Easy Crochet Projects using Crochet Squares

Ten Ways to Think Outside the Crochet Square

If you enjoy crochet but hate following complex patterns, think outside the square. Simple crochet squares can be combined in many ways to make useful and beautiful items. Here are ten ideas to keep your crochet hook busy.

1: Make a shoulder bag.

Sew two crochet squares together on three sides and add a long thin strip of crochet for a handle. You can make squares of matching or contrasting colors, and of any size that suits your needs. This is a great way to try out new patterns or yarn blends that have taken your fancy without committing to a big, expensive project.

2: Make a cushion.

As a fashionable décor statement, your own crochet cushions can’t be beaten. Experiment with different yarns and colors, and make one big square and two rectangles to equal it. Sew the rectangles to the square, leaving a gap in the back for the cushion insert. Make these in some of the new speciality yarns, such as feather, for a really exciting look.

3: Make a jerkin.

Measure yourself (or your intended recipient) from shoulder to hip, and make three or four crochet squares to cover the distance. Make the same number of crochet squares for the other side. Double the number and make enough crochet squares for the back. Make two rectangles, wide enough to fill in the sides, and long enough to leave a comfortable armhole. Now sew them all together so that you have a jerkin shape with armholes and an opening at the front. You can mix and match colors and yarns to make something really unique. Make two more crochet squares and sew over the two squares at the front bottom to make pockets, or make four more and add sleeves. Once you get the hang of this you’ll be making jackets, sweaters, anything you can think of!

4: Make potholders.

Choose a yarn that matches your kitchen décor, and make a bunch of squares. Sew two together on three sides and slip some heatproof wadding into the pocket. Sew up the open side and you have a pot holder. Add a crochet loop for hanging. Sew three or four squares together to make a strip, and pad each end as you did the pot holder. Now you have a handy two handed pot holder to help you manage larger casseroles and pie dishes.

5: Make a quilt.

Here’s nice big project for those winter evenings. Make your squares to your chosen size, sew up on three sides, and fill with quilt wadding. Sew up the open side and make more of these little puffy cushions. Finally sew them all together to make a luxurious hand made quilt to snuggle into on cold nights. If you use soft baby yarn and make smaller cushions, you can create a beautiful gift for a winter baby.

6: Make a gorgeous set of curtains.

Crochet big lacy squares in fine yarn. Sew them together and add silk ribbon loops along the top and you have a set of unique designer curtains.

7: Make luxury mats.

Crochet squares in the thickest, most absorbent yarn you can find, that matches your bathroom décor. Sew the squares together to make a lush bathmat to take the chill off the bathroom floor. Make another in thick, fluffy yarn and put it by your bed.

8: Make a footstool.

Crochet two large squares and four rectangles half the width of the squares. Join the rectangles end to end to make a square shape and sew on one of the big squares to make a box shape. Stuff tightly with cushion filling and cover with the other square. Trim with tassels or piping. This makes a great mother’s day gift, and is simple enough for crochet savvy youngsters to make.

9: Make a jewelry roll.

Using fine silk yarn, crochet a rectangle. Crochet small squares and rectangles to attach to the original rectangle to make pockets for your jewelry. Put the items in the pockets and roll up. Tie with a silk ribbon.

10: Crochet for charity.

Your crochet squares can be added to others and sewn together to make warm blankets for those less fortunate. Search the web for charity crochet or crochet for charity and you will find lots of organizations willing to take all the crochet squares you can produce. The resulting blankets won’t warm you, but they will warm your heart!

This entry was posted on Sunday, September 26th, 2010 at 5:28 am and is filed under Craft Ideas, Crochet. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.