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Crochet Extra – April 2025

quick and no-sew projects

new colours queensland collectionFirstly with the exciting news – the new colours in the Queensland Collection Ocean Mist and Ocean Mist Fine (100% cottons) have finally arrived in store…..and there really are some beautiful colours!  But the story doesn’t end there – Patons Sierra – a beautiful mix of wool and acrylic have 2 new colours coming for the winter season.  With all of these new colours we have had to get more shelves, so the shop is looking very full now.

Today is also exciting – not because it’s April Fools Day, but because the 2025 Crochet Art Tournament
has begun. With over 100 entrants I can’t wait to see how the projects turn out in all the different colourways that people selected.  If you missed out, you have 4 more days to enter – cut off will be the end of day Friday 4th April.  Or if you just want to be a sepectator and follow along and see what everyone is doing, join the Facebook Group here.

kids learn to crochetApril is filled with many events – during the school holidays we will be holding learn to crochet classes at the QCWA Palmwoods Hall – over three days 9 – 11 April.  This event is for children and adults alike to learn the beautiful skill of crochet and leave with a cactus plant to remind them of what they can achieve.  Please pass on to those you know on the Sunshine Coast who would love to learn this skill that lasts a lifetime.
book now
ANZAC Day Poppy WorkshopWith Anzac day not far away we also have a special half day
workshop to crochet poppies to wear.  So come along and make a poppy or two for yourself or friends and family to honour those who have served.

book now

argyle allure crochet tote bagLast but not least is our regular crochet class where we will be exploring the entrelac crochet technique and making the Argyle Allure Tote Bag – a fantastic lightweight bag that can be made any size.  There will be an extra Saturday afternoon class at the CWA Palmwoods Hall on Saturday 5th April, in addition to our regular online class Monday nights, and in store classes Tuesday mornings and Wednesday nights.

book now

Closures – We will be closed on all public holidays in April – Friday 18th, Monday 21st and Friday 25th.

Happy Easter!

Until next time

Lynda


Theme— Quick & No Sew Projects

Finding time to sit and crochet can sometimes be a real challenge in our busy lives, so having something that is small and quick to sink your teeth into in those few precious moments you do get can be really handy.  Or perhaps you just prefer small projects that can be completed in no time at all to give you that satisfaction of completing something on a regular basis.  Whichever it is, this months we focus on the Quick & No Sew Projects for fast and quick crochet (or crafting)

No-Sew Projects require minimal assembly, making them ideal for beginners or those of you who dislike sewing pieces together, and therefore can generally be whipped up quick. They are also great for crocheting on the go, as they often require fewer materials and are easy to pick up and put down.

Working on seamless designs will often help add to your crochet skills, as they often involve working with new and different techniques such as working in the round or using foundation stitches, slip stitch or double crochet seams. By eliminating the frustration of sewing parts together, these projects offer a stress-free and enjoyable way to create beautiful crochet items quickly!

Quick and no-sew projects are also perfect when you need a last-minute gift or a new item for yourself.   They can also be a great way to try out new stitches.  For example a large square made while learning a new stitch can easily be turned into a dishcloth or face washer by adding a beautiful edging. 

Here are some fantastic ideas:

  • One-piece accessories like scarves, cowls, beanies, headbands and jewellery.
  • Home décor such as baskets, coasters, doilies, floor mats and placemats with no sewing required.
  • Dishcloths, face washers, scrubbies, key rings, no-sew amigurumi and bookmarks that make great last-minute presents.
  • No-Sew Wearables like simple shawls, ponchos and tops created in one continuous piece.  A recent no-sew trend is no-sew amigurumi.
  • Blankets or jumpers with chunky yarn and large needles or hooks.

Essential Tools & Techniques

To make the most of quick and no-sew crochet, try these helpful techniques and tools:

  • Working in Continuous Rounds: Ideal for seamless baskets, bags, hats and amigurumi. This technique avoids the need for joining rounds, keeping the shape smooth and eliminating seams.
    Markers become an essential tool to keep track of where you are.
  • Join-As-You-Go Methods: Great for motif-based projects like blankets and shawls, allowing you to connect pieces as you crochet rather than sewing them together later.  Markers and Wonder Clips become essential tools for holding your pieces together.
  • Foundation Stitches: Skip the traditional foundation chain and use foundation stitches instead to create a stretchier, more flexible starting edge.  Read our tip for help with this technique
  • Chunky Yarns & Large Hooks: Using thicker yarns and bigger hooks speeds up projects, making them ideal for quick finishes and warm, cosy results.  If you don’t have access to chunky yarns, create your own by combining 2 or 3 strands of an 8 ply (DK) yarn – you can create some unique colourways with this method.  See our tip to learn more about this technique 
  • Slip Stitch & Single Crochet Edges: These techniques help create clean, sturdy edges without needing to add separate finishing rows.

Get Started Today!

We’ve got everything you need to create stunning, quick, and no-sew projects! Browse our collection of patterns, tools, and yarns, and don’t forget to share with us pictures of what you make and go into our quarterly customer corner draw.  As Easter is just around the corner, why not try this quick easter basket by Off The Hook For You?

quick crochet easter basket

Whether you’re looking for a speedy project or a stress-free crochet experience, quick and no-sew designs are the perfect solution.

Happy stitching!


Book of the Month

Quick & Easy Crochet

Quick and Easy CrochetA fabulous collection of 100 crochet projects that are quick and easy to make and perfect for crocheters of all abilities. This gorgeous book brings together 100 of the top crochet projects from the best-selling Twenty to Make series. With contributions from five top crochet designers and best-selling authors, these fabulous designs are quick and easy to make, and include stylish purses and hats, cute teddy bears, flowers, hearts and festive decorations. Whether you are on a budget and want to make a quick and quirky gift for a friend, or wish to indulge in a special treat for yourself, you will discover a treasure trove of ideas within this book that you simply won’t be able to resist.

240 Pages. US & UK terminology


Tip of the Month – Understanding How Yarn Twist Affects Your Crochet

understanding how yarn twist affects your crocheting

Have you ever tried crocheting with thread or yarn and found it easily splitting or getting tangled?

It’s frustrating, right? But the issue doesn’t always come down to poor-quality yarn—often, it’s all about how the yarn is twisted.

Join our Crochet Community –
Monthly tips, Patterns and Specials.

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