Beginner Crochet

  ƒƒƒƒAbbreviations ƒ treble (tr) Treble crochet is slightly taller than half treble crochet but is made in a similar way

double crochet two together (dc2tog) Turn two crochet stitches into one with this simple method

Treble two together (tr2tog) This is similar to ‘dc2tog’ but is worked with treble stitches

1 (You will need a turning chain of three stitches). Yarn over the hook. Insert the hook through the stitch.

1 Insert hook through next stitch, yarn over hook, draw back through work. Two loops on hook. Insert hook into next stitch, yarn over hook, draw back through. Three loops on hook.

2 Yarn over the hook and draw back through the work, there will be three loops of yarn on the hook.

2 Yarn over hook, draw through all three loops. One loop on hook.

1 Yarn over the hook. Insert the hook through the stitch. Yarn over the hook and draw back through the work. There will be three loops of yarn on the hook. Yarn over the hook and draw through the first two loops. This will leave two loops on the hook. Yarn over the hook and insert through the next stitch, yarn over the hook and draw through the work. There will be four loops of yarn on the hook. Yarn over hook and draw through two loops. This will leave three loops on the hook.

2 Yarn over hook and draw

3 Yarn over the hook and draw through the first two loops. This will leave two loops on the hook.

4 Yarn over the hook and draw through all the loops. This will leave one loop on the hook.

through all three loops on the hook. This will leave one loop on the hook.

Knitting and crochet patterns are full of abbreviations but don’t panic, here’s a handy list of all the main ones

alt: alternate approx: approximately beg: beginning ch: chain ch sp: chain space cn: cable needle cont: continue dc: double crochet dec: decrease dtr: double treble foll: following htr: half treble inc: increase k: knit kfb: knit into front and back of next stitch kwise: knitwise k2tog: knit two together  LH: left-hand m1: make one stitch by picking up horizontal loop before next stitch and knitting into back of it meas: measures p: purl pm: place stitch marker  psso: pass slipped stitch over  pwise: purlwise p2tog: purl two together  rem: remaining rep: repeat rev: reverse RH: right-hand RS: right side skpo: slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over  sl 1: slip one stitch sl st: slip stitch sm: slip stitch marker  sp(s): space(s) ssk: one by one, slip next two stitches knitwise, put left-hand needle through front loops of both slipped stitches and knit them together  st(s): stitch(es) st st: stocking stitch (knit one row, purl one row) tbl: through back loop tog: together  tr: treble WS: wrong side wyib: with yarn in back wyif: with yarn in front yb: yarn back yfwd: yarn forward (between knit stitches) yoh: yarn over hook yon: yarn over needle (between a purl and a knit stitch) yrn: yarn round needle (between purl stitches and between a knit and a purl stitch)

SKILL LEVEL

Þ marmaduke

tiger Master amigurumi by making Irene Strange’s simple pattern  t   c  e   f   r   e  P â  r s   e  n n    i  g    e  b   

If you’ve never tried crochet before but would like to give it a go, Marmaduke the tiger is a great starting point. Each part is made separately, so you can pop the project into your handbag and quickly pick it up again whenever you have a few minutes spare. He’s the ideal present for little hands and just the right size for toddlers to grip, so grab your 5mm hook and start today!

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Crochet  Great Advice  EMBROIDERING THE NOSE

Noses are often worked in satin stitch, where lots of straight stitches are made closely together to form a solid area. Thread your needle with Raspberry Pink and stitch a line at a time next to the one just worked, being careful not to pull too tightly

Marmaduke tiger head Using 5mm hook and Banana Yellow make a magic ring, work 6dc into ring. Six sts Rnd 1: 2dc in each st to end. 12 sts Rnd 2: (2dc in next st, 1dc) to end. 18 sts Rnd 3: (2dc in next st, 2dc) to end. 24 sts Rnd 4: (2dc in next st, 3dc) to end. 30 sts Rnd 5: (2dc in next st, 4dc) to end. 36 sts Change to Blood Orange Rnd 6: 1dc in each st to end Change to Banana Yellow Rnds 7-9: rep Rnd 6 three times Change to

