Homemade Knit, Sew and Crochet: 25 Home Craft Projects

Homemade Knit, Sew and Crochet: 25 Home Craft Projects Ros Badger Thompson Thompson Get out your knitting needles, crochet hooks and sewing machines and learn to make something truly original!Complete with step-by-step instructions and beautiful photography, these projects - from knitted fingerless gloves to upcycled vintage summer bunting - will add individuality to your home and wardrobe, and also make perfect gifts.25 fun and simple projects to make, perfect for beginners.Complete with patterns, and knitting, sewing and crochet basics.Includes a directory of suppliers and resourcesThe content of this book is adapted from Homemade by Ros Badger and Elspeth Thompson, first published by Collins in 2009. Copyright (#ulink_5e3624c2-dbaa-5d57-83b8-42c532292d15) This ebook edition published in 2012 by Collins includes some material first published in Homemade, first published in 2009. HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street London SE1 9GF www.harpercollins.co.uk (http://www.harpercollins.co.uk) First published by HarperCollinsPublishers 2012 FIRST EDITION Text © Ros Badger and Elspeth Thompson 2009, Ros Badger 2012 Photography © Benjamin J Murphy 2009, 2012 Ros Badger and Elspeth Thompson assert their moral right to be identified as the authors of this work. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this ebook on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins. A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. Photography Benjamin J Murphy Editors Emma Callery and Sarah Tomley Packager Tracy Killick Art Direction and Design Source ISBN: 9780007489534 Ebook edition © October 2012 ISBN: 9780007489541 Version 2016-12-02 Dedication (#u207a28b9-7063-5310-950b-725363f099bf) To my beloved friend Elspeth who I will always miss. Also to our mothers, Margaret and Ruth, and daughters Martha, Ceidra and Mary, who are a continuing source of inspiration. Contents Title Page (#u2c2c9c83-a006-50d3-a165-053bd2788657) Dedication Introduction iPod cover Tea cosy Pompoms Striped woolly scarf Fingerless gloves Felt flower hair clips and combs Flower corsage Bag-in-a-bag Beach bag Child’s summer dress Patchwork throw Cushion covers Outdoor cushion Denim chair Summer bunting Tea towel apron Egg cosies Hot-water bottle cover Lavender cats Victorian sand pincushion Cross-stitch ‘no-entry’ sign Crochet squares Crochet bowls Decorated coat hangers Crochet iPad cover Homemade basics Craft basics Sewing basics Knitting basics Crochet basics Patterns and templates Directory List of Projects Acknowledgements Also available Copyright About the Publisher (#litres_trial_promo) Introduction (#u207a28b9-7063-5310-950b-725363f099bf) There was a time, not so very long ago, when the term ‘homemade’ was synonymous with dowdiness and ‘doing without’. From the profligate 1980s on, shopping seemed to become the preferred national pastime, while making your own was seen as second-best, an eccentricity, or a leftover from childhood TV programmes. But a few years ago a gradual shift began to occur. There was a revival of the old crafts combined with a new energetic approach. Knitting and crochet were suddenly in the zeitgeist and popular again, and everyone from New York bankers to teenage schoolgirls seemed to be starting crafts clubs. Interest in craft has been growing among all sorts of groups and ages, and many people are now keen to make things for themselves, family and friends. The children’s sewing club ‘Sew Good’, which I teach in the UK, has a long waiting list and I am inundated with people wanting to learn how to knit, sew and crochet. Many women now want to explore their creativity and make something stylish for the home, especially given the ever-growing interest in individual, handcrafted objects. My students are hugely diverse, from homemakers and business executives to children and other artisans. Recently an ?ber-cool male student, studying Japanese, asked me to teach him how to crochet! The ‘homemade’ movement has gained an added energy and momentum from the two major crises – environmental and financial – that now face us all. Making and growing things not only saves money and helps the environment, the activities themselves give rise to a feel-good factor that can help cheer us up in adversity. Our homes become havens in times of global uncertainty, and knowing that we have the