Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Targets Misleading Kids Sewing Machine

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So my almost 5 year old put in a request for this Lexibook Barbie sewing machine. It was in a sale catalog and I have been trying to find in the Target store in Australia; but unable as it was SOLD out. Finally I managed to log in to the Target.com.au website (it has been down most of the time since the sale start due to overload) and view the sewing machine. (as you can see I was already disgruntled just trying to FIND the product)

Basically it shows the machine sewing on the packaging, yet in fine print on the website (remember I have not seen the actual product packaging) it says *This is an imitation toy product and does not have any real functions. 

So why does it show it with a sewn piece of fabric? I am wondering how many people bought this thinking it would SEW 2 pieces of fabric together? Surely most 6 year old’s want it to DO something?

I think it is very misleading and thought “Barbie” branded stuff wouldn’t be so misleading. I guess it’s a bit like the Barbie car Santa brought to our house last year, no one except a skilled adult can actually get Barbie and Ken in and out of their car seat and seat belt.

So now I am on the hunt for a REAL sewing machine to suit my almost 5 year old. I have considered one of those travel machines but it’s not PINK enough 🙂

Please leave a comment if you can suggest a great kids friendly sewing machine.

 

Comments

  1. Hi there!

    I got this Janome mini sewing machine from Home Depot last year and it has gotten a lot of good reviews. It’s not pink but it sews really well for such a small machine. I used it just recently to make some pillow cases and it worked very nicely. See the link for details.

  2. Not nice :/ luckly you didnt buy it, it would have been even worst to see your kid’s face of disappointment when she realizes she cant actually use it…
    I found this links, nicely pink sewing machines, one is Hello Kitty and the other one is Singer. Even tho they sew, there are a lot of negative comments about not well done stitches, hard to make something with it, crappy tension, settings and lot more… But i have never seen a toy sewing machine that will work as properly as the real thing, more like just the “feeling” that they are using fabric and thread and something happens.

    Link1

    Link 2

  3. Maybe still get the travel machine and put some girlie pink foil stickers on it eg flowers, hello kitty etc

  4. A friend of mine asked me to turn a travel sewing machine into a child friendly machine…it was also not pink enough. I solved that by making a pink sewing machine cover for the travel machine and added some solid stickers (small and artisticall place – where she could see them) of horses (anything is possible). That combined with a small sewing bag (also in pink – the same material as the cover bag) that had the basics and some pink material (the rest of the material from the two bags and two other tones). She loves it.

  7. Hi, I can’t really recommend a good sewing machine but I do know that with the janomes, you have to spend I think it’s 500, to get one that has the metal parts inside and not the plastic.
    I have a janome mc4900 on laybe that I got for 1500 Aussie dollar, when they had the sale, my old teacher has had that model for years and she never had a problem. Plus it comes with all the feet, so you don’t have to spent an extra 150-200 Aussie dollar on them. Hopes ths helps!

    Oh you can also get a basic singer model in big w for200 I think and target has bother but think they were closer to 400,

  8. How about buying the machine that wasn’t pink enought and decorating it yourself. I saw the best machine at Houston last year where the woman had bejeweled the machine within an inch of it’s life. I bet you could decorate a common machine to suit your little girl.

  9. I have one called Sew Cute made by White. Can be used with batteries or power. Comes in Pink, yellow and green. The company is located in Cleveland Ohio in the USA. Model SC-20. Perfect for a child with guidance. Wish this would let me take a pic of it. It is cute. Good luck.

  10. Singer Lockstich sewing machine. It’s not pink but you can let her go to town with stickers to brighten it up’

  11. Elna Opal Mini is a great little machine. My daughter has one and loves it (though it’s not pink).

  14. This is not TARGET’s misleading item, it is Mattel’s. Craft Gossip has a far and long reach– please use your power carefully. This is NOT a Target product, it is a Mattel product.

    Also, I’ve bought my kids cheap travel machines before (2 different ones), and I am now convinced that they’re better off just learning on a real sewing machine like I did. I bought them a white machine from a thrift store and it’s perfect. They have a pink sewing kit and everything they sew is pink. They like the machine because it’s not for kids, it’s “just like” mommy’s.

  16. Hello Kitty makes a real sewing machine produced by Janome. Its on my 5 yr olds wish list! They have a pink and white version and a mint green one too. Hope that helps.

