Inside Crochet 190 | Tequila Sunrise Vest

Posted in Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Helloo my lovelies,

We’re currently in the middle of a heatwave here in the UK, and as I write this post I’m sitting in front of not one, but two fans, just trying to survive! Is it the wrong time to be talking about crochet? Possibly. But if you’re looking for a summery project that’s perfect for warm weather stitching, then I’ve got just the thing.

Inside Crochet magazine placed on a beige and coral crochet piece with greenery and a glass ornament on a white surface.

Allow me to introduce the Tequila Sunrise Vest. Constructed from individual motifs, it’s wonderfully portable and easy to pick up in the heat when the thought of wrestling with a large project isn’t appealing. Available in sizes XS to 5XL, the finished garment is light, airy and comfortable to wear, making it the perfect addition to a summer wardrobe.

❤️ SAVE TEQUILA SUNRISE VEST ON RAVELRY ❤️

Woman wearing a cream and coral crochet vest with fringe detail, standing indoors and touching a wall light. — © 2026 Inside Crochet 190 📸 photos by Leanne Jade

Although the motifs might look intricate, this is actually a very mindful crochet project. Once you’ve worked a few of the motifs and become familiar with the construction of the rectangles, triangles and squares, the process quickly becomes relaxing and rhythmic. Each motif is small and manageable, making it perfect for picking up whenever you have a spare moment, whether you’re crocheting in the garden on a sunny afternoon or settling down for a cosy evening with your hook.

For this design I used King Cole Cottonsoft DK with a 4mm hook. It’s a yarn I’ve used many times before; it’s reliable, soft, and really lets the stitch definition shine through beautifully. If you aren’t familiar with King Cole Cottonsoft DK it comes in 100g balls with approximately 210 metres / 229 yards of yarn and is 100% cotton.

Five balls of King Cole Cottonsoft DK yarn in beige, blush, and coral tones arranged on a wooden tray with greenery and glass decor.

I chose the shades Oyster 742, Powder 1932 and Apricot 1850, which combine to create a beautiful sunrise-inspired colour palette. The soft cream, delicate peach and warm apricot tones create a nice ombré effect across the garment. The colours complement the lacy motifs beautifully and really enhance the airy feel of the design, though there are plenty of other lovely shades in the range if you’d like to create your own unique colour story.

To finish the design, I added a lovely fringe along the bottom edge which just completes the vest perfectly and gives it a little extra movement – ready for beach walks, festival days and sunny adventures.

Woman posing in a cream and coral crochet vest over a pink top and patterned trousers, lit warmly indoors. — © 2026 Inside Crochet 190 📸 photos by Leanne Jade

The Tequila Sunrise Vest pattern is available in Issue 190 of Inside Crochet magazine, which is on sale now, available from all good newsagents and craft stores. To purchase a digital copy of Inside Crochet, visit www.pocketmags.com.

Please share your makes with me on social media and tag me @kcaco.uk – I always love seeing your projects.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

Stylized handwritten text that reads 'Heather xo'

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9Jun2026

New Crochet Pattern | Bloom and Grow Beanie

Posted in Crochet, Independent Design, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

There’s something extra satisfying about giving a well-loved pattern a fresh new life – and today, I’m so excited to share a little crochet glow-up with you.

I know it’s completely the wrong time of year for cosy hats, especially with the UK currently feeling more like a heatwave (for some days) than hat weather, but sometimes you just have to ignore the seasons a little if you want to get a pattern out into the world!

PIN FOR LATER:

A woman wearing a light pink crocheted beanie with a pom-pom and floral details, smiling in front of an autumn background. Below, two more crocheted beanies are displayed: one in blue and the other in multicolored yarn, each with a pom-pom.

The Bloom and Grow Beanie is made for those special skeins you’ve been saving: that beautifully variegated, hand-dyed yarn that deserves to shine. It’s also a chance to play with something a bit different, as I tried adding embroidery onto crochet for a truly unique finish. Whether you’re diving into your stash or trying a new technique for the first time, this project is all about experimentation, creativity and colour.

This design first appeared in Crochet Now, Issue 115, as part of the Stash-Busting Style Supplement, but when the pattern rights made their way back to me, I couldn’t resist the urge to see it through fresh eyes. I’ve always believed a simple change of yarn can completely transform a project, so I set out to rework it and discover how it might ‘bloom’ into something new (see what I did there).

As it turned out, the timing couldn’t have been better. My crochet designer friend Fay (Fay DH Designs) and I were gearing up for the second round of our annual creative challenge – a tradition I’ve come to love. At the start of each year, we either choose a shared design concept or a specific yarn type, then we each put our own spin on it by creating or reimagining a pattern. It’s always such a fun way to stretch our creativity. Last year was the year of the ‘scarf’ when Fay created her stunning design, One Way or Another and I came up with the Janus keyhole scarf.

