What to crochet in autumn colours

Think of autumn and gorgeous red, browns, fading greens, bright limey yellows  and coppers come to mind. There is something special about wearing the colours of the season and this year the yarn producers have done us proud with choices from saffron and turmeric to copper, brown blends, dull purples and greens.

Scheepjes have used  lovely saffron, turmeric and subtle deep purple from their stonewash range to create patterns for crochet hats, scarves, shawls and throws. This season I love their crochet throw in dull purple yarn decorated in surface crochet in a gold/turmeric yarn. The design is reminiscent of aged wooden panelling and the yarn used is lovely Scheepjes Stone Washed XL 70% Cotton, 30% Acrylic in Deep Amethyst and Enstatite. The pattern is a real stunner! 

Sirdar has produced a number of new yarns for the autumn many of which feature autumn colours and this year’s must have glitter and shimmer. Sirdar Jewelspun cleverly blends an enticing selection of coloured fibres into one sumptuous single ply strand, giving you soft stripes that look great on both garments and accessories. Made from 100% acrylic I love northern lights and setting sun colours.

If you love blended colours one of my all time favourites is Sirdar Colourwheel which comes in 140gm cakes and you can use the blend in different ways, I used Natures palette to create small motifs and a long scarf and the blends works well for both the patterns. You can see them here.....
Also new this year is Sirdar Mystical yarn soft and chunky with a glittery thread running through it. All the blends are very subtle I used glittering amber to create a cowl scarf made with corner to corner crochet. Check out the pattern here.....

Lion Brand has a free pattern for a crochet mesh scarf made in autumn colours. It’s an elegant scarf made using  Chimera – 204 in Tomato, fuchsia, mahogany, sapphire, olive, brass, mustard. Find the pattern here.....

Scarves and hats are an obvious choice for the lovely rich colours of autumn, but a selection of autumn colours would make a stunning throw, seasonal cushions and stunning crochet jackets.

This autumn Mercerie has a pattern for an absolutely stunning crochet Sunflower Blanket, a beginners project, made using autumn colours with blue and grey added made in Woolyknitarran in denim,  yellow, orange, grey and light grey natural it makes a lovely winter crochet project.The main body of the blanket is worked on a 5mm hook. The centre is simply one very large granny square, and the edging is made up of 36 sunflower motifs. The lovely bobble trim is worked on a 4mm hook and finishes it off beautifully.

Hayfield Spirit Crochet Yarn

This blended double knit yarn (light worsted) also comes in a chunky weight. Well priced this yarn comes in generous 100gm balls. The ball bands recommend a hook size 4mm but I used 3.5mm.
Hayfield spirit is machine washable and has a range of blends that move randomly from light to dark complementary shades and back again.

I used Grace a blend that transitions from pale to darker pinks, pale, dark taupe and dark teal grey all in one ball. Other colours include the very popular sundown, think sunrises. In DK you can find pinks, bright blues, autumn coppers and oranges and pale grey/cream blends.

Hayfield recommend this soft yarn for stripey knitted jumpers, I’m using mine for a crochet throw using corner 2 corner crochet and the blends look gorgeous in the triangular stripes. It would also work very well for crochet shawls. 

What’s new for crochet this Autumn?

Glitter and sparkle are everywhere this year and not just for parties and dinner dates. I’ve seen glitter threads in winter jackets, trainers and shoes. Sirdar yarn have produced stunning Mystical yarn in a choice of subtle blends  that has a lovely glamorous glitter thread running through it (see scarf pattern in mystical click here).  James Brett have marble chunky glamour with glitter and both warm soft yarns perfect for colder winter days  with a bit of sparkle running through them.

Faux fur is also everywhere including in yarns. Sirdar have a faux fur in fur type colours of greys, mink and browns. If you want something a bit more dramatic you can check out their DK (light worsted) funky faux fur. James Brett also have a well priced faux fur in chunky. Faux fur is not the easiest yarn to use but makes a stunning edging to crochet hats and scarves. 

Velvet is very fashionable this autumn and you can find it used for jackets, smart and casual, dresses, hats and trims. For us crafters you can now find velvet yarns often called chenille. Bernat make a superb crushed velvet yarn, chunky, silky and soft it’s ideal for women’s hats and scarves or perhaps a luxurious cushion. Keep your stitches simple when using chenille or velvet.  I used dc’s(sc’s) and half trebles (half double crochet) as well as a simple tr (dc) or dc(sc) stitch on each row to create a lovely dense and warm texture for a crushed velvet hair band. You could also try using velvet yarns to make chunky corner 2corner crochet for glamorous cushions.

