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.