A crocheted navy scarf displayed on a mannequin to the left, and a woman wearing a multi-coloured patterned crochet scarf outdoors on the right.

This year, we began with the same starting point: a truly stunning variegated yarn from RiverKnits. Rich with shifting shades of purples, mauves, greens, rusty orange, navy, and teal, it’s one of those colourways that feels almost too beautiful to use – yet impossible to resist. Part of their Wonky Veg Autumn/Winter ’25 collection, the shade is called Best In Show – Nene DK, and it’s every bit as delightful as it sounds.

Made from 100% Blue-faced Leicester British wool (100g / 233m), and both spun and dyed in Britain, it has a beautifully high twist that makes it an absolute dream to crochet with. The stitch definition, the bounce, the way the colours play together, was just going to be perfect for my glow up purposes.

A skein of colourful hand-dyed yarn labeled 'RIVERKINIT' resting on a wooden slice surrounded by greenery.

Fay also reworked one of her designs, the Halo Cowl, which really made the variegated yarn sing, (and it looks gorgeous) and I remade my Bloom and Grow Beanie.

Bloom and Grow Beanie

The original version of this hat was made using 100g of Symfonie Yarn by KnitPro, with both the hat itself and the embroidered details worked in the same yarn. All of those original instructions, including how to create the hat and add the delicate embroidered flowers around the brim, are still included in the pattern.

A woman wearing a pink crocheted hat with a pom-pom and embroidered designs, smiling against a yellow background. The image features accessories like fingerless gloves and a crochet star with text about quick patterns for the whole family. — © Practical Publishing 2024 (Crochet Now Issue 115 – Supplement)

But I couldn’t help wondering how it might transform when reimagined in hand-dyed yarn, with all those rich, shifting colours. And I absolutely love how it turned out! I think the hat definitely shines with a heavily variegated skein, letting every twist of colour come alive, but it also works beautifully in a semi-solid yarn for a more subtle, sophisticated look.

A colourful crochet beanie hat with a fluffy navy blue pom-pom, placed on a wooden slice and surrounded by greenery.

I made one version with the Riverknits yarn and it has quickly become my new go-to winter hat. I also made another beanie as a sample to showcase at yarn shows using a beautiful variegated blue Hook&Cwtch Deluxe DK (Shade: Georg Hoffman, 225m/100g, 85% superwash merino and 15% nylon). It’s been the perfect design for using up some single DK skeins in my stash – and I’m sure I’ll make another in the future.

A stylish blue knitted beanie hat with a fluffy white pom-pom, resting on a wooden surface surrounded by greenery and a round glass with decorative bubbles.

Pattern Links

The pattern is very beginner-friendly, if you’re familiar with basic crochet stitches you should have no trouble following along and creating a hat you’ll be proud of!

❤️ SAVE BLOOM AND GROW BEANIE ON RAVELRY ❤️

The crochet Bloom and Grow Beanie pattern in now available for purchase from usual pattern platforms.

The Bloom and Grow Beanie is also available as a physical printed pattern from my Etsy shop here.

If you like the Bloom and Grow Hat you may also like these other floral themed patterns…

A close-up of a person's hand holding a gray crocheted fabric with intricate patterns, with a partially visible book and soft fabric in the background.

FREE PATTERN | PERFECT PUFF PILLOW

A crocheted sunflower pincushion with yellow petals and a brown center, adorned with colorful sewing pins, placed on a light wooden surface.

PRETTY PETAL PINCUSHION CROCHET KIT

A close-up of a hand holding a crocheted red poppy flower with a black center and green leaves, surrounded by additional crocheted poppies in the background.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION CHARITY POPPY

I can’t wait to see how your own Bloom and Grow Beanie turns out, grab the pattern, pick your favourite yarn, and let your creativity bloom stitch by stitch!

Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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4Mar2026

Inside Crochet 187 | Pemberley Lace Wrap

Posted in Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Helloo my lovelies,

Today I’m delighted to share one of my latest designs that’s been featured in Inside Crochet Magazine Issue 187. Allow me to introduce the Pemberley Lace Shawl, a delicate, lightweight shawl with a beautiful flowing lace pattern that feels elegant and timeless to wear.

A crochet magazine featuring a woman wearing a colourful shawl, placed on a textured yarn in shades of orange and yellow. A small potted plant is visible in the background.

The inspiration for this design actually began as a little daydream. In my head I imagined a shawl that felt modern enough to wear today, yet also something Elizabeth Bennet herself might have draped around her shoulders as she walked the grounds of Pemberley. That romantic image stayed with me throughout the design process – and of course it’s exactly where the name came from.

