Wooden hoop
12m chunky yarn in 2 colours
Scissors
Step 1
Cut each of your colours into 6 x 1m pieces.
Step 2
Attach the cut lengths to the hoops using a lark’s head knot. To make the knot, fold each length of yarn in half to create a loop at the midpoint. Pass the knot under and back over the top of the hoop, then bring the tail ends of the two strands of yarn through the loop from back to front. Pull firmly to secure, lark’s head knot formed. Place the 6 green cords on the left, and the 6 white cords on the right.
Step 3
Now that the 12 strands are attached to the hoop, we will treat them as 24 strands.
Find the centre two strands and cross them over at the very top of the hoop, then pass them underneath the hoop at the bottom, pulling the strands taught as you do so.
Step 4
Attach these two strands to the base of the hoop using a double half hitch knot, placing it directly below the outermost lark’s head knot in the opposite colour at the top of the hoop.
To form a double half hitch knot, start with the strand underneath the hoop, then wrap the strand from the front up and over to the back again, working to the left.
Step 5
Wrap the strand from the front up and over to the back a second time, but this time on the right-hand side. When you bring the strand down behind the hoop, pull the tail end of the strand through the loop just formed. Pull firmly to tighten. Double half hitch knot formed.
Step 6
Repeat this process: find the next two strands out from the middle at the top of the hoop and cross them over at the front. Pass the strands underneath the bottom of the hoop, pulling taught as you do so. Then attach each strand to the base of the hoop using a double half hitch knot. Place each new knot directly inside the previous knot, working towards the centre.
Step 7
Your last two double half hitch knots should meet in the middle at the bottom of the hoop.
Step 8
Trim the tail ends of all strands to neaten, or trim into a curve or point if you prefer.
]]>Bamboo stick
7m macrame cord
Metal bristle hairbrush or pet brush
Step 1
Cut your cord into the following lengths
1 x 40cm 1 x 75cm 20 x 20cm
Set the 40cm piece aside for now, this will be the hanging cord for later.
Step 1
Fold the 75cm piece in half, then pass the middle of the fold over the top of the stick in the middle, so that the folded loop peeps down. Feed the tail ends of the cord through the loop at the top, then pull through and down. Lark’s head knot formed.
Step 2
Now that this central cord is secure, we will be attaching the 20 x 20cm pieces to it using reverse lark’s head knots.
Step 3
Fold a 20cm piece of cord in half and pass it underneath the central cord from right to left, then feed the tail ends of the cord through the loop and pull to the right to tighten. Reverse lark’s head knot formed.
Step 4
Repeat step 2, alternating the direction of each 20cm piece as you add it to the central cord, until all the 20cm pieces are attached.
Step 5
Holding the central cord tightly, push all the reverse lark’s head knots up towards the stick, to condense them.
Step 6
Tie an overhand knot in the bottom of the central cord.
Step 7
Using a hairbrush or a metal-bristled pet grooming brush, take some time brushing out the fronds of your feather, starting at the outside and working in.
Step 8
When you are happy with how fluffy your feather is, trim to shape, creating a point at the bottom, and curving up and around, into a feather shape.
Step 9
When you are happy with how your feather is looking, tie the 40cm you cut earlier to either end of the stick, to create a hanging loop. Your feather is complete!
]]>Keyring
60cm Rope
6m of yarn in three colours
Sewing thread
Sewing needle
Hairbrush (optional)
Step 1
Cut your rope into the following lengths (don’t worry if the ends start to fray a little):
15cm, 20cm, 25cm
Step 2
Choose which colour you’d like to wrap each of the three arcs in, and start with the smallest one. Taking the end of the yarn, fold over the end by 20cm (or just a little longer than the rope), and lay It on top so that the fold sits at one end of the rope, and the tail end overlaps the other end of the rope.
Step 3
Using the long length of yarn, begin to wrap it around the rope and the folded section that is sitting on top. Leave 1-2cm of the end of the rope unwrapped. Continue wrapping firmly and neatly in this way, all along the rope. Gently curve your rope as you wrap.
Step 4
When you reach the end of the rope where the folded loop is, stop wrapping 1-2cm from the edge. Try and leave the same amount unwrapped as at the other end of the rope. Insert the long tail end through the folded loop
Step 5
Pull gently on the tail end that we left overlapping the rope at the other end, and you will see the folded loop and long tail end start to disappear up inside the wrapped section. This action should also help your rope curve into an arc.
Step 6
When the loop has completely disappeared some way, gently pull of the other end of the yarn to check it is secure. You can now trim to two yarn ends.
Step 7
Repeat steps 2-6 for the 20cm and 25cm sections of rope. Make sure that each time you fold the yarn, it is slightly longer than the rope itself. When wrapping, leave the same amount of rope unwrapped at the start and end of each arc, to give a neat finish.
