Quick Crochet: No-Fuss Patterns for Colorful Scarves, Blankets, Bags and More

By Kate Rowell

Your Essential Guide for Blankets, Bags and More for Last-Minute Gifts & Easy Projects

In just a few short hours, you can create vibrant accessories, cheerful home decor items and handmade gifts that are guaranteed to brighten up every space and occasion! Crochet designer Kate Rowell combines simple stitches and smart techniques to bring you this stunning collection of eye-catching projects that work up in next to no time. Your projects will come to life in three hours or less with fast-paced patterns for a Speedy Striped Cowl or a Hanging Storage Basket that’s both functional and fun. You won’t believe how easy it is to transform your space or wardrobe in a single afternoon with exciting patterns like the Rainbow Fringe Wall Hanging, Cozy Slipper Socks and Easy Market Bag. And if you’ve ever spent weeks laboring over a larger pattern, like for a blanket or shawl, you’ll be delighted by designs like the Spikes & Stripes Throw, Boho Rug and the Chunky Triangle Shawl, which work up in just a few days.

With easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step photography, this is sure to become your go-to guide—whether you’re scrambling for a last-minute gift or simply craving something new without the hassle of a time-consuming pattern that will end up half-finished. From cowls and coasters to plant hangers and rugs, this book is packed with quick, colorful projects that are perfect for gifting to friends and family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Publishers
• Release date: Jan 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9781645674078

Book preview

Introduction

Is there anything more relaxing than sitting down with a new crochet project and some pretty yarn? Crochet is my passion and my creative outlet; however, I enjoy a fast-paced style, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I am easily bored. Long, complicated projects often end up half-finished and unloved in my project pile! I much prefer to work on patterns that can be finished in less than a few days, ones that fit in with my busy life as a mum. If you’re anything like me, then you are in the right place! From cowls and coasters to plant hangers and rugs, this book is filled with patterns for people like you and me—projects that can be whipped up in a few hours and that are enjoyable to make, full of color and perfect for gifting to friends and family.

While every one of these 28 projects works up quickly, I’ve grouped them into chapters based on how long they take to finish. If you’re looking for a last-minute gift, there are projects in the Hooked Up in a Flash chapter (here) that come together in a single evening, like the Speedy Striped Cowl (here) or Loopy Plant Cozy (here). As the name suggests, the Hooked Over the Weekend chapter (here) includes projects that can be whipped up over a couple of days, such as the Cozy Slipper Socks (here) and the HOME Wall Hanging (here). For a vacation project or something a little more substantial, check out the Hooked All Week chapter (here), where you will find projects like the Boho Rug (here) and V-Stitch Stripe Throw (here).

This book is great for crocheters of every skill level, but beginners will appreciate the fact that all of the projects fall into either the Easy or Intermediate category. Easy projects are aimed at those who are looking to practice the basics and maybe even learn a few new stitches. More experienced crocheters will also enjoy them as quick makes in between big projects or perhaps just as a relaxing project for a car journey. Intermediate projects are a little more complex with a few more special stitches and techniques—and they will give relatively new crocheters a chance to learn some new skills.

I have been crocheting and designing my own patterns for several years, and my journey to this point has been full of colorful projects, lots and lots of yarn and amazing inspiration and support from family and friends. When I decided to go public with my crochet, I set up my business, Jellybean Junction. After making lots of baby blankets, practicing the basics and discovering my love for the craft, I wanted to see where it could lead me, but I never imagined that I would be here writing my own crochet book!

Right from the beginning, my crochet style has been about lots of bright colors and using simple stitches to create texture and interest, and you will see this across all the projects I have designed for the book. I have included designs that use all different yarn fibers: from cotton to raffia and acrylic to T-shirt yarn. With projects that use chunky hooks, speedy stitch patterns or multiple strands of yarn to save time, it really is possible to crochet a cushion in just a few hours and make a stylish rug in less than a week!

Now, it’s time for you to pick a project and grab your yarn and crochet hooks. I hope you love my designs and find something that makes you happy, relaxes your mind and brings joy to your home and wardrobe.

Happy hooking!

Before You Begin

Reading the Patterns

I have ensured that all the patterns in the book are written in the same way, using the same style. You will find a list of abbreviations for all stitches used and information regarding specific special stitches at the beginning of each pattern. Some patterns may also include a notes section. This will give you important information you will need before you start.

The patterns use an abbreviated notation for directions.

When you see a number after a stitch name, it means work this stitch in this number of stitches (for example, dc 6 means work a dc in the next 6 stitches).

When you see a number before a stitch name, it means work this number of this stitch into the next stitch (for example, 2 dc means work 2 dc into this stitch). In this case, the pattern will tell you which stitch to work these stitches into.

Tool Kit

Crochet Hooks

Most of the projects in this book require chunky hooks, which will help speed up your work and are usually recommended for the types of yarn we’ll be using. The specific hook you need will be listed at the beginning of the pattern.

Darning Needle

To finish a project, you will use a needle to sew your ends in or join sections together. The size of the needle required will depend on the yarn used in the project (for example, if you’re working with a bulky-weight yarn, your needle must have a large enough eye to thread the yarn through). The projects in this book generally require a larger-sized needle, although it is always a good idea to have a few different sizes in your tool kit. Tip: You can always use a crochet hook to weave the ends in when working with super-chunky