Crocheted Wooden Bowl
By Vickie Howell

How-To Photos By: Tanner Howell

I'm always looking for new ways that knitting and crochet can be applied to other forms of craft. I'd seen fellow designers drill holes into wood pieces to embroider through, lace over, or otherwise assemble into some new kind of arty goodness -- this got me thinking, "Hey, I bet I can do something similar with crochet!" I love the idea of juxtaposing something as non-pliable as wood with something traditionally softer like yarn. There's sort of a male/female yin and yang quality to the combo, don't you think?This basic, wooden salad bowl given a modern makeover using pineapple yarn is a realization of just that. Happy hooking!

MATERIALS

Wooden bowl (I used one that measured 12" in diameter and 5" in height. For the best results, use a bowl that's about 1/4" thick.)
1 ball Habu Fique Pineapple (100% fique-family of the pineapple plant / 1oz;28 gr)
US size G hook
US size #4 hook (or size small enough to fit through holes)
Dremel or drill
1/8" drill bit
Measuring tape
Marking pen
Tapestry needle

GAGUE

1 1/2 Sts= 1"

ABBREVIATIONS

Ch = Chain
Dc = Double crochet
Dec = Decrease
Sc = Single crochet
Sl St = Slip stitch
St(s) = Stitch(es)
Rnd: Round
YO = Yarn over

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Hole-y Cow!

Using a measuring tape and pen, mark dots about 3/4" down and 1/2" apart around the rim of the bowl. Carefully drill holes, using pen marks as guide. Clean dust off.

Step 2: Hooray Crochet!

Rnd 1 (attaching the yarn to the bowl): Insert smaller hook, front to back, into hole.

Place yarn with slip knot onto the hook and pull the loop through, ch3.

Sc in next hole as follows: *insert hook, yo, pull yarn through hole, yo, pull through both loops on hook. Repeat from * around. Join rnd with a sl st.

Once you've completed Rnd 1, set hook aside and use your fingers to push the top of the row down, towards the bottom of the holes. This will change the direction you're crocheting so that you're working towards the bottom of the bowl.

Rnd 2 (worked in the opposite direction than Rnd 1): With the larger hook, ch 3, *Dc in next st. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st.

Repeat Rnd 2 as many times as necessary until you get to the point where the bowl curves. If you chose to work with a cylindrical bowl, then just keep on keepin' on until you reach about 1/2"-1" (your choice) from the bowl bottom.

Dec Rnd (use where curve begins): Continue working in dc as for Rnd 2, dec 3 sts evenly around bowl. Join with a sl st.

Repeat the Dec Rnd 1-3 more times, as required.

Tie off. Weave in ends.

NOTE: Hand wash only!

About the Author:

Vickie Howell is a mother, designer, writer and voice for this generation's craft movement. She hosted TV's popular show Knitty Gritty for 8 seasons, co-hosted DIY's Stylelicious, writes an Eco-Craft column for the healthy parenting magazine, KIWI, designs for publications worldwide, and has written several craft books including, the upcoming Pop Goes Crochet (May '09). For more scoop, go to: www.vickiehowell.com.