Sweet Nothings Crochet: September 2023

Wednesday, 27 September 2023

CUBED BLANKET

One of the hardest things to do is take good photographs of this blanket - This gorgeous 3D blanket has been lovingly made for a Queen Sized bed and one can easily see the tumbling cubes - (though I am not sure if you can see that in this photo 🫤🙈).. ah well, you make it and you'll know just what I mean.

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Come along then and let’s work on this beautiful creation together.

Materials used : Today I’ve used ~ 1100 gms in (Spotlight) Semco 8-ply acrylic yarn with a 4 mm crochet hook ; embroidery needle & fabric glue to seal ends

This yarn is not specific for this project.

You can use any yarn with a suitable hook to make this project to any size.

For Indians : The yarn I've used is very similar to our Oswal 4-ply or Vardhman Millennium acrylic yarns. However, you could use any of our acrylic yarns with a suitable hook or Anchor , Red ros e ; Red rose metallic ; Laura or unbranded knitting cotton as well

International yarns : Among the international yarns I have used, you could use Aunt Lydia Cotton 10, Aunt Lydia Bamboo-Viscose 10, DMC Petra, Sullivans knitting cotton (Australia), Milford Soft, Hilaza Rustica Eclat , Alize cotton yarn and Alize bamboo yarn. That said, the thinner (or finer) the yarn, the more delicate the end product.

Size made : Queen size bed cover

This is only given to you to get a general idea of how much yarn you may need.

You can make this to any size to just use up your yarn.

Difficulty level : Intermediate to Advanced Skill level.

Blanket sizing : https://in.pinterest.com/pin/470063279853964042/

Stitches used :

How to hold your yarn in crochet : https://youtu.be/FwOlCbGdbqY

Starting slip knot : https://youtu.be/lJcqsVcs8cw

Starting slip knot 1 or the Sloppy Slip knot : https://youtu.be/YfC7KmGpifs

Abbreviations used : (Using U.S terminology)

lp(s) : Loop(s) sc : Single crochet

dc : Double crochet sp : Space

sl-st : Slip stitch ch : Chain

st(s) : Stitch(es) hk : Hook

yo : Yarn Over

Instructions : (Using U.S terminology)

Please note that I start all my rows with a ch 1, turning chain for ease.

Please check the top of this blog for easy video tutorials on all stitches used in today's pattern.

Please read through all my notes before you pick up your hook, so you know just where we're heading in our pattern.

In my patterns I work with the principle of stitch count and body measurement.

This means that you need to work the stitch count in pattern, till you get the measurement (length and/or width) that you need for your project.

What do you need to know for today's project
What is a chain stitch ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXx5ukBjKkY

Double Crochet : dc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk); [yo, draw through 2 lps] twice. One dc made. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/xdnjB27zpYo

Chainless start for Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 / ch – 3 start, and this is what I do to start my row of dc.

Check out the video at https://youtu.be/wskv3iTjRx0

Whipstitch to join : https://youtu.be/wZ-9LNzftMA

Invisible join : https://youtu.be/a6XZQ6VzJFM

Single crochet to join : https://youtu.be/6FXoW_47_dI

Go here for the blanket pattern

We need to make four types of patterns for our blanket. In the pattern sheet, only 2 are indicated (the fawn colored diamond and the black colored diamond are shown), but we need to work half the fawn & black colored diamonds for the corners as well.

For the half pattern, you work till half the diamond. Ensure that you leave a long tail for easy attachment. Use one of the joining ideas (video links given above) to join your little pieces to create this gorgeous 3D blanket.

The four patterns used for our Cubed blanket

The four patterns for our blanket

Half the main diamond - used along left and right sides of blanket edges

The large or main diamond and half the diamond - used along left and right side blanket edges

The 2nd and diamond, used on the top bottom edges

The corner full and half diamonds (or #2 diamond pattern)

these are the three colors I've used

the first cube and the 3 shades of color used

Just the choice of colors makes it look 3D, doesn't it

and yes, the diamond/rhombus magically becomes squarish on attachment !

2 cubes attached

2 rows of 4 cubes each attached as per pattern

and per pattern I worked 4 cubes in a row, but with my yarn and work tension, this was not sufficient - so I just attached another row of cubes - (oh I don't know why this set of photos have a blue hue 🤷🏽‍♀️ )

first work the full cubes till you have the width needed

another view of the partly worked Cubed blanket

So I first attached all the full cubes

the side smaller half diamonds being attached

the cube with the smaller end diamonds being attached

see how to attach the corner diamond and half diamonds

and then filled in the ends

It's a lot of loose ends, tidying up and work - but this work of love is truly appreciated!

