Texture it With Knots! The Bullion Rose---2

Last week we made our first bullion knot rose. This week i would like to share with you a second rose also made with the bullion knot.

Materials:

If you are making these rosebuds as an all-over after-the-fact embellishment on a bag, and you used yarn for the bag, you can use yarn for the rosebuds.
If you want a contrasting fiber, you can use Perle or pearl cotton for the rosebuds.
Suggested colors: DMC Pearl Cotton Thread, Size 3, 16 yds. (15m)
Very Dk. Shell Pink
Rose
Very Lt. Shell Pink
If you want to use yarn, use the following colors:
Red Heart Shocking Pink or Country Rose
Rose Pink or Pretty 'N Pink
Baby Pink or Raspberry


Choose where you want your stitch to go on your bag or garment, bring the needle through from the back to the front at that spot, then you insert the needle a few stitches below that, and bring the needle up near where you oribilaly brought the needle through to start up,
then you wrap the yarn around the needle (if you are using yarn, wrap 10 times, if you are using embroidery thread, wrap 15 times. Not too tightly so that you can pull the needle through!) Pull your needle through, tighten it up a bit and to anchor it in place, pull your yarn or thread through to the other side.
For second side of center, bring out needle a little bit under the bullion just made, then, insert needle through beside the bullion stitch just made and make a bullion with 8 wraps. pull needle through, tighten stitch and ancor it in place. Fasten off on the wrong side. Thread needle with Pretty 'N Pink, if using yarn.
If using Pearl cotton, thread needle with Rose. Starting right underneat the darker center, bhering the needle through, then stitch above where you stitched the last bullion, to make this petal longer than the last one, make 12 wraps, pull needle through, tighten stitch, and anchor it.
Repeat this last stitch on the opposite side but make 14 wraps instead of 12. Pull through, tighten stitch. Ancor sittch and fasten off.
Thread needle with Baby Pink of with Very Lt. Shell Pink, if you are using Pearl cotton. Make a small Bullion of 8 wraps underneath the center rosebud already made. Pull through and tighten. Anchor stitch. Make another bullion on the opposite side with 8 wraps. Pull through and tighten. Anchor stitch.
Make another bullion a little bit above that one with 8 wraps. Ans another one on the opposite side a bit above the last one with 10 wraps.Make a tiny bullion across the top with 6 wraps. As always, pull needle through wraps, tighten, then anchor stitch.
Then go a little bit inside the top of the rose and make another 6-wrap little bullion. Pull needle thorugh, tighten stitch and anchor it.
Finally, make a small, 6-wrap bullion onthe side of the rose, (You can continue for as long as you want to and make the rose as large as you want to, but we will stop with a small rose.)
Once you have made your rosebuds, you can add little crocheted leaves (if you want to). Use Red Heart worsted weight yarn Tea Leaf or if you use pearl cotton, make leaves with Med. Pistachio Green.
For this one I decided to make 2 bullion leaves, one a bit to the side of the bottom and one above the last petal.

Christ's Human Nature

Adelaide Frog Closure

If you love to make purses and tote bags, learning to make your own frog closures is one of the best things you can do, it will save you money in commercial closures and also provide you with a unique and elegant way to present your purse to others, weather you make them for gifts or for selling. Adelaide is super simple to make but looks great, especially when paired with a cute button of your choice that matches your tote or purse!

To make Adelaide, choose your color and crochet your rope.
If you don't know how to crochet I-cord, please refer to this tutorial:
How to Make Crochet I-Cord Ropes

Materials-
Scraps (less than 1/2 skein) of worsted weight yarn of your choice (cotton or acrylic) matching or contrasting your bag colors as you prefer
Crochet hook size H
Scissors
Button of your choice
Pins
Strong sewing thread (optional)
Blunt needle