Crocheting on top of pre worked crochet is very popular this season coming out perhaps of the trend for embroidery. It gives us the opportunity to make something simple and quick using perhaps a dc (sc) for a scarf, cowl or cushion and turn it into a striking and original finished item, with crochet on top. Make crochet on top as simple or as complicated as you like, the trick is to use complementary or contrasting yarns. Use a chain stitch to create small flowers, spirals or even writing your name. If you are good at sewing you could embroider on top of your simple scarf to create something eye-catching and truly original for you.

Mosaic crochet maintains its popularity and complexity, not the simplest type of crochet but the results can be simply stunning. Check out ‘Martin up North’ stunning ‘Soulstorm’ blanket or Lilla Bjorn’s Amaya crochet mosaic shawl, an absolute stunner!

Colours this Autumn are deep yellow golds, think saffron and t
urmeric. Have a look at Scheepjes Cahlista in Saffron, Hayfield bonus super chunky in pumpkin and Cascade Heritage in golden yellow.  I’d love to make a blanket using cahlista in saffron with browns and autumn reds.

Finally small items to crochet or crochet on the go maintain their popularity in our busy world. Motifs are the obvious choice, but phone covers, candle cosies and flowers for wreath are easy to make on the go. 

Crochet Edgings

Carefully chosen crochet edgings lift any crochet project.  Traditionally we think of using crochet edgings for baby blankets but you can also add them to beautify a wide variety of crochet items.  Add them to jackets, throws, hats and scarves and they finish off a simple pattern. If you are making a gift with a beautiful edging the person receiving it will know you have gone that extra mile for them.

An edging can be as simple or complicated as you like and will frame your finished design. Or you can make the edging the main part of your design and this works particularly well if you are making a simple design.

Use one of the colours from your project for your edging

If your crochet project has popcorns or clusters add rows of these to your edging and finish with a simple row of dc’s (sc’s) to create a stunning effect.

Use a loose slip stitch using 2 colours from your project together or use them alternatively

Ruffle edgings look very pretty and these are deceptively simple to make. Make a row of double crochet (SC). On the next row work 4 dc into each dc of the previous row, then continue making rows of dc’s on dc. Add some colourful stripes and your cushion throw or waistcoat will look amazing.

Stitch your edging lengthwise by joining on to the last row of your work and create an edging row on row around your work.

Stitch your edging horizontally and you can also make an edging separately by making a number of chains for the width of edging you want and by working horizontally. Carry on until your edging is the length you need, then attach by sewing on to your work or slip stitch together. This creates a completely different look to your work.

Plain stripes – use the colors of your project to create stripes. Make this edging special by working into the back loops only on all or rows or alternative rows to create a very pretty ribbed effect. Make uneven rows of colours or switch between trebles and double crochet (SC’s) rows.

A final row of shells stitches, looks lovely on baby blankets. Depending on the size of your project make shells by working into every 3^rd or 4^th stitch (1dc 1htr 3tr 1htr 1dc).

To add a small simple frilly edging, use 1sl st 1ch all around

A simple picot edging adds elegance to any project. Make 3ch and sl st or dc (sc) into the first ch

Add rows of half tr’s and dc’s (sc’s) to create a contemporary look

Simple rows of tr’s (dc’s) and dc’s (sc’s) working in back loops are easy to make and create a contemporary look

Crochet edgings are not just perfect for pieces of crochet. The Victorians made crochet edgings in fine cotton thread to add to embroidered handkerchiefs, now we can add them to homemade furnishings and clothing.

Crochet scarf with acorn edging.....

10 tips for beginners to crochet

1. Whether you are simply practising or you are planning to make something make a practise piece first, so you can see how easy it is to work with the yarn you have chosen and to find out which is the best crochet hook size to use
2. Don’t buy the cheapest yarn, often they split and make working more difficult. (how to choose yarn)
3. when starting out in crochet don’t start use a cotton yarn they don’t stretch and for a beginner can make it difficult to work the stitches
4. Use one colour for your first projects until you are more confident then you can learn to add and change colours (how to choose colours)
5. If you want to make motifs but are not confident about working in the round you can make square motifs working from side to side, remember to count the stitches so they keep their shape 
   
6. Adding a simple edging, such as 1dc (sc) 1ch into each stitch all around will finish off any project you are making and make your work look more professional
7. If you are starting with a motif project use different colours for each motif to make the project more interesting to work
8. For your first projects make something that is simple but make something that you can wear or us, this will encourage you on to your next project
9. Don’t be afraid to change your crochet hook size. If your work is too loose change to a smaller hook size and if it is too tight try a larger hook
10. US a DK (light worsted) or thicker yarn to begin with but not too thick so you can easily see the stitches you have made and can easily see where you have to work into. Once you move on to super chunky and above it can be difficult to work the stitches and make your hands ache!

