Archive | Craft Tools, crochet equipment, knitting equipment

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!  

 

Facebookpinterestyoutubeinstagram
Continue Reading

Easy Braided Headband in Crochet

 Easy Braided Headband in Crochet 

 Crochet a Braided Headband: A Fast and Easy Accessory for Your Wardrobe    

by:  Yolanda Soto Lopez 

Are you looking for a fun and simple crochet project? Look no further! In this blog post, I will guide you through the steps to create a braided headband using basic crochet stitches. This stylish accessory is not only quick to make but also adds a casual touch to any outfit. Let’s get started! 

crochet braided band

Braided Crochet Headband

Supplies Needed:

To crochet your own braided headband, you’ll need the following materials:

Worsted weight yarn in your preferred color(s)  Approx. 3 oz

Crochet hook (size H/5.0mm works well with worsted weight yarn)

Scissors

Yarn needle

Step 1: Making the Foundation Chain.  Working with 2 strands of yarn at the same.  (Make 3 sections) 

To begin, create a foundation chain using the chain stitch. Make sure to leave a long tail at the beginning for later use. The length of your chain will depend on the size of your head. A chain of approximately 40- 50  stitches should work for most people. However, you can adjust the length to fit your preference.

Step 2: Forming Rows with Double Crochet

Once you have your foundation chain, it’s time to start forming the rows with double crochet stitches. Crochet a double crochet in each chain beginning on the 4th chain from the end. 

Double crochet is a basic stitch that creates a taller stitch and works up quickly. Here’s how to make a double crochet stitch:

Yarn over (wrap the yarn around the hook from back to front).

Insert the hook into the third chain from the hook.

Yarn over and pull the yarn through the chain, so you have three loops on the hook.

Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook, leaving two loops.

Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook.

Repeat the double crochet stitch across the row, working into each chain stitch. Continue this pattern until your headband reaches the desired width. Remember to keep your stitches loose and even throughout the project.

Step 3: Joining the Ends

Once you’ve reached the desired width, it’s time to join the ends together. Fold the headband in half, matching up the beginning and ending chains. Insert your hook into the first stitch of the foundation chain and make a slip stitch to connect the two ends.

Step 4: Adding the Braid

Now comes the fun part—creating the braided effect! Divide your headband into three equal sections. Cross the left section over the middle section, then cross the right section over the new middle section. Repeat this process until you’ve braided the entire length of the headband.  Make sure to make braid loosely.

Step 5: Securing the Braid

Once you’ve finished braiding, secure the end of the braid by making a slip stitch through all three layers. Trim any excess yarn, leaving a small tail.

Step 6: Final Touches

To give your headband a polished look, weave in any loose ends using a yarn needle. Make sure all ends are secure and trim any excess yarn.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully crocheted your very own braided headband using basic stitches like the chain, double crochet, and slip stitch. This project is not only fast and easy but also allows you to add a stylish and casual accessory to your wardrobe. Whether you wear it for a casual day out or a sporty activity, this headband is sure to enhance your look. Enjoy your new creation and keep exploring the wonderful world of crochet!

Here is another way you can make your headband:  

Continue Reading →

Facebookpinterestyoutubeinstagram
Continue Reading

Easy Crochet Bunny Easter Egg Covers

I have always loved decorating for Easter, and easy Crochet Bunny Easter Egg covers are so fun and easy to crochet.   I had seen a photo of these type of covers and I searched but couldn’t find a pattern.  Since working in rounds to cover the base of a plastic egg didn’t seem that challenging I went ahead and tried a few different designs.  This one just seemed easiest.

 

Easter Egg Cover

Learn to crochet these cute Easter Egg Cover

I know sometimes it’s hard to find beginner level projects.  These little Easter egg covers are easy and work up really fast.  I used only basic stitches.  If you can chain, single crochet, half double crochet and magic circle you can make these.   I have even uploaded a free YouTube video tutorial if you prefer.  Some people are visual learners and prefer to see a video.  I totally get it, I love watching videos too.   The link for the video tutorial is at the end of this post.

For those of you who would like the written pattern here it is:

Easy Crochet Bunny Easter Egg Covers

Supplies:

Worsted Weight Yarn (Medium weight yarn – 4)

Scissors

stitch marker

googly eyes and glue (optional)

yarn needle

Crochet H Hook ( 5.00mm )

Continue Reading →

Facebookpinterestyoutubeinstagram
Continue Reading

Learn To Quilt by Using Templates

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.

Learn to Quilt - Using templates

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.

Continue Reading →

Facebookpinterestyoutubeinstagram
Continue Reading

Easy to Crochet Messy Bun hat – Fun and Easy!

Yes, I got on the Messy Bun bandwagon

Today I want to share a pattern for an Easy to crochet “Messy Bun” hat.   I have received so many requests for an easy pattern.  

So, by popular demand here it is.  This is what I came up with for an “easy” pattern.  You can follow the instructions for rows 11-12 for a mock rib brim or just continue with double crochet for a plain edge hat.  

Either way, it looks and fits great.   You can customize the hat by choosing your own colors.  School colors, favorite colors or season colors make it so much better.   

I later realized that perhaps using this type of yarn might not have been the best choice.   Oh, well live and learn. 

Easy to crochet Messy Bun Hat

Easy Messy Bun Hat

Supplies Needed 

Approximately 3 1/2 ounces of Medium weight yarn.  I used  RedHeart Supersaver Cameo  – Color  Mirage

Scissors

Yarn needle

Crochet Hook (I used a size I ) for larger heads use a J hook.   For children use an H hook

I apologize for this photo.  I was having technical issues and just couldn’t get my beautiful photo to upload so I was stuck using this one.  Boohoo 

If you prefer you can purchase an Ad-Free PDF pattern Here:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/my-messy-bun-hat-2

Continue Reading →

Facebookpinterestyoutubeinstagram
Continue Reading