THE ONLY YARN & CROCHET MAG PACK! £9.99 | Issue 47
Look!
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YARNS
& METALLIC
HOOK
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EASY PATTERNS TO CROCHET WITH YOUR KIT!
Santa & Pals Crochet-Along
Crochet these cuddly chaps tonight SEASON E V I T S MUST-MAK IDEAS FOR THE FE E
Perky Penguins WE LOVE AMIGURUMI!
Jolly Projects
TO COMPLETE IN AN HOUR
MASTER SIMPLE STITCHES ★ SHOP TOOLS & YARNS ★ LEARN FROM THE BEST
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Use this exclusive yarn kit to begin your E gg festive makes! br
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Your Crochet Bundle
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Everything You Need!
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3.75mm hook
It may only be September, but keen crocheters will already be getting started on their Christmas projects in order to be finished in time! With that in mind, we’ve provided you with an exclusive yarn kit with this issue, including classic shades of red, green, yellow and white, plus a few additional brights for making our wintry projects overleaf. And if you run out, simply visit the address below to order more.
Love
YOUR CROCHET KIT? GRAB YOURSELF AN EXTRA ONE AT
MAKEITTODAY.CO.UK/MIT47 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! GETTING STARTED
Having problems with learning or improving your crochet? The detailed step photos in Crochet for the Absolute Beginner by Pauline Turner has successfully helped many people, making this book one of Search Press’ bestsellers. What’s more, it’s packed with fabulous patterns for bags, full-length Aran-style coats, colourful throws and much more! £10.99, searchpress.com
Feeling Cosy
Give your home a shot of Mid-Century chic with this retro Little Potted Plant Crochet Cozy pattern from Lily Sugar ‘n Cream! Worked in the round with simple increases, single and double crochet, chain stitch and fringe work, it’s easy to make and looks stunning. Find the yarns at woolwarehouse. co.uk, and the free pattern at yarnspirations.com
Doing Good Hello Sweetie
King Cole has launched a gorgeous new pom-pom yarn, Jelly Bean, which is ultra soft and very warm! Available in six lovely shades, including Sky Blue and Pink Fizz, it’s ideal for projects such as this pretty cot blanket pattern (available to King Cole’s online members). Visit kingcole.com for stockists.
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The UK Hand Knitting Association has launched this year’s Commit To Knit campaign, asking all crocheters and knitters to make at least one item for charity in September. “This year, we want yarn shops to host Commit To Knit days in store, and we have downloadable packs for those wanting to take part,” explains Annabelle Hill, Chair of UK Hand Knitting’s Promotions Committee. For more details, visit ukhandknitting.com
Beginner
THIS CUTE COUPLE ARE READY TO PULL SANTA’S SLEIGH
Rockin’ Reindeer Delight little ones with these classic Christmas characters
Essential Kit
YARN: Gingerbread, Holly, Sugarplum, Ivy, Candy, Eggnog Crochet hook, 3.75mm From your Crochet Club kit PLUS: Black beads, 6mm Thread: black cotton, all-purpose sewing Gold bells, 1cm Safety toy stuffing Needle: chenille/tapestry
Meet Zip and Flash, two new recruits who are eager to join Santa’s team! Sachiyo Ishii’s sweet little reindeer make good use of your exclusive yarn kit and would be delightful gifts or decorations. The body and legs are crocheted as one piece, while the antlers are made up of three sections. Both reindeer have bells tied round their necks, although you could replace these with simple scarves if preferred.
