Crochet Workshop

£16.99 Paperback 978 184949 107 5 144pp 280 x 216mm Approx. 25,000 words including 20 projects Over 50 colour photographs and 50 artworks Publication April 2012

Quadrille Publishing Ltd Alhambra House 27–31 Charing Cross Road London WC2H 0LS www.quadrille.co.uk

learn how to crochet with 20 inspiring projects

Erika Knight

Crochet Workshop is a progressive teach-

yourself-to-crochet book for the novice. Under Erika Knight’s guidance even those who have never held a crochet hook before will soon be making undeniably gorgeous projects while learning new techniques to add to their skill set. Each of the 20 projects teaches you a new stitch, technique or trick, building upon and consolidating everything learnt through the preceding projects.

Introduction 6 Materials & Techniques 8 Stitch Library 48 Project Workshops 60 Basics & Textures Dishcloth 62 Stripe Cushions 64 Laptop Cover 68 Texture Throw 72 Clutch Bag 76 Mittens 80 Slippers 84 Clusters & Motifs Snood 88 Triangular Scarf 92 Table Mats 96 Round Rug 100 Pet Bed 104 Daisychain Necklace 108 Brooches and Buttons 112 Granny Square Blanket 116 Motif Throw 120 Bolster Cushion 124 Beading & Freeform Beaded Bird Charm 134 Starfish Tablecloth 132 Motif Edge-to-Edge Cardigan 138 Yarn stockists 142 Acknowledgements 144

4

running foot

Making the utmost of the unique fabrics that the various crochet stitches can produce, Erika takes you through the firm, dense textures of double and treble crochet – so well suited to making bags, purses and other homewares – and then moves on to the more intricate, delicate lace stitches – perfect for heirloom shawls and antique-style cushions.

Crochet Workshop showcases the incredible variety of finishes that different crochet techniques can produce. As you would expect from Erika, the collection of projects includes the most desirable cushions and throws in her elegant palette of neutrals with the odd accent colour here and there.

Working in the round – as opposed to in straight rows – is clearly explained and creates a sumptuous circular bolster cushion. Freeform or random crochet takes the craft on to a whole other level and projects like the edge-to-edge cardigan will provide a new challenge for all creative crocheters.

Following the format of Erika’s Simple Knitting, Crochet Workshop includes an introductory chapter of basic techniques followed by a Stitch Library that documents her personal selection of the best crochet stitches. The Project Workshops chapter follows on from there, providing all the information needed to make the designs, backed up with additional techniques information wherever necessary.

With exquisite photography by Yuki Sugiura, supported by clear charts and artworks, Erika Knight has created the ultimate learn-to-crochet book.

Erika Knight is a respected knitwear designer,

as well as a sought-after fashion and crafts consultant. Crochet Workshop is Erika’s fourteenth book to be published by Quadrille. Her previous titles include New Knits, Men’s Knits, Natural Nursery Knits and most recently Simple Knitting and Keep Calm and Cast On. In an exciting development for 2011, Erika is launching her own capsule collection of high-quality yarns. As you would expect from this talented designer, the texture and colour of these yarns are truly special. running foot

5

Crochet Workshop is a progressive teach-

yourself-to-crochet book for the novice. Under Erika Knight’s guidance even those who have never held a crochet hook before will soon be making undeniably gorgeous projects while learning new techniques to add to their skill set. Each of the 20 projects teaches you a new stitch, technique or trick, building upon and consolidating everything learnt through the preceding projects.

Introduction 6 Materials & Techniques 8 Stitch Library 48 Project Workshops 60 Basics & Textures Dishcloth 62 Stripe Cushions 64 Laptop Cover 68 Texture Throw 72 Clutch Bag 76 Mittens 80 Slippers 84 Clusters & Motifs Snood 88 Triangular Scarf 92 Table Mats 96 Round Rug 100 Pet Bed 104 Daisychain Necklace 108 Brooches and Buttons 112 Granny Square Blanket 116 Motif Throw 120 Bolster Cushion 124 Beading & Freeform Beaded Bird Charm 134 Starfish Tablecloth 132 Motif Edge-to-Edge Cardigan 138 Yarn stockists 142 Acknowledgements 144

4

running foot

Making the utmost of the unique fabrics that the various crochet stitches can produce, Erika takes you through the firm, dense textures of double and treble crochet – so well suited to making bags, purses and other homewares – and then moves on to the more intricate, delicate lace stitches – perfect for heirloom shawls and antique-style cushions.

