Crochet World Summer 2024

Summer is a time of year when many stitchers lose their crochet mojo. Maybe it's not so much that they lose their mojo as much as it is that they just want to be outside enjoying the weather. We don't blame you there! The sunshine can be hard to resist. However, we hope that the designs in this issue are wonderful enough to tempt you to spend some time with your hooks and yarn this season. We have some unique afghans that you can work on in the air conditioning or on a cooler summer evening. There are also loads of smaller projects that you can work up quickly and put to use immediately. I know we say this a lot, but make a few as gifts as well. Try…

SKILL LEVEL Confident Beginner FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Small: 5 inches square Medium: 10½ inches square Large: 16 inches square MATERIALS • Omega Eulali super fine (fingering) weight mercerized cotton yarn (3½ oz/394 yds/100g per ball): 1 ball each #68 royal blue, #32 coral and #83 chartreuse • Size E/4/3.5mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge • Amber Yellow Miyuki seed beads from Fire Mountain Gems: 1 pkg (optional) • Tapestry needle • Beading needle or thin needle GAUGE Small: 15 sc = 2½ inches; 18 rows = 2½ inches Medium: 13 dc = 2½ inches; 6 rows = 2 inches Large: 12 tr = 2½ inches; 3½ rows = 2 inches PATTERN NOTES These covers are decorative. To truly keep the bugs out, place a piece of plastic wrap…

SKILL LEVEL Confident Beginner FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Approximately 2¼ inches wide x 2¾ inches long with flap closed MATERIALS • Medium (worsted) weight cotton yarn: 20–30 yds color of choice • Size F/5/3.75mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge • Tapestry needle • Sewing needle • Stitch markers: 2 • 8–10mm button or bead • 20mm lobster-claw clasp with link attachment from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads GAUGE 22 sc = 4 inches; 22 rows = 4 inches PATTERN NOTES Body of case is worked in continuous rounds. Once the body of the case has been worked, fasten off and work flap in rows. When working in continuous rounds, do not join or turn unless otherwise stated. Mark first stitch of round. SPECIAL TECHNIQUE Seamless join: After completing last st…

SKILL LEVEL Easy FINISHED MEASUREMENT 15 inches in diameter MATERIALS • Red Heart Super Saver medium (worsted) weight acrylic yarn (7 oz/364 yds/198g per skein): 1 skein each #319 cherry red, #316 soft white and #385 royal • Size H/8/5mm crochet hook • 12-inch-diameter plastic foam wreath • 1½-inch-long 38mm T-pins • White star buttons in various sizes as desired • Tapestry needle • 6-lb gauge clear nylon line: 24-inch length GAUGE Gauge is not critical for this project. PATTERN NOTES Weave in loose ends as work progresses. Chain-4 at beginning of round counts as first double crochet, chain-1 unless otherwise stated. WREATH RUFFLE Make 7 cherry red, 6 soft white & 9 royal. Row 1: Ch 21, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (20…

Susan Bates Soft Ergonomic Hooks & Twist + Lock Hooks Susan Bates hooks are a classic for a reason. The handles on the Soft Ergonomic line are a smooth charcoal gray. They're soft to the touch and incredibly comfortable to hold. The ergonomic shape also eases the strain crocheting can place on your hand, allowing you to crochet for longer periods of time. Each metal tip is a different color to help you easily recognize the different sizes. The Twist + Lock Hooks are a unique take on the classic hook. Each handle has an opening on both ends, so you could put up to four of the hook heads into the handles. And, when you aren't using the hooks, flip them upside down and store them in the handles—perfect…

How a garment is constructed is going to tell you a lot about where you need to adjust for the fit you want. As a rule, it is best to add changes along the sides of the body and the underside seam of the sleeves. All construction styles can be adjusted to fit, but you may find some to be easier than others, at least initially. You will usually need to read over the pattern you are interested in to determine what style of construction is used. The schematic can sometimes help you to figure this out too. As we discussed in Part 2, the schematic can also help you decide where and if you will be needing to adjust to meet your measurements. Look at the different styles of…