Innholdsfortegnelse for 104 i Simply Crochet

As lockdown life continues, us crocheters turn to our hooks to get through. We’ve got plenty of projects to fill your heart with Christmas cheer – think warming winter accessories you can whip up with just one ball of yarn on page 14, adorable penguin decorations for your tree on page 60 or a gorgeous cardigan on page 26 for classic winter style. Thank your lucky stars that you have crochet in your life with our 2021 Zodiac Calendar, and make your character to signal the better times ahead. Please share your makes on Instagram tagged #sctreblemaker, or on our Facebook group Simply Crochet SCtreblemakers, as we love to see them!…

MITTS Put your hands together for Lucy Croft’s multicoloured mitts – cosy, colourful winter accessories you’ll be pleased you made ■ Caron Cake (80% acrylic, 20% wool, 200g/350m), 1 cake of Blueberry Kiwi (17021) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook TENSION 15 sts and 7 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 4.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS To fit average adult female, approx 23cm (9in) long NOTES The yarn cake is separated into individual colours for this project. Wind each colour off into individual balls. The colours have been labelled as bright lime, blue, grass green, pale lime and turquoise. The Mitts are worked from the Hand down, adding the Thumb at the end. When changing colour mid-row, twist the ends of…

1 Start a treble as usual: yrh, insert hook in next stitch, yrh, pull up loop, yrh, pull through first 2 loops (2 loops on hk). Now start a 2nd tr and work it until you’re halfway through, as before (3 loops hook). 2 Without completing the first or 2nd tr, start a 3rd treble and work it until you’re halfway through, as before (4 loops on hook). (If instructed to tr4tog, just repeat the process again.) 3 Now complete all the treble stitches together by working yrh and pull this loop through all the loops on the hook. 4 This is how your completed tr3tog should look. You will have neatly decreased 2 tr stitches. On subsequent rows, just work into the top of the tr3tog stitch as usual.…

For a more budget-friendly make, try Lion Brand Baby Soft Bouclé using 6 balls of White (918-100)* Be aware this yarn is more dense than the original yarn, so the finished fabric will be more rigid if using the hook size stated. You may need to work fewer increasing rounds on the Hat to reach desired circumference. On the Hand warmer, you can decrease the number of stitches and rows worked to achieve measurements stated. * Yarn quantities dependent on hook size used and any adaptations that have been made to the pattern. For yarn stockists contact www.lovecrafts.com…

YOU WILL NEED Rico Ricorumi DK (100% cotton, 25g/58m) 1 ball of each: White (001) Pearl Grey (004) Rico Ricorumi Lamé DK (62% polyester, 38% polyamide, 25g/135m) 1 ball of Gold (002) A 3mm hook (US C/2 or D/3) hook A 40mm polystyrene ball A 60mm polystyrene ball 2 black safety eyes, 8mm Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.co.uk TENSION Rounds 1-10 of Body to measure 6cm (2¼in) in diameter using a 3mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Penguin measures approx 11cm (4¼in) tall ABBREVIATIONS The collective noun for penguins is a waddle and this waddle has won us over! NOTES Body and Head are made up of 2 half-spheres, which are joined together around the polystyrene balls. Make sure you work to…

1 Secure yarn at back of fabric and bring needle to the front, where you wish to place the stitch01 . Insert the needle one hole to the right and one hole up02 , to form a diagonal line. 2 Bring the needle up from back to front one hole down 03 . Insert the needle one hole to the left and one hole up04 , to form another diagonal line. 3 The two diagonal lines will create a cross stitch. Repeat from step 1 to create more cross stitches. 4 For consistency, start each cross stitch in the same corner of the ‘square’ where you wish to place the stitch, working the same lower diagonal line first.…

1 Begin by making a slipknot and placing it on your hook. Then make one chain, tightening up the slipknot afterwards. The first chain will be your foundation ring. 2 Now make a turning chain for the sts you want to work (above, we made 1 t-ch for dc). Now work the stitches of the first round into the first chain you made – for dc, insert the hook into the chain… 3 …work yrh and pull a loop through. Yrh and pull the loop through both loops on hook. You will have made your first double crochet stitch into the foundation ring. 4 Continue working stitches into the first chain loop, although you’ll find that only around 4-6 stitches will fit. Work a slip stitch to join the first…