Crochet Workshop showcases the incredible variety of finishes that different crochet techniques can produce. As you would expect from Erika, the collection of projects includes the most desirable cushions and throws in her elegant palette of neutrals with the odd accent colour here and there.

Working in the round – as opposed to in straight rows – is clearly explained and creates a sumptuous circular bolster cushion. Freeform or random crochet takes the craft on to a whole other level and projects like the edge-to-edge cardigan will provide a new challenge for all creative crocheters.

Following the format of Erika’s Simple Knitting, Crochet Workshop includes an introductory chapter of basic techniques followed by a Stitch Library that documents her personal selection of the best crochet stitches. The Project Workshops chapter follows on from there, providing all the information needed to make the designs, backed up with additional techniques information wherever necessary.

With exquisite photography by Yuki Sugiura, supported by clear charts and artworks, Erika Knight has created the ultimate learn-to-crochet book.

Erika Knight is a respected knitwear designer,

as well as a sought-after fashion and crafts consultant. Crochet Workshop is Erika’s fourteenth book to be published by Quadrille. Her previous titles include New Knits, Men’s Knits, Natural Nursery Knits and most recently Simple Knitting and Keep Calm and Cast On. In an exciting development for 2011, Erika is launching her own capsule collection of high-quality yarns. As you would expect from this talented designer, the texture and colour of these yarns are truly special. running foot

5

A small yet practical project to get you started with crochet. This cloth is the ideal means to practise the most basic stitch, double crochet.

While the cloth is worked in dc, the contrasting stripes are added to the cloth’s surface in slip stitch, a very easy form of crochet embroidery.

Skill level‌

In this project you will learn...

how to work double crochet (dc) how to add surface detail with slip stitch embroidery

Stitches used...

double crochet (dc), surface slip stitch

Size

Actual size of each crocheted piece: 25cm wide by 30cm long

Materials

Medium-weight cotton yarn, such as Rowan Handknit Cotton DK MEDIUM

A 2 x 50g balls in beige

B 1 x 50g ball in green 5mm hook Large blunt-ended sewing needle

Tension

1dc and 19 rows to 10cm over double crochet using 5mm hook.

62

Basics & Textures

To make the Dishcloth

Foundation chain Using 5mm hook and yarn A make 35 chain.

Row 1 1dc in 2nd chain from hook, 1dc in each chain to end. 34 sts.

Row 2 1 chain, 1dc in each dc to end. 34 sts.

Repeat row 2 until work measures 30cm.

Fasten off.

To add the stripes

See Masterclass, below.

Using yarn B, work one stripe of surface slip stitch 3 rows from the top edge of the dishcloth.

Work the second stripe 5 rows from the top edge of the dishcloth. Work the third stripe 2 rows from the lower edge of the dishcloth.

Masterclass

Surface slip stitch embroidery Make a slip knot. Remove hook from slip knot, insert hook through dishcloth from right side of work one stitch in from edge, pick up slip knot again and pull through. Keeping yarn at back of work, continue as follows: *insert hook through next stitch, yarn round hook at back of work, pull through dishcloth and loop on hook. Repeat from * across width of cloth, finishing one stitch in from edge. Fasten off.

Weave in any loose ends.

running foot

3

A small yet practical project to get you started with crochet. This cloth is the ideal means to practise the most basic stitch, double crochet.

While the cloth is worked in dc, the contrasting stripes are added to the cloth’s surface in slip stitch, a very easy form of crochet embroidery.

Skill level‌

In this project you will learn...

how to work double crochet (dc) how to add surface detail with slip stitch embroidery

Stitches used...

double crochet (dc), surface slip stitch

Size

Actual size of each crocheted piece: 25cm wide by 30cm long

Materials

Medium-weight cotton yarn, such as Rowan Handknit Cotton DK MEDIUM

A 2 x 50g balls in beige

B 1 x 50g ball in green 5mm hook Large blunt-ended sewing needle

Tension

1dc and 19 rows to 10cm over double crochet using 5mm hook.

62

Basics & Textures

To make the Dishcloth

Foundation chain Using 5mm hook and yarn A make 35 chain.

Row 1 1dc in 2nd chain from hook, 1dc in each chain to end. 34 sts.

Row 2 1 chain, 1dc in each dc to end. 34 sts.

Repeat row 2 until work measures 30cm.

Fasten off.

To add the stripes

See Masterclass, below.

Using yarn B, work one stripe of surface slip stitch 3 rows from the top edge of the dishcloth.

Work the second stripe 5 rows from the top edge of the dishcloth. Work the third stripe 2 rows from the lower edge of the dishcloth.