USE YOUR YARN KIT
Note: This pattern is worked in joined rnds, join with a sl st to first dc after each rnd. Beg 1ch does not count as a st throughout
REINDEER HEAD
RR Using 3.75mm hook and Gingerbread make a magic ring, work 6dc into ring, sl st in first dc. Six sts RR Rnd 1: 1ch, 2dc in each st to end. 12 sts RR Rnd 2: 1ch, (1dc, 2dc in next st) six times. 18 sts RR Rnd 3: 1ch, (2dc, 2dc in next st) six times. 24 sts RR Rnd 4: 1ch, 1dc in each st to end RR Rnd 5: 1ch, (3dc, 2dc in next st) six times. 30 sts RR Rnd 6: Rep Rnd 4 RR Rnd 7: 1ch, (4dc, 2dc in next st) six times. 36 sts 12
RR Rnds 8-13: Rep Rnd 4 RR Rnd 14: 1ch, (4dc, dc2tog) six times. 30 sts RR Rnd 15: 1ch, (3dc, dc2tog) six times. 24 sts RR Rnd 16: 1ch, (2dc, dc2tog) six times. 18 sts RR Rnd 17: 1ch, (1dc, dc2tog) six times. 12 sts RR Stuff RR Rnd 18: 1ch, (dc2tog) six times. Six sts RR Fasten off
MUZZLE RR Using 3.75mm hook and Gingerbread make a magic ring, work 5dc into ring, sl st in first dc. Five sts RR Rnd 1: 1ch, 2dc in each st to end. Ten sts RR Rnd 2: 1ch, (1dc, 2dc in next st) five times. 15 sts RR Rnd 3: 1ch, (2dc, 2dc in next st)
five times. 20 sts RR Rnd 4: 1ch, 1dc in each st around RR Fasten off
EAR Make two RR Using 3.75mm hook and Gingerbread make 5ch RR Row 1: starting in second ch from hook, 1dc in each st to end, turn. Four sts RR Rows 2-4: 1ch, 1dc in each st to end, turn RR Row 5: 1ch, (dc2tog) twice, turn. Two sts RR Row 6: 1ch, miss first st, 1dc in last st RR Fasten off
NOSE RR Using 3.75mm hook and Holly make a magic ring, work 6dc into ring, sl st in first dc. Six sts
topcrochetpatterns.com
RR Rnd 1: 1ch, 1dc in each st to end RR Fasten off
RIGHT LEG RR Using 3.75mm hook and Sugarplum make a magic ring, work 6dc into ring, sl st in first dc. Six sts RR Rnd 1: 1ch, 2dc in each st to end. 12 sts RR Rnds 2-3: 1ch, 1dc in each st to end RR Change to Gingerbread RR Rnds 4-5: Rep Rnds 2-3 RR Fasten off
LEFT LEG/BODY RR Work as for right leg. Do not fasten off RR Continue to Body RR Rnd 7: 1ch, 1dc in each st to end, 1dc in each st of Right Leg to end, sl st in first dc. 24 sts RR Rnd 8: 1ch, (3dc, 2dc in next st)
HEAD TO TOPCROCHET PATTERNS.COM FOR TONS OF FREE PROJECTS
PROJECT DESIGNER
Kate McCully
topcrochetpatterns.com
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inspiration Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran, Dusty Rose, £2.50 for 50g (85m), lovecrafts.com. Pastel perfect, this sweet lilac yarn is a great option to create amigurumi characters and childrens clothes as it’ll be gentle on young skin.
Deramores Anti-Piling DK, Heather and Wine, £1.79 for 100g (250m), deramores.com. A subtle shade of purple, this yarn from Deramores is a stash must-have. The anti-piling technology combined with its durability makes it ideal to use on just about any pattern for excellent results.
Rowan Cotton Glacé, Heather, £5.29 for 50g (115m), woolwarehouse.co.uk. For a high-quality yarn that you’ll be swooning over, be sure to pick up this mercised cotton from Rowan. There’s 25 shades to pick from and it’s definitely a range to add to your collection for exciting colour combinations.
GRAPE CRUSH
Get cosy with warm-toned burgundy yarns, reminiscent of fruity red wine and crisp autumn leaves that will inspire you to make snug creations Wool Couture Epic Extreme, Wild Berry, £10.00 for 250g, woolcouture company.com. If you want to turn your hand to chunky knitting or crochet, then this is the yarn for you! Unspun to make large blankets, scarves and rugs, this yarn certainly makes pieces with wow-factor. Rowan Alpaca Soft, Autumn Purple, Tea and Enchanted, £6.95 for 50g (125m), johnlewis.com. Spun from merino and alpaca wool, this yarn works beautifully for creating clothing and winter accessories, thanks to the natural fibres which make it extremely soft and durable. Combine all three colours for a purple gradient effect. 18
Wool Couture Cotton Tape Yarn, Damson, £8.50 for 250g (130m), woolcouturecompany.com. Made from recycled t-shirts, this cotton tape yarn is a wonderful option for those who want to make projects whilst reducing your impact on the environment. Upscale your crochet toys with this for plushies that are still soft and durable. topcrochetpatterns.com
Stylecraft Batik Swirl, Stargazer, £8.99 for 200g (550m), blacksheepwools. com. The transitions between the shades in this colourful yarn make wonderful gradients and colour changes effortless. Use it for blankets, shawls or clothing to make the most of the grape-themed colours incorporated throughout.
