Swatches beyond their obvious use of finding the gauge you are getting with a particular yarn and hook or needles. I would love to do something other than the afghan idea and the few ideas presented in April. Not all of these are my own ideas. Years ago I did a search for ideas. Those ideas sparked new ones. Other people gave me ideas.
1. One square equals one coaster.
2. One square, along with some felt and
stuffing, and you'll have a pretty pin cushion.
3. Two squares and some felt for padding will
produce one potholder.
4. Two large squares can travel along as a
handy beach bag.
5. Two small squares stitched together, then
lined with felt, and you'll have a handy home for all those loose needles.
6. Two motifs, tied with ribbons at the sides
and shoulders, can be a vest for a favorite doll.
7. Make three tiny squares of fine crochet
cotton, stitch them together into a strip, and you'll have a gift for the
family bookworm.
8. Gather all your knitting worsted yarn
scraps together, make four squares to cover that "seen better days"
sofa pillow.
9. Four squares equals an eyeglass case-- 2
squares on each side.
10. Sew six squares into a two motif by three
motif rectangle and you'll have a table mat.
11. Nine tiny squares will make a doll house
afghan. The best yarn to use here is one strand of three-ply needle point yarn.
12. Nine four-inch squares can cover the side
of a slightly worn, but oh-so-handy tote. Eighteen squares and you can cover
the whole thing!
13. Nine squares is also the right size for a
seat cushion for the dining room chairs.
14. Sixteen squares in rug yarn makes a nice
bathroom rug. Figuring four squares by four squares, you can make it larger, if
you like.
15. Twenty squares makes the perfect welcome
mat. This is four squares by five squares for a nice rectangle to fit by the
front door.
16. Thirty-two is about the right number of
squares to cover the old backing on your rocking chair. Figure a four by eight
block rectangle; be sure to measure the chair as rockers, of course, differ.
You
have now found a home for 122 squares.
What to
make with even more Squares:
1. 4
squares (4" each) made from cotton yarn and whip stitched together makes a
dishcloth.
2.
Take 2 - 12 inch squares whip stitched together on 3 sides. Make a braid
30 inches long. Attach the braid to the top edges where they are joined and you
have a Bag for the beach or as a book bag (lining would be nice).
3.
Whip stitch together twenty four 5 inch squares together (6 by 4) and
fold in half width wise. Sew along bottom and side. Make a chain cord to weave
through the top and you have a heating pad cover.
4. One
7 inch square folded in half and crocheted across the bottom and side and you
have another eye glasses case.
5. 6
squares stitched together into a cube shape and stuffed make a baby block
toy. I like to place a big jingle bell in the center of the stuffing before
closing the last side.
6. 2
squares in cotton yarn and whip stitched together on 3 sides with a draw string
through the top makes a soap saver/soap on a rope.
7.
Take 6 squares in cotton yarn and whip stitched together 2 x 3 and you
have an absorbent pretty hand towel.
8. 12
small squares make these granny-square-slippers.
9. 42
squares make this groovy squares poncho.
You have
now found a home for 99 more squares.
A Chest
Full of Squares
Have even more Squares? Here’s more ideas!
1. With 64 squares, all the same size, you
can make a cardigan. Need it to fit a variety of people? Vary the size of the
yarn, hook and size of square. Keep them all the same. Add a collar and button
band as desired. See this post granny-square-baby-cardigan.
2. With 6 squares,
5 sewn together in a strip that is then joined and the last one sewn to one
long edge of the ring. And you have a hat.
3. With 9
squares sewn together in a long strip, you have a scarf
4. With 30
tiny thread squares sewn together into a long ring, you have a fancy lanyard
for a convention name badge or scissors.
5. With 19
squares and some lining fabric, you can make a rectangular tote bag, 6 on each
side and the rest are the gusset. Line for stability. Add purchased handles or
strap.
6. A
variable number of squares or rounded squares to fit your window, make a
chevron shaped valance to add interest to a window that doesn’t need to be
fully covered.
7. A cotton
square 8 or 9 inches in size makes a great dishcloth.
You now have found a home for at least 175
more squares that you can make.
If you have only a few swatches that you have made for other clothes, such as sweaters, most likely they are the same color family as clothes you already wear. Try adding patch pockets with the swatches or elbow patches to ready made clothes. Make a cell phone case from two of them. Make a change purse from one or two and a zipper.
What ideas do you have?? Post them below in the comments. Links included are ones I have made and they are well written.
