Craft Focus - Apr/May (Issue 66)

project craft focus 83 Tension Tension is not essential for this project, but each square is approximately 15cm (6”) x 15cm (6”) using a 4mm hook. Basic square - make 13 Using 4mm hook and A, ch 4 sts, sl st in first ch to form a loop. Round 1: 3 ch, 2 tr in loop, 3 ch, (3 tr, 3 ch), rep twice more, sl st in 3 ch (4 tr clusters). Round 2: Change to B, attach yarn to any 3 ch sp, (3 ch, 2 tr, 3 ch, 3 tr, 1 ch) in ch sp, (3 tr, 3 ch, 3 tr, 1 ch) in next ch sp three times, sl st in 3 ch (8 tr clusters). Round 3: Change to C, attach yarn to any 3 ch sp, (3 ch, 2 tr, 3 ch, 3 tr, 1 ch) in ch sp, (3 tr, 1 ch) in next ch sp, *(3 tr, 3 ch, 3 tr, 1 ch) in next 3 ch sp, (3 tr, 1 ch) in next ch sp; rep from * twice more, sl st in 3 ch (12 tr clusters). Round 4: Change to D, attach yarn to any 3 ch sp, (3 ch, 2 tr, 3 ch, 3 tr, 1 ch) in ch sp, (3 tr, 1 ch) in next 2 ch sp, *(3 tr, 3 ch, 3 tr, 1 ch) in next 3 ch sp, (3 tr, 1 ch) in next 2 ch sp; rep from * twice more, sl st in 3 ch (16 tr clusters). Round 5: Change to E, attach yarn to any 3 ch sp, (3 ch, 2 tr, 3 ch, 3 tr, 1 ch) in ch sp, (3 tr, 1 ch) in next 3 ch sp, *(3 tr, 3 ch, 3 tr, 1 ch) in next 3 ch sp, (3 tr, 1 ch) in next 3 ch sp; rep from * twice more, sl st in 3 ch (20 tr clusters). Round 6: Change to F, attach yarn to any 3 ch sp, (3 ch, 2 tr, 3 ch, 3 tr, 1 ch) in ch sp, (3 tr, 1 ch) in next 4 ch sp, *(3 tr, 3 ch, 3 tr, 1 ch) in next 3 ch sp, (3 tr, 1 ch) in next 4 ch sp; rep from * twice more, sl st in 3 ch (24 tr clusters). Fasten off and weave in ends. Complete 13 squares using a combination of different colours. Half squares – make two Using 4mm hook and A, ch 4 sts, sl st in first ch to form a loop. Row 1: 4 ch, 3 tr in loop, 3 ch, 3 tr, 1 ch, 1 tr. Fasten off (2 tr clusters). Row 2: Change to B, attach yarn to 4 ch sp, (4 ch, 3 tr, 1 ch) in same ch sp, (3 tr, 3 ch, 3 tr, 1 ch) in next 3 ch sp, (3 tr, 1 ch, 1 tr) in last ch sp. Fasten off (4 tr clusters). Row 3: Change to C, attach yarn to 4 ch sp, (4 ch, 3 tr, 1 ch) in same ch sp, (3 tr, 1 ch) in next ch sp, (3 tr, 3 ch, 3 tr, 1 ch) in next 3 ch sp, (3 tr, 1 ch) in next ch sp, (3 tr, 1 ch, 1 tr) in last ch sp. Fasten off (6 tr clusters). Row 4: Change to D, attach yarn to 4 ch sp, (4 ch, 3 tr, 1 ch) in same ch sp, (3 tr, 1 ch) in next 2 ch sp, (3 tr, 3 ch, 3 tr, 1 ch) in next 3 ch sp, (3 tr, 1 ch) in next 2 ch sp, (3 tr, 1 ch, 1 tr) in last ch sp. Fasten off (8 tr clusters). Finishing Weave in ends and block the squares and half squares. Using the diagram as a guide, join the squares together using yarn A by placing a sl st in the back loop of each st in each square. Top side edging Round 1: Using 3.5mm hook and A, attach yarn to the corner of a square at the edge of the bag with a sl st, 1 ch, 1 dc into each st and each ch of 1 ch sp. Work down one side of the top edge of the bag and then up the other side. Repeat for the second side. Bag handle attachments – make two Round 1: With RS facing and using 3.5mm hook and A, attach yarn to the corner of a square at the right on one side of the bag with a sl st, 3 ch, 2 tr into 3 ch sp, 1 tr in the top on next 3 tr sts, 1 tr in ch sp, 1 tr in next 2 tr sts, 1 tr in the top of seam, working across the top of the half square; 2 tr in each of the ch sp (with 1 tr in space at base of central tr cluster), 1 tr in the top of seam, 1 tr in next 2 tr sts, 1 tr in ch sp, 1 tr in next 3 tr sts and 3 tr into 3 ch sp, turn (37 sts). Rounds 2-4: Ch 3, 1 tr into each st along edge, turn (37 sts). Wrap the attachments over the bag handle and sew securely on the inside of the bag. CHIC Surprisingly capacious, this versatile bag is both eye- catching and practical. Use it for lazy weekends away or a fun-filled trip to the beach MATERIALS NEEDED • Hayfield Bonus DK, 100% acrylic (306yd/280m per 100g ball): 1 x 100g ball 887 bright pink (A) 1 x 100g ball 961 white (B) 1 x 100g ball 992 pink (C) 1 x 100g ball 824 azure (D) 1 x 100g ball 819 bright lemon (E) 1 x 100g ball 886 bright green (F) • 3.5mm (UK9:USE/4) crochet hook • 4mm (UK8:USG/6) crochet hook • 2 x D-shaped bamboo bag handles • Tapestry needle The finished size is 42cm (16½”) by 54cm (21½”) including handles. Boho Adapted from Granny Squares Weekend by Emma Varnam, published by GMC, £14.99. Visit gmcbooks.com for more information.