And finally if when you are working you find the stitches don’t slip easily on to your hook or slip off too easily this is an indication you are using the wrong size crochet hook

Sirdar Mystical Yarn

Sirdar Mystical is a brushed texture yarn with a silvery thread running through it. It is a self-striping, quick to crochet acrylic and polyester blend yarn that is ideal for all crocheters but particularly for beginners to crochet.

Choose from six colours including fairy dust, glittering amber, twinkling mink, shimmering sapphire and pearlescent pink.  Sirdar mystical is a chunky yarn, I used a 6mm crochet hook to make a cowl scarf. Balls are 100gm and although they appear as a blended yarn they crochet as striping yarns. Each ball gives 70m/76yards.

When worked this yarn gives a dense almost felted finished. surprisngly soft it's perfect for winter scarves, women's jackets, cardigans and winter hats.

Making Crochet Mandalas

Crochet mandala’s come in all colours, sizes and designs but are always round. The word ‘mandala’ means circle. From easy to more complicated and intricate there is a mandala to make for every skill level of crocheter.

Stitches

Almost any crochet stitch can be used in mandalas, front and back posts look particularly good, as do shells, clusters and popcorns and they are commonly use in mandala designs.  Pattern repeats make mandalas easy on the eye and fun to make. Simple edgings add impact and a complete look to mandalas and this might be something as simple as two colours of dc’s (sc’s) using colours from the mandala, or one of my favourites is a final row of slip stitches with 1chain between.
If you are feeling a bit more adventurous and designing your own mandala make a few rows of simple stitches such as rows of dc’s (sc’) or a mesh as the centre of your mandala then add then add rows of flower motifs made separately and then joined together. Finish with a few more rows of your dc’s (sc’s) or mesh and add a pretty edging to finish.

Keeping your mandala in shape

Unless you are making a ruffle style mat then it is crucial to keep your mandala flat, if it’s pulling up add more stitches. If it’s ruffling up your tension is wrong try using a smaller hook or skip more stitches.

Colour

Try subtle shades of the same colour e.g. pinks ranging from pale to dark. Brights and clashing colours create a hot look perfect for summer garden furniture while pastels create a cooler more sophisticated look. Try combinations of brown and pink, red and pink, pale blue and lime, cream and grey for a classic look, with lime and sand, taupe and cream for a classy look.

Yarn

Generally the finer the yarn the smaller the finished mandala will be and the better the stitch definition.  Cotton is a traditional yarn for mandalas in 4ply or DK (light worsted) weight. Try also hemp blends, bamboo and acrylic yarns for a different look.

Choosing patterns

Written mandala patterns can look and can be complicated! Look for patterns with charts and good images to help you complete your mandala. 

Then it’s down to how you are going to display your finished mandala. I like to use mine on summer garden furniture, in garden rooms, conservatories and on garden furniture. They look perfect framed on embroidery hoops and displayed on walls. Mandalas as with any homemade crafts make lovely gifts.

Sirdar Snuggly Bouclette

Part of their baby range baby bouclette is super soft so not only great for babies but also for scarves and hats. The yarn is made with a twisted mesh of looped fibres that great the boucle bobbly effect. It’s a luxury yarn made up of 36% nylon, 37% wool and 27% acrylic that needs a gentle wash.

I used a 4.5mm hook and my favourite colour daffodil. There are twelve colours to choose from that includes, heather, powder, storm, spearmint, silver, soft lavender, lagoon, white, rose and ocean. Each 50gm balls produces 95m/104yards of yarn. Bouclette is not the easiest yarn to use but well worth the effort.

