Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Joining Crochet Squares – Mystique De-Mystified

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cro join as you go 0914

First, as most frustrated crocheters know, not all joining techniques are created equal!  Most are downright ugly as well as being poorly explained in books and online.  Others leave a ridge which I find to be unattractive in most applications.  I’ve tried numerous methods to join squares and have pretty much decided that I will just NOT crochet squares that require my joining them.  I make them and give them away.  I make them and let others join them.  I make them as dish cloths, face cloths, basket liners – anything where I won’t have to spend time joining them.

But, then I saw and read about this technique.  It’s one I can get on board with.  And, in case I can’t make sense of the written instructions (which appear in at least two different versions), there’s a youtube video to assist me.  There’s even a schematic for you visual mathematical types out there.  Typically, if I can both see and read about a technique, I can figure out how to master it.

Further, in this method, there are two options (we’ll call twisted and not twisted), both of which create a very attractive join.  I’m not sure I’ll ever completely overcome my aversion to joining squares, but this technique gives me hope!

This link is a place to start.  You can continue to click through to other sites for a greater understanding of the technique.

Comments

  4. It looks a little dizzying, jd. I think I’ll stick to the old method for now, but will bookmark it in case I ever feel adventurous. 🙂

  5. Pam,
    There’s a link at the bottom of the article which will take you to the website. From there, you should be able to find the link to the video.
    jd

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.