Step 8
To complete your rainbow, thread the needle with sewing thread. Take the smallest and middle arc and lay them against each other. Sew on the spot a few times to secure the thread, then sew through both thicknesses of the rope in large, diagonal stitches to secure the arcs together. You don’t need to sew right through the centre of the rope, as long as you catch it enough to secure it.
Step 9
Repeat for the third arc, attaching the keyring on a loop of thread around the third and largest arc, before sewing it to the middle arc.
Fasten off the sewing thread by sewing on the spot a few times when you reach the far end of sewing the middle and largest arcs together.
Step 10
Finally, brush out and neaten up your unwrapped ends, the tassels at the end of your rainbow, and then trim then into a flat end to complete your rainbow!
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Is it even Easter if you haven’t got some bunny-themed décor?! This bunny wreath is a little bit of fun, and easy enough to make that small folk can get in on the action too. 🐰 Create the bunny shape out of wire, make and add your pom poms, and then hang it up or place it on your shelfie for everyone to admire the fluffiness of your creation.
Thank you to the fabulous Childrensalon for asking me to create this Easter DIY! We hope you enjoy it! Please do let me know if you make the wreath, I'd love to see what you create...
You will need
Click here to see the full tutorial, and my tips for fluffy pom poms, on the Childrensalon website!
Lindsey x Lottie & Albert
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We all have them, scraps! But other than stuffing toys, what can you use them for? I've teamed up with Hobbycraft to show you three ways in which you can stash bust and make a little more sustainably, I hope you like these tutorials!
You might have seen wrapped loops like these before as part of weaves, but we think they are beautiful in their own right too. Quick and satisfying to make, they can be used as bag charms, on key rings or curtain tie backs, or even as fancy napkin rings. Warning: once you learn the gathering knot from this tutorial, you may want to wrap everything in beautiful yarn!
Click here for the full free tutorial on Hobbycraft's website
Looking for a last-minute present or something to make and sell at a craft fair? This stripey hair tie is quick, fun, and perfect for using up those DK scraps. Use as few or as many colours as you like depending on your scraps, the colour changes are indicated in the pattern, but you can make the whole hair tie in 1 colour, or 7 rainbow colours, it’s up to you!
Click here for the full free tutorial on Hobbycraft's website
These impactful macrame makes require just yarn, a wooden hoop and two types of knot. They are great starter projects if you are just getting into macrame, or a quick win if you are looking to create a pop of colour for your home décor! This step-by-step guide will teach you the lark’s head knot and the double half hitch knot.
Click here for the full free tutorial on Hobbycraft's website
I'd love to know if you make any of these projects, or if they have sparked any ideas for you! Do tag me on Instagram or social media at @lottieandalbert so that I can see!
Lindsey x
]]>I know, I know, Christmas is supposed to be all about the kids, but this luxe stocking is a little treat just for you.
I had the pleasure of designing this stocking for Hobbycraft last year, and I went to town using my favourite stitch (hello loops) and my favourite Hobbycraft yarn. If you are making the pattern with yarn from your stash, any Aran weight yarn will suit.
I do hope you enjoy this pattern! If you do, I'd love for you to share your makes with me online by tagging me #lottieandalbert or @lottieandalbert. Or if you have time, I'd love for you to pin one of the images from this post to Pinterest, to help spread the crochet love ☺️💕
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This plaited yarn wreath is an easy way to achieve a luxe yarn decoration, even if you don’t knit or crochet. Why not use foraged pine cones, feathers or foliage that you find on your winter walks for a more sustainable decoration this season?
Click here to go to the full step by step tutorial on the Hobbycraft Website.
These cinnamon stick mini tapestries are an ideal way to use up scraps or showcase some special yarns. Hang them from your tree, use them as present toppers, or even as place settings that guests can take home with them. As an added bonus, these smell gorgeous as you make them!
Click here to go to the full step by step tutorial on the Hobbycraft Website.
I often cut up last year’s Christmas cards to make tags, but this make takes the idea one step further. Use any shape or size card to create a mix of tasselled gems, which can be brought our year after year. Kids would also love making these card baubles.
Old Christmas cards, wallpaper or card
Scrap yarn
Scissors
Pencil
Ruler
Hole punch
Strong glue or a stapler
Click here to go to the full step by step tutorial on the Hobbycraft Website.
I hope you love these decoration ideas as much as I enjoyed creating them! If you'd like a behind-the-scenes peak at the making and filming of these tutorials, you can also find a video about how I created these projects by clicking here.
Please do let me know if you make any of these projects by tagging me @lottieandalbert or #lottieandalbert on social media, I'd love to see!
Lindsey x
]]>I love a seasonal craft, especially one that's quick and chunky! These pumpkins all use super chunky yarn - in fact you can make all three sizes with the same pattern, just by switching the hook and yarn size.
