Crochet

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Surprisingly Simple Christmas Crochet

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Occasionally I run across something that is just so simple yet inspiring that I’m stunned.  This project is one of those.  The blog is entirely in Portugese.  For a laugh (not on the author) you can try entering the web address into Google and click on ‘translate this page’.  If you haven’t tried that yet, it’s worth it just to see how the language is slaughtered.  But, in this case, you don’t need the words.  There’s a nice chart that indicates all you need to know to make one of these for yourself.

If you do choose to attempt to read the translation, you’ll find that Sonia Maria is considering making the Santa in other skin tones.  I like that idea.  This would make a nice gift for most anyone.  But, if you intend for it to be other than decorative (which might be a shame), remember to steer clear of the acrylic yarns.  They can melt, burning skin and ruining counter tops.  Stick to cotton for that.  We have a wider range of color choices in acrylic so that would be my choice.  Should you choose cotton, you might consider using cotton carpet warp, a tightly wound mercerized cotton yarn that is widely used by weavers but works great for potholders and other functional crochet.  Here’s a good picture you can see all the colors in which  cotton carpet warp is available.  If you can’t buy it locally (try a weaving store), here’s the site to order it.

When you spend more time on Sonia Maria’s wonderful blog, you’re likely to be amazed at the lengths she goes to in detailing her designs so that they can be recreated by others.  For a quick look at one of her very useful tools, check this out.  I’ve never seen another designer take the time to clarify a pattern for her readers.  I’m very impressed.

For a direct link to the Santa pattern, click here .

Looking for more Christmas themed Crochet Patterns? Check out these books

Crochet Christmas Ornaments

 Christmas Crochet Pattern Books 

And these Christmas patterns on Etsy  

 

Comments

  2. I would love to make this but don’t see a link to the website. I only get the photo when I click on the link under the picture.

  3. This is cute enough to make me want to learn to crochet from a chart! Thanks for sharing. It took me a while to find the right page for Santa, even with the translation.

  5. She even has a video tutorial on how to get started and even not knowing the language but by showing us it is even easier to learn how to do it. How cool is that, just got to love technology!

  6. I had google translate the page for me. What an adorable pot holder!!! I was looking for a unique and simple gift to make for some special people and… I think I found it! Thanks jd!

  8. You did it, so nice of you, tnks, I’ve written to Sonia telling her about this post, she will be happy I asure you. And she deserves all the words, cause she is adorable 🙂

    Hugs

    Maga

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.