Blood Orange Rnd 10: rep Rnd 6 Change to Banana Yellow Rnd 11: (dc2tog, 4dc) to end. 30 sts Rnd 12: (dc2tog, 3dc) to end. 24 sts Rnd 13: (dc2tog, 2dc) to end. 18 sts Insert safety eyes in central Banana Yellow stripe, approx 12 sts apart, stuff Rnd 14: (dc2tog, 1dc) to end. 12 sts Fasten off 

body Using 5mm hook and Blood Orange make a magic ring, work 6dc into ring. Six sts Rnds 1-2: rep Rnds 1-2 of Head Change to Banana Yellow Rnd 3: (2dc in first st, 2dc) to end. 24 sts Rnds 4-5: 1dc in

each st to end Change to Blood Orange Rnd 6: 1dc in each st to end Change to Banana Yellow Rnds 7-9: rep Rnd 6 three times Change to Blood Orange Rnd 10: (dc2tog, 10dc) to end. 22 sts Change to Banana Yellow Rnd 11: (dc2tog, 9dc) to end. 20 sts Rnd 12: (dc2tog, 8dc) to end. 18 sts Rnd 13: (dc2tog, 7dc) to end. 16 sts Change to Blood Orange Rnd 14: (dc2tog, 6dc) to end. 14 sts Change to Banana Yellow

Rnd 15: (dc2tog,

5dc) to end. 12 sts Stuff  Fasten off 

cheek Make two

Using 5mm hook and Lychee White make a magic ring, work 6dc into ring. Six sts Rnd 1: 2dc in each st to end. 12 sts Rnds 2-3: 1dc in each st to end Fasten off 

each st to end Change to Blood Orange Rnds 4-5: rep Rnds 2-3 Change to Banana Yellow Rnds 6-8: 1dc in each st to end Change to Blood Orange Rnds 9-10: rep Rnds 2-3 Change to Banana Yellow Rnd 11: 1dc in each st to end Fasten off 

ear Make two

leg

Using 5mm hook and Blood Orange make a magic ring, work 5dc into ring. Five sts Row 1: 1ch, 2dc in each st to end, turn. Ten sts Row 2: 1ch, (2dc in next st, 1dc) to end. 15 sts Fasten off 

Make two

arm Make two

Using 5mm hook and Lychee White make a magic ring, work 5dc into ring. Five sts Rnd 1: 2dc in each st to end. Ten sts Rnds 2-3: 1dc in

Using 5mm hook and Lychee White make a magic ring, work 5dc into ring. Five sts Rnds 1-5: rep Rnds 1-5 of Arm. Ten sts Change to Banana Yellow Rnds 6-7: 1dc in each st to end Change to Blood Orange Rnd 8: 1dc in each st to end Fasten off 

tummy Using 5mm hook and Lychee White make a magic ring,

work 6dc into ring. Six sts Rnd 1: 2dc in each st to end. 12 sts Rnd 2: (2dc in next st, 1dc) to end. 18 sts Fasten off 

tail Using 5mm hook and Blood Orange make a magic ring, work 7dc into ring. Seven sts Rnds 1-4: 1dc in each st to end Work in foll stripe sequence: (three rnds Banana Yellow, two rnds Blood Orange) three times Rnds 5-19: 1dc in each st to end Fasten off  to make up Sew Body to Head. Stuff Cheeks. Sew to front of Head. Sew Ears to top of Head. Stuff Arms. Sew to Body. Sew Tummy to front of Body. Stuff Tail. Sew to back of Body. Embroider whiskers in Blood Orange and a nose in Raspberry Pink (see Great Advice panel)

LGC KNITTING & CROCHET | LETSGETCRAFTING.COM

25

You NEED

Frosti yarn kit stuffing, 9mm safety eyes, tapestry needle, spare black yarn

Give the gift of a traditional ted by making

 Walter bear Made in a beautiful blend of blues and greens, Walter the bear by Janine Holmes is amazingly simple to make – just two stitches are involved! It's a great project to practise your colour changes on and would make a lovely gift for a new arrival to the family.

