Crochet to Go
Crochet is a fun, versatile, and often beautiful medium to work in. Ive found that its easier to master than knitting (I taught myself by following the instructions in a book), much harder to make a mistake, and applicable to a wide range of materials. This book is designed for those of us who crochet whenever theres a bit of spare timeon the commuter train, in the car, in the doctors office, or in front of the television.
Ive tried to strike a balance between functional and frivilous and easy and challenging patterns. The beginner crocheter should start with one of the patterns marked with a 1, such as the clutch and customizable scarf, before moving on to the more challenging patterns: sweaters, jewelry, baby booties, even stuffed animals and fuzzy dice. Each pattern includes a photograph of the finished design for reference. Ive included lots of notes throughout for ideas on how to customize the patterns. Ive found (and I hope you will, too) that half the fun of crochet is making something uniquely your own. Always feel free to try different yarns and hook sizes as well as vary the pattern. Most importantly, have fun!
ABBREVIATIONS
beg | beginning |
blo | back loop only |
ch(s) | chain(s) |
ch sp | chain space |
dc | double crochet |
dec | decrease |
dec dc | decrease double crochet |
dec sc | decrease single crochet |
flo | front loop only |
foll | following |
hdc | half double crochet |
mm | millimeters |
oz | ounce(s) |
rnd(s) | round(s) |
RS | right side, foundation chain tail on the left |
sc | single crochet |
sl st | slip stitch |
sp(s) | space(s) |
st(s) | stitch(es) |
tch | turning chain |
tr | triple crochet |
WS | wrong side, foundation chain tail on the right |
yd(s) | yard(s) |
yo | yarn over |
[ ] | number of stitches or directions inside brackets are for additional sizes/lengths |
* * | repeat instructions between the asterisks as many times as specified |
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
beginning
little or no experience necessary
intermediate
knowledge of basic stitches and process necessary
advanced
familiarity with several stitches required
challenging
intricate patterns requiring high comfort level with several stitches
Belt
THIS BELT IS A REAL ATTENTION-GRABBER: BRIGHT, WIDE, AND INTRICATELY DETAILED.
MATERIALS NEEDED
70 grams/168 yds coral in sport weight
Crochet hook size F-5 (3.75 mm)
Yarn needle
Sewing needle or sewing machine
Sewing thread in color matching yarn
2 yds of 4-inch-wide grosgrain ribbon in white
1 large belt buckle
GAUGE
In pattern, one M shape and assembled width = 4 inches. Size is for 32-inch length, changes in brackets [36-inch length].
DIRECTIONS
Side A
CH 142 [154].
1: Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across (141 [153] sc). Ch 1, turn.
2: Sc in each of first 7 sts, *ch 5, skip 1 st, sc in next st. Turn work in opposite direction, sl st loosely into the sc worked before the ch-5. Turn work again. Into ch-5 sp, work [(sc, ch 3) 5 times, 1 sc] (forms 1 flower pattern). Sc in each of next 12 sts. Repeat from * across, ending with flower pattern and sc in each of last 6 sts. Ch 1, turn.
3: Sc in first st, *ch 5, sc into second ch-3 sp of flower worked in previous row, ch 7, sc into fourth ch-3 sp of same flower, ch 5, sc into sixth sc past base of flower. Repeat from * across. Ch 1, turn.
4: Into each ch-5 sp, work [(3 sc, ch 3) twice, then 3 sc]. Into every ch-7 sp, work [(3 sc, ch 3) three times, then 3 sc]. Continue in this pattern to end of row. Sl st into last st. Fasten off. Weave in loose ends.
Side B
CH 142 [156].
13: Repeat steps for side A.
4: Into each ch-5 sp, work [(3 sc, ch 3) twice, then 3 sc]. Into every ch-7 sp, work (3 sc, ch 3, 3 sc, ch 1, 1 sc into middle ch-1 sp of side A, ch 1, 3 sc, ch 3, 3 sc). Continue in this pattern to end of row.
Sl st into last st. Fasten off. Weave in loose ends.
Finishing
Lightly press pattern with a warm iron, then pin to grosgrain ribbon, leaving about 4 inches of ribbon on one side and at least 810 inches on the other. Using a sewing machine or needle, sew the straight edges of the crocheted fabric to the ribbon. Feed ribbon through buckle and sew to secure; fold over and hem the opposite end of ribbon.
FINISHED DIMENSIONS
4 inches wide 32 [36] inches long (measurement not around waistthis is worn low around the hips).
MORE IDEAS
For a pretty decorative edge for a skirt, just work rows 1 and 2, adding to or subtracting from the foundation ch to vary the length.
yarn credit: LION BRAND YARN MICROSPUN, 100% MICRO-FIBER ACRYLIC (70 GRAMS, 168 YRDS). COLOR: #910-103 CORAL.
Cupcakes
WHAT COULD BE SWEETER? USE THESE AS PINCUSHIONS, OR PLACE A ROCK INSIDE TO USE AS A PAPERWEIGHT.
MATERIALS NEEDED
30 grams/55 yds white in worsted weight (per cupcake)
10 grams/18 yds pink in worsted weight
Crochet hook size G-6 (4.25 mm)
Yarn needle
A small amount of cotton batting
DIRECTIONS
Pattern 1 (Unfrosted Cupcake)
Base
WITH WHITE, CH 5. JOIN WITH SL ST TO FORM A CIRCLE. CH 1. DO NOT TURN AT THE END OF EACH RND.
Rnd 1: