Innholdsfortegnelse for 107 i Simply Crochet

Thoughts this time of year often turn heart-shaped, so we encourage you to curl up with your love – we mean crochet of course! We’ve got lots of patterns inside to quicken your pulse and get those happy endorphins running through your crafty fingers. Our colourful Bargello-inspired homeware collection on page 14 will surely inspire you to brighten your decor. Need a new jumper project? The colour block jumper could be for you, on page 42. Find a quick and easy poncho on page 61. Please share your makes on Instagram tagged #sctreblemaker, or on our Facebook group Simply Crochet SCtreblemakers, as we love to see them!…

Every month, three subscribers win a prize as thank you for their loyalty to Simply Crochet. This month, the winners (below) will each receive receive this bumper TOFT animal crochet pack worth a huge £50, with not one, but three cute amigurumi designs to make. Check next month to see if you’re a winner! Rebecca Oliver, Nottinghamshire Judith O’Brien, Manchester Samantha Wallace, Tyne and Wear 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.…

TRINKETS AND TREASURES Crochet a beautiful yin yang basket for someone special to store their precious things in. Around 10cm in diameter, it’s just right for coins, beads and jewellery. The pattern is £5.08 from goolgool’s Etsy shop. BAND OF MOTHERS Be nifty thrifty and use your yarn scraps to make a chunky bangle bracelet for the person you call mum. Find the free pattern on Wilma Westenberg’s Ravelry store. VELVET DREAMS Many mums would love to be given the gift of sleep, so help them catch some zzzs by crocheting a heart sleep mask with a free pattern from www.hello happy.net NEVER FORGET She’ll remember that she is cherished with these stitch markers to remind her of your love. Get six for £5.49 from Etsy shop 3wild oranges. There…

YOU WILL NEED Approx 25g each of any 100% cotton DK yarn in the following shades: skin colour black light grey turquoise white pink A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook 2 safety eyes, 8mm Toy stuffing A stitch marker TENSION Tension is not critical for this project MEASUREMENTS Doll measures approx 20cm (7¾in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Her Majesty usually wears gloves to match her outfit, so you can replace the skin colour part of the arms with a colour of your choice. NOTES Pattern is worked in the amigurumi style. Work 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 with a marker, moving it up as…

YOU WILL NEED Sirdar Haworth Tweed DK (50% wool, 50% nylon, 50g/165m) CottonGrassCream911) HepworthSlate901 HockneyBlue903 CalderSky904 WestRidingRed906) RydaleRussett907 YorkshireStone912 See table for measurements and yarn quantities A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.com TENSION Full Motif measures 6 (6.5: 7: 7.5)x 10.5cm (2¼ (2½: 2¾: 3) x 4in) over treble crochet using a 4mm hook or size needed to obtain tension Length of Half Motif measures 6.5cm (2½in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Bust width a: 54 (58.5: 63: 67.5)cm, 21¼ (23: 24¾: 26½)in Length b: 59cm, 23in Sleeve length c: 44cm, 17¼in The great thing about a motif jumper is that you can use as many or as few colours as you like or your…

1 Insert hook under top 2 loops of next stitch. Start working a dc stitch: yrh, pull loop through (2 loops on hook). Without finishing this dc, start a second dc in the next stitch: insert hook, yrh, pull up loop (3 loops on hook). 2 Without completing the first or second dc, begin a third dc in the next stitch of the previous row: yrh, pull loop through (4 loops on hook). (If you’re instructed to dc4tog, just repeat again.) 3 Now complete all the dc stitches together by working yrh and pull this loop through all the loops on the hook. 4 This is how your completed dc3tog should look. You will have neatly decreased 2 stitches. On subsequent rows, you can simply work a stitch into the…

