Mini Craft Calendar – August

Welcome to our August Mini Craft Calendar! This month, we’ll make two crochet projects plus one embroidery project that spans two weeks.

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Week 1: Simple Pin Cushion

Craft type: Crochet
Yarn: Medium-weight, color of your choice
Tool: 3.5 mm crochet hook
Stitches used: Single Crochet Stitch, Chain Stitch, Slip Stitch
Technique used: Increase
Others: A yarn needle, a stitch marker, a pair of scissors, approx. 2 g of fiber fill
Optional: A piece of fabric (approx. 4.5” square; we can use the embroidered sun from last month’s mini project for this one), embroidery needle and thread

When I first got into crafting, I enjoyed making my own accessories. Pin cushions are among my favorites, as they help to keep needles in place. This little crochet project is good for practicing crocheting in rounds and making increases. Also, it can make good use of the “Stitching the Sun” project we made last month. Don’t worry if you don’t plan to do the embroidery project, this project can be made with just crochet as well.

Week 2 & Week 3:
Stitching a Mahjong Red Dragon

Craft type: Embroidery
Thread: Embroidery floss in green, dark brown, and deep red
Tool: Embroidery needle, a piece of fabric (approx. 5” square), a 3-inch embroidery hoop, and a heat-erasable pen
* The pattern will be released with the tutorial.
Stitches used: Back Stitch and Satin Stitch
Others: A pair of scissors

This embroidery project is for mahjong players or their crafty friends—or for anyone who’d like to practice satin stitches. The next time the red dragon is in your winning hand, this project will be a great way to savor your victory.

We’ll stitch the tile part first, and then make the character part in the following week. The satin stitch used in this project is easy to learn, but many people find themselves needing more practice to get it the way they want. Practicing on a small project like this is a great way to improve.

Week 4: Simple Coasters

Craft type: Crochet
Yarn: Medium-weight, color of your choice
Tool: 5 mm crochet hook
Stitches used: Chain Stitch, Slip Stitch
Others: A yarn needle, a pair of scissors

This coaster uses two basic crochet stitches and has a nice, simplistic texture. Using bulky yarn or yarn that is on the thicker side of medium weight gives a better result for this project because it creates a sturdier feel for the coasters.