Captivating Crocheting: Make Crocheted Table Runners, Wall Hangings, Curtains and More!--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.

Finer Thread & Cotton for Lace-Like Designs

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.

Hooks: I use sizes .75 or 1.00 and use fine-to-medium weight crochet cotton, when I'm making delicate items.

Of course, crocheted materials can be either delicate or heavy depending on the hook size and the thickness of the crochet cotton.

Yarn & Larger Hook for Sturdier Materials

For even heavier crocheted items, yarn is used and a much larger hook

• For crocheted rugs, afghans, or slippers, I use a larger plastic hook and yarn

By the time you finish reading this Hub, you'll have a better idea of what you can actually make with crochet, you'll have learned some neat crochet tips, and you'll find links to free crochet patterns.

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Crocheting isn't just for grannies or shut-ins. In fact, crochet has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity with modern-day crafters discovering what their forebears already knew: that crochet is a crafting method that produces a variety of attractive-looking goods and that is faster than knitting. In times past, people crocheted to save money and it is no different today. So many practical items can be made for the home at a fraction of what it would cost to buy them. On top of that, one can also make clothing items and warm outwear. It's no wonder that both knitters and crocheters are hooked on these crafts!

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, using filet crochet. 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.

This window hanging not only provides privacy in the daytime but it is so pretty illuminated in the window.

Similar to a window hanging, a solid wall hanging can make an attractive decor item. This wall hanging was made by a talented crocheter in Grand Forks, B.C.

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.

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It is so simple to get started with crochet. You do not need lots of materials or supplies. You can start on any project with a hook and crochet cotton or yarn.

If you like what you have seen so far and would like to try your hand at crocheting, rest assured that crochet is relatively simple to learn--especially if you have good books that include detailed instructions.

After having crocheted for many years and having made many different items, one thing I've found most helpful is crochet books that not only offer patterns but that also provide graphs, illustrating the stitches and rounds you need to complete. This is very helpful, especially if you are stuck while reading the written instructions and need to actually see how something is worked.

Crochet Tips

• Start With Beginner Designs: It is best to start with beginner crochet designs and then move up to intermediate and advanced. It may be tempting to attempt a pattern for an item you've fallen in love with but starting with easier patterns and working your way up can help you to avoid frustration and disappointment with your finished piece. For example, when I first started crocheting doilies, I could never get them to lay flat, even though I understood and followed the instructions to the letter. With experience, I discovered that my tension was too tight. Once I loosened up, my doilies turned out perfectly.

• Crochet Magazine Subscriptions: I like crochet magazine subscriptions because there are always new designs to try out. Receiving the latest issue of a favorite crochet magazine in the mail and checking out all the new designs can be like having Christmas early. It's always such a welcome surprise to go to the mail and find a new magazine has arrived.

• Save Money With Back Issues: I've also ordered back issues of crochet magazines, which helps when looking for a specific design and is easy on the budget. Back issues can usually be obtained for a fraction of the cost.

• Yard Sales: Another resource for crocheting magazines is yard sales. Sometimes crochet magazines are offered for mere pennies because someone is cleaning out a spare room or has gotten away from the craft.
  

• Second Hand Stores: If you are fortunate, you may discover crochet magazines at second hand stores. This is a good way to collect lots of crochet patterns for minimal cost.
• Themed Crochet Pattern Books: Crochet magazines can also be ordered for a certain theme, such as for Christmas decorations. Beautiful and unique crocheted designs for lacy bells, snowflakes or angels can be made very quickly.

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• 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.
• Hook Sets--It is also very convenient to buy hook sets instead of having an assortment of odd crochet hooks lying around. It can be frustrating to want to get started on a pattern, only to discover that not one of your crochet hooks is the right size! I like hook sets with cases because this ensures that your hooks do not go missing in action. (See my Hub below for more information about the different types of hook sets available.)

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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.

Magic Crochet-Graphs and Stitch Guides

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

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

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

• 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.

Magic Crochet also offered step-by-step photos of how to execute individual crochet stitches in each magazine. 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 instructions with pictures, for working the particular stitch, so you knew you were on track.

Where to Get Magic Crochet?

Magic Crochet is no longer published but you can still find these wonderful crochet magazines by collecting second-hand copies.

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

• I would suggest you pick up magazine lots. You can buy a number of magazines, with attractive patterns, for a reasonable amount.

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• 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
  

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This was another pattern that I changed somewhat by opting to use thicker crochet cotton and a slightly larger steel hook so that instead of a doily, I ended up with a larger table centerpiece. I added beads to make if even prettier.

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All through this Hub, I've given tips about how to make crocheting even more affordable by buying your cotton or yarn in lots, by picking up magazines second-hand. Another way to save money is by accessing free patterns. This can be convenient if you are looking to make something specific that you can't find in your pattern books.

If you find a free pattern to your liking, simply print if off for reference.

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Because filet crochet is so popular and so incredibly easy, I'm including this video for those who have never done filet crochet but who want to know more about it. The maroon valance was worked in filet crochet.

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• Where to Find Vintage Filet Crochet Patterns or Charts For Any Type of Filet Crochet

  Vintage filet crochet patterns and charts are readily available. This Hub discusses different methods to find inexpensive vintage filet crochet patterns.

• What is Knooking?

  The new knitting, knooking involves knitting with a special crochet hook--a perfect blending of two crafts to easily produce knitted items without the headache of dropped stitches.

• Knit or Crochet? How Knitting and Crocheting Differ

  Knitting and crocheting both use yarn to create fabric but the two methods differ and produce different results. It's important to be aware of the differences between knitting and crochet before deciding which method to use for a project.

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• Colors: Incorporate different colors into your pattern. This can be done by working chosen sections with a different color or by working the final round in a pretty variegated color.
• Beads: Add beads to your work. This can be done by sewing them onto your crocheted piece after is is finished, as I'm doing with the light green centerpiece or, you can slip these onto your cotton towards the end of your work. If you do this, make sure that you allow enough cotton before cutting the strand. Also make sure that you choose beads that will fit over your needle.
• Crystals: Add crystals as I've done with the maroon valances. Crystals really dress up your work and make it unique. These usually come in strips attached to a ribbon, so you can sew these on the backside of your work. Look for crystal fringe trim to find crystals that are attached to ribbon. Using individual crystals is too time consuming.
• Crocheted Flowers: Add crocheted flowers to a piece. If you have a doily or centerpiece that you want to dress up, why not crochet some small flowers and attach these to the outside edge? This is easy to do on a piece where the work forms points or curves because you can add the flowers evenly along the edge.

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

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As can be seen, you can make so many useful and decorative items for the home from crochet. I particularly like crocheted rugs, bedspreads and valances, as these are so useful.

Crocheting is one of the most practical crafts because you can make such an astonishing variety of items, including warm outer-ware. Perhaps no other craft holds such potential to outfit and home and add to the wardrobe.

As the title of this Hub so aptly says, crocheting is truly captivating!

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

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

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.

See my hub Yarn Storage Solutions for ideas about how store your craft materials.

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