12   letsgetcrafting.com

crochet

stitches used Double crochet (dc) Double crochet two together(dc2tog)

SIZE Height: 30cm

 Walter bear head

Perfect for beginners

* Using 5.5mm hook and Ski Slope White make a magic ring, work 6dc into ring. Six sts Rnd 1: 2dc in each st to end. 12 sts * Rnd 2: (3dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 15 sts Rnd 3: (4dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 18 sts Rnd 4: 1dc in each st to end Rnd 5: (5dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 21 sts Rnd 6: (6dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 24 sts Change to Lake Blue Rnds 7-8: rep Rnds 2-3. 36 sts Change to Alpine Green Rnds 9-10: rep Rnds 4-5. 42 sts Change to Deep Blue Rnd 11: rep Rnd 6. 48 sts Rnd 12: rep Rnd 4 Change to Icy Blue Rnds 13-14: rep Rnd 4 twice Change to Forest Green Rnd 15-16: rep Rnd 4 twice Change to Lake Blue Rnd 17: rep Rnd 4 Insert safety eyes in between Rnds 8 and 9, spacing them 12 sts apart Rnd 18: (6dc, dc2tog)

crochet clever The stripes on this teddy are a little too far apart to carry the yarn neatly up the inside of your work. Instead, tie off and trim your colour change ends as you go. This method also has the added bonus of preventing all of the different colours from getting into a messy tangle letsgetcrafting.com

13

to end. 42 sts Change to Alpine Green Rnd 19: (5dc, dc2tog) to end. 36 sts Rnd 20: (4dc, dc2tog) to end. 30 sts Change to Deep Blue Rnd 21: (3dc, dc2tog) to end. 24 sts Rnd 22: (2dc, dc2tog) to end. 18 sts Stuff head Change to Icy Blue Rnd 23: (1dc, dc2tog) to end. 12 sts Rnd 24: (dc2tog) to end. Six sts Cut yarn leaving a long tail, thread tail onto tapestry needle and thread through rem sts, fasten off

body ** Using 5.5mm hook and Lake Blue work as for Head from * to *. 12 sts Change to Alpine Green Rnd 2: (1dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 18 sts Rnd 3: (2dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 24 sts ** Change to Deep Blue Rnds 4-5: rep Rnds 2-3 of Head. 36 sts Change to Icy Blue Rnds 6-7: rep Rnds 5-6 of Head. 48 sts Change to Forest Green Rnd 8: 1dc in each st to end Rnd 9: (6dc, dc2tog) to end. 42 sts Change to Lake Blue

Rnd 10-11: rep Rnd

8 twice Change to Alpine Green Rnd 12: (5dc, dc2tog) to end. 36 sts Rnd 13: 1dc in each st to end Change to Deep Blue Rnd 14-15: rep Rnd 8 twice Change to Icy Blue Rnd 16: rep Rnd 8 Rnd 17: (4dc, dc2tog) to end. 30 sts

Change to Forest Green Rnd 18-19: rep Rnd 8 twice Change to Lake Blue Rnd 20-21: rep Rnd 8 twice Change to Alpine Green Rnd 22: (3dc, dc2tog) to end. 24 sts Rnd 23: rep Rnd 8 Change to Deep Blue Rnd 24: rep Rnd 8 Rnd 25: (2dc, dc2tog) to end. 18 sts

Fasten off

ear Make two

Using 5.5mm hook and Ski Slope White throughout work as for Body from ** to **. 24 sts Rnd 4: 1dc in each st to end Fasten off

arm Make two

Work as for Head from * to *. 12 sts Rnd 2-4: 1dc in each st to end Work in foll two rowstripe sequence: * Forest Green, Lake Blue, Alpine Green *, Deep Blue, Icy Blue, rep from * to * once Rnds 5-20: 1dc in each st to end Fasten off

leg Make two

Using 5.5mm hook and

Ski Slope White throughout work as for Body from ** to **. 24 sts Change to Lake Blue Rnds 4-5: 1dc in each st to end Change to Alpine Green Rnd 6: 1dc in each st to end Rnd 7: 6dc, (dc2tog) to last six sts, 6dc. 18 sts Change to Deep Blue Rnd 8: rep Rnd 7. 15 sts Rnd 9: rep Rnd 6 Work in foll two-row stripe sequence: Icy Blue, Forest Green, Lake Blue, Alpine Green, Deep Blue, Icy Blue Rnds 10-21: rep Rnd 6 12 times Stuff Change to Forest Green Rnd 22: (3dc, dc2tog) to end. 12 sts Rnd 23: (dc2tog) to end. Six sts Cut yarn leaving a long tail, thread tail onto tapestry needle and thread through rem sts, fasten off

to make up With a length of black yarn embroider nose and mouth using running sts, working from centre to base of Rnd 4 of muzzle. Sew a few running sts across top of nose to neaten. Sew a single running st vertically on underside of muzzle then sew a 'W' shape directly underneath to finish mouth. Shape face by foll diagram and instructions on p57. Fold Ear in half and sew edges tog. Curve base of ear into a semicircle and sew to sides of bear's head, approx 12 sts apart. Stuff Body. Making sure colour changes are at back of bear, sew neck edge to underside of Head. Stuff Arms. Oversew tops of Arms flat and sew to sides of bear, level with topmost Alpine Green stripe on Body. Sew on Legs foll diagram and instructions on p57