These are the Steps You need to Follow:
►1- Leaving a long tail at the start, make a Crochet I-Cord that is 18" long, fasten off, leaving an equally long tail at the end (this would be according to your preference both to sew the Frog Closure together and to attach it to your crocheted bag or purse.)
►2- Fold your rope in two, ends matching, and make a sliding knot as if you were going to begin to crochet with the rope itself  (a basic slip knot). DO NOT TIGHTEN THE KNOT! Adjust the knot to match the size of the button you will be using, (test the loop with your button!) Don't make the loop too loose, you know that sometimes crochet stretches with use! Adjust the legs of your rope and leave the knot below your loop, loose enough to pass the end of your rope through.
►3- Now, fold the right leg of the rope left handing in half and pass the loop formed through the loose knot below the loop that will act as your buttonhole, forming a new loop, and pull to tighten, but not too much.
►4- Fold the left leg of the rope left hanging in half, and pass as a loop through the loop just made, and tighten just enough for your work to lie flat.
►Curl the two ends left toward the bottom sides of your frog closure. Pin in place at the back of the frog.
►Thread blunt needle with the tails you left at the beginning and end of your crocheting when you made the I-Cord and sew the ends to where you want them. If necessary, make small stitches to twist the knotted section of the rope in the direction you want the knots to go. Fasten off!  (If you want to, you can use leftover yarn to attach your Frog Closure to your back, or use any strong sewing thread if you prefer.)

Done!

Bible Universe

Melissa

This is a very easy to make but effective handle for a large tote bag.
You can make it in either one of two ways, either you make a small portion of the braid to fall over the shoulder when the bag is used, and attach the ends to two large purse rings and then add crocheted straps to go from the end of the rings rings on the sides of the bag, or you make it long enough to reach your desired length and just attach it to the purse rings on both sides of the bag, either way works beautifully. Another thing you could do with this is to curve it and to sew the edges of the whole braiding to each other like a tube, to make a very strong handle, comparable to a purchased thick handle. then you would attach it to purse rings, this time, you would use it for a handbag.

Use 4 colors that match your bag, or that contrast it beautifully, if the bag is gray, white, brown or black.
For this particular example, I used Red Heart yarn in Paddy Green, Delft Blue, Blue and Spring green. You will have to test (just like when you do swatching) to figure out the length of rope or crocheted I-cord that you will need for your particular bag.
Materials-
Worsted weight yarn of chosen colors (4 different ones)
Crochet hook size H
Scissors
Pins
Pinning surface (could be a pillow, a macrame board, an old cushion, etc.)

To make Melissa, choose your colors and crochet your ropes.
If you don't know how to crochet I-cord, please refer to this tutorial: How to Make Crochet I-Cord Ropes
Once you have made your ropes or I-cords, proceed as possible:
Pin one end of your ropes to the pinning surface of your choice.
In your mind, number your I-cords or ropes 1, 2, 3 and 4 from right to left.
1- Now, working from right to left, bring cord #1 and place it in front of cord #2, loop it around cord #2 towards the back and bring it forward through the small loop that is formed on the side. (Half Hitch formed.)
2- Take cord #2 and loop it around cord #3, around it towards the back and then bring to the front through the small loop that naturally forms on the side. (Half Hitch formed.)
3- Take cord #3 and make a Half Hitch over cord #4.
4- Working from left to right, form a take cord #4 and form a half hitch with it over cord #3.
5- Take cord #3 and make a half hitch with it over cord #2.
6- Take cord #2 and make a half hitch with it over cord #1.
Now start a new series of half hitches moving from right to left. Once you are done with it.
Repeat the half hitches moving from left to right. That is all there is to it!
Continue until you have the length you want for your strap or for your handle.

Don't Remain Down

Corienna

This is an attractive and very easy frog closure to make for your next bag or tote. (It can also be used for clothing.)

Materials-
You will need worsted weight yarn in a color of your choice to match or contrast your project harmoniously. (I used Red Heart Turqua, not even 1/2 skein)
Crochet hook size H
Scissors
Pins
A pinning surface, which could be anything from a thick cardboard to an old pillow or cushion

For this frog closure you will need to crochet a rope or crocheted I-cord of 15 1/2" long.

If you don't know how to make the ropes, please refer to this tutorial: How to Make Crochet I-Cord Ropes
Once you have made the I-cord rope, proceed as follows:
►1- Bend your rope in half, matching ends. Cross the ends of the rope, left over right, forming a loop of a size appropriate for the button you will use the frog for.
Pin in the center of that cross, so that the loop won't become undone.
►2- Bend the left side of the rope over the left one, now bring the left side over the bend and then toward the back, forming a knot and tighten, but as you tighten, insert one of hte fingers just underneath the buttonhole loop, so that a small hole will be left between the buttonholde loop and the knot you are forming.
►3- Repeat step 2.
►4- Bring ends upwards towards the bottom of the loop and pin down.

Thread a needle with color that matches your yarn and working carefully, secure the ends in place, forming 2 decorative, vertical loops, and then secure the top, buttonhole knot, so that it will not let the button slip through when used.
Fasten off, and knot at the back. You can now sew it to your project!

