About Me

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United Kingdom
Hi there & welcome to Annie's Place. A place inspired by and named after my late Grandmother Annie. Somewhere I can be creative, and share my love for all things handmade. I like nothing better than sitting with hook & yarn, crafting something home spun & completely unique, or rustling up some yummy baked goodies. I live in a town with a beautiful embankment, situated on the River Great Ouse. You may know me as CosyKitty on Ravelry. Why not stop a while.....?!!

Thursday, 6 June 2013

Solid 'Willow' Crochet Block How-To

Hello lovely people, thank you for being so generous with your comments on my last post. I know the Jan Eaton 'Willow' Block is a firm favourite for a lot of the seasoned crocheters amongst you, so it's lovely to hear that my simple adaptation of this pattern into a solid block version has proved popular. I'm sure many of you would find it super easy to interpret what I've done just by looking at the pictures I posted, but for those who've asked I've put together a very basic tutorial. 

The main body of the pattern can be found on page 106 of the block directory, in the book 200 crochet blocks for blankets, throws and afghans. Jan's pattern has the centre motif openly framed by four rounds of crochet, but I've chosen to encase the centre motif in just 2 rounds, with no visible gaps.
You can choose any number of colour combinations, but I've decided to use one colour for the whole centre motif and another for the border. I think it works really well. So here goes; I'm working on a 3.5mm hook with 100% cotton yarn. Once you've followed the first 5 rounds of Jan's pattern from the book you can choose to either fasten off and join a new colour (like I have), or carry on with the same colour to completion.

It really is a very simple concept, so I hope you find these instructions easy to follow. As with my Happy Flower Tutorial, I must point out I'm by no means an authority on writing up crochet patterns, so forgive any mistakes you may find, but by all means let me know about them should you spot any. 

Just click on the pics for a more detailed view

UK Terms




There you have it, 
see I told you it was easy!!!


Happy Hooking
x x x 
Posted by at

63 comments:

  1. Fiona6 June 2013 at 01:23

    Thank you so much for this tutorial :) I look forward to putting it to very good use soon!!

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  2. Jennifer Hays6 June 2013 at 03:09

    This is a nice tutorial, thank you. The blocks look beautiful.

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  3. Xelenacrochets6 June 2013 at 06:22

    Thanks for sharing! This is beautiful.

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  4. Irene6 June 2013 at 06:48

    Oh my goodness me your finished squares are brilliant and I just LOVE them, all the colours are gorgeous.
    luv
    irene
    xxxx

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  5. Sandra6 June 2013 at 06:50

    Those finished Willow pattern squares look just lovely on your table in their different colour combinations! How kind of you to give the tutorial if we would like to try out the same!

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  6. Taci simmons6 June 2013 at 07:05

    How beautiful and how generous of you to share your amazing talent with us!

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  7. m6 June 2013 at 07:09

    Super! I'm going to try tonight, I've found the right wool for it and was just waiting for that bit of inspiration to get me going. Thanks!!! (lovely blog by the way, you're on my blogrol for such a long time now and I really enjoy reading your posts!!) I'll take my crochet with me to the Gezi Park protests in Istanbul tonight :-)

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  8. Unknown6 June 2013 at 08:23

    Hi Sharron,Thank you,Thank you!!Can't wait to start with them!!!!Have a happy week!!!
    Love
    AMarie

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  9. Nilya6 June 2013 at 09:00

    Thanks for this nice tutorial. Love your stuff!

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  10. Samantha Roberts6 June 2013 at 13:00

    Hi Sharron, your blocks look brilliant - both in colour choice and pattern adaptation. Thanks for the tutorial - I have the book and would like to give it a try someday (when i can dig myself out of my huge pile of WIP, lol)

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  11. Stins6 June 2013 at 13:46

    Oh wow... that is so pretty! Certainly one to remember.....

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  12. Unknown6 June 2013 at 14:40

    Thank-you! You have squared this motif off perfectly!

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  13. Jo6 June 2013 at 19:58

    I like the hues of colour in your blocks. It makes them look less 'granny' and more sophisticated. Jo x

    http://joeveryday19.blogspot.co.uk/

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  14. Heather 6 June 2013 at 20:57

    looks amazing! might have to get that book, Heather x

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  15. Nanita7 June 2013 at 08:41

    Lovely tutorial! I really do like your improved squares so much better than the original ones :-)

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  16. Sharon7 June 2013 at 10:37

    Thanks for a great turorial. I made this block last night exactly from the book but I'm now going to try your version of it. Love your colour choices x

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  17. Eileen7 June 2013 at 11:41

    Thanks so much. Love your colors. Have a great weekend.

