This pattern is for an ultra versatile and classic looking cabled headband. Most people assume that making cables is difficult, but as soon as you master these two techniques: Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc) and Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc), cabling will be part of your everyday crocheting repertoire.

This pattern calls for sport weight yarn and the smaller E hook. If you would rather use a heavier weight yarn and a larger hook, have at it! With a DK or worsted yarn and a H hook this headband could also be used as a winter earwarmer!

Do you normally pack an apple for lunch? If so, crochet this cute yet silly Cozy Apple Sweater to keep your apple clean while bouncing around in your lunch bag. The fun apple sweater is bound to put smiles on faces when you pull it out for lunch. Best of all it’s fast to crochet and requires only a little bit of yarn with no sewing. The sweater is designed for an apple but can also be used for other fruits of similar shape and size. For extra fruit protection, fold up the top of the sweater collar.

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I was recently bestowed with a large number of family and family accumulated patterns, mostly handwritten and mostly impossible to decipher. I have shared some of these patterns in previous posts, The Starburst Throw, Star Washcloths in Two Sizes and the Giant Granny Square Blanket with Clusters.

Reading and figuring out these patterns has been both wonderful and enraging at times; some of it is hard to read because of age and some of it takes a lot of deciphering due to language and abbreviation barriers. I became aware during the process that in some cases the patterns were written using UK abbreviations and then I realized why I had been so confused! Here is a quick chart to familiarize you with the differences. Click Here To Read More »

I have a secret love for vintage patterns. I can spot them aisles away in flea markets and antique stores. Their creased covers and penciled in notations from years ago give them such a sweet, homey appeal. I not only love the patterns, some of which are elegant and others rather funky, but also the fun illustrations throughout.

I can spend hours flipping through their dogeared pages laughing at the crocheted bikinis and cooing over the sweet baby layettes. It just goes to prove that crochet has kept the hands of women busy for many years turning a skein of yarn into innovative pieces of functional art, and at times funny finished projects.

Do you collect vintage patterns? If so, what is the most absurd or elegant pattern you’ve found?

Crochet this cute amigurumi tea party set for a child to play with! This set includes patterns for the teacup, saucer, and teapot with removable lid. The “tea” is crocheted into the teacups and teapot to appear full. Feel free to mix and match colors to customize your tea party set.

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Clusters are a great tool for adding texture and fun to any crochet project. Some patterns call for a ‘cluster’, others use clusters that are involved in a more intricate stitch. Below are two sets of instructions for two cluster stitches and some photos to help you accomplish the specific clustered look. Check out the crochet abbreviation chart for help with abbreviations and symbols.

This tutorial is for both right and left handed people. For left handed pictures, roll your mouse over the image and it will change for you.

V-Clusters

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While hanging out with a bunch of crochet folks I realized that there are many ways that people pronounce the word “skein”. Perhaps it’s due to the region we’re from or the crochet influences that we’ve been around. The most common pronunciations that I’ve heard are “skane”, “skeen”, and “skine”. According the dictionary (yes, I looked it up), the proper way is to pronounce it as “skane”. Personally, I say it as “skeen” and any other way just sounds funny!

So which way do you pronounce “skein”? Skane, skeen, skine, or maybe just ball?

Now that you’ve decided on your yarn you need to find the perfect match in a hook. Your crochet hook is like a magic wand turning a skein of yarn into a crocheted masterpiece. It can become your best friend and once addicted it will be a tool you simply can’t live without.

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Vintage Crochet Pattern Series: Week 3

“That’s the reason they’re called lessons, ” the Gryphon remarked, “because they lesson from day to day.”-Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Clusters are a big theme in vintage patterns and this one is no different. It uses the modern and trendy idea of making a blanket like one big granny square, but uses clusters to create a bit more texture. The original handwritten pattern was so vague it was almost impossible to decipher! Instructions went like this: 1,four clusters. 2,increase clusters by x2 each round. 3. make increases each corner 4. add double increase in middle. add border finish off

This pattern calls for three colors but you can change the number of colors or the order of the color changes to make your own unique creation! Not sure how to change colors? See How to Change Colors in Crochet for help!

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Due to an overwhelming number of requests, Crochet Spot now has gift certificates! If you need a quick gift to give a crochet lover, you can now purchase a gift certificate to the Crochet Spot Store. Gift certificates can be for the amount you choose and can be printed out from your computer or emailed to the recipient. Gift certificates do not expire and do not require maintenance fees. To learn more about gift certificates, or to purchase one for a loved one, use the button below.

The button above will also show you a sample gift certificate with instructions on how to use it and walk you through customizing it!