Crochet

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Getting Started With Christmas Crochet

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I know it’s likely way too hot where you (and I) live to even think about Christmas crochet, but it’s time.  Unless you want to attempt to crochet around the clock once the calendar hits December 1, 2014, you need to plan ahead.  For me, that means starting on the largest projects first.  So, this is probably the easiest one first. We’ll call it #1.  It’s basically a large rectangle that starts from a simple center motif.  Great for any crocheter who has learned basic stitches and knows how to change colors at the end of a row.  Note, I’m a fan of knotting off at the end of rows.  Purists are not.  For information on the pros and cons of both, please check elsewhere. Looking for more They would also make quick and cute holiday gift ideas. Looking for more Crochet patterns using the Ripple stitch check these out on Etsy

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#2 Afghan looks like a simple ripple – until you see the ends.  They make those pretty rounded ends which are just unusual enough to make this a splendid holiday afghan.  Convert the colors you see to some antique looking Christmas colors like hunter, maroon, and ecru.  What a beauty you’ll have made!

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Then, since I’m such a fan of the round ripple, I found this colorful sample for you.  The pattern is not given, but I’m a fan of Smooth Fox’s pattern, so you can find the link to it below.  Any harmonious combination of Christmas colors would work well, resulting in a special afghan from baby size to one large enough for a couple to snuggle under on the sofa by the fireplace.  Anyone got the hot cocoa?

Probably the best idea is to pull out your favorite afghan pattern, gather some skeins of scrumptious Christmas colors, and work up a afghan that will become special to you and likely considered an heirloom by your children or grandchildren.  The point is, we gotta get going on these now if we are to have them read for the holiday season.  So, dig out the yarn and get busy!

 

Links to free patterns.

Afghan #1

Afghan #2

Afghan #3 (a good substitute for the one for which no pattern source is available)

Comments

  1. Rats – I love to crochet and the ripple afghan is gorgeous, but it’s a knitting pattern. Hope to see a ripple crochet pattern soon–thank you!

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.