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Book Review- All I Want for Christmas Is Yarn

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All I Want for Christmas Is Yarn – The Ultimate Gift-Giving Crochet Companion

The holiday season is a time for warmth, joy, and the joy of giving. As a devoted crochet enthusiast, I’ve always believed that the most heartfelt gifts are those handmade with love and care. Lindsey Newns’ “All I Want for Christmas Is Yarn” is the perfect guide to help you craft your way into the festive spirit with 30 delightful patterns for decorations, cozy outerwear, and personal gifts.

The moment I cracked open this book, I knew I was in for a treat. The author, Lindsey Newns, has curated a stunning collection of crochet crafts that will fill your home with the magic of the holiday season. From a super chunky wreath that welcomes guests with warmth to tasseled baubles that add a touch of whimsy to your tree, the projects are as diverse as they are delightful.

Handmade gifts have a unique charm, and “All I Want for Christmas Is Yarn” offers a treasure trove of ideas to make your loved ones feel extra special during the holidays. Whether you choose to create festive amigurumi, reusable crackers, or adorable candy cane present toppers, each project is a labor of love that will be cherished for years to come.

As someone who appreciates clear and concise instructions, I was pleased to find that each pattern in the book is accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions. Lindsey Newns (@lottieandalbert) ensures that even beginners can embark on these crochet adventures with confidence. The patterns are well-written and include detailed explanations, making it a joy to bring each creation to life.

“All I Want for Christmas Is Yarn” truly captures the essence of the holiday season. With this book by your side, you’ll be able to deck the halls with your own handcrafted creations, infusing every corner of your home with warmth and love. Whether you’re creating decorations, festive outerwear, or personal gifts, you’ll find inspiration and guidance within these pages.

 Lindsey Newns’ “All I Want for Christmas Is Yarn” is a must-have for crochet enthusiasts and gift-givers alike. It’s more than just a book of patterns; it’s a source of inspiration and a guide to creating meaningful, handmade gifts and decorations that will make this holiday season truly special. So, grab your hook, some yarn, and this wonderful book, and let the magic of Crochetmas begin!

 

Have you read?

The Pancake Market Bag – Free Crochet Pattern

Looking for a lightweight, stylish, and oh-so-practical tote to take with you everywhere this season? The Pancake Crochet Market Bag might just become your go-to favorite. Whether you’re heading to the farmers market to grab some fresh produce, packing snacks and sunscreen for a relaxed summer stroll, or dashing out the door for a quick last-minute errand, this bag is ready to tag along.

It’s surprisingly roomy—big enough to carry all your essentials (and then some!)—yet it folds up small enough to tuck into your car or coat closet without fuss. The openwork stitch gives it a breathable, airy texture that’s super satisfying to crochet and even more delightful to carry. Plus, it’s endlessly reusable and eco-friendly, so you can ditch the plastic and feel great about your handiwork.

I stitched mine up using a warm mustard cotton I had on hand (a little stash buster win!), but honestly, this pattern would look beautiful in just about any color. Try a bold berry for a pop of personality, a classic cream for a minimalist vibe, or even stripes if you’re feeling playful. Once you’ve made one… fair warning: you’ll probably want to make more!

Let’s dive into the pattern!

 What You’ll Need:

 Finished Measurements:

  • Approximately 15” wide x 13” tall (not including handles) 

 Stitch Abbreviations (US terms):

  • ch – chain 
  • sc – single crochet 
  • dc – double crochet 
  • sl st – slip stitch 
  • st(s) – stitch(es) 
  • sk – skip 
  • rep – repeat 

 Special Notes:

  • The base is worked in joined rounds. 
  • The body of the bag is stitched in the round, but you won’t be joining after each round—just keep going in a spiral and use a stitch marker to track the first stitch. 
  • The handles are created by chaining across stitches, then the final edge is reinforced. 

 Let’s Crochet the Base:

Round 1: Begin with a magic circle, ch 1. Work 8 sc into the ring. Pull it tight and join to the first sc with a sl st. (8 sts)
 Round 2: Ch 1, make 2 sc in each st around. Join. (16 sts)
 Round 3: Ch 1, sc in first, 2 sc in next—repeat from * to * around. Join. (24 sts)
 Round 4: Ch 1, sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next—repeat around. Join. (32 sts)
 Round 5: Ch 1, sc in next 3, 2 sc in next—repeat. Join. (40 sts)
 Keep increasing in this manner, adding one more sc between increases each round until you reach 80 sts (about Round 9).

 Build the Bag Body:

Now switch to working in continuous rounds.

Rounds 10–13: sc in each st around. (80 sts)
 Round 14: [dc in next, ch 1, sk 1]—repeat around. (approx. 80 sts depending on exact starting point)
 Round 15: dc in ch-space, ch 1—repeat.
 Rounds 16–25: Repeat Round 15.

Alternate a few more rounds of single crochet with rounds of [dc, ch 1] to build height and texture. Keep going until the bag measures about 12–13” tall from the center of the base.

 Add the Handles:

Next Round (handle setup):

  • sc in next 12 sts 
  • ch 30 (for handle), sk 15 sts 
  • sc in next 25 sts 
  • ch 30, sk 15 sts 
  • sc to end of round. 

Final Round: sc around, placing 1 sc in each sc and 1 sc in each ch across the handle chains. This gives the straps some strength and a nice finish.

Fasten off and weave in all ends. Give your bag a little stretch or light steam block if needed.

 Tips:

  • Cotton yarn gives the bag structure and durability. 
  • You can easily size up the bag by adding more rounds to the base before beginning the body. 
  • Try using multicolor yarn for a fun summer vibe.