Crocheted Chain Craft Ideas

I didn't realize it till this weekend, that several of you have asked for ideas for making things with a ball of crocheted chain. I apologize for not keeping up to date with you and for that, all I can say is better late than never, right? So, here goes.

When you have made your chain, you simply have to get a hook bigger than you did the chain with and pick a project. For instance, for a hot pad (don't make a pot holder as the gaps between the stitches are too large to keep your hands protected), make a chain the size of the work you want to do, in an even amount, then make a single crochet in the second chain from the hook, chain one, and make a single crochet in every other stitch.

You may have to redo it by adding one chain to the work if you end up with your last single crochet not in the end stitch. It should be in the end stitch on the chain, or the actual "first" chain on the hook before you turned. Keep going till you have a square, cut and bind off.

For a place mat, make it about 14 inches long and keep going until it's as tall as you want it.

For a basket, chain 3 and work about 12 double crochets in the first chain by the hook. Join that circle and chain 3. Make one double crochet in each of the previous row, but in every 3rd one, make two. this will help keep your basket base flat. Join, chain 3 and make two double crochets in every 2nd and 1 in every other.

By the time you get this base done, you should have something about 6 inches in diameter, but if you don't, don't worry. Everyone has different tensions when they crochet, and if your base yarn in bulky, your chain yarn will yield something even bulkier.

For the rest of the rows, chain 3 and make one double crochet in each of the previous row, and your basket will begin to 'bow' and stand up on the sides. Your size of basket will depend on how far up the sides you go, but keep in mind that a lower one is more sturdy and you can keep some cool things in it. like balls of yarn or crocheted yarn. What a concept, huh?

When you make your chain, just keep in mind that you are basically just creating a thicker medium to work with. For the most part, any pattern you work with will work, but it will be much bigger and thicker.

These crocheted chains make wonderful plant hangers, can be wrapped and hot glued around hangers, work well for rugs, are great for the casserole carriers you see, make wonderful bags if you keep it single crochet and nice and tight, and more.

I hope this helps. Your late friend, Poor But Proud

Source: Update from a craft idea I submitted in 3/09.

By Sandi/Poor But Proud from Yorktown, VA

Editor's Note: Sandi's original post is archived below.