Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Sweet And Simple

by

crochet picket fence square

 

Sheila is far too humble for her own good sometimes!  She has designed this adorable little potholder that is embellished with simple embroidery stitches.  She thinks this would be fine as a potholder.  I say it could be so much more!

I see it as one of many such blocks crocheted together to create a sweet babyghan.  I see this little square as a lovely patch pocket to add some pizazz to a solid color cardigan or to turn a simple rectangle scarf into a hand-warming pocketed scarf.  if I used this idea for patch pockets on a cardigan, I’d continue the delicate embroidery around the sleeve edges and maybe around the collar or neckline to add polish to the finished garment.  Same thing with the scarf.  Add some more embroidery to pull the design together colorwise.

The embroidery in this is truly simple – and a great way to make good use of those colorful little scraps of yarn we all have stashed.  Another idea is to make a simple, solid color babyghan or lapghan and create enough embroidered blocks to create a border for the afghan.  What would you make with this square?

To see Sheila’s pattern, visit her blog here.

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Comments

  2. I would probably make a baby blanket and put the squares in two directions alternated – up and down, side to side and would add flowers somewhere but not on all squares. I might use 2 shades of one colour like light and dark blue or green.
    I am hoping for a pattern please.

  3. First, Annette, you can find my pattern at http://www.squidoo.com/picketfencepotholder – so glad you like it!

    JD, you are so kind to feature my design! And what great ideas you have that I had not thought of! I love the idea of a sweater or sweater vest using this square for pockets! I can just see it, and you may have started something here that I have to finish!

    I call the embroidery “CroBroidery” because it is an entirely different method of embroidery using just a crochet hook. No needles required!

    Thanks again, I hope everyone enjoys the pattern.

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.