Love Crochet November 2017 sampler

L VE

CRAFT series

SMALL & SWEET MAKES FOR EVERY SKILL LEVEL

Love

November 2017 £4.99

Seasoal

Patterns ■ Quick & easy table decorations ■ Simple Scandi-style designs

Fun and fabulous festive projects r Make ou ’s ta n Sa er little help

Adorable Rudolph stocking!

MASTER PICOT STITCHES WITH OUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Crochet Love

Contents 13

21 31

PROJECTS 13 ELVES ON SHELVES!

31 HELLO RUDOLPH!

46 ALL WRAPPED UP

21 SNOW CUTE

38 SANTA’S HELPER

50 AUTUMN DAYS

26 FALL IN GLOVE

42 FESTIVE BLOOMS

52 CANDY STRIPES

28 WINTER WARMERS

44 LET IT SNOW...

54 WINTER FLURRY

Hook up these happy helpers and give them a home on the shelf this Christmas Our super-fuffy snowman wreath is the coolest way to welcome winter!

Stay warm and cosy with a stylish pair of fngerless mitts to wear all season Our snuggly slipper boots make a great gift, if you can bear to give them away!

4 LOV E C R O C H E T

This oh-so-simple reindeer stocking will make Christmas Eve extra special Try the amigurumi method with this delightfully detailed elf cutie A gorgeous foral cushion featuring red poinsettias to brighten up your home Need a new Christmas jumper? Update an old knit with a simple snowfake motif

He’ll look so smart in this cosy hat, scarf and gloves set worked in granite stitch Accessorise with leafy laces – a fun way to celebrate the season!

Pretty peppermint sweets are a sugar-free delight for any crocheter!

Turn your dreams of a white Christmas into a reality with feathery snowfakes

42

38

28 50

26

56

44

77

52 56 HEAVEN SENT

A no-frills angel decoration to top your tree – sweet, simple and so much fun to make!

58 HAPPY HOLLY DAYS!

Dress your table and deck the halls with these six, hand-hooked holly ideas

63 DECK THE HALLS

69 WRAPPER’S DELIGHT

Make your parcels look pretty under the Christmas tree with a crochet fnish

72 LOVELY LACE

Pretty tealight holders make a fab gift, or great decoration for your Christmas table

74 SCANDI SNOWFLAKES

These colourful and cute Christmas baubles make a real statement

Hit the slopes, or the school run, in this stylish hat and you’re sure to turn heads!

66 STARS OF WONDER

77 MERRY CHRISTMOUSE!

Get into the festive spirit with a colourful garland – perfect for Christmas cheer!

These carolling mice are cute, fuffy and full of Christmas spirit!

46 PLUS SOME GREAT READS 7 ASK THE EXPERT 10 NEWS, BOOKS AND EVENTS 36 TUTORIAL: PICOT AND CROWN PICOT TECHNIQUES 41 BACK ISSUES 82 KIT EVIEWS 84 HOW TO CROCHET 91 NEXT ISSUE

LOV E C R O C H E T 5

Christmas elves

Elves o shlves!

Give a warm welcome to Jolly Jingles and Twinkle Toe-Bells – the little helpers working hard to get presents ready for all those good boys and girls! By Lucy Pollock

Top tip Add a rosy glow to their cheeks using blusher or a red pencil crayon LOV E C R O C H E T 13

Christmas elves

Yo wil ned ■ Stylecraft Special DK,

1 ball in each: White (1001), Soft Peach (1240), Spice (1711), Matador (1010), Kelly Green (1826), Black (1002) ■ 4mm (US G/6) crochet hook ■ Embroidery needle ■ Stitch marker ■ Scissors ■ Toy stuffng

H

andmade toys are the ultimate Christmas gift, and still as popular now as they’ve always been. Imagine the delight on a little one’s face when they unwrap this cute pair of elves, direct from the North Pole! Jolly Jingles and Twinkle Toe-Bells have fnished their work for the year, and now they’re ready to kick back, relax and enjoy Christmas with you and your family. Great fun to make using brightly coloured yarns, these toys have lots of sweet details to bring them to life.

BASIC ELF

leg, lining up both legs together to get the

■ Pins (optional)

Legs (make 2)

right stitch.

■ 2 x 12mm black safety eyes

With Black, make a MC.

Dc all around frst leg, ch3, dc all second leg.

■ 2 x red 9mm buttons

Round 1 8dc. [8 sts]

[36 sts].

■ Pink/red blusher and small brush

Round 2 2dc into each st. [16 sts]

Stuff legs.