Bible Universe: Explore!

Suzanne

When I started making purse straps I found that I added another layer of creativity to crochet purse-making. There was another dimension of choices when it came to colors (whether they should match or contrast the purse,) and shape. When I shared the straps, I knew that other crocheters would love the freedom of being able to design a complete project, choosing what they wanted it to look like from beginning to end. And creative women grabbed the idea and ran with it, which gives me a lot of satisfaction. Suzanne is the latest in a series of beautiful straps for purses and totes. Our second round strap.

Note 1- Since I wanted a short purse strap, I used I-cords that were 16" long. You can experiment with different lengths to obtain the size you want. This is definitely not a precise science!

Materials-
Worsted weight yarn in 4 colors of your choice (I used less than 1/2 skein of Red Heart worsted weight yarn in the following colors: Delft Blue, Paddy Green. Spring Green and Bright Yellow)
2 purse rings (I chose them gold but you can use any color you want, or use wooden ones if you prefer)
Crochet hook size H
3 Safety pins (medium or large)
Blunt needle
Pinning surface (the best one would be a large pillow or old cushion)

Note 2- You can make this braid using only one color, but it will not be as arresting as the one in four colors is.
Make your cords.

If you don't know how to make the ropes, please refer to this tutorial:

How to Make Crochet I-Cord Ropes

To Make Suzanne, proceed as follows:
1- Run a safety pin across the 4 I-cords to join them, leaving about 1" of cord to sew around purse ring.
2- Use another safety pin to attach the now joined cords to your pillow or cushion.
3- Mentally number your cords 1, 2, 3 and 4, from right to left.
3- Separate the cords as follows: Stretch each one of your cords in a diagonal direction, as if you were trying to make a letter V with the first 2 working cords, which will be cord #1 and cord #4.
Form an Inverted V with cords #2 and #3. While working, always move in a diagonal pattern.

Braid Suzanne, proceed as follows:

1- Bring cord #4 to where cord #2 is and position cord # 2 where cord #4 was.
2- Bring cord #3 where cord #1 is and take cord #1 where cord #3 was.
Repeat these 2 steps for cord. Give it a little tug as you go, if necessary. When you reach about an inch of the way down, run the last safety pin across the top of the strap to secure your work and then fasten off and sew strap ends around purse rings.

Done!

Pathlights. . .Worthwhile exploring!

Tazia

This is another lovely strap that you could use for a tote or if you want it shorter, for a handbag.You can end the strap just by sewing the ends to the bag, or by bending the ends around a purchased purse ring and sewing the ends onto the strap itself on the back.
Materials-
Worsted weight yarn of your own choice in 4 colors (or at least 2 different colors,) I chose two shades of orange, a green and a yellow. You will need at least 1/2 skein of each color

Crochet hook size H
Pinning surface
Pins
2 Large safety pins
Scissors

►To make Tazia, proceed as follows:
First, make your crocheted I-cords or ropes.

If you don't know how to make the ropes, please refer to this tutorial:

How to Make Crochet I-Cord Ropes

►Note 1- This strap begins flat but then turns into a round, woven cord to make the flat knots you will need to pin the ropes of I-cord to a pinning surface, but to work the round part, you will not need the pinning surface anymore.
Leaving about an inch of crocheted I-cord at the top, take one of the large safety pins and pass it through each one of the 4 crocheted ropes, joining them all into a bundle. Attach the top of the "waste" cord to the pinning surface and begin to work.
Once your ropes are made. attach them to your pinning surface. Pin your ropes as follows: the two from one color on the edges (positions 1 and 4, and the two on the contrasting color, in the middle.) Mentally count your ropes 1, 2, 3 and 4 from left to right.
►Bend rope 4 over the two middle ones and under rope 1. Bend rope 1 around the back of the two middle  ropes and over the loop formed by rope 4 when you bent it, now pass the end of rope 1 towards the back into the loop formed by rope 4. Tighten it. Repeat this twice.
►Note 2- When you tighten, it is important that you hold down the middle ropes with one hand while you pull on the others with your other hand, so that the tightening will be even. Also, when you tighten the side ropes (ropes 1 and 4) do it in a horizontal direction.
Once you make these 2 flat knots, you are ready to begin the round part of the strap. Take off the pins and detach the ropes from the pinning surface.

