Summer crafting requires a little bit of planning. Small or modular projects can be a good choice so we don’t have masses of woolly fabric resting in our overheating laps.
We also like using cotton because this doesn’t get so hot in our hands.
So we’ve been on the hunt for summery patterns using cotton that could be projects to keep keen crocheters busy over the next couple of months.
Cotton bags can be fun crochet projects as well as very practical when made in a strong yarn like cotton.
The Mosaic Bucket Bag was designed by Rebecca Langford as a crochetalong for her Yarn & Chai blog but all parts are now available here. The pattern uses different colours of aran weight cotton and spike stitch pattern to create an interesting mosaic effect. The stitch choice and use of a thicjker yarn creates a hardwearing bag as well as a relatively quick make. Choose your colours to go with your summer outfits.
Blankets are a great modular project so why not create your perfect picnic blanket – something you could also drape over yourself in the garden if the evenings get cooler. We like the bright Beach Bungalow Throw by Anne McFarland which has only one square design to learn.
Crochet mandalas are a big trend in at the moment but some people have wondered how to use theses interesting and colourful circular motifs. Sarah Shrimpton of AnnaBoo’s House has come up with a clever cushioncover using her cotton mandala design. Her four colour design gives lots of opportunity to customise your cushions to go with your décor.
If you hate insects getting in your glass while you craft outdoors, why not rustle up some glass covers as a quick summer project. These lacy covers designed by Rhondda Mol (Oombawka Design) have beads around the edge to weigh them down. Once you get the pattern down for these, you could find yourself producing whole sets quite quickly.
Whatever, you choose as your warm weather project we wish a happy summer of crocheting.