Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

NEW IDEAS IN CROCHET? A FEW IDEAS……

by

shoecovers.jpg

http://www.grittyknits.com/ViewPost911.aspx

Renew a favorite pair of scuffed up shoes using the clever ideas in the link above.

broomstick-tutorial.jpg

http://www.grittyknits.com/ViewEntry_broomsticklace.aspx

GET YOUR BROOMSTICKS OUT! Why not try a new technique? Better use a large knitting needle than an actual broomstick. I always knew I’d find a use for knitting needles! This is an especially good tutorial.
magicballswatch.jpg
http://upislandeggs.com/magicball.html

IF YOU’RE ADVENTUROUS, YOU NEED TO HAVE A MAGIC BALL. Create a scrumble – a freeform thingie. Have fun with it. There are NO rules. Add a bit each night when you’re eyes are crossing and you can’t follow a pattern. Add to the magic ball or scrumble every time you’ve finished a project and have leftover yarn.

Refer to this site for more info on freeform crochet:

http://www.freeformcrochet.com/

More Crochet?

Comments

  1. A neighbor of mine whom I found out had passed away this year, taught me how to do the broom stick lace. I think I may still have the broom stick. I like out it turned out, but if I were to try it out again, I think i would need alittle more practice with it. When I did try it a few years ago, it came out alittle uneven, lol. But at least i tried, huh?

  2. Hello JD
    Please note the link you have for the magic ball is no longer working. I am very fond of this particular page (looks like a lady with a sense of humour (or humor!) and managed to track down her new addy:

    Yours in crochet.

Have you read?

Pattern Review: Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern

The Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern is one of those fun wearable crochet projects that has just the right mix of retro charm and modern festival style. If you have been seeing granny square bucket hats popping up everywhere and thinking, “I could make that,” this pattern is a lovely place to start.

This crochet bucket hat is worked in the round using granny-style clusters, giving it that familiar textured look without requiring you to join lots of separate squares. That is a definite win if, like me, you enjoy the look of granny motifs but don’t always feel emotionally prepared for a mountain of seams and ends.

The pattern uses worsted weight #4 yarn, with cotton or a cotton blend recommended, which makes sense for a summer hat. Cotton gives the hat a bit more structure and keeps it feeling breathable rather than floppy and sweaty. You’ll need around 80g of yarn, a 5.5mm crochet hook, scissors, and a yarn needle. The finished hat is designed to fit a head circumference of approximately 51–55cm / 20.1–21.7 inches, which puts it in the adult small/medium range.

What I like about this pattern is that it includes practical fit notes rather than pretending every head and every crocheter’s tension is magically the same. The granny mesh has stretch, and the pattern suggests trying the crown on after Round 5 before continuing with the body section. That is such a useful little check-in point, especially with hats, because nobody wants to finish the whole thing only to discover it either perches on top like a teacup or slides down over your eyes like a lampshade.

The instructions are written in US crochet terms and include a clear stitch key covering chains, clusters, double crochet, repeats, slip stitches, and spaces. The pattern also explains how the rounds are closed, how the beginning chain functions, and how to count the clusters at the end of each round, which is helpful for keeping the shape on track.

The construction is straightforward: you begin at the crown, continue down into the sides, and then work the brim. The brim shaping comes from an increase round that helps kick the edge outward into that classic bucket hat shape. Rounds 15–17 then hold steady to smooth out the brim edge, giving the hat a neat finish without making the shaping feel overly complicated.

I would call this an easy to confident beginner crochet pattern rather than a very first crochet project. You’ll want to be comfortable working in the round, counting repeats, and making double crochet clusters. Once the rhythm clicks, though, it becomes a relaxing, repeat-friendly project — the sort of crochet you can work on while half-watching TV, provided you don’t lose count during the increase rounds. Ask me how I know.

This pattern also has great colour-play potential. The yellow version feels sunny and wearable, the scrap yarn version has brilliant festival energy, and a red-and-green version would make a surprisingly cute Christmas market hat. It would also be a good stash-busting crochet project if you have leftover cotton yarns hanging around from dishcloths, bags, or summer tops.

Overall, the Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat is a cheerful, wearable crochet pattern with strong Etsy appeal. It hits that sweet spot between nostalgic granny square style and modern handmade fashion, making it a great pattern for festival outfits, summer wardrobes, handmade gifts, and market sellers looking for a trendy crochet accessory.

Best for: confident beginners, granny stitch lovers, summer crochet projects, festival fashion, scrap yarn makes, and crocheters who want a wearable project that feels fun rather than fussy.