Granny circles - how to make them and what to use them for - Lullaby Lodge tutorial

This week we will be learning how to make these gorgeous, colourful, granny circles.   I will also be showing you the maths for increasing your circles, so that you can make them any size you like.  There is something about any kind of crochet made with granny clusters, that just makes me feel so happy and homey and of course a little colourful, crochet, hooky, will always brighten up any dreary day.

Granny Circles

Materials

Yarn

Darning needle

Hook

Use a hook recommended on your yarn ball band

Abbreviations / Terms

US terms are used through out (UK terms)

dc - double crochet (treble crochet)

ch - chain

sl st - slip stitch

st(s) - stitch(s)
sp(s) - space(s)

gcl - granny cluster

cl-inc - granny cluster increase

Special stitches:  Granny cluster - 3dc in same sp.  Granny cluster increase - 4dc in same sp.

Other notes: Fasten off and join new colour after each round.  If you wish to make your granny circles in a solid colour simply sl st into the next sp instead of joining a new colour.

Ch4 and join with sl st to form ring.

Round 1 ch3 (counts as dc), 11dc into ring, join with sl st to top ch3.  (12dc)

Round 2 join new colour in any sp between stitches.  Ch3, dc in same sp, [2dc in next sp] repeat around, join with sl st to top ch3.  (24dc)

Round 3 join new colour in any sp between groups of sts, ch3, 2dc in same sp, gcl in next sp and every sp around, join with sl st to top ch3.  (12gcl)

Round 4 join new colour in any sp, ch3, 3dc in same sp, [gcl in next sp, cl-inc in next sp] repeat around ending with gcl in last sp, join with sl st to top ch3.  (6gcl, 6cl-inc)

Round 5 join new colour in any sp after gcl, ch3, 2dc in same sp, [gcl in sp in middle of cl-inc, gcl in next 2 sps] repeat around ending with gcl in sp in middle of cl-inc, gcl in last sp, join with sl st to top ch3.  (18gcl)

Round 6 repeat round 4.

Round 7 repeat round 5.

Round 8 join new colour in any sp, ch3, 3dc in same sp, [gcl in next 2 sps, cl-inc in next sp] repeat around ending with gcl in last sp, join with sl st to top ch3.

Round 9 join new colour in any sp, ch3, 2dc in same sp, gcl in every sp and glc in every sp in middle of cl-inc.

Rounds 8 & 9 form pattern, however the number of sps in round 8 must be increased by 1 each time.  For example where is says [gcl in next 2 sps, cl-inc in next sp] the number 2 must be increased by 1 each round so round 10 would be [gcl in next 3 sps, cl-inc in next sp].  Oh and don't forget to weave in all those pesky ends.

Pin it!

Following this formula you can make your granny circles any size you like.  What can you use them for I hear you say?  There are so many projects that can utilise granny circles.  Made with cotton yarn they would make great coasters, table mats or mandalas.  You could use mega chunky yarn and make a gorgeous rug.  I have used a granny circle as the base for a beach bag pattern I am currently designing.

What would you use yours for?  Let me know in the comments below, and don't forget to follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe for more posts like this.

Happy hooking!

Catherine

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Scalloped Edge Hanger Cover - Our Happy CAL Place, weekly & monthly CAL group on Ravelry...

Hello everyone!  This week in Our Happy CAL Place we have been making these super cute hanger covers.  If your clothes keep slipping off, then you need this pattern!  Or maybe you would like to make a quick gift for someone?  They are just so pretty, a reason to make them is really not needed.  The group is open to everyone one and holds weekly and monthly crochet alongs, so come and join us...

The hanger pattern is by Bernat Design Studio and can be found here on Ravelry.  There is also a helpful video by Mikey,  I always find watching a video, easier than reading a pattern, especially with unusual designs.

You start off by crocheting single crochet stitches around the hanger and then a row of shells is added to the bottom...

A pretty ribbon adds a finishing touch...

Wouldn't this be just perfect for a little girls wardrobe...

The pattern and video are really easy to follow, the application however is a little more tricky.  I found I needed to hold my yarn quite tightly, to get an even coverage of the hanger and my hands got tired very quickly. 

Why not pin it for later...

 I do think the finished article was totally worth it though.  What do you think?  Do you have anyone that would love one of these?  Let me know in the comments below and don't forget to follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe for more posts like this...

