In the UK there is a wide range of magazines for knitters and many of them include crochet patterns. Until now, however, crocheters looking for a dedicated magazine have had to rely on imports.
KAL Media, the publishers of Yarn Forward have changed all that with the launch of Inside Crochet, a bi-monthly magazine dedicated to Crochet.
Features
The first issue includes many of the things that are expected in a craft magazine:
- Products and tools (although prices are not listed on the page)
- News and features, including displays and details of crochet groups
- Articles; the first issue included articles on environmentally friendly crochet, a feature on an independent spinner, and interviews with prominent designers
- Book reviews
- A “what’s on” guide.
Instructions
The magazine gives instructions on how to crochet and how to read crochet charts. Many of the knitting magazines have included basic crochet lessons but, as might be expected, the instructions in Inside Crochet are well illustrated and quite comprehensive (over seven pages). They should be enough for a complete novice to get started, but someone who has never crocheted before is unlikely to by a magazine dedicated to a craft unknown to them.
Patterns
Issue one contains 22 patterns. These include five items of clothing. All patterns have sizes between 36” and 48”, but some go up to a 52” bust, and others down to a 30”. There is one child’s pattern (to fit ages 2 to 6) and a number of accessories, including two scarves, a hat, a bag and a pair of socks. There is also one household item; a basket.
As with Yarn Forward, alternative yarns are suggested for each pattern, allowing the crocheter to match the pattern to their budget. Many of the patterns tend to use high quality (and therefore high cost) yarns and so this feature will give many crafters the confidence to try the project, but with a smaller financial investment. This is also useful if some of the yarns prove difficult to find.
Stitch Variety
Although the two scarves are very similar in construction, the patterns do show a broad range of crochet stitches, from patterns which resemble knitting, to more conventional shell and lace stitches. Two of the patterns in issue one use tapestry crochet to combine colours.
The editors of the magazine seem to be listening to their readers and finding out what crocheters want in their magazine (as seen on a recent forum thread on Ravelry.)
Many knitters seem to be moving into crochet as their interest in yarn crafts grows and so, despite the current economic climate, it appears to be a good time to launch a crochet magazine. It is hoped that this level of interaction with readers will help the magazine to succeed and flourish.
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