skills and resources to make things of use and beauty for those we live around and love – without costing the earth – can be a source of great comfort and pleasure. My aims with this book are the same as they have always been – to spread the joy of creating and making things yourself, and to share that with others. Creating something is a satisfying and fulfilling thing to do and has been a constant in my life. Having been taught to crochet by my grandmother at the age of seven, I wore homemade clothes that my mother made for me as a child and then started to sew and knit my own designs as a teenager, not only because it was an economical way to live but because I was able to establish my individual style. This is still a vital part of my own creative process and one that I was lucky enough to turn into a career. This book offers a range of stylish projects with something for everyone using a variety of skills, many requiring little experience. It does, however, require an alternative mindset to many craft books, which often start by listing stuff to buy, whereas I think half the fun lies in saving materials wherever you can, from fabric and buttons taken off favourite old clothes or furnishings, to ribbon from unwrapped presents. As these saved and salvaged materials become stitched and woven into new objects, the backdrop to our lives gathers texture and richness, with added layers of memory and association. I have always been proud to be seen as a creative person, but now we are firmly back to a time where craft is not the preserve of an envied talented few, but widespread across the globe. ‘Homemade’ (including ‘homegrown’) has become a way of life for a huge number of people. So many people can now be heard saying with pride, ‘I made it myself!’ People are no longer happy with doing the odd bit of knitting on their commuter train or taking a homemade gift to a party – they want to ‘live the life’, and embrace the authenticity and love behind everything homemade. The increasing number of books, blogs and websites that have appeared over the last couple of years extolling the virtues of all things homemade give me hope that this wonderful trend is here to stay. Ros Badger (#u207a28b9-7063-5310-950b-725363f099bf) iPod cover Precious iPods look even better tucked inside gorgeous homemade covers. This pattern is simple enough for novice knitters, and can be customised by varying the colour or design in subtle or bold ways. You will need 4-ply cotton, approximately 10g (?oz) (we used mercerised cotton, which has a slight sheen and washes well) 2.75mm (UK size 12; US size 2) knitting needles 2.5mm crochet hook (if making optional strap) Tension over stocking stitch 16sts and 22 rows = 5cm (2in) Abbreviations (#litres_trial_promo) Measurements 7 ? 8.5cm (2? ? 3?in) To make an iPod Nano cover • With 2.75mm (UK size 12; US size 2) needles and the 4-ply cotton, cast on 22sts and work 8 rows in garter st (knit every row) then work in stocking st (knit one row, purl one row) until the cover measures 15cm (6in). • Work 8 rows garter st and cast off. • Fold the bag in half, right sides together, sew the two side seams and then turn through. To make an iPod classic or other MP3 player cover • Measure your player and, using the tension guide (#ulink_ddbc0f90-88f3-5a59-ac05-0662e1c3a0f8), work out how many sts you need for the width, then add 4 more sts. • With 2.75mm (UK size 12; US size 2) needles, cast on the required number of sts and work 8 rows garter st, then work in stocking st until the piece measures twice the length of your player. Work 8 more rows of garter st and cast off. Fold the bag in half, right sides together, sew the two side seams and then turn through. To make the strap The simplest way to make a strap is to attach a colourful piece of ribbon. However, if you know how to crochet, the following instructions explain how to make a strong, pretty strap. • With the 2.5mm crochet hook and 4-ply cotton, make a 30cm (12in) long single chain. • Thread this through the knitted bag just below the garter st top. There is no need to make eyelet holes as the chain can easily be threaded through between the knitted sts. Tie together the loose ends to make a loop. (#u207a28b9-7063-5310-950b-725363f099bf) Tea cosy As well as keeping your tea hot, a homemade tea cosy brings an air of warmth and originality to the kitchen table. Choose colours that work with your