tutorial - chunky crochet sofa pillow cover by tara schreyer

Chunky knits are everywhere and we can see why. It is gorgeous and brings a cozy feel to any room. I wanted to try my hand at it and this was my creation. Want to make your own?

Materials
- 4 Balls of Loops & Threads™ Ginormous (100 yds/92m;15.8 oz/450 g)
- 25 mm (Size 50) crochet hook
- 120" (10') of 1.25" ribbon
- body pillow (measuring approx. 45" x 16")


Finished Size
Approximately 45" (114.3 cm) x 16" (43.2 cm). It has lots of stretch in these stitches.

Gauge
8 slip stitches x 8 rows = 6" square

Instructions for the Chunky Crochet Sofa Pillow Cover

Pillow Front/Back (make 2)

Chain 21.

Row 1: Working in back humps of chains, slip stitch in 2nd chain from hook and in each chain to end, turn - 20 sts. (Mark the first and last stitches of row with a stitch marker as it is easy to miss these stitches. Continue to move markers with each row.)
Row 2: (Mark as right side) Chain 1, working in the front loops only, 1 slip stitch in each stitch to end, turn - 20 sts
Row 3: Chain 1, working in the back loops only, 1 slip stitch in each stitch to end, turn - 20 sts
Rows 4 - 67: Repeat Rows 2 & 3 thirty-two more times
Row 68: Slip stitch in back loops only in each slip stitch to end - 20 sts
Fasten off, leaving a very long strand for stitching up the length of the pillow.

Finishing
Lining up the first and last rows, place wrong sides together and slip stitch the two panels together along the long edges. Leave the short edges open. 

Stuff the pillow into the pillow cover.

Cut four 1.25" ribbon into 30" (2.5') lengths. On the side of the pillow, weave two of the ribbons through a few loops on the inside of the pillow at the 7th stitch from each side.

 
 Tie into a bow or knot and trim the ends to the desired length. Repeat on other side.

Don't forget to share your finished projects on Ravelry. Can't wait to see everyone's projects!!

tara.

got your eye on a craftsy class?

(this post contains ad links)

Then you will be happy to know that it's Black Friday all weekend long on Craftsy! Enjoy up to 60% off all kits and supplies. Plus enroll in any class for $17.99 USD or less. Shop the sale HERE:

So many topics to choose from! Which ones are your favorites? We have our eye on a couple as well, and are looking forward to taking advantage of the great deals this weekend!

Happy crafting!

tara & kim 

new crochet pattern - entwined fingerless mitts by kim miller.

Entwined Fingerless Mitts by Kim Miller

Skill Level: Intermediate

These knit-look fingerless mitts are worked in the round, and crochet up much faster then you would think! The mitts feature a bold crochet cable on the front, with a surprise second cable on the thumb.

Crochet instructions are written for one size (Ladies size S/M), but the post stitches allow for lots of stretch. Mitts measure approximately 17.8 cm (7”) in circumference but will stretch to fit 19 cm (7½”), and they are 19 cm (7½”) long. Please note that measurements are approximate and will be affected by the gauge and the brand of yarn.

This crochet pattern calls for a 3.25 mm (D) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge), stitch marker, yarn needle, 1½ balls of Drops Alpaca Mix [50 g (1.9 oz)/167 meters (183 yds) per ball] in the colour Light Pearl Grey Mix (9020), and scraps of a contrasting colour.

The pattern is complete with detailed instructions and colour illustrations.
The mittens are worked in the round from the fingers up. Skills and techniques used are: sc, hdc, dc, front post double crochet, front post treble, front post 2 together, and back post 2 together.

Buy Now

kim.

(Purchase this pattern from Ravelry.com and receive 20% off by using coupon code "FingerlessMitts20" at the checkout. 

Offer valid until Wednesday October 12th, 2016)

new crochet pattern - kaleidoscope fingerless mitts by kim miller.

Kaleidoscope Fingerless Mitts by Kim Miller

Kaleidoscope Fingerless Mitts by Kim Miller

Skill Level: Intermediate

These gorgeous, knit-look, fingerless mitts are so much easier to crochet then they look! Plus, I show you an easy way to switch the colours without having to fasten off...which means a lot less yarn ends to work in.

Crochet instructions are written for one size (Ladies size S/M), but the post stitches allow for lots of stretch. Mitts measure approximately 17.8 cm (7”) in circumference but will stretch to fit 19 cm (7½”), and they are 21.6 cm (8½”) long. Please note that measurements are approximate and will be affected by the gauge and the brand of yarn.

This crochet pattern calls for a 3.00 mm crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge), stitch marker, yarn needle, ½ ball of Knit Picks® Chroma Fingering Yarn in Grey, and ½ to ¾ of a ball of Knit Picks® Chroma in Hollyhock. The extra ¼ of a ball of Hollyhock should be enough to compensate for the colour match. 

The pattern is complete with detailed instructions and colour illustrations.

The mittens are worked in the round from the fingers up. Skills and techniques used are: sc, hdc, dc, front post double crochet, and front post double crochet 2 together.