COLOUR SWITCH UP Alison Mutch has made a gorgeous version of our CAL blanket – she enjoyed the fun design and learned a lot. The bright colours weren’t for her, but she’s really pleased with how her choices ended up. We think your colour combinations are spot on – they really zing against the grey. HEART FELT W A baby sleeping peacefully is a wonderful sight (and sound). This is issue 99’s heart blanket made by Tracey for her friend and colleague’s new baby. Tracey made the blanket using Rico Baby Cotton Soft in Patina, and she likes the weight and how drapey and warm it is. Feel proud that your blanket will see this little one through many cosy and restful nights. GIVE A GUINEA GIFT This adorable furry…

Most crochet patterns state the tension required, in rows and stitches of a specific type. Make a swatch at least 15cm square and check that your tension matches. Place a ruler across the swatch and insert two pins, 10cm apart. Then place the ruler along a column of stitches and insert two pins 10cm apart. Count the stitches and rows between the pins – if you have less than the pattern, your tension is too loose so you need to use a smaller hook, but if you have too many, use a larger hook. It’s usually better to match the stitches than rows, because you can always work more or fewer rows.…

LISA COOK Lisa has been in love with crochet since childhood. She loves designing wearable pieces to help us create our crochet wardrobe, like her diamond jumper on page 44 – it’s a real gem. PAT STRONG Pat loves to add to her collection of crochet books by raiding charity shops. The plaid cardigan on page 26, and the hot water bottle cover on page 65 are Pat’s lovely creations. CATHERINE VENNER It’s hard for Catherine to imagine life without her crochet hook. Dedication to her craft has produced the wintery cushion on page 50 and cute penguins on page 60. LUCY CROFT Not just a massive colour fiend, Lucy also enjoys a complicated mathematical pattern. Check out her mitts and earmuff covers on page 20 – don’t worry, they’re…

Every month, three subscribers win a prize as thank you for their loyalty to Simply Crochet. This month, the winners (below) will each receive will each receive 8 balls of Caron Simply Soft yarn plus a pattern to make this gorgeous blanket worth £46.99. Enjoy! Check next month to see if you’re a winner! Leila Bradley, West Yorkshire Lisa Rumbelow, Cambridgeshire Megan Rutty, Lincolnshire Immediate Media Company, publishers of Simply Crochet, Subs Stars giveawayTerms and Conditions. Prizes were dispatched before the on sale date of this issue. There are no cash alternatives. Three winning entries will be chosen at random from all current subscribers. The draw is final and no correspondence will be entered into.…

Watch Desamour Designs on YouTube to see yarn reviews, inspirations and podcasts, such as Teaching Diversity through Amigurumi Watch how best friends and business partners Jen and Jennifer set up yarn shop Stitch and Story at @stitchandstory’s IGTV page For unprofessional crochet ramblings listen to the team from luxury retreats company The Crochet Sanctuary www.bit.ly/TheCrochetSanctuary Learn how to crochet socks with Kate Eastwood’s handy video with Love Crafts www.bit.ly/HowToCrochetSocks Eden Cottage Yarns Ltd’s recent YouTube video discusses shawl patterns, colour combinations and a yarn that supports the charity Stonewall…

YOU WILL NEED West Yorkshire Spinners Croft DK (100% Shetland wool, 100g/225m) Langa010 Norby353 Skellister810 Greenbank404 Skelberry850See table for measurements and yarn quantities A 4mm (US G/6) hook 7 buttons, 15cm (our buttons are from For yarn stockists contact WY Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION 18 sts and 13.5 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stitch patt using 4mm hook or size needed to obtain tension Alternatively measure 27 rows over 20cm for row tension Bust width a: 52 (57.5: 62.5: 67.6)cm, 20½ (22½: 24½: 26½)in Length b: 48 (50: 53: 55)cm, 19 (19½: 20¾: 21½)in Sleeve length c: 50 (51: 51: 52)cm, 19½ (20: 20: 20½)in When crochet time is tight, the best garments to make are ones that will give you the most wear, like this cardigan.…

