Tag Archive | Crochet

HDC or DC chainless foundation tutorial

Mar27
Here’s another tutorial on the chainless foundation stitch showing how to begin using the double crochet (DC) and/or the half double crochet (HDC) stitches.  There are only 2 differences when beginning a project with these particular stitches from the single crochet (SC) chainless foundation. The differences are that you begin your chainless foundation with 3 chain stitches for the HDC and 4 chain stitches for the DC.  Also,  you will yarn over before you insert your hook into the top of the 2 beginning chain loops.  Otherwise, you complete your stitches exactly the same:
  • Complete your required number of chain stitches 2 for SC, 3 for HDC, 4 for DC
  • Yarn over (skip this step for single crochet chainless foundation)
  • Insert hook in first and middle loops of last chain from hook
  • Yarn over and pull through those two loops
  • Yarn over and pull through first (top) loop completing chain stitch
  • Yarn over and pull through remaining two loops to complete SC or
  • Yarn over and pull through remaining three loops to complete HDC or
  • Yarn over and pull through top TWO loops, yarn over and pull through remaining two loops to complete DC
Here are pictures for the HDC, which I hope will help you if you are totally new to this technique: SONY DSCSONY DSCSONY DSC SONY DSCSONY DSCSONY DSC Here are examples pictures of completing a DC chainless foundation row: SONY DSCSONY DSCSONY DSC SONY DSCSONY DSCSONY DSC SONY DSCSONY DSC After completing steps to make your chain foundation stitch, yarn over and work the remaining stitches just like you would for a double crochet (dc) stitch. If your project wants you to work in the round, be sure to leave yourself a 4-5 inch tail for joining seams when making your beginning chain stitches.  This is a super stitch for ribbing on clothing, hats, etc.  I have designed a beanie pattern using the chainless foundation stitch crocheting the beanie from the bottom to the top.  Have been making these and donating them to my local hospital (new maternity ward) and Martin Head Huggers organization as chemo caps.   If interested in making chemo caps, you can click on this link for patterns and information www.headhuggers.org. SONY DSCSONY DSC

 HAPPY CREATING!!

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Crochet Infinity Scarf

Mar16
Completed a very lovely infinity scarf using the Smooshy with cashmere sock weight yarn by Dream.  Check out their other yarns at dreamincoloryarn.com. IMG_0072 I found an interesting free pattern at www.redheart.com for an Infinity Scarf, LW2516, designed by Ann Regis.  I knew I would not have enough yarn to make the ruffled edge but I really loved the soft and feminine look of this pattern.  Thought it was perfect for the smooshy yarn so I just went with it. IMG_0019  IMG_0067  IMG_0068 I began the pattern using the chainless foundation Double Crochet stitch to complete the 40 stitches.  Also, used a size E hook and my finished size was 7″ wide by 52″ around.  Completed scarf was still a very nice size and wonderful for those cooler Spring days or early Fall mornings.  You will definitely need a row counter or keep row marks on a separate piece of paper.  Otherwise, the pattern was easy to follow but crochet experience would be helpful. IMG_0064

HAPPY CREATING!!

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Crochet Toddler Skirt

Feb12
You will see here my version of the Olivia Skirt.  I found this free pattern on Ravelry by Janelle Khawly, Cageofwords raveler and really liked how the front post crochet gives it great texture. SONY DSC I made this in a size 3T and it is about 13″ long which will allow for some growing room.  I had 2 skeins of Spud and Chloe sweater yarn (Aran weight) and 1 skein of their fine yarn.  I used the sweater weight for the skirt (size G hook) and the finer yarn for the ruffle and the contrasting single crochet casing for the waistband. SONY DSCSONY DSCSONY DSC I completed three double crochet rows to create the ruffled edge along bottom.  Crocheting 4 DC into each stitch for the entire first row, 3 DC into each stitch for second row, and 2 DC into each stitch for third row. I inserted a 1″ non-roll elastic into the waistband casing so it would be easier to pull on and off.  It is very bright and cheery and I think will look really cute with tights and/or leggings.

HAPPY CREATING!!

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More Beanies ready for donation

Jan21
I have taken my newborn beanie pattern and made one with a lacy look, one with some added ribbing and texture around the beanie itself and made a seamless, in the round beanie with a very simple edging. SONY DSC Will be donating all of these to our local hospital for their new maternity ward.  I can just picture some sweet little ones going home with these and it puts a great big smile on my face. Take your crochet style to another level too by trying new techniques to this very basic pattern. The super simple and subtle edging was just crocheting on the last row in each stitch — a SL (slip stitch), CH  one (chain stitch), SL, CH one, SL, CH one around the entire beanie.

HAPPY CREATING!!

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Welcome 2014

Jan1

It is always an exciting moment when I hang up the new calendar welcoming in the New Year!!  For me, it is like a clean slate just begging to have something new written on it.

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Already have some new fabrics and yarns just waiting to be designed into wonderful new projects!!  Purchased a new raspberry blaze color of hand dyed, sock weight yarn by Dream, dreamincoloryarn.com, called “smooshy”.  Now who just wouldn’t want a smooshy in their yarn stash.  It is a merino wool, cashmere and nylon blend and very, very squishy soft.  Haven’t decided what I am going to make with it just yet but I know whatever it is will be scrumptious.

Also, picked up a Malabrigo yarn that will be perfect for a warm winter cowl.  And, of course, several new cotton fabrics that will be made into totes and whatever else I might decide to sew.

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I hope your New Year starts off with some smooshy yarns and wonderful textiles just waiting to be designed into your something special item.  I want to “Thank” everyone who has visited my blog and I look forward to this coming year with new ideas, discussions and designs.  If you have something in particular that you want me to talk about, please let me know your questions, thoughts, and/or ideas.  Always another way to stir up those creative juices and, hopefully, give insight to new and old techniques.

HAPPY NEW YEAR and HAPPY CREATING!!

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