Make It Today Crochet Club issue 45

EAS Y PA TTERN S TO MAKE WITH YOUR KIT

100+ NEW tricks & ideas

FOR CROCHET LOVERS!

Relax & Unwind

r! e v E s T he Best Toy kit

BUDDY UP AND JOIN A CROCHET-ALONG

with your

CROCHET SOS

TOP TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS

sunburst

Granny Square Blanket

ROCHET WITH US! C D N COME ON IN A £9.99 | Issue 45

k o o H + le d n u B n r a Y K D Just for You!

Master Classic Stitches:

RUFFLE EDGING ★ BOBBLE STITCH ★ IRISH LACE CROCHET

S tart Creating Now!

Your Crochet Bundle

Lagoon

Use these tropical yarns for our latest makes Your exclusive yarn kit in this issue of Crochet Club is inspired by sunnier climes – think palm trees, warm blue waters, and vibrant birds and flowers. These bright colours have motivated our designers to create some lovely summer projects, including butterflies, sea creatures and a sweet red panda – turn the page to find our exclusive patterns! If you want to add more of these yarns to your stash, you can order extra kits from the address below.

s Hibiscu

Papaya

Orc hid

4mm hook C an

ar

y

Flamingo

Lagoon

Palm

Love

YOUR CROCHET KIT? GRAB YOURSELF AN EXTRA ONE AT

MAKEITTODAY.CO.UK/MIT45 Priced £6.99 plus £3.99 postage

Be inspired by our creations and start crocheting today! topcrochetpatterns.com

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Hooked GET

Check out our favourite crochet and needlecraft treats!

Flower Show

Keep your secateurs, twine, trowel and other essentials handy in this wonderfully durable Garden Tote bag from Lily Sugar ‘N Cream. With six spacious pockets and a large main compartment, it’s the perfect gift for any gardener! Find the yarns and free pattern download at yarnspirations.com

Hands On

Mark 13th to 15th September in your diaries, when the Handmade Festival returns to Hampton Court Palace for its sixth year.

Expect hands-on craft workshops, shopping, delicious artisan food, and star guests such as Liz Earle and Kirstie Allsopp. To book tickets, visit thehandmadefestival.com

Al Fresco Into The Woods

We love Stitch & Story’s new collection, Enchanted Woodlands, featuring three baby hat knitting and crochet kits – a bunny, deer and bear! They contain everything you need, including exclusive merino wool yarns, bamboo needles and hooks, and easy-to-follow patterns. £32 each, stitchandstory.com

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topcrochetpatterns.com

Keep track of your stitches with this adorable Summer Picnic marker set!

Handmade from polymer clay, these delightful charms include a mini jug of Pimms, Scotch egg, sandwich and an apple – the perfect meal out! £25, kopouk.etsy.com

HEAD TO TOPCROCHET PATTERNS.COM FOR TONS OF FREE PROJECTS

RR Rnd 6: (5dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 42 sts RR Rnds 7-10: 1dc in each st to end RR Change to Flamingo RR Rnd 11: (5dc, dc2tog) to end.

36 sts RR Rnd 12: 1dc in each st to end RR Rnd 13: (4dc, dc2tog) to end.

30 sts RR Rnds 14-15: 1dc in each st to end RR Rnd 16: (3dc, dc2tog) to end.

24 sts RR Rnds 17-19: 1dc in each st to end RR Rnd 20: (2dc, dc2tog) to end.

18 sts RR Rnds 21-22: 1dc in each st to end RR Stuff RR Fasten off, leaving a tail

TAIL RR Using 4mm hook and Black make a magic ring, work 6dc into ring. Six sts RR Rnd 1: 2dc in each st to end.

12 sts RR Rnd 2: (1dc, 2dc in each st to end). 18 sts RR Rnds 3-4: 1dc in each st to end RR Rnd 5: (1dc, dc2tog) to end.

