Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2019 i Love Crochet

Summer is here and we love it! The extra-long days and light evenings mean there’s even more time to get stuck into all those hooky projects you’ve been planning to do. You’ll find plenty of projects to choose from in this sunny issue, whatever level of crochet experience you have. You’ll love our sweet strawberry fairy cover star and her tiny stripy friend (p.14), and cute kitty Sandy (p.18), who is seaside-ready complete with bucket, spade and rubber ring! We also have easy makes for the home and family, like pretty crochet covers to perk up old footstools (p.42), a swirly coloured blanket (p.80), holiday essentials including an eco-friendly travel set (p.22) and welly toppers perfect for summer festivals (p.41), plus a soft and cuddly giant teddy for the kids…

MINI MAKES YOU’LL LOVE! These teds make a perfect trio, and are so fast to hook, working in the amigurumi method. Once you’ve added stuffing to give them a cuddly rounded shape, perfect for bedtime hugs, add the finishing touches – safety eyes and a touch of embroidery to bring each bear to life. You could stitch the eyes too if you prefer. We crocheted our bears in blue, purple and beige DK yarn – but the colourways are up to you. A great way to use up your stash, and choosing the colours is all part of the fun! You will need ▪ DK yarn in blue, beige or purple ▪ 6mm safety toy eyes ▪ Toy stuffing ▪ Black embroidery thread ▪ 3.5mm (UK 9 or 10, US…

Top tip Wash these items regularly after use, in a hot machine wash Say goodbye to single-use beauty items, and make yourself an eco-friendly, planet-saving wash set instead! Our favourite item is Liz’s handy soap-saver, which makes your bar of soap last longer and helps to give your hands a good scrub too, with those beautiful textured crochet stitches. A matching flannel, make-up puffs and eye mask complete the set, which is hooked in unbleached cotton DK for a natural finish. You will need ▪ 100g unbleached natural DK cotton yarn ▪ 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) crochet hook ▪ Wool needle ▪ 50cm (20cm) natural cotton twill tape Measurements ▪ Flannel: 25x25cm (10x10in) Puffs: 7x7cm (2¾x2¾in) Eye mask: 18x8cm (7x3¼in) Soap saver: 14x8cm (5½x3¼in) Tension ▪ Tension is not…

Top tip Noema is a beautiful yarn, but a little tricky to find – try sites like Etsy and eBay Designer Emma Potter says: “This bag is the perfect size for your phone, keys and purse, with pompoms and a star stitch pattern.” Self-patterning yarns are ideal for this fun, speedy accessory, adding a vibrant splash of colour with none of the colour changes. We’ve chosen Louisa Harding Noema, which has a lovely tweedy texture and a hint of shine. You will need ▪ Louisa Harding Noema, 2 balls in Party (shade 17) ▪ King Cole Majestic, 1 ball in Peacock (shade 2661) ▪ 4mm (UK 8, US G/6 hook) Measurements ▪ Approx 18x12cm (7x4¾in) when drawn up with ties Abbreviations ▪ For standard abbreviations see page 90 Top Tip…

Gorgeous ruffles and bright pink flowers add a showstopping finish to this summery tunic – little girls will love to twirl and dance in it, so it’s a perfect party top! The body is worked in one piece, so there are no bulky seams on the inside, making it super comfy, too. The only sewing necessary is for attaching the straps and buttons – simple! Pair this lemony beauty with leggings or denim shorts for sunny summer style. Top tip Use this adorable scalloped ruffle pattern to upcycle an old skirt or T-shirt You will need ▪ Rico Essentials Cotton DK, 3 (3: 3: 3: 4: 4: 4) balls in Banana (shade 63) – Yarn A 1 ball each in: White (shade 80) – Yarn B Candy Pink (shade 12)…

Top tip Add as many pockets as you like to make the hanger wider or longer to fit your space Giving us the perfect excuse to bust out our stash of rainbow-coloured yarns, this project is a bright and beautiful way to tidy up your crochet corner. With four spacious pockets, there’s enough room for hooks, trims, tape measures and more – just be careful with sharp items! You’ll work in the round and then in rows to create those funky octagon pockets, before joining it all together with double crochet seams. You will need ▪ Rico Creative Cotton Aran, 2 balls in Turquoise (shade 36) – Yarn A 1 ball each in: Candy Pink (shade 307) – Yarn B Pistachio (shade 41) – Yarn C Cherry (shade 65) –…

