https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/all-in-one-bike-streamers-and-handlebar-guards-2 • Posted by Heidi (Speckless)
This is an easy and quick little project that uses up yarn scraps AND there’s no weaving in ends — none, I swear! I recommend using acrylic yarn for stretch and durability, and I used a 5.5mm hook for this (but use whatever you’d like). Make your streamers bling-ier by tying on extra ribbon or beads when you are done crocheting!
This is an easy and quick little project that uses up yarn scraps AND there’s no weaving in ends — none, I swear! I recommend using acrylic yarn for stretch and durability, and I used a 5.5mm hook for this (but use whatever you’d like). Make your streamers bling-ier by tying on extra ribbon or beads when you are done crocheting!
First, measure the length of your bike handles. Make a chain that is about a half an inch to an inch shorter than this measurement (once you start to crochet, the chain will lengthen). Single crochet into the second chain from your hook, and into each remaining chain. Crochet into the little bumps on the back of the chain rather than into the “Vs” — this will give you a nicer edge to sew into. Now is a good time to check if your piece is the right length (lay it over your handle to make sure). If everything looks correct, chain one, cut a long tail from your skein, and make a slip knot with your long tail (as you would in finishing a piece). This long tail will become a streamer.
Start a new color (you will always have the right side of your work facing you). It is not necessary to chain one at the beginning of each row. I just pulled up a loop and single crocheted away.
When you start a new row, just crochet over your yarn end, enclosing it in the “tube” of single crochets. This eliminates the need to weave in the ends.
Here is what the end of each row will look like after the final single crochet and chain one. At this point you will yarn over with that long tail you cut and pull it tight through your chain one to make a knot (and a streamer).
Continue in this manner, alternating colors at your whim (or not), until your piece is almost wide enough to fit around your handlebar (you will want the piece to be about a half inch shy of encircling the handlebar because you want it to be nice and tight when you sew it on).
Thread a large tapestry needle with a long length of yarn. Stick it in under the “Vs” of both sides of the streamer wrap.
Tie a square knot at the beginning and hide the yarn end under the crochet right away. Also, it might be helpful to sew the streamer cover together on the underside of the handlebar (I only did mine at the top for ease in photographing). This way, you won’t have to try to twist the seam to the under side at the end. Whip stitch or weave your sides together, all the while keeping everything really tight.
When you get to the end, tie another really tight knot . . . and . . . you’re done! Now, trim the streamers how you like them and ride off into the sunset!