The finished shawl is lovely and generous in size, but still wonderfully lightweight thanks to the yarn and delicate lace stitches. It drapes beautifully and works just as well wrapped around your shoulders as it does worn as a large scarf.

A person wearing a checkered shirt holds up a striped crochet yellow and brown shawl with fringe, set against a soft pink backdrop. — © 2026 Inside Crochet 187 📸 photos by Leanne Jade

❤️ SAVE PEMBERLEY LACE SHAWL ON RAVELRY ❤️

Although the lace looks intricate, it’s actually a very mindful crochet project. Once you’ve worked the setup and become familiar with the triangular shaping, the stitch pattern settles into a gentle two-row repeat that quickly becomes relaxing and rhythmic – perfect for those cosy evenings when you want something soothing to crochet.

For this design I used Sirdar Shawlie with 3.25mm (US size D/3) hook. Sirdar Shawlie is a fine, feather-light shawl yarn enriched with alpaca and wool (10% Wool, 80% Acrylic, 10% Alpaca). It comes in 100g balls with approximately 450m / 492yds of yarn and is a self-striping sport weight (sits between 4-ply and DK) yarn with colours inspired by vintage flowers.

A woman wearing a knitted shawl in yellow, brown, and orange tones, sitting in front of a pink background. — © 2026 Inside Crochet 187 📸 photos by Leanne Jade

The shade I chose was Chrysanthemum (203), which is a gorgeous blend of sunny yellows and warm golden tones that softly shift as you crochet using. It really highlights the lace stitches beautifully, though there are several other equally pretty shades in the range if you prefer a different palette.

To finish the design, I added a lovely long fringe along the outer edge which just completes the shawl perfectly and gives it a little extra movement and, I think, elegance.

A young woman with long hair wearing a colorful knitted shawl, looking over her shoulder while standing outdoors near a leafy plant.

The Pemberley Lace Shawl pattern is available in Issue 187 of Inside Crochet magazine, which is on sale now. available from all good newsagents and craft stores. To purchase a digital copy of Inside Crochet, visit www.pocketmags.com. Be sure to share your makes on social media and tag me @kcaco.uk —I always love seeing what you create.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

P.S. Make sure you’re subscribed to the blog (below) and/or my mailing list to stay updated on new blog posts, pattern releases, and exclusive discounts!

13Feb2026

Inside Crochet 186 | Whispering Winds Wrap

Posted in Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Helloo lovely makers! Today I’m delighted to share one of my latest makes that’s been featured in Inside Crochet Magazine Issue 186. Allow me to introduce the Whispering Winds Wrap, a delicate, lightweight shawl that feels like you are wearing a soft breeze, and it has quickly become one of my all-time favourite mindful makes.

Inside Crochet magazine featuring colourful yarn and a model wearing a crocheted outfit, surrounded by a fluffy pastel crocheted shawl and decorative elements.

The Whispering Winds Wrap is an airy triangular shawl worked from the bottom up. For this design I used Rico Design Fashion Mohair Rainbows a soft and dreamy yarn made of 20% Polyester, 17% Wool and 63% Mohair with a with a 4.5mm (US size 7) hook.

It comes in 25 grams balls but has 100 metres, so a little goes a long way. I used 6 balls in shade 004 with a delightful rainbow gradient – lovely to work with rainbows during the grey dreary winter season. The finished shawl is ideal for those transitional days in spring and autumn when you want just that little bit of cosy softness against your shoulders.

A woman stands by a window, wearing a gray sweater and holding a colorful, knitted shawl draped over her arm. — © 2026 Inside Crochet 186 📸 photos by Leanne Jade

❤️ SAVE WHISPERING WINDS SHAWL ON RAVELRY ❤️

Mohair yarn has a personality all its own, and working with it can feel wonderfully different from smoother fibres. It has a signature halo, that soft, misty cloud of fuzz around the yarn strand, that can give finished pieces an soft look that’s perfect for something like the Whispering Winds Wrap. Because of this halo, stitches appear softer and more blended, creating fabric that looks light as air while still providing surprising warmth.

Patience is your best friend when handling mohair. The delicate fibres can cling slightly to themselves, so working at a relaxed pace helps prevent snagging or splitting. If you need to undo stitches, do so slowly and gently to avoid tangling the halo. Many crocheters find that using a hook with a smooth, tapered head makes the process feel easier and more fluid.

A woman with short blonde hair smiles while wearing a colorful knitted shawl over a light sweater. The shawl features hues of pink, blue, and green. A neutral background enhances the warm tones of her outfit. — © 2026 Inside Crochet 186 📸 photos by Leanne Jade

Despite its airy feel, mohair is impressively warm. The fuzzy halo traps heat, making even lightweight wraps cosy and comforting. If you’re not familiar with using mohair, why not give it a try – you might like it. I’m actually planning to make another of these shawls at some point, I’ve got some lovely handdyed yarn, in a ocean themed colourway, that I think would just look so pretty made up as a new Whispering Winds Wrap.