Meet Our Designer "This soft and cuddly teddy crochets up fast with a 5.5mm hook and aran-weight yarn. You'll have a huggable, loveable stripy  friend of your own in no time!"  Janine Holmes specialises in amigurumi crochet. She has a master's degree in Constructed Textile Design and lives in Worcestershire with her family and four cats. See more of her work at mojimojidesign.com 14  

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You

Add to your collection with the

NEED Tallula yarn kit

granny  square club

stitches used Chain (ch) Slip stitch (sl st) Double crochet (dc) Half treble (htr) Treble (tr) Double treble (dtr) Popcorn stitch (ps)

SIZE Square: 10cm x 10cm

We hope you’re enjoying building up your crochet skills and adding to your crafty treasure trove of tried and tested granny squares. It’s our fourth set of gorgeous projects and we have seven more amazing designs for you try. There are only two more issues to go until you have built up a collection of wonderful crochet patterns that will look absolutely fantastic across a wide range of projects. This issue’s lovely designs include two that are ideal for beginners if you’re new to

crocheting or would like to introduce others to this charming craft. Choose four or five from these seven to make with your kit and grab yarn from your stash to create more. After you’ve collected all of our patterns you can decide what you’d like to make with them. We really want to see your finished items and get to know the story behind who you’re crocheting for – we’ll be giving away a goodie bag to the most heartwarming tale, so get crocheting tonight!

Perfect for beginners

raised diamond By Lucinda  Ganderton Using 3.5mm hook and Caramel Gold make 6ch,  join with a sl st to first ch to form a ring Rnd 1: 3ch (counts as 1tr), 2tr into ring, (2ch, 3tr) three times, 2ch,  join with a sl st to third of first 3ch. 12 sts Rnd 2: one sl st in each of next two tr, 3ch (counts as 1tr), 3tr in next 2ch sp, remove hook, insert into third ch of first 3ch and back

crochet clever To make a popcorn stitch (ps) work as follows: make 4tr in next 2ch sp, remove hook, insert into top of first tr and back through loop, draw loop through

through loop, draw loop through, 2ch, (1ps [see Crochet Clever panel], 3ch, 1ps, 2ch) in each of next three 2ch sp, (1ps, 3ch) in next 2ch sp, join with a sl st to third of first 3ch. Eight popcorn sts made Rnd 3: one sl st in next 2ch sp, (3ch [counts as 1tr], 2tr, 3ch, 3tr, 1ch) in next 3ch corner sp, * 1ps in next 2ch sp, (1ch, 3tr, 3ch, 3tr, 1ch) in next 3ch corner sp, rep from * twice, 1ps in next 2ch sp, 1ch, join with a sl st to third of first 3ch. 28 sts Rnd 4: one sl st in each of next two tr, (3ch, 2tr, 3ch, 3tr) in next 3ch corner sp, * (3tr in next 1ch sp) twice, (3tr, 3ch, 3tr) in next 3ch corner sp, rep from * twice, (3tr in next 1ch sp) twice,  join with a sl st to third of first 3ch. 48 sts Rnd 5: 1ch, * 4dc in next 3ch corner sp, 12dc, rep from * three times, join with a sl st to first st. 64 sts Fasten off, sew in ends

32   letsgetcrafting.com

basic square By Irene Strange Using 3.5mm hook and Caramel Gold make 6ch,  join with a sl st to first ch to form a ring Note: first 3ch of each rnd counts as 1tr Rnd 1: 3ch, 2tr, 3ch, (3tr, 3ch) three times, join with a sl st to third ch. 12 sts Fasten off Caramel Gold,  join Lipstick Pink to any 3ch corner sp Rnd 2: 3ch, 2tr in same 3ch sp, 1ch, * (3tr, 3ch, 3tr) in next 3ch sp, 1ch, rep from * twice, 3tr in next 3ch sp, 3ch, join with a sl st to third of first 3ch. 24 sts Fasten off Lipstick Pink,  join Whisper White to any 3ch corner sp