Round 3 (Dc into next st, 2dc into next st)

Rounds 18-20 Dc around (3 rnds). [36 sts]

Repeat to end. [24 sts]

Round 21 (Dc into next 5 sts, 2dc into next

Rounds 4-6 Dc around (3 rnds). [24 sts]

st) six times. [42 sts]

Round 7 Dc7 , (dctog 5 times), dc7. [19 sts]

Rounds 22-33 Dc around (12 rnds). [42 sts]

(optional)

Measurements ■ Xxxxxxx xxxxxxxx

Tension

Round 8 Dc5, (dctog 4 times), dc6. [15 sts] Rounds 9-10 Dc around (2 rnds). [15 sts]

■ Tension is not important for this project

Abbreviations ■ MC – magic circle

Round 34 BLO around. [42 sts] Change to Kelly Green Fasten off.

Rounds 37-39 Dc around (3 rnds). [42 sts] Change to White Round 17 Ch3. Attach second leg to frst

About this yarn Stylecraft Special DK 100% acrylic Machine wash at 40˚C £1.85 www.deramores.co.uk

14 L O V E C R O C H E T

Change to Matador

Note: Don’t fasten off on second leg.

■ For standard abbreviations see page 90

295m per 100g

Rounds 35-36 Dc around (2 rnds). [42 sts]

Rounds 11-16 Dc around (6 rnds). [15 sts]

■ BLO – back loops only ■ Dc4tog– double crochet 4 together

Change to White

Embroider a mouth and nose after adding the eyes

Round 40 (Dc 5, dctog) six times. [36 sts]

Snowman wreath Top tip Choose a polystyrene wreath with a fat back, so it hangs nicely on the door

Snow cut!

Hang Liz Ward’s cheery snowman wreath on the front door – the perfect way to welcome you home after a cold winter walk!

L O V E C R O C H E T 21

Snowman wreath

Yo wil ned

■ James C. Brett Top Value DK, 2 balls in White (8428) Small amounts of: Red (8426), Turquoise (847), Pink (8453), Lime (8445) and Yellow (8411) ■ James C. Brett Twinkle DK, 1 ball in White (TK2) ■ 3.5mm (US E/4) crochet hook ■ 30cm polystyrene ring ■ 6 x 9mm black toy eyes

B

uilding a snowman is lots of fun, but making this fabulous snowman wreath is even better! You’ll be cosy and warm as you hook up these cute characters with their colourful scarves and hats. Liz Ward’s frosty family is nestled comfortably on a bed of soft pom-pom snowballs in sparkly white yarn, and she’s also added some bright bunting with a seasonal message that we can all get on board with! This Christmas wreath is sure to become a family favourite.

WREATH

Insert toy eyes now. These go on the

■ Toy stuffng

Wreath cover

marked round, 8 sts apart.

■ Wool needle

In white yarn, ch31.

Round 10 (Dc2tog, dc in next st); repeat to

■ White and black felt

Row 1 Dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in each st

end. [12 sts]

■ Fabric glue

to end. [30 sts]

Stuff frmly now.

■ Black embroidery thread

Rows 2-125: Ch1, turn, dc in each st to end.

Round 11 (Dc2tog); repeat to end. [6 sts]

■ Air-erasable pen

[30 sts]

Round 12 2dc in each st to the end. [12 sts]

■ 35mm and 45mm pom-pom makers

Depending on tension, you may need to

Round 13 (Dc in the frst st, 2dc in the next

make this a bit longer to cover the whole

st); repeat to end. [18 sts]

wreath.

Round 14 (Dc in the frst two sts, 2dc in the

Fasten off. Sew in pace so it covers the

next st); repeat to end. [24 sts]

whole wreath.

Round 15 (Dc in the frst three sts, 2dc in

Measurements ■ 34x34cm (13½x 13½in)

Tension ■ Tension is not important for this project

Abbreviations ■ BLO – work in the back loop of the stitch only ■ For standard abbreviations see page 90

Pom-poms

the next st); repeat to end. [30 sts] Round 16 (Dc in the frst nine sts, 2dc in the

Make 22 pom-poms in both sizes (35mm

next st); repeat to end. [33 sts]

and 45mm), using both the White and

Round 17 (Dc in the frst ten sts, 2dc in the

Twinkle yarn, using a pom-pom maker.

next st); repeat to end. [36 sts]

Tie the pom-poms to the bottom half of the

Rounds 18-24 Dc in each st to the end.

wreath so that it covers and looks even.

