Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Crisp Autumn Crochet

by

cro autumn shawl 0914

 

I love it when another crocheter takes a pattern s/he sees somewhere and turns it into a work of art.  Annoo did just that with this stitch pattern she found in the excellent Donna Kooler’s Encyclopedia of Crochet.  Doesn’t this pattern just should (sweetly) Welcome Autumn?

 

 

cro autumn leaf 0914

 

Looking to celebrate Thanksgiving with some more crochet projects? check these thanksgiving projects we found on Etsy.

These quick to crochet autumn leaves are a perfect smaller project for this time of year.  Use up scraps of many colors to work up a bunch to use as coasters or go farther afield and use them as pretty appliques on sweaters, shawls, and scarves.  One of them affixed to the side of a pretty crocheted skullie would be perfect for Fall.  It would take only an evening to make a basket full of these attractive leaves for a variety of uses.  See the free pattern below.

 

cro cornucopia 0914

I just love to see a crocheted centerpiece for the dining table.  This cornucopia will carry you from now through Thanksgiving and make your table a topic of conversation.  Also, it has the advantage of being unbreakable so the little ones can handle all the goodies in the ‘horn’.  Again, this pattern works up quickly and makes  use of yarn scraps you probably have on hand.  Embellish as you like to suit your taste and decor.  I’d probably put a seasonal bow on the cornucopia and mabye sprinkle a few special buttons on the horn to create even more visual interest.  It’s certainly a flexible pattern that will be a hit!  See the pattern below.

Fall leaves, free crochet patterns

Leaf Pattern, crochet tutorial
Round 1: Ch 4, 11 dc in 4th ch from hook, join with a sl st to top of beginning ch—12 dc.
Round 2: Ch 6, sl st in 3rd ch from hook (picot made), dc in first st, 2 dc in each of next 2 sts, (dc, ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 3 chs to form stem, dc) in next st, 2 dc in each of next 2 sts, (dc, picot, dc ) in next st; (sc, hdc) in next st, (dc, picot, sc) in next st, (hdc, dc, tr, picot, tr, dc, hdc) in next st, (sc, picot, dc) in next st, (hdc, sc) in last st, join with a sl st to 3rd ch of round.
Fasten off and weave in the ends.

 

Annoo’s shawl pattern here.

Autumn leaves free pattern here.

Cornucopia free pattern here.

Have you read?

Crochet Christmas Dove Ornaments With a Printable Gift Poem

There is something especially lovely about a handmade gift that comes with a few thoughtful words. These crochet Christmas birds pair a folded yarn ornament with a decorative poem card, turning a little crochet project into a keepsake.

The design has a rounded head, a tiny embroidered eye and beak, and a forked tail. A broad overlapping section forms the wing, giving the bird that folded, origami-inspired appearance. It is a simple-looking shape with plenty of handmade charm.

A Crochet Bird That Doubles as a Gift Topper

What appeals to me most is the idea of using the bird twice. Tie it onto a wrapped present as a gift topper, then let the recipient hang it on their Christmas tree afterwards. The wrapping gets recycled, the ribbon goes into somebody’s “far too useful to throw away” drawer, and the bird becomes part of next year’s decorations.

Cream would be a lovely choice for a Christmas dove, while cranberry red, sage green and dusty blue offer a different seasonal look. Keeping the wing plain lets the crochet texture and folded layers stand out.

For a personalised crochet gift tag, an embroidered initial is a sweet addition. One small letter gives the ornament a purpose without needing to squeeze an entire name onto the wing.

The Printable Christmas Dove Card

The accompanying printable brings the gift together. Watercolour-style holly, evergreen branches, berries and gold accents frame the card, with space above the poem for attaching the crocheted bird.

The original Christmas poem shares wishes for peace, joy and love, then invites the recipient to hang the dove on their tree. There is also a “With love from” line, so the finished card feels like a complete little present.

I would print it on firm cardstock and attach the bird with a removable thread or ribbon loop. That way, the recipient can lift it off the card easily when it is time to decorate the tree.

It is a thoughtful Christmas gift concept, especially for crafters who enjoy making small decorations with a personal touch. The bird and poem card belong together: a little handmade ornament, a Christmas wish, and something to bring out again next December.