Want to glam up your
iPad? I'm a big believer in making practical things pretty, and if it gives me the excuse to whip my
crochet hook out, then all the better as far as I'm concerned! I was playing around with stitch combinations after flicking through a
vintage pattern book and my favourite feeds on
Instagram and this is what I came up with; it's a basic ripple and fan stitch that uses colour and ridged texture for maximum effect. And this is my current colour obsession:
grey, silver and
blush
For this project you will need
- 1 ball each of dk yarn in your choice of colours (I chose 3 and alternated them every 2 rows but you could have as many or as few as you wish. You could even change to a new colour every pattern repeat - rows 3-6 - as shown in the lower sample of the image below and use this as a stash busting project!)
- 1 crochet hook size 3.5mm or E
- a large eyed yarn needle to sew up the side at the end
Please note that this tutorial uses
British crochet terminology throughout, so here is a quick
translation guide for any of my lovely US friends who wish to make one too!
dc (double crochet) = sc (single crochet) in US
tr (treble) = dc (double crochet) in US
dtr (double treble) = tr (treble) in US
Let's get started!
Note: rows 1 and 2 form the ripple shape and rows 3-6 are the pattern repeat. I changed colour every 2 rows in my sequence of 3 colours. I worked into the back loops only with each colour change to enhance the pattern and create a raised, textured effect. The tutorial below instructs for this but you can ignore these extra bits if you like and work to your own colour sequence or keep the work flat rather than raised. The choice is yours!
For your foundation row ch91
1. dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next 3sts, *3dc in next st, dc in next 8sts. Repeat from * 8 times, 3dc in next st, dc in next 4sts to end. ch1 turn
2. Skip first dc, *dc into next 4sts, 3dc into next st, dc into next 4sts, skip 2sts. Repeat from * to end. ch1 turn
3. slst into next 3sts, {change colour here as shown in image above} ch3 (represents a treble) then working into back loops only, tr into next 2sts, *3dtr into next st, tr into next 3sts, skip 4sts, tr into next 3sts. Repeat from * to end. ch1 turn
4. dc in next 4sts, *3dc in next st, dc in next 8sts. Repeat from * to end. ch1 turn
5. {change colour here} Working into the back loops only, skip 1st st, *dc in next 4sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 4sts, skip 2sts. Repeat from * to end. ch1 turn
6. Repeat row 5 but work into both loops
7. Repeat rows 3-6 until the work measures 29cm - ideally ending in the same colour as the first row
To make up
- Darn in any ends from your colour changes (tip: I crochet over the ends of my colour changes as I go, in order to save myself this tedious task - you should try it!) and block press the work gently with an iron
- Fold the work in half with right sides facing and using the corresponding colour yarn, dc along the bottom edge
- Take a length of the same yarn with the yarn needle and sew the side edge together using a back st. I followed the line of the narrowest part of the ripple width so that the edge remains straight
- Sew in the ends, turn the cover right side out and slip it over your iPad!
et voila! One incredibly gorgeous and rather glamorous, crochet iPad cover!
What colours did you use? How did you work your stripe combination or did you use just one colour? I'd love to see what you made... please come on over to the
Get Smitten Facebook Page and show me your work. We can all ooh and aaah over your scrummy
crochet goodness and we can connect over all things
crochet, handmade and
vintage!
And whilst you're there, would you mind hitting the
'Like' button too? I would hugely appreciate your support, feedback and suggestions for other patterns for the
Get Smitten library. Plus, you'll be the first to hear about any
new pattern releases and other
fun projects that I organise
And if you happen to be reading this and are unable to crochet or simply don't have the time to rustle an
iPad cover up yourself, you can always place an order for your very own one made by me! Pop over to my
Etsy store here and we can discuss your perfect colour choice. It would make a great
Christmas prezzie or
back to uni gift: just sayin'!
Plus, I really love to make them! It keeps me out of mischief!
Lisa x
{all images by Lisa Pocklington using Instagram Please respect intellectual property and do not sell this pattern. You are welcome to spread the word about this pattern tutorial far and wide providing you link back to this page and credit me as the designer. I hugely appreciate your honesty, thanks!}