[36 sts]

Chubby snowman

Round 25 (Dc2tog, dc in the next four sts); repeat to end. [30 sts]

Starting in White yarn, make a magic ring

Round 26 (Dc2tog, dc in the next three sts);

and work 6dc into the ring. [6 sts]

repeat to end. [24 sts]

Round 1 2dc into each st to the end. [12 sts]

Rnd 27 (Dc2tog, dc in next two sts); repeat

Round 2 (Dc in the frst st, 2dc in the next

to end. [18 sts]

st); repeat to end. [18 sts]

Round 28 (Dc2tog, dc in next st); repeat to

Round 3 (Dc in the frst two sts, 2dc in the

end. [12 sts]

next st); repeat to end. [24 sts] Round 4 (Dc in the frst three sts, 2dc in the

About this yarn

next st); repeat to end. [30 sts] Rounds 5-7 Dc in each st to the end. [30

James C. Brett Top Value DK

sts].

100% acrylic

Mark round 6 with a stitch marker.

290m per 100g

Round 8 (Dc2tog, dc in the next three sts);

Machine wash at 30˚C

repeat to end. [24 sts]

£1.79

Round 9 (Dc2tog, dc in next two sts); repeat

www.deramores.com

to end. [18 sts]

22 L O V E C R O C H E T

Top Tip Buy a air-erasable pen for £1.59 from www.thknitting network.co.uk

Reindeer stocking

Top tip Embroider a name onto the white cuff using leftover red yarn

Helo Rudolph!

Our favourite red-nosed reindeer is the perfect addition to this Christmas stocking

by Liz Ward

LOV E C R O C H E T 31

Reindeer stocking

Yo wil ned ■ Robin Chunky,

2 balls in Red (042) 1 ball each in: White (040), Mink (143) and Latte (142) ■ 5.5mm (US I/9) crochet hook ■ Toy stuffng ■ Wool needle ■ 2 x 18mm black shank buttons ■ Stitch marker

B

y the warmth of the fre, Rudolph’s red nose really glows, signalling that Christmas Day is nearly here! For a magical Christmas Eve, you can’t go wrong with our cute stocking. It has so many things to love – thick, chunky yarn that works up quickly, bright colours and a fun, three-dimensional fnish that will appeal to children and adults alike. Worked mainly in the round using double crochet, this is a project that looks more complicated than it is, so give it a go today!

Measurements

STOCKING

next st); repeat to end. [48 sts]

Starting in White yarn, make a magic ring

Change to Red yarn.

■ 28x55cmcm

and work 6dc into the ring. [6 sts]

Rounds 8-31 Dc in each st to the end. [48 sts]

Tension ■ Tension is not important for this project

Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 90

Round 1 2dc into each st to the end. [12 sts] Round 2 (Dc in the frst st, 2dc in the next

Heel

st); repeat to end. [18 sts]

This is worked back and forth in rows,

Round 3 (Dc in the frst two sts, 2dc in the

rather than working in the round.

next st); repeat to end. [24 sts]

Row 1 Dc in the frst 24 sts. [24 sts]

Round 4 (Dc in the frst three sts, 2dc in the

*Mark the next unworked stitch with a stitch

next st); repeat to end. [30 sts]

marker, this is where you will re-join the yarn

Round 5 (Dc in the frst four sts, 2dc in the

later.

next st); repeat to end. [36 sts]

Rows 2-24 Ch1, turn, dc in each st to the

Round 6 (Dc in the frst fve sts, 2dc in the

end. [24 sts]

next st); repeat to end. [42 sts]

Fasten off. Fold the edges together and sew

Round 7 (Dc in the frst six sts, 2dc in the

to make the back of the heel.

About this yarn Robin Chunky 100% acrylic 140m per 100g Machine wash at 40˚C £1.99 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk

32 L O V E C R O C H E T

This pattern makes a generous stocking for all those presents!

Amigurumi elf Top tip To make this toy suitable for little ones, leave off the bell and embroider the buttons

Sata’s hlper Christmas will be all the merrier with this sweet elf by Ilaria Caliri. Welcome him into your family – he’s perfect for playing Elf on the Shelf!

38 L O V E C R O C H E T

Amigurumi elf

Yo wil ned

■ Rico Essentials Cotton DK 1 ball of each: Red (002) – Yarn A Beige (091) – Yarn B

W

ith his jingle-bell hat and candy-striped legs, this little elf has all the makings of a Christmas favourite, so why not give him a happy new home? You’ll love the little details, including puff stitches on the cuffs, collar and hat, for a touch of squashy texture.