  17. I have to agree with some of the above posters — I just taught my granddaughter on my machine. All her “sewing things” are pink. She was six and we still just ‘sew together’ (she’s 8 now).

    The reason I choose this route is because those toy machines just cause frustration after frustration and there is nothing worse than having equipment that doesn’t work. I wanted her to “love sewing” and not hate it because she was using a toy machine that didn’t work!

  19. I bought my daughter a Singer “Tiny Tailor” machine some years ago when she wanted a sewing machine. She quickly outgrew it and inherited my Janome machine. The Tiny Tailor was a good choice and even her friends did some sewing on it. Now, I have adapted that machine, to do needle felting, so it continues to serve. Shame on Mattel for marketing a “Sewing Machine”, that does not sew….really look at the photo, what 5 year old would know, it does not really sew?
    Deb

  21. I also got my granddaughter the Janome sewing machine. It is a perfect machine for sewing for a new sewer. I got mine at Hancock Fabrics during a sale. For making it pink, you might be able to use alchol inks to color ot. I recently took corsage pins and colored them with alchol inks and it worked beautiful. Maybe some ink on a tissue rubbed on the plastic would work. The ink dried fast and I let the pins sit over night and they were beautiful.

  22. The key word here is TOY meaning just that. Toys are to be played with and “pretend” to sew. My girls had their doll appliances and sewing machine for dolls and loved playing with them. Keeping in mind it is something to play with and not actually use to sew productively. When I felt they were ready for the next step to a real machine I knew there are just straight stitch machines out there that would be useful with supervision to teach sewing on. We got ours at WalMart quite a few years back. It was about $40.00 and the perfect thing for my girls. I’m sure the cost is higher if they still carry one. There is no way I would try to teach a child how to sew on my expensive machine as they do not have the proper knowledge to use it. They need to learn the basics first on a machine more suited to their level. I don’t think it’s fair to blame Target for the company that makes the “toy”. Like any other store they just have it on their shelves because their purchase agent decided it would be something a child would want to play with. Don’t get me wrong as I understand your frustration and feel this is an unfortunate misunderstanding about a “toy”. And toys are not meant to take the place of the real thing. So I would suggest you do a research for a beginners sewing machine and if you find one you like have fun teaching your daughter to sew. I think she will appreciate that much better than the pretend thing. And before you know it she will be ready for the next step. Good luck and Best Wishes for finding the “right” product.

  23. Hello Kitty all the way! We ordered ours through Target. It sews beautfly and takes a beating. My daughter has had hers for years. She is a costume designer and takes it on set. I made couch slipcovers with it. And who doesn’t love Hello Kitty?!

  24. Do not buy Singer ANYTHING unless you are buying an antique- those are the only Singers worth buying anymore! They are mass produced in China with subpar standards now, and I couldn’t figure out why mine (multiple sewing machines and a serger) were so crappy until I walked into a Singer dealer and he told me all about how the originals were awesome, and then it was sold to someone in China who didn’t care about the name and started using plastic parts, etc., etc., and that as a dealer- he wasn’t even going to sell them anymore!!!! So I switched to Janome (who have multiple for every budget) and it has been heavenly! I even bought my daughter a mint free Hello Kitty Janome and it works great!!! I’m so happy with it!

  26. I had just the opposite problem – my SON wanted a sewing machine when he was about 5 and I couldn’t find anything that wasn’t pink or too girly looking! I ended up buying him a small Janome (I think it’s a Sew Mini) that was basic white and decorated it with stickers and his name. As he got older, we just removed the stickers so it wasn’t so little kid looking anymore. It’s a good little machine, so it’s very functional for both of us. And yes, my son is almost 14 and still sews with mom sometimes!

  27. I bought my granddaughter a Janome Petite for about 55 USD. It’s not pink. But it will only go so fast, even if she ‘floors’ it. It has four stitches as I recall but only one foot. A bit noisy but that’s to be expected at that price point. When she gets older (and bigger) she can use one of my Featherweights or my 1953 Bernina 125.

  29. Having clicked on the Target link, their description is muddy at best – it does *look* as though you can sew with it, and the included accessories indicate it’s a functioning product. :/

    I’m sure I’ve read good things about the IKEA sewing machine – it’s not actually sold as a child’s toy, but as an entry level machine. It’s not pink, but I’ve seen some beautiful customised sewing machines using sharpie pens. Or team a white sewing machine with a pink sewing basket with pink ribbons, fabrics and threads.