Using Specialist yarns in crochet projects

I like to treat these yarns as specialist basically anything that has significant different elements from plain yarn such as:

• Boucle
• Yarn textured with a slub
• With a metallic strip running through the yarn
• Any yarn with sequins added
• Faux Fur
• Recycled T shirt yarn
• Twine
• Mohair

If theory you can use different yarns together as long as they are the same weight, but combining e.g boucle with plain yarn in crochet projects will not only create a completely different look but can affect the tension of your project. Using specialist yarns either on their own or in combination is easier in more flexible projects such as scarves, cushions and throws. Combining and using specialist yarns becomes more difficult if you are making garments when size and tension is crucial. 

Specialist yarns are usually more expensive so it makes sense to use them for the borders and trims on scarves and cushions. This works well with boucle yarns and yarns with slubs. You can also use these yarns as the main motif of a throw and use a plain yarn for joining and this works well in baby blankets. It makes sense that whatever you are making try a sample first

Use textured yarns for stripes in scarves and cushions. You can do this with boucle, faux fur, sequined and metallic yarns.

Metallic yarns can be tricky to work particularly if they have sequins through the yarn, they work beautifully for crochet evening bags as the main yarn or as a trim.

Twine is the ideal yarn for crochet baskets and I love to combine them with recycled T shirt yarns.

Some of my favourites

• Sirdar Crofter
• Sirdar Alpine
• Sirdar Soukie with sequins
• Nutscene have a fantastic selection of jute twine and string, fluorescent to subtle colours and everything in between
• Wool and the Gang have a small but quality selection of recycled t shirt yarns
• Rico Essentials mohair is a lovely combination yarn

Planning a Summer Crochet cushion or Pillow

Summer cushions make lovely crochet projects and I love to crochet them sitting in my garden on warm sunny days. Handmade summer cushions are perfect for garden furniture, garden rooms and conservatories.

Make your summer cushion as simple or as complicated as you like. Even the simplest designs look stunning with the right choice and right combination of colours. Granny squares always make a lovely cushion or simple rows of dc’s (sc) with a few rows of popcorn stitches stitched with pops of colour look gorgeous. It’s often the colours you choose that make a design original to you and make it a stand out piece of work. 

The shape of your cushion also influences design and not every cushion or pillow has to be square. I love bolster cushions and they work really well for garden furniture and garden benches. Round cushions look very pretty and oblong shaped cushions also work well, but one of my favourite cushion styles is square oversized, they have real impact.

When it comes to yarns summer cushions work perfectly in cotton and cotton blend yarns and one of my all time favourites is Scheepjes Cotton fun. You can read a review of this yarn here. It comes in a whole range of beautiful colours from subtle to bright, giving you a fantastic choice for your summer cushion.

When it comes to colour for my summer cushions I love soft cream and whites with pops of colour or very bright throughout with clashing colours such as orange with bright pink, lime with blue. Somehow they look good on garden furniture on warm summer days.

Your summer cushion might be made with motifs or rows of crochet and you can make groups of smaller motifs stitched together to make a larger motif. see an example of this here. The simplest way to make a cushion is to create a rectangle whether this is made up of motifs or stitched row by row. When you have made your rectangle of crochet simple fold over to make an envelope style cushion and if you want to make it even simpler crochet together on the right side with a contrasting yarn.

Summer cushions don’t have to be for your garden furniture they make lovely housewarming gifts and cheery gifts for someone who is not well.

Find comfy crochet cushion patterns here.....

Choosing Yarn for your Crochet throw

The patterns, designs and styles you choose for your crochet throws are probably the first thing to inspire you, but the yarn you choose is as crucial to the success of your crochet project. For throws and blankets I like to use Acrylic blends they are hardwearing, soft and easy care. The blends I choose as well as including Acrylic depend on what I’m making. Wool for picnic blankets, nylon, cotton  and merino blends for baby blankets and throws for the lounge or bedroom.

Some of my favourites are Sirdar Snuggly, Sirdar Dapple and Sirdar No 1 and Scheepjes Cotton Fun . Both Caron and Sirdar have a wide range of acrylic blend yarns. Acrylic yarns and blends wash well and are hard wearing with some specifically spun for baby projects perfect for baby blankets and soft throws.

Cheap or expensive yarn what’s the difference? 
Cheap doesn’t always mean inferior, as a better guide, gauge the yarn content against what it is you are making. Important is the yardage on the ball band and bear in mind that not all yarns of the same gauge and weight per ball or skein produce the same amount of yarn. Some expensive yarns for example have a greater yardage than cheaper equivalents. Add one expensive yarn to your throw and it will lift the whole design.

