Tag Archives | Home Decor

Thick Pot Holders – Easy Crochet Project

Thick Pot Holders – Easy Crochet Project

Making new items for your home is always fun, in this post we will make these thick pot holders – Easy crochet project.  

This item uses only basic stitches and works up super fast.  These pot holders make great housewarming gifts.  Now you can use colors that match your home decor.  It’s also great because it uses so little yarn that it is a great way to use up partial skeins of yarn. 

Cotton yarn is the ideal fiber since it can absorb water and heat.  Also it will not burn the way that acrylic yarn does. 

I have to admit that I just love these kinds of projects.  They are fast, easy and I just like to have a stack of gifts ready to give on every occasion.  Whether for a housewarming gift, bridal showers or just when I know someone may be feeling a little down and needs some encouragement.  

 

Crochet Thick Pot Holder     by  Yolanda Soto-Lopez

Pot Holder

    Pot Holder

Skill level:  Beginner  

Supplies

  approximately  3 – oz.  Cotton Yarn, Medium Weight (worsted) 

Scissors

Yarn Needles 

K Size Crochet Hook (7mm) 

To Begin: 

Working with 2 strands yarn 

Chain 25,  Double crochet in 4th chain from end

Row 1: dc in each stitch,  chain 3 turn work over  (22 dc total) 

Row 2:  Dc into first stitch, dc in each stitch,  last stitch goes into chain 3 chain, ch 3, turn work

Repeat for a total of 11 rows.   Leave a tail to sew edges together. 

Fold corners into the middle  to form a square (see photo)

    Fold your pot holder like this in order to sew

Sew along edges…sew in tails 

Sewing guide for pot holders

    Sewing guide

In one corner join yarn,  chain 10. join into first stitch.. bind off.  sew in tail.   Use this loop to hang pot holder.  That’s it, Enjoy 

If you are a more visual learner click on this link to be see my free YouTube video Tutorial: 

If you enjoy fast and easy crochet  items here is another project you may enjoy: 

Easy Crochet Ribbed Hat – A beginner level Crochet Hat

 

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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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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.

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Learn to Knit – Learn the Garter Stitch

Do you want to learn to knit the garter stitch?

Did you put “Learn to knit” on your 2017 list of goals?  The garter stitch is one of the easiest stitches to use for making blankets, scarfs, and lots of other fun projects.  The garter stitch is made using the basic knit stitch.  Aside from learning to cast on the knit stitch is usually the second stitch knitters learn.  The garter stitch is made by knitting every row.  It is perfect for watching TV while knitting.  You don’t have to worry about counting stitches or getting lost.  In these photos below I will try to explain how the stitch is made.     I used a bulky yarn and a size US 10 1/2 knitting needle ( 6.5mm) below.  Using this size needle and yarn weight I later went on to cast on 35 stitches and made a nice scarf.     *Please note:  I am knitting in the continental style below.  I find this style to be easier for those who crochet (right handed) and want to learn to knit. I think this is because the yarn is held in the left hand.  Since crocheters have already learned to hold the yarn in their left hand and control the tension this is a natural transition.  That of course, is just my own opinion.

 

Garter stitch

Knit Gart Stitch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garter Stitch

After you have cast on the stitches called for in your pattern you are ready to begin.

  1. Just as in the knit stitch the yarn will be coming from behind your needle (photo 1)
  2.  Insert your empty needle from the left to right  (Photo 2)
  3.  Pull yarn thru with needle  (photo 3 and 4)
  4. Slip off your needle   (Photo 5)
  5. Repeat for all stitches on your needle  (photo 6)
  6. Turn work
  7. Repeat 1- 6

That’s it!  You are knitting the garter stitch

Photo 1:

Knitting needle

Yarn behind knitting needle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 2:

Knit stitch needle position

Inserting needle to work knit stitch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 3:

knit stitch

Getting ready to pull yarn thru needle to knit stitch    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 4:

Knitting

Knitting stitch – pulling yarn out thru front 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 5:

slipping stitch off needle

slipping stitch off knitting needle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 6:

knit garter stitches

working garter stitches

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you want to see a video tutorial I have uploaded one to my YouTube Channel  the “All Crafts Channel”  Click below to enjoy it.  Please share this post with others who enjoy knitting or want to learn to knit.   Please leave any questions or comments below.  Enjoy!

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Bernat Stitch Along, Revealing Clue 3

The Bernat Stitch Along is now in its third week and it’s time to reveal clue 3.  This week’s clue reveal is a beautiful honeycomb pattern.   You may have seen this pattern used in various knitting projects.  Although it isn’t often shared on social media this pattern is really pretty.   The pattern is a 4 stitch repeat.   I have gone back to the color yarn I used in week 1.  The Bernat Stitch Along is really coming along now.

Knit Honeycomb pattern

Clue 3 of the Bernat Blanket Stitch Along

 

Why use a cable needle?  Our instructions call for using a cable needle or hook.   This stitch can be made without using a cable needle however,  the cable needle/hook is an easier and more secure way to ensure you don’t drop any stitches.  (Dropped stitches can be a hassle to pick up).   Some may think that using a cable needle is a slower process but in the end, it can save your from countless dropped stitches and headaches.   If you are an advanced knitter you can create the stitch without using a cable needle or hook.  For beginning or intermediate knitter I recommend using the cable needle.   Once you have mastered the stitch if you want to try creating the pattern without a cable needle that is also an option.   You will just have to be careful that you do not drop any stitches as you work.

This pattern is created by alternating the direction in which the stitches lean.  From left to right and right to left.  By working these stitches in different directions you create the honeycomb pattern.   You can choose to work from either the written pattern of the charts.   Some people prefer to work from written patterns and others from charts.  Either way, we have you covered.   To download all needed info including shopping supplies, patterns, video links or other pertinent information please visit:  Bernat Stitch Along Info   There are some colors that are exclusive to Joann’s Fabric and Craft stores.  You can purchase your supplies at your local Joann’s store or go online to Joann.com

I really like this pattern and it has inspired me to create a knit pot holder.. maybe with a couple of little bumble bees attached to the top.  I am thinking of using some cotton yarn in a honey color.  I think that would make a fun housewarming present.   I hope that you will find the Bernat Stitch Along a great way of adding new techniques to your knitting skills.

It’s not too late to join the Bernat Stitch Along.  The videos and instructions are still available for everyone to download and watch.  Joann’s has also created a special Facebook event page.  That page is being shared by both knitters and crocheters.  On that page you can share photos of your progress, ask questions and be inspired by others.  Visit the page today and be sure to like it.  Here is the link:  Bernat Stitch Along Facebook Page

I have uploaded a  YouTube Video tutorial for visual learners or if you just want a refresher on knitting the honeycomb pattern.   I go stitch by stitch and explain how to create this pattern.   Just click on the video box below to watch the full tutorial.   Be sure to share the video and this post with  your friends and family.

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