A ‘how to’ for the knitting rockers: making your own guitar strap
Posted on Jul 10, 2012 in Features
Learn to easily make this fun and original guitar strop. Britty Reese/ Staff Writer
Yes, it’s me again and I’m back, crafters. Knitting rockers, this one’s for all of you. What do I bring to the project table this time? It’s a pretty easy pattern, and best of all this one is the quickest knit yet! As an added bonus: it’s actually two patterns in one. You can choose to knit this as a furry scarf, or a glammy guitar strap and cozy. Knit on gigantic needles in incredibly soft eyelash yarn, this is a fast, cheap project that will give you plenty of time to worry about putting on your next show or 12 vinyl box set together.
MATERIALS:
Two to four of Lionbrand Fun Fur in colors of your choice. I suggest using a bright color with black because mixing those colors together often gets you a rich, vibrant effect.
Size U.S. 35 needles (You can find these at craft stores where Lionbrand is sold)
Tapestry needle or crochet hook (for seaming)
One plain, 4-inch-wide guitar strap, adjusted to desired length. You can find these at any musical instrument store if you look hard enough.
Needle and thread in matching color (for guitar strap only)
Gauge: 8 stitches and 6 rows = approximately 4 inches. This pattern is for a guitar strap that measures 4 inches around. Obviously, you want more than that for your cozy, because you need a seam allowance.
With one strand of color yarn and one strand of black, loosely cast on 12 stitches. I use the long tail method because it is a sturdy cast on. Go ahead and knit your tail into the first row. Because of the open weave of this design, weaving in ends will be difficult.
If you’re knitting this as a scarf, just knit until desired length and bind off.
If you’re knitting this as a strap cozy, knit until it is the length of your guitar strap, minus the tabs. Bind off. Place cozy on a flat surface, and place guitar strap on top of cozy. Make sure the cozy will properly fit the strap before working.
Make sure you have good lighting for this part! Either using a tapestry needle or crochet hook, sew or single crochet the edges of the cozy together, over the strap. Use two strands of yarn held together for extra security. Sew the bottom edges to the guitar strap with needle and thread. Alternately, if you are not good at sewing, you can safety pin it in place. Now, attach to your
stringed instrument and rock out!
Britty Reese
Staff Writer
brittyr@uab.edu