Thursday 6 September 2012

*Designer* - FREE Crochet iPad Cover Tutorial


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!}

    14 comments:

    1. I love this! but to my spaniard brain I whish I could see a video so I can have an actual idea of how to form the ripple (zigzag look)... I love how it turned out for you. I hope to sometime make a baby blanket with the same pattern.
      also... as you already know.. I LOVE your work!

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      1. Hello lovely Noe! How are you? I am coming around to the idea of video but I am quite camera shy! This pattern would be a lovely baby blanket or snuggle blanket for chilly nights in fron of the TV!
        Lisa x

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      2. Hi Lisa.. You can open a YouTube channel. When you focus the camera on your hand you won't be shy!

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    2. such a lovely colour combination and pattern! I don't have an i-pad, or i-anything or I might be tempted to have a go!

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      Replies
      1. Hi Wendy! You could always add some straps and a fabric lining to make a little tote bag or continue the pattern to make a large piece as a blanket! Glad the project inspired you!
        Lisa x

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    3. Thank you so much for the free pattern! I've recently finished one for my Mom for christmas this year. I'll take some photos and post them for you on facebook after christmas so I don't ruin the surprise. ----Cassandra Ortiz

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      Replies
      1. hi Cassandra - did your Mom like her gift? I'd love to see your photo of the finished item! Come on over to the Facebook page to share
        www.facebook.com/getsmitten

        Lisa x

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    4. This is great! Beautiful ipad cover.

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    5. Hi, this is really lovely! Would you mind telling me which yarn you used? I love these colours! Thanks

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      Replies
      1. Hi Amy! Thank you so much, glad you like it. this was made using up left over yarns from my stash so Im not 100% sure of the names - sorry! The grey ones were by UK brand James C Brett (bit like Red Heart) and the blush was a cotton dk - possibly Sirdar? Hope this helps a little bit - good luck!
        Lisa x

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    6. I need your help... Are the rows suppose to be different lengths? If so I can't figure out how ill sew the side edge together with them being different lengths as it won't make a straight edge! Thanks for your help!

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      Replies
      1. Hi! The rows are effectively different lengths as the pattern creates a fan stitch and so some will protrude further than others creating a zig-zag effect along the side edge. All you do to sew it up is place the two sides together as normal, lining up the zig-zags and just backstitch the seam closed rather than using crochet to do it. Hope that helps!
        Lisa x

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    7. Hi Lisa! I ve tried this pattern out and made a beautiful ipad cover :) i was wondering if you d let me share this pattern on my blog, crediting you as the designer of course :)

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