cups and kitchen d?cor. You will need About 60g (2?oz) yarn (this was knitted using Aran tweed but any Aran yarn would also work) Yarn scraps in contrasting colours for the embroidery and pompom 4.5mm (UK size 7; US size 7) needles (you can change the needle size to make the cosy larger or smaller; the one pictured fits a six-teacup teapot) Tension 10sts and 12 rows = 5cm (2in) Abbreviations (#litres_trial_promo) To make • With 4.5mm (UK size 7; US size 7) needles and yarn, cast on 84sts and work 5 rows to form the border. Row 1: Knit. Row 2: Purl. Repeat these 2 rows once more then divide (work for spout and handle). Row 5: K42 and keep remaining sts on a stitch holder. Row 6: K2, p38, k2. Repeat the last 2 rows 10 times more, ending on a purl row. Keep these sts on a stitch holder and repeat on the opposite side until the work measures the same front and back. End on a purl row. Next row: Knit across the whole work. Next row: Purl. Then start decreasing as follows: Row 1: K11, k2tog, * k12, k2tog *, repeat from * to * 5 times, k1. (78sts) Row 2: Purl. Row 3: K10, k2tog, * k11, k2tog*, repeat from * to * 5 times, k1. (72sts) Row 4: Purl. Row 5: K9, k2tog, * k10, k2tog*, repeat from * to * 5 times, k1. (66sts) Row 6: Purl. Row 7: K8, k2tog, * k9, k2tog*, repeat from * to * 5 times, k1. (60sts) Row 8: Purl. Row 9: K7, k2tog, * k8, k2tog*, repeat from * to * 5 times, k1. (54sts) Row 10: Purl. Row 11: K6, k2tog, * k7, k2tog*, repeat from * to * 5 times, k1. (48sts) Row 12: Purl. Row 13: K1, k2tog across work to the last st, k1. 27sts remain. • Cut your thread and then thread it through all the sts, pulling it tightly. • Use this thread to sew the side seam as far as the opening for the spout, where the 2-st garter st edging finishes. • Sew the bottom side seam to where the 2-st garter st edging begins. • Work your motif (here, a teacup (#litres_trial_promo); see pattern) using chain st (#litres_trial_promo) and a contrasting colour of wool. • Tack the shape first, if you like, working out from the centre of the tea cosy to ensure the motif is central. Work a box in running st (#litres_trial_promo) around the image in a contrasting colour of wool. • Make a pompom (#ulink_bafe1a20-1ccb-5585-91f9-3d2dbb70a558) and attach securely to the top. (#u207a28b9-7063-5310-950b-725363f099bf) Pompoms Pompoms can be used in all sorts of fun and stylish ways; they lend a jaunty air to clothing and furnishings. Tie them to lengths of twisted wool to make attractive drawstrings for clothes, bags or gloves. You will need Cardboard circles. Decide what size pompoms you would like, then for each pompom cut two cardboard circles with that diameter. Cut out a smaller circle in the centre (to the proportions shown in the photograph, right) Darning needle or bobbin Yarn To make • With the yarn threaded through a large darning needle or bobbin, wind it all around the doughnut shape, tightly and thickly. • When the cardboard is covered and you can hardly get your needle through the central hole, cut the yarn all around the outer edge of the circle and secure by tying another piece of yarn tightly around the centre of the pompom. • Remove the cardboard and fluff up the pompom. Trim with a pair of sharp scissors to even it up into a perfect ball. This can also help the edges of the yarn to fluff up nicely. • Attach your pompom securely with matching yarn to whatever you are making. (#u207a28b9-7063-5310-950b-725363f099bf) Striped woolly scarf This is just about the most simple scarf ever – and it looks great on men, women and children. Use contrasting colours for the cast-on and cast-off edge to add an attractive finish. You will need 200g (7oz) chunky yarn in main colour (MC) – we used duck-egg blue Approximately 30g (1?oz) chunky yarn in colour B (col B) – we used orange Approximately 30g (1?oz) chunky yarn in colour C (col C) – we used green 6.5mm (UK size 3; US size 10?) knitting needles Tension over garter stitch The yarn we used worked out at the following tension, but note the needle size and tension on your ball of wool (usually written on the ball band) in case it is different, and change accordingly. 