Masterclass

Surface slip stitch embroidery Make a slip knot. Remove hook from slip knot, insert hook through dishcloth from right side of work one stitch in from edge, pick up slip knot again and pull through. Keeping yarn at back of work, continue as follows: *insert hook through next stitch, yarn round hook at back of work, pull through dishcloth and loop on hook. Repeat from * across width of cloth, finishing one stitch in from edge. Fasten off.

Weave in any loose ends.

running foot

3

A simple square cushion cover made in double and treble crochet and worked in stripes of varying widths and colours. I have added a back panel made from soft corduroy fabric, but you could easily work both panels in crochet.

Skill level‌

In this project you will learn... how to work double crochet (dc) how to work treble crochet (tr) how to work in coloured stripes

Stitches used...

double crochet (dc), treble crochet (tr)

Size

Finished size of cushion when sewn: approximately 40cm square Actual size of each crocheted piece: 39cm square

Materials

For the neutrals stripe cushion: Medium-weight linen yarn, such as Rowan Lenpur Linen DK MEDIUM

A 1 x 50g ball in dark brown

B 1 x 50g ball in ecru

C 1 x 50g ball in taupe

D 1 x 50g ball in light beige

E 1 x 50g ball in lime green

F 1 x 50g ball in bright pink

64

Basics & Textures

For brights stripe cushion: Medium-weight linen yarn, such as Rowan Lenpur Linen DK MEDIUM

A 1 x 50g ball in dark brown

B 1 x 50g ball in ecru

C 1 x 50g ball in taupe

D 1 x 50g ball in light beige

E 1 x 50g ball in lime green

F 1 x 50g ball in bright pink

G 1 x 50g ball in purple

H 1 x 50g ball in green

I 1 x 50g ball in turquoise 3.5mm hook Large blunt-ended sewing needle 43cm square furnishing weight fabric such as corduroy 40cm square feather cushion pad

Tension

17 stitches and 10 rows to 10cm over treble crochet using 3.5mm hook.

Special notes

Work 3 chain at the beginning of every row of trebles and 1 chain at the beginning of every row of doubles.

Whenever you change colour, it is easier to weave in any loose yarn ends as you work. See Masterclass, page 69.

running foot

5

A simple square cushion cover made in double and treble crochet and worked in stripes of varying widths and colours. I have added a back panel made from soft corduroy fabric, but you could easily work both panels in crochet.

Skill level‌

In this project you will learn... how to work double crochet (dc) how to work treble crochet (tr) how to work in coloured stripes

Stitches used...

double crochet (dc), treble crochet (tr)

Size

Finished size of cushion when sewn: approximately 40cm square Actual size of each crocheted piece: 39cm square

Materials

For the neutrals stripe cushion: Medium-weight linen yarn, such as Rowan Lenpur Linen DK MEDIUM

A 1 x 50g ball in dark brown

B 1 x 50g ball in ecru

C 1 x 50g ball in taupe

D 1 x 50g ball in light beige

E 1 x 50g ball in lime green

F 1 x 50g ball in bright pink

64

Basics & Textures

For brights stripe cushion: Medium-weight linen yarn, such as Rowan Lenpur Linen DK MEDIUM

A 1 x 50g ball in dark brown

B 1 x 50g ball in ecru

C 1 x 50g ball in taupe

D 1 x 50g ball in light beige

E 1 x 50g ball in lime green

F 1 x 50g ball in bright pink

G 1 x 50g ball in purple

H 1 x 50g ball in green

I 1 x 50g ball in turquoise 3.5mm hook Large blunt-ended sewing needle 43cm square furnishing weight fabric such as corduroy 40cm square feather cushion pad

Tension

17 stitches and 10 rows to 10cm over treble crochet using 3.5mm hook.

Special notes

Work 3 chain at the beginning of every row of trebles and 1 chain at the beginning of every row of doubles.

Whenever you change colour, it is easier to weave in any loose yarn ends as you work. See Masterclass, page 69.

running foot

5

This simple yet stylish and luxurious snood is worked in a lace cluster stitch: a bubbly texture of thick puffs combined with openwork. The yarn I have used here is a chain yarn, which traps the air and so has an incredibly light, lofty feel.

Skill level‌

In this project you will learn... how to work a lace cluster stitch

Stitches used...

lace cluster stitch, puff stitch

Size

Actual size of crocheted piece: approximately 25cm wide x 127cm long

Materials

5 x 50g balls of medium-weight woollen yarn, such as Rowan Lima MEDIUM 5mm hook Large blunt-ended sewing needle

Tension

3 x [1 puff, 1ch (1tr, 2ch, 1tr)] and 9 rows to 10cm over lace cluster stitch using 5mm hook.