Buy Now

kim.

(Purchase this pattern from Ravelry.com and receive 20% off by using coupon code "FingerlessMitts20" at the checkout. 

Offer valid until Thrusday October 7th, 2016)

customer photos...

Our favorite part of designing is seeing all of your wonderful creations! Year after year you continue to wow us, which is why we never tire of sharing customer pictures!

Pictured here is the Ladies Felted Chapeau sent in by the very talented ladies...Laura and Kristine from LKsCreativeThread.

Both Tara and I are awestruck by this beautiful piece, and we admire how Laura and Kristine's felted projects become the canvas for their one of a kind works of art!

As you can see from the pictures Laura and Kristine take pride in what they do, and as mentioned in their bio, they make things with love as if you were their family. To see more of their creative designs we invite to check out their delightful Etsy shop. 

kim.

felted slippers for your 14.5" and 18" dolls - two new crochet patterns by tara schreyer.

Don't forget to pack your slippers for your sleepover!! These little slippers are warm and fuzzy and the perfect addition to your doll's wardrobe.

These slippers are created by simple crochet stitches then felted to give them a completely new look. You will be amazed at how they transform. They are designed to not slip off so they will soon become a favorite. A tab at the heel of the slipper assists even the littlest of hands to get them on.

Please note: The two sizes of Felted Slippers are two separate crochet patterns. Please ensure you are choosing the correct listing if purchasing. 

Felted Slippers for 18" Dolls

The white slippers above are a final measurement of 2.75" long and 1.875" wide after the felting process. They are designed to fit 18" dolls such as American Girl® or Maplelea®.

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Felted Slippers for 14.5" Dolls

The blue slippers above are a final measurement of 2" long and 1.25" wide after the felting process. They are designed to fit 14.5" dolls such as WellieWishers™.


 Buy Now

If you love these designs for dolls, including the Pinwheel Pouf and Knotted Headband for 18" dolls,  please stay tuned. I'm hoping to have many more modern and classic designs for dolls in the months to come.  If you have any ideas of things that you would like to see designed for dolls, feel free to make suggestions in the comments. There is no end to the amount of cuteness that can be created!

tara.

knotted headband for 18" dolls - new tunisian crochet pattern by tara schreyer.

Knotted Headband for 18"dolls

Protect those little ears from the wind and chill!  Step out during the cold season in warmth and style!

This tunisian crochet pattern produces a stretchy headband for your 18" dolls. It is worked flat and joined at the ends. It is made up of simple tunisian crochet stitches and works up quickly making it a great first project for those unfamiliar with the craft. A basic knowledge of tunisian simple, knit, and purl stitches are recommended.

Finished size: 11" long (before joining ends); 2" wide (designed to fit 18" dolls such as American Girl® or Maplelea®)

Buy Now

tara.

pinwheel pouf for 18" dolls - new crochet pattern by tara schreyer.

I've been hard at work over the last many months, developing a new line of clothing and accessories for dolls. Here is my first design, for you and your little ones to enjoy!  More designs to follow in the next few days, so stay tuned!

Pinwheel Pouf for 18" Dolls

Poufs are everywhere in home decor! Every little girl needs one! They can be used as a seat, a foot stool or a floor pillow, whatever the occasion.

This pouf is crocheted in the round using only post stitches giving it beautiful texture and style. You have the option of two different designs - solid or striped, as well as two options for finishing.
 
The finished size of the pouf is approximately a 37" circumference and 12" diameter and is designed to fit 18" dolls such as American Girl® or Maplelea®.

Buy Now

tara. 

caron cakes yarn review...

Caron took the fiber world by storm with the introduction of "Caron Cakes", their new and delicious gradient yarn. Prior to the release of this new yarn, at Michaels stores across North America, gradient cakes were something that you only saw in high end yarn stores. As soon as pictures of the new Caron Cakes started to grace the web, I was instantly intrigued and I wondered how this box store gradient yarn would measure up.

In a nut shell...I loved it! It was a fun and affordable way to try something new and exciting. Caron Cakes yarn is 20% wool, so it had no where near the plastic feel of many acrylics, plus the colourways are amazing. Soft and squishy, the Caron Cakes also boast a generous yardage of 350 meters (383 yards), which is more than enough to complete your basic crochet project. The Mostly Harmless pictured was completed with just one cake of Cookies and Cream.

Mostly Harmless Shawl by Kaylie Dawn

The only really negative thing that I had to say about Caron Cakes would be about the abrupt colour changes. It would have been nice to see a more gradual colour change, but at this price point I don't think that it's really worth complaining about. Besides, if you find the colour change bothersome, the yardage is generous enough to fasten off at the end of a row/round and then start the next round with the new colour.

(September 1, 2016 - I forgot to mention that this is an independent post and that we are

not sponsored by Caron Yarns.)

kim.

new crochet pattern - forever young peter pan collar by kim miller.

Forever Young Peter Pan Collar by Kim Miller

Skill Level: Intermediate

That coveted chic style is simple to achieve with this DIY detachable Peter Pan collar!

