Crocheting on Layouts

When I think about crocheting, I think about afghans made of granny squares. This brings up an image of the family sitting on the sofa on a cold day, wrapped up in that afghan, perhaps watching a fire in the fireplace, or drinking hot chocolate, or maybe telling stories. If you would like to add this cozy feeling to your layouts, try adding crocheting to them. Here is a two-page layout that I created to illustrate several ways that crochet can be added to a layout:

First you will notice that I used crochet to form mats for the title and certain photos. I created these mats by crocheting directly onto cardstock placed behind the photo.

To make this type of mat, I cut the cardstock exactly the same size as the photo. Since the cardstock shouldn't show, the color isn't important, but I suggest choosing a color that won't clash if a bit peeks through. I used a ¼-inch hole punch to punch holes around the edges approximately ¾" apart. Since the holes won't show, the spacing doesn't need to be exact, but should be approximately even so the crocheting lays flat. Then, it is time to add the crocheting. I used a size F hook, and typical afghan yarn. It is important to use a hook that fits easily through the hole. If you have a smaller hook and thinner yarn, you may want to use smaller holes closer together; experiment to see what works for you. For the crocheting:

1. Start a loop of yarn on the hook.
2. Put the hook into the first hole (from the front to the back), wrap the yarn over the hook, pull back through the hole.
3. Wrap the yarn over the hook, and pull through both loops (one loop left on hook).
4. Chain 3 ( you may choose to chain more or less to keep the piece flat).
5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 until you reach a corner.
6. At the corner, repeat steps 2 though 4 into the corner hole, then repeat steps 2 through 4 again in the same corner hole.
7. Continue around each side repeating steps 2 through 4 until you reach the next corner, where you will repeat step 6.
8. When you get all the way around, join with a slip stitch. (Hook through the first stitch from the beginning, yarn over hook, pull through both loops.)
9. If you want to keep your mats thin, like I did in this layout, you can end it now. Cut the yarn, yarn over hook and pull all the way through. Tape the end to the back of the cardstock.

If you would like a thicker mat, continue crocheting another round or two. If there is a crocheted item in the photo, perhaps use a similar stitch to the item. Some possibilities are single crochet or granny square style.

After I was done crocheting, I adhered the photos to the mat, pulled the corners around the photo (just a little), and adhered it to the layout. Since there is some dimension, you may need to experiment a bit with adhesives. I ended up using some strong tape placed closer to the center than I o.

The next crocheted item in the layout is the flower.

The crocheting instructions that I used for the flower are below. Feel free to modify these to create a flower that is the right size for your layout.

1. Loop on hook, chain 5.
2. Use a slip stitch into the first stitch to form a small circle.
3. Chain 8.
4. Insert hook through center circle (front to back), yarn over hook, bring hook back through circle.
5. Yarn over hook, pull through both loops. You now have one petal on your flower.
6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 until you have enough petals for a flower that lays flat and looks nice. I chose 7.
7. Connect with a slip stitch and end as before.
8. This time you may need to cut your yarn fairly short and weave through the back of the flower to keep it secure.

I used dimensional glue to adhere the flower to the layout.

The final crocheted item on this layout is the letter T. Most letters of the alphabet can be created using chain stitch and single crochet. The letters can be attached using the dimensional glue.

Try experimenting with other techniques and yarns to add crochet to layouts:

• Use the same technique used for the mat on a single side of the cardstock to make a border.
• Use matching cardstock or even patterned paper, and let the holes show.
• Use a smaller hook and thinner yarn, such as those used for doilies, to create smaller items that will not add as much bulk. The doily yarn would be very nice for flowers.
• Try using shiny yarns or those containing multiple colors to create interesting effects.
• Crochet a simple chain and glue it onto the layout.

While crocheting is very much suited to layouts with a cozy feel, by experimenting with different yarns and techniques, you can create other looks as well, such as this layout where I created chains of shiny yarn for the waves of water:

Try experimenting with crocheting on your layouts and see what you come up with. I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results.