Easy Crochet Market Bag

 

 

Hello Everybody!

Huge apologies that it has been sooooo long since I have published a new pattern! I have been so busy with Uni, work placement and life in general!  I have lots of patterns to write up but I thought I would start with this super easy market bag and as July is plastic free month it fits in perfectly!  I have also done a youtube tutorial for those that are not as confident at reading patterns so you won’t miss out!

 

FOR THE BAG YOU WILL NEED –

  • 3mm hook
  • 100g skein of Wendy Supreme Cotton

 

HANDY TIPS!

  • This pattern is written in UK terms.
  • The 3ch at the beginning of the first 4 rounds count as a UK tr (US dc).
  • If you have loose tension, try downsizing to a 2.5mm hook.
  • Do not turn your work when making the main body of the bag.

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PATTERN:

Start with a magic ring (or ch4 and join with a slip stitch).

Round 1: 3ch, 11tr into ring. Join to third ch of initial 3ch with a slip stitch, pull the magic ring to close. [12st]

Round 2: 3ch, 1tr into same stitch, 2tr into each stitch, join to third ch of initial 3 ch with a slip stitch. [24st]

Round 3: 3ch, 1tr in same st, 1 tr in next st, *2tr in next stitch, 1 tr in next; rep from * around. [36st]

Round 4: 3ch, 1 tr in same st, 1tr in next 2st, *2tr in next st, 1tr in next 2st; rep from * around. [48st]

Round 5: 1ch, 1dc in same st. *ch3, miss 1 stitch, 1dc in next; rep from * around until the second to last stitch. At this point make a half tr into beginning dc.  (Placing a stitch marker on the last stitch of each row from here will help a lot! If you are stuck, have a look at my YouTube video.) [24 chain spaces].

Round 6: *4ch, 1dc in next ch sp; rep from * around until second to last ch sp, 1ch, 1htr into the top of the last st of the previous round (ie, into the top of the htr of previous round).

Round 7: *5ch, 1dc in next ch sp; rep from * around until second to last ch sp, 2ch, 1htr into the top of the last st of the previous round.

Round 8: *6ch, 1dc in next ch sp; rep from * around until second to last ch sp, 3ch, 1htr into the top of the last st of the previous round.

Round 9: *7ch, 1dc in next ch sp; rep from * around until second to last ch sp, 3ch, 1 tr into the top of the last st of the previous round.

Round 10 -25:  Repeat Round 9

Round 26: Repeat round 8

Round 27: Repeat round 7

Round 28: 1ch, 1dc in same stitch, 2dc in space, 1dc in dc, *4dc in each ch sp, 1 dc in top of each dc of previous round; rep from * 2dc in last sp, ss to join to 1st dc [120]

Round 29-30: 1ch, 1 dc in same space, dc around, ss to join.

HANDLE – Chain 8 

Row 1: 1tr in second chain from the hook, 1 dc in next 6st, turn [7]

Row 2: 1ch, 1tc along the next 7 stitches, turn [7]

Repeat Row 2 until desired handle length or when nearing the end of the yarn (I made my handle approx 46cm/18″).

Turn your bag inside out.  Attach the handle to the bag using slip stitches. To attach to the opposite side, count how many stitches are around the top of the bag. I had 120 stitches. You want your handles evenly spaced, I counted 53 stitches along from the right side of my handle and stitch 54 was where I started to attach the other end of the handle. Make sure there are no twists in your handle before you attach it. I used simple slip stitches to attach my handle. Fasten off and sew ends in securely.

Congratulations!  You have made yourself a market bag!

Until next time, happy crocheting!!

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Heart and Flower Pattern In Memory of Emily Anderson.

Hello Everyone.

As many of you on Crochet Beginners Group will have heard, one of our members – Emily and her 2 year old daughter Kaylee were tragically killed yesterday.  Emilys family have asked for us to crochet hearts and flowers so that they can be handed out to other family members to show how much the crochet community are thinking of them at this awful time.  I know how amazing and compassionate our community can be so feel free to get involved.

Here is the written and video patterns for the Heart and Flower Call To Hooks on  Crochet Beginners Group. Once you have finished your hearts and flowers, please message the CBG Admin Page and we will send you the address of where to send your hearts and flowers.

