A Guide to Hand-crocheted Prom Accessories - How to Add Personal Touches to Your Outfit

Maybe you haven't crocheted since you were a little girl-no matter. You will still be able to make some unique accessories and show off your talent at the prom. Even if you get your mom or grandmother to help, your finished work will be stunning. So, what are some things you can crochet that will complement your outfit for the prom? Check out these ideas and get started right away!

Shrugs, Shawls, Boleros

Why buy a shoulder covering when you can perfectly match your outfit with a brilliant yarn choice. Look around in the yarn section of your local craft store and choose what best suits your desired style. You can use Lions brand fun fur for a soft, royal look, or a glitter spun yarn that is light, airy and catches the light. Be sure to check the weight of the yarn; if you want a bulky shrug or shawl, then go for something 5 or 6 in weight; if you want something more delicate, than choose a Dk or light worsted weight yarn. You are bound to find the perfect color and style if you look around.

As far as patterns go, you can find free ones online with a quick search or even download some from sites like e-patterncentral.com for $.99. You can purchase a book of patterns or a leaflet with the exact pattern you want. There are also 'kit' options at select sites online that will give you all you need for a project, including the pattern and materials, and speed up the process for you. Shrugs, Shawls, and Boleros are a cinch to make for even beginning crocheters, and they will take you less than a week to finish. This is a great option to top off your prom ensemble with some personal style.

Jacket

This is a step up from a Bolero to make. Jackets can be cropped or lengthened just by cutting out or adding some rows of stitches. An open-work jacket with or without a closure would work great for your prom evening wear. Some crochet pattern designers are skilled at a tailored fit that can be a real asset for a jacket. Check out Josi Hannon Madera's site (iamintheloop.com/artofcrochet/index.php), which features the Raspberry Fizz pattern on the opening page. You can download it for $6 and using the tools available with the pattern you can alter it to give you a beautifully tailored cardigan. You can adjust the length and color without being an expert, and it adds a softer touch to satin or silk. But again, look around for some patterns of jackets and might fit your fancy, and don't back down because something looks too complicated.

Gloves

This is for more ambitious crafters, but crocheting gloves in a crochet thread would instantly create a vintage elegance. It is more difficult to work with thread and more time consuming, but you will love the results. Even if you choose an openwork design, there are plenty of patterns you can purchase for the occasion. You will have to get started on this right away, but the finished product is worth your time and effort. And with all the complements you receive, you couldn't ask for a more constructive use of your time, either.

Purses

Crochet has come a long way with handbags and purses. Using all the current techniques to created beaded amulet bags, fat bottom bags, or elegant purses, you will want to make some of these for your friends as well (unless you want to keep your style totally unique, that is). You only need to purchase a set of handles from a craft store to get started. Handbags and purses work up quickly and can be embellished and lined for a professional look.

Jewelry

Believe it or not, you can crochet jewelry to go with your prom outfit as well. Make a choker with size 10 crochet thread and add beads as you go. These lovely creations can be made fairly quickly (2-3 hours depending on how fast you work), and you can buy a thread to match any color you are wearing. It takes the annoyance out of finding jewelry, and personalizes your prom outfit without being overbearing. You can also make belts, anklets, bracelets, and even foot jewelry for a matching set.

And the best part is you can own up to your creations after each compliment.