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  18. jagodaj7 June 2013 at 13:07

    Super:)Thanks for this nice tutorial: )

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  19. Unknown7 June 2013 at 16:32

    Hello fro Texas! Thank you so much for your tutorial on the "Willow" block you did an excellent job. Can't wait to make this for my next project. It would be great if you would post a tutorial for your adaptation of the "Edwardian Fancy" block. I think it is beautiful and would love to make it also. You crochet beautifully. Thanks again.

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  20. 11jayj7 June 2013 at 23:13

    Hello, have just come across your site, love the work and colour co-ordination. Very inspiring. Thank you Jackie x

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  21. BlackberryCrumble8 June 2013 at 06:55

    Those colours are fabulous - do you have a list of what they are? I would never have out then together, but they are lovely.

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  22. sweetpea family8 June 2013 at 19:18

    They look amazing - thank you for the tutorial x

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  23. ♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM9 June 2013 at 12:17

    Such a pretty block and very easy to follow tutorial...thank you for sharing! Love all the different colours together in the last pic too!
    Happy Sunday,
    Susan x

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  24. dancing-muffin.blogspot.de9 June 2013 at 13:37

    Oh what a wonderful blog,so many nice crochet.I come back,soon ;0).
    Thanks for sharing this granny♥
    Hapy greetings from germany,
    Ulli

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  25. Magda9 June 2013 at 16:07

    thanks for sharing your beautiful work, full of love!!!
    greetings from Chile, south America!
    Long live to knitters!!!

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  26. Mami9 June 2013 at 17:24

    Sharron!
    Thank you so much for not only sharing your WIP and finished works of art...but for being so kind as to provide a tutorial. I love coming here for inspiration. I have been following you since you last November and have never been disappointed. Thank you for introducing me to cotton yarn and for always replying to any questions I have. Enjoy the wonderful sunshine that promises a glorious summer (we hope). xxx

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  27. Doris Yocum Turner10 June 2013 at 00:42

    Love this. I must put it on my to do list

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  28. Anonymous10 June 2013 at 09:28

    Hi Sharron, I have just come across your site and love it. Thanks for the tutorial ... beautiful work work and colour co-ordination. I am a beginner and do not have Jan Eaton's book. Do you by any chance know where else I can get the pattern for this solid willow? Love Nelma from South Africa

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  29. Unknown11 June 2013 at 00:08

    I Love Your pattern and the colors are just fabulous !! I finished 2 squares last night. I had an issue with the pattern in Jan Eatons book. When I did round 4 it didn't match up with round 5. It took me an hour to figure it out. In round 4 it kept saying to chain 2 skip 2 spaces then round 5 was saying to chain into the 5 chain space which there was no chain 5 spaces. I finally figured it out by studying the picture of the finished pattern. Did you have this issue in your book also ?? I have come across several of the patterns in this book that are incorrect patterns and for an experienced beginner as myself can be extremely confusing. Thanks so much for sharing your pattern I like yours much better.
    Best Wishes from Virginia, USA
    Lynn

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    Replies
    1. Unknown26 June 2013 at 21:16

      Lynn, any chance you can help me out? I too am stuck at round 4. My pattern says, Ch 1, sc in sl st, *ch 5, sl st in 5th ch from hook, sk 2 dc, sc in next dc, ch 2, sk 2 dc, sc in next dc, ch3, sk 2 dc, sc in next dc, ch 2, sk 2 dc**, sc in next dc*; rep from * to * 2 times, then rep from * to ** 1 time, sl st in beg sc to join.

      But this doesn't makes sense as I think I should have 4 chains of 5 to make the pattern work.

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  30. Anna11 June 2013 at 16:21

    Hi,

    I just found your blog this afternoon and have had a wonderful time looking at all your beautiful colourful crochet. I will definitely be coming back!

    Best wishes!
    Anna

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  31. b r m12 June 2013 at 14:59

    this is beautiful! i have to make some! thanks for sharing

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  32. Vicki12 June 2013 at 15:09

    Are you on Pinterest?

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  33. Vicki12 June 2013 at 15:10

    Your work is simply beautiful, The reason I was asking if you have pinterest is So I can follow your work.

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  34. Anonymous12 June 2013 at 15:30

    Do you have it in English terms Hon? I adore it! Thank you so much for posting.:-)

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  35. Jen12 June 2013 at 15:35

    I saw the photo that Lion Brand Yarn featured on Facebook, and decided it was so beautiful that I need to learn how to crochet. My mother taught me the most basic things when I was a little girl, but knitting appealed more over the years. But I've been seeing pictures of things lately that I just can't do knitting, so I'm going to have to learn more than the basics. Lovely stuff you have here, well done!