    Good luck with the hunt!

  32. We bought my daughter a sewing machine from Walmart and its hard to use and it can sew even if u don’t push the presser foot down. its a pain in the butt. i need to take it back but haven’t yet. I’d rather just let her learn on my Babylock and teach her to take care of it… or not. haha

  33. I teach little girls to sew. The Janome Mini is THE way to go. It is ALL abut foot petal speed for young sew-ers. This machine is a little tank.

  34. Am I the only one who thinks giving a sewing machine to a 4 year-old is a terrible idea? You know, quickly moving sharp needle right where your child’s hands are? And the battery powered one I used to own was so strong it broke the thread quite frequently. Maybe wait a while?

  35. I can see how you’d be disappointed by this product. It does imply it works. I had a little sewing machine as a kid. No recollection of the brand. I had to crank it to make it stitch, which was hard. I did prick my finger a few times, but that taught me to be careful. (I’d done it as an adult, too!) I guess I played with it a bit, and eventually learned to use my mother’s Singer. (Interesting story about Singer.) Regarding pinkness, I have seen people cover old sewing machines with cloth and Mod Podge (decoupage medium). That could be something for your daughter to do herself, perhaps.

  36. Suggest you either go to a reputable dealer and get a simple used machine cheap or get a simple Brother machine and see if you can get a guard for the needle and she will be able to use this into adulthood. Kids machines are a waste of money.

  37. We got my daughter the Janome Hello Kitty machine for her 6th birthday (it is coming up in July so she hasn’t tried it yet- I have!!) I will be getting a guard for it so that she is less likely to sew her finger. I think with proper supervision and rules there is nothing wrong with kids having sewing machines. And from what I have heard the “toy” ones are horrible!

  38. I appreciate all the feedback and the Hello Kitty sewing machine looks fun. (fir me too)

    A few people mentioned it was not Target’s problem. I believe Target, or any store for that matter should take responsibility for the product they choose to sell. A Product buyer doesn’t just randomly pick things from a manufactures catalog a whole lot more goes into than that.Misleading packaging in this case I think was an oversight.

    I am not out to drag Target down “I love Target” but I am disappointed in them.

Have you read?

Free Crochet Spider Web Pattern: Easy Halloween Decoration for Beginners

If there is one Halloween crochet project that gives you a ridiculous amount of decorating impact for very little yarn, it has to be a crochet spider web.

This free crochet spider web pattern uses basic chains and double crochet stitches to create an open, lacy web that can be made in practically any size. Make a small one for a Halloween wreath, stretch a larger web across a window, hang several from the mantel, or make an oversized version for a spooky porch display.

Best of all, this is one of those Halloween crochet projects that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

If you can chain, double crochet and slip stitch, you can make this web.

And if yours looks a little bit like a crumpled fishing net when it first comes off the hook, don’t panic. Blocking is where the magic happens.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Crochet Spider Web

This is a particularly good project if you want:

  • an easy Halloween crochet pattern
  • a quick handmade Halloween decoration
  • a scrap yarn crochet project
  • a beginner-friendly crochet spider web
  • inexpensive DIY Halloween decorations
  • a crochet project that can be made in different sizes
  • Halloween decor you can reuse year after year

The web is worked from the centre outward in joined rounds. Eight double crochet stitches create the main spokes of the web, while increasingly larger chain spaces form the open sections between them.

Once you understand the repeat, it becomes wonderfully mindless crochet.

If Halloween has already snuck up on you, have a look at our free Halloween crochet patterns you can make in a day too. There are plenty of quick projects in there for those of us who apparently believe October has twice as many days as it actually does.

Crochet Spider Web Pattern Details

Skill level: Easy / confident beginner

Crochet terms: US terminology

Finished size: Approximately 15 inches or 38 cm across after blocking when worked through Round 10.

Your finished size will vary depending on the yarn, hook, crochet tension and how firmly you stretch the web during blocking.

Construction: Worked in joined rounds from the centre outward.

What Yarn Is Best for a Crochet Spider Web?

Worsted weight or Weight 4 yarn is a nice choice for a medium-sized Halloween spider web because it creates a web sturdy enough to hang while still keeping those lovely open spaces.

