4 Tips for Teaching Kids Crochet and Yarn Crafts

I've taught a few classes, in a few different situations, and today want to give you some tips for teaching crochet, and other yarn crafts to kids.

These are going to depend on the age of the children, class size and how long you have - whether or not it's a one time class or on going. Each of these should be considered to plan a great lesson. 

Tip #1

Stick to chains.

This is a crochet specific tip. If you have a limited time, I'd recommend just learning chains as an introduction to crochet, especially if it's a one off class. It teaches kids to hold to hook and yarn, how to get them to flow together and even a lesson in tension. The finished chain could be made into a bracelet or necklace! 

If you have the time to go one step further and introduce a slip stitch or single crochet - crochet mesh is also a great first project- it grows fast and still uses mostly chains.

These Chain Loop Pom Poms are a great pattern to work with chains

This Loopy Worsted Necklace is a little more advanced, but can be something that is worked up to 

Keep reading to the end for some more chain ideas!

Tip #2

Forget the chains.

OK, yes this is completely contradictory advice, but my next tip is to start off the work. Work a few rows and have them build up from it, either from a granny square or simple rows back and forth. This also works for knitting. I've found the hardest concept in teaching crochet is the foundation row, and how and why we skip chains, and same for knitting and casting on. The actual stitches can be fun to learn, but if you are too bogged down in all the things you need to know to start it can be difficult. I find half double crochets a good first stitch to learn. They have one less action than a double, but still incorporate the yarn over. from there you add or subtract an action to make different stitches. It seems a bit obvious to say, but for knitting - stick to basic knit/garter stitch. 

premake a few squares to get everyone started!

Use my Good Old Granny Squares pattern.

Tip #3

Be patient.

This goes for kids and adult alike - crochet and knit are supposed to be very relaxing, but for a beginner it can be the exact opposite. Take it slow, think of several ways to explain a concept and one might stick. Some people need to know why they are doing something, and others will just need to know how. 

Tip #4

Complete an item.

I've found most students like to work to an end goal. A scarf for a toy or a washcloth are good uses for little swatches, or even add them as an embellishment to something bigger makes the end goal more impressive.

Love this bracelet idea by 1 Dog Woof! 

And a beautiful chain scarf from Golden Lucy Crafts

Thanks for reading,

Happy Crocheting (and knitting!)

Emma

Trillian Crochet Earrings

 

Trillian Earrings are inspired by the Trillium Gradiflorum - a three petalled flower- however my tiny earrings aren't limited to white blossoms - so I've gone with the 'Hitchhiker's Guide' character Trillian! 

I've used a 2.5 mm hook and a fingering weight yarn - Yarn and Colours 'Must Have' in Fuchsia, a mercerised cotton (they come in cute 10 g balls)  but I think they would look amazing with a thread and tiny hook! You'll also need a needle, scissors, 2 x earring hooks and optional 2 x jump rings and pliers. 

It's so easy - just two rounds - so you can make one for all your friends!

US terms are used

There are a couple of special stitches/techniques you'll need to use. 

magic ring - tutorial here.

starting cluster (st-cl) - ch 2, yo, insert hook in sp, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook, [yo, insert hook in same sp, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook] yo, pull through remaining loops on hook.

3 dc cluster (3dc-cl) Yo, insert hook in sp, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook, [yo, insert hook in same sp, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook]x2 , yo, pull up loop all 4 lps on hook

picot (pt) - ch 3, sl st through 1st chain.

other abbreviations

ch - chain

sc - single crochet

dc - double crochet

sl st - slip stitch

sp - space

yo - yarn over 

[ ] indicate section to be repeated.

Let's get started

Make a magic ring 

Round 1: St-cl (counts as 3dc-cl), [5 ch, 3dc-cl] twice, 5 ch, sl st to st-cl. (15ch, 3 3dc-cl)

Round 2: [3sc in next 5-ch sp, pt, 3sc in same ch sp] 3 times, sl st to 1st sc. (18sc, 3 pt)

Fasten off, weave in the middle end, but leave the end of round 2 for now. 