I finished the ends of my work with a few rows of hdc. Ensure that you work the same number of stitches along the two parallel sides. Remember that you work 2 sts in each vertical bar of a dc , and work 3 sts in each corner for easy turning and keeping that neat and flat.

My client did not want any tassels initially but then agreed to it - so if you decide to add tassels, here's a neat video on how to make tassels

In case the video does not play, please go to https://youtu.be/Ct84H8iBa9s

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Have a great day and see you soon.

DIAGONAL REVERSIBLE BEANIE

A cute snug crochet beanie is something that works all through the year - and for summer, cotton yarns are the way to go. I've used a very simple pattern today with some lovely soft cotton - a contrast color for a few rows to just make it all pop out and I think the end result is stunning.. don't you agree? And this project is reversible - how cool is this, eh? Come along and let's start on this now.

Now, my patterns require a small amount of thinking and calculation - but that is just so that you can use any yarn with a suitable hook to make it to any size you want. That's fun, right? Thank you for joining me.

Check out all my social media handles at the bottom of this blog

Oh, and may I add that the fastest way to find any of my blogs is via Pinterest.

All my blogs can be printed. Find the printer friendly (green) link on the side and at the bottom of this blog. You can also hit Control P (or Command P for Mac) on your keyboard, and the blog will go directly to the connected printer.

Remember that you only print if absolutely essential. Save paper – Save Our Earth.

Do remember to add my blog URL when you make and show off your creation.

Just copy the link on the search bar above - that's the blog URL.

To purchase a similar yarn online, click here to buy your yarns online via Amazon. While you will still pay the same, I may get paid by Amazon as well.

This is a free blog - so do pay it forward for me. Cheers.

Materials used : Today I’ve used about 75 gm (in 2 colors) of Anette Eriksson's Jeans yarns with a 4 mm crochet hook ; fabric glue ; embroidery needle

For Indians : The yarn I've used today is similar to our Anchor 4-ply knitting cotton. You could use Anchor , Red ros e , bamboo yarn , milk cotton yarn or unbranded knitting cotton as well as Oswal or Vardhaman acrylic yarns

General yarn info : The yarn used today is not specific to this pattern.

You can use any yarn with a suitable hook to make this project to any size.

International yarns : Among the international yarns I have used I’d suggest Aunt Lydia Cotton 10, Aunt Lydia Bamboo-Viscose 10, DMC Petra, Sullivans knitting cotton (Australia), Milford Soft, Hilaza Rustica Eclat , Alize cotton yarn and Alize bamboo yarn.

With a finer or more delicate yarn, you end up with a finer or more delicate end product. The spikes will show but thicker yarns show up better.

Stitches used :

Starting slip knot : https://youtu.be/lJcqsVcs8cw

Starting slip knot 1 or the Sloppy Slip knot : https://youtu.be/YfC7KmGpifs

Half Double Crochet : Hdc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk) ;

yo, draw through all 3 lps. One hdc made.

Check out the video at https://youtu.be/sDiELJdB2Dg

Chainless start for Half Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 start, and this is what I do to start my row of hdc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/lWXpl1KdbZ8

Double Crochet : dc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk);

[yo, draw through 2 lps] twice. One dc made.

Check out the video at https://youtu.be/xdnjB27zpYo

Chainless start for Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 / ch – 3 start, and this is what I do to start my row of dc.

Check out the video at https://youtu.be/wskv3iTjRx0

What is a slip stitch : https://youtu.be/weB3QNbA8Iw

Here is a sizing chart for general head sizing :

https://in.pinterest.com/pin/470063279839058772/ OR

https://in.pinterest.com/pin/470063279837764548/

Abbreviations used : (Using U.S terminology)

lp(s) : Loop(s) sc : Single crochet

dc : Double crochet sp : Space

sl-st : Slip stitch ch : Chain

st(s) : Stitch(es) hk : Hook

yo : Yarn Over

Instructions using U.S terminology

Please note that I start all my rows with a ch 1, turning chain for ease.

Please check the top of this blog for easy video tutorials on all stitches used in today's pattern.

Please read through all my notes before you pick up your hook, so you know just where we're heading in our pattern.

There are 4 parts to making this beanie - Part 1: making the rectangle ; Part 2 : deciding on finishing the edges ; Part 3 : Joining the two shorter ends of your rectangle to make a cylinder ; & Part 4 : Joining one end of the cylinder to make it into a beanie.