YOU WILL NEED Rico Essentials Soft Merino Aran (100% wool, 50g/100m) 6 balls of Natural (060) 1 ball Brick Red (007) A 5mm (H/8) hook 3 wooden toggle buttons, 3cm Square cushion pad, 46x46cm For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.co.uk TENSION 12 dc and 14.5 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double croche using a 5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS To fit a 46cm (18 inch) square cushion pad ABBREVIATIONS wdc (waistcoat double crochet) Worked on the RS only, insert hook into the centre of the V shape of the dc indicated, yrh and pull up loop, complete as dc When it comes to Christmas, cushions offer a subtle alternative to decorations. Once made, they are so quick and easy in adding an instant…

Nobody can deny that 2020 has been brimming with challenges. More than ever we’ve noticed how true it is that when the going gets tough, we crochet! The circumstances have shown us how vital it is to be part of a community, and, if we can, to give something back. It’s been heart-warming to be reminded what a caring bunch we crocheters are, putting our crafting skills to good use raising money for the NHS, or brightening our surroundings, while doing a pastime that lifts spirits, calms nerves and makes us feel energised. Here are just a few of the folks and projects that have inspired us… VIVID RAINBOWS Crochet designer Helen Godsmark started running her Learn to Crochet workshops in 2019. When lockdown happened, Helen’s 2020 workshops had to…

YOU WILL NEED Debbie Bliss Rialto DK (100% merino wool, 50g/105m) 1 ball of each: Black03 BurntOrange43 Ecru02 A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact LoveCrafts 01409 404010 www.lovecrafts.com TENSION 16 sts and 13 rounds to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over half treble crochet using a 3.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Hat measures approx 41cm (16in) circumference around brim To fit age 6–24 months ABBREVIATIONS htr2tog (Yrh, insert hook in next st, yrh and pull through st) twice, (yrh, pull through all loops on hook This pattern is from Nikki Trench’s book Crocheted Hats & Scarves (£12.99), published by CICO Books www.rylandpeters.comWinter accessories are just a hook away Tiger, tiger, smiling bright – smiles will stay on faces once this balaclava-style hat is on.…

Part of the wonder of crochet lies in its repeatability – once you’ve learnt the stitches and techniques involved, you can use these skills to recreate a design over and over again. In order to do that, crocheters have developed patterns – a kind of blueprint with all the information you need to make a specific item. Most patterns use abbreviations, symbols and codes that can seem baffling – that’s what I’ll help you to understand in this workshop. In general, a pattern is made up of two parts: an information section (usually at the start) and a section of specific instructions detailing the stitches to work on each row or round. A pattern might also include various other elements that are important to creating the item, such as charts,…

We’ve been double tapping on Instagram and admiring your makes. Tag us @simplycrochetmag and use the hashtag #SCtreblemaker SYDNEY SIZZLER Megan Quigley aka @meganquigley creative is based in Australia and couldn’t help but wear her finished CAL jumper even though it was a warm and sunny day! WALL FLOWERS This wallhanging from issue 95 is in Caroline Warren’s aka @poppy seedandpom’s living room above her crochet corner. We’re sure it must be an inviting space. CARDI FOR ME The bishop-sleeved cardigan from issue 101 has been hooked up by @kittykat_1978 who rarely makes anything for herself. Well done for allowing yourself a treat. LOOK DON’T TOUCH Emma Uden aka @emma.uden has made issue 101’s hearts rug – not for wiping muddy boots on, but for protecting the carpet. What a good…

One of the things I love most about crochet is its versatility – you can have traditional or modern, fancy or plain, or a mixture of them all. Whatever style you want to recreate, there is almost certainly a way to do it with your hook and some yarn. I have been fascinated with this process ever since I started my journey as a crochet designer a few years ago. I love the challenge of imagining something, then trying to recreate the image in my head in crochet using colour, textured stitches or even fashion yarn. Last summer, I read about the elaborate jewellery of the last Tsars of Russia. I was entranced by the intricate goldsmithing and jewel work. I wanted to find a way to translate these beautiful…