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Written Heart Pattern (UK TERMS)

Terminology
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
dtr = double treble crochet
tr = treble crochet
Round 1
Ch4, sl st in 1st chain to form a loop (alternatively you can make a magic circle), ch4, [4tr, 2dtr] in loop, ch4, sl st in loop, ch4, [2dtr, 4tr] in loop, sl st in top of ch4 to joinRound 2
Ch4, 1tr in same st as previous sl st, 2tr in next 3 sts, [1tr, 1dtr] in next st, 2dtr in next st, 3dtr in next st, 1tr in top of next 4chs, ch4, sl st in centre of ch4 loop, ch4, 1tr in top of next 4 chs, 3dtr in next st, 2dtr in next st, [1dtr, 1tr] in next st, 2tr in next 2 sts, [1tr, 1dtr] in last st, sl st in top of ch4 to join.

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Written Flower Pattern

Step 1
Ch7, sl st into first ch to form a loop

Step 2
*ch4, 3dtr into centre of loop, ch4, sl st into loop* repeat from * to * another 4 times to make 5 petals.

Videos

How to Start Crocheting

Hello Everyone

One of the most frequently asked questions that I get from brand new crocheters is “What sort of equipment do I need to start my crochet adventure?”.  Well, in this post I am going to talk you through the few (and inexpensive) things you will need to get going.  I will warn you though, you will soon have the biggest yarn stash ever and WILL become a crochet addict!  I love crochet.  It is my favourite thing to do.  Crochet has helped me get through bad days, has given me the opportunity to make new friends and even makes me feel valued when I get lovely compliments about my work.  So what are you waiting for?! Pick up that hook and yarn and join the best community that I have ever had the privilege of being part of!

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Firstly, hooks! You do not need to buy yourself a super duper expensive hook.  I started out with a simple 4mm aluminium hook.. These hooks are brilliant for beginners as they are cheap and widely available.  If you have any issues with grip, such as arthritis I would highly recommend a silicone handled hook such as the Clover 4 mm Amour Crochet Hook.  These are my favourite hooks in the whole world and are defiantly worth spending that little bit extra on.  4mm is the size that I would recommend starting out with.  It is the hook size that I use the most and is the size recommended for most Double Knit (or DK) yarns.


4mm Clover Amour Hook


4mm Pony Aluminium Hook

Now for the yarn!  Trust me when I say DO NOT start off with a dark coloured yarn such as black or navy.  Dark colours are really hard to work with and you will end up seriously frustrated which is not what you want when you are first starting out. I suggest a light colour in Double Knit (or DK).  I absolutely love the Robin Yarns from Thomas Ramsden.  They are affordable and come in a huge variety of colours.  My favourites for a beginner would be their Madonna  or Spearmint. Both of these are DK yarns.


Madonna Robin DK Yarn


Spearmint Robin DK Yarn

Stitch markers are also a great accessory for a beginner as they can help you to keep the edges of your work straight.  I use Clover Locking Stitch Markers. These are defiantly the best stitch markers and will be your best friend for straight edges!


Clover Locking Stitch Markers

If you are still feeling a bit overwhelmed by all this information, you can find my YouTube guide here to help you even more.

Please feel free to contact me via the contact page if you have any questions.
Happy Crocheting!
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Happy Easter!

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Hello Everybody!

Sorry that it has been so long since my last blog post.  I have been really busy on placement and also I have some not so good news.  A few weeks ago I found a lump on my breast.  I made an appointment to see my GP who then sent me to Breast Clinic at hospital.  I saw a lovely consultant who assured me that he was sure the lump was 99.9% “nothing” but thought he would do a biopsy to be sure.  Anyway, long story short, I am booked in to have surgery on Friday April 13th (what a date!) to have the tumour removed.  It was a huge shock BUT I CAN AND WILL get through this. Some days I do feel really angry and ask why me but I know that there are people in this world that are going through things that are a gazillion times worse that what I am going through.  I have the most amazing bunch of friends and family and I am in no way a quitter.

In happier news (!), I have been busy with my crochet hook and sewing machine!  I completed a beautiful cardigan from the book Geek Chic Crochet by Nicki Trench using Wendy 4 ply in a beautiful Mint Colour.  I also made a cute toddler kitty jumper and up cycled a pair of old jeans that were destined for the bin into a little girls pinafore!