Natural (051) – Yarn C Notes

Round 16 5dc, dc2tog, 10dc, dc2tog, 5dc.

■ DK wool yarn in brown – Yarn E

The pieces worked in the round use the

[22 sts]

■ 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) crochet hook

amigurumi method. Work in a continuous

Round 17 1dc in each dc.

■ Safety eyes (about 6mm diameter)

spiral without closing off the round with a

Round 18 4dc, dc2tog, 10dc, dc2tog, 4dc.

■ 2 small white buttons

ss. It may help to use a stitch marker in

[20 sts]

■ Black cotton thread for mouth

the frst stitch of each round, moving it up

Round 19 (2dc, dc2tog) 5 times. [15 sts]

■ White waxed cord for shoelaces

as you work.

Round 20 (1dc, dc2tog) 5 times. [10 sts]

Nougat (078) – Yarn D

■ Bell for hat

Stuff the Body. Change to Yarn B.

■ Tapestry needle

Body and Head are worked as one piece

Round 21 1dc in each dc.

■ Polyester toy stuffng

starting from the bottom of the Body.

Round 22 (2dc in next st, 4dc) twice.

Legs, Arms, Hat and Booties are sewed to

[12 sts]

the Body.

Round 23 (2dc in next st, 1dc) 6 times.

Measurements ■ 28cm (11in) tall

Tension

[18 sts]

ELF TOY

Round 24 (2dc in next st, 2dc) 6 times.

[24 sts]

Skirt of the coat

Round 25 (2dc in next st, 3dc) 6 times.

With Yarn A, ch31.

[30 sts]

Row 1 (RS) Dc in second ch from hook and

Round 26 (2dc in next st, 4dc) 6 times.

in each ch to end, turn. [30 sts]

[36 sts]

indicated, yrh and pull up loop) 3 times,

Rows 2-10 Ch1 (does not count as st), 1dc

Round 27 (2dc in next st, 5dc) 6 times.

yrh and draw through all loops on hook

in each dc to end, turn. Fasten off.

[42 sts]

■ Tension is not important for this project

Abbreviations ■ Puff stitch (Yrh, insert hook in st

■ 3-tr cluster (Yrh, insert hook in st

Rounds 28-33 1dc in each dc.

indicated, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and

Body and head

Round 34 (5dc, dc2tog) 6 times. [36 sts]

draw through 2 loops) 3 times, inserting

With Yarn A, make a magic loop.

Round 35 (4dc, dc2tog) 6 times. [30 sts]

the hook in the same st each time, yrh

Round 1 (RS) Ch1 (does not count as st),

Round 36 (3dc, dc2tog) 6 times. [24 sts]

and draw through all loops on hook.

6dc into the loop. [6 sts]

Round 37 (2dc, dc2tog) 6 times. [18 sts]

Round 2 2dc in each st around. [12 sts]

Place the eyes between rounds 28 and 29,

and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2

Round 3 (2dc in next st, 1dc) 6 times.

approximately 12 stitches apart.

loops) 3 times, yrh and draw through all

[18 sts]

Stuff the head and continue stuffng as

loops on hook

Round 4 (2dc in next st, 2dc) 6 times.

you go.

[24 sts]

Round 38 (1dc, dc2tog) 6 times. [12 sts]

Round 5 (2dc in next st, 3dc) 6 times.

Round 39 (Dc2tog) 6 times. [6 sts]

[30 sts]

Fasten off.

■ tr3tog (Yrh, insert hook in next stitch, yrh

■ For standard abbreviations see page 90

About this yarn

Rounds 6-11 1dc in each dc.

Round 12 Align the top of the Skirt of the

Hat

Rico Essentials Cotton DK

Coat with the last round of Body and work

With Yarn A, make a magic loop.

100% composition

each st of this round through both layers to

Round 1 (RS) Ch1 (does not count as st),

130m per 50g

join: 1dc in each dc.

4dc into the loop. [4 sts]

Machine wash at 30˚C

Round 13 1dc in each dc.

Round 2 (2dc in next st, 1dc) twice. [6 sts]

£2.99

Round 14 (Dc2tog, 3dc) 6 times. [24 sts]

Round 3 (2dc in next st, 2dc) twice. [8 sts]

www.rico-design.de

Round 15 1dc in each dc.

Round 4 (2dc in next st, 3dc) twice. [10 sts]

L O V E C R O C H E T 39

Snowfake jumper Top tip Try this technique using smaller snowfakes to cover stains or holes!