Now is the time to block, or even stiffen if you think it's needed.

Attaching earring hooks: I like to thread a jump ring onto the end before sewing it in tightly (pictured below) - if you don't have jump rings, you can attach the hook this same way. Make sure the end in sewn in tight. 

Then, using the pliers, open the ring wide enough to put the hook ring in, and then close

I hope you enjoy this super quick pattern!

Happy Crocheting,

Emma

Copyright © 2020 Emma Wilkinson Designs All Rights Reserved

No restrictions are placed on finished items made with this pattern, however the pattern may not be resold or copied in any form. Pictures remain the property of Emma Wilkinson Designs

 

Christmas Round Up!

 It's time for my selection of CHRISTMAS CROCHET PATTERNS! - no messing around, let's get straight into it! 

PIN FOR LATER

First up - the 12 Days of Christmas - the CAL I was involved in last year has had a little re-vamp. Two patterns have been swapped out since last year. You can buy each individually on Ravelry - or save when you get the full set of 12. Included is my Christmas Star. There will be a new Yarnish CAL this year, and I'll post when I know more about it. EDIT: scroll to the end of the post to see their 2020 Christmas PAL

The advent CAL I was involved in the year before that is still around and kicking - this one was a bit of a different concept - add a motif to a table runner each day of the Advent, and by Christmas morning you have a finished table decoration to use. You can find the free blog posts here, or find everything packaged in a single e book here

While we're on sets - Jen from Crochet to Play has the loveliest Nativity set I've seen

She also has some cute ornament sets, like Santa and his friends.

Back to me for a second :) And here we have a set of mine - St Niklaas Star and Bauble available as a set on Etsy or as individual patterns on Ravelry

For the table, some cute coasters - Peppermint Candy Coasters they are free on Ambassador Crochet's blog 

Now, we can't forget Christmas Stockings, and these mini stockings from Handmade by Raine caught my eye

I hope I got those creative juices following, and that you enjoy a handmade Christmas!

Happy Crocheting,

Emma. 

EDIT: Yarnish have announced their Christmas CAL for 2020, in this case it's a Christmas PAL - P stands for photo a long. It's a bit different as the pattern is out, but there will be a photo challenge you can join in on via Instagram...are you ready to see the pattern...

Sheep on the Shelf!

They are so cute! Designed by Renee Ettia of Shinygurumi

pattern linked here

Stash Busting Blanket Part 4

This Stash busting project has been a slow burn! I started back in March, but as I said last time, it's supposed to be stress free, so I am taking my time. I've added a mustard/gold colour in and I'me really loving it! 

 RECAP: PART 1, PART 2 & PART 3

Today I have some extra calculations for you

These calculations are based on DK/8ply yarn

1 block uses  20 g/ 60 m of yarn, 

And measures 15 cm in height, 18 cm in width

So, a blanket of 4 rows of 7 blocks will measure 105 x 72 and make a decent sized baby blanket,
6 rows of 10 blocks will measure 108 x 150 cm and make a great couch throw, 14 rows and 14 blocks will fit an Australian King sized bed - 196 x 252. Of course, with a different sized yarn you'll need to check by making one block and measuring. 

While I'm not quite up to joining, I do know that I will use mattress stitch to join each strip together, but if you prefer to crochet them together you can slip stitch along the seams. I recommend that you pin, or use a stitch marker to line up the colour changes, so the stripes work out. 

With this extra info, will you be making a blanket for yourself?

I hope you do!

Happy Crocheting,

Emma. 

Tunisian Pattern Round Up

PIN FOR LATER

To celebrate my new Tunsian fingerless gloves - the Jindabyne Fingerless Mittens- I have compiled a list of some of my favourite Tunisian patterns that I have tried, or want to! 

My latest pattern is for Tunisian crochet (fingerless) mittens, that use a combination of stitches, are worked flat and seamed will help take your TC to the next level You can fnd my pattern on Etsy, Ravelry amd LoveCrafts

If you haven't used the technique before - if you can crochet, you can Tunisian crochet! Keep reading to the end of the post for some tips. 

