Thursday, August 28, 2008

Crocheted Bobbles

Here is the tutorial for making the crocheted bobbles that I added on to my Fiddlehead Scarf.
First a word of warning… my English skills barely stretch to tutorials hence I am mostly unwilling to write them but I’ll try.

Leave a tail of which length is about one meter/little more than one yard. Then make a loop that you would usually do when you start crocheting. Do one chain stitch into that loop and then four single crochet stitches to the same loop. Close the loop by pulling from the long tail. You don’t have to make any extra stitches to close the circle of five stitches but start crocheting chain stitches (scooping back of the stitch only) to the just-made five stitches so that you make two stitches on every one. After one round you will end up having ten stitches on one round. Continue spiralling the rounds until you have about 6 to 7 rounds all together. Since you are not adding stitches, but keep the stitch count to ten per round, your piece will start turning into a bowl. You can turn it so that you have the tail coming from the inside. After about 6 to 7 rounds cut the yarn and leave a tail about 30 centimeters/1 foot long. Pull the shorter tail through the last stitch and set aside the hook.

Wind the longer tail into a tiny, hard yarn ball and stuff it inside the bowl. Then take a sewing needle and thread the other tail into it and gather the top as neatly as you can and pull tight… and there you have it!

I hope this is not too confusing. If you take a hook and look at the pictures, you hopefully end up with a ball just like mine. And really, it is so tiny and there is so little yarn wasted that don’t give up easily but try again; use your own judgement and you will soon catch it.

And then throw one at me!

Lene

PS. The hat pin was by a Finnish company Aarikka. It is one of their older collections - like really old - and I don't think it is available any more.

21 comments:

  1. Thank you! Though I didn't ask, I was wondering how you made those.
    This was a very clear explanantion and easy to understand. Thank you again.

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  2. Moi, Those boobles are so cute - I must try to make some too - right now! I've been reading your blog for some time but only just realised you were in Finland. I travel to Helsinki most weeks and next week I am taking my first visit to Oulu - I have never been so far north but I am excited to see how beautiful it is - your pictures have given me some hints but I am excited to see for myself. Kitos!

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  3. I've been reading your blog for a while now, but I don't think I've ever posted. I've been in a non-knitting phase for several long months, but this post makes me want to dig out my stash and needles and start up again. I don't even crochet, but there's something about your love of these little details and the way that you share it through your writing that just gets me. English might not be your first language, but you convey more through your writing than most native speakers. Every time I read one of your posts it reminds me of the wonder involved in creating something beautiful and functional out of time and effort and string.

    I'm thinking I might start a pair of mittens when I get home from work today. Thank you!

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  4. Those are completely adorable. I don't like things hanging from my clothing (I tend to play with them subconsciously) but I am imagining those in sparkly yarn hanging from the Christmas tree this year...

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  5. This is so clearly written and documented that I think I could easily do these with my very limited crochet skills. Thanks for sharing!

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  6. Thank you for the tutorial. I think it is about time for me to learn something new!

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  7. Cute! And I understood your tutorial very well.

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  8. Oh, thank you so much, Lene! I'll be getting my hook out and trying my hand at those, I know a little girl (Gracie) who would love to have those on.... something! I'm also with Carrie (pacalaga) re: decorations.

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  9. Lene, the choice of words was perfect, and those little balls are so cute!

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  10. Anonymous02:53

    This is a great technique, and and not a common one, at least in the US. The tutorial is wonderful and completely clear - thanks!
    tess

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  11. The Shawl is beautiful. Thanks for the bobble lesson. You make it looks so easy.

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  12. Anonymous18:23

    Cool! Will have to try to make some to add to my daughter felted purse I am working on. Lene, you need to make a book! With your art and your knitting it would be a best seller and give joy to many! YOu could have a few knit items, some "whimsy" items and your beautiful little drawings mixed in! :-) Make us one, please!!

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  13. oh what a sweetheart you are for including this tutorial! I was secretly wishing the very thing. Squwee...

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  14. Anonymous01:19

    This is a great tutorial! Can't wait to try it out.

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  15. now will you share the pattern for the hat??? Please!

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  16. Anonymous23:49

    Thank you Lene

    I have wanted to know how to make those bobbles for ages, even though I don't know how to crochet very well. I can now do it and I can't thank you enough.
    Hugs,
    Ann

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  17. Thank you so much for the tutorial! It made a beautiful finish for your scarf.

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  18. Thanks so much for this great tutorial. These crocheted balls are little beautiful embellishments that make a huge difference in a knited project.
    By the way, I miss your posts on fine stitches. I just love your hand quilting.

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  19. Exactly what I needed. Thank you dear Lene. I wonder what would happen if I felted those little bobbles? (You might have mentioned this earlier, and if so, I apologise - I should read more carefully before rushing into print!)

    Like Pacalaga, I also see these in glittery yarn, hanging from the Christmas tree.

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  20. Great tutorial. Thanks!

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  21. what a wonderful and easy tutorial! Thank you so much, I love these little bobbles.
    Indeed, perfect for a scarf-finish.

    Have a wonderful weekend,
    love Maaike

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