DIY Easter: Crochet Easter egg shaped picture frames

BushcraftZ 2014

BushcraftZ 2014
made from magazine pattern

My mother shared a pattern from a German magazine, Landlust showcasing small square crochet picture frames designed by Stephanie Matter. I made one to test the concept and it inspired me to design my own Easter picture frames.

Materials:

• 4 ply natural cotton (Elle premier ®) in four colours (www.elleyarns.com)
• Felt remnants to fit the size of the pattern in matching colours
• 3.25 mm crochet hook, 20 cm ribbon for each frame
• Embroidery needle with a broad eye, matching embroidery cotton, 10 – 12 mm button.
• Template

Terminology

ch – chain

dc – double crochet (US term sc – single crochet)

tr – double treble crochet (US term dc – treble crochet)

sl st – slip stitch (US term sl st – slip stitch)

Method:

Crochet the front of the frame.

Chain (ch) 48. Close the ring with a slip stitch ( sl st).

Round 1: ch 4. Skip the first chain and treble crochet (tr) into the second ch. * Ch1, 1tr into every 2nd ch*, repeat from * to * three times.  Ch1, 1tr into  2^nd ch, ch 2 and 1tr into the same ch. * Ch1, 1tr into every 2^nd  ch*, repeat from * to * nine times. Ch1, 3tr into 2^nd ch. Ch1, 1tr into every second ch*, repeat from * to * nine times. Ch1, 1tr into 2^nd ch, ch 2 and 1tr into the same ch. * Ch1, 1tr into every 2nd ch*, repeat from * to * four times. Close the circle with a sl st into the 3^rd chain of the beginning of the first round.

Round 2: ch1. Double crochet (dc) into each stitch and ch (8dc stitches to the first corner). Crochet 3dc into the corner. 1Dc into each stitch and ch (35dc stitches to the second corner). Crochet 3dc into the corner. Dc into each stitch and ch (8dc stitches to the end of the 2^nd round), close of the round with a sl st.

Round 3: ch1.  Double crochet (dc) into each stitch to the end of the round), close of the round with a sl st. End off and use needle to sew the ends into the work.

Assemble the frame:

1. Download the pattern and cut a piece of felt according to the pattern to form the backing of the frame.
2. Optional: To allow the frame to keep its shape, soak the felt in linen starch prepared according to manufacturer’s instructions. Allow the felt to dry and iron before cutting out the egg shaped frame backing.
3. Place the crochet frame onto the felt background. Use matching embroidery cotton to sew together with blanket stitches. Leave an opening at the bottom of the frame as indicated on the pattern. The picture will be inserted here.
4. Refer to the pattern to indicate the approximate position of the button. Sew the button into position onto the felt backing and use a loop in the frame as a button hole. Add a loop at the top to hang the frame.
5. Optional: Start at the button and thread the ribbon though the loops of the frame. Fold each end of the ribbon inwards and sew in place to the front of the frame. Take care to leave the loop, which will act as a button hole free.

   

   BushcraftZ 2014

6. Use the template with the staggered lines to cut out the picture and cut the slit. Insert the picture into the frame. Slip the button thought the slit and close bottom of the Easter egg frame by slipping the button through the open loop of the front of the frame.

   

   BushcraftZ 2014

   
   

   

   BushcraftZ 2014

   
   

   

   BushcraftZ 2014