Top tip Invest in a foam board and some nice new T-pins to block this lacy design like a pro Say “Yes” to this stunning ring pillow in summery shades of cotton yarn. Designer Becca Parker says: “This pretty ring bearer pillow is a lovely way to add a handmade touch to your special day. I’ve used coral and mint, but you could switch it up to match your own colour scheme. I love the way the contrasting fabric peeks though the lacy stitches. And if you can’t have luxurious velvet ribbon and a really fancy scalloped edging on your wedding day, when can you?” We couldn’t agree more. You will need ▪ Cascade Ultra Pima Fine 1 skein each in: Natural (shade 3718) – Yarn A White Peach (shade…

Top tip The solid base and double lining give the bag strength, so pack what you like! Summer’s finally here, and we’re looking forward to hitting the beach in style with Jenny May’s lovely lined tote bag. When we asked Jenny to design a bright carry-all, perfect for the beach, she chose to seek inspiration in the setting. “I couldn’t resist adding some sea-inspired embellishments in the form of an anemone hung with water drops,” she says. Jenny has also double-lined this aqua-blue beauty with an apple-themed fabric that’s strong enough to carry your summer reading, crochet WIPs and whatever else you may need. Bring on the sun! You will need ▪ King Cole Big Value Recycled Cotton, 2 balls in Surf (shade 1161) ▪ Small amounts of yarn for…

Top tip Place a bag of rice inside your beach hut and use it as a doorstop instead Brightly coloured beach huts are just one of the many things to love about the British seaside, so hook this pair of charming beach hut hangers today! You might be miles from the seaside, but a little coastal cuteness goes a long way – hang them in the bathroom to conjure up the relaxing sound of waves, or to remind yourself of a special family holiday. We think these would be fab weekend projects, and very sweet as gifts. Using just four balls of yarn in total, they’re great value, too! You will need ▪ DROPS Paris, 1 ball each in: Apricot (shade 01) Turquoise (shade 02) Strong Blue (shade 09) Off…

Top tip Weave in ends a couple of rows in and down, rather than at the edge, for a more secure finish This fantastical blanket is made up of 81 swirly squares, worked in a combo of solid and variegated DK cottons, then joined with slip stitches. This complex-looking spiral pattern uses simple stitches to great effect. The only tricky element here is working with four colours at once, but we’ve got a handy tip to help you – see our notes below, then get stuck in! You will need ▪ King Cole Bamboo Cotton DK, 4 balls in Oyster (shade 543) 1 ball each in: Peacock (shade 531), Crimson (shade 634), Old Gold (shade 625) Violet (shade 537), Lawn (shade 635), Fuchsia (shade 536), Bluebell (shade 644), Pink (shade…

Juicy red strawberries are a sure sign of summer, so what could be better to hook on a sunny day than this gorgeous fruity project? Worked in cotton 4ply throughout, our fairy has the loveliest creamy complexion to complement her berry beautiful hat and pretty dress in bright, strawberry shades! Once you’ve completed her, you won’t be able to resist making her little winged friend, too. Together, they make a summery treat to savour. Top tip If the cotton yarn is slippery to work with, use a bamboo or wooden crochet hook You will need ▪ DROPS Safran Cotton 4ply, 1 ball each in: Yellow (shade 10) White (shade 17) Off White (shade 18) Lime (shade 31) Brown (shade 23) Red (shade 19) Black (shade 16) ▪ 3mm (UK 11,…

Top tip Simply add more rows to make your covers taller Fill your home with colour when you make these summery striped covers – in tropical shades including coral, orchid and lime, they have a fun, festival feel, perfect for parties! Jenny has used a mercerised cotton yarn with a gorgeous sheen, which highlights the lacy treble stitches so well. Use them to jazz up tall tumblers of ice-cold drinks, or to cover jam jars, which can be filled with cutlery, or candles for evening entertaining. You will need ▪ Scheepjes Catona, 50g, 1 ball in: Bridal White (shade 105) – Yarn A (for all three) ▪ Scheepjes Catona, 10g, 1 ball each in: Lilac and orange sleeve Light Orchid (shade 226) – Yarn B Rich Coral (shade 410) –…

Top tip If you make lots of crochet toys, stock up on good-quality toy filling to get the perfect finish We’re just dotty about this portly teddy bear with stripy stripy paws and ears – he’ll make a gorgeous gift for anyone who loves big bear hugs! Hook him a jumper with contrasting spots, then stitch on those all-important facial details, and he’s all ready to be cuddled. You’ll use easy double crochet for the bear’s body, and treble clusters for his sweater, working with super-chunky yarn for a speedy and satisfying finish. You will need ▪ King Cole Big Value Super Chunky, 5 balls in Grey (shade 024) 1 ball each in: Porcelaine (shade 3311) Mustard (shade 3121) Cameo (shade 3310) ▪ 6mm (UK 4, US J/10) hook ▪…