YOU WILL NEED Rico Essentials Alpaca Blend Chunky (50% acrylic, 30% wool, 20% alpaca, 50g/90m) Light Grey (006) See table for measurements and yarn quantities A 6mm (J/10) hook 8 buttons, 12mm For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.de/en/home TENSION 11 sts and 4 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double treble crochet using a 6mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 A chunky poncho will be worth its weight in yarn – you’ll be wearing it indoors over layers and as your outerwear in springtime. The roll neck, button shoulder and scalloped hem give it a more put-together look. PONCHO Ch161 (185: 215) Row 1 (WS) Dtr in fifth ch from hook (skipped ch count as dtr) and in…

• Alpacas in the UK are registered with the British Alpaca Society. The Society safeguards the quality of the national herd, while setting high standards for alpaca welfare. • Alpacas are usually sold in twos and threes as they can become distressed when kept alone. • Efficient grazing means you can keep up to six alpacas on an acre of land. • Male alpacas are called machos and females are called hembra – the Spanish words for male and female. • Male and female alpacas look very alike, but the ear tag is the giveaway – males will always have an ear tag in their right ear, females in thier left ear. • Alpacas are ruminants, which means they have three compartments in their stomachs. This helps them to get…

YOU WILL NEED Paintbox Yarns Recycled T-shirt (90% cotton, 10% synthetic, 800g/110m) Light Pink Shades (013) Light Grey Shades (004) For yarn quantities see Notes A 15mm (US size Q) hook Cushion insert, 50cm (see Notes) For yarn contact LoveCrafts 01409 404010 www.lovecrafts.com TENSION Rounds 1-3 measure 17cm (6¾in) MEASUREMENTS Small Floor Cushion measures approx 40cm (15¾in) in diameter and 18cm (7in) tall Large Floor Cushion measures approx 40cm (15¾in) in diameter and 25cm (9¾in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Foot rest, book rest or bottom rest, an easy-to-move piece of furniture will earn its place in your living space. The gorgeously chunky stitches will feel durable and nicely contrast with your fabric or leather sofa. NOTES Large Cushion requires 3 balls of yarn and 2…

1 First, make sure you fasten off, weave in ends and block pieces. Place pieces right sides together. Insert hook into the first stitch on both pieces. Make a slip knot and place it onto the hook. 2 Pull the slip knot through both stitches to bring it to the front. Now insert hook into the second stitch of both layers and work a slip stitch. Work a slip stitch in the third stitches of both layers. 3 Continue working slip sts along the edge, as far as you need to. Fasten off, weave in ends, open out the seam and lightly press from the wrong side. 4 From the right side, the slip stitch seam forms an ‘invisible’ join (see above). It forms a firm, flat seam that won’t…

It’s simple to be in with a chance of winning a great hooky prize in a future issue! Show us your Simply Crochet makes on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or via email by 25 February. For all terms and conditions, and more information, visit www.gathered.how/simplycrochetcomps COMPETITION RULES By Promoter: Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited (“Promoter”). By taking part in one of our Competitions, you agree to be bound by these Competition Rules. Late or incomplete entries will be disqualified. No responsibility accepted for lost, delayed, ineligible or fraudulent entries. Proof of posting (if relevant) shall not be deemed proof of delivery. Entries must be submitted by an individual (not via any agency or similar) and, unless otherwise stated, are limited to one per household. The Promoter reserves the right in its…

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.…

YOU WILL NEED Rico Creative Cotton Print (100% cotton, 50g/85m) Blue-Red (021) See table for measurements and yarn quantities 6mm (US J/10) hook A 9mm (US M/13) Tunisian hook A 25mm knitting needle for broomstick lace For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.de/en/home TENSION 11 sts and 10 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Tunisian simple stitch using a 9mm hook or size needed to obtain tension ABBREVIATIONS See page 19 of this supplement Tunisian crochet and broomstick lace are used to great effect in a jumper that can be paired with high-waisted jeans, over a strappy dress, with an A-line skirt… NOTES Each row of Tunisian crochet is made up of a Forward Pass (FwdP) and Return Pass (RetP). You do not turn the work at all, so you…