Next - a pattern I have made myself - the Smirr Shawl. This one is also beyond the basics - increases and special stitches - it's probably the most favourite Tunisian piece I have made. It's by Melody Tallon of Artefacts Crochet. Below is my shawl, during progress.

And here is Melody's original shawl.

Double Brim Crochet Hat - another one I have made - the Tunisian knit stitch (or Tks) mimics the knit look, and creates a lovey thick fabric to keep you warm. Sized from newborn to adult.

Since we are coming up to Christmas - the Tunisian Crochet Christmas Tree Pillow is my next pick. The cushion includes colour work, and is a no-sew project!

 

If you like cute- then you will love the Tunisian Watermelon Bag from Blackstone Designs. This would make a sweet Christmas - or anytime- gift! 

A couple of cowls I would like to make:

Twisted Cowl by ACCRochet

Tunisian Concept Cowl by Rafamusa Designs

Tunisian Ribbed Cowl by Hooked by Hazel

Now, if you haven't tried Tunisian crochet before - I think the best way to try it, is by making a washcloth - then you have something useful at the end- make a few and package up with a beautiful soap for a cute handmade Christmas gift. 

I like this one by My Poppet Makes

You will need to get a Tunisian hook - sometimes called an afghan hook or a tricot hook. It's best to size up from what you'd use for 'regular' crochet, as the drape is different. A rigid hook is fine for a small project - like a washcloth, or my gloves, like this Addi one from LoveCrafts (affilate link)

 but if you are planning on going big, I love interchangables - and it may be worth investing in a set! I'm a fan of the knitpro sets (called knitters pride overseas) 

(affiliate link)

These come with a cables, so you can change the length depending on the project.

I hope you enjoyed my round up, and consider giving Tunisian crochet a go!

Happy Crocheting,

.

Emma

Crocheters Unite! Unity CAL 2021

 Hi everyone, I'm pleased to announce that I am going to be part of a multi-designer crochet a long starting February 2021 -

It's called 'Unity'

UPDATE: Unity has started - it is being run on the Facebook group. I am listening to those who have said they don't use Facebook and taking it onboard. 

10 Australian designers have unified together to create one beautiful blanket.
Sponsored by the Australian Crochet Community and KoKonki - Motki Ombre.

Project Information will be released 1st December 2020, allowing for overseas postage of yarn.
Part 1 File will be released Valentine’s Day 14th February 2021.

The CAL will be run via the Unity Facebook group which you can find here and the pattern will be free! 
You can also find the Ravelry entry here, which includes pictures from the pattern testers - so you can get some inspiration! 

I have been told that the pattern will be released vis the sponsor's website - and I will update this post when I can. 

Here is the version I'm making -

I hope you consider joining in! 

Emma

Christmas Quick Makes - Blog Hop

This Blog Hop promotion has now ended, but I'll be keeping the links up to to Fosbas Design's original blog post. 

I'm joining in one more Blog Hop for the year - Quick Makes for Christmas

The Blog Hop is hosted by Fosbas Designs and you can find all the info you need in this blog post of hers.

Susanna; from Fosbas, loves to make cute items as gifts for loved ones, and created this blog hop to bring you 40 beautiful Christmas crochet patterns as daily PDF downloads. 

Today in the hop - it's my turn - St Niklaas Star 

It's a more intermediate pattern - but it's small! The first four rows have a chart included, as this is the big pressure point with colour changes! 

The post stitches also create a 'puffiness' which means you can make two and stitch together and not have to worry about looking for stuffing.

They are perfect for individual ornaments, or strung together as a garland. 

While you are here - i'd love for you to sign up for my monthly email - you can do that here. Oh yeah - did I mention there's another free pattern to thank you for joining the list! 

For more information on the Blog Hop - and to find the next patterns in the journey -  click below to be taken to Fosbas Designs Blog.

Thank you so much for hopping to my blog today, and happy holiday crafting!

Emma.