14sts and 26 rows = 10cm (4in) Abbreviations (#litres_trial_promo) Measurements 22 x 115cm (8? x 45in) To make • With 6.5mm needles (UK size 3; US size 10?) and col B, cast on 30sts. Rows 1–4: Change to col C, knit. Rows 5 & 6: Col B, knit. Rows 7 & 8: MC, knit. Rows 9 & 10: Col C, knit. Rows 11 & 12: MC, knit. Rows 13–16: Col B, knit. Rows 17 & 18: Col C, knit. Rows 19–22: MC, knit. Rows 23 & 24: Col B, knit. Rows 25 & 26: Col C, knit. Rows 27–44: MC, knit. Rows 45 & 46: Col B, knit. Rows 47–52: MC, knit. Rows 53 & 54: Col C, knit. Rows 55–206: MC, knit. Rows 207 & 208: Col C, knit. Rows 209–214: MC, knit. Rows 215 & 216: Col B, knit. Rows 217–234: MC, knit. Rows 235 & 236: Col C, knit. Row 237–238: Col B, knit. Rows 239–242: MC, knit. Rows 243 & 244: Col C, knit. Rows 245–248: Col B, knit. Rows 249 & 250: MC, knit. Rows 251 & 252: Col C, knit. Rows 253 & 254: MC, knit. Rows 255 & 256: Col B, knit. Rows 257–260: Col C, knit. Change to col B and cast off. Weave in any loose ends. • For a longer or shorter scarf, add or reduce rows between rows 55 and 206. Tip If you’re looking for a great way to use up scraps of wool, incorporate lots of colour changes into your scarf. Just make sure that they are all of the same weight. (#u207a28b9-7063-5310-950b-725363f099bf) Fingerless gloves These stripy gloves are warm and stylish but leave your fingers free. You can make them shorter by reducing the number of rows between rows 33 and 47, or longer by knitting extra rows before decreasing. You will need 25g (1oz) of 4-ply wool in colour A (col A) – we used brown 25g (1oz) of 4-ply wool in colour B (col B) – we used aubergine 25g (1oz) of 4-ply wool in colour C (col C) – we used moss 3.25mm (UK size 10; US size 3) knitting needles Abbreviations (#litres_trial_promo) Tension 14sts and 18 rows = 5cm (2in) Measurements Finished length is approximately 26cm (10?in) To make the right glove • With 3.25mm (UK size 10; US size 3) needles and col B, cast on 59sts. Change to col A and work 6 rows in k1, p1 rib. Dec 1st at end of row 6. (58sts) (For decreasing, knit together the 3rd and 4th sts from the edge. This produces a fashioning mark on the gloves, which gives them a more stylish finish.) Cont with col A. Row 1 (RS): Knit. Row 2: Purl. Row 3: Using col B, knit. Row 4: Purl. Row 5: Using col C, knit. Row 6: Purl. These 6 rows form the pattern. Cont in pattern for stripes, dec 1st at each end of the following row and then on rows 15, 21, 27 and 33, until 48sts remain. Cont until the beginning of row 47, then work thumb gusset as follows, keeping stripes correct. Row 1 (RS): K24, inc in next st, k2, inc in next st, k20. (50sts) Work 3 rows. Row 5: K24, inc in next st, k4, inc in next st, k20. (52sts) Work 3 rows. Row 9: K24, inc in next st, k6, inc in next st, k20. (54sts) Work 3 rows. Row 13: K24, inc in next st, k8, inc in next st, k20. (56sts) Work 3 rows. Row 17: K24, inc in next st, k10, inc in next st, k20. (58sts) Work 1 row. Row 19: K38, turn and cast on 1st. Row 20*: p14, turn and cast on 1st. (15sts) Work 6 rows on these 15sts, keeping stripes correct. Change to col A and work 2 rows in k1, p1 rib. Cast off with col B. Join the thumb seam. With right sides facing, rejoin yarn, pick up 4sts from the thumb base (2 either side of seam) and cont to end of row. Work 16 rows more. Change to col A and work 4 rows in k1, p1 rib. Change to col B and cast off. To make the left glove • Work as right glove to the beginning of thumb gusset shaping. Then work as follows: Row 1 (RS): K19, inc in next st, k2, inc in next st, k25. (50sts) Work 3 rows. Row 5: K19, inc in next st, k4, inc in next st, k25. (52sts) Work 3 rows. Row 9: K19, inc in next st, k6, inc in next st, k25. (54sts) Work 3 rows. Row 13: K19, inc in next st, k8, inc in next st, k25. (56sts) Work 3 rows. Row 17: K19, inc in next st, k10, inc in next st, k25. (58sts) Work 1 row. Row 19: K33, turn and cast on 1st, cont as for right glove from *. Making up • Sew the side seam with mattress stitch, catching in ends where you can. Then sew in any remaining ends and press lightly with your iron on the wool setting. (#ulink_5131c5ba-0a8d-5fa1-b577-eb1d535173d3) Felt flower hair clips and combs These charming felt hair accessories are fun and fashionable, and they are simple enough for children to make. They make great presents or items to sell at a school fair. You will need Scraps of felt in contrasting colours Cotton thread in matching colours Hair clip Undecorated hair comb To make the flowers • Cut a strip of felt approximately 10 ? 1.5–2.5cm (4 ? ?–1in), depending on how large you want your flowers. Cut one edge with pinking shears, then use standard scissors to cut between each ‘v’ of the pinked edge to approximately 5mm (?in) from the opposite edge. • For the flower centre, cut a piece of felt in a contrasting colour 50 ? 