Tag Archive | Crochet

Chain Stitch Tip

Jan2

Can’t believe we are beginning another year and I hope you all experience your most creative year ever!!  For me, I have just completed my first year of blogging on stitch4ever and I am looking forward to another year of exciting and creative techniques, ideas, patterns and whatever else pops into my head!?!?!?  If you have any questions, tips or suggestions that you would like to share, please just leave me a comment and we will go from there!!

I thought I would begin this year with a chain stitching tip that seems to work nicely for me and I hope will do the same for you.

With crocheting, most patterns will begin by having you crochet the required number of chain stitches.  It is a very easy looping technique and gives you the foundation for your project.  The problem I always seem to encounter is that I tend to make tighter chain stitches then my actual crochet stitches and this can create a slight curve to the bottom edge of my pattern.   I have tried to crochet loose chain stitches but still without much success.

Then one evening the light bulb went off in my cluttered mind and I thought, hey, why don’t I just complete my chain stitches using the next size larger crochet hook.   Viola, no more tight chains to deal with.   So if my pattern calls for using a Size G hook, I complete my chain stitches using a Size H hook and then I continue the pattern by crocheting with the required Size G hook.  Anyways, I have had success with my crocheting using this simple technique and I hope it helps you too, if you haven’t already thought about it!

HAPPY CREATING!!

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Crochet Pine Tree Pattern

Dec10

A  little pine tree is always a great addition to your pattern collection.   I have designed a quick, little crochet pine tree that you can embellish and turn it into a Christmas tree that could be used as an ornament, maybe a unique tag for a special gift or make it to use as an applique!!     

 

 

 

 

Here’s the scoop:   I used two thread types – Aunt Lydia’s Fashion 3 thread (Sage Green color) and Aunt Lydia’s Classic 10 thread (Christmas Green color) for the tree and Aunt Lydia’s Fashion 3 (true Brown color) for the trunk.  My hook sizes were a C/2-2.75mm for tree and size 5/1.90mm (steel hook) for trunk.

Using the sage green and Christmas green together, make 18 chain (Ch) stitches.

In 3rd chain from hook, complete a Dc (double crochet), make 15 more Dc stitches to end of row, Ch 2, turn.

Rnd 2:  1 Dc Dec (double crochet decrease),  12 Dc,  1 Dc Dec,  Ch 2,  turn.

Rnd 3:  1 Dc Dec,  10 Dc,  1 Dc Dec,  Ch 2,  turn.

Rnd 4:  1 Dc Dec,  8 Dc,  1 Dc Dec,  Ch 2,  turn.

Rnd 5:  1 Dc Dec,  6 Dc,  1 Dc Dec,  Ch 2,  turn.

Rnd 6:  1 Dc Dec,  4 Dc,  1 Dc Dec,  Ch 2, turn.

Rnd 7:  2 Dc Dec  –  Don’t Fasten Off

Rnd 8:  Forming loop –  working directly from last stitch, Ch 12, work Sc (single crochet) in top of last Dc Dec.

Rnd 9:  Ch 1, then complete a slip stitch in each of the chains just completed.  Fasten Off, leaving about a 6″ – 8″ tail.

Wrap tail around the bottom of the loop, pull tail through your wrap and then weave securely through the stitches on the back side.

Making trunk:  Using the size 3 brown thread and the #5 steel hook, skip the first 6 stitches on bottom edge and complete 6 Sc,  Ch l,  turn.   Repeat this pattern for a total of 6 rows and fasten off.

Now your little tree is ready as is or take time to embellish it with tiny buttons or sequins and beads or maybe use pre-made ribbon bows or roses.  You can hand sew your buttons to the tree or use a Fabri-Tac glue to secure your decorations.  Maybe a “little one” could help you pick out what buttons or beads to use for your decorating.  Then have them hang it on your tree, would make awesome gift tags, garland or use it for whatever creative idea will work for you.

HAPPY CREATING!!

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Super Simple Crochet Thanksgiving Napkin Ring

Nov18

For this Thanksgiving napkin ring, I used a size 3 crochet thread with an F hook for the actual ring portion and used Sugar ‘n Cream size 4 cotton yarn with a G hook  for the actual pumpkin design and stem.  By doing this, it made the pumpkin the focal point.  It also gave me a rustic looking design.

 

 

For the ring portion directions, refer to the HDC napkin ring design that I posted earlier making sure you leave yourself about a 10″ yarn tail to use to attach your pumpkin design.  Here are the directions for the pumpkin and stem:

CH, SC and DC stitches are used.  Begin by doing the “magic loop” with 8 SC within the circle, join with a SL stitch to beginning SC.

Round 2:  CH 2, then complete 2 DC within each SC,  join with SL in top of 2nd CH.  You now have 16 DC stitches.

Round 3:  CH 1, complete 1 SC in first DC stitch, complete 2 SC in next DC stitch, complete 1 SC in next DC stitch, complete 2 SC in next DC stitch, continue this pattern around and SL into top of beginning CH 1 stitch.  You should have 24 stitches.  Change colors.

Round 4:  CH 1, complete 4 SC in next 4 stitches, CH 1 turn.

Round 5:  Complete 1 SC, do 1 SC decrease, complete 1 SC, CH 1 turn.

Round 6:  Complete 1 SC decrease, complete 1 SC.  Fasten off.

Weave in your ends and prepare to attach your pumpkin to your napkin ring.  Thread the tail that you left on the napkin ring and using your darning needle, sew the pumpkin design onto the napkin ring.

IMPORTANT:  Keep in mind your placement direction of the pumpkin, do you want it to face horizontally with the napkin as in my picture or do you want the napkin ring to lay vertically.

