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NEED AN ‘EMERGENCY’ GIFT??

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Every now and then, we need a gift ‘right now’ or tonight or tomorrow – and we’d like to crochet it.  Well, here’s an idea that has appeared here and elsewhere, but I really like this one.  Don’t forget to check out the (real) cupcakes below the blanket.

http://www.patchworkposse.com/blog/2011/01/handmade-ify-a-store-bought-blanket/

The instructions on the linked blog are quite incomplete – unless you buy a blanket that already has the stitching around the edge.  I’ve seen those for about $5 in lots of places.  But, you can also buy a length of the polar fleece type fabric (many brand names) and stitch your own binding to crochet into.  To accomplish this, check here for instructions.  It’s pretty easy to do, but best if done with yarn similar to that you’ll be crocheting the edging with.  Don’t use sewing thread for your binding as it’ll cut through your yarn with very little use.  Best to separate your yarn to get a single or double strand of it (if it’s thicker than double ply) to create your binding.  This works the same for edging blankets, towels, or for those cute dresses where you join a crocheted bodice to a fabric skirt.  You’ll get hooked on this technique.  It makes a very quick ‘crochet’ project.

Here are some great books for towel topper patterns

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Crocheting Christmas Gifts? Make This Supply Checklist Before You Buy More Yarn

I have never met a crocheter who needed much encouragement to buy yarn. The trouble starts when the yarn arrives and the project also needs a smaller hook, stuffing, buttons, a tapestry needle and a shade of green that looks nothing like the one on the screen.

If you are crocheting Christmas gifts this year, a little planning before you shop can save several stops and starts. Pick your projects, check the patterns properly and make one supply list for the whole gift pile. You can still enjoy choosing beautiful yarn. You will simply know what it is for.

This checklist is especially useful if you are making several small gifts, such as ornaments, mug cozies or stocking fillers. If you order supplies online, Amazon Prime may be convenient for eligible items. Check the price, contents and delivery estimate for your address before ordering, rather than assuming every item in your cart will arrive together.

1. Choose projects that fit the time you have

Start by writing down the recipients and a realistic project for each one. A pair of elaborate amigurumi toys may be a joy in September and a rather different proposition in December.

Small pieces are easier to fit around everything else Christmas brings. Our free crochet Santa spiral ornament can be used as a tree decoration or gift topper. If you want more tiny festive projects, CraftBits has a crochet peppermint candy pattern to consider.

Read the entire pattern before adding supplies to your cart. Check the stated skill level, finished size and any assembly or finishing steps. A project that looks quick in the photo may have several pieces to sew together.

2. List the yarn by weight, fibre and amount

For each pattern, note the yarn weight, suggested fibre, colour and required yardage or metres. If you substitute yarn, compare more than the colour. A bulky chenille will produce a very different result from smooth cotton, even if both are labelled “cream.”

When buying crochet yarn on Amazon, check the amount in each skein and calculate how many you need. Leave a little allowance for gauge differences and joining pieces. If the finished size matters, make a gauge swatch with the yarn and hook you intend to use.

If pattern abbreviations or supply details are confusing, our guide to reading crochet patterns explains what to look for before starting.

3. Check every hook size before buying another set

Write the hook size beside each project on your list. Look through the hooks you already own before buying a new set just for one missing size. If you crochet often, a comfortable hook in your most-used sizes can be a better purchase than a large assortment you rarely touch.

For amigurumi, the hook listed in the pattern helps produce a firm fabric that holds the stuffing inside. Changing yarn or hook size can change the finished dimensions and the amount of yarn you use.

4. Add the finishing supplies people forget

This is the part of the list that saves me the most frustration. Depending on your projects, you may need:

  • Tapestry needles for weaving in ends and sewing pieces together
  • Stitch markers
  • Stuffing
  • Buttons or embroidery floss for details
  • Ornament hanging loops
  • Labels, tissue paper or small gift boxes

Check whether a kit includes these items before buying them twice. If you are making toys for a baby or very young child, avoid detachable small parts and follow appropriate toy-safety guidance; embroidered features are often a better choice than plastic eyes.

5. Work out the cost per finished gift

If you are making the same ornament for several people, buying the main yarn colours and ornament hanging supplies in suitable quantities may simplify the job. First calculate how many complete gifts the supplies will make. A big multipack only helps your budget if you will use it.

Include stuffing, finishing pieces and packaging in the total. Scraps from your existing stash may cover some colour changes, so shop your yarn basket before adding another six-pack of red.

6. Give yourself a finishing deadline

Aim to finish crocheting a few days before the gifts need to be wrapped. That leaves time to sew on the last detail, weave in the ends, wash or block pieces where appropriate and package them nicely. I know weaving in ends feels like a task for Future Me, but Future Me is usually busy wrapping presents.

If you decide to use Prime for your crochet supply shopping, check the current membership terms and the delivery date shown for each eligible item at checkout. Then put the parcel aside, make a cup of tea and enjoy the reason you bought it all: giving someone a gift made by your own hands.