Handmade Cords: Easy Crochet for Boys

This post is an update of one that I wrote in 2007. I'm writing an issue of my Crochet Inspirations Newsletter about crochet cords, braids, lanyards, etc., and how they work out well for boys and men too. 


Just sent it, here's the link! Crochet Inspirations Newsletter: Fancy Cords in 360º - http://eepurl.com/dBav1


At left is a simple lanyard that my son needed as soon as possible for his new school ID. I chained a bunch, then for Row 1: *hdc, ch 1, skip next ch, repeat from * to end of row.


It's holding up really well.


The 2007 post concerned a commemorative lanyard for a younger Toytester Bob, who was deeply involved in his new Nintendo DS Pokemon games. Here's another image of that lanyard that I photo-edited a bit for clarity:


A third cord I've crocheted for him might be called a fob? No--a tether. It is the simplest chain of extra-fine Jelly Yarn (r) in black (so that it looks like leather!) and it permanently tethers a special screen pen to a Nintendo DS XL device.
I'll upload a photo when I have day light!

Sock Alien Chooses Crochet for Fall Accessories Line

Even aliens can catch a chill. [Ravelry page]

News Item!! 

Some extraterrestrials use fashion
to express their individuality

The younger extraterrestrial populations (that we know of) seem to be turning to crochet for the practicality, fashion looks, and feel of luxurious comfort against their alien skins.

Important Developing Trend for Crochet

The number of crocheters will skyrocket (so to speak) if this popular hobby catches fire on other planets.

It will then become a beloved tradition across the galaxy in just a few generations. [Or however it is that aliens reproduce.]

Human crocheters can look forward to new crochet patterns by alien designers. Hopefully it will be easy to substitute Earth yarns.

This young alien sees crochet in the stars

Pokemon Commemorative Lanyard

What to do with the absolute simplest crochet skills? Create custom Nintendo accessories. 

This lanyard commemorates game earnings in Pokemon Pearl, Diamond, and Emerald. Be assured that Toy Tester Bob has thoroughly tested and approved it.

How I Crocheted It

A free beginner crochet pattern.

I used three different colors of crochet thread (the red, blue, and aqua are Toytester approved). For beads: 3 "gem" beads and a slider bead. (If you don't have a slider, you can crochet one like I did for the Trailing Vines Lariat.)

1. Leave a starting end of about 4 inches. With each one I crocheted chain stitches until long enough for a lanyard with knots at both ends. Leave a long starting end when you cut the thread, just to be on the safe side. (You may need it due to your bead hole sizes. Or if you want to add more chains later.)

2. Then I "blocked" them: dampened all three chain lengths and tugged on them to relax and straighten them. I also pressed them to flatten a bit, and let dry. Note: They will lengthen a bit from this. The extra length will be taken up when braided.

See the pearl, emerald, and diamond beads?
Not sure where I got the slider Squirtle. It may
have been a pencil topper.

3. Knot all three cords together at one end. I like to incorporate the thread ends in the knot so that I can hide them without sewing them in, and then snip them. If the gem bead(s) you're using will slide over all three of your chained cords, do that now. Slide it/them up to that knotted end. (None of my gem beads had large enough holes for this.) If your beads will only fit over one thread strand, you can add them at the other ends after Step 4. Or, chain them together to create a chain-loop at one end, see upper photo.

4. Pin that knot to a cork board. (Macrame boards are really handy to have on hand.) Then, braid them to the end and tie an overhand knot; if you still have to string on your gem beads, leave the thread ends out of the knot.

5. String your gem beads onto the thread ends and secure them with a small knot and sew their ends in.
To add your lariat-style slider bead, fold your braid in half and feed the folded end through the slider hole and slide it down to adjust.

Crochet Jewelry Methods

Meanwhile, I used it to explore some crochet jewelry-making methods--mixing chaining and braiding and different kinds of beads and closures.

The prized Squirtle slider bead dates from the early days of my son's infatuation with Pokemon; he was about 4 years old and I don't remember what kind of toy it was a part of.

Hoppy's Party Frock

Hoppy is a special friend. Bob has lots of friends, but only Hoppy got a crocheted gift commissioned by Bob--Bob informed me that Hoppy said that she would like something to wear, and that the hot pink Moda Dea Bowties yarn caught her eye.

Le frock looked like a simple sundress until I added an organdy bow at the neckline. Now it's a party dress and you should see Hoppy when she's rockin' out in it. She can really get her ears going!

Someday I'll figure out how to upload a videoclip.

Rock Beds

One way to impress a seven year old with your crochet powers is to make him something in 5 minutes.

Would anyone like the pattern? ;-)

"Massively Mini Media Player" Layer

Thought of a stocking stuffer for my son at the 11th hour Christmas Eve: a 'cozy' for his Chanukah present, a Massively Mini Media Player. This iPod-like gadget is small and slippery (and expensive) so it needs some kind of protective case. "Bob" is into "hippie" stuff lately (he asked for a lava lamp, tie-dye kit, and a magic 8 ball too), so I figured he'd wear something crocheted as long as it didn't look girly. Luckily I finished it just in time--it maybe took me 2 hours. He wears it proudly (red is his fav color) and I wish I had a photo of his face when he unwrapped it and realized what it is. He is most impressed that the holes allow him to press the buttons on the front and use the headphone jacks at the top. I didn't tell him that making holes wherever one wants them is what crocheters do best.