To make the round section of the strap proceed as follows:
►Note 3- At this point, it is optional to add the second safety pin to secure the round portion of the strap while you work on the last 2 flat knots.
►Lay the bundle of cords on the safety pin that holds them and, ignoring the little ends you left for sewing the strap to purse rings, spread the 4 ropes in the four directions of the compass.
►Now, take the rope that is lying in the direction of "UP" and bring it down where the one in the direction of "Down" is, and take the one that was Down and put it where the one that was Up was located.
►Now take the rope that lies to the Right and pass it over to where the one on the Left is, and take the one on the Left and put it where the one on the Right used to be.
►Repeat this process until you have reached almost the end of your strap (you have to eyeball this, it is not a precise science.)
►Repeat the two flat knots you made at the beginning, leaving just enough rope ends to be able to sew the strap around the purse rings you have chosen for your purse. Remove safety pins and sew strap ends to purse rings as usual. Fasten off, weave in tails.
Done!

Pathlights. . .Worthwhile exploring!

Andreia Braid

This is a super easy braid. Pretty, but simple, with somewhat of a fishtail look to it. The color contrasts give it punch, so prefer to make it in at least 2 colors rather than just monotone. If you have never tried one of our braids and feel a bit intimidated, start with this one!
You will need 4 crocheted I-cord ropes (please refer to previous tutorials to learn how to make them)
Note- You can make this braid in only one color but it really looks prettier in at least 3 colors.

Materials-
Worsted weight yarn of your choice in at least 3 colors (less than 1/2 skein, depending on how long you want to make your I-cord ropes)
For this particular example, I used Red Heart worsted weight Claret for the ropes on the sides and Pumpkin and Bright Yellow for the ones in the middle.
Crochet hook size H
Old pillow or cushion
2 large safety pins
Optional- Straight pins

Make your cords as explained in previous tutorials, choosing one color for the sides and at least 2 colors for the center cords.

If you don't know how to make the ropes, please refer to this tutorial:

How to Make Crochet I-Cord Ropes
To make the braid, proceed as follows:

Make your cords as explained in previous tutorials, choosing one color for the sides and at least 2 colors for the center cords, or 1 color for the sides and 1 color for the 2 center cords.

To make the braid, proceed as follows:
Inn your mind, number your ropes 1, 2, 3 and 4, counting from the right to the left.

♪ 1- Attach all the cords to the pillow with a safety pin.
♪ 2- Grab the two side braids (in this case, the Claret ones, numbers 1 and 4,) and cross them one over the other, from left to right, behind the two middle ones. Tighten a bit.
♪ 3- (Rope 4 has now become rope 1, and rope 1 has now become rope 4) Bring the rope on the right, rope 1, around the back of rope 2, and to the middle, inserting it between ropes 2 and 3.
♪ 4- Bright rope 4 (still working with the Claret ropes,) around from the back to the front around rope 3, and place it in the middle, between ropes 2 and 3, now cross the two ropes you inserted in the middle, over each other, from left to right, and tighten. If you want to, you can insert a straight pin right in the
middle of your work, to keep the forming braid tight. Push ropes 1 and 4 to the sides under ropes 2 and 3, to prepare for the next move.
♪ 5- Bring rope 1 to the front around rope 2, and to the center of ropes 2 and 3, bring rope 4 to the front, over rope 3 and to the center in the middle of ropes 2 and 3, cross from left to right. Tighten. If you want to, pin to keep it tight. Push ropes 1 and 3 to the sides, underneath the center ropes, to prepare for the next move.

►Repeat step 5 for as long as you need to for the braid to form.

Pathlights. . .Worthwhile exploring!

Braiding a Beautiful Bag

Take a look at some of the great tutorials I've collected for you on my Pinterest board especially for bag-making!
You will find them here:

Braiding a Beautiful Bag

Real Hope. . .

Gigi's Purse Strap

This narrow braid made into two short strips to be sewn to purse rings, makes a really attractive substitute for a commercial purse handle.
It is ideal for a purse or a small bag and it is quite easy to make!

To begin with, you will need to pick two contrasting colors that either match your purse or contrast beautifully with it. For example, if you have made a bag whose purse handle would have been a commercial wooden handle, why not make this one in two different earthy tones? Attach the ends to wooden purse rings and you've got a winner! If your purse was made in a variegated, pick the two most outstanding matching colors and use them for the strap, then sew them to metallic rings and you'll see how pretty it looks!

