How to Crochet Around Established Objects, Downloads & Tutorial

Have you seen templates where you can crochet around the edge to add in your crochet stitches? I've recently been experimenting with laser-cut bowl bases that I make at home. I have included links to the files I created; you can download them if you have access to a laser cutter to make your own. I used Bernat Fab, but for my own templates, you can also use 2 strands of Bernat Blanket with a 6 mm / J/10 hook to compensate for the thickness.

The Bernat Blanket version below is just three rounds. Consider adding wrapped chocolate or another special item inside as a gift. As the person goes through it, the words will be revealed. The extension brand is Bernat Blanket Myst-ical in the colour called Earthenware. You don't need a lot of yarn. I used the outside and interior strands of the same ball to double-strand it.

Finding Templates

You can create your own if you have the design skills. However, you can find established wood/acrylic pieces on Amazon that you can have shipped to you. It saves you from having to purchase a program or a laser cutting machine to make your own.

If you have a laser cutter, you may also be able to find files on Etsy for instant download.

Laser-Cut Templates to Purchase

Below are the templates Mikey has created. If you have a laser cutter, the files for each of these are provided in SVG, PNG and PDF. Please note that you are cutting these yourself, and the template is an instant download.

If You Make Your Own

Hole Sizes

The examples I have completed can be comfortably worked with up to an 8 mm / L/11 crochet hook. You can always use a smaller hook to draw the yarn through if the holes are smaller than the intended hook. The yarn I preferred was Bernat Fab, designed for a 15 mm / Q crochet hook. I used a much smaller crochet hook to ensure the yarn compressed tightly and was very sturdy.

If you buy finished or designed templates, you may need to adjust the hook size and yarn to better coordinate.

Understand the Right Side of the Project

When crocheting in a circle, you need to know which side of the circle faces outward when viewing the bowl/basket or the object.

If the item has a top-to-bottom definition, begin crocheting with the top side facing away from you. If you don't, it will put the wrong side of the stitches on the outside of the basket/cowl which changes the way it looks.

When attaching the project, use a standing single crochet in the hole you wish to start with. See below how that is done.

You want to cover over the top of the loose end(s) by burying the yarn tail(s) under the stitchwork to hide them completely.

Single crochet in each hole around. Don't be too tight, as the base lacks flexibility. You may need to practice.

Secrets to Changing Yarn Strands Over

Watch how easy it is to bury the yarn tails with this yarn. It's all about the knot used and the positioning of the next stitches after the join.

First Round Completed

By looking at the bottom of the base as you crochet, you are creating the rounds to have the 'right-side' of the stitches face outward.

You will go all the way to the last hole but don't join to the beginning standing single crochet.

2nd Round

Proceed by starting the first stitch of the first round using the waistcoat stitch (split single crochet). It's the same stitch but has two different names.

See How Waistcoat Stitch is Done

You will continue rounds until the edges reach the required height. In this example, you won't have any slip stitches between rounds; instead, work around and around until you are satisfied.

Finishing The Last Stitch

With just a few inches of yarn left to finish. Slip-stitch the next stitch instead of crocheting the waistcoat stitch. Using a tapestry needle, weave in the yarn between the plies.

Your project will be ready to give as a gift or keep for yourself.

Revaled below is just one ball of Bernat Fab yarn. It has nearly 6 rounds.

Video Tutorial - Real Sample to Follow