How to Crochet a Fashionable Plant Hanger

by

A crochet plant hanger is a stylish and functional item that can be used to display plants in your home. This guide will provide detailed instructions on how to crochet a fashionable plant hanger, focusing on practical techniques and design considerations.

Materials and Tools

  • Yarn: Choose a durable and aesthetically pleasing yarn. Cotton, jute, and macrame cords are popular choices due to their strength and texture. The yarn weight will influence the final look; a chunky yarn creates a more substantial hanger, while a thinner yarn results in a delicate, intricate design. For this guide, we’ll use a worsted-weight cotton yarn, which is versatile and easy to work with.

  • Crochet Hook: Select a hook size that is appropriate for your chosen yarn. A general rule is to check the yarn label for the recommended hook size. For worsted-weight cotton, a size H/8 (5.0 mm) hook is a good starting point.

  • Scissors: A sharp pair of scissors is essential for cutting yarn ends.

  • Stitch Markers: These are helpful for marking the beginning of rounds or specific stitches, especially in complex patterns.

  • Measuring Tape: Use this to ensure your hanger is the desired length.

  • Plant Pot: Have the pot you plan to use on hand to measure and ensure a perfect fit. A pot with a diameter of 4-6 inches is a good size for this project.

Foundation: The Hanging Loop

The hanging loop is the top part of the plant hanger that will be used to suspend it from a hook or ceiling. A sturdy, non-stretching loop is crucial.

  1. Slip Knot: Create a slip knot on your crochet hook.

  2. Chain: Chain 20 stitches. This will create a loop approximately 4 inches in diameter. Adjust the number of chains to make a larger or smaller loop.

  3. Join: Slip stitch into the first chain to form a circle. Be careful not to twist the chain.

  4. Single Crochet (SC) Around: Chain 1 (this does not count as a stitch) and then single crochet in each of the 20 chains. This reinforces the loop, making it strong and stable.

  5. Join: Slip stitch into the first single crochet to close the round.

  6. Repeat: Repeat the single crochet round two more times. This creates a thick, padded loop that is comfortable to hold and won’t stretch under the weight of the plant.

The Body: The Main Hanger Structure

This section will detail the creation of the main body of the plant hanger, where the pot will sit. We will use a combination of different stitch patterns to create a visually interesting and sturdy design.

Section 1: The Stem

The stem connects the hanging loop to the main body of the hanger.

  1. Chain: From the last stitch of the hanging loop, chain 15 stitches. This creates a 6-inch stem. Adjust the length as desired.

  2. Turn: Turn your work.

  3. Slip Stitch Back: Slip stitch into the second chain from the hook and in each chain back down to the hanging loop. This creates a solid, non-stretching cord.

  4. Repeat: Repeat this process two more times, creating three separate stems. Space them evenly around the circumference of the hanging loop. To do this, after the first stem is complete, slip stitch into the hanging loop two stitches away and then create the second stem. Repeat for the third.

Section 2: The Pot Cradle

The pot cradle is the part of the hanger that will hold the plant pot. We’ll use a combination of double crochet (DC) and chain stitches to create a mesh-like structure.

  1. Round 1: Join the three stems together by slip stitching into the last stitch of each stem.

  2. Chain: Chain 3 (counts as the first DC).

  3. Double Crochet: Double crochet in the same stitch.

  4. Chain: Chain 1.

  5. Skip: Skip the next two stitches.

  6. Double Crochet: Double crochet in the next stitch.

  7. Chain: Chain 1.

  8. Repeat: Repeat this pattern of (DC, chain 1, skip 2) around the circumference of the newly formed circle. The number of stitches will depend on the length of your stems.

  9. Join: Slip stitch into the top of the initial chain 3 to close the round.

Section 3: The Pot Base

This section will create a solid base for the pot to rest on. We will use a combination of single crochet and double crochet to create a sturdy, flat surface.

  1. Round 2: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch).

  2. Single Crochet: Single crochet in each double crochet and chain 1 space from the previous round. This fills in the gaps created by the mesh pattern.

  3. Join: Slip stitch into the first single crochet to close the round.

  4. Round 3: Chain 3 (counts as the first DC).

  5. Double Crochet: Double crochet in each stitch around.

  6. Join: Slip stitch into the top of the initial chain 3 to close the round.

  7. Round 4: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch).

  8. Single Crochet: Single crochet in each stitch around.

  9. Join: Slip stitch into the first single crochet to close the round.

At this point, you should have a solid, circular base that is slightly smaller than the bottom of your pot. The next step is to create the sides of the pot cradle.

The Sides: Supporting the Pot

The sides of the pot cradle will hold the pot securely in place. We will use a combination of chain stitches and slip stitches to create a secure net-like structure.

  1. Round 5: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch).

  2. Single Crochet: Single crochet in the first stitch.

  3. Chain: Chain 5.

  4. Skip: Skip the next 3 stitches.

  5. Single Crochet: Single crochet in the next stitch.

  6. Repeat: Repeat this pattern of (SC, chain 5, skip 3) around the circumference of the pot base. The number of chain loops will depend on the size of your pot.

  7. Join: Slip stitch into the first single crochet to close the round.

  8. Round 6: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch).

  9. Single Crochet: Single crochet in the first single crochet from the previous round.

  10. Single Crochet in Chain Loop: Single crochet 5 times in the chain 5 loop.

  11. Repeat: Repeat this pattern of (SC in the single crochet, SC 5 times in the chain loop) around the circumference.

  12. Join: Slip stitch into the first single crochet to close the round.

This creates a sturdy, flexible edge that will wrap around the pot.

Finishing Touches: The Tassels

Tassels add a decorative and stylish element to the plant hanger.

  1. Cut Yarn: Cut 10-15 pieces of yarn, each approximately 12 inches long. The more pieces you use, the fuller the tassel will be.

  2. Fold: Fold the pieces of yarn in half.

  3. Attach: Using your crochet hook, pull the folded end through a stitch at the bottom of the pot base.

  4. Pull Through: Pull the tails of the yarn through the loop and tighten to create a knot.

  5. Trim: Trim the ends of the tassel to your desired length.

Advanced Techniques: Variations and Personalization

Once you have mastered the basic pattern, you can experiment with different stitches and techniques to create unique and fashionable plant hangers.

  • Shell Stitch: The shell stitch creates a beautiful, scalloped edge. To incorporate it, replace a round of single crochet with a round of shell stitches. A shell stitch is typically (DC, DC, chain 1, DC, DC) in the same stitch.

  • Bobble Stitch: The bobble stitch creates a textured, raised “bobble” on the surface of the fabric. This can be used to create a pattern or a border.

  • Color Changes: Use different colors of yarn to create stripes, color blocks, or other patterns. This can add a vibrant and personalized touch to your hanger.

  • Beads: Thread large wooden or acrylic beads onto the yarn before you begin crocheting. You can incorporate them into the stems or the main body of the hanger for added visual interest.

This guide provides a comprehensive and detailed approach to crocheting a fashionable plant hanger. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can create a beautiful and functional piece of home decor. Remember to practice your stitches and experiment with different techniques to develop your own unique style.