Rowan Cotton Cashmere, Vintage Claret, £8.49 for 50g (125m), woolwarehouse. co.uk. Comprised of cotton and cashmere, this yarn gives a luxury feel to your makes with ease and simplicity. Choose from 18 shades in the range for co-ordinating yarns with smooth colour changes.
Beginner
h e t h k alls with a jolly c e D PA RT
one
Crochet-Along Santa Claus
Essential Kit
YARN: Holly x 2, Candy, Mistletoe, Gingerbread, Ivy, Eggnog Crochet hook, 3.75mm From your Crochet Club kit PLUS: Stitch markers Yarn needle Toy stuffing Safety eyes SIZE: 24cm tall
Ho ho ho, it’s certainly good to see this face again. Possibly, the most popular character throughout the festive season, this jolly guy is ready to become a permanent fixture in your home over the coming months – oh, and he’s got a few pals to add along the way! Using this month’s Crochet Club kit, it’s time to step into Christmas and get started on the first part of your festive crochet-along. 30 sts RR Rnd 21: (3dc, dc2tog) to end. 24 sts RR Rnd 22: (2dc, dc2tog) to end. 18 sts RR Stuff as you go RR Rnd 23: (1dc, dc2tog) to end. 12 sts RR Rnd 24: (dc2tog) to end. Six sts RR Fasten off and sew up remaining six sts
PROJECT DESIGNER
Heather Gibbs
USE YOUR YARN KIT
HAT
SANTA CLAUS
HEAD
end. 36 sts RR Rnds 6-15: 1dc in each st to end RR Rnd 16: (4dc, dc2tog) to end. 30 sts RR Rnd 17: (3dc, dc2tog) to end. 24 sts RR Rnd 18: (2dc, dc2tog) to end. 18 sts RR Add eyes between Rnds 11-12, six sts apart RR Stuff Head RR Fasten off
RR Using 3.75mm hook and Candy 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 next st) to end. 18 sts RR Rnd 3: (2dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 24 sts RR Rnd 4: (3dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 30 sts RR Rnd 5: (4dc, 2dc in next st) to
RR Using 3.75mm hook and Holly work as Rnds 1-5 of Head. 36 sts RR Rnds 6-11: 1dc in each st to end RR Rnd 12: (5dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 42 sts RR Rnds 13-18: 1dc in each st to end RR Rnd 19: (5dc, dc2tog) to end. 36 sts RR Rnd 20: (4dc, dc2tog) to end.
NOSE SPECIAL ABBREVIATION: Make Bobble (MB): * yoh, insert hook in st, yoh, pull through loop, rep from * three times more in same st, yoh, pull through all loops on hook NOTES: Many sections are worked without joining in continuous rnds (unless specified) - place the stitch marker in the top of the first st to mark start of rnd
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RR Using 3.75mm hook and Candy make a magic ring, work 8dc into ring. Eight sts RR Rnd 1: 1dc in each st to end RR Rnd 2: (2dc, dc2tog) to end. Six sts RR Stuff RR Fasten off
BODY
topcrochetpatterns.com
RR Using 3.75mm hook and Holly make a magic ring, work 6dc into ring. Six sts RR Rnd 1 and every foll oddnumbered rnd to Rnd 17: 1dc in each st to end RR Rnd 2: (1dc, 2dc in next st) to end. Nine sts RR Rnd 4: (2dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 12 sts RR Rnd 6: (3dc, 2dc in next st ) to end. 15 sts RR Rnd 8: (4dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 18 sts RR Rnd 10: (5dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 21 sts RR Rnd 12: (6dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 24 sts RR Rnd 14: (7dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 27 sts RR Rnd 16: (8dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 30 sts RR Rnd 18: (9dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 33 sts RR Rnd 19: 1dc in each st to end RR Fasten off Holly and weave in ends RR Attach Mistletoe with a sl st to the top of any st RR Rnd 20: (10dc, 2dc in next st) to
Beginner
PROJECT DESIGNER
Sachiyo Ishii
GRAB YOUR HOOK AND YARNS TO MAKE...