Take three shades of super chunky yarn and whip up a pair of stripy welly toppers – we just love this fresh combo of colours, perfect for spring and summer. Hannah’s project uses half trebles and makes a quick and easy gift. Hook them today for a festival fan, or a puddle-splashing birthday girl! You will need ▪ King Cole Big Value Super Chunky, 1 ball each in: Sand (shade 1760) – Yarn A Pink (shade 030) – Yarn B Mustard (shade 3121) – Yarn C ▪ 9mm (UK 00, US M/13) hook Measurements ▪ Each topper measures 26x40cm (10¼x15¾in) around with plenty of stretch Tension ▪ 11 sts and 7 rows to 10 (4in) using a 9mm (UK 00, US M/13) hook Abbreviations ▪ For standard abbreviations see page…

Top tip Spot patterns in the way the row ends look, and use those to guide your placement Whether you want to use crochet to seam together a garment, or to work seamlessly on a modular piece, being able to work neatly into your row ends is a valuable skill. As with many crochet skills, taking time to look at – and understand – your stitches will give you the clues for a really neat finish. Exactly how you pick up stitches along an edge will depend on two things – the number of stitches you need to pick up, and also the type of stitch at the end of the row. Begin by counting the rows you need to pick the stitches up over, and working out how many…

Top tip Use up your stash on this cute make – you only need an oddment for the zip edging Get sorted with our berry-coloured pouch, designed for all those crochet hooks looking for a home! This case uses double crochet to make a simple square with a bold diamond design – the square is then folded in half, before adding a zip and sewing up the ends. It could be a handy makeup case, too! You will need ▪ Bessie May Smile, 1 ball each in: Kiss (shade 3090), Berry (shade 3080) An oddment of Cloud (shade 3180) ▪ 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) hookp ▪ Grey sewing thread Zip, 20cm (7¾in) long Measurements ▪ 22x7cm (8½x2¾in) Tension ▪ Tension is not critical for this project Abbreviations ▪ For…

Top tip You can also use this easy starfish motif to update a beach bag or hat If mermaids had feet, we’re pretty sure they’d wear these! It’s so easy to embellish a pair of flip-flops with fresh stripes and summery starfish motifs. The stripes are worked in cotton for a comfortable feel against your bare toes, and each stitch is worked around the strap of the flip-flop to completely cover it. The next step is to hook a starfish in the round, then simply sew it on top of the straps. And finally, just add sea and sand! You will need ▪ DROPS Paris, 1 ball each in: Off White (shade 17) Strong Blue (shade 09) Apricot (shade 01) ▪ 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) hook ▪ 4.5mm (UK…

Test your crochet skills! Want a project to really get your hook into? Try your hand at this lacy top Light, loose and with elegant drape, this open-backed garment is a real showstopper. Hooked in soft grey cotton that will go with all your summer tops, the front is made of lacy floral motifs, while the back and sleeves are worked in a fine mesh, and the whole thing is finished off with the prettiest border. You will need ▪ Drops You # 9 in Grey (shade 103) x 7 (8: 9: 10) balls ▪ 3mm (UK 11, US C/2) hook ▪ 2 press studs Measurements ▪ See sizing guide Tension ▪ Motif tension: Rounds 1-4 measure 10cm (4in) diam after blocking using a 3mm (UK 11, US C/2) hook.…

Top tip Splash out on these cats’ eyeeffect safety eyes to add an extra lifelike look Designer Becky Skuse says: “Sandy is a happy little pusskins who would love to hit the beach with you this summer. Perfect as a holiday project, our beach cat is quick and easy to hook, and the pattern comes with bucket, spade and ducky rubber ring for maximum seaside fun! To complete the traditional feel, Sandy is dressed in a stripy blue-and-white bathing suit – perfect for a sunny day out at Weston-super-Meow!” You will need ▪ DMC Natura Just Cotton, 1 ball each in: Salome (shade N80) – Yarn A Turquoise (shade N49) – Yarn B = Ibiza (shade N01) – Yarn C Small amounts in: Tournesol (shade N16) – Yarn D Safran…

Top tip Numbers at the end of each row denote the number of blocks on that row only Every baby deserves a special blanket to see them through nap times, cuddle times and even tummy time! This corner-to-corner blanket is a perfect choice, worked in diagonal stripes using a pretty pattern of treble crochet ‘blocks’ or ‘tiles’. The beauty of this project is that you can easily make it bigger by increasing on every row until you reach the required size – just remember you may need extra balls of yarn if you do this! You will need ▪ Stylecraft Special DK Candy Swirl, 2 balls in any shade ▪ 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) crochet hook ▪ Yarn needle Measurements ▪ 71x71cm (28x28in) Tension ▪ Tension is not critical…