12 sts RR Change to Flamingo RR Rnds 6: 1dc in each st to end RR Rnd 7: (2dc, dc2tog) to end.

Nine sts RR Rnd 8: 1dc in each st to end RR Change to Papaya RR Rnds 9-10: 1dc in each st to end RR Change to Flamingo RR Rnds 11-13: 1dc in each st to end RR Change to Papaya RR Rnds 14-15: 1dc in each st to end RR Change to Flamingo RR Rnds 16-18: 1dc in each st to end RR Rnds 19-20: 1dc in each st to end RR Fasten off, leaving a tail

TO MAKE UP Sew Ears on top of Head. Sew Head onto Body. Sew Arms, Legs and Tail to Body. Use a small amount of white to embroider a st at the side of Eyes

Top Tip: When changing

colours or working in stripes, carry each colour while you work so you don’t have re-join the yarn each time

topcrochetpatterns.com

PROJECT DESIGNER

Sarah Louise Read

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Great Escapes Where will your crochet adventures take you this summer?

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Whether you’re spending the upcoming months abroad or basking in the Great British sunshine, be sure to have a crochet hook and yarn with you at all times. Our wishlist this month consists of travelsized goodies that are the perfect fit for your handbag and something to rely on in times of need, when you may require a little pampering or perhaps a spot of crafting!

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1 World Map Luggage Tag, £3.95, rexlondon.com 2 DMC Vert Crochet Storage Tube, £5, hobbycraft.co.uk 3 Gorgias Transformation Complete Night Repair Facial Oil, £44.95, gorgiaslondon.com 4 SEAMS Hand Cream, £14, seamsbeauty.co.uk 5 Tropical Palm Travel Atomiser, £4.95, rexlondon.com 6 KnitPro Symfonie Double Ended Crochet Hook, from £5.85, loveknitting.com 7 Travel Wooden Embellishments, £2 for 45, hobbycraft.co.uk 8 Rose Mist Facial Spray, £6, beautynaturals.com 9 Paintbox Yarns Simply DK Mini Ball 75p per 10g (28m) each, loveknitting.com 10 Let The Adventure Begin Travel Journal, £7, hobbycraft.co.uk 11 French Style String Shopping Bag, £4.95, rexlondon.com

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HEAD TO TOPCROCHET PATTERNS.COM FOR TONS OF FREE PROJECTS

PROJECT DESIGNER

Sachiyo Ishii

RR Rnd 8: insert hook into first st of Left leg, 1ch, 1dc in each st of Left Leg, insert hook in first st of Right Leg, 1dc in each st of Right Leg, sl st to join rnd. 30 sts RR Rnds 9-12: 1ch, 1dc in each st to end RR Rnd 13: 1ch, (3dc, dc2tog) six times. 24 sts RR Rnd 14: 1ch, 1dc in each st RR Rnd 15: 1ch, (2dc, dc2tog) six times. 18 sts RR Rnd 16: 1ch, (1dc, dc2tog) six times. 12 sts RR Fasten off

ARM Make two RR Using 4mm hook and Papaya make a magic ring, work 6dc into ring, join. Six sts RR Rnd 1: 1ch, (2dc in each st) six times. 12 sts RR Rnd 2: 1ch, 1dc in each st to end RR Change to Canary RR Rnds 3-5: 1ch, 1dc in each st to end RR Rnd 6: 1ch, (4dc, dc2tog) twice.

Ten sts RR Rnd 7: 1ch, 1dc in each st to end RR Fasten off

TAIL RR Worked in rows RR Using 4mm hook and Canary make 11ch RR Row 1: starting in second ch from hook, 1dc in each ch, turn.

Ten sts RR Rows 2-3: 1ch, 1dc in each st RR Fasten off

TO MAKE UP Weave through fastened-off edge of Head. Insert stuffing in each Muzzle piece and sew to face. Sew Nose and Ears without stuffing.