1 Follow your pattern to work as many rows of Tunisian crochet as you need to create your fabric. 2 When you want to finish your work, complete the return pass of the final row. You could just fasten off at this point, but you can create a neater edge with a final forward pass of slip stitches. 3 To work a slip stitch edge, skip the vertical strand on the outside edge, as usual, and *insert your hook under the next vertical strand. Yrh and pull the yarn through both loops on the hook. 4 Repeat from * across the row to form a neat slip stitch edge on your fabric.…

YOU WILL NEED Rico Creative Chic-Unique (75% acrylic, 15% wool, 10% polyamide, 200g/310m) 1 ball of Pastel (001) A 5mm (US H/8) hook A 5mm (US H/8) Tunisian hook Broomstick lace tool or 25mm knitting needle A stitch marker For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.de/en/home TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Bag measures 18x20cm (6x7¾in) excluding Handle ABBREVIATIONS See page 19 of this supplement A beautifully-detailed accessory has been made more intriguing by the use of yarn that combines threads with different colour gradients, creating a subtle colour mix. NOTES Bag is worked in Tunisian crochet. Each Tunisian row is worked in two parts. Firstly, working across to pick up a loop in each st, then working back…

1 Keep your yarn’s ball band safe and check it for care information. The band will tell you what temperature to wash the yarn at and whether it can go in the machine or if it needs to be handwashed. 2 To handwash, soak for around 30 minutes in a bowl of lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Don’t rub or you may felt the piece. Then rinse, unless you’ve used a non-rinsing detergent, such as Soak or Eucalan. 3 Lay your crochet item on top of a towel and roll up the towel to squeeze out excess moisture, making sure you do not wring. 4 Gently reshape your crochet item. Leave it to dry on a towel somewhere flat, such as on a board or a folded blanket. Pin…

ex-Tks (extended Tunisian knit stitch) Loop on hook counts as first st, with yarn at back of work *insert hook through fabric between the loops of the vertical bar, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and pull through 1 loop on hook, leave loop on hook; rep from * as required RetP (Return Pass) Yrh and draw through first loop on hook, *yrh and draw through 2 loops on hook; repeat from * until 1 loop remains on hook. The Return Pass remains the same regardless of which stitch you are working Tks (Tunisian knit stitch) Loop on hook counts as first st, with yarn at back of work *insert hook through the fabric between the loop of the vertical bar, yrh and pull up loop, leave loop on hook;…

CAROLYN CALDERON Carolyn enjoys all forms of crochet from basic to advanced techniques. Her love of colour and texture are reflected in her unique designs. Find her projects in the Tunisian supplement. VAL PIERCE Val has been a passionate crafter for over 50 years. The hexagon blanket featured on page 47 is based on the delicate, wax-like Hoya Bella flower used frequently in bridal bouquets. SIMONE FRANCIS Simone has a passion for finding new crochet stitch and colour combinations, taking inspiration from nature and fashion for her designs. See her spring top on page 26. SAMANTA FORNINO Samanta enjoys making amigurumi, colourful home accessories and children’s clothes. She loves pink, other pastel colours and unicorns. Find her easy poncho on page 61. OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Natalie Beard, Lucy Croft, Hannah Cross,…

ROMANTIC CROCHET EMMA ESCOTT (£14.99,TuvaPublishing) These patterns showcase the beauty and flexibility of crochet, for those who love to create. Emma has designed projects in her romantic style featuring ruffles, flowers, beautiful stitch patterns and the soft neutral colour palette that she is known for. From a lacy shawl to a ruffled teapot cosy each project has been lovingly designed to bring out the dreamer in you. CROCHET LITTLE HEROES ORSI FARKASVÖLGYI (£9.99, Search Press) Using amigurumi, learn how to crochet 20 cute heroes and heroines. Not only will they become beloved keepsakes, they will also celebrate the lives of icons such as Jane Austen, Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, Beyoncé, and Albert Einstein. No matter what your interests are, everyone will find a crocheted character in this book that will…