If you don't know how to make the ropes, please refer to this tutorial:

How to Make Crochet I-Cord Ropes

Materials-
Worsted weight yarn of two colors of your choice (1/2 skein)
Crochet hook size H
Scissors
Pins
Pinning surface (it could be a pillow, an old cushion, a piece of cardboard, a macrame board)
Tip:
 About your ropes or I-cords: Make them approximately twice as long as you would need them. (I suggest you leave one end of the I-cord or rope attached to the ball of yarn just in case you need more to get your desired length. This thing is definitely not a precise science!)
Pin the cord to your pinning surface, leaving free the end that has the ball attached to it. If you can manage your knotting with the ball, that is just wonderful. You can also wind some extra yarn to a wooden clothespin to make sure you have some extra yarn to work with in case you need a bit more I-cord, and then work, using the clothespin as they used to do macrame a century ago by using bobbin lace bobbins (you can use modern bobbin lace bobbins too), do whatever you consider, but it is best to have some yarn left than to be short on cord and no yarn to work with and to have to start all over again!
To make the strap proceed as follows:
Make 2 I-cord or crocheted ropes of each chosen color.
1- Leaving the rope on the left hanging and holding it straight with one hand, bring the one on the right to the front and around it towards the back, forming a rounded loop, then pass the end of the rope through to the front again. Tighten.
2- Now keeping the right rope hanging and holding it straight, repeat the process by bringing the one on the left to the front of the one on the right and around it, forming a rounded loop, and then pass the end of it through to the front. Tighten.
Repeat these 2 steps to form your pretty strap.
That was easy, wan't it?

Happy Holidays!

Bible Universe

Peony Pink Frog Closure

Materials-
Red Heart Shocking Pink
G hook
Measuring Tape.
Pinning surface (could be an old cushion or even a piece of cardboard)
Pins
Blunt needle to sew yarn


With G hook and Shocking Pink make a crocheted I-cord rope that is 25" long.

► To make the frog closure, proceed as follows:
Place the rope on the pinning surface you have chosen to use. Match ends of the rope.
Pass left leg of rope over right leg to form a loop (adjust to the size of the button you have chosen) and pin down.
Take left leg of rope and bring it around the right leg towards the back, forming a loop, then take the right leg and move it tot he back, then toward the front around the left leg and into the loop formed. Tighten a bit to form a knot.

Turn the end of the rope into a circle by curling over itself, then, slip the end of the rope through the loop formed and tighten, making a knot.
Repeat ont he opposite side.
Sew remaining ends of the rope to the back of the center knot as seen in photos.
Secure the top loop (buttonhole) with a few stitches.

Done!

Bible Universe

Kathlyn Frog Closure

Frog Closures are such a  lovely finishing touch for a bag or even for a simple tote for daily use! This one is very easy to make. If you have never made one of our closures, start with this one, you will not be disappointed! Don't be intimidated by its beauty, it is as simple as knotting and sewing. Go ahead, make Kathlyn!

Materials-
Red Heart worsted weight yarn (color of your choice)
Button of your choice
Pinning surface (could be an old cushion or pillow, a macrame board or a thick piece of cardboard)
Pins to hold your work in progress
Scissors
Measuring tape
Yarn or blunt needle

Make 1 crocheted I-cord or rope that is 17 1/2 inches long.
If you don't know how to make the ropes, please refer to this tutorial:
How to Make Crochet I-Cord Ropes

To make Kathlyn, proceed as follows:
♦ Fold your rope in half, matching ends.
♦ Cross one leg of the rope over the other (still matching ends) and pin at the desired height to form a loop to match the button you will be using.
♦ Take the left leg (hanging cord) and turn it over itself to form a circle, insert the end through the circle and pull through (not too tightly) forming a knot.
♦ Repeat with opposite leg.
♦ Cross Right rope over Left rope, ends over each other, then bring towards the knot on each side and secure with a pin.
♦ Thread blunt needle with yarn and sew the center loop secure at the level of the button of your choice, then sew the ends secure on the sides of the knots, right underneath the knots. Fasten off
and weave ends at back of Frog.

♦ Sew onto your purse or bag using the little loops on the sides of the ropes, taking care not to pull nor deform your Frog Closure.

Enjoy!

  Bible Universe

Tessa

This is a very easy 4-strand braid, one of the easiest you can make, you can use it to enhance the look of a large bag or tote by sewing it to the front of the bag or using it as a strap for the bag.