This pattern uses UK terms – see abbreviations for US translations
Pumpkin Size |
Yarn Weight |
Crochet Hook |
H6cm x W9cm |
50g Super chunky/Super Bulky/6 I used Spectrum Fibre ‘Meringue’ |
8mm |
H16cm x W22cm |
200g Extra Super chunky I used Wolly Mahoosive Squiggly |
20mm |
H20cm x W36cm |
1kg Mammoth yarn (arm knitting size) I used Woolly Mahoosive Mammoth yarn |
30mm |
ch chain
BLO back loop only
htc half treble crochet (US half double crochet)
ss slip stitch
st(s) stitch(es)
I do hope you enjoyed this free pattern! I'd love to see your pumpkins when you've made them - please tag me as @lottieandalbert or #lottieandalbert on social media to share.
Lindsey x
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What's better than giving someone a gift they love? That's right, extra fancy wrapping. I had the absolute pleasure of designing these tutorials for Hobbycraft to help you up your wrapping game and use up scrap yarn while you do it!
This take on traditional Japanese-style fabric wrapping, Furoshiki, is a great way to showcase a pretty fabric, plus the wrap can be used again and again. You could also use a silk scarf, fun tea towel or fabric leftover from a project. Add some oversized tassels and you are good to go.
Fabric – I used a 45cmx45cm square of cotton, but tea towels or scarves work well too. 45x45cm and 70x70cm are traditional Furoshiki sizes, but you can use any size as long as it’s at least twice the surface area of your gift, to give you enough space to wrap.
Scissors
Scrap yarn
Card to wrap your tassel around
Click here to view the full tutorial with step-by-step images on the Hobbycraft website
Add a special touch to a present using a small wooden hoop and some leftover yarn. Attached using a lark’s head knot, the two yarns are then woven in a simple but effective pattern to create a really special finishing touch.
You will need
Wrapping paper – I used brown Craft Paper
Small 2in wooden macrame rings
Scrap yarn in 2 colours
Masking or low-tack tape
Scissors
Click here to view the full tutorial with step-by-step images on the Hobbycraft website
If you need a gift to both look and smell gorgeous, dried orange slices are a winner. Thread with pom poms in a complimentary colour, such as dark greenish-blue, and place them against white wrapping paper to really make them pop.
Click here to view the full tutorial with step-by-step images on the Hobbycraft website
I hope you love these wrapping ideas as much as I enjoyed creating them! If you'd like a behind-the-scenes peak at the making and filming of these tutorials, keep an eye out for this Sundays Vlog on my YouTube channel!
Lindsey x
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Back in February, on a cold farm in West Wales, I designed my dream summer bag. Tassels? Check. Cotton? Check. That dreamy rusty orange colour I can't get enough of? Check.
I'm very excited to now share the free pattern with you, as part of my latest collaboration with Hobbycraft and Knitcraft.
If you make the bag I'd LOVE to see it! Please tag me as @lottieandalbert and use #lottieandalbert on Instagram and Facebook, or leave me a comment below if you're planning on making it!
Lindsey x
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This project was originally created for the Knitcraft blog, the post can be found here. The yarn for the project was kindly gifted to me by Hobbycraft.
]]>Getting Ready!
Hello everyone, I'm so excited to be hosting my first Crochet and Knit A-Long (CAL/KAL) next month for the Lottie and Albert Rainbow Blanket, and everyone is welcome to join in! It starts on 1 Feb and will run for a month. We'll be chatting on Instagram using the hashtag #rainbowblanketcal, and I'll be sure to sort out some rainbow prizes, to be drawn at random, for those who take...
]]>Getting Ready!
Hello everyone, I'm so excited to be hosting my first Crochet and Knit A-Long (CAL/KAL) next month for the Lottie and Albert Rainbow Blanket, and everyone is welcome to join in! It starts on 1 Feb and will run for a month. We'll be chatting on Instagram using the hashtag #rainbowblanketcal, and I'll be sure to sort out some rainbow prizes, to be drawn at random, for those who take part too!
You can find the crochet pattern here, and the knit version here. You will also need a 20mm hook, or 20mm circular needles with a 100cm cord.
The pattern uses 6 balls of 100g DK for the smallest lap blanket size (then multiples of 6 for the larger sizes, details in pattern) and so is a great stash buster! You are more than welcome to use your stash, but if you would like yarn suggestions from four different yarn companies, you can find them below. I have included Paintbox, Stylecraft, Marriner and Scheepjes, and for each brand there is a bright, pastel and neutral rainbow option!
I'll be posting some videos on my Instagram, @lottieandalbert, detailing how to wind the large yarn ball, and how to make half-treble crochets in the back loop only over the next few weeks.
Let me know if you plan on joining in! See you all soon.
Lindsey x
Double Heart Square by @jellybean_junction |
Mandala Heart Square by @crafty_CC |
Bobble Heart Square by @kaidalys |
Motif Heart Square by @annaboos_house |
Corner to Corner Heart Square by @make.e |
Granny Heart Square by @happyberrycrochet |
Solid Heart Granny by @noblecharactercrafts |
Big Heart Square by @sweet_sharna |