BARGELLO BLANKET The gently zigzagging lines in Fran Morgan’s bright blanket are a mesmerising addition to any bed or sofa Scheepjes Colour Crafter (100% premium acrylic, 100g/300), 2 balls of each: Delft (1117), Drachten (1827), Den Bosch (1241), Alphen (1722), Eelde (1422), Barneveld (1005), Eindhoven (1114), Assen (1065) A 4mm (US G/6) hook TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures approx 175x175cm (69x69in) ABBREVIATIONS up-step Ch3 (counts as tr throughout), tr in each tr across, ss to top of beg ch-3 on next step up down-step Tr in each st to beg-ch-3 on step below and to the left (or right if left-handed), ch3, ss in top of beg ch-3 on step directly below For a full list,…

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 hook 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…

YOU WILL NEED StylecraftBambinoDK100% acrylic, 100g/268m) 1 ball of Vintage Blue (7116) A 4.5mm (US 7) hook Faux fur pompom For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 15 sts and 11 rounds to measure 10x10cm over pattern using a 4.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Hat measures approx 58cm (22¾in) in circumference ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 With just one ball of yarn you can make a hat to wear all through winter – we love how thrifty and satisfying crochet can be! NOTES Hat is worked in rounds from the top down. A walkthrough for FPtr stitches can be found on page 71. HAT Make a magic loop. Round 1 (RS) Ch1 (does not count as st throughout), 8htr…

YOU WILL NEED Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran (100% cotton, 50g/85m) 5 balls of Washed Teal (633) A 4.5mm (US 7) hook Cardboard, 10cm long For yarn contact LoveCrafts 01409 404010 www.lovecrafts.com TENSION Square Motif measures 5x5cm (2x2in) Triangle Motif measures 16x8cm (6¼x3in) across widest points MEASUREMENTS Bunting measures approx 225cm (88½in) long ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Shelf bunting can be saved for parties and special occasions, like regular bunting, but it really deserves to be on display all the time to make a special shelf a focal point. NOTES Bunting is made up of 13 Triangle Motifs and 12 Square Motifs. The Motifs are made first and joined together. A Band is worked across the top edge of each Triangle at the end. BUNTING TRIANGLE MOTIF…

1 To make a double treble crochet stitch, yrh twice and insert the hook under the top 2 loops of the next stitch on the previous row. Yrh and draw through the stitch only (4 loops on hook). 2 Yrh and pull the yarn through the first 2 loops only (3 loops on hook). 3 Yrh and pull the yarn through the first 2 loops only (2 loops on hook). 4 Yrh and pull the yarn through the remaining 2 loops. There’s your double treble made and you’ll have one loop left on your hook ready to do the next stitch.…

YOU WILL NEED UK Alpaca Superfine DK (75% alpaca, 25% wool, 50g/112m) 4 balls of MidnightBlue1ballof each: RosePink Parchment A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists contact UK Alpaca 01884 243579 www.ukalpaca.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Shawl measures approx 165x65cm (65x25½in) across widest points ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 This triangle design will drape wonderfully due to the alpaca content in the yarn, and coupled with the openwork and pop of cluster stitches, you’ll be the proud maker and owner of an eye-catching shawl. NOTES Shawl is worked in increasing rows, beginning at the narrowest point. On the cluster rows you can carry the second colour across, twisting the strands after each slip…

1 Identify the post of the next stitch. Then work yrh (as usual for a treble stitch) and insert hook into the front of the fabric, around the back of the post, and bring out hook on other side of post. 2 Work the rest of the stitch as you usually would for a treble, so yrh and carefully pull the loop of yarn out of the fabric – it should loop around the post of the stitch. 3 Work yrh again and pull the yarn through the first 2 loops. Yrh and pull the yarn through the remaining 2 loops to complete the front post treble stitch. 4 You’ll see how the stitch is raised up, compared to the rest of the fabric. Work more front post treble stitches…