Let it snow...

Bring new life to an old jumper by embellishing it with Cara Medus’s simple snowfake pattern

44 L O V E C R O C H E T

Snowfake jumper

C

Yo wil ned ■ DROPS Karisma,

1 ball of Off White (01) ■ 4mm (US G/6) crochet hook ■ Sewing needle and thread

Measurements ■ Each motif measures 9x4cm (3½x 1½in) ■ Whole star motif measures approx 20cm (7¾in) square

Tension ■ Tension is not important for this project

hristmas jumpers are gaining in popularity every year, and we see no reason not to join in the fun! Why not craft your very own festive beauty using this fair isle-inspired snowfake, which is made up of eight identical motifs. It will add instant Scandi style to a plain old jumper, and you can get even more creative by using different yarns and colours. Try a glitzy yarn for an eye-catching sparkly effect, or add a little pom-pom to the end of each point for added texture. When you’re sewing the snowfake on, it’s worth taking the time to make sure the eight shapes are evenly spaced for a really neat fnish.

SNOWFLAKE

Note: If you want to line up the motifs

Abbreviations

Motif (make 8)

with the rows in the direction shown in the

■ For standard abbreviations see page 90

Ch10.

image, four motifs will be RS facing and

Row 1 (RS) 2dc in the second ch from the

four motifs will be WS facing. You may want

hook, 6dc, dc2tog over the last 2 ch, turn.

to bear this mind when weaving in the ends,

[9 sts]

to make sure that they are not visible on

Row 2 Ch1 (does not count as st), dc2tog

either side.

over frst 2 sts, 6dc, 2dc in the last st, turn.

About this yarn

[9 sts]

To make up

DROPS Karisma

Row 3 Ch1 (does not count as st), 2dc

Block the motifs into shape. Carefully pin

100% superwash wool

in the frst st, 6dc, dc2tog, turn.

them onto the centre front of your jumper

100m per 50g

Row 4 As Row 2.

using the image as a guide.

Machine wash at 40˚C

Repeat the last 2 rows twice more.

Once you are completely happy with

£2.00

Fasten off and weave in ends.

the positioning, sew the motifs securely

www.woolwarehouse.com

into place using the sewing needle and

01926 882818

matching thread.

Simple steps How to double decrease (DC2tog)

1

2

3

4

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Start by inserting the hook under

Without finishing the first dc,

Now complete both dc stitches

This is how your completed

the top two loops of the next

begin the next dc by inserting

together by working yrh and pull

dc2tog should look. You will have

stitch on the previous row. Begin

the hook in the next stitch on the

this loop through all 3 loops on

neatly decreased one stitch. On

to work a double crochet stitch

previous row. Again, work yrh

the hook.

subsequent rows, you can simply

in the usual way, working yrh and

and pull loop through (3 loops on

work a stitch into the top of the

pull loop through (2 loops on

hook).

dc2tog stitch as usual.

hook).

L O V E C R O C H E T 45

IS NE SU W E! SLIPPER BOOTS

GORGEOUS ANGEL

Love

TEALIGHT DOILIES

MEN'S SCARF & HAT SET

DON’T MISS IT!

Only

£n4clu.d9in9g

Christmas has well and truly i landed in your next issue of p&p Love Crochet! We have a stack of projects perfect for a yuletide with a difference, including an adorable Rudolph stocking, sweet snowman wreath and our just-too-cute cover stars, the lovedup elf duo! We also have great homeware ideas with a poinsettia cushion, and table decorations in the mix. Order your copy today!

AT JUST £4.99 THIS ISSUE INCLUDES: ■ 25 fabulously festive projects ■ Christmas gift ideas galore ■ Easy-to-make decorations Plus! We have all the latest news, kit reviews easy-to-follow step by steps with every project, and pages of gorgeous shopping inspiration to get you in crochet frame of mind!

BEST

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

FO R S M A LL MA K ES

CALL 03330 162 138 and quote ‘Love Crochet November 2017’ ONLINE www.buysubscriptions.com/lovecrochet †Calls from landlines will cost up to 9p per minute. Call charges from mobile phones will cost between 3p and 55p per minute but are included in free call packages. Lines are open 8.00am -6.00pm weekdays and 9.00am – 1pm Saturday for orders only *Free delivery available on UK orders only. Overseas please call +44 (0) 3330 162 138. EUR price £6.99, ROW price £7.99.

All prices include p&p. Please allow up to 14 days for delivery.