Tag Archives | Learn to crochet

Crochet more than just a fun, relaxing and creative outlet

Crochet is more than a fun, relaxing and creative outlet.  If  you’ve been searching for an enjoyable and rewarding hobby, look no further than crochet!

In this post I will share some of the basics of crochet, including some basic/essential stitches and must have supplies.  Discovering the world of crochet and exploring its many benefits need not be expensive or isolating.  With today’s technology connecting to other crocheters and creatives is easier than ever.  Whether you choose in person classes, joining a crochet club or watching fun, crochet tutorials on YouTube the options are almost limitless.  Can I suggest my own YouTube channel, “All Crafts Channel”?  My channel contains over 800 how-to videos with a variety of projects for the novice to expert all on my platform.  

Here are some playlists that may be helpful for those just beginning crocheters: 

In order to create tons of beautiful items there are some basic crochet stitches you will need to master.  Below you will find a few, click on the stitch name to see the Video tutorial for the stitch. 

Basic Crochet Stitches

Chain Stitch (CH) – The Foundation of Crochet Projects

Single Crochet (SC) – Versatile and Simple to Master

Half Double Crochet (HDC) – Achieving a Balanced Texture

Double Crochet (DC) – Quick and Effortless Stitches

Treble Crochet (TR) – Creating a Beautiful Lacy Effect

Slip Stitch (SS) – One of the foundation stitches 

Slip Loop (sl lp) – Loop needed to begin crochet stitches

With just the above stitches you will be able to create countless items from blankets/afghans, shawls, baby items, and even some apparel.   

Essential Supplies for Crochet Beginners:

Before you dive into the wonderful world of crochet, make sure you have the following supplies at your fingertips:

Crochet Hooks: Check your pattern instructions for hook size for your project.  Hook size makes a tremendous difference 

Yarn Selection: Exploring Different Types, Textures, and Colors.  Which yarn will be best for your selected project? 

Scissors: Finding the Perfect Pair for Smooth Cuts

Tapestry Needle: A Must-Have Tool for Seamless Finishing

Stitch Markers: Keeping Track of Your Progress with Ease

Ball winder:  Using a ball winder will enable you to easily be able to draw yarn onto your hook

Health Benefits of Crocheting: More Than Just a Hobby

Stress Relief: How Crochet Soothes the Mind and Body is something that still seems a sort of mystery to me but it is undeniable.  Crocheting has allowed me to reduce stress in my life.  After my stroke this past April crocheting and knitting have allowed me to keep a handle on the stress in my life and have allowed my body to heal.  

Boosting Brain Power: The Cognitive Benefits of Learning New Stitches has allowed my poor damaged brained (due to stroke) to build new pathways in my brain.  Learning to stitch all over again has helped to restore my brain power. 

The Joy of Creation: Crochet is Fostering Self-Esteem and a Sense of Accomplishment that I feared were lost forever. 

Connecting with Others:  Crochet builds  Community Through Crochet Circles whether this be in person or an online community Crochet can  create real connections.  I have personally spoken to many people that tell me they feel less isolated and more connected to others thru their crochet hobby. During the lockdowns of the recent Covid pandemics online forums were very helpful, critical most to keeping a lot of people sane.  Don’t be fooled some real friendships can develop thru these connections.  If you haven’t joined any online crochet groups give one a try and see if it might be a good fit for you.  

Mindfulness and Meditation: Crocheting also seems to bring about a sense of mindfulness almost like a quiet meditation.  The rhythm of your hook gently gliding over your yarn seems to put me into a relaxed meditative tase.

Crochet for Beginners – A Hobby Worth Exploring

With this short step-by-step guide to crochet basics, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident crochet enthusiast. Discover the joy of creating unique and beautiful handmade pieces while reaping the numerous health benefits of this creative hobby. From stress relief to enhanced cognitive function, crochet offers a holistic and fulfilling experience for individuals of all ages. So grab your crochet hook and yarn, and start your crochet journey today! Happy hooking!  

 

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DIY Bucket Hat – Crochet Pattern

DIY Bucket Hat – Crochet Pattern 

It’s hard to believe it’s already 2020!   I am hoping 2022 will be a much better year than 2021.  If you follow me on YouTube or Facebook you already know that 2021 was a tough year for me and my family.  So much loss.   I want to thank everyone for their support, it has meant to much to us.  

Onto happier things… even though it’s winter I still look forward to warmer weather every year.   San Diego has been unusually cold and wet this winter.  I know we are spoiled with good weather.  I’m not quite prepared when it gets chilly or get too much rain.   We really needed the rain since California has been in a state of drought for many years now.   