YOU WILL NEED Cygnet DK (100% acrylic, 100g/298m) 2 balls of each: Pink (0065) Buttercream (0161) 1 ball of Bright Pink (6534) A 4mm (US G/6) hook 2 round cushion pads, 40cm in diameter For yarn stockists contact Cygnet Yarns 01274 743374 www.cygnetyarns.com TENSION 17.5 sts and 17.5 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) or 35 sts and 35 rows to measure 20x20cm (8x8in) over double crochet using a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS To fit cushion pad measuring 40cm (15¾in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 We’ve all missed hugs during the pandemic but lets look for other ways to express our emotions to one another. Knowing we are loved is important to us humans! So get hooky and show your feelings through…

BASIC HEXAGON MOTIF Ch4, ss in first ch to make a ring. ROW 1 Ch5 (counts as tr, ch2 throughout), (2tr in ring, ch2) 5 times, tr in ring, ss into third ch of beg ch-5. [12 tr] ROW 2 Ss into ch-2 sp, ch5, tr in same sp, *tr in next 2 sts, (tr, ch2, tr) in next ch-2 sp; rep from * 4 times more, tr in next 2 sts, ss into third ch of beg ch-5. [24 tr] ROW 3 Ss into ch-2 sp, ch5, tr in ch-sp, *tr in next 4 sts, (tr, ch2, tr) in next 2ch-sp; rep from * 4 times more, tr in next 4 sts, ss into third ch of beg ch-5. [36 tr] FASTEN OFF and weave in ends. SIRDAR SNUGGLY…

1 Elongate the loop on your hook and place onto a broomstick lace tool. *Insert hook in next stitch along, yrh and pull through loop, elongate loop and place on broomstick lace tool. 2 Repeat from * in Step 1 until you have the required number of loops on your broomstick lace tool. 3 Insert hook through the number of loops specified in the pattern and draw yarn through. Ch1 and work a group of stitches into the loops. In this example we have worked 2dc into 2 loops. 4 Repeat Step 3 across the row or as indicated in the pattern.…

YOU WILL NEED Rico Creative Melange Wonderball (51% wool, 49% acrylic, 200g/640m) 1 balls of Multicolour (004) A 6mm (US J/10) hook For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.de/en/home TENSION 9 sts and 6 rows measures 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt, using a 6mm Tunisian hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Cowl measures approx 23x76cm (9x30in) Mitts measure approx 17.5x10cm (7x4in) ABBREVIATIONS cross st Skip 1 st, Tss in next st, Tss in skipped st ex-Tks (extended Tunisian knit stitch) Loop on hook counts as first st, with yarn at back of work *insert hook through the fabric between the loops of the vertical bar, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and pull through one loop on hook, leave loop on hook; rep from * as required See…

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…

11 MAR Yarn dyeing workshop £25, online www.theslippedstitch.co.uk/workshops 18 MAR Yarndale Monthly virtual making club Free; booking essential www.bit.ly/CraftClubYarndale John Arbon Textiles have started a video blog on their YouTube channel to display and discuss their yarn, colour combinations and new kits Watch a demonstration on how to start crocheting a puff necklace by Natasha from Sheep on Mars www.bit.ly/PuffNecklace Subscribe to the Secret Yarnery YouTube channel for inspiring and motivating crochet tutorials and patterns…

YOU WILL NEED Scheepjes Colour Crafter DK (100% premium acrylic, 100g/300m) Barneveld1005See table for measurements and quantities of Yarn A 1 ball of each: DenBosch1241 Ameland1725 Eindhoven1114 Delft1117 Assen1065 Drachten1827 Eelde1422 4mm (US G/6) hook Stitch markers TENSION 15 sts and 10 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 4mm hook or size needed to obtain tension 23 rounds of Shell patt over Yoke meas 11cm (4¼in) depth ABBREVIATIONS  ftr (foundation tr) Ch3 (counts as tr), *insert hook in last ch from hook, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and pull through 1 loop (loop will sit at base of ftr, (yrh and pull through 2 loops) twice; rep from * inserting hook into loop at base of prev ftr shell (2tr, ch1, 2tr) into designated st…