White is the obvious classic choice, but don’t stop there.

Try:

  • Black for a dramatic Halloween web
  • Grey for an old dusty-web effect
  • Cream for vintage Halloween decor
  • Purple for a more playful Halloween colour scheme
  • Neon green for children’s Halloween decorations
  • Sparkly yarn for a slightly glamorous haunted house
  • Glow-in-the-dark yarn if you happen to have some lurking in the stash

Cotton can give you particularly crisp stitch definition, while acrylic is inexpensive and readily available.

And yes, this is absolutely permission to go digging through the yarn leftovers before buying another skein.

Materials

  • Approximately 40 to 50 yards of worsted weight / Weight 4 yarn
  • 6 mm crochet hook
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry needle
  • Blocking mat or other pinnable surface
  • Rust-proof blocking pins

You can substitute another yarn weight if you want to change the size of the finished spider web.

A thinner yarn and smaller hook will produce a delicate web.

A chunky yarn and larger hook will create a much bigger Halloween decoration very quickly.

Crochet Abbreviations

ch = chain
dc = double crochet
MC = magic circle
RS = right side
sl st = slip stitch
sp = space
st / sts = stitch / stitches

Important Pattern Notes

There are 8 spokes in the spider web throughout the pattern.

The beginning chain on each round counts as the first double crochet plus the first chain space.

For example, on Round 2 the beginning ch-6 represents:

  • the first dc, using the first 3 chains
  • the first ch-3 space, using the remaining 3 chains

From Round 2 onward, work the new double crochets into the 7 remaining double crochet stitches from the previous round.

Do not add an extra double crochet into the joining stitch.

You should always finish each round with 8 double crochet spokes and 8 chain spaces.

That little stitch count matters. Accidentally adding a ninth spoke is one of the easiest ways to end up wondering why your spider web suddenly looks more like a very confused doily.

Free Crochet Spider Web Pattern

Begin with a magic circle.

Round 1

Ch 4. This counts as the first dc and ch 1.

Work:

(1 dc, ch 1) 7 times into the magic circle.

Join with a sl st into the third chain of the beginning ch-4.

Pull the magic circle closed.

Stitch count: 8 dc and 8 ch-1 spaces.

Round 2

Ch 6. This counts as the first dc and ch 3.

Work:

(1 dc in the next dc, ch 3) 7 times.

Join with a sl st into the third chain of the beginning ch-6.

Stitch count: 8 dc and 8 ch-3 spaces.

Round 3

Ch 8. This counts as the first dc and ch 5.

Work:

(1 dc in the next dc, ch 5) 7 times.

Join with a sl st into the third chain of the beginning ch-8.

Stitch count: 8 dc and 8 ch-5 spaces.

Round 4

Ch 10. This counts as the first dc and ch 7.

Work:

(1 dc in the next dc, ch 7) 7 times.

Join with a sl st into the third chain of the beginning ch-10.

Stitch count: 8 dc and 8 ch-7 spaces.

Round 5

Ch 12. This counts as the first dc and ch 9.

Work:

(1 dc in the next dc, ch 9) 7 times.

Join with a sl st into the third chain of the beginning ch-12.

Stitch count: 8 dc and 8 ch-9 spaces.

Round 6

Ch 14. This counts as the first dc and ch 11.

Work:

(1 dc in the next dc, ch 11) 7 times.

Join with a sl st into the third chain of the beginning ch-14.

Stitch count: 8 dc and 8 ch-11 spaces.

Round 7

Ch 16. This counts as the first dc and ch 13.

Work:

(1 dc in the next dc, ch 13) 7 times.

Join with a sl st into the third chain of the beginning ch-16.

Stitch count: 8 dc and 8 ch-13 spaces.

Round 8

Ch 18. This counts as the first dc and ch 15.

Work:

(1 dc in the next dc, ch 15) 7 times.

Join with a sl st into the third chain of the beginning ch-18.

Stitch count: 8 dc and 8 ch-15 spaces.

Round 9

Ch 20. This counts as the first dc and ch 17.

Work:

(1 dc in the next dc, ch 17) 7 times.

Join with a sl st into the third chain of the beginning ch-20.

Stitch count: 8 dc and 8 ch-17 spaces.

Round 10

Ch 22. This counts as the first dc and ch 19.

