Tuesday 16 February 2016

How to Crochet in Back Bump Tutorial

how to crochet, crochet in back bump, free crochet patterns,

Crochet in Back Bump of Foundation Chain

Crochet in the back bump of a foundation chain is a technique which keeps the bottom of the foundation row looking the same as the top of the finishing row.  The benefits of crochet in the back bump are: 1.  more elastic foundation chain; 2. neater and smoother edge; 3. professional finish; 4. makes seaming easier; 5. makes it easier to add a crochet edge.

If you look closely at the photo above you can see the lovely professional finish of the foundation chain at the bottom.

Crochet in Front of Foundation Chain

Of course when you first learn to crochet you begin with working stitches into the foundation chain from the front of the work (right side).  Have a look at the photos below, where you normally place your stitches in the foundation chain.
how to crochet, single crochet in foundation chain, free crochet patterns,

Foundation chain front view resembles a "V" lying on it's side. You can easily see where to insert your hook and make your stitches. This technique creates a straight, rigid edge without any elasticity, and looks totally different from the top of the finishing row.  HINT:  When using this technique, depending on the stitches in following row, I always prefer to use a hook one size larger for the foundation row. This allows the foundation row to have a bit more stretch and will match the width of the following rows.  Or if you prefer (and can manage it) you can crochet a loose foundation chain with the same hook used for the rest of the work.

how to crochet, single crochet in foundation chain, free crochet patterns,

You can see above how to proceed with single crochet in the "V" of the foundation chain. Simply place hook into the "V" of the foundation chain, yarn over hook, pull through, yarn over hook, pull through two loops on hook, single crochet complete.

how to crochet, single crochet in foundation chain, free crochet patterns,
Above is a photo of how the single crochet row looks from the front and the back when crochet in the foundation row in the traditional way.

HOW to CROCHET in BACK BUMP

Now let's get on with showing you how to crochet in the back bump.

how to crochet, crochet in back bump, free crochet patterns, tutorial,

Have a good look at the front and back view of the foundation chain.  It is these back bumps on the back of the chain where you will work your single crochet.  

how to crochet, crochet in back bump, free crochet patterns, tutorial,

Single crochet in 2nd back bump from stitch.  Place hook through back bump, yarn over hook, pull through, yarn over hook, pull through two loops on hook, single crochet complete.  Repeat to end.

how to crochet, crochet in back bump, tutorial, free crochet patterns,

In the photo below there are five (5) single crochet in back bumps, you can already see the lovely professional edge on the foundation chain.
how to crochet, crochet in back bump, tutorial, free crochet patterns,

Continue to the end of the foundation chain and marvel at your newly learned skill.  So simple.  HINT:  Remember the foundation chain needs to be loose, not so tight you can't get your hook through the back bump.

how to crochet, crochet in back bump, tutorial, free crochet patterns,

NOW take a good look at the photo below and compare the foundation chain of both techniques.

how to crochet, crochet in back bump, tutorial, free crochet patterns,

By using Crochet in Back Bump technique you end up with a professional neat edge which has elasticity, stability and strength.

I do hope you try this technique and enjoy expanding your crochet skills whenever you get the opportunity!

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!


Copyright © 2008
Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.
All rights reserved.


YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

free crochet patterns, how to crochet, baskets,


how to crochet, free crochet patterns, rucksack, tutorial,


how to crochet, granny square, afghans, free crochet patterns, tutorial,







Monday 1 February 2016

Enchanted Forest Mandalas

crochet patterns, mandalas, doily, coasters, how to crochet,

January Blues

For some people, January is all doom and gloom.  All the festivities of Christmas and New Year are now over; there's talk of New Year resolutions and some are actually doing a dry-January. There are those who wish winter was over and wanting it to get warmer, because all those wet, windy, cold, sunless short days are driving them to depression. 


crochet patterns, how to crochet, mandalas, doily, coasters,


Whereas, for me, well I just LOVE January, it is a time of peace and quiet, a time to relax and chill out in our little cave, a time to hibernate, I love it!


crochet patterns, how to crochet, mandalas, doily, coasters,


I love the time to myself, I love the cold, wet weather which forces me to stay indoors, I can rummage to my hearts content, read as much as I like, draw, crochet, knit, nap, try out new recipes, rearrange my drawers and cupboards, discard stuff I no longer need or don't use, and basically declutter.  


crochet patterns, how to crochet, mandalas, doily, coasters,


Best of all, it is a great time to take sunrise photos (when the sun is visible) because sunrise is as late as 8am.  This is the perfect time of year for resting and recouping!  A time of reflection without distractions! Absolutely perfect!

