Crochet a Nordic Noël Christmas Tree
One of my favorite types of projects for crochet is seasonal decorations. Every fall I make more pumpkins than I really need and for Easter I like to make amigurumi eggs. This past Christmas I found a great pattern for a Christmas tree in the Simply Crochet magazine. The magazine is published in the United Kingdom but I was able to access it through my local public library in the United States. I finished my first tree while visiting my family so of course I ended up giving it to my mom! The second tree was finished just in time for me to put it in storage in the attic with the rest of my Christmas decorations.
How I prepared
The pattern used an aran weight yarn called DROPS Air, which is made of alpaca, nylon, and wool. I use natural fibers whenever I can but since this project would be a seasonal decoration I decided to look for an acrylic since it is cheaper. After a visit to a local craft store (a big chain) I found Big Twist Living in Pine Green. While I was at the store I was also able to find some floral cones. The cones available at the store were not the exact size as in the pattern but they were pretty close so I grabbed several sizes in green.
Making the tree
I was able to follow the pattern pretty closely, deviating only because I wasn’t sure that the foam cone I purchased was the same size. After finishing the first five rows I put the tree on the cone to check the size and found that my tree stretched quite a bit due to the acrylic. I decided to not increase the number of stitches every other row; instead I only did increases every fourth row, testing the size of the tree against the foam periodically.
Pattern
- Nordic Noël, Large Tree by Simply Crochet, Issue 142
Materials
- Big Twist Living in Pine Green, 100% acrylic
- Green foam cone, 15” x 4.75”
- 5mm crochet hook with rubber grip
Tips
- Use a foam cone that is closest in color to your yarn to avoid seeing the foam show in between the stitches. You could even paint the foam to make the foam even harder to see.
- Test out the size of your tree periodically by putting it on the foam. Keep the plastic wrap on the cone until you are finished to keep the foam from chipping off.
DIY Key Fobs in Five Ways
DIY Key Fobs in Five Ways
Key fobs – also known as keychains – are a great craft for makers of all ages and skill levels, especially since the projects are quick to complete and can be used with materials on hand. The majority of online tutorials use sewing machines with quilt cotton, but key fobs can be made from a variety of materials or tools.
Materials
- New quilt cotton or canvas
- Upcycled fabrics from t-shirts, bags, or denim
- Webbing, new or upcycled from old bags
- Ribbons, new or upcycled from gift wrapping, hair ties, medals
Tools / Methods
- Sewing machine
- Hand sewing
- Hardware press
- Pliers
- Fabric glue
- Bonding tape
Most people use key fobs for their car or house keys, but key fobs can be used for any items that need to be kept close. Here are some ideas on creative ways to use key fobs:
- Cruise ID badges
- Doggy bags
- Earbud/AirPod cases
- Parking cards/passes or metro passes
- Work ID badges (instead of lanyards!)
- Zipper bags
Take a look at some of these great blogs that showcase different ways to make a key fob depending on the materials you have on hand. If you know of a fun way to use a key fob add yours in the comments!
No Sew Key Fob with Ribbon
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One of the simplest tutorials there is, Bring Home Magic shares a fantastic pattern using ribbon, bonding tape, and key fob hardware. Since this pattern doesn’t require a sewing machine or iron it is a perfect project to make with kids of all ages.
No Sew Key Fob with Fabric
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Don’t have any non-fraying fabric around? Not a problem with this tutorial from blogger Meredith at Wait ‘Til Your Father Gets Home. An iron is the star of this tutorial, making the edges crisp and ensuring the glue has a good hold. Well-loved (aka old) t-shirts would be a fun material to use for these key fobs, allowing you to take your memories with you wherever you go. Whatever material you use these key fobs are quick enough to make for every season and holiday.
Heavy Duty Key Fob with Webbing
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No need for irons or fabric for this heavy duty key fob! SewHungryHippie uses webbing as the foundation and adds vinyl as a special touch. A sewing machine ensure this make is a speedy one, but if you don’t have a sewing machine you can hand sew or use glue, just make sure to use a heavy duty glue.
Want to make this craft even easier? Use a fun ribbon instead of vinyl! The ribbon should be approximately 0.25″ narrower than the webbing.
Classic Key Fob with Fabric
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There is not much better than the classic key fob using just fabric and a key ring or clasp! Jennie at Clover & Violet uses flannel to give the quilt cotton heft but fusible fleece would be a better option, eliminating the need to feed the flannel through the sewn fabric tube. This pattern is a favorite because it doesn’t use any key fob hardware.
Two-Sided Key Fob with Fabric
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For the final pattern Alli at Woodberry Way showcases how small stitching details can elevate even the simplest of makes. Alli’s key fob uses two different fabrics with batting (or flannel) and adds not one but two rows of top stitching to make the finished edges clean and crisp. Just like with the classic key fob pattern using fusible fleece will make your easy craft even easier. Make this craft your own by use the fun stitches on your sewing machine or even quilting.
