Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

CREATING CROCHET FABRIC Experimenting with Hook, Yarn, and Stitch

by

Dora Ohrenstein has created another resource book for our crochet libraries.  This one, true to its title, is full of experimentation, pictures to show the experiments and LOTS of inspiration for us to pick up our hooks and yarn to create some crochet fabric of our own!

After a few pages of the obligatory and informative yarn and hook information (especially helpful for beginners), Dora shows us her Ariadne Scarf.  This is a bit of confection made of medallions worked in a a variety of yarns which demonstrates the different drape and hand of these medallions not to mention the color effects.  The color selections alone are informative!  The sample shown has the medallions joined in graduated sizes.  A full, very detailed pattern with pictures and schematics makes accomplishing this scarf much easier than it looks.

From there, Dora explains how to develop crochet fabric, using information about yarn type, stitches, and texture to design fabric suitable for an array of projects.  She delves deeply into stitch patterns to demonstrate how they are affected by choices like pattern density, stitch, color, and technique.  Other topics include multistrand yarns, self-striping yarns, boucles, weaving (to create plaids) and swatching.

What you’ll absolutely love about this book – the projects!  The flattering Elvira jacket in Tunisian Simple Stitch, the unique Marguerite caps, and the charming Tosca Lace Tunic that is simply stunning.

All skill levels will find much of interest in this information-filled book.  Plus, there are fifteen projects that beg to be added to your WIM list!

BOOK SPECS:

143 pages, satin-finished softback cover, numerous color photos and schematics

creating Crochet Fabric

ISBN:  9781600593314

Lark Books Publisher

$22.95 USD List Price

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Free Christmas Worry Worm Crochet Pattern With a Printable Gift Card

There’s something rather lovely about a handmade gift that says, “I was thinking of you,” without needing a large box, expensive supplies or three weeks of frantic crocheting.

Our Christmas worry worm is a sweet little example. It has a curly body, a smiling embroidered face and a pointed Santa hat, plus a decorative printable gift card that turns a small crochet project into a thoughtful festive present.

And yes, those little leftover balls of Christmas yarn finally have a job. Apparently, keeping them all was entirely reasonable.

A Christmas Twist on the Crochet Worry Worm

If you’ve enjoyed our original crochet worry worm project, this Christmas version offers a different construction and a festive finish.

The body is a narrow crochet corkscrew, while the head is a separate, lightly stuffed ball worked in continuous rounds. A small hat with a contrasting brim completes the character.

What I particularly like about this design is that the Christmas detail comes from the colours and that tiny hat. There are no fiddly fingers, miniature boots or elaborate accessories to sew together. The curly body gives it plenty of personality all by itself.

What Skills Will You Need?

This free Christmas worry worm crochet pattern uses chains, single crochet, increases, decreases and slip stitches. You’ll also need to work a magic ring, embroider a simple face and sew the three components together.

I’d describe it as an easy project for someone comfortable with basic crochet stitches and ready to try small amigurumi pieces. The tiny hat rounds may require a little patience, especially if you usually make blankets with a lovely big hook.

The materials are straightforward: DK or 8-ply yarn, a 3 mm hook, a little stuffing, black embroidery thread and a yarn needle.

Choose smooth yarn so you can see your stitches clearly. Fluffy yarn might look festive in the ball, but finding four tiny stitches in a magic ring is quite enough excitement without hiding them under eyelash fibres.

Make Santa, Elf or Snowy Christmas Versions

The same construction works in several Christmas colour combinations:

  • Traditional Santa: A red curly body, cream head and red hat with a white brim.
  • Christmas elf: A green body and green hat with a contrasting red brim.
  • Snowy Christmas friend: A white body and head, finished with a red-and-white Santa hat.

The faces are embroidered, and the hat tip has a few white stitches rather than a separate pompom. Keep those details simple and let the colour combinations do the decorating.

If seasonal variations are your weakness, our Easter bunny worry worm pattern is another idea to save for your next round of small handmade gifts.

The Printable Christmas Gift Card Makes It Feel Special

The accompanying printable card is the detail that brings this project together.

Watercolour-style poinsettias, holly, red bows and gold accents frame a short verse, with To and From lines for your message. A pale green space on the right holds