Top tip This pretty cotton yarn is cool to wear, making it ideal for all warm-weather garments Don’t you think the stripes on this mini frock look a bit like yummy layers of sponge and jam? And those tiny bright buttons have got to be rainbow sprinkles. The tasty treats don’t stop there either – the texture in the main body of the dress is created with pretty popcorn stitches. Crochet designer Lisa Naskrent’s almost good-enough-to-eat dress is sized to fit children from under 12 months up to five years. What a fine confection. You will need ▪ Schachenmayr Catania Denim, 5 (5: 5: 6: 7: 7: 8) balls in Natur (shade 00102) – Yarn A 1 ball each in: Pink (shade 00135) – Yarn B Mandarine (shade 00124) –…

Perch your posterior on these delightful crochet stool covers in thick, squashy cotton! Not only are they simple to make, they’ll add a charming handmade feel to a poor, neglected stool. If your seating really has seen better days and you don’t want it to show through the pretty open design, staple a piece of white cotton to the seat before adding your cover. Simple! Top tip Cotton covers are a great idea if your little one tends to slip off their stool at dinner time! You will need ▪ Rico Creative Cotton Aran, 6 balls in Candy Pink (shade 064) worked with 3 strands of yarn held together ▪ Rico Creative Cotton Print Aran, 6 balls in Red-Blue Mix (shade 004) worked with 3 strands of yarn held together…

Nothing says you care quite like a handmade card and some heartfelt words. Add in a touch of crochet, and you’ve got a clear winner! This thank you card is oh-so pretty, with a flurry of forget-me-nots on a background of vintage-style paper. Simply add a different greeting to suit any occasion. You will need ▪ DMC Petra 5, 1 ball each in: Blue (shade 54518) Yellow (shade 5745) ▪ 2mm (US 4 steel) hook ▪ Tapestry needle ▪ A6 cream card blank and envelope ▪ Bone folder ▪ Paper trimmer ▪ Floral paper measuring 9.5x14cm ▪ Glue gun ▪ Typewriter (or American Typewriter/Courier New computer font) ▪ Pink pearlescent card ▪ Sharp craft scissors ▪ Adhesive foam squares ▪ Roll-on adhesive Measurements ▪ Each flower measures 3cm (1in) diameter…

Top tip Read through the pattern and highlight the size you want to make before starting Designer Simone Francis puts a modern spin on a classic with her colour-pop Breton top, worked in Tunisian crochet. This chic garment boasts stripes, rolled hems, a lime green yoke, three-quarter-length sleeves and a bateau neckline. All with a silky smooth finish, thanks to Sirdar’s luxurious bamboo-wool mix. For a step-by-step guide to Tunisian crochet, see overleaf. For more expert tips, turn to our feature on page 7. You will need ▪ Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK, Cream (shade 131) x 7 (7: 7: 8: 8: 9: 9: 10: 10) balls – Yarn A Dinky Denim (shade 117) x 5 (5: 5: 6: 6: 6: 6: 7: 7) balls – Yarn B Limey (shade…

Top tip With 60 shades to choose from, you can have fun with the colours of Henry’s accessories! Designer Yan has got Henry J. Fox pegged. She says of this cute character: “Meet Henry J. Fox: Professor of Medieval Literature at Oxford University. He loves walks in the park, reading The Canterbury Tales and going on adventures. This crochet toy is fun to make, especially for those who enjoy trying new techniques. He’s crocheted almost in a single piece from head to toe and would make a perfect present.” You will need ▪ Rico Ricorumi DK in: Orange (027) x 3 balls – Yarn A Cream (002) x 1 ball – Yarn B Pastel Green (045) x 1 ball – Yarn C Nougat (056) x 1 ball – Yarn D…

across to end of the row alt alternate/alternating approx approximate(ly) beg beginning bl insert hook under back loop only BPtr Back Post treble: yrh, starting from the back, insert hook from back to front to back around post of st in row below, complete as treble st ch(s) chain/chain stitch(es) ch-sp(s) chain space(s) ch- refers to ch made previously, eg. ch-3 cl(s) clusters 4-tr cl (yrh, insert hook in sp/st, yrh & pull up loop, yrh & draw through 2 loops) 4 times, inserting hook in same sp/st, yrh & draw through all loops on hook cont continue dc double crochet dc2tog (insert hook in next st, yrh and draw a loop through) twice, yrh and draw through all 3 loops on hook dec decrease dtr double treble crochet dtr2tog…