YOU WILL NEED WestYorkshireSpinnersBoPeep Pure (100% wool, 50g/112m) 7 balls of Sand (208) 5 balls of Natural (010) 4 balls of each: Blackcurrant (319) River (194) 3 balls of Blush (287) A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook Large pompom maker For yarn stockists contact WY Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION Motif measures 18cm (7in) across widest point MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures approx 118x105cm (46½x41¼in) ABBREVIATIONS spiked dtr Skip next cl, yrh twice, insert hook in dc between 2 cl from Round 3, yrh and pull loop up to height of Round 4, (yrh and pull through 2 loops) 3 times For a full list, see page 92 The beautiful, detailed flowers in two colourways make this a timeless design to cherish now and pass on to future generations. NOTES Blanket is…

1 Identify the post of the next stitch. Then work yrh (as usual for a treble stitch) and insert hook into the back of the fabric, around the front of the post, and bring out hook on other side of post. 2 Work the rest of the stitch as you usually would for a treble, so yrh and carefully pull the loop of yarn out of the fabric – it should loop around the post of the stitch. 3 Work yrh again and pull the yarn through the first 2 loops. Yrh and pull the yarn through the remaining 2 loops to complete the front post treble stitch. 4 You’ll see how the stitch is set back, compared to the rest of the fabric. Work more back post treble stitches…

YOU WILL NEED Rico Essentials Merino DK (100% wool, 50g/120m) 7 balls of SteelGrey78 2 balls of each: Petrol39 Natural60 A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.de/en/home TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Baby Blanket measures approx 60x80cm (23½x31½in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Hook this up for the little space cadet in your life to keep them warm and show them you love them to the moon and back. NOTES Baby Blanket is worked in a corner-to-corner (c2) construction, working blocks diagonally across each row. Each ‘block’ is made up of a ch3 and 3tr and each ‘row’ is worked diagonally, starting with 1 block in the bottom right corner,…

Kerry Lord was eleven years old when her parents Rob and Shirley Bettinson founded TOFT Alpaca Stud in 1997 with four alpacas. Now a successful stud farm with around 150 alpacas, TOFT’s farm in Warwickshire has grown from six acres to 52. While Kerry’s parents invested in genetics to ensure high quality breeding, Kerry began to wonder whether the fleece sheared off annually had a use. She launched TOFT Studio in 2006 and began selling alpaca yarn hats. At that point, many people had never heard of alpacas. “I remember someone saying, ‘An alpacino? Is that a bird?’” says Kerry. “When I showed them pictures, they’d say, ‘Oh, a pushmi-pullyu, like in Dr Doolittle!’” Originating from South America, alpacas belong to a family known as camelids, along with their larger…

1 Start a treble in the next stitch or space in the usual way: yrh, insert hook, yrh, pull loop through (3 loops on hook), yrh, pull through first 2 loops (2 loops on hook). Stop here, without finishing. 2 Start treble in the same stitch/space: yrh, insert hook in the same stitch again, yrh, pull loop through (4 loops on hook), yrh and pull through first 2 loops (3 loops on hook). Stop here. 3 Repeat Step 2 until you have worked the number of trebles shown in pattern. In this example we are working a 3-tr cl. Next finish all tr together: yrh, pull loop through all loops on hook. 4 This is how your completed cluster should look. On the next row, you can simply work a…

