull up a loop, (yrh and…

TUNISIAN CROCHET TOPS ASHLEY RIVAS (£10.99, Page Street) It’s 2026 and your New Year’s resolution is to learn Tunisian crochet – and craft some trendy looks while you’re at it. Naturally, you pick up Ashley Rivas’ new book, knowing she’ll guide you through every step of the process, helping you create wardrobe staples for all seasons. Available on Kindle now with the paperback version coming soon. QUIRKY AMIGURUMI ALLESHEN HAMILTON (£21.99, Page Street) If you’ve been following Alleshen on Instagram (@gheebeanscrafty) you’ll have heard about her new book. Quirky Amigurumi features 30 low-sew patterns for designing cute, silly and lovable creatures, ideal for both beginner and experienced hooksters. You can even stitch accessories for them to wear! Coming to UK bookstores on 12 January, early birds can preorder now. PRIDE…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Wool Couture Cotton Candy (100% cotton, 50g/125m) 2 balls of Black ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ Toy stuffing ■ 2 green safety eyes, 10mm ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Wool Couture 01226 414950 www.woolcouturecompany.com TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Cat measures approx 17cm (6¾in) long ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 This pattern is taken from Crafting the Wheel of the Year by Claire Gelder and Deb Bowen (Search Press £15.99) Whether new to amigurumi or an old pro, Merlin is sure to charm you with his squishy paws and piercing green eyes. NOTES Parts of this pattern are worked using the amigurumi method. Work stitches continuously in a spiral without…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Lang Yarns Yak (70% Merino extrafine virgin wool, 30% yak, 50g/120m) 1 ball of each: Atlantic (0074) Bronze (0011) ■ Lang Yarns Noelle (79% Merino extrafine virgin wool, 21% nylon, 25g/185m) 1 ball of each: Jade (0073) Brick (0087) Nougat (0015) Brown (0068) Mud (0099) ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ 2 buttons, 2cm For yarn stockists contact McIntosh www.knitmcintosh.com TENSION 15 sts and 16 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Book Cover measures approx 27x19cm (10½x7½in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 These fine natural fibres offer excellent stitch definition, ideal for detail-driven appliqués and delicate embroidery. NOTES Book Cover is…

YOU WILL NEED ■ DROPS Air (65% alpaca, 28% polyamide, 7% wool, 50g/150m) Yarn A Wheat (02) Yarn B Ruby Red (07) Yarn C Heather (14) Yarn D Pink (24) Yarn E Aquamarine (27) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 2 pattern repeats and 8 rows measure 9x9cm (3½x3½in) using a 5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 Width a: 50 (54.5: 59: 63.5: 68)cm, 19¾ (21½: 23¼: 25: 26¾)in Length b: 59 (59: 59: 61.5: 61.5)cm, 23¼ (23¼: 23¼: 24¼: 24¼)in Sleeve length c: 46cm, 18in To make this pattern easier to follow,…

YOU WILL NEED ■ DROPS Nepal (65% wool, 35% alpaca 50g/75m), Yarn A Light Beige Mix (0206) Yarn B Raspberry Rose (8910) See table for measurements and yarn quantities of Yarns A and B 1 ball of each: Yarn C Sage Green (8923) Yarn D Forget-Me-Not (8783) Yarn E Goldenrod (2923) Yarn F Royal Blue (6790) ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook ■ A 6mm (US J/10) hook ■ Ribbon, 75cm For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 11.5 sts and 7 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 6mm hook ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 Width a: 29.5 (31.5: 33: 35)cm 11½ (12½: 13: 13¾)in Length b: 33 (36: 39: 41)cm 13 (14: 15¼: 16)in To make this pattern easier…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Caron Simply Soft (100% acrylic, 170g/288m) To make both cushions: 3 balls Feathered Gray (9794) 1 ball of each: Plum Perfect (9761) Dark Sage (9707) ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook ■ 2 cushion pads, 42x42cm For yarn stockists contact Readicut www.readicut.co.uk TENSION 13 sts and 15 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over main pattern using a 5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS To fit cushion pad measuring 42x42cm (16½x16½in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 SAVE OR SPLURGE For a more luxurious make, try West Yorkshire Spinners Fable Brushed Aran: 6 balls of Siren (1227), 2 balls of each: Rubus (1266), Moss (1230). Check hook size, tension and ball length if you use a different yarn. For yarn stockists…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Wanderlust (100% acrylic, 100g/232m) 1 ball of Amsterdam (467) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook ■ A pompom maker For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION 1 pattern repeat and 6 rows measure 7.5x7.5cm (3x3in) using a 4.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Toddler Hat measures approx 40cm (15¾in) in circumference Child Hat measures approx 48cm (19in) in circumference ABBREVIATIONS puff st Yrh, (insert hook in st/sp indicated, yrh and pull up a loop) 4 times, yrh and pull through all loops on hook, ch1 to close For a full list, see page 78 of Simply Crochet magazine What’s that? Sorry, speak up! We can’t hear you over how cool this beanie is! Our ears are a tad muffed by all…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Metropolis (75% Merino wool, 25% nylon, 50g/200m) 1 ball of each: San Juan (027) Monterrey (023) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ A pompom maker For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION 24 rows of slip stitch to measure 10cm (4in) using a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Hat measures approx 50cm (19¾in) in circumference around head ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 of Simply Crochet magazine Mix up some chains and trebles, work with a fine yarn and ease up on your tension. You now know the secret to the slouch! NOTES Rib is worked in vertical rows of ss to create lots of stretch. This is then seamed together, and the Crown is worked around…