In preparation for the warmer weather I decided to make an DIY Bucket Hat – Crochet Patten.   This bucket hat is easy to make and it is so comfortable.  It’s a fun way to protect your face from the sun.  Using only basic crochet stitches you will be wearing your new bucket hat in no time at all.  I really hope you like it.  

Crochet Bucket Hat

Fun and easy crochet bucket hat

I chose to use cotton yarn since I suspect this hat might end up getting wet.  I plan to wear it to the beach and park outings.  I like the fact that it can be embellished with flowers, patches, etc.   Even a silk flower will look nice.   You can use whatever fiber yarn you prefer but remember it will be warmer than cotton.  Cotton is cool and it breathes well. 

I will be crocheting the woman’s size, but will give some hook size suggestions for other sizes.  Just remember, everyone has different tension when crocheting so sizes will vary.   The good things is that yarn does stretch so it is very forgiving.   

If you are wanting to make this hat for baby you might like this post:

Crochet Summer Baby Hats

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Learn to Crochet a Granny Square

Learn how to crochet a Granny Square on today’s post.  Crochet Granny Squares are so versatile.  They can be used to make scarfs, afghans, blankets, blouses, even coats.  

Today I would like to share a very traditional crochet granny square pattern.   There are many variations of the classic Crochet Granny Square.  Today I will be sharing the classic Granny Square pattern.

Photo of Crochet Granny Square
Photo of Crochet Granny Square

I crocheted this Granny Square using 2 contrasting colors.  You can choose to change colors after each round or keep them to 1 or 2 colors.  

This is the classic crochet granny square which is made with 4 total rounds of stitches.   You can use whatever size crochet hook (the larger the crochet hook the larger the square) and type of yarn.

When choosing yarn weight be sure it is appropriate for your crochet hook.

In addition to the written pattern / instructions I have also attached a link for a free YouTube video tutorial for those who prefer visual instructions.  The instructions below are for using 2 colors which will be represented as Color A and Color B, or just A and B.  

I have made every attempt to ensure this pattern is free of errors but on occasion mistakes happen.  Please let me know of any errors in the comments section.  Thank you and enjoy.

Supplies:

crochet hook

scissors

yarn color A

yarn color B

yarn needle

[  ] = work the instructions inside the brackets

dc = double crochet

sl st = slip stitch

ch = chain

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10 Easy, Beginner Crochet Stitch Patterns

Today I would like to share 10 Easy, Beginner Crochet Stitch Patterns.  These patterns can be used to make blankets, afghans, scarfs, tablerunners and many other projects.

I have added some of my favorite stitch patterns.   Most of these patterns are video tutorials but I’m sure you will still find it useful information.

These 10 Easy, Beginner Crochet Stitch Patterns can be made using any size hook as long as the hook size is appropriate to the weight of yarn used.

You can make the pattern larger by using a larger hook and heavier weight yarn.  The opposite would be true for making the pattern smaller;  Use a smaller hooker and lighter weight yarn for a smaller pattern.

Easy Crochet Stitch Pattern, Pic 1

Easy Crochet Stitch Pattern, Pic 1 – Pic 5

Easy Crochet Stitch Patterns

Easy crochet stitches Collage Pics 6 – 10

The best way to determine how many chains you’ll need for your project is to crochet a gauge swatch.  Once your swatch is made you can measure your piece to determine how many chains you will need to get your desired width for your project.

Don’t know how to make a gauge swatch?  Click here:

https://allcraftschannel.com/2015/09/gauge-what-is-it-and-why-should-i-care.html

Purchase your gauge swatch measuring tool here: (Affilate) Gauge Measuring Tool

So grab your yarn and crochet hook and “Let’s Get The Party Started!”

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The Best Ever Easter Egg Covers are easy to Crochet

You can have the best ever Easter Egg Hunt by crocheting these cute Easter Egg Covers.  They are so fun and easy to make.  Can you imagine your little one finding one of these fun little chicks and then realizing they hold a plastic egg full of goodies?  Kids of all ages will love them.

I had been knitting some of these cute Easter Egg Covers from a knitting pattern from my friend and knitting teacher Karalyn Rainey.  I posted a few pictures on my facebook page.  (By the way, go and follow me there)  I started getting requests to make a crochet version.  Of course, I wanted it to be fast and easy to make.

Crochet Chick Easter Egg Covers

Easy Crochet Chick Easter Egg Covers

I purchased plastic eggs from my local store.  I also purchased a variety of Easter candy to fill my plastic eggs with, however, a Cadbury Creme eggs (the ones that are wrapped in foil), fit into the chicks.  

You can choose either option.  Make sure you only put in candy that is already wrapped to protect your crochet Easter Egg Cover.   (Continued on next page).

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