Tip: Choose high-contrast colours to ensure the heart stands out

Rnd 3: 3ch, 2tr in same

3ch sp, 1ch, * 3tr in next 2ch sp, 1ch, (3tr, 3ch, 3tr) in next 3tr sp, 1ch, rep from * twice, 3tr in next 3ch sp, 1ch, 3tr in next 3ch sp, 3ch, join with a sl st to third of first 3ch. 36 sts Fasten off Whisper White, join Cherry Pink to any 3ch corner sp Rnd 4: 3ch, 2tr in same 3ch sp, * 3tr in each of next two 3ch sp, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) in next 3ch sp, rep from * twice, 3tr in each of next two 3ch sp, 3tr in next 3ch sp, 2ch, join with a sl st to third of first 3ch. 48 sts Fasten off, sew in ends

heart motif  By Irene Strange Using 3.5mm hook and Lipstick Pink make 6ch,  join with a sl st to first ch to form a ring Rnd 1: 3ch (counts as 1tr), 2tr into ring, 2ch, (3tr, 2ch) three times,  join with a sl st to third of first 3ch. 12 sts Rnd 2: 3ch (counts as 1tr), 2tr, 2tr in next 2ch sp, 10dtr into second tr of next 3tr cluster, 1dc in next 2ch sp, 10dtr in second tr of next 3tr cluster, 2tr in next 2ch sp, 3tr, (2tr, 2ch, 2tr) in next 2ch sp, join with a sl st to third of first 3ch, turn. 35 sts Fasten off Lipstick Pink,  join Whisper White to bottom 2ch sp of heart Rnd 3: working in back loops only (1ch, 1dc) in bottom 2ch sp, 2ch, miss three sts, (3tr, 3ch, 3tr) in next st, miss

three sts, 3ch, 1dc, miss three sts, 3ch, 3tr in next st, miss one st, 3ch, 3tr in next st, miss three sts, 2ch, 1tr, miss three sts, 2ch, 3tr in next st, miss one st, 3ch, 3tr in next st, miss three sts, 2ch, 1dc, miss three sts, 2ch, (3tr, 3ch, 3tr) in next st, miss three sts, 2ch, join with a st st to first st. 28 sts Fasten off Whisper White, join Soft Pink to next 2ch sp Rnd 4: 3ch, 2tr in same 2ch sp, * (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) in next corner sp, (3tr in next ch sp) twice, rep from * twice, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) in next sp, 3tr in next sp, join with a sl st to third of first 3ch. 48 sts Rnd 5: 1ch, 6dc, * (2dc, 1tr, 2dc) in next corner ch sp, 12dc, rep from * twice, (2dc, 1tr, 2dc) in next corner sp, 6dc, join with a sl st to first st. 68 sts Fasten off, sew in ends

crochet Perfect for beginners

ripple square By Irene Strange Using 3.5mm and Whisper White make 6ch, join with a sl st to first ch to form a ring Note: first 3ch of each rnd counts as 1tr Rnd 1: 3ch, 4tr, 3ch, (5tr, 3ch) three times, join with a sl st to third ch. 20 sts Fasten off Whisper White, join Lipstick Pink to any tr after 3ch corner sp Rnd 2: 3ch, 4tr, (1tr into foundation ring, 2ch, 1tr into foundation ring, 5tr) three times, 1tr into foundation ring, 2ch, 1tr into foundation ring, join

with a sl st to third of first 3ch. 28 sts Fasten off Lipstick Pink,  join Caramel Gold to any tr after 2ch corner sp Rnd 3: 3ch, 6tr, (1tr in corner of Rnd 1, 2ch, 1tr in 3ch corner sp of Rnd 1, 7tr) three times, 1tr in corner of Rnd 1, 2ch, 1tr in corner of Rnd 1, join with a sl st to third of first 3ch. 36 sts Fasten off Caramel Gold,  join Cherry Pink to any tr after 2ch corner sp Rnd 4: 3ch, 8tr, (1tr in corner of Rnd 2, 2ch, 1tr in 2ch corner sp of Rnd 2, 9tr) three times, 1tr in corner of Rnd 2, 2ch, 1tr in corner of Rnd 2, join with a sl st to third of first 3ch. 44 sts Fasten off, sew in ends

