Ideas For Crocheted Chains

I am sad to say that over 3 years ago, I received a request for samples of what can be made with crocheted chains. Just two days after that, I was flying across country to spend five months with my former in laws. I didn't see it and I am so very sorry. I hope that snooZQ is reading this. I decided to do everything in one day instead of waiting for several more days to go by.

The only way I was able to do this was to this was to crochet a full 8 oz skein into an 80 foot chain. This took a while, so making a sample of several things would have taken up all of it and I didn't want to use it all up. When I thought of the things I wanted to do with it, I realized I could just start a project, explain it, then unwrap it and start something new.

So, here is a small but nice little list of what can be done with just a few yards, more for some, less for others, photos, and tips. Lastly, I will give you all some ideas of what you can do on your own.

Bracelet:

I just held the tail to the back, and began to wrap around the bangle bracelet. This was one I got for .10 at a yard sale. You might need a bit of hot glue in the back, but not much. If, when you meet the yarn and finish up, you find it's a bit "bumpy or ugly" you can either cover it with a pretty button or flower. You can also crochet several loops like chain 8 and make a loop in the first chain, doing that till you have a nice little crocheted flower.

Headband:

It's pretty much like the bracelet, but you have a space to wrap and is actually easier. Some ideas are to lay a short piece of ribbon along the space you are wrapping, then tie it once the wrapping is done. You would not be able to do it tightly, or you will expose the headband underneath. Again, buttons and other embellishments can really make it pop.

Planter:

I just hot glued a bit of the tail, then I didn't have to do much but just spin the planter and hold it there for the shot. You can also make some hangers for the lighter ones, but keep in mind that they will stretch. This is fun to do with jars, especially straight ones, for pencil/pen holders, crochet hooks, coffee stirrers, honey sticks, toothbrush holders, and more.

Baskets:

I had these cute little baskets and even though this did not fill up the holes very well, you can double it up for mix it with fabric strips.

Hanger:

This is what prompted my post in the first place. I prefer the thicker ones, but you can use any kind. I don't find the wire ones will work, but the basic ones you get at any thrift or dept. store works. Simply wrap the first tail from the back around the base of the hook, then from the front, start wrapping, gluing every few inches, always in the back.

When you are done, you can tie some pretty ribbon around the base of the hook and double secure it with a spot of glue in the back, just before you tie a bow in front.

Cat Entertainer:

This was pretty worn out when I got done with it, so I tied it to the binder clip on the shelf and let Cornelius play with it.

Crocheting Using Chains

Now for the best tip: Anything you can make with a single strand of yarn you can make with a crocheted chain. Just remember it will be bulky, but also take you twice as long. If you have the time, and the project is fairly simple, it's worth it.

For a hot pad size: Ch. 16, making a sc in first ch from hook. Ch 1, skip 1, and make sc in next chain across. Ch. 1 and turn, going back and forth with each row till you have made 12 rows. Break off and work in tail.

For rug, simply determine the size you want, and make your base row to those dimensions. For instance the hot pad is 7 by 7 inches with a base row of 16. If you wanted the rug to be 21 inches across, you would make a base row of 48, and just keep crocheting till you like the length.

Here are some things to think about making:

• Place mats and matching napkin rings.

• curtain tie backs

• Got a broken cup? Wrap the handle and make into a planter or pencil/pen holder.

• Crochet a 6 inch spot on the top of a bucket handle for comfort.

• Use to gather flowers to hang upside down to dry.

• Use to make a fancy bow for a teddy bear's neck.

• If you have those white assembled shelf units, wrap some around the posts, then make a small ball and glue to the top of the supports. You will have a country look for sure.

• Crochet a very country doily for a wall hanging. Decorate with buttons, ribbon, or ripped fabric.

Now have some fun! Keep in mind that this would not work for everything. It's too thick for baby blankets or afghans.

By Sandi/Poor But Proud from Salem, OR