Issue 186 of Inside Crochet is packed with beautifully soft and gentle projects to help restore your inner balance. Whether you’re in the mood for relaxing, mindful stitching or something cosy to snuggle into, there’s plenty inside to get you hooking.

A colorful knitting wrap displayed on an open magazine, featuring an image of a woman wearing the same wrap while sitting. The magazine also displays the pattern name 'Whispering Winds Wrap' among crochet instructions, with a soft, textured yarn in pastel colors visible in the foreground.

Inside Crochet is available in paper form from all good newsagents and craft stores. To purchase a digital copy of Inside Crochet, visit www.pocketmags.com. Be sure to share your makes on social media and tag me @kcaco.uk —I always love seeing what you create.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

P.S. Make sure you’re subscribed to the blog (below) and/or my mailing list to stay updated on new blog posts, pattern releases, and exclusive discounts!

13Jan2026

Inside Crochet 185 | Circa Bag

Posted in Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Helloo!! How’s it going? Things have still been feeling rather full-on here still lately but I’ve been itching to finally sit down and share one of my most recent makes with you. I’m delighted to reveal that my Circa Bag has been featured in Inside Crochet Magazine Issue 185, and I can’t wait to tell you a little more about it.

A colourful crocheted bag featuring a round shape with a starburst design in warm tones, displayed alongside a Inside Crochet magazine and accessories. — © 2025 Inside Crochet 185 📸 photos by Leanne Jade

Crochet bags never really go out of style do they? There’s something so satisfying about creating a bag, as it’s not just an accessory but something genuinely useful. From practical everyday totes to colourful crossbody bags, I love making pieces that are both useful and beautiful. I’ve combined the Circa Bag with a fun colourwork pattern and a classic round shape that I hope feels both timeless and on trend.

Imagine this bag swinging by your side at a weekend market, paired with denim and trainers (sneakers), or worn over a cosy winter coat to brighten up chilly days – or with a cute strappy dress when the sunshine finally returns to our shores! Whether you’re new to colourwork or you’ve been hooked on tapestry crochet for ages, this is a brilliant project to explore a great technique.

A person wearing a white lace blouse and a teal turtleneck holds a colourful crocheted bag against a turquoise background. — © 2025 Inside Crochet 185 📸 photos by Leanne Jade

❤️ SAVE CIRCA BAG ON RAVELRY ❤️

It’s called the Circa Bag because “circa” means around the time of, so it’s a bit of a play on words. It’s a nod to the bag’s round shape, and as “circa” is often used when talking about eras or styles, it hopefully fits with the intention of the design feeling timeless rather than tied to one specific trend and is something you could happily use year after year.

For this design I used Garnstudio Drops Cotton Light, which is a soft cotton and polyester blend (50% Cotton, 50% Polyester) that comes in 50g (105m / 114yds) balls. It has great stitch definition without feeling stiff, making it ideal for a bag that needs a bit of structure.

A vibrant crochet bag featuring a round shape with a colourful star pattern, displayed against a textured green background. The bag is accessorized with a tassel and complemented by swatches of yarn in warm, earthy tones. — © 2025 Inside Crochet 185 📸 photos by Leanne Jade

I went for a warm, earthy palette with pops of brighter colour – rich rust and golden tones sit alongside softer neutrals, with small flashes of blue to add contrast. The colours work together to highlight the circular motif without overpowering it, giving the bag a balanced, wearable feel that still makes a statement.

The only other things you will need to make the bag are some stitch markers to help mark the beginning and end of each round, a tapestry needle, 1 x 20cm rust coloured zip, 1 x 16mm wooden bead, 1 x Light brown adjustable shoulder crossbody strap with gold clip hardware Width: 1.2cm Length: 120cm .

A round crochet bag with a colourful geometric pattern, featuring a vibrant red, orange, and blue design, hanging on a hook against a white wall.

Issue 185 of Inside Crochet is an absolute treat for anyone who loves colourwork. Aptly themed around a strong, design-led collection of projects, it’s filled with makes that really celebrate pattern, contrast and thoughtful use of colour. It’s a joy to be part of an issue that showcases colour in so many different ways.

A crochet bag featuring a colourful star design is displayed in front of 'Inside Crochet' magazine, showcasing playful crochet projects. The bag has a round shape with a red, orange, blue, and cream colour scheme, and is set against a light wooden background with a plant and a decorative glass orb. — © 2025 Inside Crochet 185 📸 photos by Leanne Jade

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

P.S. Make sure you’re subscribed to the blog (below) and/or my mailing list to stay updated on new blog posts, pattern releases, and exclusive discounts!