twist square By Irene Strange Using 3.5mm and Caramel Gold make 6ch,  join with a sl st to first ch to form a ring Rnd 1: 3ch (counts as 1tr), 4tr into ring, (1dtr, 5tr) three times, 1dtr,  join with a sl st to third of first 3ch. 24 sts Fasten off Caramel Gold,  join Whisper White to any corner dtr Note: work in back loops only to end Rnd 2: 1ch, * 1dc in dtr, miss two sts, 1ch, (3tr, 1dtr, 3tr) in next st, miss two sts, 1ch, rep from * three times, join with a sl st to first st. 32 sts

circular granny  By Lucinda  Ganderton Using 3.5mm hook and Soft Pink make 6ch, join with sl st to first ch to form a ring Rnd 1: 3ch (counts as 1tr), 15tr into ring, join with a sl st to third of first 3ch. 16 sts Change to Cherry Pink Rnd 2: 3ch (counts as 1tr), 1tr in same st, (2tr)

Fasten off Whisper White, join Lipstick Pink to any corner dtr Rnd 3: 1ch, * 1dc in dtr, miss one st, 1ch, 1htr, miss one st, 1ch, (3dtr, 2ch, 3dtr) in next st, miss one st, 1ch, 1htr, 1ch, rep from * three times, join with a sl st to first st. 36 sts Fasten off Lipstick Pink,  join Cherry Pink to any corner ch Round 4: 3ch (counts as 1tr), 1tr in same ch sp, (13tr, 2tr in next corner ch sp, 1ch, 2tr in same corner ch sp) three times, 13tr, 2tr in next corner ch sp, 1ch, join with a sl st to third of first 3ch. 68 sts Fasten off, sew in ends

in each st to end, join with a sl st to third of first 3ch. 32 sts Change to Caramel Gold Rnd 3: 3ch (counts as 1tr), 1tr in same st, (1tr, 2tr in next st) to last st, 1tr, join with a sl st to third of first 3ch. 48 sts Change to Whisper White Rnd 4: 1ch, (6dc, 1htr, 1tr, 1dtr, 3ch, 1dtr, 1tr, 1htr) to end, join with a sl st to first st Fasten off, sew in ends

four stripes By Irene Strange Using 3.5mm hook and Whisper White make 6ch, join with a sl st to first ch to form a ring Note: first 3ch of each rnd counts as 1tr Rnd 1: 3ch, 4tr into ring, 2ch, (5tr, 2ch) three times, join with a sl st to third of first 3ch. 20 sts Change to Lipstick Pink Rnd 2: 3ch, 4tr, 2tr in next 2ch sp, 2ch, (2tr in same 2ch sp, 5tr, 2tr in next 2ch sp, 2ch) three times, 2tr in same 2ch sp, join with a sl st to

third of first 3ch. 36 sts Fasten off Lipstick Pink,  join Caramel Gold to any tr after a 2ch sp Rnd 3: 3ch, 8tr, 2tr in next 2ch sp, 2ch, (2tr in same 2ch sp, 9tr, 2tr in next 2ch sp, 2ch) three times, 2tr, join with a sl st to first st. 52 sts Fasten off Caramel Gold,  join Whisper White to any tr after a 2ch sp Rnd 4: 3ch, 12tr, 2tr in next 2ch sp, 2ch, (2tr in next 2ch sp, 13tr, 2tr in next 2ch sp, 2ch) three times, 2tr in same 2ch sp, join with a sl st to third of first 3ch. 68 sts Fasten off, sew in ends

 Bonus free patterns!  Want to make more granny squares? Download Karen Wiederhold's 12cm designs and Jackie's 10cm versions for free from letsgetcrafting.com

What will you make with your collection?

TEA COSY by Alexandra Mackenzie, alexandramackenzienz.blogspot.co.uk

COFFEE CUP SLEEVE, alexandramackenzienz.blogspot.co.uk

IPAD COVER by Melanie Wagner, missgalore.wordpress.com

FUNKY PONCHO, chrisindehaak.blogspot.co.uk

letsgetcrafting.com 33

Crochet

You need: LGC kit, button, tapestry needle

Quick & Easy

Use double crochet to make a

mug hug The final element of Carol Bateup's teatime trio, this cosy keeps your beverage warm whilst cheering up your cup. The pattern is customisable so it's easy to make it fit your favourite mug.

