Captivating Crocheting: Make Crocheted Table Runners, Wall Hangings, Crochet Curtains--Ideas, Tips & Free Patterns

Like the look of lace? Why not crochet beautiful items for your home? A simple hook and crochet cotton are all that are needed to create captivating crocheted designs.

Crocheting is a satisfying hobby because you can create so many practical and interesting-looking items to decorate your home with.

I've always been fascinated with the complexity of crocheted designs--fragile birds and flowers and geometric designs crafted in crochet cotton.

When I crochet, I work with finer thread and smaller hooks to produce lace-like designs. I try to incorporate different elements so that each crocheted piece is unique.

Crocheted items can be either delicate or heavy depending on the hook size and the thickness of the crochet cotton

• Hooks: I use sizes .75 or 1.00 and use fine-to-medium weight crochet cotton, when I'm making crocheted table runners or valances
• For crocheted rugs, afghans, or slippers, I use a larger plastic hook and yarn
• I use a magnifying glass with a light to reduce eye-strain

Crocheting isn't just for grannies or shut-ins. In fact, crochet has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity with modern-day crafters--and it is not hard to see why. So many practical items can be made for the home at a fraction of what it would cost to buy them.

Crocheting is an inexpensive hobby and few materials are needed to get started.

From beautiful crocheted table runners and centerpieces, from unique crocheted wall hangings and attractive rugs and baskets, the number of items one can make for the home with a simple hook and crochet cotton or yarn is mind-boggling!

The crocheted window hanging below was made from a pattern for a runner. By using a thicker crochet cotten, it worked up to the perfect size for a wall or window hanging. I was so pleased with the result, I kept it, as is.

• Buying Your Crochet Cotton in Lots--if you plan on doing a number of crochet projects, you can save money by buying your cotton in lots. You can stock up on cotton for a fraction of the price.
• Garage Sales--garage sales can also be a great place find crochet cotton at affordable prices for projects.

Try to choose crochet magazines that include a graph.

Your crocheted pieces are, in some cases, only as good as your patterns. If you are trying to create a crocheted item using hard-to-understand-and-follow directions, it can become frustrating, to say the least.

A beginner needs crochet lessons or crochet instructions that are clear and easy to understand.

I've always enjoyed Magic Crochet magazine because, in addition to clear instructions, they always provided a picture-type graph, which took the guess-work out of a pattern.

1) You could simply crochet following the picture, if you disliked trying to follow written instructions

2) If you were unsure on how to execute a line of crocheting, having a graph with stitch symbols proved helpful.

3) Additionally, I found it was a great visual prompt to mark rounds or rows on the picture graph, which made keeping track of where I was in the pattern so much easier, over just executing written instructions.

Executing Crochet Stitiches--Magic Crochet also offered step-by-step photos of how to execute individual crochet stitches. For example, say the crochet pattern called for a treble crochet and you needed to refresh your memory on how to make it. You simply turned to the back of the magazine for easy crochet instructions with pictures, so you knew you were on track.

Where to Get Magic Crochet?

• E-bay is a godsend if you are trying to locate issues of Magic Crochet.

• You can buy a number of magazines, with attractive patterns, for a reasonable amount.

I've had many requests for information about the table runner above.

The pattern was Oval Cloth Chrysanthemum and Pine Cones, #23.

And this would have been from a Magic Crochet edition in the early 80s. I'm missing the cover and cannot find the particuar issue number,

The address from the magazine the table runner appears in is:
Magic Crochet Magazine
Kable Square,Mount Morris, ILL.61054

Magic Crochet was published in a number of countries (Canada, U.S. and France). I'm not sure if it is still being published.

Those interested in making this runner could making a copy of the picture above and sending it with the information above or hunt up back copies on Ebay that were produced in the 80s.

The Canadian address is:
Magic Crochet Subscription Dept.
279 Humberline Drive,
Rexdale Ont.
M9W 6L1

Note: see comments section below. A reader, Sky, has seen this pattern and has kindly provided information for others who would like to make this table runner.

Crocheting is relatively simple to learn--especially if you have good books that include instructions accompanied by graphs or pictures, illustrating the stitches and rounds you need to complete.

• You can start with beginner crochet designs and then move up to intermediate and advanced.

• I like crochet magazine subscriptions because there are always new designs to try out.

• I've also ordered back issues of crochet magazines, which helps when looking for a specific design and is easy on the budget.

• Another resource for crocheting magazines is yard sales. Sometimes crochet magazines are offered for mere pennies.
  

• Crochet magazines can also be ordered for a certain theme, such as for Christmas decorations. Beautiful and unique crocheted decorations, such as lacy bells, snowflakes or angels can be made very quickly.

• Leisure Arts also offers some good designs, as seen in the curtains.

• Purplelinda Crafts
• Rainbow Valley
• Amazing Crochet
• Crochet Patterns
• Crochet Cabin
• Crochet Kim-Free Crochet Patterns
• Tapestry Crochet
• Annalaia--Free Patterns/Vintage Crochet/Tatting
• My Lady's Victorian Crochet
• Yarn And Hook Happy
• Fave Crafts
  

Further Reading:

• A to Z of Crochet: the Ultimate Guide for the Beginner to Advanced Crocheter
• Crochet Stitches--Visual Encyclopedia
• The Crochet Stitch Bible
• 50 Fabulous Crochet Squares
• Crochet Patterns for Dummies
• Hooked Hats: 20 Easy Crochet Projects
• Cuddly Crochet: Adorable Toys, Hats and More
• Our Best Afghans
• Quick and Cozy Afghans
• Wrapped in Crochet
• Uncommon Crochet: 25 Projects Using Natural Yarns and Alternative Fibers
• 200 Crochet Flowers
• Kids Crochet: Projects for Kids of All Ages
• The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet
• Crocheting for Dummies
• Stitch N Bitch Crochet: Happy Hooker
• The Chicks With Sticks

I hope you enjoy these designs as much as I've enjoyed making them.

If you've enjoyed these creations, please let me know!

Would you like to crochet and make items like these? Please see my crochet tips for materials you'll need and for washing and care instructions for your crocheted items.

• Grab some hooks
• Get some cotton

You are now ready to try your hand at crocheting! I like to store all my crochet cotton, my hooks and my crochet books in a large, handled wicker basket so that I have all my supplies in one handy place. Storing everything in a basket means that as I move from room to room, I can carry everything with me.

You are now ready to try your hand at crocheting!

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