Crochet Discoveries

I managed to sort out my stash of yarn and stack of unfinished projects, and have decided to complete some crochet items I had worked on and put aside for another day for whatever reason, and now here is the first crochet project I decided to complete.

ENCHANTED FOREST Mandalas


crochet patterns, how to crochet, mandalas, doily, coasters,

I started this creation about two (2) summers ago.  It was a WIP (work-in-progress) for so long only because I would take my time to decide what stitch pattern to do next, so I would only do it when the inspiration took me there!  I was also using up my scraps of DMC Petra 5, so it had a totally different look, in the original work I used a total of six (6) colours and even had more rows, but for the NEW look I excluded the last four (4) rows to keep it a reasonable size.  Then I chose the colours of peppermint and avocado to complement my sofa cushions, so you are quite welcome to chose any colour you prefer to complement your home decore.

Here are the PATTERN DETAILS:


DIFFICULTY:  Easy Intermediate
SIZES:  Three (3) sizes - A = small; B = medium; C = large
MEASUREMENTS:  approx. A = 13cm (5in);  B = 23cm (9in);  C = 41cm (16in)
YARN USED:  Wendy Supreme Luxury Cotton 4ply ● 100% Mercerized Cotton ● 100g/267m/292yds ● Shades: MC Peppermint (1831)  CC Avocado (1826) ● 1 ball of each
NOTIONS:  3mm hook, Yarn needle

PATTERN NOTES:  You need to know how to colour change and crochet in the round. Instructions in this pattern are for three (3) mandalas, using two (2) colours, colour changes are mentioned in the pattern. This written pattern has accompanying photographs at the end of the written instructions.

crochet patterns, how to crochet, mandalas, doily, coasters,

Deep in the Enchanted Forest a tiny little spider creates amazingly intricate, delicate and colourful spider webs. Enchanted Forest Mandalas were inspired by these spider webs, and now you too can decorate your home with vibrant coloured spider web designs.  Come along and have a play and have some fun!  




ENCHANTED FOREST Mandalas Crochet Pattern is available in USA American Crochet Terms and UK British Crochet Terms.
Please select the correct terminology when purchasing your pattern.


ENCHANTED FOREST Mandalas Crochet Pattern 
is available from my online stores:
  
CRAFTSY        RAVELRY

crochet patterns, how to crochet, mandalas, doily, coasters,


Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!



Copyright © 2008
Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.
All rights reserved.


YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

crochet patterns, how to crochet, coasters,

crochet patterns, how to crochet, doily, coasters,


crochet patterns, how to crochet, stars, coasters, ornaments,










Friday 15 January 2016

MYSTIC Butterfly Crochet Pattern

free crochet patterns, how to crochet, butterfly, butterflies, bugs, insects,

This week I am back in the Enchanted Forest, gathering berries and watching all the wonderful insects and bugs flying here, there and everywhere, and would you believe, I have managed to capture a unique butterfly to add to my collection.  

It is the most fascinating butterfly I have seen in the Enchanted Forest, with lovely colours of magenta and teal, and then suddenly changing it's colours to teal and melon as it flutters from flower to flower.  The whole experience of watching it change its colours is quite extraordinary!

You can now have your own MYSTIC Butterfly and you can change the colours as many times as you want.  Come have some fun and play with this lovely crochet butterfly pattern, and add the butterfly motif to your collection of bugs and insects.  Mystic butterfly will look fabulous attached to a hat, scarf or bag, make it into a brooch or you can make lots and lots, and hang it as a bunting.  The choice is always yours!  Be creative!  Have some fun!



Here are the PATTERN DETAILS:

DIFFICULTY:  Easy Intermediate
MEASUREMENTS:  approx. 4in (10cm) x 2in (5cm)
SIZES:  One size
YARN USED:  Wendy Supreme Luxury Cotton 4ply or similar mercerized cotton
TENSION:  Not critical.
NOTIONS:   3mm hook, Yarn needle
PATTERN NOTES:  Butterfly is worked in the round.  Instructions in this pattern are for one (1) butterfly, using three (3) colours.  Each round is completed before changing colour.  Photographs accompany the written instructions at the end of this pattern.

This pattern is written in USA AMERICAN Crochet Terms.

free crochet patterns, how to crochet, butterfly, butterflies, bugs,


Pattern is available from my online stores



Craftsy     Ravelry


Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!



Copyright © 2008
Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.
All rights reserved.


YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

free crochet patterns, fish, motifs, how to crochet,


crochet patterns, flowers, flora, how to crochet,


http://www.crocknit.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/2016-crochet-pattern-fantasy-butterfly.html





Friday 8 January 2016

2016 Crochet Pattern FANTASY Butterfly

happy new year

Here we are in 2016 and I do hope everyone had a wonderful 2015 year of crocheting and knitting many projects, and conquering new techniques and stitches.

christmas, canterbury cathedral,
Canterbury Cathedral - 23 December 2015

I had a quiet end to 2015 with cataract surgery in both eyes, which took a total of 4.5 months from the first surgery to finally having new lenses replaced in my glasses. As well as other issues with my health which slowed me down to the point of having to give up our long distance walks, changing my diet and forcing me to totally focus on my health and well-being. Definitely a year of change for me, it has prevented me from crocheting or knitting at my usual daily pace, to the point of no crocheting at all, even though I have many creative ideas, I have not been able to execute them.

Anyway, life is ever changing, and this too will pass one day. For now I am grateful for everything I do have and everything I can do, and the fact I am still here. Breathing and laughing and enjoying each day as it comes.


For now I would like to thank everyone who has supported my creative work during 2015 and I am looking forward to sharing my new designs in 2016, even though they may not be as frequent or there may not be as many as previous years. So I will start with a nice little pattern which I hope you will enjoy and want to try out yourselves.

Here is my first 2016 crochet pattern, FANTASY Butterfly

crochet patterns, how to crochet, butterfly, butterflies, fantasy


This little FANTASY butterfly lives in the enchanted forest, AND if you are unable to visit the forest Fantasy butterfly will come to you in your dreams. Fantasy butterfly lives forever, because in the enchanted forest everything is immortal. Life is never ending!

Fantasy butterfly can change colour whenever it wants, every day it changes it's colours, and every day the colours get more vibrant and fanciful. Just like everything else that lives in the enchanted forest, nothing stays the same colour, every single living thing is always changing colour as it pleases.

I invite you to come and play with the Fantasy Butterfly, come and make your own bright coloured Fantasy butterflies and bring some of the enchanted forest into your world.

Here are the PATTERN DETAILS:

DIFFICULTY: Easy Intermediate
MEASUREMENTS: approx. 3in (7.6cm) x 3in (7.6cm)
SIZES: One size
YARN USED: Wendy Supreme Luxury Cotton 4ply or similar mercerized cotton
TENSION: Not critical.
NOTIONS: 3mm hook, Yarn needle
PATTERN NOTES:  Butterfly is worked in the round.  Instructions in this pattern are for one (1) butterfly, using three (3) colours.  Each round is completed before changing colour.  Photographs accompany the written instructions at the end of this pattern.

This pattern is written in USA AMERICAN Crochet Terms.


crochet patterns, how to crochet, butterfly, butterflies, fantasy,


 Pattern is available from my online stores





Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!



Copyright © 2008
Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.
All rights reserved.


YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

free crochet patterns, fish, motifs, how to crochet,


crochet patterns, flowers, flora, how to crochet,


crochet patterns, how to crochet, coasters, blossoms, flowers, placemats,







Monday 21 September 2015

WINTER MAN HAT - FAMILY AFFAIR

crochet hat, beanie, winter crochet, men, man

3D MAN Winter Hat is the perfect winter warmer beanie.
A lovely chunky texture with a unique 3D design, 
which adds extra warmth and elasticity to the fabric. 

Designed for the man or men in your life!
It is also the perfect winter beanie 
for the whole family - from child to adult.


man hat, beanie, winter, family

This is a REVIVAL and NEWER VERSION of the 3D Baby Hat Pattern.  A customer kindly asked about sizes for larger heads and I decided to go ahead and make it available in five (5) sizes.

The new pattern version is called 3D MAN WINTER HAT and will replace the 3D Baby Hat Pattern, there are parts of the pattern which have been totally rewritten, for better explanation of instructions.

PATTERN DETAILS:


DIFFICULTY:  Easy Intermediate



SIZES:  Five (5) sizes - A = Toddler; B = Child; C = Small Adult; D = Medium Adult; E - Large Adult



YARN USED:  HAYFIELD Aran Wool Blend ● 10ply ● 80% Acrylic 20% Wool ● 400g ● 872yd (797m)


NOTIONS:  H-8 (5mm) hook, Yarn needle

PATTERN NOTES:  Hat is worked top down in the round. Instructions in this pattern are for a two (2) colour hat.  Each round is completed before changing colour.  Experience with colour change and Front/Back Post double crochet required.  Photographs accompany the written instructions at the end of this pattern.

This pattern is written in USA AMERICAN Crochet Terms.

crochet pattern, hats, beanies, men, winter, family

---ooOoo---


Pattern is available from my online stores


CRAFTSY            RAVELRY



Enjoy!
ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008
Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.
All rights reserved.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:


crochet patterns, hats, beanies, men, man


crochet patterns, mittens, man, men, fingerless,


knit patterns, hats, scarves, cowls, men, women,