Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Keeping Little Fingers Busy

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Some friends of mine with younger kids were recently talking about the summer activities they were trying to figure out for their kids and about VBS (Vacation Bible School).  I offered the idea that finger crocheting would be a great activity to get kids started on.  It’s easy, can be worked with any size yarn, is both calming and addictive, and can use up tons of scraps.  They liked the idea but didn’t know the technique.  It’s so simple, so I’m offering some ideas here.

First, let’s clarify some terms.  Finger knitting and finger crochet are often thought to be the same thing.  They are not the same, but very similar, and you can accomplish the same goals with either technique.  I love this cool bracelet that would be popular for girls and boys alike.  Read more about this particular bracelet here.  You could easily add beads and/or charms to it, too.  I know a few moms who would love to receive a bracelet like this for Mother’s Day.  Just saying……..

Use these links for more information about both techniques, then to make it even easier to master them, check them out on youtube.com.

Finger Knitting

http://www.flaxandtwine.com/2012/01/finger-knitting-how-to.html

Finger Crocheting

http://www.wikihow.com/Crochet-a-Bracelet-With-Your-Fingers

Just to let you know, you may ‘create’ the ‘monster’ I did years ago with finger crocheting.  When son #2 was in about 5th grade, he started finger crocheting.  He did it whenever he was watching TV (not a great deal of that was allowed in our home).  He kept at it for several years, finally deciding he wanted to win the Guinness World Record for the longest row of finger knitting.  After several years of working on this ever-lengthening work of ‘art'(??), he shoved it to the back of his closet and forgot about it.  When we moved out of that house, I swear there must have been five miles of that stuff.  I didn’t actually measure it but I know it filled several large leaf bags and went right into the trash.  So, beware.  You, too, may start a kid on a very long yarn project.  LOL

 

 

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.