Lizzie says... “Involving only three stitches, this mug hug is an ideal beginner project”  Lizzie Hudson, Editor

Stitches used: Chain (ch) Double crochet (dc) Slip stitch (sl st)

Size: Mug hug: 8.5cm x 20.5cm (excl. strap)

mug cosy Using 5mm hook and green yarn make 15ch Next row: 1dc in second ch from hook, 1dc in each ch to end, turn. 14 sts Next row: 1ch, 1dc in each st to end Rep prev row until cosy fits around mug. Note: designer worked 35 more rows Next row: sl st into next four sts, 6dc, turn Next row: 1ch, 6dc, turn Rep prev row six times Next row: 1dc, 4ch, 1dc into final st, turn Next row: 1ch, 6dc, turn Next row: rep prev row Fasten off, sew in ends

to make up Wrap cosy around mug, position button in correct place, sew on tightly

 Shopping  Basket  Adorn your mug cosy with a cute candy-coloured button. Sew Simple Buttons, £2. 99 for six, 020 8123 4929, scarletdash.co.uk

knit clever When asked to turn your work in crochet, keep the last loop on your hook then take the completed work, which should be positioned under your hook hand, and turn it towards you until the work is positioned under your yarn hand

letsgetcrafting.com

33

You

NEED

Flash yarn kit stuffing, black yarn, rattle insert

stitches used Chain (ch) Double crochet (dc) Double crochet two together (dc2tog)

Babies will giggle when they hear our

rattle bear When a new baby enters the world, there’s no better way to welcome them and commemorate their arrival than with a handmade gift. With hours of fun and giggles to be had, mums and dads will certainly appreciate the practicality of this parental staple designed by Christine Harvey , which features a useful easy-grip handle. Once you’ve embroidered a cute bear nose and kind smile, littluns will love looking up at their new and very entertaining pal!

SIZE Rattle: 14cm x 14cm

Perfect for beginners

crochet clever o avoid an unsightly step when changing colours, work the first stitch in the new colour as folls: draw up a loop in the old colour and finish the double crochet by hooking and pulling through the new colour. Replace the second double crochet of the new colour section with a slip stitch. Tis should give you a seamless transition

crochet

rattle bear handle Using 3.5mm hook and Neon Green make 10ch,  join with a sl st to form a ring Rnds 1-2: 1dc in each st to end. 10 sts Work in foll two-rnd stripe sequence: Electric Turquoise, Neon Green (see Crochet Clever for colour change tips) Rnds 3-30: 1dc in each st to end Fasten off

head Using 3.5mm hook and Neon Orange make a magic ring, work 6dc into ring. Six sts Rnd 1: 2dc in each st to end. 12 sts

Change to Neon Pink Rnd 2: rep Rnd 1. 24 sts Rnd 3: (2dc in next st, 3dc) to end. 30 sts Change to Neon Orange Rnd 4: 5dc, 2dc in next st, 1dc, 2dc in next st, 13dc, 2dc in next st, 1dc, 2dc in next st, 6dc. 34 sts Rnd 5: 7dc, 2dc in each of next two sts, 15dc, 2dc in each of next two sts, 8dc. 38 sts * Change to Neon Pink Rnds 6-7: 1dc in each st to end ** Change to Neon Orange Rnds 8-9: 1dc in each st to end *** Rep from * to *** once then from * to ** once Fasten off, leaving a long tail

snout Using 3.5mm hook and Lightning White a magic ring, work 6dc

Shopping Basket Medium Rattle Insert, 75p, 01993 700411, printstopolkadots.co.uk

into ring. Six sts Rnd 1: 2dc in each st to end. 12 sts Rnd 2: (2dc in next st, 1dc) to end. 18 sts Rnd 3: (2dc in next st, 2dc) to end. 24 sts Rnd 4: 1dc in each st to end Fasten off, leaving a long tail

ear Make two

Using 3.5mm hook and Bolt Blue make a magic ring, work 6dc into ring Rnd 1: 2dc in each st to end. 12 sts Rnd 2: (2dc in next st, 1dc) to end. 18 sts Rnds 3-5: 1dc in each st to end Rnd 6: (dc2tog, 1dc) to end. 12 sts Fasten off, leaving a long tail

to make up Stuff Handle and Head. Sew Snout to Head, lightly stuffing. Bend Handle tube and sew each end to underside of Head, sewing across bottom of Head to close. Using black yarn embroider eyes, nose and mouth. Flatten Ears and sew to side of Head

