Archive | Learn to crochet

10 Tips & Tricks to make you an Amigurumi Pro

Here are 10 tips and tricks to make you an  Amigurumi pro.   Have you always wanted to try crocheting Amigurumi?   Maybe you have already ventured into the world of crochet amigurumi and have had some success or maybe some failures.

Today, I want to share some helpful tips to make your crochet amigurumi so much better.  Follow these tips and tricks and you too can become an Amigurumi Pro.

Amigurumi is a method in crochet used to create mostly toys.  It can be used to make play food, dolls, etc.  The list is almost unlimited.  However, crocheting amigurumi can come with some unique challenges.   I’d like to offer some solutions to the most common problems.   Please note:  Tips are not necessarily in order of importance.

10 Tips & Tricks to make you an amigurumi pro
Amigurumi Dolls, 10 tips & tricks to make you an amigurumi pro

Here we go.. 10 Tips & Tricks to make you an Amigurumi Pro

Tip 1:   Don’t overstuff your items. –  I get this question so often that I think it bears repeating.  So many people write to me to complain that the stuffing in their amigurumi are showing thru the stitches of their items.

I think it’s natural to want to really stuff toys tightly.   Overstuffing your toys is a sure way to stretch out the stitches and have the stuffing show thru to the outside.   Please resist the urge to overstuff.  Use your hands to help give your toys the correct shape.

Remember, most of these items are toys and babies and children prefer soft, cuddly toys as opposed to stiff, hard toys.   (Free YouTube Video tutorial on last page of this blog post.)

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Perfect Amigurumi Gift for crocheters and Knitters

Perfect Amigurumi Gift for crocheters and Knitters.  I have been trying to come up with fresh gift ideas for friends and family and this makes it high on my list.  

Perfect Amigurumi Gift for crocheters and Knitters
Photo of cute Amigurumi sheep knitting the fleece of another sheep

While going thru pictures of quite projects I ran across a blog post by Sarah of Fugly crochet.  It was this fun little lamb.  I did change the type of yarn used to a fuzzy yarn.  

The yarn I used had been in my stash for several years.  Since it was just one small skein I really didn’t know when I would be able to use it.

If you shop at Joann’s you may have seen this yarn a few years ago.  It’s called Sensations, Beautiful.  It was made by Joanns and is a 5 Bulky weight yarn.  

I used it up and then I used a discontinued yarn from Paton’s Divine for my knitting sheep.  Don’t worry you can substitute Paton’s Classic roving yarn (wt 5) .   Paton’s Classic roving would work well for this pattern.  

I only used the other yarns because I am on a never ending quest to use up my stash.   The face and feet were done using Yarnspirations Simply Soft yarn in grey.    Both yarns are available at Yarnspirations and several hobby and yarn stores.

You can find the link for the fat sheep that was designed by Sarah here at Fugly crochet.  (The one whose fleece is being knitted)  

It was such a fun project and it inspired me to come up with another sheep pattern.  I wanted to make something fun and whimsical.  

So I designed a friend for it.  This is a fun project for those people who love to crochet and knit.  

The small square that the sheep is holding in the photo is just a knit stitch repeated each row to create the garter stitch but if you don’t knit you can substitute single crochet rows for the knit.  See instructions for changes.

Since using this yarn makes it a little harder to see your stitches you will probably need to feel where the stitches are actually formed.  

This might be a little more difficult for beginners.   Remember, if you prefer you can use a regular weight 4 (medium) yarn that is not fuzzy.  You will have a different look.

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Crochet Mittens that are Easy and Fast to make

These Easy crochet mittens are so fun and fast to crochet.  You may be wondering why I would be crocheting mittens in August.  Well, I like to start my Christmas crocheting and knittng early in the year.  This avoids me being rushed or pressured and running out of time to make gifts.

I have been looking for an easy beginner level mitten pattern, in other words an easy crochet mitten. I have seen others but they are so complicated and would require more crochet knowledge or skills.  This pattern is easy enough for beginners.

Crochet Mittens

Easy to crochet mittens

Free pattern from Redheart

I found a great pattern from RedHeart.com, pattern # WR2166.  These cute and easy crochet mittens were designed by Nancy Anderson.

They look great and are crocheted using single crochet stitches which makes them extra warm and cozy.  The pattern is available as a free download from RedHeart.com. Click here for pattern:   Mitten Pattern

I didn’t print out the pattern here since it is already available at Redheart.com.

These easy crochet mittens can be made using a solid color or combining your favorite colors.   I chose to use a solid color from RedHeart Supersaver in Turqua color.  It’s a nice bright and cheerful color.  I plan to make several pairs to gift and donate to various charities.

Great project to take along to other activities

Another great thing about these crochet mittens is that they are a great project to work make when you are on the go.  Also, since it’s still pretty warm in August you can crochet mittens without getting hot as you would when working on larger projects such as afghans or blankets.

They are small enough where you can hold them in your hands without them ever having to be on your lap and make you warm.  Their size makes them ideal for taking in your project bag.  Waiting for appointments will be more productive when you have a project to work on.

Free Youtube Tutorial:

These easy crochet mittens are worked from the cuff up.  The cuff is long enough to be folded over on your wrist.

After the cuff is worked then you will begin to work the lower hand.  Then create the thumb opening, onto the upperhand and finally finishing with the thumb.   Don’t be intimidated with this project it is easy to make and complete.

With permission from my friends at Redheart.com,  I have created a free YouTube video tutorial which will take you step by step.   Many visual learners find it easier to follow along with a video.

This is also a great way to learn how to read patterns.  Go to Redheart.com and download your free written pattern and follow along with me.  In no time at all your mittens with be done and ready to be enjoyed.

Mittens along with hats also sell great at craft fairs, especially when made with the colors or local sports teams.  Happy Crocheting!

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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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