Magical Snowmen These cuddly characters will be around all year long It’s so much fun to make a snowman, but heartbreaking to say goodbye when the sun melts him away. Happily, Sachiyo Ishii’s friendly couple won’t be going anywhere, crocheted from your exclusive festive yarns! Each has a matching hat and scarf in the Holly and Ivy shades, or you could use colours from your stash to create your own unique snowman.
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Relax & Read
FROM
CHUNKY
TO
PROJE CT BY SARA H SHRIM PTON
FUNKY
Supersize your crochet with the ultimate in thick, soft yarns! WORDS BY MELISSA HYLAND
topcrochetpatterns.com
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HEAD TO TOPCROCHET PATTERNS.COM FOR TONS OF FREE PROJECTS
PROJECT DESIGNER
Lucinda Ganderton
sew the loop to the centre back seam, just below the top edge.
STRIPY STOCKING RR Rnds 1-6: work as above, without fastening off Mistletoe after Row 5, fasten off Holly RR Rnd 7: as Rnd 6, using Mistletoe RR Change to Ivy RR Rnd 8: As Rnd 6, fasten off Ivy RR Rnd 9: as Rnd 7 RR Change to Sugarplum RR Rnd 10: As Rnd 6, fasten off Sugarplum
RR Rnd 11: as Rnd 7 RR Change to Eggnog RR Rnd 12: As Rnd 6, fasten off Eggnog RR Rnd 13: as Rnd 7, fasten off Mistletoe RR Change to Holly RR Rnd 14: As Rnd 6, fasten off Holly RR Work Heel as above RR Rnd 15: Join Ivy to top of seam. 1ch, pick up 1dc at the side of next 6dcs, 1dc in each of next 12dc, pick up 1dc in the side of next 6dcs, join with sl st in
first dc RR Rnd 14-16: 1ch, (1dc in next dc) 24 times, join with sl st in first dc, fasten off Ivy RR Change to Mistletoe RR Rnd 17: as Rnd 14 RR Change to Sugarplum RR Rnds 16-18: as Rnd 14, fasten off Sugarplum RR Change to Mistletoe RR Rnd 19: as Rnd 14 RR Change to Eggnog RR Rnds 20-23: as Rnd 14, fasten off Eggnog RR Change to Mistletoe
topcrochetpatterns.com
RR Rnd 24: as Rnd 14 RR Change to Holly RR Rnds 25-27: as Rnd 14, fasten off Holly RR Change to Mistletoe RR Rnd 28: as Rnd 14 RR Change to Ivy RR Rnds 25-27: as Rnd 14, fasten off Ivy RR Change to Mistletoe RR Rnd 28: as Rnd 14, fasten off and darn in ends RR Work Loop as before
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Beginner
Essential Kit
YARN: Holly, Mistletoe Crochet hook, 3.75mm From your Crochet Club kit PLUS: Tapestry needle SIZE: Large 6-Point Star: approx 10cm
HAVE YOURSELF A FOLKY LITTLE CHRISTMAS
Scandi Stars
Trim the tree with these pretty decorations Kate McCully’s star decorations look lovely, and are so simple to make, you’ll be able to whip together a collection of them in no time! Work them up using the Holly and Mistletoe shades in your kit for a traditional Scandi look. Alternatively, these would work just as well in any colourway you like!
