On a visit to one of my favourite blogs I discovered a pattern for a crochet wind spinner. I just love wind spinners/twirlers in the garden.
It is a wonderful project to use up the left over yarn (Red Heart Comfort) from other projects. Colour doesn’t seem to matter, though using one colour for each row looks the best. You can choose the colour combinations you prefer.
I found various versions of the pattern, from being written in British terms to American terms, to using hdc, sc, and dc in various combinations. This is my version.
Choose 3 colours of yarn. The length of the starting chain will determine how long your wind spinner will be. I used 100 but you can use how many you want. At the end of each row leave a long enough tail to stitch in or fasten the tassle on to. I used a 3.5 mm hook and American terms. Finish off at the end of each row and switch to a new colour.
- Foundation Row: Chain 100 in colour 1
- Row 1: sc in each stitch in colour 1
- Row 2: 2 dc in each stitch in colour 2
- Row 3: 3 dc in each stitch in colour 3
It takes a bit of untwirling to get the wind spinner sorted out and ready to hang.
There are good and bad things about finding this pattern now.
- it is getting close to un-decorating the garden for the upcoming Canadian winter so I won’t be able to hang them in the garden for very long
- I need to buy some different colours of yarn
- I can make them over the winter and have lots to display in the garden next year
- I can make them to gift to friends and family
- I can hang them inside over the winter
A tassel was made and joined onto one end of the spinner. I’m going to try different things instead of a tassel. Perhaps some beads or a bell on the next ones I make. You are only limited by your own imagination.
I have a lot in common with Linda, of Linda’s Crafty Corner besides having the same name and both being retired there is our love of crochet, painted rocks, and grandkids. Be sure to visit her site and see her crochet wind spinners.
The crochet wind spinners are hanging in the tea thyme garden. There is lots of other garden whimsy there … the endless cup of tea, painted rocks and houses, spoon chimes, the claypot lighthouse, a gazing ball. You can find these projects and many more on the garden whimsy page.
And then there were 3. I love how the first and second row, which curled up as I was making the wind spinners straightened out and looks like a straight row right through the middle once it is hanging.
My next challenge will be to use up some sock yarn and see how they turn out. Added: sock yarn spinners
A search will give you lots of various patterns and videos. I found this video (not made by me) and it shows how to make the crochet wind spinner. It gives step by step instructions plus you can see how they look in the garden.
Make a twirler/wind spinner
Linda
I love your wind spinners Linda they look lovely in your garden, they are addictive aren’t they? I’m still making them haha Thanks for the shout out. xx
Crafty Gardener
I’m still making them too, going to try sock yarn next to get different sizes. Have a great day.
Jennifer A. Jilks
You are so clever!
Margie
Very cool! Love the tea thyme garden video!
Crafty Gardener
Thanks Margie, unfortunately it is almost time to take down the tea thyme tree for another year. Thanks goodness for photos and videos. Hope you are staying dry on this really rainy Wednesday.
Margy
Reminds me of how my mother loved to crochet. She rationed herself to one afghan square a night as a treat for after dinner. I have so many of her afghans because she only made them for family and dear friends. – Margy
Crafty Gardener
I also have a lot of afghans, and have started to give some away to family members and friends. What a great part of an evening routine your Mom had. I’m sure you treasure the afghans.
Marlyanne
Do you use fishing line or weed eater string in yours. I saw somewhere where they were saying they use those items in theirs
Crafty Gardener
I didn’t use fishing line or similar in these ones, but I did think about it, as you usually get a better twirl with the fishing line. I might add the fishing line to the next group I make, and also attach a fishing swivel to make for better twirling. Thanks for stopping by.
Lavender Dreams
Those are so neat! They wouldn’t last long here with the pop up showers and sun but they are very cute! Thanks for the patterns and the links!
Crafty Gardener
Hi Dianne, we’ll see how the wind spinners hold up after a day of heavy rains. They are easy to make and can be easily replaced if necessary. Hope you are keeping well.
Angie
Linda – your tea thyme garden is truly whimsical. I don’t have any spinners, but I have always admire how mesmerizing they are to watch. I am sure there are several bloggers who read Mosaic Monday that are going to love your post – thanks for linking up!
Crafty Gardener
Thanks for stopping by Angie. I hope there are others in Mosaic Monday that will enjoy making them. Have a good day.
Debbie-Dabble
Linda,
Well, isn’t this the cutest darn thing!! Adorable!! I just sent a link to this post to a woman I know who loves to crochet!! Thanks so much for sharing and thanks for dropping by and for your sweet comment!! Stay safe healthy and happy!!
hugs,
Deb
Crafty Gardener
Thanks Deb, hope your friend likes it. A red, white and blue one would be great for your patriotic theme. Have a great day.