60 Quick Crochet Projects
- nataliapleshko
- Dec 1, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 19
My 2 designs in the book for crocheters:
This and That, and shawl Bolt
My two designs were published in the book 60 Quick Crochet Projects for Beginners.
This is the first book for crocheters in the series 60 Quick Projects by Sixth&Spring Books. The series started in 2010, if I'm correct, and all previous books were for knitters. And twelve years later, the publisher decided to add a crochet book to this great collection.
When I saw the submission call for the book, I was very excited to jump in and present my idea to the publisher. At first, I sent only a proposal for a shawl, to my surprise, it was quickly accepted :). And also they asked if I have more designs in mind, because a couple of spots were missing to complete 60 projects for the book. And that's how I also got the design for the hat/cowl for this collection.
Book description
This is directly from the publisher: Whether you’re picking up a crochet hook for the first time or are familiar with the basic crochet stitches and need something to make, 60 Quick Crochet Projects for Beginners is the perfect book for you. A thorough learn-to-crochet section instills all the core knowledge you need to get started, and an expansive collection of 60 beginner-friendly patterns provides endless hours of happy crafting. Beginner doesn’t have to mean boring, so this pattern collection is accessible yet includes numerous techniques such as colorwork, bobbles, textures, and more to keep crocheters engaged and constantly developing their abilities as they stitch hats, scarves, shawls, mittens, blankets, and even garments. Sidebars are included throughout with tips, tricks, and insight to build crafting knowledge and encourage critical thinking and creativity. With every project made in Pacific from Cascade Yarns, this superwash wool and acrylic blend comes in dozens of colors and will ensure that each project is beautiful, soft, and durable.
The book is available on Amazon and several other yarn and book stores.
Let's talk about my designs in the book.
Bolt (nr. 44 in the book)
This is an asymmetrical triangular shawl with a zig-zagging effect on one side to resemble a bolt of lightning.
Inspiration
The idea for this shawl was to use some simple stitches because it was intended for beginners or advanced beginners. And also I wanted to maximize the yarn usage, meaning - work the project until you almost run out of yarn. That's how the shape of the shawl became triangular with almost constant increases on one side.
Yarn
All the yarns for the 60 Quick Projects series were provided by Cascade Yarns, and this book focuses on Cascade Yarn Pacific. Cascade has a few weight options for the Pacific yarn. For the shawl, I used Pacific Sport. It's sport weight yarn, 60% Acrylic, 40% Superwash Merino Wool, 273 yds (250 m)/3.5 oz (100 g).
For the sample, I used 2 skeins in color 21 Aquamarine.
Stitch patterns
You'll be using 2 stitch patterns to make this shawl: 1) ribbing like pattern is hdc through back loop; 2) lacy pattern using V-stitches. Both stitch patterns are completely reversible, so there is no right or wrong side for this shawl.
Skills needed to make the shawl
The pattern difficulty is marked as Easy. You’ll need to know how to do basic crochet stitches (ch, sc, hdc, dc), work through back loop, and work V-stitches.
Size
This is one size, finished measurements: width: 20.5" (52cm), length: 69" (175cm).
But you can always adjust the length by making more or less repeats in the pattern.
The pattern is available only in the book, but you can add it to your Ravelry queue or mark it as a favorite here.
This and That (nr. 15 in the book)
This is 3 in 1 accessory. Open a tie at the top completely, and you'll get a cowl. Close the top and you'll get a beanie. Close the top slightly, and you'll get a messy bun hat.
Inspiration
I saw a few designs before that convert a hat into a cowl and vice versa, but they were a little bit intricate. I didn't try them, but it was on my mind to create at some point a similar convertible accessory, but with less work :). When the publisher asked me for an extra pattern for this book, I decided to go with a hat-to-cowl design with a simple, but interesting stitch pattern.
Yarn
As I already said, the yarn for all projects in the book was provided by Cascade Yarns, and for the hat, I used Cascade Yarn Pacific. It's worsted weight yarn, 60% Acrylic, 40% Superwash Merino Wool, 213 yds (195 m)/3.5 oz (100 g).
For the sample, I used 1 skein in color 106 Carmine Rose.
Stitch patterns
You'll be alternating 2 stitch patterns to make this hat/cowl: 1) ribbing like pattern is hdc through back loop; 2) double crochet in a small clusters.
Skills needed to make the hat/cowl
The pattern difficulty is marked as Easy. You’ll need to know how to do basic crochet stitches (ch, sc, hdc, dc), work through back loop, and work clusters. You'll make one seam using sl st. And will make tassels.
Size
This is one size, finished measurements: circumference: 18¾" (47.5cm), height: 8½" (21.5cm).
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