….. Lately I uses my eyeglasses more and more ….. I need them to read, write or working on the computer ….. So they follow me everywhere in the house ….. But sometimes my hands are full of other things or simply I need to put them down when not in use ( just for a little while though …)…
So I thought I needed a cord to keep them with me, but I didn't want a classic chain as the one my grandma uses …. Then my brain came up with a simple crocheted version of it (to be correct : 3 versions!) and maybe you need one too, for you or as a gift ….
To start one, you need :
- some cotton crochet threads : I use two of them to create a baker's twine effect
- a hook ( 4mm) : pick the one right for your selected threads/yarns
- a pair of scissors
- a yarn/tapestry needle
- stitch markers (optional)
- a ruler or a tape measure
- a pair (or more!) of silicon holders for eyeglass chain/cord
- please remember : I follow the US crochet terminology ! ;oD
FIRST VERSION : the simple eyeglass cord
I think the right length for these cords (shown above) is 60cm. You can freely choose the right size for your cord : just try with the tape measure loosely around your neck and position your eyeglasses at the right level for you!
To reach this length, simply chain 120 for the foundation chain.
Then, chain 1 and with your hands enlarge this loop and slip off the hook
Pick one of the silicon holders and pass the thread loop in one of its loops (!!!!) and put back in the hook
and reduce the loop
Now insert the hook in the second chain from the hook
and make your first single crochet (SC)
After 4 SCs you'll have something like this
Continue to crochet 1 SC in each following chain until you reach the last but one SC
Even this time, enlarge the loop of the stitch
Put the second silicon holder on the top of the SC
and reduce the loop
and crochet the last SC in the last chain left
Cut the threads, fasten off and trim in the ends : DONE !!!!
Do you prefer something more feminine?
Well, just ask and I'll give you the …
SECOND VERSION : the lacy eyeglass cord
Even this time the foundation chain is made of 121 chains. This time put a stitch marker in the last chain made.
Crochet 4 more chains (you have 125 now) and insert one of the silicon holders directly on the hook (this is another method : pick the one you prefer!)
Work 1 chain, passing the threads before in the holder, then in the loop on the hook (126 chains) and crochet 4 more chains (130 chains)
Now insert hook in the stitch with the marker and make your first SC and follow this scheme
This pattern is very easy : after the first SC, chain 4, skip 4 chains on the foundation chain, make a SC in the 5th chain of the foundation chain ! Repeat till the end !!!
After 3 times repetition, you'll have the following
When your last 4 chains are made, remember to put on the hook your last silicon holder
Push it close to the chain and crochet the last SC. Cut the threads, fasten off and trim in the ends !
Another eyeglass cord is ready to wear !!!!
THIRD VERSION : the undulate eyeglass cord
Follow this chart (a kind of!)
Once you have crocheted 126 chains (group of 7x18 times!) for your foundation chain, put a stitch marker in the last chain, then make 1 more chain (127), insert the first silicon holder (as for the second version), make another chain (128) passing the threads through silicon holder and thread chain, add 1 chain (129). After all that, crochet your first slip stitch (this is the first slip stitch in the scheme) in the chain with the stitch marker and follow the chart, adding the SC, the half double crochet, the double crochet and on !
The first "wave"
The second "wave"
When almost completing the last "wave"(you have just done the last SC of the wave), insert the second silicon holder and then crochet the last slip stitch! Cut the threads, fasten off and trim in the ends.
What do you think ? ;oD
So ladies, what are you waiting for to crochet some eyeglass cords ??
Maybe a fourth version? :oD
Have fun crocheting,
xxxx Alessandra
