Using Foundation rows is a great technique, because they can create the foundation chain and the first row of stitches at the same time. But if you are a fan of foundation rows (foundation single crochet, foundation double crochet, etc.), you may have run into problems dealing with patterns that require increases to be worked in the foundation chain. It’s tempting to simply create the final number of stitches, but since increases affect shaping, it is better to follow the pattern as written and make the increases.

To follow this tutorial, you should be comfortable with making a foundation row. This technique is adaptable to other foundation stitches, but single crochet will be used to demonstrate.
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In my last post, Focus on Fiber: Silk, I mentioned recycled sari silk as a fiber that is fun to crochet with. This week I’d like to share a unique pattern that looks great with sari silk, but would also work with many different types of fiber. This pattern will use a technique that involves crocheting with a Peruvian loom, which I will demonstrate in this tutorial.

A skein of recycled sari silk

Many of us are interested in multiple crafts. My first craft hobby was jewelry making, which I started at age 9! I loved making earrings for my friends and teachers. Ever since then, I’ve loved beads. There are many ways to make crocheted beads, but today we’ll focus upon making flat beads. Because beads are small, this can be an excellent way to use up yarn scraps, especially those of our most expensive and luxurious yarns!

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There are many ways to join crocheted pieces together. This tutorial will focus upon joining two granny squares together using slip stitches and the outside loops. This particular technique can be used to join any crocheted pieces together, including seams on garments or accessories. The resulting seam is very strong and will make your pieces look like they are sitting side by side. I like this seam for modular pillows, blankets, and bags.

For the purpose of this tutorial, I will be using pieces and joining yarn in contrasting colors. If all of the pieces and joining yarn are of the same color, this seam should be invisible. Yarn and hook size do not matter for this practice tutorial.

If you’d like to follow along step by step, you may first use the granny square crochet pattern to make two 2-round granny squares. Then use your remaining yarn and your hook to follow along. If you need to review the slip stitch, check out the slip stitch tutorial.

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I got the idea for this tutorial because I decided to participate in a “Monster Swap” with my local stitching group. I used a really cute pattern that called for “safety eyes.” To be honest, I’ve never used safety eyes, I didn’t know where to buy them, and frankly, I didn’t have time to buy them either.

This is a picture of all of our amigurumi creations together!

As a follow up to my two previous tutorials, How to Double Crochet Between Stitches, and How to Begin and End Rows while Double Crocheting between Stitches, this week we’ll focus upon how to crochet a flat circle while crocheting between stitches. For the purpose of practicing this skill, we’ll make a circular swatch in this tutorial. Yarn and hook size don’t matter for this practice swatch.
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I was very pleased with the response to my last tutorial, How to Double Crochet Between Stitches. Many people inquired about how to begin and end rows, so this week’s tutorial will focus upon just that. For the purpose of practicing this skill, we’ll make a small swatch in this tutorial. Yarn and hook size don’t matter for this practice swatch.
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Crocheting between stitches is an alternative to crocheting through both loops, back loop, or front loop. The resulting stitch is effectively a little shorter than a normal double crochet, and the stitch pattern becomes more open.

To double crochet between stitches, the crochet hook will be inserted in the space between the stitches, as indicated in the picture below.

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If you follow our posts, you’ll remember a recent blog about a new item I came across called the “Sharp Crochet Hook”. I received my hook about a week after I ordered it and I couldn’t wait to try it out. Though I have close to a million ideas for usage in my head for this, I’m going to share two with you here.

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As promised, here is the continuation for Crochet Technique: Hairpin Lace – Part 1. In this post, I will show you, through pictures, how to achieve this fascinating lace. I’ve learned a lot this last week trying to accomplish the little sample to the right. It turns out, this is one of those crafts that takes a special kind of patience – but the only way you can get this lace. Is it worth it? Let’s find out….

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