Karen von Kluge got hooked on crochet as a creative outlet after learning from twin sister and fellow designer Susan Kennedy. A research librarian living in Ann Arbor, MI, Karen has always enjoyed making useful and beautiful things out of odds and ends.
So you were reading through a pattern and you saw the foundation half double crochet stitch. Don’t freak out. Work through the stitch with our simple photo tutorial. This technique is a great one to learn. Any foundation stitch works by crocheting the chain and first row simultaneously! Save some time on your next project!
View ProjectFrom the August 2019 issue
Looking for that staple piece you’ll grab again and again? Get started on your own wrap shirt! This reversible shirt is a breeze to create. Made in one main piece without any seaming, two sets of ties are crocheted along with the edging resulting in a timeless project that’s perfect for a variety of seasons. To style it, simply place the shirt over your head and tie the smaller straps around the back, and the thicker straps around the front.
View ProjectFrom the February 2020 issue
This luxurious hair scrunchie is created by crocheting around a hair elastic for a plush hair accessory. The pattern is simple and can be made with any chenille or velvet yarn. Great for using up scraps leftover from other projects.
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Master the process of crocheting with more than one strand of yarn at a time with this simple photo tutorial. Once you practice this technique with the Chevron City Pillow, you’ll want to make all sorts of quick and easy projects!
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Master the process of crocheting with more than one strand of yarn at a time with this simple photo tutorial. Once you practice this technique with the Chevron City Pillow, you’ll want to make all sorts of quick and easy projects!
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This beginner friendly crochet pattern is made with Lion Brand Mandala yarn, which is perfect for creating an interesting chevron because you don’t have to cut the yarn or weave in many ends. Better yet, the yarn is tripled to create quicker color changes for an absolutely stunning project. Showcase the entire color range of one yarn cake on each side of your crochet pillow.
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This collar sleeve has a subtle texture created using the spike stitch and single crochet, made with one cake of Lion Brand Mandala yarn. The pattern includes two sizes: a narrower overlay to cover a 0.5-1” wide pet collar and a wider overlay for a 1-1.5” wide pet collar. A great way to spruce up a dingy collar, the durable acrylic overlay works up quickly and can be made using scraps of any 3 weight yarn.
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Mallory utilizes a stitch pattern that is a combination of half double, double, and treble crochets between the posts. A row of foundation half double crochet begins the cowl and a row of extended half double crochet ends it, with luxuriously drapey rows of open semi-filet crochet in between. This plush, lightweight cowl hangs around the neck in two loops and works up quickly without being bulky.
View ProjectFrom the February 2020 issue
This luxurious headband is created by crocheting around a hair elastic for a comfortable easy fit. The simple Tunisian crochet stitch is easy and does not require a special hook. The seamless, one-piece design can be made with any chenille or velvet yarn. Great for gifting, this quick project is reversible and has a unique plush texture on each side.
View ProjectFrom the October 2019 issue
Featuring a subtle texture, this toddler poncho is perfect for cool weather and toddlers on the move. The ombre gradient of wool/acrylic blend Lion Brand Scarfie yarn in Cranberry/Black creates the feel of buffalo plaid without having to use multiple yarn colors.
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