Meet Our Designer “Because this rattle is made using the amigurumi technique and worked in a spiral, there is no need to slip stitch each round closed”  Christine Harvey is a crochet designer, maker and tutor. She sells her colourful creations online at Rose Cottage Crafts: rosecottagecraftsuk.etsy.com

You NEED

Snuggle yarn kit stuffing

Crochet up a whole troop of

funky monkeys Irene Strange's six cheeky monkeys use only three simple stitches between them so if you're new to toy making, they are a good place to start. If you are making these for a baby, choose high-contrast colours which will grab their attention. Crafting them for yourself? Add a bit of craft wire to the arms and legs to make them poseable.

crochet clever When a row reads (2dc in next st, 2dc) to end, like with Row 3 of the monkey's head and body, this means work two double crochet stitches in the next stitch, then work one double crochet stitch in each of the next two stitches

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crochet

stitches used

funky  monkey head and body 

Chain (ch) Double crochet (dc) Double crochet two together(dc2tog)

SIZE Height: approx 10cm

Make six Using 4mm hook and Milky White (Apple Green, Dolly Pink, Plum Purple, Sailor Blue, Soft Blue) make a magic ring, work 5dc into ring. Five sts

Rnd 1: 2dc in each st to end. Ten sts Rnd 2: (2dc in next st, 1dc) to end. 15 sts Rnd 3: (2dc in next st, 2dc) to end. 20 sts Rnd 4: (2dc in next st, 3dc) to end. 25 sts Rnds 5-7: 1dc in each st to end Change to Plum Purple (Dolly Pink, Milky White, Apple Green, Soft Blue, Milky White) Rnds 8-11: 1dc in each st to end Change to Milky White (Apple Green, Dolly Pink, Plum Purple, Sailor Blue, Soft Blue) Rnd 12: 1dc in each st to end Attach safety eyes Rnds 13-19: rep Rnd 12 seven times Rnd 20: working in front loops only (dc2tog, 3dc) to end. 20 sts Rnd 21: (dc2tog, 2dc) to end. 15 sts Stuff Rnd 22: (dc2tog, 1dc) to end. Ten sts Rnd 23: (dc2tog) to end. Five sts Fasten off

Meet Our Designer “Add some more stripes to the body or arms or embroider  different expressions to give your  monkeys even more character” A busy graphic designer by day, Irene's secret crochet and craft addiction flourishes in the evenings. If you fancy making some of her other creatures, visit irenestrange.etsy.com

ear Make 12 (two in each colourway) Using 4mm hook and Plum Purple (Dolly Pink, Milky White, Apple Green, Soft Blue, Milky White) make a magic ring, work 7dc into ring,  join with a sl st to first st. Seven sts Change to Milky White (Apple Green, Dolly Pink, Plum Purple, Sailor Blue, Soft Blue)

Rnd 1: 2dc in next six sts, miss last st. 12 sts Fasten off

arm Make 12 (two in each colourway) Using 4mm hook and Plum Purple (Dolly Pink, Milky White, Apple Green, Soft Blue, Milky White) make a magic ring, work 6dc into ring. Six sts Rnds 1-2: 1dc in each st

to end. Six sts Change to Milky White (Apple Green, Dolly Pink, Plum Purple, Sailor Blue, Soft Blue) Rnds 3-9: 1dc in each st to end Fasten off

leg  Make 12 (two in each colourway) Using 4mm hook and Plum Purple (Dolly Pink, Milky White, Apple Green, Soft Blue, Milky White) make a magic ring, work 6dc into ring. Six sts Note: follow colourway chart on p48 Rnds 1-12: 1dc in each st to end Fasten off

tail Using 4mm hook and Milky White (Apple Green, Dolly Pink, Plum Purple, Sailor Blue, Soft Blue) make 31ch Row 1: starting second ch from hook work one sl st in each ch to end Fasten off

to make up Sew in ends using kit's tapestry needle. Sew two Ears to each head. Embroider chain st mouth in middle of stripe of Head. Sew Arms, Legs and Tail to body without stuffing

letsgetcrafting.com

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