Funky Xylophone Strap
53
What every young man needs! This project came about when my brother decided to take up the Xylophone when he was 22 years old. He had no strap for the instrument and so tied shoe laces to the little box it came in and hung it around his neck. I promised I would make something a bit more substantial even though he was rather proud of his shoelaces! Here is the result:
Abbreviations used:
Ch - chain
St(s) - stitch(es)
Sc - single crochet
Hdc - half double crochet
Sk - skip
Skill level: easy
Stitches Used: chain stitch (ch), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc)
Materials used:
Yarn used: Size 4 (medium) Aran weight (100% Acrylic)
1 ball navy blue I Love This Yarn® # 90 (A)
1 ball Woodsy Red Heart Super Saver® 0961 (B),
Hook size: 5 mm
Other: 8 small wooden beads/buttons, yarn needle
Pattern:
Using A Ch 160
Row 1 Hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in next 4 sts, ch 1 sk 1 hdc next 3 sts, ch 1 sk 1, hdc next 11 sts,
Leave remaining sts unworked and ch 24, turn,* hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in next 4 sts, ch 1, sk 1, hdc next 3 sts, ch 1, sk 1, hdc next 11 sts back to original ch (2 straps made with 2 button holes).
hdc next 115 sts, ch 24 repeat from * (3 straps made with 2 button holes each).
Hdc next 10 sts, ch 1, sk 1, hdc next 3 sts, ch 1 sk 1, hdc to end. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Border:
Attach B
Sc around entire project evenly, sc in back loop of ch st where necessary. To get evenly around the corner 3 sc in corner st.
Finishing:
Attach buttons where appropriate. Weave in any remaining ends.
Making this project your own:
Unlike some of my other designs, this project had a very specific function so unless you have a xylophone lover in your life, this might not seem easily adaptable! Lots of things do require straps though, maybe your nephew works at a popcorn stand and would appreciate a handmade strap? Or maybe your toddler would like his hands free as he carts around his bucket of blocks? Nothing else too exciting instantly springs to mind. However maybe it will give you ideas on incorporating beads into accessories for men or even possible colour combinations. As always, choose colours that your recipient will like, sticking to solid bold colours if you have a boy in mind and keep an eye out for variegated wool in manly combinations. Happy hooking!