10Nov2025

Inside Crochet 183 | Stellaris Bag

Posted in Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I’m so happy to share with you my latest pattern that’s featured in Issue 183 of Inside Crochet magazine – please may I introduce the Stellaris Bag 🌟

The crochet Stellaris Bag featured in Inside Crochet magazine, placed on an opened page showing the bag design alongside a model holding it.

The Stellaris Bag is a simple but different crochet accessory that combines clean lines with the subtle sparkle of beads. It’s worked using a straightforward stitch pattern, and then brought to life with simple beadwork, crocheting with them as you go, that was designed to catch the light just like tiny constellations scattered across the night sky.

The name Stellaris comes from the Latin word for “starry,” and that’s exactly the mood I wanted to capture – something elegant, a touch magical, and a joy to make. The addition of beads may look intricate, but the technique is really beginner-friendly and adds a stunning effect without overcomplicating the process.

❤️ SAVE STELLARIS BAG ON RAVELRY ❤️

A woman with long wavy hair stands against a brick wall, wearing a light pink dress and holding a small dark crocheted blue handbag. — © 2025 Inside Crochet 183 / Leanne Jade

For this design, I used Drops Nord Mix, 50g; 45% alpaca, 30% Polyamide, 25% wool (Deep Ocean Mix 09) a smooth, lightweight yarn that gives great stitch definition and just the right amount of drape for a bag. The yarn’s soft sheen complements the sparkle of the sead beads perfectly, making it a stylish little statement piece. You can, of course, personalise your bag with different bead colours – think silver for moonlight shimmer or gold for a touch of sunshine glow.

A close-up of a handmade teal crocheted purse with white bead details, held by a person wearing a silver ring and a light-colored top. — © 2025 Inside Crochet 183 / Leanne Jade

For this design you will need stitch markers to help mark the beginning and end of each row and a tapestry needle, 110 x Pearl (334) seed beads size 6, extra large press stud and 3mm (Closest US size D/2).

I loved how this project turned out; if you’re looking to add a bit of handmade flair to your wardrobe then go grab your copy of Inside Crochet Magazine Issue 177.

This issue is an absolute treat for anyone who loves all things celestial! Aptly themed around “a star-studded line-up of celestial inspired projects”, it’s filled with cosy makes inspired by the sun, moon and stars. It’s such a dreamy collection to be part of, and my Stellaris Bag is a little piece of starlight amongst them!

Magazine cover of Inside Crochet featuring a woman smiling, wearing a colorful crochet cardigan with celestial designs. The title 'Celestial Beauty' is prominent, along with text highlighting 41 designer crochet patterns.

Inside Crochet is available in paper form from all good newsagents and craft stores. To purchase a digital copy of Inside Crochet, visit www.pocketmags.com. I can’t wait to see how you style your chevron neck tie! Be sure to share your makes on social media and tag me @kcaco.uk —I always love seeing what you create.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

P.S. Make sure you’re subscribed to the blog (below) and/or my mailing list to stay updated on new blog posts, pattern releases, and exclusive discounts!

26Sep2025

Stretch Your Stash: How Affordable Premium Yarns Can Make Your Hand-Dyed Treasures Shine

Posted in Crochet, Tutorial, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

If you’re a yarn lover like me, you probably have a few (or more than a few!) hand-dyed skeins tucked away – those beautiful, one-of-a-kind colours that feel too special to use without just the right project. But here’s the secret: pairing those precious skeins with affordable premium yarns can not only make them go further, but also make them stand out more than ever!

PIN FOR LATER:

A flat lay featuring various hand-dyed yarn skeins in soft pastel colors, alongside neutral-toned yarn, a notebook, and writing utensils, with a title overlay promoting yarn usage tips.

Whether you’re creating a shawl, a sweater, or even socks, combining your hand-dyed yarns with high-quality basics lets you get creative without blowing your budget – or leaving those treasures languishing in the stash.

There’s just something about mixing a plain, solid yarn with a colourful one that makes my heart happy; especially when that colourful yarn is a gorgeous hand-dyed skein. I find the contrast really lets the colours shine without feeling overwhelming, and it’s a combo I’ve come back to again and again in my designs. Just look at my little collage below – I think it really shows how much I love playing with that balance!

Why Mix and Match?

Stretch Your Yardage – Instead of needing four or five skeins of hand-dyed yarn for a project, you might only need one or two if paired with a coordinating base.
Let It Pop – A semi-solid or speckled hand-dyed skein can shine as a feature when combined with a neutral or tonal companion yarn.
Balance Cost and Beauty – High-quality commercial yarns often come in at a lower price point, giving you more freedom to plan larger projects.
Create Contrast and Texture – Mixing yarns with slightly different textures or sheens can add real visual interest to your work.
Make Bigger Projects More Accessible – Want to make a hand-dyed yarn blanket or sweater? Using affordable companion yarns lets you scale up your projects without blowing your whole bank balance.