YOU WILL NEED West Yorkshire Spinners Retreat (100% wool, 100g/140m) 1 ball of each: Ponder393 Tranquil341 Reflect099 An 8mm (US L/11) hook For yarn stockists contact WY Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION 12 sts and 14 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over slip stitch using an 8mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Cowl measures approx 110cm (43¼in) in circumference ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Is your neck catching a chill? Use your hook to whip up a cosy cowl and look smart and warm in time for your next online meeting. NOTES Cowl is worked in rows throughout. The final row is joined to the foundation ch at the end to form the Cowl shape. COWL Using Yarn A, ch37. Row 1 Ss…

1 Start by inserting the hook under the top 2 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.…

ZEST FOR LIFE These citrus fruit coasters from issue 101’s supplement have brightened the midwinter days for Isobella Callaby aka @thatcrochetgirl onthetrain STELLAR CROCHET Jacqui Crawford, aka @jacquicrawford1959 has hooked up the star yoke jumper from issue 103 in teal, with silver for a touch of sparkle. You must be a shimmery sight! STRING FOR THE WIN A late Christmas gift for her mum, Emily Brooks aka @emlikes books has made the string bag from issue 105’s Eco Crochet supplement. We hope it gets lots of use. SOUTHSEA SHAWL Annette Lambert aka @etenamakes from Southsea enjoyed making this shawl from the 103 Winter Shawl supplement. In fact, this is the second one she’s made!…

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…

At school, in art class, we were always being told about the importance of preparatory work. You should explore different avenues before arriving at the final art piece you want to create. When I was fifteen I didn’t care about the prep and wanted to jump straight in. I just drew my one picture and I was finished! It has taken me over twenty-five years for the penny to drop that, oh yeah, preparation is key! The Dreckly Mittens are proof of this and it’s pretty much the first time that I have been super-proud of every single element of the design process. At the beginning of last year I was given the opportunity to play with some Yarnadelic, a sport weight Falklands Corriedale yarn from the team at John…

YOU WILL NEED Rico Luxury Super 100 Superfine Wool (100% wool, 50g/165m) 1 ball of Aqua (016) A 5mm (US H/8) hook For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.de/en/home TENSION 19 sts and 16 rows measures 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt, using a 5mm Tunisian hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Small measures approx 13x46cm (5x18in) Medium measures approx 13x48cm (5x19in) Large Measures approx 13x51cm (5x20in) X-Large measures approx 13x52cm (5x21in) ABBREVIATIONS See page 19 of this supplement Head warmers are a great option if your hairstyle doesn’t suit being squished, or you just don’t like hats! NOTES Head Warmer is worked in the Tunisian seed stitch. The seed stitch is a repeat of 1 Tks (Tunisian knit stitch )and 1 Tps (Tunisian purl stitch). Each Tunisian row…

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 hook 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…

YOU WILL NEED Rico Superba Vintage 4ply (75% wool 25 polyamide%, 100g/420m) 1 ball of Teal Mix (009) A 3.5mm (US E/4) Tunisian hook A stitch marker For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.de/en/home TENSION 24 sts and 21 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Tunisian simple stitch using a 3.5mm Tunisian hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS See page 19 of this supplement You do need to live in a shoes-off house when you wear these, just to make the most of the fascinating mix of colours. The added benefit is that they will keep your toes cosy. NOTES Socks are worked in Tunisian simple stitch throughout. Refer to the walkthrough on page 18 as a guide. Socks are worked from the Cuff down. Cuff is…

SIMPLE STEPS HOW TO WORK A TUNISIAN FOUNDATION ROW 1 Work a foundation chain as usual, with the same number of chains as stitches you want (so ch15 for 15 stitches). To begin the Forward Pass of your foundation row, *insert the hook into the second chain from the hook. 2 Work yrh and pull a loop of yarn through the chain and onto the hook. Leave the loop on the hook. 3 You will now have 2 loops on your hook. Repeat the same action from * in step 1 for each chain along the row. Place 1 stitch onto the hook for each chain – do not work into the slipknot at the end. 4 When you’ve finished the forward pass, you should have one loop on…