Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

CROCHET FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY

by

One of my daughter’s best friends is getting married this June.  I’m trying to come up with some ideas for small gifts for the bride and groom that I can crochet.  The bride is fairly easy –  a shawl or small handbag, a garter or bracelet.  The groom is proving to be more of a challenge.

Back in 2007, I wrote a blog article about different ideas for a wedding.  From a wedding gown to table favors, there are some great links in that article.  I don’t want to repeat anything here.

I’m thinking about making this little bag in white for the bride and in the bride’s maid’s colors for them.

JPF Crochet Shell Bag http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/featured/index.shtml

JPF Crochet Shell Bag http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/featured/index.shtml

Of course, there are many, many lovely shawl patterns.  You can find them in books, magazines, and online.  Since I don’t know what the bride’s dress looks like or exactly what color it is, I think I would stick with a yarn that brings in both white and ecru in a lightweight blend.  I think I’ll look for a laceweight yarn that combines these colors when I’m next at the LYS and make a simple rectangle shawl.  This bride is rail thin, so a little bulk in the shawl will be flattering.

Another idea for the bridal party might be what I’ll call ‘shoe gems’.  These are small crocheted flowers or other motifs that can be glued to the bride’s maid’s shoes.  Of course, that’ll have to be cleared with the bride.

Edged hankies for the Bride’s Mom and the Groom’s Mom might be welcome.  I’m sure I’ll be crying too since I’ve known this lovely young lady since she was 14.

I’ll be on the lookout for other quick to make crochet items for the bridal party.  Got any ideas for me??

If you are looking for more of our DIY Wedding ideas then check out our dedicated DIY Wedding blog.

Looking for more crochet patterns for weddings? Check out these designs we found on Etsy.

Comments

  2. can you please send me a easy shell stitch along w/ pattern free and i would love to make one of the bag you made .

  3. the pattern is linked under the picture of the bag. don’t know if it’s free at this time, but i believe it’s still available at jpfun.
    HTH
    jd

Have you read?

Shock Wave Free Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern

This Free Shock Wave Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like one of those wonderfully satisfying projects that gives big cozy payoff without fiddly detail. Mary Maxim lists it as a free download, designed as a crochet afghan/lap blanket, with a finished size of 45 x 50 inches.

What immediately stands out is the yarn choice. The pattern is made with Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, using 5 skeins, and calls for a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That is gloriously chunky territory, which usually means fast progress and lots of squishy texture. If you are in the mood for a project that feels substantial in your hands and grows quickly row by row, this one definitely has that appeal.

Mary Maxim describes the blanket as having a beautifully textured, plush, soft finish and suggests it as a project for home décor or gifting. Based on the materials and oversized hook alone, that sounds about right. This feels like the sort of blanket you make for curling up on the couch, draping over a chair, or giving as a practical handmade gift that will actually get used instead of folded away “for best.”

The pattern is marked Easy, and the listed stitch requirements are straightforward: chain, repeat, double crochet, single crochet, and slip stitch. That makes it sound approachable for confident beginners and very appealing for anyone who wants a relaxing crochet project without too much counting drama.

I also think the lap blanket size is a smart one. Not every crochet blanket needs to become a giant commitment that takes over the lounge room and your will to live. A 45 x 50 inch blanket is a useful, manageable size for gifting, for wheelchairs or reading nooks, or just for keeping on hand for chilly evenings. That practicality gives this pattern extra appeal. The usability point is my own take based on the finished dimensions Mary Maxim provides.

At the moment, the pattern page shows no reviews, so there is not much customer feedback to go on yet. Still, if you enjoy easy crochet blanket patterns, super chunky crochet throws, or quick lap blanket projects, this one looks like a solid freebie to save.

My overall take? This looks like a fast, cozy, beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern with plenty of texture and instant-gratification energy. Very much the sort of project you start because it looks easy, then keep going because the yarn feels ridiculously soft.