Tell us about your inspiration for the zodiac characters, and what they were like to design Actually, I don’t know much about the signs of the zodiac! When I accepted this commission, I made sure I read up a lot about it – to get inspiration and also to make sure my characters would be unique. The project was to make amigurumi animals, so for the signs that have an animal symbol (such as Leo, Scorpio, Cancer), it was quite easy to choose what the characters will be like for them. But for other signs such as Libra, Virgo and Sagittarius which are not presented by an animal, I needed to read more about their spirit animal and what their character was all about. For example, I have designed Sagittarius…

BIG KNIT IS BACK Innocent want to help Age UK keep older people safe and well, especially during these really tough times. You can be a part of it by crocheting a little hat for a smoothie bottle which will raise money for Age UK, and do an older person some good – for every hatted bottle sold, 25p will go towards looking after them. Since 2003 when the initiative started, incredible volunteers have made nearly nine million hats, meaning £2.8 million has been raised for Age UK. Can you hook up a hat this year? Find lots of great patterns and details of where to send your hats at www.thebigknit. co.uk Thank you for helping older people. KIDS KIT W Give the gift of crochet to a child this Christmas,…

MAKING WITH MEANING JESSICA CAREY (£17.99,Abrams) From the creator of The Hook Nook, here is a thoughtful, purposeful approach to prioritise time for making, and adding more meaning and intention to your life. Featuring more than 20 different crochet patterns to inspire you, the book offers instructions to beginning a crochet journey and teaches how to crochet through detailed explanation and visual guidance. UNICORNS, DRAGONS AND MORE FANTASY AMIGURUMI 2 JOKE VERMEIREN (£13.95, Meteoor Books) Pour your favourite yarns together and stir them with your best crochet hook: these crochet spells will bring the most fantastical amigurumi to life with 14 enchanting characters to open the door to a magical world. Chase after the untraceable yeti, take a nap with a sleeping baby dragon, hitch a ride on the smart…

YARN PAMPER HAMPER This beautifully presented Cocoknits Lovers Christmas Hamper is full of accessories that would make the perfect gift for the crocheter in your life. It’s £79.99 at www.yarnworx.comwhere you will find other fibre gift goodies. MERRY STITCHMAS If you don’t fancy Christmas pudding but like the festive sentiment, Stitch Happens has a rather cute enamel stitch marker on Folksy for £2 to add cheer to your makes. WHAT A MUG Know someone who loves yarn AND hot drinks? Amazing! This is for them. Or for you. Head to www.teespring. com/stores/alyson-chu-designs and get it for £12.45. IT’S MINE! Nothing says keen crocheter more than a personalised hook. For a range of hook sizes and fonts go to www.wool couturecompany.com. Prices start from £6.99. CROCHET TO GO Here’s a project bag…

YOU WILL NEED Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 25g/62m) 1 ball of each: Cyan (397) Jet Black (110) Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 10g/25m) 1 ball of Snow White (106) A small amount of Soft Rose (409) A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook A black pipe cleaner, 30cm Black tights Toy filling granules 1 button, 5mm 1 large jump ring 2 small jump rings 1 small bell Omit the button, jump rings, and bell if making for a child under 36 months Glue gun Craft glue For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Bert measures approx 9cm (3½in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 We…

YOU WILL NEED Cascade 220 (100% wool, 100g/200m) Pacific (2433) See table for measurements and yarn quantities A 4.5mm (US 7) hook A 5mm (US H/8) hook Stitch marker For yarn contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 13 sts and 8 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stitch pattern using a 5mm hook or size needed to obtain tension ABBREVIATIONS reverse dc Work dc sts as normal but work from left to right if right-handed, and right to left if left-handed Bust width a: 47 (54.5: 62: 70: 77.5)cm, 18› (21›: 24›: 27›: 30›)in Length b: 56 (56: 61: 66: 66)cm, 22 (22: 24: 26: 26)in Sleeve length c: 48cm, 19in The many facets of a precious gem are replicated in yarn to brilliant effect in this jumper, and…

