How to Crochet an Apple.

 As International Yarn Bombing Day rapidly approaches (I think June 12th), I thought I,d better get the apple pattern/recipe up on the blog! Although usually I am all for going multicoloured, I have to say, the apples looked ridiculously effective all being a uniform red.... not as much fun though - see I have already rebelled by adding a green one to the photo. Just saying though...

Materials.

red (or any colour) 8 ply (any ply is fine too)

Brown 4 or 8 ply yarn

green felt

needle

either a size 3.5mm or 4mm crochet hook

stuffing

Terms

ch = chain
slst = slip stitch
sc = single crochet (u.s.) this is dc or double crochet in u.k. terms
st/s = stitch/es

yarn (a) = red
yarn (b) = brown

N.B. All rounds are crocheted in continuous spirals.

Using yarn (a) ch 2, 6 sc into second ch from hook. Ss into first sc. (6)
Round 1. 2sc into each st until the end of the round. (12)
Round 2. *1sc into the first st then 2sc into following st. *Repeat until end. (18)
Round 3. *1sc into next 2 sts then 2sc into the following st. *Repeat until end. (24)
Round 4. 1sc into every st until the end of the round. (24)
Round 5. *1sc into the next 3 sts then 2sc into the following st. *Repeat until end. (30)
Rounds 6-7. 1sc into every st until the end of the round. (30)
Round 8. *1sc into the next 4 sts then 2sc into the following st. *Repeat until end. (36)
Rounds 9-11. 1sc into every st until the end of the round. (36)
Round 12. *1sc into the following 5 sts then skip the following st. *Repeat until end. (30)
Round 13. 1sc into every st until the end of the round. (30)
Round 14. *1sc into the following 4 sts then skip the following st. *Repeat until end. (24)

Round 15. *1sc into the following 3 sts then skip the following st. *Repeat until end. (18)

Round 16. *1sc into the following 2 sts then skip the following st. *Repeat until end. (12)

Stuff firmly.

Round 18. *1sc every 2nd st. *Repeat until end. (6)

Bind off with a needles leaving a 40cm tail.

 Thread the tail through the centre top (the top is where you have just finished crocheting) and pull it firmly through to the bottom. This is what gives the apple its shape. 

p.s. You may notice that in this photo I made a mistake and started crocheting in hdc (htc in uk terms) - I had just finished crocheting a hot water bottle and my hand kept wanting to do that stitch. It was at the bottom and I am pretty forgiving of mistakes these days. 

 Pull back up through to the top. 

 Fasten off securely and the tuck the tail back into the apple. 

 Thread the needle with a 125cm length of yarn (b) if you are going to be tying your apple to a tree. Otherwise a 40cm length will suffice. Bring it down through the centre top of the apple to the centre bottom.

 If you don't require a long length for tying and don't want a leaf, let 1-2cm remain at the top to form a stalk.

 Now tie a double knot at the base of the apple to form the - oh dear, I can't think of the term - naval? No.... that would kind of be the top. You know, the brown tufty bit at the bottom.... and don't be too rude now.

 Whatever it is called, there it is.... If you are going to use the apple either for hanging or wanting to give it a leaf, or both... rethread the wool back up through the apple to the centre top. If not, tuck the tail into the apple and snip off the excess yarn.

 Now, cut a little leaf shape from the felt.

 Stitch on with the wool firmly.

 Et voila, an apple with a tail for tying....

 Et voila, an apple with a leaf and stalk.

Bottle immediately for maximum freshness.

Good luck and any questions asked will be answered in the comment section below.
Lots of love,
Kate xxooxxooxx.