IG Crochet 4: Patterns Part 1

July 31, 2014 @ 7:56 am · Filed under Crochet

This is Day 4 of my week of posts telling you all about my new book, Idiot’s Guides: Crochet, which will be released in 5 days, on 5th August.

For my main intro to the book, how to order your copy, and the other posts in this series, please see my main IG: Crochet info page.

To round out the book, I’ve designed a range of stylish original accessories and home decor patterns in a variety of simple, textured and lacy stitches. All the patterns include stitch diagrams and schematics where needed, and give modification tips if you want to use a different gauge or make a different size.

I’ve arranged the patterns in approximate order of difficulty, so you’ll learn more as you make each one, using the stitches and techniques I taught you earlier in the book.

Today and tomorrow, I’ll give you a little insight into the thought processes behind my designs and what makes each one special. Here’s Part 1…

Flecked Scarf

I love this design! I spent ages fiddling around with swatches to develop this stitch pattern that cleverly adds flecks of the contrast colour in an offset pattern, while each row of the scarf is crocheted in only one colour, so there’s no colour changing to worry about!

Can it get any better? Yes, it can: the fringe has the dual purpose of incorporating all the yarn ends, so there’s no weaving in either!

A simple and fun pattern with a stylish and impressive end result for not much work – isn’t that the best kind of pattern?!

Cozy Cowl

This cowl should be a go-to pattern for quick gifts. I came up with this stitch pattern that adds texture without too much chunky stiffness – getting a nice drape is always a concern when designing crocheted accessories.

As this cowl is worked flat, you have the freedom to keep crocheting until you like the feel of it wrapped around your neck. You can keep going to turn it into a long scarf, or even add buttons to make it a button-up cowl – there are large enough holes between the stitches that you won’t need to make buttonholes.

The best part for me is the ends: if you choose not to join the cowl into a loop, you get a lovely wiggly line along each end – no need to add an edging! But if you do join it as I show in the pattern, I’ve designed the wiggles to mesh together perfectly, so your seam will be practically invisible.

Phone or Tablet Slipcover

This slipcover will let you throw your device into your bag without worrying about it getting scratched. It’s easy to customise the pattern to fit any size of portable electronic device, there are no fasteners to grapple with, and the slim fit means you can travel light without carrying a bulky case.

I came up with a simple but beautiful solid, cushioning stitch pattern that will protect your devices without looking boring. I’ve put this design through its paces: my phone has been thrown into my handbag (in my original prototype of the phone case) every day for over a year and is completely unscathed.

Note: The phone used in this photo is slightly smaller than the one I crocheted the case for, so don’t worry – follow my instructions for your own devices and the slipcover will be a perfect snug fit.

Handy Baskets

Sometimes single crochet really is the best choice – and not just for amigurumi! It makes a solid, sturdy fabric that’s perfect for more dimensional items like baskets.

But, to keep my design original and interesting, I gave my set of 3 nesting baskets a few clever twists: they are seamless, with a sharp, crisp corner around the bottom, and I developed an amazing but simple new invisible join for single row stripes, which makes the contrast stripe and the top edge look totally seamless! They are worked with 2 strands of yarn to give a thick, sturdy result.

Placemat and Coaster Set

I wanted a solid but textured stitch pattern for my placemat and coaster set: too open or too textured a pattern leaves your mug in danger of tipping over! I played with all sorts of stitch combinations and swatched until I found the perfect match, with a simple but interesting looking stitch pattern, and a little (but not too much!) texture. The reverse single crochet edging adds the perfect finishing touch.

I chose a natural-coloured linen-blend yarn for my samples, for a natural, rustic feel, but standard kitchen cotton would be a perfect choice for yours. Of course you can use any colour (or stripes of colour, alternating every 1 or 2 rows) to match the style of your dining room. Eagle-eyed readers may have spotted one of my coasters in use under my mug of tea on my new homepage 😉

And, with that, we’re halfway through the Gallery of Patterns – what do you think so far? Stay tuned for the final 5 patterns, in tomorrow’s post…

Note: all images reprinted with permission, Alpha Books, a member of DK.

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11 Comments »

Fay said

December 6, 2017 @ 2:51 pm

What a shame it’s in a book. Photo instructions are not much use for me as I am left handed. I just wanted the pattern for the cowl. A book same it isn’t worth it for me

June said

December 6, 2017 @ 3:58 pm

I’m sorry to have disappointed you, Fay! Unfortunately, the patterns I designed for the book are exclusive to the book, so there’s no other way to get them (but you could always try your local library and see if they have a copy you could borrow, if you don’t want to buy a book for just one pattern…)

I do have several other cowl patterns you may like, though – all my PlanetJune patterns are instant download PDFs, and include bonus instructions and photos for left-handers where that would be helpful. You can see all my PlanetJune cowl patterns here 🙂

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Judith Hinsch said

April 27, 2015 @ 11:37 am

How do I get the pattern for the nesting baskets? I love them

June said

April 27, 2015 @ 1:54 pm

Thanks Judith! All the patterns shown above are available exclusively in my book, Idiot’s Guides: Crochet (click that link for more information and the link to where you can buy the book on amazon!)

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Simone said

July 31, 2014 @ 12:32 pm

It makes my fingers itch with want to get my hands on your book!

Lisa Schwartz said

July 31, 2014 @ 10:39 am

Thank you for this blog post. I already have your book and am looking forward to trying some patterns soon. This post makes me lean toward trying the cowl and the baskets first and they aren’t likely where I would have started otherwise.
I had noticed the edgings matching up on the cowl just by flipping through the book. This reminds me that I should try it even though it is currently almost 90 degrees Fahrenheit here.

June said

July 31, 2014 @ 11:27 am

Maybe you’d better wait until you read my notes on the other patterns tomorrow, Lisa – you may find something else my insights make you want to try even more 😉

I’m glad you’re enjoying these posts, though – my book was packed so full there wasn’t any room left for these kind of personal notes, so I wrote them all down at the time, while the designs were fresh in my mind, and saved them so I could talk about them now!

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