This crochet pattern is complete with written instructions, and lots of illustrations to help you to successfully complete your project.

This detailed crochet pattern calls for ½ of a ball of Knit Picks® Comfy Fingering [50 g (1.76 oz)/199 meters (218 yds) per ball], a 2.75 mm (C) crochet hook, a 9 mm (3/8”) button (or size needed), and a yarn needle.

The pattern instructions are written for one size, and the finished collar measures 50.8 cm (20”) in diameter, and 5.7 cm (2¼”) in width. Please note that the size is approximate and will be affected by the gauge and the brand of yarn. 

Buy Now

(Purchase this pattern from Ravelry.com and receive 20% off by using coupon code "PeterPan20" at the checkout. 

Offer valid until Monday September 12th, 2016)

kim.

Now is the perfect time to stock up for winter!! Save 50% on all of your favorite crochet patterns and printable gift tags at knotsewcute design shop!

Enjoy 50% off our entire Etsy Shop by using coupon code SALE50 at the checkout. Remember, the deal of "Buy 5 in one transaction, get 1 free" still applies, so this adds to your savings!! Leave us a note at the checkout as to your free pattern choice and we will be happy to forward it to you!

Hurry!  The sale ends at midnight (PST) on

Sunday, July 31st, 2016.

Don't miss out!

For our Ravelry customers...To Receive 50% off of our crochet patterns on Ravelry.com visit

tearaleaf and/or knotsewcute, and use the coupon code "SALE50" at the check out.

kim and tara.

new crochet pattern - making waves bucket bag by kim miller.

Making Waves Bucket Bag by Kim Miller

Skill Level: Intermediate

How much fun would it be to crochet this fashionable, striped bucket bag? 

This versatile bag can be used as:

• a purse

• a craft/project bag

• a bag to take on your day at the beach

• a catch-all in your office space

• just about anything...

This crochet pattern is complete with instructions for the striped bag, the rope handle, and anchor. Plus, I've included a chart for the anchor, and I show you an easy way to add stripes without having to fasten off at the end of each round...leaving you with a ton of yarn ends to work in.

This detailed crochet pattern calls for 2 balls of Bernat® Handicrafter® 100% Cotton [50 g (1.75 oz)/73 meters (80 yds) per ball] in Classic Navy, 3½ balls of Bernat® Handicrafter® in Off White, and Scraps of Bernat® Handicrafter® in Red. You will also need a 4.00 mm (G) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge), four 7/16” [11 mm (inner diameter)] eyelets, grommet tool and a yarn needle. This crochet pattern is complete with colour illustrations and directions on attaching the eyelets. 

The finished bag measures 22.9 cm (9”) high, and 22.9 cm (9”) in diameter. 

Please note that lining instructions are not included with the pattern, but you do choose to go with lining the basic shaping should make it both fun and easy.

Buy Now

(Purchase this pattern from Ravelry.com and receive 20% off by using coupon code "BucketBag20" at the checkout. 

Offer valid until July 21st, 2016)

kim.

how to correctly place your post stitches.

I love the looks of front and back post stitches to create beautiful cables and designs on an otherwise flat fabric. But I must admit, I sometimes have difficulty figuring out where my next stitch should be placed, whether I am transitioning to a post stitch or back to a "regular" stitch. This often leads to me having to rip out the row and start over, really concentrating on my stitch placement. 

There are a few tricks that I use for myself that I thought might be useful for everyone else as well. Below is the beginning stages of a pattern that I have in the works.

Instructions for Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as a hdc), hdc in next hdc and each of the next 4 hdc, four-post cable over the next four stitches, hdc in next hdc and each of the next 7 hdc, four-post cable over the next four stitches, hdc in next hdc and each of the next 4 hdc, hdc in the turning ch, turn

I am about to do my four post cable where I must skip the next two posts and make a front post double crochet (fpdc) around each of the third and fourth post. 

   
It's not always so easy to tell if you are only looking at your current row, as it is hard to see which post your current stitch is actually sitting above. I have goofed up on this many, many times. So now I look at my previous row and count the posts. I just made 6 half double crochet (hdc) so I want to count in 6 posts and then my next two posts will be the ones I skip.

The two posts highlighted in a darker purple are the two posts that I am going to skip and I will place a fpdc around each of the next two posts as you can see in the next picture.

Now I must finish the four post cable by placing a fpdc around the two previously missed posts. After finishing my cable stitches, I return to making half double crochets, but this can also get confusing.

This is when I flip over my work and look at the back side. The post stitches push the tops of the stitches towards the back of the work and they are easy to locate. 

 

The stitches highlighted in soft blue are the tops of the stitches that have been pushed towards the back of the work. The cable was made up of four post stitches so count the four stitches and the next stitch (highlighted in purple) is where you will place your next hdc. 

 
Here it is on the front side again after doing a few half double crochet after the four post cable stitches.

Now you are off and running. Use these little tricks throughout your pattern and you will have no problem with your cables running amok. I know it has worked wonders for me and I hope that you find it useful as well. 

tara.