Tag Archives | DIY

Easy to Crochet Granny Square Top

By Yolanda on July 13, 2017 in Crochet Projects, Crochet Stitches and Crochet Motifs, Crochet Womens Garments, Learn to crochet 0

I was looking for an easy to crochet granny square top. I like to go to the pool or beach but I’m a bit modest. I wanted to have a top that I could use as a cover-up. I wanted to make something quick and easy enough for beginners. The granny square is one of the first patterns that crocheters learn to make. This is a super easy and quick project plus it looks great. This easy to crochet granny square top fits most women sizes. You can always adjust the size of the top by either using a smaller hook or changing the number of rounds of your granny squares. If you are making this for a child I would use a G size hook.

Easy to Crochet Granny Square top

Supplies:

2 Granny squares with 8 rounds each.

2 Granny squares with 3 rounds each.

3 Skeins of Creme de la Creme Cotton Yarn from Redheart.com

J /10 Crochet Hook ( 6mm)

Scissors

Yarn Needle

To Begin: You will need to crochet 2 granny squares with 8 rounds each. You will need to crochet 2 granny squares with 3 rounds each. The two larger granny squares will be used for the front and back of the top. The two smaller squares will be the sides (underarm) of the top.

You will need to join your squares. You can join with a yarn needle or by joining with a crochet slip stitch. I joined my squares with a yarn needle using the same matching yarn. It is easier if you sew in your tails as you work. I hate sewing in tails but this makes it so much easier.

Step 1: Making sure right sides are facing up. Take one of the large granny squares and sew a small square to each lower corner of the square. I joined with a simple whip stitch using a yarn needle.

Step 2: Now flip your piece over so that the wrong sides are facing up. Now place your second large granny square on top of the other square. Making sure that wrong sides are facing each other. Now sew the free sides of the small granny squares to the lower half of the remaining large granny square.

Step 3: Attach your yarn along top edge of your work, (The bottom edge is the one with the small granny squares). You will work 2 rows of single crochet along the top edge. Work 2 single crochet in the underarm corners and work 3 single crochet into the top corners of the large granny squares. Fasten off and sew in tails.

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Learn To Quilt by Using Templates

By Yolanda on June 8, 2017 in Craft Tools, crochet equipment, knitting equipment, Holiday Projects, Home Decor, Sewing Projects 0

Learn to Quilt

Have you been wanting to learn to quilt but were a little intimidated? Using templates makes your Learn to Quilt adventure so much easier. Today thanks to my friends at Nancy’s Notions I will be sharing a tutorial for using their Dresden Template. This kit comes with the Dresden template, seam alignment template, and a colorful and information Instruction Booklet. There are 15 variations that can be made using this template and the booklet gives you full instructions. Remember, quilt tops aren’t the only uses for these designs. I chose to make a decorative pillow and also created a small Dresden Plate in order to embellish a small canvas bag I purchased at my local Joann Craft and Fabric Store.

I think the hardest part was choosing my fabric. Going to the fabric store has been an activity I really enjoy. I could get lost there for hours. Walking down the aisles and see all those bolts of fabrics can be mesmerizing. So many fabrics and so little time. First, I used my Dresden template to make a pillow top. I can bring this pillow out to decorate during the holidays. Place on my front porch chair or take along for a picnic or parade for comfort. I had previously purchased a small canvas bag from Joann’s when they were on sale. I decided to make a small Dresden plate using the templates to embellish my plain tote bag. Now the tote is so much more colorful and will make a perfect gift for carrying crochet or knitting supplies. I can already see my colorful yarn balls and crochet hooks and knitting needles inside my little canvas tote bag. It would make a great gift.

Dresden Plate quilting design used on a pillow and a canvas tote bad

You can purchase the Dresden Template kit and other supplies here: Nancy’s Notions Grab it now while it’s on sale for only $9.99 until July 31, 2017. That’s a great bargain.

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Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Crochet Top

By Yolanda on May 21, 2017 in Crochet Projects, Crochet Stitches and Crochet Motifs, Crochet Womens Garments 6

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Crochet Top, that’s the name I came up for this top ? A beautiful warm summer day to wear it of course.

Summer is around the corner and I can’t wait. I love to crochet and knit but with warm weather, it is sometimes a challenge.

I have tricks I use to help me combat the heat. One way to get around that is to create and design items that use lighter weight yarn or are easier to handle in the heat.

I wanted to create something that would be ideal for wearing on those hot summer days. I designed this crochet halter top using cotton yarn. Cotton breathes and is more comfortable to wear during warm weather.

This cotton is made by Yarnspirations It is called Peaches & Creme and I used a solid white color for my top. I love using this yarn because it’s easy to find and easy on the wallet.

I purchased my yarn at walmart but it can be purchased at other retailers. I also created a video tutorial if you are more of a visual learner. It can be crocheted in Woman sizes S – XL.

You can purchase an Ad-Free PDF pattern/instructions here: Summer Top PDF Summer Top PDF

Crochet Summer top – Yolanda Soto-Lopez

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Learn to Crochet Hexagon with Circle Center

By Yolanda on March 22, 2017 in Crochet Projects, Crochet Stitches and Crochet Motifs, Learn to crochet 0

In today’s post you will learn to crochet a Hexagon with circle center. Learning new patterns or stitches is fun but sometimes can be frustrating. This little hexagon is so easy to crochet and so cute. It can be used for many projects. I used a medium weight yarn and a 6mm hook. You can use any size hook or yarn just be sure the yarn weight is appropriate for the hook you are using and vice versa.

Hexagon shapes give items a unique look. There are many patterns ranging from afghans, scarfs, sweaters and even some animals that use hexagon shapes. I have seen hippos, elephants and turtles using this stitch. The good news is that it is not difficult to make. Here I will show you how. If you are a visual learner I have also filmed and uploaded a free YouTube video for you to watch if you prefer.

Hexagon with circle center

Supplies:

Yarn

Crochet Hook

Yarn needle to sew in tail

Scissors

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Chunky Yarn Crochet Cowl – It’s Super Fun and Easy

By Yolanda on February 26, 2017 in Crochet Projects, Crochet Stitches and Crochet Motifs, Crochet Womens Garments, Products I use 1

A chunky yarn crochet cowl makes a comfy and fast project. Using chunky yarn means you’ll whip right thru your project. Using Bernat Roving Yarn from Yarnspirations I designed this crochet cowl. I chose two of my favorite colors. I selected Plum and Quartz Pink for my chunky yarn crochet cowl. This yarn is so soft. It is made using 80% acrylic and 20% wool yarn. That means it will be nice and warm without being too hot. It is really soft and feels great against my skin.If you haven’t tried this yarn you are in for a treat. This is my first it using it and I know I will be using it often. I love discovering new yarns and fibers.

Chunky Yarn Crochet Cowl using Bernat Roving yarn

It’s already warm in my town of Chula Vista, California, however much of the USA and World is still chilly. This cowl is a nice way to layer up. It can easily be worn under a sweater, jacket or even just a top. The picot edge gives it a nice touch. You can wear it standing up over fold it over as in the photo above. The project can be made in a single afternoon and would make a great gift.