Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

AN OVERLOOKED CROCHET THREAD

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carpetwarpcolors.jpg

I love cotton warp. Never heard of it? Well, you wouldn’t be the only crocheter whose never seen or heard of carpet warp. It comes in fibers other than cotton, but cotton is my favorite. It’s not easy to find unless you have access to a large store for weavers. As the name states, it’s the fiber used by weavers to thread the warp (longitudinal threads) of their loom. But, it’s fantastically useful for crocheters too – especially if you are one who wants to crochet potholders, rugs, or other stuff that you want to be durable and/or heat resistant.

The weight of cotton warp is similar to sport weight, making it very flexible to use. It can be doubled to create a chunky weight to make a hammock, for instance. While I wouldn’t recommend it for creating a sweater, it might work well for toddler pants or adult mittens that will see hard use.

It has a lot of body and holds stitches well. Also, it comes in a wonderful array of colors, making shopping for it a lot of fun. Carpet fiber is inexpensive enough that you can treat yourself to a few cones of it without making a huge investment. So, if you’re tired of the same old size 10 threads from your local big box store, explore the world of carpet warp. Here’s a link to a site that carries all the colors available (as far as I know) in cotton and carries the other fibers available also.

http://www.camillavalleyfarm.com/knit/rugwarp.htm#cotton

I have no connection to the site above and I’ve never bought anything from them, but I do like the picture of all the cotton warp colors available. I’m fortunate to have a local source for this stuff (the weaving dept).

Comments

  1. Thank you for this source. Do you think this is a good item to make market bags?

  2. Carpet warp is absolutely awesome for market bags. I first learned about it on a trip to New Orleans before Katrina. We were wandering around the French Quarter and I saw a rug shop and peeked inside. she had some ends and I bought several. I wish I would have bought more.

  7. I’m the only one in this world. Can please someone join me in this life? Or maybe death…

  8. Can this Carpet Warp be used for making table cloths? Like using the size 10 or size 5 or 3 threads? That’s what I need a large cone for.
    Tks.

  9. Carpet warp is great for making table cloths and large doilies or runners. It’s durable and easy to work with. It’s really just thicker Mercerized cotton thread.

  10. first time to here, test post only ,thank you
    first time to here, test post only ,thank you

Have you read?

The Miffy Crochet Book Review: 16 Sweet Projects for Bunny Lovers

Some characters need elaborate outfits and a whole collection of accessories to be recognisable. Miffy manages it with two long ears and the simplest little face. There is something rather lovely about that, especially when you’re looking for crochet projects that feel sweet without being overly fussy.

The Miffy Crochet Book brings that familiar storybook charm to a collection of handmade toys, decorations and home accessories. If you have a Miffy fan in the family, or you’re rather fond of the little bunny yourself, this is a crochet book worth a closer look.

What appeals to me is the possibility of making several coordinating gifts from one collection. A bunny is lovely on its own, but a bunny with a matching blanket? That is how a small project quietly becomes an entire gift basket.

What Is The Miffy Crochet Book?

Created by crochet designer Kimberley Zwaans, with designs based on Dick Bruna’s illustrations, this official Miffy crochet book is published by Search Press.

The 128-page paperback contains 16 projects, with a mixture of smaller makes and larger pieces. You can find The Miffy Crochet Book at Knit Picks.

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More Than a Miffy Bunny Crochet Pattern

The collection includes Miffy and friends as amigurumi toys, alongside projects such as a blanket, motif cushion and moon-and-stars mobile.

There is also a birthday theme, with a crochet cake, placemats, bunting and a crown. That gives the book an appeal beyond toy making, particularly if you enjoy creating decorations that can come out again for family celebrations.

I like that mixture. Sometimes you want a small character project with a face to embroider. Other times, a larger piece of crochet is exactly what you want beside your chair for the evening.

The collection uses seven yarn shades, which gives it a cohesive feel. You will still need to check the quantities and requirements for each project before shopping. Seven colours does not necessarily mean seven balls, much as our yarn budgets might wish otherwise.

Is It Suitable for Beginners?

The publisher describes the book as beginner-friendly and says it includes illustrated guidance for the key stitches. There are also projects offering more challenge.

My practical advice is to choose your first make by the techniques involved, rather than simply picking the smallest item. Small amigurumi pieces can require quite a bit of counting, shaping and careful assembly.

If working in the round is still new territory, our magic ring crochet tutorials for beginners are useful preparation. You can also build confidence with these easy crochet projects that start with a magic loop.

Before starting, check the book’s stitch terminology, recommended yarn and hook size. Those details matter more than choosing a colour that happens to look lovely in the basket.

The Appeal, and What to Consider

For me, the strongest selling point is the coordinated theme. This would be particularly appealing for crocheters who love Miffy, enjoy character projects or want several related handmade gift ideas.

The narrower theme is also something to consider before buying. If you prefer a crochet book packed with different animals and styles, this collection may feel too specific. Its appeal depends on how much you enjoy Miffy’s simple, recognisable world.

Simple faces also deserve careful finishing. A tiny change in eye placement or the angle of an ear can alter a character’s expression, so I would allow time for pinning and checking before sewing everything permanently.

If you would like a separate bunny project to try first, our free kawaii bunny crochet pattern on CraftBits offers another option. It is a different pattern, rather than an extract from this book.

Who Would Enjoy This Book?

I would put The Miffy Crochet Book on the shortlist for a crocheter who enjoys nostalgic characters and likes the idea of making a coordinated collection.

The combination of toys, home accessories and celebration projects gives those 16 designs several different uses. You could choose one special make or gradually work towards a whole Miffy-themed gift.

That is the charm for me: familiar, cheerful designs with room to make something personal. Just decide which project you’re starting before buying the yarn. Otherwise, “one little bunny” has a habit of acquiring a blanket, bunting and its own birthday party.