I'll be back soon...

Catherine

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Amazing Amigurumi - Free crochet patterns selected by Lullaby Lodge

I learned to knit when I was around 7 years old, my mum taught me.  I made lots of things as a child, mostly clothes for my dolls and then I didn't knit for many years.  It wasn't until I had my son that I took up my needles again and the first thing I made was a knitted Iggle Piggle.  My son loved In The Night Garden and this was the first of many knitted toys I made for him.  I had caught the bug again and also taught myself to crochet, watching videos on Youtube.  I no longer make any stuffed toys as Little T is, well, not so little anymore.  I very much admire all the amazing amigurumi patterns out there though and thought you might like to see some of my favourites...

Amazing Amigurumi

I love foxes and these amigurumi ones are just adorable and super squishy, crocheted in chenille yarn.  The pattern is by Crafty Bunny Bun.

Foxy Fox Amigurumi

This crochet deer is too cute for words and I just love his knitted jumper.  

Amigurumi Deer

Another amigurumi crocheted in chenille yarn, this time an adorable bunny with floppy ears.  The pattern is available at Crochet For You blog.

Velvet Bunny

Any Hungry Caterpillar fans out there?  Then this is the pattern for you.  Designed by Aidie & Jelly Bean.

The Little Caterpillar

Why not crochet this super cute hippo and his tiny friend.  Pattern by Tarturumies.

Melman & Pi

I think this one is my favourite, I have always had a love of rag dolls and this mermaid rad doll is just stunning.  The pattern is by Spin a Yarn Crochet.

Rag Doll Mermaid

That's it for Freebie Friday, I hope you enjoyed my selections.  Which one is your favourite?  Let me know in the comments below and don't forget to follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe for more posts like this.

See you soon...

Catherine

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Crab Stitch Edging - Learn how to add a finishing touch to your projects with this tutorial by Lullaby Lodge.

One of my favourite things to crochet is blankets.  I just love the whole process from start to finish.  Scouring the internet for ideas of colours, shapes, texture; choosing yarn and making that first long wiggly starting chain, working on the body of the blanket, joining motifs, but my favourite part about blanket making is adding the border.  It's that time when your project is almost finished and you can see exactly how your blanket will look.  I love that feeling of completion you get while adding your final rounds.

The style of your blanket will determine what kind of edging you add.  I have used fancy, lace edgings in the past, bobble edgings, pretty shells and I love them all; but sometimes you just want something simple and nothing could be more simple and effective than a crab stitch border.

Crab Stitch Edging

Materials

Yarn

Darning needle

Hook

Use a hook that matches your project and yarn

Abbreviations / Terms

US terms are used through out (UK terms)

sc - single crochet (double crochet)

ch - chain

sl st - slip stitch

st(s) - stitch(s)

I am using a granny square as a sample piece to show you how to work the edging, but you can add your border to any project.  Use the same yarn and hook size that you used for the main body of your project.  First we need to work a round of sc.  

Round 1 join your yarn with a sl st anywhere on your project, ch1 and sc in same st.  Sc in every st.

If your project has corners, 3sc in each corner...

Join with sl st to starting sc.  

We will now work around our project putting a sc in every sc, but this time we will be working from left to right.  This can feel a bit counter intuitive but once you get the hang of it you can get a nice rhythm going.

Round 2 sc in every sc (working from left to right).

Crab stitch will easily go around your corners with no need for extra stitches...

Finish with a sl st to starting sc.

Crab Stitch makes a great edging for ripple blankets as the stitch easily flows along the ridges.

I made this blanket a few years ago and it is still one of our favourites...

Thank you for reading and don't forget to follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe for more posts like this...

See you soon

Catherine

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Related posts 

The Blanket Stitch

Simple Shell Edging

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Crochet Granny Bookmark - Our Happy CAL Place, weekly and monthly CAL group on Ravelry.

Hello lovely people, last week I joined a CAL group over on Ravelry.  The group is called Our Happy CAL Place and if you like a good crochet along, I recommend you head on over to Ravelry and check them out.  The group has many different crochet alongs throughout the year, in particular a monthly and weekly crochet along.  The group is very friendly and helpful with a wide variety of projects and themes each week / month.  Joining a group like this is a great way to use up some stash and this bookmark would make a great gift for a book lover...

