Tag Archive | crochet bowls

Shaping Crochet Bowls

I enjoy making crocheted bowls.  I use them for many different purposes – in my guest bathroom for soaps, potpourri, hand towels; as a yarn holder for my SONY DSC crocheting projects, in my work space for paper clips, housewarming gift filled with cookies, etc. you get the picture. My yarn of choice is to crochet with two strands of 100% cotton for these fun bowls but sometimes they can be difficult to stay in their shape.  I have done research and looked up different ways to help a crochet item retain its desired shape.  Tried a few but not all.  Not really into cooking a mixture to put on my crochet project; like the sugar (afraid of attracting ants too) or cornstarch recipes. I have used water and Elmer’s glue which works good.  I use a mixture of about half water and half glue thinning to a paint consistency.   Works for me because I actually use a paint brush to apply the glue mixture.  Most of the time I don’t feel like my project needs to be dipped entirely into the glue mixture.  I will just paint the mixture on the inside bottom of the bowl to ensure that it stays flat.  I also will use a spray bottle with plain water in it and dampen the bottom first with water, then apply the glue mixture.  Air dry on waxed paper.  Just putting the glue stiffener on the inside of the bowl, keeps the entire outside of the bowl the same soft consistency of the yarn.SONY DSC Just made a clever medium-sized handled crochet basket.  This time I sprayed the entire basket with water then used regular spray starch (coated thoroughly) on the outside first, let dry and then repeated process for the inside of the basket.  If you want a stiffer basket, I would suggest using heavy-duty spray starch. SONY DSC One of the hardest parts is finding that right shaping container for the drying procedure.  I used a ceramic utensil keeper, covered it in plastic wrap and placed my basket on it to shape and dry.  You just have to be creative when looking through your cabinets for: bowls, Tupperware containers, measuring cups, plastic yogurt or cottage cheese containers, all potential drying shapers depending upon your specific project. SONY DSCSONY DSC The cotton basket that I just crochet was found on Ravelry as a free pattern, which took me to the designers blog, crochetincolor.com.  Really enjoyed her blog and liked the way she used the HDC (half double crochet) stitch to create a good flat bottom design.   Take a moment and click on the link to check it out!! I have also thought about taking a small piece of cardboard, covering it in coordinating fabric to match the yarn and placing it in the bottom of a bowl or basket for even more stability. Anyways, have fun creating your own bowls and baskets and using them around your home or giving them as gifts filled with little goodies.   Let me know your ideas for stiffening crochet projects too!!

HAPPY CREATING!!

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Crochet Bowls

SONY DSC I really “love” making these little crochet bowls or as I like to refer to them as my crochet pottery!!   You have lots of creativity to give your finished bowl its own personality.

My yarn of choice is Lily Sugar ‘n Cream but any 100% cotton yarn will work.  To give some added durability, I crochet with two strands of cotton yarn.  Either two different colors or two strands of the same color depending on the look I want.  And sometimes when using two different colors, I end up with a combo totally unexpected!!  I like to crochet with a size H or I hook when making these little gems.

Because of the thickness of the yarn, I begin by crocheting 2 chains and in the 2nd chain from the hook, I will make 6 SC stitches.  Then I continue with the circle pattern (2 SC in each stitch, next row – 1 SC in next stitch, 2 SC in next stitch; next row – 1 SC, 1 SC, 2 SC continue increasing in this format) until my circle is to the finished diameter that I want for my bowl.

Once I have my diameter, I no longer make any increases, just SC around the diameter until I reach my desired height, your work will begin to curl up.  If you want a little separation between the bottom and the bowl sides, then the first crochet row of no increases, make your stitches in the back loop only.  This will give you a slight ridge that you can use to shape the bottom of your bowl.  Then continue making your stitches in both loops for the rest of your bowl.

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After you have reached the desired height of your bowl, on the last row use a one size larger hook and do SL stitches all around the edge and then fasten off.   Weave in your ends.  You might need to turn your bowl right side out.  You want the thread ends from your beginning 2 chains to be on the inside of your bowl.  Anyways, that is the look I like so that my outside bottom is smooth.

Now the fun begins!!  You can decorate your bowl with buttons, ribbons, lace, crochet leaves and flower appliques, etc.  Also, you can be creative in using different stitches within your bowl itself.

These are super little gift items too.  Great for keys, cell phones, coasters, potpourri, paper clips, cotton balls, hair barrettes, yarn ball holder, etc.  SONY DSC

It is really a super easy pattern and perfect for a beginner.  Hope you will share some pictures as I would love to see some of your “crochet pottery”!!

HAPPY CREATING!!

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