Materials-

Worsted weight yarn of your choice (I used Red Heart Pumpkin, Turqua, Bright Yellow and Delft Blue,) less than 1/2 skein each color

Crochet hook size H

Green button the size of the loop you plan to leave on the frog (that can be adjusted to your taste)

Pins

Blunt needle

Pinning surface (cardboard, pillow, macrame board, etc)

Measuring tape

If you don't know how to make the ropes, please refer to this tutorial:

How to Make Crochet I-Cord Ropes
To make this braid you need 4 ropes or crocheted I-cords.
Once you have your ropes, pin them to your pinning surface, and make the braid as follows:
Mentally, count your ropes 1, 2, 3 and 4, from the right to the left.
Take rope 1 and pass it over rope 2, under rope 3 and over rope 4.
Take the new rope 1 and pass it over rope 3, under rope 3 and over rope 4.

Repeat the same process until you get the desired length of rope you want.

You can leave a small length of rope at both ends to sew around a purse ring or you can insert it into a small crocheted square and sew it directly to your purse or bag. You can place it between small granny motifs that you will then sew to your bag, there are many ways to use these beautiful ropes!

  Bible Universe

Grasshopper Frog Closure

A pretty closure is the perfect finish for any bag, tote, shawl, wrap or jacket, this one is no exception!

Materials-

Worsted weight yarn of your choice (I used Red Heart Spring Green,) less than 1/2 skein

Crochet hook size H

Green button the size of the loop you plan to leave on the frog (that can be adjusted to your taste)

Pins

Blunt needle

Pinning surface (cardboard, pillow, macrame board, etc)

Measuring tape

If you don't know how to make the ropes, please refer to this tutorial:

How to Make Crochet I-Cord Ropes

To make this frog, proceed as follows:

• Make a 25" long I-Cord crochet rope. (Measure it, you'll need every inch of it!) Fasten off, leaving long tail to later sew it with.
• Fold the rope in half, matching ends. Cross left side of rope over right side, pin in place (that is your buttonhole, adjust to size of button you have chosen, remembering to match the ends.)
• Cut a piece of Spring Green yarn 60" long. Fold it in half. Fold it in half again, remembering to match ends. Move pin on the I-cord to the beginning of one of the sides, add another pin to the other rope leg, making sure you keep the loop you formed, but freeing the spot so you can work. Put one finger into the loop in the middle of the folded yarn and pass it under the loop formed by the I-cord or crocheted rope, then bring the yarn around from the back to the front over the loop, and pass the ends of the yarn through the loop in the yarn and tighten it, securing the I-cord loop in place. (Do NOT cut the yarn!) Move the pins again to where it’s comfortable for you to secure the loop and yet be able to work with the ends freely.
• Divide the hanging yarn into 2 equal sections.
• While holding the piece of hanging yarn that lies to the right, bring the end of the crocheted rope over the yarn, then around it towards the back and insert the end of the rope through the loop that forms naturally. Repeat a second time.
• Do the same with the opposite leg of the I-cord, pass it over the handing yarn on the left, then around it towards the back and through the loop that forms, and tighten it. Repeat a second time.
• Now bring the handing yarn to the middle and tie a knot.
• Now pass the crocheted rope on the right under the hanging yarn and bend it, pass the I-cord on the left over the handing yarn and bend it, pass the ends through the loops formed and tighten. Repeat again.

Done!

  Bible Universe

Knotted Frog Closure

My mom asked me to make this frog closure for her, for a pretty wrap she has been crocheting and I decided to share it with all of you. It can be equally used as a closure for a warp, shawl, jacket or a lovely large tote or bag, so here it is!

Materials-
Worsted weight yarn of your choice (I used Red Heart Burgundy)
Crochet hook size h
Measuring tape
Scissors
Pins
Blunt needle
Cardboard, pillow or other pinning surface
Button (color of your choice, size according to the buttonhole loop you create at the beginning)

