Beginner's Guide to Crochet - UK (2019-10)

PERFECT FINISH

will also create a decorative effect on your
fabric. There are many other methods of
joining your crochet, but these are the most
popular ones to start with.

BUTTON BANDS
The most common edging is a button band.
Start by joining the yarn to the bottom corner,
using the technique on page , then work
stitches along the front of each side. The
bands are often worked in double crochet so
they’re dense and firm. On one of the bands,
you could work buttonholes (we’ll show you
how on p124). Then sew buttons onto the
button band on the other side (we’ll show you
how on page 126).

NECKBANDS
Neckbands are similar to button bands and
you may be asked to work them together in
one long edging, all the way around a
cardigan. On a jumper, the neckband will be
curved rather than straight and they may be
crocheted in rows or rounds. You might also
be instructed to use a hook size that’s larger
than the main piece, so the jumper will easily
fit over your head.

OTHER EDGINGS
Some edgings are crocheted separately and
then sewn on. You can also crochet an edging
in rows perpendicular to your main fabric,
catching one stitch as you work so the edging
joins to the fabric as you go. You can buy
whole books of edging patterns, so don’t be
afraid to add an edging to a plain project –
you’re sure to find one you like.

Get your hook at the ready for these
fab patterns from Simply Crochet
magazine! To get the issues mentioned
here, you can buy digital versions of
back issues from Apple Newsstand
to view on your iPhone and iPad or
Google Play to view them on Android
devices. For more information and to
find out which other digital platforms
are supported, take a look at the
website address below:
http://www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk/digital

This pretty top on page 134 is a great

first garment and includes a simple

edging around the neckband, hem

and armholes, and has an unusual

neckline detail. It uses simple shaping

and a gorgeous lace stitch pattern.

Issue 86 of Simply Crochet includes

this beautiful basket, designed by

Sara Huntington. Decorated with all

sorts of pompoms, tassels and trims,

it will cheer up your living room and

take care of your yarn stash, too!

This retro little number with ombré

fringing is from issue 87 of Simply

Crochet. Make yourself a brand new

bag by Martine de Regt – the simple

bag is made from a dc and htr base with

fringing hooked into it at the end.

DESIGN IDEAS

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POMPOMS

Add a whimsical touch to any project with a

fluffy pompom. They’re easy to make with a

special gadget or two cardboard rings. Use

leftover yarn for multicoloured fun or string

them up for bunting.

FRINGING

There’s no need for knots or sewing, so you

can attach lengths of fringing quickly and

easily. It will add a finishing flourish to

scarves, blankets and shawls. Try trimming

the fringe into interesting shapes.

BUTTONS

Whether they’re functional or decorative,

make a style statement with buttons.

Choose your buttons before you crochet to

check they work with your pattern, and

avoid buttons with sharp edges.

TASSEL S

From clothing to homewares, tassels are a

simple way to add a stylish touch to many

projects, from bags to cushions. All you

need is some spare yarn, a pair of scissors

and a piece of cardboard.

FINISH LIKE A PRO

Add these extras to personalise your make

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