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  36. Connie12 June 2013 at 16:05

    I LOVE how crisp and clean all your squares look! I'm working on finishing up some WIPs before DH will let me start anything new. Have you done/will you do any tutorials about how you join your squares? I'm still figuring out what method I like best and love the look of yours!

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  37. Anonymous12 June 2013 at 18:01

    You have very good color combinations. I gave up crocheting and went back to knitting. Now, I am very much wanting to make some crochet items for summertime.

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  38. Veronique12 June 2013 at 19:19

    BEAUTIFUL!

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  39. photosarah12 June 2013 at 21:05

    This pattern is gorgeous. I love all the different colors you made, and hope to try your tutorial soon!

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  40. Anonymous12 June 2013 at 23:13

    Where can I find the pattern for the Willow block?

    Thank you so much for sharing your tutorial.

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  41. Gillian Roe12 June 2013 at 23:18

    I love this pattern and I love even more what you've done with it! Your squares are stunning. Thank you for sharing your tutorial with us. I am new to crochet so it may be sometime before I attempt this but I would really like to have a go. x

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  42. Anonymous13 June 2013 at 04:06

    Your crochet work is beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this, and thank you to Lion Brand who put this on facebook for me to see. Truly your work in amazing and the colors are brillant,

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  43. Unknown13 June 2013 at 13:32

    Just love it!

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  44. Patricia Fernanda13 June 2013 at 14:37

    Muito bonito o ponto e as cores escolhidas!!! Abraço

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  45. heidihill14 June 2013 at 05:04

    not only are they gorgeous,but they are made beautifully-you are so talented and generous for sharing,thanks so much!!!

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  46. Zebra Princess14 June 2013 at 17:25

    I just found your site this morning and I like what I see. I've been looking for a new project to take on a trip in a couple of weeks and I think I have found it! I love how you've finished off this willow block and the fact that it's a good stash buster. I don't know what I'll make with them yet, but maybe a new throw for the couch is in order? Thanks again for the pattern and I'll be back often!

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  47. Suzana21 June 2013 at 13:15

    I found your blog today and I love it. Your tutorials are so clear and easy to follow! Thank you for sharing

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  48. Unknown21 June 2013 at 14:07

    Your work is so beautiful, just beautiful colors thank you for your inspiration- I would love to make one

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  49. Unknown22 June 2013 at 17:06

    Me gustó mucho, es hermoso y gracias por compartir.

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  50. Agulhas Colheres & Afins25 June 2013 at 18:27

    Estou apaixonada pelo teu trabalho, fantastico! Dá vontade de sair fazendo croche.
    XX

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  51. le journal de Syl17 November 2013 at 21:11

    J'ai découvert votre blog aujourd'hui et je l'adore, merci pour toutes ces belles choses et pour ce partage...je reviendrai vous rendre visite très souvent...donc je vous dis à bientôt!

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  52. Lúcia30 December 2013 at 02:22

    Tudo lindo.Muito lindo.Parabéns!!!!

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  53. Lúcia30 December 2013 at 02:24

    Muito lindo seus trabalhos.Parabéns.

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  54. Anonymous7 April 2014 at 17:50

    I just found your blog today. I have been looking for beautiful medallions and I have found them. I love your work and can't wait to get started. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  55. Bhutan Knit N Crochet 11 July 2014 at 11:30

    Thank you so much for this beautiful tutorial, i wud also love to see d tutorial for willow too for my future project pls. xoxoxo

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  56. Anonymous21 October 2014 at 06:08

    Thank you from Malta. Thanks for sharing your amazing talent. This blog is a treasure , My hands are itching to get started.

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  57. ileana20 January 2015 at 10:16

    Yesterday I had finished a classic willow blanket, but now I need to make another blanket using your idea! it's so so brilliant!

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  58. Anonymous4 February 2015 at 11:14

    Pretty things make me happy :)

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  59. Unknown28 May 2015 at 14:34

    Thank you for a world of colour such beautiful pieces

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  60. Unknown11 September 2016 at 18:04

    I'm really glad to have stumbled upon your page. These are all lovely! Just exactly what I need. Thank you so much!

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  61. Unknown7 November 2016 at 17:39

    thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas I look forward to more

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  62. Unknown22 December 2016 at 12:19

    In case you don't have the book, there's an excellent authorised video on YouTube showing how to make the actual centre part https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sbAHfyeLXo. The edging you've done sets it off perfectly.

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Thank you for visiting me here at Annie's Place, and for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate each and every word x x x

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