If you do not know how to make crocheted I-Cord ropes, please refer to this tutorial:
If you don't know how to make the ropes, please refer to this tutorial: How to Make Crochet I-Cord Ropes
To make this frog, proceed as follows:
Make a 25" long I-Cord crochet rope. (Measure it, you'll need every inch of it!) Fasten off, leaving long tail.
Fold rope in half, ends matching. Fold left end of rope over right end, pin to pinning surface (that will be your buttohole, so take into consideration the size you want and slide the hole a little bit if necessary to match your button size! Make sure ends match after adjustment.)
After buttonhole has been made, you will have approx. 10" on either side of rope to work with. Place a pin in the middle of the loop, where you pass the rope over itself to form the loop and 1 pin on each side of the rope, on both sides of the top.
Cut 2 20" pieces of Burgundy (or color that you have chosen to make your frog) and fold in half, matching ends. Remove central pin of buttonhole loop, leaving the other two pins in place.
Slip the folded yarn under the loop that forms the buttonhole, where the rope legs cross, and froming a loop with the yarn, pass the ends of the yarn through the yarn loop and pull tight. Replace the central pin on top of the yarn, leave the rest of the yarn hanging. Fold Left leg of rope over the central hanging yarn and pass it under the right leg of the rope. Bring right leg of the rope under the yarn and over the loop that has formed when you bent the left leg of the rope. Pull up gently, holding the handing yarn taut. (Square Knot formed.)
Move the pins to the top of the buttonhole loop.

Repeat the Square Knot.
Repeat the Square Knot again.
Curl remaining length of rope over itself and pin.
Repeat with the opposite side.
Thread blunt needle with yarn of corresponding color and begin to sew the curled up ends secure.Using side loops of I-Cord rope, sew the curled up ends to the knotted center. Fasten off. weave in ends.
Make a few discreet stitches to secure butthole loop in place for constant use.
DO NOT SNIP THE HANGING YARN. Weave into the back of the frog.
Fasten off, weave in ends.
Tip- If your frog is a bit twisted to the side, that is normal because of the knotting. "Straighten" it out and fix it in place by a few discreet stitches at the back.

Done!

  Bible Universe

Fun Butterfly Frog Closure

This frog closure is very easy to do but it can still enhance your bag quite a bit.
It will look beautiful on a large tote but also will look super cute on a child's jacket.

Materials-
Worsted weight yarn of your choice
Crochet hook size H
Pins
Pinning cardboard or pillow
Blunt needle and yarn of matching color to sew frog together and to project
Scissors

First, you need to make an I-cord rope that is 15 1/2" long.

If you do not know how to make crocheted I-Cord ropes, please refer to this tutorial:
If you don't know how to make the ropes, please refer to this tutorial: How to Make Crochet I-Cord Ropes

To form the frog proceed as follows:
Match the ends of your rope.
Cross end of rope over itself, right to left, to form loop that will act as a buttonhole. Pin in place.
Cross again in the same direction.
Pass the rope over itself to form a loop, pin in place. Repeat on opposite side.
Curl the ends of the rope to form the top of the wings of the butterfly. Pin into place.
Thread a blunt needle with yarn and begin to sew butterfly together (do not pull all the pins off at once but do it little by little, securing the shape of the butterly as you go.)
Fasten off securely at back so that your frog closure will withstand use.
Sew onto your project.
Sew button opposite buttonhole loop.
Done!

  Bible Universe

Craftybegonia's Pretzel Frog Closure

This frog closure is a lot of fun. It is very easy to make and really lovely. Originally, I made it to close a capelet (so it is versatile) but looks gorgeous as a closure for a large bag or tote, so I decided to share it here at our Embellish Crochet School.

Materials-
Worsted weight yarn
Crochet hook size H
Pins
Pinning cardboard or pillow
scissors
Blunt needle to sew

With Worsted weight yarn in the color of your choice and H hook, make an crocheted I-Cord rope 19" long. Fasten off, leaving long tail to sew with.


If you don't know how to make the ropes, please refer to this tutorial: How to Make Crochet I-Cord Ropes

To make the frog, work as following:

Fold the cord in half, matching the ends. Cross the left end over the right one, forming a loop the size of the button you will be using. Pin in place. Curl right rope's end into a circle, insert end into the circle and pull a bit, as if you were going to make a knot, but not tightening into a knot, but leaving spaces in between, (it will look like a pretzel) bring the end up to one side of the button loop (turn the knot you just formed around, so that the pretzel part will be to the bottom and the end of the rope to the top, bring the top to the side of the loop that will form the buttonhole) and pin. Repeat on the opposite side. Now thread blunt needle with tail and sew, to secure the ends in place. Finally, take out the pins and stitch the middle, where the loop was crossed, to keep the button from slipping out. Fasten off. Sew frog to your bag, large purse or tote, leaving the buttonhole loop free. Sew button in place and you're done! You just got a handsome way to close your new bag.

Bible Universe

Clair-Evette Purse Strap

Your bag needs a pretty handle to complete its beautiful look, why not make a lovely strap? You can save money and have an even more unique bag in the end!