Should you stick to the yarn recommended in the pattern?
There is no doubt that yarns of the same weight vary greatly in the finish they produce. I’ve experimented with different yarns of the same weight and the same pattern and produced very different results, from smaller stitches to different length and different widthways tension. If you want to use an alternative yarn to the one recommended in your pattern check your tension carefully and adjust your hook size as necessary.

Should you go for mass produced or independent spinner and dyer?
Hand dyed yarn is gorgeous  and usually produces unique colour ways. If your throw is a gift or something for a special occasion then buying from an independent dyer is the one to go for.

Colour choice 
Mass produced yarn ranges offer the greatest choice of colours. The more popular the yarn the bigger the choice of colours. Acrylic baby yarn blends usually come in a wide range as do economy yarn ranges. Are you going for brights, subtle shades or contrasting yarns. Look for a wide selection of colours such as Scheepjes colour crafter. Bonus yarns are a good choice for main colours.

What weight?
My favourite is DK (light worsted) weight. Crochet grows quickly and shows good stitch definition. Chunky and Aran weights grow more quickly but stitch definition is not as good. 4ply and lace weight yarns look beautiful but take a long time to make!

Find throw pattterns here.....

Designing a Crochet Throw

 It’s easier to design a crochet throw or cushion than you think! Even with the most basic crochet knowledge you can create a throw, just by using a basic granny square you can make a stunning crochet throw to your own design. Use groups of motifs randomly, in colour groups or in bands all look effective. It doesn’t matter how simple the motif you choose, pick the right colours and you will have something that looks lovely and is a true one off. 

By combining motifs in rows or strips of crochet interspersed with rows of simple crochet makes keeping the edges of your throw straight and in shape easier to achieve.  

Five ways to create your own design throw or cushion.....

This is one of my favourite designs. Depending on how big you want your throw to be start with 3 or 5 motifs joined together with a back stitch to make a strip. This will make an oblong throw. Now crochet round these motifs around all sides almost as if you are crocheting in the round. Do this for a few rows then make four strips of motifs to add to the four sides of your throw. 

Use any size of motif and join together to form a strip, odd numbers of motifs work best for this. Then with the right side of your motifs facing join your yarn and work into the stitches on the motifs and work a few rows of plain dc’s (sc’s) or tr’s (dc’s). Repeat for as many rows to make the length of your throw.

Use two different design of motifs in your chosen colours, make one of the motifs plain. Then use one style of motif to make the diagonals of your throw and fill in with your other motif.

Make blocks of smaller motifs and stitch together or crochet together to form one large motif, then stitch these larger motifs together to create your throw. This works really well if you use the same simple motif but mix up the colours and introduce some blended yarns. This is an excellent way to make granny square motifs to make something very special.

 Check out pinterest online for more inspiration! Find my throw patterns here.....

Perfect crochet projects for spring and Summer

If like me you love to crochet warmer weather will not stop you wanting to create something and indulge in crochet projects. When the weather is hot it’s good to crochet something simple and something you can make while sitting in the garden, during your lunch break,  sitting in the park when you are on the beach and when you are on holiday.

It helps to have crochet projects that don’t use too many different colours, multiple balls and different yarns to carry around. Cotton yarn is the obvious choice for summer projects as cotton is cooler to work than wool and acrylic based yarns. My favourite cotton yarns include Sirdar Cotton DK (light worsted), Scheepjes Cotton Fun and Patons 4ply cotton.  Scheepjes cotton Fun comes in a fantastic range of bright colours, perfect for Summer projects and summer cushions. Patons 4 ply cotton has a range of colours ideal for making bright mandalas. Linen and bamboo yarns are also soft and cool to use in the summer. Avoid alpaca and mohair yarns and blends for summer crochet projects.

When the weather warms up what crochet projects can you take on? Motif based projects are the obvious choice. I also love to make crochet toys in cottons and to make large summer bolster cushions. Summer shawls in lightweight yarns are also easy to transport and easy to make in the summer.

Use small click topped boxes to secure your hooks, scissors, needles for end fastening and stitching motifs together. I also like to include my elephant cutter which includes a small measure for checking sizes and a yarn cutter.

Sounds obvious but I love crochet summer projects that produce useful finished items. Garden table mats, coasters and bowls and baskets in cotton and linen yarn on hotter days are perfect summer crochet projects. The great news is that once finished you can use them for your garden parties and barbeques.

