Yarnbombing ideas

MATERIALS Q DK, aran, chunky and super chunky yarn, each in green and four other shades Q Crochet hooks to suit the yarn weights

TENSION Tension is not important for this project

ABBREVIATIONS (UK) st(s) stitch(es) ch chain ch-sp(s) chain space(s) ss slip stitch yrh yarn round hook

dc double crochet tr treble tr2tog treble 2 sts together –(yrh, insert hook in next st, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) twice, yrh and draw through all loops on hook tr3tog treble 3 sts together –(yrh, insert hook in next st, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) three times, yrh and draw through all loops on hook dtr double treble

Yarn weight

Crochet hook

Approx. finished size DK or aran Chunky or two strands of DK or aran

4mm (UK 8, US G/6) or 5mm (UK 6, US H/8) 8mm (UK 0, US L/11)

84 MOLLIEMAKES.COM Super chunky or three strands of DK or aran

10mm (UK 000, US N/15)

We’re very pro yarnbombing here at Mollie Makes HQ –getting your yarny handiwork out into the wild can brighten up a neighbourhood, bring a community together and make people smile. Connect with your local craft shop or group and get plotting your make. Think about decorating tree trunks, bollards, fencing or benches, just make sure you get permission and measure up beforehand. A project with lots of motifs means everyone gets to play, and those not confident with crochet can get stuck in with joining and assembling.

Yarnbombing This pattern is for a flower motif and a leaf shape. By changing the yarn and hook size, you can use the same pattern to make flowers and leaves in different sizes. The thicker the yarn and bigger the crochet hook, the bigger the flowers will be. We recommend making panels with a variety of different sized motifs, then joining them on or around the yarnbombing object. Use cable ties for added security.

Instructions Divide and separate out the yarns into the three yarn weight groups and within each group into colours.

Flower Choose a size flower to make and pick four colours (A, B, C and D) in the same yarn weight group together with a suitably sized crochet hook. Foundation using Yarn A, ch4 and ss into first st to form a ring Round 1 ch1 (counts as 1dc), 7dc in ring, ss to ch1 to join, break yarn and fasten off [8 sts] Round 2 join Yarn B into any st with a ss, (ch2, tr2tog) into same st (together these for the starting tr3tog), ch2, *tr3tog in next st, ch2; repeat from * to end of round, ss into top of starting tr3tog, break yarn and fasten off [8 tr3tog and 8 2ch-sps] Round 3 join Yarn C into any 2ch-sp with a dc, ch4, (1dc, ch4) in each 2ch-sp around, ss to 1st dc to join [8 4ch-sps]

Round 4 (1dc, 4tr, 1dc) in each 4ch-sp around, ss to 1st dc to join, break yarn and fasten off [48 sts] Round 5 turn flower to the wrong side, start with a long tail and join Yarn D around the post of any dc from Round 3 with a dc, ch5, *1dc around post of next dc from Round 3, ch5; repeat from * to end of round, ss to 1st dc to join, turn so the right side is facing [8 5ch-sps] Round 6 (1dc, 2tr, 1dtr, 2tr, 1dc) in each 5ch-sp around, ss to 1st dc to join, break yarn and fasten off leaving a long tail for joining [8 petals] Sew in all ends except those of the last 2 rounds –these will be used for joining. Repeat the Flower in a mix of sizes and colours. If covering a large space, opt for making more of the larger sizes.

Joining Spread a selection of flowers out and arrange. Using the ends of the last rounds of the flower motif, thread through the petal of the nearest flower and double knot on the reverse. Cut the ends. Save the long ends and use to secure petals that are able to reach each other. Make multiple panels flat, then join together on the intended yarnbomb area.

Leaves Make leaves in various sizes Foundation using green yarn, leave a long tail at the start, ch8, ch1 and pull the working loop into a long extended st around 7cm (2 ") long Row 1 reinsert hook into 8th ch, pull yarn through and work 1dc into this st to secure, 1tr in each of next 6 sts, 1dc in last st, break yarn and fasten off leaving a long tail Cut the extended st at the top to turn into two equal length strands –these, plus the starting and end tails, will be used for tying. Use the leaves to secure any larger gaps between the flowers and to join the panels together. Thread the loose ends through either the middle sts of petals or over Round 5 dc posts, pulling the ends through to the back and securing with a double knot. Trim the ends to finish.

Rainbow lover Katie is a crochet designer and workshop tutor. She has a background in fashion and is passionate about environmental change and conscious crafting. She shares her colourful makes on Instagram @katiejonesknit. www. katiejonesknit.co.uk

KATIE JONES PHOTOGRAPHY: RACHEL MANNS