PIN FOR LATER:

A graphic featuring tips for selecting affordable yarns to pair with hand-dyed skeins, set against a textured beige background.

What to Look For in Companion Yarns

When choosing affordable yarns to pair with your hand-dyed skeins, look for:

A similar fibre content (especially important for blocking and drape)
A matching yarn weight (you can usually find this information on the ball band)
A neutral or complimentary colour that enhances, rather than competes with, your feature skein (greys, beiges, creams and whites neutrals and it personal preference for complimentary)
Reliable quality—soft enough for your project, durable enough to wear

Flat lay of various neutral coloured 4ply premium yarns. On the desk there is also a notepad and crochet accessories.

My Favourite Pairings – 4ply (Fingering) Weight

Here’s where I’ll be adding and updating an A-Z list of my go-to budget-friendly 4ply yarns that pair beautifully with hand-dyed beauties—so be sure to bookmark this post!

Cascade 220 Fingering; 50g / 250m, 100% Wool
Cascade Heritage Solids; 100g / 400m, 25% Nylon, 75% Wool
Drops Flora; 50g / 210m, 65% Wool, 35% Alpaca
Drops Nord; 50g / 170m, 30% Polyamide, 25% Wool, 45% Alpaca
King Cole Merino Blend 4 Ply; 50g / 180m, 100% Wool
King Cole Merino Blend 4 Ply Undyed; 250g / 900m, 100% Wool
Schachenmayr Merino Extrafine 170; 50g / 170m, 100% Merino Wool
Yarnsmiths Merino Sock; 100g / 400m, 25% Nylon, 75% Wool
Wool Warehouse Alpaca; 50g / 100m, 100% Alpaca
TOFT fine yarn; 50g / 225m, 100% Wool

My Favourite Pairings – DK (Light Worsted) Weight

An alphabetical list which are the perfect partners of DK yarns for your special skeins.

Cascade 220 Superwash; 100g / 200m, 100% Superwash Wool
Debbie Bliss Rialto DK; 50g /105m, 100% Merino Wool
Drops Lima; 50g / 100m, 65% Wool, 35% Alpaca
King Cole Luxury Merino DK; 50g, 140m, 100% Merino Wool
Rico Essentials Merino DK; 50g / 120m, 100% Merino Wool
Yarn and Colors Serene; 50g / 110m, 100% Merino Wool,
West Yorkshire Spinners Bo Peep Luxury Baby DK; 50g / 112m, 52% Merino Wool 48% Nylon
West Yorkshire Spinners ColourLab DK; 100g / 225m, 100% British Wool
West Yorkshire Spinners Jacobs DK; 100g / 225m, 100% Wool
TOFT DK; 25g / 55m, 100% Wool

Flat lay of various neutral coloured DK yarns against some vibrant hand-dyed options. On the desk there is also a notepad and crochet accessories.

My Favourite Pairings – Aran (Worsted) Weight

Keep an eye on this space for an A–Z list of Aran (Worsted) weight yarns that pair beautifully with your cherished hand-dyed skeins.

Cascade 220 Superwash Aran; 100g / 137m, 100% Merino Wool,
Cascade Yarns ReVive; 100g, 180m, 100% Wool,
Drops Nepal; 50g / 75m, 65% Wool, 35% Alpaca
King Cole Wool Aran; 100g / 180m, 100% Wool,
MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran; 50g / 80m, 100% Merino Wool
Paintbox Yarns 100% Wool Worsted Superwash; 100g / 200m, 100% Wool
Rico Essentials Soft Merino Aran; 50g / 90m, 100% Merino Wool
Valley Yarns Amherst; 100g / 100m, 100% Merino Wool,
West Yorkshire Spinners The Croft Aran; 100g / 166m, 100% Shetland Island Wool

As I discover new combinations and test them out in my own projects, I’ll keep adding to these lists—so don’t forget to save this post and check back! Got a pairing you love? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

P.S. Make sure you’re subscribed to the blog (below) and/or my mailing list to stay updated on new blog posts, pattern releases, and exclusive discounts!

15Aug2025

Simply Crochet Magazine | Granny Square Day 2025

Posted in Afghan Square, Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Hello, crochet friends!
Granny Square Day 2025 is here, and it’s time to celebrate creativity, colour, and community! Whether you’ve been hooking for years or just picked up your very first skein, this special day is all about honouring the timeless granny square a design that has inspired makers across generations.

Granny Square Day started back in 2014, and it’s been growing ever since. The idea was simple: fill the Instagram grid with beautiful granny squares, creating a patchwork of inspiration that anyone could be part of. Each square posted on this day becomes part of a larger tapestry, symbolising our shared love for crochet.