Sirdar Dapple Yarn

With a blend of Acrylic and Wool Sirdar Dapple is as easy care, soft and warm yarn.  The 100gm balls come in a range of mottled colours, including midnight blue, speckled, my favourite autumn harvest, enchanted forest, pretty cherry blossom, morning mist, harvest, the deep purple blend twilight, Cloudy bay and Hazy Days.

A generous 360yards/330 metres per ball this new yarn has good stitch definition and would work well for cardigans, jackets and scarves. It makes a gorgeous stripe contrasted with plain stripes. I’ve used Sirdar Dapple successfully for motifs as part of a crochet throw, using a 4mm hook.
Sirdar Dapple represents good value at £5.49 per 100gm ball. For sale at Wool Warehouse.

Women's crochet scarf in Dapple find the pattern here.....

Mixing up Motifs

Choosing a crochet project with motifs has many benefits. You can make a motif when time is short and you can crochet on the go when travelling to work or on long journeys. Crochet motif projects grow quickly and motifs work well for just about every crochet project you can think of from traditional throws and cushions to bags, jackets, hats and baby clothes and toys.

When you are designing your own crochet throw and cushions you can use the same crochet motifs throughout the throw and change the look with the way you use colour. However mixing up motifs adds interest to crochet projects and to the finished design. If you decide to mix up your design using different crochet motifs use 3 or 5 different motifs for a more easy on the eye look. Base your throw or cushion design on squares or rectangles.

Incorporate big motifs for impact. Big motifs give you more scope to use clever colour combinations for more impact and big motifs don't have to use a complicated design, I've made them using a standard granny square to good effect. From my experience whatever motifs you use simple designs always work the best. The clever use of colour and yarns is what will make your design something special and original to you.

How to do it?

1. Use one large and four small motifs that when joined together are the same size as the big motif. When you use this method join the four small motifs together before joining to the larger motif. Use the same colour yarn for the last row of your large and small motifs for a very pretty effect.
2. Make a panel the width of your throw or cushion. Doing this means you can incorporate small and large triangles and even hexagons. If you use this method you will have to make sure that your motifs will create a panel that makes a level edged rectangle. 
3. Make triangular motifs and join together to make squares
4. Make square motifs in the round and combine with textured stitched square motifs made side to side
5. Create large squares turn to make diamonds and create triangles for fillers

How to crochet a beach bag

What yarns to use to make your bag?
Cotton and cotton rich yarns work best, they make bags more rigid, are hard wearing, but still soft. Use a wool based yarn and your bag is more likely to stretch. My favourites is Sugar n Cream an Aran weight yarn, but I also love Drops cotton yarns and Scheepjes soft fun is an excellent yarn for bags. cotton linen blends. Cotton made bags are usually washable, ideal for the beach and summer picnics.

What stitch to use for your bag?
Double crochet (single crochets) stitches work well, as do half trebles (half double crochets). You can also use a looser stitch or open work style crochet when the lining will show through and this can look very effective. Front and back row post stitches also look good, create pretty ridges and are useful for defining changes in rows.

Options for the construction of your bag
I like to make my rectangular crochet bags in 4 or 5 pieces. That is a front, back, 2 side gussets and a bottom piece, plus handles. Making your crochet bag in this way will make your bag more roomy. However you can make a bag with just a front, back and bottom piece. If you prefer a simpler style and one that is easier to make and easier to construct, just make a front and back and join together on three sides. With this option line it in the same way as a 5 piece bag, that is line your pieces separately, then join together using a back stitch.

Lining
If you can, line your bag with a cotton or cotton rich fabric to protect it and reduce the chances of stretch. This really does make bags look better and more professional, see my orange/pink bag above. Make lining pieces for the front and the back. Turn in half an inch (1.27cm’s) leaving a gap of one row of crochet. This will make it easier when you join your crochet pieces together and will create a neater finish.

Putting it all together after you have added the lining
Attach the side pieces to the front or back of your bag using matching yarn and a backstitch. Join this to the base of your bag. Finally attach the front to the sides and bottom. A ttach handles to your bag.

Handles and straps.
I like strong carrying handles and there are different ways to achieve this. You can make a strip of crochet using dc’s (sc’s) for your handle and double it over when finished by stitching the sides together.  Alternatively use your yarn double and doing this creates a lovely strong effect. You can also buy leather and wooden handles in craft stores and these work well.  Another alternative is to make thinner handles by making a length of crochet and stitching around strong plastic tubing which you can buy from craft stores. I make shoulder straps in the same way as handles for some of my bags, see my patchwork over shoulder beach bag. 