Special notes

It is easier to weave in the loose yarn ends as you work. See the masterclass on page 69 for this technique.

6

running foot

To make the Snood

Foundation chain Using 5mm hook make 46 ch, turn.

Row 1 miss 3ch, * (1tr, 2ch, 1tr) in next ch, miss 2ch, 1 puff [(yrh, insert hook, draw up a loop) 4 times in the same ch, yrh, draw through 9 loops], 1ch, miss 2ch *, (1tr, 2ch, 1tr) in last ch, 3ch, turn.

Row 2 * 1 puff in 2ch sp between 2tr of previous row, 1ch, (1tr, 2ch, 1tr) under loop that closes the puff in previous row*, 1 puff, 1tr in 3ch sp at beg of previous row, 3ch, turn Row 2 (1tr, 2ch, 1tr) in top of puff, * 1 puff in 2 ch sp, 1ch, (1tr, 2ch, 1tr) in top of puff *, 1tr in 3ch sp at beg of previous row, 3ch, turn.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until work measures 127cm.

Fasten off.

To finish

Weave in any loose yarn ends that you haven’t already worked over. See Masterclass, page 73.

Join the two short ends to make the snood into one continuous loop.

Clusters & Motifs

89

This simple yet stylish and luxurious snood is worked in a lace cluster stitch: a bubbly texture of thick puffs combined with openwork. The yarn I have used here is a chain yarn, which traps the air and so has an incredibly light, lofty feel.

Skill level‌

In this project you will learn... how to work a lace cluster stitch

Stitches used...

lace cluster stitch, puff stitch

Size

Actual size of crocheted piece: approximately 25cm wide x 127cm long

Materials

5 x 50g balls of medium-weight woollen yarn, such as Rowan Lima MEDIUM 5mm hook Large blunt-ended sewing needle

Tension

3 x [1 puff, 1ch (1tr, 2ch, 1tr)] and 9 rows to 10cm over lace cluster stitch using 5mm hook.

Special notes

It is easier to weave in the loose yarn ends as you work. See the masterclass on page 69 for this technique.

6

running foot

To make the Snood

Foundation chain Using 5mm hook make 46 ch, turn.

Row 1 miss 3ch, * (1tr, 2ch, 1tr) in next ch, miss 2ch, 1 puff [(yrh, insert hook, draw up a loop) 4 times in the same ch, yrh, draw through 9 loops], 1ch, miss 2ch *, (1tr, 2ch, 1tr) in last ch, 3ch, turn.

Row 2 * 1 puff in 2ch sp between 2tr of previous row, 1ch, (1tr, 2ch, 1tr) under loop that closes the puff in previous row*, 1 puff, 1tr in 3ch sp at beg of previous row, 3ch, turn Row 2 (1tr, 2ch, 1tr) in top of puff, * 1 puff in 2 ch sp, 1ch, (1tr, 2ch, 1tr) in top of puff *, 1tr in 3ch sp at beg of previous row, 3ch, turn.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until work measures 127cm.

Fasten off.

To finish

Weave in any loose yarn ends that you haven’t already worked over. See Masterclass, page 73.

Join the two short ends to make the snood into one continuous loop.

Clusters & Motifs

89

Basic Texture Stitches Over any number of stitches Row 1: Insert the hook into the work (second chain from hook on starting chain). * Yarn over and draw through the work only. Yarn over again and draw through both loops on the hook. 1dc made.

Insert hook into next stitch; repeat from *.

Over any number of stitches Row 1: Yarn over and insert the hook into the work (third chain from hook on starting chain). * Yarn over and draw through the work only. Yarn over again and draw through all three loops on the hook. 1htr made. Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch; repeat from *.

8

running foot

Double Crochet (dc) — the most basic stitch, yet probably my favourite — creates a firm, reversible fabric — beautiful for homewares

Half Treble (htr) — another basic stitch, yet very satisfying to work — gives a more fluid fabric, which is less compact than dc

£16.99 Paperback 978 184949 107 5 144pp 280 x 216mm Approx. 25,000 words including 20 projects Over 50 colour photographs and 50 artworks Publication April 2012

Quadrille Publishing Ltd Alhambra House 27–31 Charing Cross Road London WC2H 0LS www.quadrille.co.uk

learn how to crochet with 20 inspiring projects

Erika Knight