Crochet Nation • Issue 6

📬 A Collector’s Must-Have! Get Your Hands on the Print Newspaper Dedicated to Crochet!

Missed out on Issue 6 of Crochet Nation? Now’s your chance to grab this back issue and dive into the magic of crochet, delivered straight to your mailbox

Here's What You'll Love in Issue 6 Of Crochet Nation:

• You're three granny squares into a picnic blanket when you realize the colors look chaotic, not cheerful. Page 4's Granny Square Kids Picnic Blanket solves this with a checkerboard layout in cheery orange, toasty brown, and crisp white—plus assembly instructions that don't skip the tricky corner joins.
• Think granny squares are too dated? Page 5 reveals how Mrs. Phelps published the "Crazy Afghan" pattern in 1885, turning Depression-era scrap yarn into creative expression. That granny square you're making? You're continuing a 140-year legacy of women who turned thrift into beauty.
• Ever wonder why crochet and sailing both use the word "hook"? Page 6 uncovers the surprising connection: 16th-19th century sailors used marlinspike seamanship—nets, knots, rigging—with hooks and loops. Those techniques literally sailed from ship decks into your living room.
• Need a quick win that doesn't look beginner-basic? Page 6's Easy Crochet Can Cozy takes 30 minutes with leftover cotton. Your desk gets condensation protection, and you get instant gratification. Win-win.
• Thought filet crochet was stuck in the doily drawer? Page 7's Bobble & Chic Cardigan proves otherwise—a funky, modern cardigan mixing bobbles and filet for breezy wearable style. Designer Lauren Willis brings filet into the 21st century, sizes XXS through 5X.
• Intimidated by filet crochet charts? Page 9's "Fearless Filet" guide is your permission slip. Lauren Willis explains what filet actually is (a grid of open and filled spaces), how to read charts without panic, and why blocking transforms your work from homemade to "where'd you buy that?"
• Mistake #1 that ruins filet: chains too tight. Page 9's troubleshooting section explains why your chains need to stay loose, why you work into spaces (not chains), and how to stop losing count mid-row. Lauren's seen every filet fail—and she'll help you fix it.
• Want to try 3D crochet without overwhelming yourself? Page 10's adorable 3D Llama (designed by Caitie Moore, Celine Semaan, and Sharna Moore) gives you dimensional construction practice. Intermediate level. The llama becomes a matching granny square bag—personality in one portable project.
• Amigurumi circles always curl, ripple, or refuse to lay flat? Page 13's "Hook & How: Crocheting in the Round" by Anna Leyzina breaks down magic rings, spiral rounds vs. joined rounds, and includes stitch count tables so you always increase correctly. This is the amigurumi foundation you've been missing.
• Tired of crocheted slippers that scream "grandma"? Page 12's Classic Sneaker Slippers look like actual high-top sneakers—complete with laces. Cozy enough for house wear, cool enough to show off. Beginner+ level, sizes Women's Small through Men's XL.
• Christmas crafting stress starts in November. Why do that to yourself? Page 15's Kawaii Christmas Amigurumi (adorable Robin and Santa's Milk & Cookies set) lets you get ahead in July. Make holiday gifts now, or make them just because they're cute. Either way, no December panic.
• Craft fair booth looking sad? Prices feeling random? Page 18's Dear Grandma Ange gives first-timers the survival guide: keep displays clean, price thoughtfully ($10-$45 range for small items), pack a crochet kit, and bring a simple project to calm your nerves. She's seen it all.
• Chart symbols look like alien hieroglyphics? Page 18's Dear Grandma Ange breaks down how to read crochet charts: circular charts begin at center, flat charts start at bottom right, and that "x" means single crochet. Practice with patterns that show both written and chart instructions until it clicks.
• Summer crochet feels like wrapping yourself in a wool blanket during a heatwave. Page 19's Dr. Yarnsworth explains which fibers breathe (cotton, linen, bamboo) and which ones cling like polyester gym shorts (acrylic, chunky wool). Cotton is summer's iced tea—cool, comforting, and always appropriate.
• Bamboo yarn keeps slipping off your hook like it's greased. Page 19's fiber guide warns you: bamboo is silky-soft but twice as slippery. Perfect for drapey tanks and wraps, terrible if you're already fighting tension issues. Plan accordingly.
• Need a summer shawl that won't make you sweat? Page 21's Affaire de Coeur Shawl is a breezy, beginner-friendly openwork triangle made with DK-weight wool-alpaca blend. Finished size: 86" wide x 35" deep. Light layering that actually works in July.
• You have 47 saved patterns. You've started three. Page 22's "Crochet Crushes" article gets it. Reader Mary confesses: "I finally choose a pattern, then find one from six months ago that's even better. It's like my stash is playing mind games." You're not alone. Plus: how to actually finish projects instead of just collecting patterns.
• Not sure if you're a color genius or a construction nerd? Page 23's "What's Your Crochet Superpower?" quiz reveals whether you're a Color Maestro (joyful hue combinations), Stitch Sorcerer (technique mastery), or Community Connector (gifting is your love language). Includes perfect project recommendations for each type.

📰 It’s Print! No screens, no distractions—just the joy of flipping through a real crochet newspaper.

🧶 It’s Packed with Value! Each issue is brimming with patterns, stories, and crochet inspiration.

🎁 It’s Happy Mail! There’s nothing like the excitement of receiving a tangible, crochet-filled surprise in your mailbox.

💌 Limited Stock Available! Back issues are printed in limited quantities, so once they’re gone, they’re gone! Snag your copy today and complete your collection.