Archive for February, 2009

How to Crochet a Granny Square

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns, Tutorials and Help on February 6th, 2009 by Rachel – 53 Comments
Crocheting a granny square is a very simple pattern that is repeated around in a square shaped fashion. Granny squares are commonly used to make baby blankets and afghans. They can also be used to make scarves, clothing, washcloths and coasters. The usage for granny squares is unlimited.
Learning how to crochet a granny square is very easy, just use the below pattern to get started! Gauge is not important since granny squares can be many different sizes.
granny-square

Crochet Pattern: Granny Square (updated 2/19/2010)
Round 1: ch 4, sl st in forth ch from hook forming a loop
Round 2: ch 3 (counts as 1 dc now and throughout), 2 dc in loop, ch 2, (3 dc in loop, ch 2) 3 times, sl st in top of beginning ch-3: 12 dc
Note: at the end of this round and all following rounds, you may change yarn color if desired
Round 3: ch 3, turn, 2 dc in next ch-2 space, ch 2, 3 dc in same ch-2 space, ch 2, (3 dc in next ch-2 space, ch 2, 3 dc in same ch-2 space, ch 2) 3 times, sl st in top of beginning ch-3: 24 dc
Round 4: ch 3, turn, 2 dc in next ch-2 space, (ch 2, 3 dc in next ch-2 space, ch 2, 3 dc in same ch-2 space, ch 2, 3 dc in next ch-2 space) 3 times, ch 2, 3 dc in next ch-2 space, ch 2, 3 dc in same ch-2 space, ch 2, sl st in top of beginning ch-3: 36 dc

Need help understanding the abbreviations? Check out the crochet abbreviation chart.

Continue this pattern to increase the size of the granny square. Here is the basic idea for the granny square pattern:

  • For corner spaces (each round has 4 corners): 3 dc in ch-2 space, ch 2, 3 dc in same ch-2 space
  • For side spaces (each round adds one more ch-2 space to each side): 3 dc in ch-2 space
  • Each round will have 12 more double crochets than the previous round.

When moving from one loop to the next, always chain 2, thus each set of 3 double crochets is separated by 2 chains.

If you are having problems crocheting a granny square, no worries! Just leave a comment and I will be sure to help.

How to Crochet a Beanie

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns, Tutorials and Help on February 5th, 2009 by Rachel – 85 Comments
To crochet a beanie there are many different crochet patterns that you can learn. The basic idea is to start from the top of the beanie by crocheting multiple stitches into a circular shape. Then the number of stitches is slowly increased each time you crochet around the circle to form the shape of the beanie. Once the crocheted beanie is as wide as you want it, keep crocheting without increasing the width. Continue to crochet in circles around the rim of your beanie until it is the length that you desire. 3-crochet-beanies

It is very easy to learn how to crochet a beanie using basic crochet stitches and patterns. Here is a free easy crochet pattern of a beanie to help you get started.

Skill Level: beginner crochet skill level

Finished Size: 5.5’’(14 cm) tall, 7’’ (18 cm) diameter

Materials:
Medium Weight Yarn
Crochet Hook F (3.75mm)
crochet yarn size 4
3-crochet-beanies-flat

Gauge:
17 sc = 3’’
8 rows = 2’’
Gauge Swatch: 3’’w x 2’’h (7.5cm x 5cm) ch 18.
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across
Row 2 – 8: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Finish off.

Crochet Pattern: Beanie
Round 1: ch 2, sc 10 in second ch from hook, place marker
Round 2: 2 sc in each sc around
Round 3: (2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next sc) around
Round 4: (2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next 2 sc) around
Round 5: (2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next 3 sc) around
Round 6: (2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next 4 sc) around
Round 7: (2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next 5 sc) around
Round 8 – 9: (2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next 10 sc) around
Round 10 – 11: sc in each sc around
Round 12: (2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next 10 sc) around
Round 13 – 17: sc in each sc around
Round 18 – 19: (2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next 15 sc) around
Round 20 – 31: sc in each sc around
Finish off

Need help understanding the abbreviations? Check out the crochet abbreviation chart.

If you find that the crochet beanie pattern is too big or too small, feel free to make alterations as needed by increasing or decreasing the number of crochet stitches in each round or changing the number of rounds. You may also like to change colors in each round to make stripes or use a different crochet stitch to give your beanie a different look, such as a double crochet stitched beanie.

You may also like to check out the Crochet Pattern: Family Beanie Set – 6 sizes. This pattern set has various beanies for you to crochet! Plus, you don’t have to worry much about how to increase or decrease the size of your beanie.

Be sure to check out the Crochet Spot Store for more beanie and hat patterns!

crochet beanies

If you need help with crocheting the beanie, leave a comment and I would be glad to help you!

Skill Level Symbols for Crochet Patterns

Posted in Tutorials and Help on February 4th, 2009 by Rachel – 2 Comments

Most published crochet patterns have symbols that represent the skill needed to complete the pattern. The symbol represents how easy or difficult the pattern will be. These symbols are created by the Craft Yarn Council of America’s Standards & Guidelines for Crochet. The chart below describes each symbol.

Projects for first-time crocheters using basic stitches. Minimal shaping.
Projects using yarn with basic stitches, repetitive stitch patterns, simple color changes, and simple shaping and finishing.
Projects using a variety of techniques, such as basic lace patterns or color patterns, mid-level shaping and finishing.
Projects with intricate stitch patterns, techniques and dimension, such as non-repeating patterns, multi-color techniques, fine threads, small hooks, detailed shaping and refined finishing.