Learn how to surface crochet and make this cute granny square - A Lullaby Lodge tutorial...

Hello lovely people.  This week I thought we would take a look at surface crochet.  This is an advanced technique that can turn something really simple into something amazing.  Don't feel intimidated by it being an advanced technique, as it is actually very easy once you get the hang of it.  This project uses a basic granny square and adding some surface crochet at the end, totally transforms the look of the square.

Spinning Top Granny Square

Materials

Yarn

Darning needle

Hook

Use a hook recommended on your yarn ball band

Abbreviations US Terms (UK conversion)

dc - double crochet (treble crochet)

sc - single crochet (double crochet)

ch - chain

sl st - slip stitch

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

Advanced technique: Surface crochet.  Surface crochet stitches are worked over the top of your regular crochet stitches, usually after the main body of the crochet is finished.  For this pattern we will only be using chain stitches to "draw" pretty patterns on top of our work.

Other notes:  I used Scheepjes Cahlista (Aran) yarn 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 ball band.  I like to use a chainless dc to start my rounds, you can do this if you wish or use the traditional ch3 as stated in the pattern.

With chosen yarn and hook, ch4 and 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).  

Round 4  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.

Round 5 ch1 (does not count as st) sc in same place, sc in every st around and 3sc in each corner sp, join with sl st to first sc.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

Insert your hook from front to back into the top of any st from round 1.  Holding your yarn at the back of your work, pull up a loop.  Insert your hook into the next st and pull up a loop and pull through loop on hook making a ch st.  Continue to make ch sts in this way in every st from round 1.  Cut yarn.

To finish off neatly, pull yarn through to the front of your work.  Thread onto a darning needle and slide under the first ch st and pull through, next insert your needle into the centre of the last ch st and push through to the back of your work.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

Repeat this process on rounds 2 and 3.

You can really experiment with colours and make some pretty squares...

Changing the background colour totally changes the look.

This granny square pattern is available in an ad free pdf format in my Etsy Store...

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I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and have fun experimenting with surface crochet.  If you would like to see more posts like this then be sure to follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe...

I will see you all very soon

Catherine

x

Spinning Top Granny Square PDF

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Color Block Washcloth - CAL Central crochet along group...

Hello friends, it's week four of the CAL Central Washcloth crochet along and this week we have another colour block pattern.  This week's washcloth is designed by Carolyn from The Purple Poncho and features a two colour, colour block design with a pretty cluster stitch.

I really enjoyed this week's design.  It was so quick and easy to make, I just had to make two.  The pattern is very easy to follow and produces these visually stunning colour block cloths.  You can find the free pattern here...

I used Scheepjes Cahlista cotton Aran yarn with a 5mm hook.  I chained 30 and worked one row less on each end to keep the cloth the correct size, of seven inches square.  

I always like to add a pretty label to my cloths so they are ready to gift.

You can purchase a printable pdf for these labels in my Etsy Store, along with a selection of other labels.

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Why not head over to the very busy Facebook page and see what everyone else has made.  If you like this post and would like to see more, along with loads of free patterns and tutorials, be sure to follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe...

See you all again very soon.

Catherine

x

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How to make the perfect granny square - Updated version, a tutorial by Lullaby Lodge...

Hello everyone.  I have been taking some time to look over and review some of my older tutorials and patterns and feel that some of them need a bit of refreshing.  So this week's Tutorial Tuesday will feature the first of these updated patterns.  Granny squares are one of my favourite things to crochet and so I loved making these squares to update the tutorial...

You can find the updated tutorial here...

I will be back again soon and don't forget to follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe for more tutorials and patterns...

Take care

Catherine

x

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Color Block Washcloth - CAL central crochet along group...

Hi everyone I hope you are all doing well.  It is week 3 of the CAL Central washcloth crochet along.  This week we have the fantastic Color Block Washcloth, design by Mary Beth Temple.  I was a little hesitant to join in with this one as I have a real aversion to intarsia colour work.  I have tried intarsia with knitting a few times and have always found it rather frustrating.  Crochet intarsia however, is so much easier and I am glad I gave it a go.

The pattern comes with a colour chart and to be honest I didn't even read the written pattern as I find charts easier to follow.  The pattern calls for DK yarn and a 3.5mm hook, again this week I chose to use aran weight instead.  I went with a 4mm hook and my finished size was actually slightly smaller than the pattern stated, at 7 and a half inches.

I used Scheepjes Cahlista yarn again, as it comes in so many gorgeous colours and added a gift label.

If you would like to use these labels for your own projects they are available in my Etsy Store, along with a selection of other printables...

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Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe for more posts like this...

Catherine

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Quick and easy projects for you to crochet this summer - Free crochet patterns selected by Lullaby Lodge...

Summer is in full swing here now and the holidays will soon be upon us.  I often hear people say "it's too hot to crochet", well it is certainly too hot here for working on anything large like a blanket, so I thought I would find a nice selection of quick and easy projects that are perfect for summer.  Go and make a nice pitcher of iced tea and sit out in the garden with one of these lovely projects...

