Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Some Fresh Crochet Ideas

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crochet lace coaster

 

I love it when I find a way to combine crochet with upcycling things I already have on hand or can come by inexpensively or free.  I found this blog that has some fresh ideas for including crochet.  In the case of this pretty crochet coaster, it started life as a wedding gift crocheted by a beloved aunt.  Rather than stash the pretties in a drawer,  Claire at From Blah To Tada found a way to make use of them to turn simple reclaimed jars into pretty vases.

upcycled bangles

In a more colorful article, Claire shows several ways to crochet or use crochet thread and/or yarn to create lovely bracelets.  I wear bracelets every day!  Think I’m gonna use some of her ideas to brighten up my wardrobe.

If you’re like me and like to craft in other media, like combine crochet with other crafts, or seeks creative ways to upcycle mundane items that might otherwise wind up in the land fill, you’ll find lots of good ideas at Claire’s blog.

If you are looking for more of our DIY Wedding ideas then check out our dedicated DIY Wedding blog.

Looking for more crochet patterns for weddings? Check out these designs we found on Etsy.

Comments

  1. There’s no need to get nervous about winter – simply create a crochet baby sweater. Free pattern ideas will help you get excited for the season. Your warm and comfy baby may not be able to say “thank you” quite yet, but you’ll be glad you took the time to check out these baby sweater patterns and free crocheting patterns for toddlers.

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.