Sew on beads for eyes. Embroider French knots on Muzzle with Dark Brown. Stuff Body. Stuff Arms and sew to Body. Sew Head to Body.

Wind Papaya around two fingers six times and tie one side firmly.

Wrap the tied end with Tail piece, secure tassel with a few stitches and sew long edges together. Sew Tail to Body topcrochetpatterns.com

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CLE

Here’s a noughts and crosses board I made using solid granny squares after seeing the design in Let’s Get Crafting: Knitting and Crochet. I decided to make it last year for my sister-in-law, as she is a primary school teacher, to use in lessons.

I am currently working on a couple of blankets and will be starting on teacher gifts for my youngest child’s school next.

Lisa Abbott, via Facebook

C

IR

lat es tm ake s, pi cs and news

Game Time

SOCIAL

r u o y l al e ar The h s perfect place to

Crafted Cookies

One third of this jammie dodger is finished, though I’m pretty sure I have too many stitches somewhere… I’m getting the hang of the basic techniques at least!

Jackalopsy, via Twitter

Star letter Friendship Blanket

This month’s Star Letter prize will receive a six month subscription to Appleyard Flowers, to adorn your home.

Their expert team of florists choose the freshest, seasonal stems for a stunning collection delivered straight to your door. appleyardflowers.com

I formed the Woolly Wellbeing group in St Helens for knitters and crocheters who have mental or physical health needs, carers, those stressed out with work or are isolated, and form friendships using knitting and crochet as a starting point, a common interest. As a wellbeing group, I felt a group activity was important to help form friendships and get everyone talking to each other. Most of these activities have been for local causes, such as scarves for the homeless and dementia teddies for a local hospital. The friendship blanket has been made by 12 people and will be used as decoration, so we can enjoy it as a group and mark how far the members have come.

Send us a message on We have all made squares and will work Facebook @makeittodaymag together to join them. Friendship really does and let us know all about it! describe what everyone gets out of the group.

Are you part of a crochet club?

Sally Coomber, via Twitter

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topcrochetpatterns.com

Worth

£144

Bernat Baby Blanket in Baby Teal, £9.99 for 300g (201m), woolwarehouse.co.uk Make the softest throws to snuggle into for the autumn and winter using a beautiful teal shade. It’s also great for baby bootees, hats or mittens for a super soft winter accessory set

Wool Couture Cheeky Chunky Yarn in Duck Egg, £11.99 for 200g (130m), woolcouturecompany.com Made using 100% merino wool, this yarn is gentle on sensitive skin. It also helps to regulate your body temperature, thanks to being a naturally active fibre Wool Couture Cheeky Chunky Yarn in Aqua, £11.99 for 200g (130m), woolcouturecompany.com Beautifully light and bright, this is a must-have colour for any yarn collection. Make chunky accessories quickly with Wool Couture’s all-natural skeins

Sea Breeze

This gorgeous selection of yarns will have you reminiscing of days by sea, to complement any marine-themed makes Bernat Softee Baby in Aqua, £5.49 for 100g (331m), woolwarehouse.co.uk Perfect for all projects being made for little ones, the smooth texture is soft on skin and its durability makes it wonderful for all kinds of creations

Stitch & Story The Chunky Wool in Deep Sea Blue, £8.95 for 100g (65m), stitchandstory.com Incorporate the perfect darker shade of blue into your projects with this vivid yarn, which is a must-have for larger projects

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Deramores Studio DK in Blue Haze, £1.99 for 100g (250m), deramores.com An essential for any yarn collection, this calming hue of blue is greatly versatile thanks to being made from 100% acrylic and makes wonderful crochet toys, garments or accessories

topcrochetpatterns.com

Tu r n t o page 6 1

TO W IN the m all!