YOU WILL NEED Rowan Soft Bouclé (45% cotton, 23% alpaca, 22% polyamide, 10% wool, 50g/100m), 6 balls of Snow (600) A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 668200 www.knitrowan.com TENSION Rounds 1-4 of Hat to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) using a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Hat circumference measures 56cm (22in) Hand warmer measures 30cm (11¾in) long ABBREVIATIONS loop st Insert hook in st indicated, loop working yarn around index finger on yarn holding hand, slide hook under 2 strands of loop, pull 2 strands through, yrh and draw through all loops on hook, remove loop from finger Originally, hand warmers doubled up as purses and have been in use for hundreds of years. Make a hat to match and add a…

YOU WILL NEED King Cole Merino Blend 4ply (100% wool, 50g/180m) 10 balls of Black (048) 8 balls of White (001) A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Rounds 1-10 of Square measures 10.5x10.5cm (4¼x4¼in) Finished Square measures 20x20cm (8x8in) MEASUREMENTS Finished Blanket measures approx 107 x 127cm (42x50in) ABBREVIATIONS Tr3d (Treble 3 down) Working in front of ch-sp, treble in skipped st 3 rows down A bold pattern can be softened, if desired, by using shades of yarn that are closer to each other in the colour palette. NOTES Blanket is made up of 30 Squares, all worked using the mosaic crochet method. Ch-2 corner sps are not included in stitch counts. Turn work at the end of every Round after…

YOU WILL NEED Caron Simply Soft Party (99% acrylic, 1% metallic, 85g/150m) 2 balls of Red Sparkle (0015) a small amount of Silver Sparkle (0008) A 5mm (US H/8) hook 3 buttons, 2.5cm Stitch markers For yarn contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 14 sts and 18 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using a 5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Hot Water Bottle measures approx 32x22cm (12½ x8¾in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 88 Warming your toes on a hot water bottle is bliss in the winter time, and it will be even more enjoyable when the cover is a cosy crocheted one like this. NOTES Hot Water Bottle is worked from the bottom up. Begin by working in rows for…

YOU WILL NEED Any DK yarn in green and pink A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook Black stranded cotton 2 safety eyes, 9mm Toy stuffing Stitch marker TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Sprout measures approx 6.5cm (2¾in) in diameter This pattern is from Sarah-Jane Hicks’ Amigurumi Christmas (£9.99), published by Search Press www.searchpress.comHook up super-cute projects for Christmas A perfect stocking filler or alternative table decoration, these super-friendly mini cabbage family members are sure to win over yours this Christmas. NOTES Pattern in worked in the amigurumi method. Work stitches in a continuous spiral, without closing off each round with a slip stitch. You may find it helpful to mark the first st of the round, moving it up…

SIMPLE SNOWFLAKE MOTIF Ch2. ROW 1 6dc in second ch from hook, ss to beg dc to join. [6 dc] ROW 2 *Ss in next st, ch6, ss in second ch from hook, ss in next ch, (ch4, ss in second ch from hook and next 2 ch), (ch3, ss in second ch from hook and next ch), ss in each of the remaining 3 ch of beg ch-6, ss in same place as first ss; rep from * 5 times more. FASTEN OFF MALABRIGO WORSTED WEIGHT Aran CONTENT 100% wool BALL 100g/192m HOOK 5.5mm RRP £8.49 If softness is what you’re after in a pure wool, then you really must check this one out! This single ply yarn is super-soft, creating an almost velvet-like fabric when hooked up. The…

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…

Hello hooksters and welcome to the Simply Crochet 2021 Zodiac Calendar! With the help of talented amigurumi designer Khuc Cay, we have created adorable animal interpretations of the 12 star signs that rule the zodiac houses in the astrological calendar to see you through the celestial year. And don't forget to check your hooky horoscope for 2021 yarny predictions. Whether you’re a gentle Gemini or an independent Aquarius, you can create your own cute star sign character, and why not make family and friends theirs too? The designs are made with Scheepjes’ Catona and Maxi Sweet Treat, the perfect choice for multicoloured projects (see right for more details on a limited edition yarn pack for all characters or how to win the yarn to make your own star sign). Look…