Crochet Can Make Good Gifts

Author: Jon Simms

Crochet afghan cover patterns are one of the popular crochet projects enjoyed by both beginners and advanced crocheters. A crocheted afghan cover is a great giveaway for family and friends. It can serve as a wrap or shawl as well as a blanket during chilly nights. The term afghan was derived from the textiles that are produced in Afghanistan since they are comparable to the shawls and wraps used in the region.

Crocheted afghan covers can be used in various ways. There are numerous crochet patterns for afghan blanket covers. An afghan blanket can be used as a mattress cover for the top of the bed or as a comforter and even as a bedspread. It is important to select the appropriate pattern that will fit the size of the intended project.

Afghans also make great gifts during birthdays and holidays as different motifs can be incorporated into the design. A Christmas afghan can help warm cold winter nights while personalized baby afghan blankets can become family heirlooms.

Complimentary Crochet Afghan Patterns

Free crochet afghan patterns are a great way to put together a beautiful afghan for giveaways or for personal use. Crochet afghan patterns can be very simple or complex depending on the preference of the crocheter.

A crocheter may opt to select a simple crochet afghan pattern that makes use of numerous granny squares that are put together to form the entire blanket. On the other hand, complex crochet afghan patterns may consist of geometric shapes that feature advanced crochet stitches.

Various resources like craft books, crocheting magazines and crafting websites offer complimentary crochet afghan patterns. These patterns provide complete instructions starting from what type of yarn and hook should be used for the project. In most cases, a crochet pattern may also include helpful tips on the differences between yarns.

Crochet afghan patterns can also serve as an inspiration for a crocheter to create their own unique design. Keep in mind that patterns can be adapted to suit the purpose of the project. Crocheters should not restrict themselves strictly to the instructions of the pattern. It is important to exercise some personal judgment that will help enhance the appearance of the project.

Creating an Afghan from Crochet Patterns

Creating an afghan based on crochet patterns is easy. There are numerous crochet patterns for afghan blankets that can be great as gifts or decorations at home. Simple afghan covers can even have a central theme. For example, an afghan pattern may feature a floral design as well as the national flag.

Popular crochet patterns for afghan covers often feature a stained glass design or can be part of a set of patterns. The afghan crochet pattern can be part of a collection that may include patterns for a crocheted pillowcase or coffee table doily. A striped crochet pattern for an afghan cover is another appealing project that both beginners and advanced crocheters will enjoy.

Creating an afghan from crochet patterns can also be the start of a wonderful tradition that a mother can pass on to their daughters. A free crochet pattern for an afghan cover is not only a great way to start but it is also fun. A mother and daughter can learn how to crochet at the same time by following a simple afghan crochet pattern. Once completed the finished product can be given away to family and friends.

Mothers and especially grandmothers will appreciate a handcrafted afghan cover created by a young girl from a crochet pattern. When selecting a pattern for the afghan be sure to choose a pattern and color scheme that would suit the personality of the intended party. The type of yarn to be used should also be considered, as it will directly affect the weight of the finished product.

Afghan blankets also make great donations for retirement and nursing homes. The elderly will certainly cherish the effort that went into creating the afghan. At the same time, they will appreciate the warmth of an afghan.

Afghans are an ideal project for anyone interested in learning how to crochet. Afghans are relatively easy to put together and are a great way to learn the basic crochet stitches. At the same time, afghan covers make excellent gifts and keepsakes that last a lifetime.

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How to decide on what crochet items do well at a market.

I came across the question " What type of crochet items are popular at a craft fair?"

The answers I read were quite varied and in some cases pretty good. There was one item that most people settled for and that was Afghans. Although Afghans are time consuming, they give you the opportunity to make interesting designs. It can be fun to do the colour mixtures that you like, but I find that they aren't so popular on a market.

There is one thing I do know about that is Market Research and I went through the market with a fine tooth comb and came up with this information.

There are plenty of people out there that want throws for beds, cots and even the living room settee. Funny enough, they like the traditional style ones, you know the ones that Grandma used to make. All odd colors made up in squares. These are extremely popular in all sizes. Then you find that people want colors to match their decor. So you need to establish what the fad is at the moment and make for the moment.

I found that pet blankets in multicolors do well, throws made up of little 4 inch squares. Traditional style of course and then those with thick multicolored borders. You could be looking at $120 or more for a decent size blanket, or if you are a Brit, £50 or more.

There is one thing to take in mind though, it's the amount of time it takes you to make it. A decent size Afghan for say a Twin Size Bed (Single Bed) will take you better part of 2 weeks constant work. So, be realistic in how much time you want to spend on a blanket. To make things faster, make the squares bigger and brighter.

The best colors to use are red, black, blue, yellow, green, orange and brown. I know, they sound awful put together, but believe me, it can make up a pretty good blend.

I have also found that a lot of people go for making baby crib blankets, or stroller blankets. These are usually adorable and cuddly, but they are hard to get buyers for. I've learnt that one by experience, but then again, go for the crazy mix and you could do well.

The other things that go well is Kitchen Pot Holders. They are quick to make and they go quickly at the market. Again, crazy colors work well.

Food for thought though, go for practical items these days. In this day and age, with the economy the way it is, you would do far better with practical items. Not necessarily the pretty and cute.

I hope this has helped a little bit.