Work:

(1 dc in the next dc, ch 19) 7 times.

Join with a sl st into the third chain of the beginning ch-22.

Stitch count: 8 dc and 8 ch-19 spaces.

Fasten off and weave in the yarn ends.

Crochet Spider Web Chain-Space Cheat Sheet

Once you see the progression, the pattern becomes much easier to remember.

RoundChain Space
1ch 1
2ch 3
3ch 5
4ch 7
5ch 9
6ch 11
7ch 13
8ch 15
9ch 17
10ch 19

You are simply increasing each chain space by 2 chains per round.

How to Make a Larger Crochet Spider Web

This is one of the best things about this pattern.

You do not have to stop at Round 10.

Continue increasing the chain space by 2 chains on every round while maintaining the same eight double crochet spokes.

Round 11

Ch 24, which counts as the first dc and ch 21.

Work:

(1 dc in next dc, ch 21) 7 times.

Join in the third chain of the beginning chain.

Round 12

Ch 26, which counts as the first dc and ch 23.

Work:

(1 dc in next dc, ch 23) 7 times.

Join as before.

Continue following the same progression until the web is the size you want.

For a giant Halloween spider web, you can also experiment with chunky or super bulky yarn and a larger crochet hook.

Can I Make a Smaller Spider Web?

Absolutely.

For a small crochet spider web ornament, stop after Round 4, 5 or 6.

These smaller webs are especially useful for:

  • Halloween garlands
  • wreath embellishments
  • gift toppers
  • party decorations
  • hanging ornaments
  • Halloween table settings
  • decorating trick-or-treat bags

You could make several small webs from leftover yarn and join them onto a length of black ribbon or yarn for simple Halloween bunting.

If you enjoy the creepy-crawly side of Halloween crochet, our collection of 14 spider-themed Halloween crochet patterns has everything from spiders to spiderweb accessories.

Why Does My Crochet Spider Web Look Crumpled?

This is probably the most important thing to know before starting.

Your spider web may not look particularly impressive straight off the hook.

The long chain spaces are very flexible, so the finished piece can curl, twist or collapse in on itself.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve made a mistake.

Blocking stretches those chain spaces open and separates the eight spokes, transforming the floppy crochet circle into a recognisable web.

How to Block a Crochet Spider Web

Blocking is strongly recommended for this project.

First, gently wet the finished web using a method suitable for your yarn.

Squeeze out excess water without twisting or wringing.

Place the web onto a blocking mat.

Start by pinning the centre.

Next, identify the eight double crochet spokes.

Gently pull each spoke outward and pin the outside edge, working around the web so the eight sections are evenly spaced.

Once the basic shape is established, adjust the chain spaces so they sit neatly between the spokes.

Allow the web to dry completely before removing the pins.

For acrylic yarn, avoid pressing it directly with a hot iron. Too much heat can permanently flatten or damage acrylic fibres.

If your web is going onto a wall, window or wreath and you want it to remain particularly crisp, you can also lightly stiffen it after blocking.

Troubleshooting Your Crochet Spider Web

My spider web has nine spokes

You have probably accidentally worked a double crochet into the joining stitch or repeated the Round 2 instructions eight times after making the beginning chain.

Remember that the beginning chain already creates the first spoke.

After that, work into the remaining 7 double crochet stitches.

You should have eight spokes altogether.

My web is curling

Some curling before blocking is normal.

If the web is severely cupping, however, check that you increased the chain space by 2 chains on each round.

My web is ruffling

Ruffling usually means there is too much fabric around the circumference.

Count the double crochets first.

You should have exactly eight.

If your stitch count is correct, compare the chain lengths with the pattern to make sure an extra chain increase has not crept in somewhere.

My chain spaces look uneven

Long chains naturally vary if your tension changes.

Try not to tighten your chains as you work.

Blocking will correct a surprising amount of unevenness, which is one of the reasons I wouldn’t judge this project until it has been pinned out.

My centre hole is too large

Make sure you pull the magic circle firmly closed before weaving in the beginning tail.

For decorations that will be handled repeatedly, weave that centre tail back and forth securely through several stitches.

What Can You Do With a Crochet Spider Web?

Once you make one, you start spotting places to put them everywhere.

Make a Halloween Window Decoration

Block the web firmly and hang it in a window using clear thread or removable hooks.