Quick & Easy Summer Crochet

I just love this boho style crochet necklace by Why I DIY?, you can find the free pattern over on her blog.

Vibrant Bohemian Necklace

While you are lounging in the sun, why not make a pretty case for your sunglasses.  The pattern is available at Crochet Happens blog and she even shows you how to make a pretty lining for your case.

Crochet Sunglasses Case

These flower hair clips are too cute for words and can be crocheted in no time at all.  You can find the pattern at Grace And Yarn.

Crochet Hair Clips

Barefoot sandals are perfect for summer and a great quick and easy project.  This pattern by Devine Debris is just gorgeous.

Kayla Barefoot Sandals

Here's one your kids will love.  Make a handy cosy for your ice pops.  Designed by Roar patterns and is available to download at Ravelry.

Eat Me Icy Holder

My final selection is these fruity pot holders.  They just look so bright and sunny.  The pattern is available at Heart Handmade.

Fruity Pot Holders

I hope you enjoyed my selections for this week.  Which was your favourite?  Let me know in the comments below.  I can't decide between the barefoot sandals or the pot holders.  

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If you would like to see more posts like this and loads of free tutorials and patterns then don't forget to follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe...

See you again soon

Catherine

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Starburst Daisy Dishcloth - Free crochet pattern by Lullaby Lodge

Hello everyone, I usually have a tutorial to share with you on Tuesdays, but this week I have a free pattern instead.  I hope you like my Starburst Daisy Dishcloths.  Homemade dishcloths really brighten up your day, especially when they come in such delicious colours.  I think they would also make great coasters or table mats.

Starburst Daisy Dishcloth

Materials

Aran / Worsted cotton yarn small amounts  (approx. 15g / half Oz each colour when making a 2 colour daisy).

Darning needle

Hook

5mm (H)

Size

Dishcloth 20 cm (8  inches) diameter

Ability

Intermediate

Abbreviations US Terms (UK Conversion)

tr - treble crochet (double treble crochet)

dc - double crochet (treble crochet)

sc - single crochet (double crochet)

hdc - half double crochet (half treble crochet)

fpdc - front post double crochet (front post treble crochet)

ch - chain

st(s) - stitch(es)

sp - space
sl st - slip stitch

bl - back loops

cl - cluster

bcl - beginning cluster

ps - puff stitch

yo - yarn over

sk - skip

Special Stitches

Beginning cluster: ch2, [Yo, insert hook into st and pull up a loop, yo pull through 2 loops] x3, yo pull through all loops.

Cluster: [Yo, insert hook into st and pull up a loop, yo pull through 2 loops] x4, yo pull through all loops.

Puff stitch: [Yo, insert hook into st and pull up a long loop] x4, yo pull through all loops, ch1 to secure puff.

Other notes:  You can make the more traditional yellow and white daisy or you can use more colours if you wish, simply fasten off at the end of the round and join in the new colour.  You can use any cotton Aran / worsted weight yarn to make these cloths.  When changing colours join new colour with a sl st where indicated.

Dishcloth

Ch4 and join with sl st to form ring.

Round 1 Ch3 (counts as dc), 15 dc into ring, join with sl st to top ch3.  (16dc)

Round 2 Pull up a loop (or join new colour in any st), ps in same place, ch1, [ ps, ch1] in every st around, join with sl st to top first ps. (16ps)

Round 3 Sl st into next sp (or join new colour in any sp), bcl, ch2, [cl in next sp, ch2] repeat around, join with sl st to top first cl.  Fasten off.  (16cl)

Round 4 With white join in any sp, ch4 (counts as tr), 6tr in same sp, [sl st in next sp, 7tr in next sp] repeat around, join with sl st to top ch4.  (8 petals)

Round 5 Sl st into next st, ch2 (counts as hdc), 2dc in next st, 3dc in next st, 2dc in next st, hdc in next st, sk next 3 sts, [hdc in next st, 2dc in next st, 3dc in next st, 2dc in next st, hdc in next st, sk next 3 sts] repeat around, sl st to top ch2.  Fasten off.  (8 petals)

Round 6 With contrasting colour work in bl except for fpdc, join in first hdc of any petal, ch1, sc in same st, sc in each hdc and dc, and fpdc around each Round 4 sl st.  Fasten off.  (72sc, 8fpdc).

Round 7 With white and working in bl only, join in any sc after fpdc, ch1, sc in same st, sc in every sc, fpdc around every fpdc, join with sl st to starting sc.  Fasten off and weave in ends.  (72sc, 8fpdc).

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I hope you enjoyed this pattern and I'm sure you can come up with lots of other lovely colour combinations.  I would love to see what you make, tag your social media pics with #lullabylodge so I can check them out.  You can find a pdf version of this pattern in my Etsy Store...

Which do you like best, yellow or pink?  Let me know in the comments below and don't forget to follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe for more posts like this...

Thanks for stopping by

Catherine

x

Starburst Daisy Dishcloth PDF

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