5mm (2 ? ?in). Roll it up to form the centre of your flower and then roll the petal strip around it, sewing the edges and underside securely to hold it all together. • For a simple hair clip, use just one or two flowers. If making a comb slide (#ulink_b81b29fd-ed21-50c8-b574-ada7caa08d86), make five in various colours and sizes. Then progress as follows. To make the comb • Cut a piece of felt the width of the comb and 2cm (?in) high (or double the height of the top of the comb). Stitch the felt onto the top of the comb, sewing between each tooth and neatly finishing at the ends. Sew five flowers in a random order onto the felt edge of your comb, stitching from the underneath (where it will not show). To make the hair clip • Cut a leaf shape in double-thickness felt, then sew around the edge with running stitch. Sew a line down the centre to form the leaf vein. Stitch your flower to one end of the leaf and then sew the leaf to a hair clip, securing it in three places by sewing over the straight edge of the clip and the underside of the leaf using a small over stitch. Tip Add texture by inserting narrow strips of felt, looped between the flowers, or add a few small, green leaves. (#ulink_622d50b0-9c1e-5368-b87f-1bddd20cfc85) Flower corsage Fabric corsages add instant glamour to a party dress or a plain top. This corsage is simple to make and can be given endless variations by using different colours and textures, and old or new fabrics. You will need Scraps of fabric in contrasting materials, colours and patterns (you need at least five different fabric scraps to build a flower) Cotton thread for hand or machine sewing (we used silver thread) Brooch pin (optional) To make • Cut various size circles of fabrics and layer them five or six deep, using a variety of different thicknesses and textures, such as velvet and net. Use pinking shears to cut the edges of some fabrics, to give added interest around the edge. • Sew four lines across the diameter of the circles to divide each circle into eight segments, using machine or hand stitching. We used silver thread, which seems to look pretty with everything. Leave loose strands of thread at the edges of the flower by not trimming too close – this adds to the overall effect. • Cut from the outside to the inside of each flower, between the lines of stitching, to a point just short of the centre. Then turn over the corsage and pinch (#litres_trial_promo) together each segment near the centre, then sew around your pinch, drawing the thread slightly tight to pull the flower into a three-dimensional shape. • Sew the finished corsage firmly into place on your chosen piece of clothing or a bag. If you want to be able to transfer the corsage from garment to garment, attach a brooch pin to the back. Tip A group of corsages would look great on a belt or waistband – and they can even be used to hide the odd worn patch or moth hole on a much-loved cashmere jersey. (#ulink_fa329e75-7b4d-58cf-8daf-5336fa532769) Bag-in-a-bag Plastic carrier bags are a definite no-no for style and eco reasons. This homemade replacement is strong enough to carry lots of heavy groceries, light enough to fit in your handbag, and ?ber-stylish. You will need 1m (39in) in any standard width of strong fabric that isn’t too thick or heavy; or use an off-cut measuring 64 ? 80cm (25 ? 32in) Cotton thread for machine sewing 20–30cm (8–12in) ribbon A pretty button To make • To make the bag, cut out a rectangular piece of fabric that measures 80 ? 46cm (32 ? 18in). This includes a 1.5cm (?in) seam allowance. • To make the straps, cut two strips of fabric, each measuring 54 ? 9cm (21 ? 3?in). Fold in 5mm (?in) on each side to the wrong side and iron flat. Then fold each strap in half lengthways (so that the pattern is on the outside and the folded edges are facing inwards), and machine topstitch all the way along. • For the top edge of the bag, fold in one of the longer sides of the main piece of fabric by 3mm ( Конец ознакомительного фрагмента. Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес». Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию (https://www.litres.ru/ros-badger/homemade-knit-sew-and-crochet-25-home-craft-projects/?lfrom=688855901) на ЛитРес. Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.