These little pumpkins make up quickly and really add a personal touch to your dinner table.  Enjoy!!

HAPPY CREATING!!

TIP:  Feel free to use a finished design for your own personal use or make them to sell.  However, I asked that you not sell my patterns but would greatly appreciate it if you sell a completed design to give recognition by referencing this blog site.  Thank you!!

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Simple Crochet Scalloped Edge Scarf

Sep27

Wow, can’t believe how fast winter is approaching so here’s a pretty easy crochet pattern for a cozy scarf.  It’s simple because it is repetitious and a good design that can be worked while watching TV.   Also, you will have a lot of design flexibility with this pattern to fit your specific needs.

My example is made using one skein (50 grams/183 yards) Plymouth Yarn, Dreambaby DK, and a size G (4.00mm) hook.   I am crocheting my scarf for a toddler (2-year-old) so my width is only about 4″  but you can design your scarf to any width as long as your chain stitches are a multiple of 3 (any number of chains that can be evenly divided by 3).

I used the single crochet foundation chain for my beginning base.  For my example, I completed a total of 15 single crochet foundation chains.  Do not turn your work.

15 SC foundation chains

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the 3rd chain from hook, you will work 2 double crochets (DC), 2 chains, and 1 single crochet (SC) in that one chain (2 dc, ch 2, 1 sc).   * Skip the next 2 chains and crochet your pattern again (2 dc, ch 2, 1 sc) in that chain.  Repeat from * until your first row is completed.  Do not turn.

Crochet 2 chain stitches and now you will begin working along the back side of your foundation chains.  In first stitch *(2 dc, ch 2, 1 sc),  skip next 2 chains and repeat from * until you reach the end of the row ending with your (2dc, ch 2, 1 sc).  Turn.

**Chain 2, skip the first SC, and in the ch 2 space work (2 dc, ch 2, 1 sc), *skip the next 2 dc and 1 sc, and in next ch 2 space work your scallop stitch (2 dc, ch 2, 1 sc) again.  Repeat from * until the end of the row.  You will skip the last 2 dc, turn, and repeat from **.  Continue this crochet pattern until you have the finished length that you want for your scarf.

Pattern design

For the toddler pattern, I like to have my length around 40″ so the scarf can be folded in half and slide the two ends through the fold to loosely secure it around the child’s neck and tuck inside their coat.  Remember, the length can be whatever fits your design.

Quick ‘n Cozy Winter Beanie with the Scalloped Scarf

Perfect way to stay snuggly warm for the upcoming winter season.  Makes a wonderful gift set too!!

HAPPY CREATING!!

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A Quick ‘n Cozy Crocheted Fun Winter Beanie

Aug26

There is nothing like a cozy crocheted beanie hat for winter, especially to hide those “bad hair” days!!  This pattern is super simple and can be crocheted to your own designs very easily too.  You can make one of these cute beanies in an evening while watching TV!

I begin the beanie by “working in the round” to create the crown piece for the hat using a double crochet (DC) stitch and continue working  in the round until I fasten off.  For an adult beanie, I use a crochet hook (Size I), crocheting in the round completing through the fifth round.  Please refer to blog post Crochet Designing Tips – Working in the Round for complete instructions on how to create your circle.Example of DC crown piece

Once I have completed the fifth round of increases for my crown piece circle, I join with a slip stitch, CH 2 and continue making my DC rounds (no more increases) until I get to the finished length that works for me, which is an additional 13-15 rounds.  NOTE:  At the end of each DC round, I join with a SL stitch and CH 2 and then proceed with my DC.  This helps to keep the shape intact.   I like to be able to fold up my beanie a couple of inches on itself for extra warmth for my ears.  You have creativity here based on your desires and likes, if you don’t want to be able to fold up your beanie than only crochet an additional 12-13 rounds and if you want a deeper fold maybe crochet 16-17 extra rounds.  It really is a personal preference.

After completing my DC rounds, I like to give a finished look to the beanie by crocheting another 3 rounds of single crochet (SC) stitches. Sample beanie

Just remember when working in the round to be sure to place a marker to indicate a row/round so you know where you are in the pattern and to help with counting your rows/rounds.

This is a very easy pattern that can be adjusted to fit many different sizes for babies, children and adults.  Just change your crochet hook size and the number of rounds after making your crown piece circle.  Hook size recommendations and suggested rounds for different sizes  once you have your crown piece circle completed are:

  • Size F for newborn (maybe D or E if you’re making for a preemie) and  7 DC rounds plus 3 rounds of SC
  • Size G for toddlers and  10 DC rounds plus 3 rounds of SC
  • Size H for children and 12-13 DC rounds plus 3 rounds of SC
  • Size I for adults and 13-15 DC rounds plus 3 rounds of SC

Again, the rounds are a personal preference thing depending upon what look you want from the finished beanie.  Once you have made one or two, you will know what works best for your needs.

Have fun with this pattern and experiment with different stitches too.  You could crochet this pattern is all half double crochet (HDC) stitches if you want.  Just remember it is a shorter length stitch and you might need to increase your rows/rounds to get the length desired.

Another look would be to complete  your crown circle piece in DC and then alternate your rounds between DC and HDC finishing off with a couple of rows of SC.  Adding crochet motifs to your beanie will give it a truly custom look too.

This is a truly wonderful beanie pattern for making extras to donate to schools, hospitals, etc.

FYI:  I like to use a 4 ply worsted weight yarn that has some lamb wool blended in for good warmth.  One skein will complete an adult beanie easily.

 HAPPY CREATING!! 

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