As all other rope-braids this one might look a little complicated, but if you follow the instructions carefully, it is quite easy to make.

Materials-

Worsted weight yarn of your choice in 4 different colors, wound up into balls

Crochet hook size H

Scissors

Pins

A pinning surface (could be a macramé cardboard, a simple strong cardboard or my favorite, a pillow)

Make 4 I-Cord ropes as we have taught in previous tutorials, leaving one end of rope tied to the ball of yarn, in case you miscalculate how much you need and need to crochet more rope. If you don't know how to make the ropes, please refer to this tutorial:

How to Make Crochet I-Cord Ropes

Once you have made ropes (I suggest that you make them in 4 different colors that either match or contrast your bag nicely) proceed as follows to make the strap:

Pin your ropes to your braiding surface (cardboard or pillow) leaving the distance of about 2 sc in between them (a couple of centimeters), you have to eye-ball it. If you use a cardboard surface, you can make a small rule on top to help you out. I like to make a large square of crocheted sc, and place it at the back to help me as a guide. You can do whatever you like, this is not an exact science, so whatever you like will work.

Mentally count your ropes as 1, 2, 3 and 4, from left to right.

1-     Pass rope 2 under ropes 3 and 4 toward the right.

2-     Pass rope 1 over ropes 3 and 4 to the right.

3-     Pass new rope 4 over rope 3 to the left.

4-     Pass new rope 2 over rope 1 to the left.

5-     Cross the two ropes that are now in the middle, the left one over the right one, toward the right. Tighten a bit.

6-     Pass new rope 4 over rope 3 to the left.

7-     Pass new rope 2 over rope 1 to the left.

8-     Take rope 1 and pass it under ropes 2 and 3 and over rope 4, leaving a small loop.

Take rope 4, pass it over ropes 3 and 2, and through the loop and over rope. Tighten a bit.
Take rope 4, pass it over ropes 2 and 3 and under rope 1, leaving a small loop.

Take rope 1, pass it under ropes 2 and 3 and through loop to complete the square knot.

9-     Cross new rope 4 over rope 3 right to left, cross rope 2 over rope 1, right to left.

10-  Cross the two ropes that are now in the middle left to right.

11- Repeat step #8.

Continue repeating Steps 3 to 8 for as long as you need to, until you have the length of  strap you want for your purse or bag.

Bible Universe

Terry-Jean's Braid or Purse Strap

This is a lovely braid or strap made with 4 crocheted I-cord ropes, that can be used as an embellishment for the front of a bag or as a fun and colorful bag strap. If you decide to make it into a strap, calculate enough braid to fold over the purse ring that you'll use to attach the strap to your bag and sew on the back side.

This braid is based on the crochet I-cord, if you do not know how to make this cord or rope, please refer to this tutorial:
How to Make Crochet I-Cord Ropes

Materials-
Worsted weight yarn of your choice in 4 different colors to match or contrast your bag
Crochet hook size H
Scissors
Pins
Pillow to pin ropes to for braiding
Measuring tape (if you need to measure length of braid to fit your bag)
Purse rings of choice (if using for a strap)

Make balls for each color you will be using. Work 1 rope or I-cord per color. Make each rope twice as long as the finished item.
Leave one end of the rope attached to the yarn in the ball, just in case you need more rope. Once you finish your strap, you can easily fasten off, but if you miscalculate and do not have enough rope and have severed the yarn, you then have to start all over again, whereas if you run out of rope before you're done braiding, you can easily pin the part you have braided to secure it and crochet the necessary length of rope and finish your strap or braid without a problem.

To make the strap, proceed as follows: 


Mentally number your ropes 1, 2, 3 and 4, counting left to right.

1- Bend rope 4 over the 2 middle ones and place it under rope 1. Bend rope 1 under the 2 middle ropes and bring forward through the loop
that formed when you bent the first rope, tighten a bit. Repeat. (Do not tighten too much, let the colors of the ropes be seen.)

2- Pass rope 2 over rope 1, pass rope 4 over rope 3, and cross the 2 ropes that are now in the middle one over the other, left to right.

3- Repeat step 3.

4- Repeat step 1.

Repeat these 4 steps for as long as you need to to make your braid or strap.

There is an immense amount of variations to these beautiful straps, as many as the ideas you get for new bags, totes and purses, so experiment and have fun with them!

Look Beyond Today. . .