a touch of spring

There is something about spring that just makes me smile.  I love the weather, flowers, and just the feeling spring brings. I've been admiring so many wonderful spring crafts lately, I thought it would be the perfect time to do my first tutorial on this lovely spring garland. 

Crochet garlands are fun and simple to make, and they add such a handcrafted feel to your home. Now, don't worry if you don't know how to crochet, you could easily use felt, or double the fabric, use burlap, or learn to crochet (Head over to Craftyminx and you can learn)! Be creative and crafty, and just have fun, because that is what is all about! 

The Lovely Ingredients:

*yarn in any colors you choose- I used acrylic worsted weight yarn in pink, green, and grey

*crochet hook size H or the size that works best with your yarn

*darning needle

*vintage or new floral fabric

*embroidery floss and an embroidery needle

*twine or yarn- I used a pink twine

*pretty floral tape to hang it to your wall

I originally had made four colors, but decided just on the three. :)

The Simple Crocheted Rectangles
 Crochet Stitch Terms in US:
ch- chain
hdc- half-double crochet
(visit Craftyminx for directions on how to complete an hdc)
st-stitch


Start: ch 12 + 1 for the first hdc

* Row 1- complete the row by working in a hdc in 3rd ch, hdc in each ch across, ch 2, and turn.
total of 11 hdc + 1 turning chain

This is what your first row should look like.

* Row 2-12- complete each row with a hdc in the 2nd ch, hdc in each ch across, ch 2, turn.
total of 12 rows with 11 hdc + 1 turning chain in each

This is what your final piece should look like, pretty easy right?

Once you are finished with row 12, cut your yarn, and weave it into the back of your piece using a darning needle. Continue the same pattern until you have 6 rectangles or your desired amount.

The next step is to cut little rectangles of sweet fabric. These measured about 2 1/4 by 3 1/4 inches. You could make them smaller or bigger, it is all up to you. :)

Now you will need to pin the piece of fabric onto the crocheted piece carefully, so it doesn't move while you sew it on. Choose a color of embroidery thread that matches or contrasts your fabric.

Sorry for choosing a light pink thread, hopefully you can see it. :)

Sew a running stitch all around the edge of the fabric to secure it to the crocheted piece. Tie off the embroidery thread in the back and hide it in the yarn. Complete the same process for each crocheted rectangle you made.

Block your crocheted pieces.

*You will need to block each of your pieces so they will be nice and straight when you hang them. What I like to do is get a pillow, pin it down, and spritz with water. Once they are dry, you are ready to string them all together!

Now let's get stringing! You will need to get twine or yarn, whichever you prefer, about 45 inches long, or longer if you made more than 6 crocheted rectangles. Using a darning needle, thread in the twine.

Starting from the back of the piece, you will weave the twine through the top of the piece.

Here is what the top looks like when you weave it in and out. 

 Once you are finished, pull the twine through and flip it over. Continue this pattern until you have all your piece connected.

You should end up with this lovely spring garland!

The final step is finding a lovely place to hang your crocheted garland! You can even use some pretty floral tape to mount it on your wall, such as this!

Now you have a lovely spring garland to brighten up your home. I hope that you enjoyed my first little tutorial! Have a blessed week!