 

Don’t forget that you can also find my crochet tutorials on You Tube.  Why not check out my waffle stitch video here 

Until next time, take care and happy crocheting!

Love

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30 Minute Head Band/ Ear Warmer

Hello Everyone!!

Here in the UK we have been hit by Storm Emma which has involved lots of snow, freezing temperatures and most of the country coming to an absolute standstill with snow days for all.  To keep the cabin fever at bay (I’m such a doer, that if i’m stuck at home for more than an hour I go slightly crazy), I designed this super easy 30 minute head band/ ear warmer.  It really is suitable for beginners as it is only uses chain stitch and Treble Crochet (US Double).  I have done a YouTube tutorial to make it easy to follow.

You Will Need –

    • Super Chunky Yarn (I used Robin Super Chunky)
    • 10 mm Crochet Hook
    • Scissors
    • Yarn Needle (for sewing in your ends)

 

I would love to see your makes!

Happy Crocheting!

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Granny Squares For Beginners

Hello Everyone!

Are you new to crochet or have not had the confidence to try a granny square yet? Well with my super simple and easy YouTube Tutorials you can now give it a go!  I have also included a bonus video on how to join your Granny squares so you can make yourself a lovely blanket!

To purchase any of the Robin DK yarns you see in my video, click on this link – https://www.lovecrochet.com/robin-yarns-and-threads?a_aid=efe2a487

I would love to see all of your creations so don’t be scared to get in touch!

 

 

 

Happy Crocheting

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Yarn Giveaway!!!

Hello everybody and welcome to my blog!

Last weekend I sorted through my out of control yarn stash and thought that I would love to pass on some Crochet pixie dust to one lucky winner!  The haul you can win contains some amazing yarn from TB Ramsden and 4 skeins of Sirdar DK. To win this yarn haul, you need to head over to my You Tube channel, subscribe to my channel, like the video and leave a comment in the comments box. For an extra chance of winning, head on over to my Instagram page, give me a follow and comment on the Yarn Giveaway post! The link to my Insta account is below. I will draw the winner next Sunday (04/02/18). I will ship worldwide so where ever you are in the world, feel free to enter!

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You can find the yarn haul video here – 

Other places to find me Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LexieLovesStitching OR https://www.facebook.com/groups/Crochetbeginnersgroup

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lexie_loves_stitching

Find the amazing range of yarn from TB Ramsden here -https://www.tbramsden.co.uk Happy Crocheting!

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Crochet Along (CAL)!!!

Welcome To My First CAL (Crochet Along) Featuring Pattern By Salters Stitches and Yarn by Robin DK!!!

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EXCITING NEWS!! As some of you know, I start placement in Swindon on Tuesday (16th Jan) so to help with the lonely evenings in my Travelodge (and also because January can be down right miserable) I am going to start a CAL (Crochet Along)!! The lovely Joanne Salter from Salters Stitches has kindly agreed to let us use one of her patterns. Its a gorgeous poncho for those cold winter months! Jo has also given us a discount code for 30% off her patterns. PLUS!!!! The very kind Elaine from The Happy Knitter Wool Shop (www.thehappyknitterwoolshop.co.uk) has also given us a 5% off discount code for her fabulously priced Robin DK Yarn!

So! Heres what you need to do to join in!
1 – Go to this link where you can find Jo’s pattern https://www.ravelry.com/…/libr…/what-a-waffle-sleeved-poncho
2. Enter code cbgcal at checkout to get 30% discount.
3. Go to http://www.thehappyknitterwoolshop.co.uk, pick your choice of colours of Robin DK Yarn. Enter code CBG at checkout to receive 5% discount on Robin DK yarn. Gather
all your supplies and get ready to join in! The CAL will start on Tuesday 16th Jan and will run through until mid March so there is plenty of time to join in!
4. Everyday I will post a CAL thread on Crochet Beginners Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/crochetbeginnersgroup) for any questions, progress pictures or CAL chat.
5. HAVE FUN!!

I have been checking out the fab colour range of Robin DK from makers TB Ramsden (find their full colour range of Robin DK yarns here – http://www.tbramsden.co.uk), and have decided to go for these 2 pretty shades –

I look forward to seeing all your creations and feel free to send me pics so I can feature them on the blog!

Happy Crocheting

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