Cover of Simply Crochet magazine featuring colorful crochet designs, including a model in a vibrant crochet top surrounded by a collection of crocheted granny squares and a color wheel. — © Simply Crochet 2025 – Issue 165

As previous years Simply Crochet the latest issue of the magazine (Issue 165) comes with a special supplement to get your hooks sunk into. This year’s is titled ‘A Year of Granny Squares’ with 52 brand new designs there’s loads of inspiration for some new fabulously square projects.

And I’m really excited to say that I designed a new granny square for this supplement. The theme for this year’s Granny Square day is ‘Colour and Texture’ and that’s what I focused on for my design, the Mandala Medallion Square.

Two colourful granny squares featuring circular patterns, accompanied by three balls of Rico Ricorumi yarn in grey, yellow, and green, resting on an open magazine showcasing crochet patterns.

I used Rico Ricorumi for my block, with a 3.5mm hook (US E/4) which is a DK (Light Worsted) weight 100% cotton yarn that I had in my stash, but the designs would work equally well in any DK yarn or in fact with other fibres and yarn weights to make bigger or smaller blocks.

❤️ SAVE MANDALA MEDALLION SQUARE ON RAVELRY ❤️

I love a granny square – not just for its stitches, but for everything it represents. It’s more than a crochet motif; it’s a little square of creativity! Super versatile, to take out and about with you, and often very beginner-friendly. And a granny square can become anything! Think blankets, bags, garments, coasters, cardigans – I might just be working on a granny square cardigan myself at the moment. And the best part? They’re the ultimate stash-buster, turning leftover yarn into something truly beautiful.

An assortment of crochet items including a colourful granny square, yarn skeins, and two crochet magazines titled 'Simply Crochet' and 'A Year of Granny Squares' featuring various crochet designs.

Where to Find the Pattern

Simply Crochet Magazine is on sale from 5th August 2025 and is available to order online or download as a digital issue now. As well as all the Granny Square goodness the magazine is fun of bold and bright cool makes for hot days.

Cover of Simply Crochet Magazine featuring a model wearing a sleeveless top made of colorful granny squares, surrounded by vibrant crochet designs and cheerful text.

If you hook up the Mandala Medallion Square I hope you’ll share your photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make!

I hope you enjoy this day of crafty celebration that brings together our fabulous hooky community!

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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30Jun2025

New Crochet Pattern | Janus Keyhole Scarf

Posted in Crochet, Independent Design, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I’m so happy to share a new crochet pattern with you today, it’s taken me a bit of time to get it all finished off but it’s a crochet scarf pattern that’s designed to make the most of that special 50g skein of hand-dyed yarn you’ve been holding onto. You know the one: too gorgeous to let sit in your stash, but not quite enough for a big project, or perhaps the left overs from a big project…

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The Janus Keyhole Scarf crochet pattern featuring a model wearing the scarf outdoors, with close-up images of the scarf design. The pattern is easy for beginners and requires approximately 2 x 50g skeins of 4ply yarn and a 3 mm hook.

This scarf is part of my hand-dyed challenge, which you’ll be right in thinking I haven’t mentioned again since I posted about it in January. I might have been a little overconfident thinking I could manage something for every month (we’ll have to see how it goes). But at least I’ve finally got around to this one. The challenge is all about finally using my beautiful stash of hand-dyed yarn instead of just admiring (or hoarding!) it, and I have to say – it feels good to finally put some of it to work.

This pattern also fulfilled a fun little challenge I had with my crochet designer friend Fay at the start of the year. We set ourselves a mini goal to design a ‘scarf’ using no more than 100g of yarn. Fay, ever the organised one, absolutely smashed it and released her stunning design, One Way or Another, back in early April. True to her creative flair, she went above and beyond by designing not just one, but a versatile crochet pattern that covers two yarn weights and three different styles – scarf, necktie, and cowl. It’s a beautiful and clever design that’s well worth checking out!

A beautifully crafted Janus Keyhole Scarf featuring a mix of contrasting hand-dyed yarns, displayed alongside a mug of tea and decorative plants on a wooden surface.

The Janus Scarf

For my first project, I chose to make the Janus Scarf—a name that felt particularly fitting for this challenge. It’s named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, transitions, and duality, who is often depicted with two faces. Since this was my first project of the year, marking a fresh start, I decided to use two contrasting skeins of hand-dyed yarn so the the name felt just right. Plus, January itself is named after Janus, making it an even more fitting choice!

The yarns I picked had been in my stash for far too long, waiting for the right project. Working with them was a treat—the contrast between the two skeins made the stitches pop beautifully, and I loved seeing how they played together in the finished piece.

A cosy scene featuring two balls of yarn on a wooden table, with a turquoise teapot and a cup of tea in the background.