Stitch & Story The Chunky Wool in Powder Blue, £8.95 for 100g (65m), stitchandstory.com Knit yourself a gorgeous pastel shawl or blanket for cooler summer evenings with this delightfully soft and sustainable merino wool

Deramores Studio Chunky in Cornflower, £2.29 for 100g (80m), deramores.com Add this beautiful shade into makes for a pop of subtle colour or create a durable standalone piece that will be soft enough for baby’s skin but strong enough for many a playtime

HEAD TO TOPCROCHET PATTERNS.COM FOR TONS OF FREE PROJECTS

RR Row 25: 1ch, miss first st, 3dc, miss st, 1dc. Four sts RR Working around the whole piece evenly, 1dc in each st RR Fasten off, weave in ends

Top Tip: When

working in the round, use a stitch marker so you know the starting st of each round

BAG STRAP RR Using 4mm hook and Hibiscus, make 41ch RR Row 1: 1dc in second ch from hook, 1dc in each st to end.

40 sts RR Fasten off

FLOWER MIDDLE Make two RR Using 4mm hook and Canary make a magic ring, work 6dc into ring. Six sts RR Rnd 1: 2dc in each st to end.

12 sts RR Rnd 2: working BLO, 1dc in each st to end RR Rnds 3-6: 1dc in each st to end RR Fasten off, weave in ends

FLOWER PETAL Make two RR Using 4mm hook and Papaya, attach to first st of FLO of Rnd 2 of Flower Middle RR Rnd 1: 3ch, (tr-picot st-2tr) in same st, **sl st in next st, (2tr-picot st-2tr) in next st,**.

Rep from ** to ** around, sl st in top of 3ch RR Fasten off and weave in ends

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he c o

t k n ow-h

o w

Make two RR Using 4mm hook and Palm, make a magic ring, work 6dc into ring. Six sts RR Rnds 1-20: 1dc into each st to end. Six sts RR Fasten off

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FLOWER STALK

TO MAKE UP Place Haircap onto Head and sew. Position Ears on top of Head and sew. Sew Head onto Body and Arms to each side of Body. To make Bag, fold the sides, leaving the flap; this will fold over to front of Bag. Sew the sides. Sew each end of Strap to sides of Bag. Sew Flower Stalks to back of Flowers.

Using White, embroider a st at the side of the eyes and add blusher to cheeks

BOBBLE STITCH yoh, insert hook into next st, yoh, pull through st, yoh, pull through first two loops, yoh, insert hook into same st, yoh, pull through st, yoh, pull through first two loops, yoh, insert hook into same st, yoh, pull through st, yoh, pull through all loops on hook topcrochetpatterns.com

PROJECT DESIGNER

Sarah Louise Read 21

Relax & Read

Let’s

Together!

Discover how crochet-alongs make your favourite craft even more fun WORDS BY MELISSA HYLAND

topcrochetpatterns.com

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HEAD TO TOPCROCHET PATTERNS.COM FOR TONS OF FREE PROJECTS

“If you’d prefer your butterflies to be very flat, they can be ironed, as long as you use a protective cloth in between” SACHIYO ISHII, DESIGNER

topcrochetpatterns.com

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HEAD TO TOPCROCHET PATTERNS.COM FOR TONS OF FREE PROJECTS

PROJECT DESIGNER

Laura Strutt

RR Rnds 2-3: 1dc in each st, working 1dc, 2ch, 1dc in each corner. Work on front of cushion only along the opening RR Rnd 4: change to Lagoon, 1dc in each st, working 1dc, 2ch, 1dc in each corner. Work on front of cushion only on opening RR Rnd 5: sl st, miss st, 4tr in next

st, miss st, rep from * to end at corners, work 8tr in corner st RR Fasten off RR Secure buttons to the back of the front panel in line with holes on granny square final round on the back panel. Insert cushion pad and fasten buttons to finish

Top Tip:

You might find it quicker to work in a production line style for the sunburst blocks, making the centres first, then adding the remaining sections before joining all together.

topcrochetpatterns.com

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