USE YOUR YARN KIT
PROJECT DESIGNER LARGE 6-POINT STAR
Kate McCully
RR Using 3.75mm hook and Holly make 6ch, join with a sl st in first ch RR Rnd 1: 18tr in ring, fasten off RR Join Mistletoe to any st RR Rnd 2: 3ch, 2tr, 2ch, (3tr, 2ch) five times, join with sl st to third ch. Fasten off RR Join Holly to any 2ch sp RR Rnd 3: (7ch, sl st into next 2ch sp) six times RR Rnd 4: * (1dc, 1htr, 1tr, 1dtr, 1ch, 1dtr, 1tr, 1htr, 1dc) in next 7ch sp, sl st into sl st from previous rnd. Rep from * five more times. Fasten off RR Join Mistletoe to any 1ch sp RR Rnd 5: (1ch, 1dc) into same 1ch sp, 4dc, sl st, 4dc, *(2dc, 1ch, 2dc) in next 1ch sp, 4dc, sl st, 4dc. Rep from * four more times, 2dc in next 1ch space, 1ch, sl st to first ch, 40ch, sl st into first ch to create the loop RR Fasten off and weave in ends
Top Tip: To create a
garland, start by making a chain, then slip stitch into one of the points of each star at even intervals
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Beginner
FEELING PECKISH?
Sandwich Pouches Bring your lunch to work in these pretty, eco-friendly carriers
With growing calls to reduce the amount of single-use plastic, Corinne Bradd has come up with another crafty solution. Instead of buying your sandwiches, why not make your own and transport them in one of these colourful pouches? Crocheted from cotton DK in the classic granny square style, they are lined with waxed fabric or oilcloth, so they’re easy to clean too!
Essential Kit YARN: Yarn, cotton DK, assorted colours Crochet hook, 4mm PLUS: Waxed cotton or oilcloth fabric Hook and loop fastener Sewing machine, Janome 230DC SIZE: Sandwich Pouches: approx 13cm square
SANDWICH POUCH FRONT
RR Using 4mm hook and cotton DK of choice make 4ch, join with sl st into a ring, 1ch, 8dc into ring, join with sl st RR Rnd 1: 3ch (counts as 1tr), 1tr into first st, (2tr into next st) seven times, join with a sl st to third of 3ch. 16 sts RR Rnd 2: 2ch (counts as 1dc, 1ch), (1dc in next st, 1ch) fifteen times, join with a sl st to first of 2ch RR Rnd 3: 3ch (counts as 1tr), (1tr, 1ch) into first ch sp, (2tr, 1ch) into next ch sp fifteen times, join with a sl st to third of 3ch. 32 sts RR Rnd 4: 3ch (counts as 1tr), (1tr, 1ch) into first st, (2tr, 1ch) in next st, miss a st, * (2tr, 1ch) in next two sts, miss a st, rep from * nine times, join with a sl st to
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third of 3ch. 44 sts RR Rnd 5: (1dc, 3ch) into the first st of each pair of trs, join with a sl st RR Rnd 6: 3ch (counts as 1tr), 3tr into first 3ch sp, 4tr into each 3ch sp to end, join with a sl st to third of 3ch RR Rnd 7: 1ch (counts as 1dc), 1dc in next st, * 2htr, 2tr, 2dtr, 3ch, 2dtr, 2tr, 2htr, 10dc. Rep from * to end and join with a sl st RR Rnd 8: 1dc in each st, 4dc in each corner chsp, join with a sl
st, fasten off and block into a perfect square
BACK RR Using 4mm hook and cotton DK of choice make 4ch, join with sl st into a ring, 1ch, 8dc into ring, join with sl st RR Rnd 1: 3ch, 2tr (counts as 3tr) into first st, (miss a st, 2ch, 3tr) three times, 2ch, join with sl st to third of 3ch RR Rnd 2: 3ch, 2tr (counts as 3tr) backwards into the corner sp. *
topcrochetpatterns.com
1ch, 3tr, 2ch, 3tr into next corner sp, rep from * to last corner, 1ch, 3tr, 2ch and join to first set of tr with sl st RR Rnd 3: 3ch, 2tr (counts as 3tr) backwards into the corner sp. * 1ch, 3tr into next ch sp, 1ch, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) into next corner sp, rep from * to last corner, 1ch, 3tr, 2ch and join to first set of tr with sl st RR Rnd 4: 3ch, 2tr (counts as 3tr) backwards into the corner sp. * (1ch, 3tr into next ch sp) twice,