I’m using up 50g of undyed yarn left over from a blanket project (more on that later) and a 50g skein from Sable Yarns. Now sadly it doesn’t seem as if Sable Yarns are active any more (I can’t find much posted after 2022), and I’m not entirely sure where I purchased the yarn, though I’m assuming it was at a yarn show before that date. The particular colourway I’m using is called ‘Ermagerd’ which I think is supposed to be the humorous version of the phrase oh my god, that sometimes appears in memes – and I like to think of it as ‘ermagerd she’s finally using up some of her stash’!

I made a short keyhole scarflette using just the 100g of yarn, and I absolutely love how it turned out! A keyhole scarf features a slit that allows one end to be threaded through, creating a secure fit without the need for a knot. This makes it less bulky and more streamlined than traditional scarves. I designed it to be a neat, compact piece – just big enough to wrap snuggly around the neck and sit slightly across the top of the chest. It was my first time trying this style, and I really enjoyed the process of bringing my idea to life! I see more keyhole type scarves in my future!

A person wearing a colourful crochet Janus keyhole scarf, standing outdoors with greenery in the background.

The pattern is very beginner-friendly—if you’re familiar with basic crochet stitches (double crochet / US single crochet, trebles / US double crochet and decreases), you should have no trouble following along and creating a scarf you’ll be proud of! In the pattern I’ve included both the written instructions and a helpful chart to guide you through the process.

❤️ SAVE JANUS KEYHOLE SCARF ON RAVELRY ❤️

The crochet Janus Keyhole Scarf pattern in now available for purchase from usual pattern platforms.

Handdyed Challenge Progress So Far

✅ 1 project complete!
🧶 Stash dented? A little—but let’s be honest, I really need to crack on with another project!

I have to say that this challenge is already helping me be more intentional with my yarn choices, and I’ve actually been enjoying diving into my stash and finding treasures!

Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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31Mar2025

Inside Crochet 177 | Chevron Neck Tie

Posted in Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Helloo!! How’s it going? I feel like everything is a bit crazy here at the minute, and I’m trying to rectify my tardiness in sharing what I’ve been up to lately! I’m absolutely thrilled to share that I’m back in Inside Crochet Magazine, this time with a chic Chevron Neck Tie pattern in Issue 177!

A copy of Inside Crochet Magazine open to the page featuring the chevron neck tie design, placed on a table. The original crochet tie is draped nearby.

Small crochet and knit ties have been popping up everywhere lately, and I’m so happy to be a part of the buzz! These little beauties are not only stylish but also practical. Whether you’re packing for a mini break or just adding a quirky touch to your everyday outfits, these sorts of ties are perfect for any occasion.

A model standing by a window, wearing my crochet chevron neck tie tied in a bow around their neck. The model is looking directly at the camera, showcasing the stylish, handmade accessory. — © 2025 Inside Crochet 177 / Leanne Jade

But back to my own Chevron Neck Tie! It was designed with a Parisian mini break in mind – imagine pairing it with a simple shirt, a cosy jumper, or even throwing on a beret for that perfect blend of handmade charm and French-inspired style. It’s one of those pieces that you can easily throw into your weekend bag for a touch of personality, and it’s just so versatile.

❤️ SAVE CHEVRON NECK TIE ON RAVELRY ❤️

A model sitting in a chair, smiling at a book, with a crochet chevron neck tie draped untied around their neck. The relaxed and stylish accessory adds a cosy touch to their outfit. — © 2025 Inside Crochet 177 / Leanne Jade

I made my scarf nice and long so that you can wrap it round your neck, though it would be fairly easy to adjust this pattern by taking out some rows (each side mirrors each other so you’d just need to take out the same number of rows on each side.

The Chevron Neck Tie was designed with Yarnsmiths Merino DK; (100% merino wool) 50g/110m/120yds, which is a gorgeously soft yarn to work with. It’s not a yarn I’d used before but I feel that I’ll be using it again in the future for projects.

Yarnsmiths Merino DK is available in SOOOO many gorgeous colours. The scarf is actually a great project to get creative with different shades – I used four different colours but you could make it with as little as one or two.

A close-up of four balls of Yarnsmiths merino yarn; the rich and vibrant colours used to create my chevron neck tie design.

The only other things you will need to make the scarf are maybe some stitch markers to help mark the beginning and end of each row and a tapestry needle.

I loved how this project turned out; if you’re looking to add a bit of handmade flair to your wardrobe then go grab your copy of Inside Crochet Magazine Issue 177.

A model standing by a window, wearing a crochet chevron neck tie tied in a bow around their neck. The model is looking out of the window, with the tie adding a stylish, handmade touch to their outfit. — © 2025 Inside Crochet 177 / Leanne Jade

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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