The pattern I've used is from Ananda Judkins Diagonal Dishcloth here

Part 1 :

1) This pattern is worked as a long rectangle using the back loop all through the project.

2) The length of the strip will be the circumference you need for your project and if you want to add the knot then it's a little more for that bit too.

3) The pattern is worked in a rectangle from one corner (like a C-2-C). The length of the left hand side of your work (starting edge) will be the length of your beanie from crown to base of ear. The width of your work (ending edge) will be the circumference of your head.

4) The (original) diagonal dishcloth pattern is worked as a square. We're using the same idea / principle to work this into a rectangle. The difference is that your length and width (numbers) are your own to calculate.

Start from the left hand side and increase (as per pattern) on both edges

Work your increases on both edges till you have the length you need for your beanie (on the left hand side of your work)

Just for a pop of color, I added a few rows with a contrast color. You can start on the contrast color at any time during your project. I worked my contrast color in after I had the length (height from crown to forehead) and I only did one strip - but you could add 2 strips of contrast as well - and that will look amazing. Go ahead and try and remember to tell me (via my blog or social media) how that went. Cheers

Single Crochet : Sc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (2 lps on hk); yo, draw through both lps. One sc made. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/ghACqBpA-3k

First stitch for Single Crochet : This is how I like to start my row of sc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/6pVYRfsf4_M

Single crochet back loop only (sc-blo) : https://youtu.be/TaQI3Vu9VRQ

Single crochet back loop only (sc-blo) using 2 colours : https://youtu.be/2ZVW776qcLk

Note 1 : How do I calculate the circumference needed?

Below see the chart (which is from the general head sizing chart link above).

See the size you want to make the beanie for - if its say a Small Adult, the circumference needed is 22". Now depending on the looseness/tension of your work and the stretch of your yarn, make the first fdc row 22" and then join with a sl-st to make this your first round. Got it?

Head sizing chart to explain how to calculate sizes

Now once you have worked out the circumference, the same chart will show you length of beanie. So again lets check the small adult and the length is 8.25"

So for this size, you will work the pattern till you have the left hand side (starting edge) 8,25". You will then stop increases on the left hand side and continue increasing (in pattern) only on the right hand side of your work. Once the right hand side reaches 22" (or lesser, depending on the stretch of your yarn and the tension/looseness of your work), you will stop increases on the right hand side as well and then you will be decreasing on both ends of your work till you end up with a tiny triangle to finish (which will be on the top right hand side of your work).

Once you finish your flat rectangle, look at the finishing ideas

Part 2 : Finishing Ideas :

There are several ways to end your lovely project - so first figure this out and then I'll tell you how to add that knot

1) Continue the pattern all the way to the end - i.e. to the length you want for your project ;

2) Work one row of sc (along top and bottom of headband - (which is what I've done) ;

3) Work one row of sc (along top and bottom of headband) and then you could work a round of Crab stitch all around the brim of your project. If you choose to do this, and you're making a headband, then please go back to the first round and work the same pattern that end as well.

Crab Stitch or Reverse Single Crochet stitch : https://youtu.be/cG3crwyHPnk

Part 3 : Sewing the ends : Once your knot is in place all that's left is to sew the two ends of your headband. Choose one of the methods given below to neatly sew the ends of your project to create a beautiful knotted headband.

Whipstitch to join : https://youtu.be/wZ-9LNzftMA

Invisible join : https://youtu.be/a6XZQ6VzJFM

Single crochet to join : https://youtu.be/6FXoW_47_dI

Part 4 : How to make this into a beanie? : The beanie is just with a spike stitch - there is no knot in it.

First off, check the pattern link given right on the top of this blog - it's slightly different from this idea given below.

If you want a simpler idea, then you will work the pattern in exactly the same way as you would for a headband. The only difference is that you will just work the first row only for the circumference needed. This means that for a 22" circumference, you will work just that much.

Then work the length you need. i.e. : If you are making it for Small Adult, the sizing chart specifies that it needs to be 8.25". So you will start the first round with multiples of 6 in fhdc and work till you have that first round 22". Then work the pattern rounds and the repeats till you have a finished length of 8.25"

You now have a cylinder. Using an embroidery needle, run a round of simple running /basting stitch (which is literally pushing the needle and thread up and down through the top of your beanie) all around the end. It does not matter which end you use as both are the same. I'd advise using 2 skeins (or doubling up your yarn) for strength.

Lightly tug on your yarn as you work around till you close that end of the beanie. Continue working running/basting stitches and tugging on your yarn till you have a perfectly closed circle. Ta Da ! Beanie done !