This weeks CAL was this cute Granny Bookmark, which is a free Ravelry download by Deborah Ellis.  The pattern calls for no.10 thread and a 1.5 mm hook.  I love the way thread projects look, but for myself, I am not keen working with such a tiny hook.  So, not having any thread weight yarn in my stash. I went for this cotton fingering yarn by Drops.  I used a 2.5mm hook to make my version of the bookmark and also skipped rounds 2 & 3 (otherwise it would have been far too big).

I'm really happy with the way it turned out and the pattern was very easy to follow.  Why not head over to the Ravelry group and take a look at the other members projects.  They are all so different, it's lovely to see everyone's take on this pretty pattern.

I hope you enjoyed this post and would love to see you in Our Happy CAL Place.  Be sure to follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe, for more posts like this...

Take care

Catherine

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Popcorn Flower Pincushion Pattern

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Make your picnic extra special with some homemade crochet loveliness - Free patterns selected by Lullaby Lodge...

It's nearing the end of May and summer is nearly here.  It's time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, make some tasty treats and head on out to the park for a picnic.  I have some great patterns to share with you to make your picnic perfect.

Picnic In The Park

Essential to any picnic, is a picnic blanket and this one by Yarnspirations looks just fabulous.  Who doesn't love gingham?

Caron Gingham Picnic Blanket

Make these gorgeously, colourful, crochet can cosy's.  Perfect for keeping your drinks cool in the sun.  The pattern is by Beatrice Ryan Designs.

Rainbow Ridges Can Cosy

Pack all your sandwiches and yummy treats in this crochet picnic basket.  The pattern is by Crystalized Designs

Picnic Basket

Another pattern from Yarnspirations.  These giant cushions will make your picnic extra comfy, perfect for a posh picnic.

Spiral Crochet Pillow

Add a riot of colour to your picnic with this rainbow bunting, pattern by Rett.

Rett's Flower Bunting

Lastly we have yet another pattern from Yarnspirations.  This blanket not only looks amazing but also doubles up as a handy carryall, making this pattern not just beautiful but practical.

Convertible Crochet Blanket Bag

Thanks for reading and don't forget to follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe.

Catherine

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How to turn your circles into granny squares - Crochet tutorial by Lullaby Lodge

In last week's Tutorial Tuesday, we learned how to make crochet circles and as promised this week, I will show you how to turn them into squares.  I have used Stylecraft Special Aran in colours Baby Mint, Baby Pink, Saffron, Aspen, White and Fondant to make my squares with a 5mm (H) hook; but you can use any yarn you like, just use the hook size recommended on your yarn...

Circle Granny Squares

Materials

Yarn

Darning needle

Stitch marker (optional)

Hook

Use the hook size recommended on your yarn ball band

Abbreviations / Terms

US terms (UK terms)

hdc - half double crochet (half treble crochet)

dc - double crochet (treble crochet)

tr - treble crochet (double treble crochet)

sl st - slip stitch

ch - chain

st(s) - stitch(es)

With your main colour, ch 4 and join with sl st to form ring.

Round 1 ch3 (counts as dc, in this and every round), 11dc into ring, join with sl st to top ch3.  (12dc).  If you find it easier you can add a stitch marker to your first stitch; move this up each round.

Round 2 ch3, dc in same st, 2dc in each st around, join with sl st to top ch3. (24dc).

Round 3 ch3, dc in same st, [dc in next st, 2dc in next st] repeat around to last st, dc in last st, join with sl st to top ch3.  (36dc).  Fasten off.

Round 4 with border colour, join with sl st to any st, ch4, 2tr in same st, ch2, 3tr in next st (corner made).  *Dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 3 sts, dc in next 2 sts, 3tr in next st, ch2, 3tr in next st* repeat from *to* 3 times.  Dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 3 sts, dc in next 2 sts, join with sl st to top ch4.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

Make lots of squares and join them to make a blanket, or you could make your squares with cotton yarn to make table mats.  So many ideas to choose from.  What will you make with yours?  Let me know in the comments below...

This tutorial is available as a printable PDF in my Etsy store...

Thanks for stopping by and make sure you follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe for more posts like this...

Take care

Catherine

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