Several webs in different sizes look particularly effective together.

Add One to a Halloween Wreath

A crochet spider web stretched across the centre of a wreath makes a fantastic base for crocheted spiders, skulls, bats or tiny pumpkins.

Make Halloween Bunting

Crochet several small webs and join them along a chain or length of ribbon.

Mix white, grey, black and purple webs for a slightly mismatched handmade look.

Decorate a Halloween Table

A larger web can sit underneath a bowl, vase or Halloween centrepiece.

For something even creepier beside the coffee cups, make a set of our free crochet spider coasters.

Add Crochet Spiders

Of course, a spider web is crying out for a spider.

Make one large spider for the centre or scatter several little crocheted spiders around the edges.

And because Halloween apparently has no acceptable limit on skulls, you could pair your webs with this free spooky skull granny square crochet pattern on CraftBits for bunting, cushions or a whole Halloween crochet display.

Use It as a Photo Prop

Stretch a large white web against a black backdrop for Halloween photos, party tables or handmade product displays.

The open crochet texture photographs beautifully once blocked.

Crochet Spider Web Colour Ideas

White on black is the classic combination, but changing the yarn colour can completely change the look.

For traditional Halloween, use white, black, orange and purple.

For gothic Halloween decor, try black, charcoal, burgundy or deep plum.

For vintage Halloween, use cream, faded orange, mustard and brown.

For children’s Halloween decorations, try bright purple, lime green, orange and white.

For subtle autumn decor, cream or natural cotton can look surprisingly elegant.

You could even crochet several webs in graduated sizes and colours and layer them across a wall.

Is This Crochet Spider Web Beginner Friendly?

I would rate this as easy or confident beginner rather than a first-ever crochet project.

The actual stitches are very basic. You only need chains, double crochet stitches and slip stitches.

The only slightly tricky part is recognising which double crochet belongs to each spoke once the chain spaces become long.

If you’re unsure, use stitch markers.

Pop one into each double crochet as you complete a round and you’ll never have to go hunting through all those chains trying to work out where the next stitch went.

It is a tiny extra step that can save a surprising amount of muttering at your yarn.

More Halloween Crochet Ideas

Once the Halloween yarn comes out, it rarely stops at one project.

Our free Halloween crochet patterns you can make in a day are ideal if you want pumpkins, ghosts, bats, spiders and other quick seasonal makes.

For a larger project, browse these Halloween crochet projects you can finish in a weekend.

You could make one large spider web for the front door, a few smaller ones for the windows and then tell yourself you’re finished decorating.

Whether any of us actually stop there is another matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much yarn do I need to crochet a spider web?

A 15-inch web made from medium Weight 4 yarn uses only a relatively small amount of yarn. Allow approximately 40 to 50 yards so you have plenty for the complete web and weaving in the ends.

What crochet hook should I use?

A 6 mm crochet hook works well with medium Weight 4 yarn.

You can change the hook size to suit your chosen yarn.

Does a crochet spider web need to be blocked?

Technically no, but I strongly recommend it.

Blocking opens the long chain spaces and makes the eight spokes much more defined.

Can I use cotton yarn?

Yes.

Cotton gives excellent stitch definition and can produce a beautifully crisp spider web.

Can I use acrylic yarn?

Yes.

Acrylic is affordable, lightweight and perfectly suitable for hanging Halloween decorations.

How do I make the spider web bigger?

Continue adding rounds and increase each chain space by 2 chains per round.

Keep the number of double crochet spokes at eight.

Can I make this into a giant crochet spider web?

Yes.

Either continue adding rounds or switch to chunky yarn and an appropriately larger crochet hook.

A giant crochet spider web would be fantastic stretched across a porch, doorway or large Halloween wreath.

A Quick Halloween Project Worth Saving

This is exactly the sort of seasonal crochet pattern I like keeping bookmarked because it can be pulled out year after year and adapted to whatever Halloween decorating idea I have talked myself into.

It uses simple stitches, doesn’t demand an enormous yarn purchase, and you can stop after a few rounds or keep going until you’ve created something large enough to frighten the neighbours.

Most importantly, don’t decide whether you like it while it’s still sitting crumpled beside your crochet hook.

Block it first.

That slightly floppy circle of chains really does turn into a rather fabulous spider web once those eight points are pinned into place.