Fastenings
I like to vary these. Sometimes I make a drawstring top to my bags by making 2 chain holes in rows of crochet. This I do by crocheting in dc’s (sc’s) or half trebles (half dc’s) with one row of holes between to make a professional looking top to your bag and to make it stronger. If you do this make sure you make at least four rows on top of your holes. Crochet a drawstring using chains or dc’s (sc’s) on chains and thread through. You can also add tassels, small strips of crochet stitched to your bag for clipping on keys.  Sometimes I use a button fastening (you can find how to crochet a button in tutorials on my web site) and loop fastening or a zip. Zips make your bag more secure but require more dressmaking skills!

Home ware Crochet

What’s nicer than a home personalised with handmade cushions, throws and candle cosies you have made yourself. Big or small if you’ve made it yourself its special and will reflect your taste, skills, favourite colours and loves, so enhancing your home.

If you are making home ware crochet for gifts, crochet is a fantastic way to give a friend or relative a gift for a special occasion something unique for them. Everyone values handmade quality gifts and treasures them. 

What can you create? The choice is only limited by your imagination. If you are making something for yourself then choose to make something that fits in with and enhances your home decor. It’s a good idea to personalise what you make to the colour of one room of your home.

William Morris said’ Have nothing n your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful’. I use this to guide me when making something for myself and for friends. This especially applies if you are making something for a gift such as a house warming or wedding present.

Crochet home ware makes fantastic house warming gifts and wedding and engagement presents. Make it special for your friends by making your gift in their favourite colours and styles. Here are my ten favourite crochet home wares to make.....

Baskets – for storage in bedrooms, craft rooms and children’s bedrooms

Cushions – not just forlounges, make then for conservatories and garden rooms

Table mats – make these in the more traditional style of fine lace crochet or in more modern styles using bright colours and thicker cottons

Pot holders – perfect for kitchens, make a pretty stack and tie with a ribbon for a small but thoughtful gift

Table runners – these lookgorgeous on modern long tables and sideboards. You can make them by using lacymotifs or stripes of pretty cottons Throws – these are really special to make and are a lovely heritage housewarming gift, or wedding present

Candle cosies – gorgeous and useful  in bathrooms and bedrooms

Door and bedroom wreaths – the perfect housewarming gift , you can also make them for children’s bedrooms

Rugs – made in thickercotton, make them round, square or oblong

Door stop – make these round, square or in the shape of dogs and cats and add weights!

Lace Crochet

Traditionally lace crochet used fine cotton threads to make round mats (doilies) table runners, lace collars and tablecloths. Now thanks to better choice and a wider selection of cottons and threads we can make traditional lace crochet without having to resort to the very fine traditional cottons (thread). DMC petra for example comes in sizes from 3, 5 and 8 all of which come in a range of lovely colours. Use them to make traditional crochet lace and you will produce stunning results without losing out on quality.

The wonderful thing about the colour selection of cotton threads is that you can now create table runners and covers for modern settings as well as the more classic designs. Don’t restrict making lace crochet to the more traditional styles. Lace crochet creates light airy structures perfect for creating lace shawls and lightweight scarves and you can do this with DK (light worsted) or 4 ply yarns.

Make crochet lace as simple or as intricate as you like. For beginners to crochet rows of basic shells creates a simple but very pretty lace finish and would make a stunning crochet long style scarf or cowl, particularly if you use a blended yarn. Basic net crochet is a good place for beginners to crochet to start with lace. Net crochet in its simple form is created by making 1 or 2 ch spaces between trebles (double crochet) and it’s very simple to make using fine thread or yarn. Add in groups of 4 trebles and make filet crochet which can be used to create designs and images, everything from birds to people, houses and animals.

You can also use net crochet combined with clusters and shells together in one row or make a scarf with simple net crochet and add a scalloped edge to create a stunning scarf with a simple design.  Use lace crochet to make round or square motifs and you can do this with fine cotton or thicker yarn. As with other lace projects make your motifs as simple or as complicated as you wish. Granny squares for example made in a finer yarn creates a very pretty lace effect.

Irish crochet lace has always had its own style creating simple motifs in a variety of shapes, including spirals and leaves which have particularly featured in traditional Irish crochet. For more experienced crocheters this has developed from its own traditional style into free form crochet.