Kate Jenkins pushes the envelope when it comes to fiber art possibilities. She doesn’t just knit and crochet, she knits and crochets. A former designer for fashion lines like Donna Karan, she is the owner of Cardigan, a knit and crochet shop and gallery all in one, based in the U.K. Her mission statement unravels like this: “anything can be created from yarn as long as it is made with love.” From striped wraps to fish and chip platters, dragonflies to the pork pie you see below, Kate exhibits at galleries and art shows all over the world and is known for her attention to small details and use of vibrant colors. read more »

Hello! My name is Erin and I’m a writer, mother and crocheter. My days are filled with mayhem, mischief and makings.  I started crocheting while on bed rest with my second daughter and have been crafting items for sale and as gifts ever since.  You can read all about my chaotic life at my personal blog Blogging is For Dorks and see my hand made items at Ultra Cute Crochet.

I love sharing my patterns and experiences in crocheting with beginners and with more advanced crocheters looking for more to learn!

Doilies aren’t just for grannies anymore!  Adding a pop and punch to your shelves, bookcases and tables is never a bad idea.  Instead of the standard off white cotton thread and tiny hook this pattern puts a twist on the classic doily by using sock yarn (fingering weight) in bright alternative colors instead.

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Crochet a bunch of these cupcakes to use as play food, or as pincushions. These cupcakes feature a textured pattern on the sides to create the cup lines and on the top to create a swirled icing effect. Crocheted in the round as one piece, these cupcakes do not require sewing. Feel free to mix and match colors to make different flavors and add beads to make sprinkles if desired!

Finished Size: 2 1/2” (6.5 cm) diameter, 3 1/4” (8 cm) tall

Skill Level:

Materials: Medium Weight Yarn (small amount of each color) Crochet Hook F (3.75 mm)

Download Pattern:
To download this pattern, visit the Crochet Spot Store.
Premium Pattern Members may download this pattern for free. Non-members may purchase this pattern. All purchases help to support Crochet Spot and are greatly appreciated!

Need help while crocheting your cupcakes? No worries, just let me know!

Working front post and back post stitches in crochet is an easy way to give texture to a crocheted piece. Front post and back post refer to the way the crochet hook is inserted into the work when crocheting and can be done using different stitches, such as single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, etc. Instead of inserting the hook into the front and back loops of a crochet stitch as one would normally do, front and back post stitches are made by inserting the hook around the post of the stitch.

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Most crochet patterns are written out line by line with abbreviations and numbers, such as “Row 1: ch 2; 5sc in 2nd ch from hook,” but there are also patterns that utilize color charts or graphs instead. The below chart is one such example. It may remind you of needlepoint and cross-stitch charts if you’re familiar with those crafts. How does one go about reading a color chart or graph? I’ll tell you!

Photo by Lion Brand Yarn

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One of the most frustrating and tedious elements of crocheting is getting to the end of a pattern or project and having to get rid of all the odds and ends.  For the beginning crocheter this can be particularly maddening, considering it’s not always known how to properly execute this task.

Annoying and ugly ends can ruin any finished project so take care to finish off appropriately.  The best way to do this is to use a yarn needle (also known as a tapestry needle).  A yarn needle is usually larger than other needles, has a larger eye and is most of the time made of plastic.
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Crochet this poncho to wear during winter or cool summer nights. The pattern is a simple and easy, repetitive pattern to crochet and includes instructions for customizing the poncho’s size so that it fits you exactly the way you want it. Finished Size: In photo: 14 1/2” (37 cm) long, 31” (78.5 cm) at widest point when flat, fits an adult small / medium size This pattern can be made to fit any size(s). Instructions include guidelines for taking measurements which are used in the place of conventional sizing guidelines, allowing for the item to be customized for the intended body shape or size. Skill Level:

Materials: Medium Weight Yarn (approximately 400 yards) Crochet Hook K (6.50 mm) Yarn needle

Download Pattern:
To download pattern, visit the Crochet Spot Store. New users may create a new account, while existing store shoppers may log in using their email address and password. Once logged in, you may add the pattern to your shopping cart and check out. If you are a Premium Pattern Member, you may download this pattern for free!

Need help while crocheting your poncho? No worries, just ask for help!

Photo by Saki Chikaraishi

You could crochet a cozy for your brand-spankin’-new iPad like Japanese crocheter Saki Chikaraishi did…wait, you’re a novice still learning the crochet ropes? There’s an App for that! Thanks to Jones APR, a mobile app, consulting and PR firm, there is now “Knitting & Crocheting HD,” an application specifically created for Apple’s iPad. The app just hit the iTunes store in late June and features over 500 photos, illustrations as well as instructions to take you through the knitting and crochet basics, including supplies needed and yarn types explained.

Apple gadgets are no strangers to crochet applications: there’s already one for the iPhone and iPod Touch, not to mention a few podcasts to choose from. But, the iPad is obviously more conducive to learning just about anything because of its visually-friendly size. Have you tried out any of these crochet apps or do you stick to crocheting up gadget cozies when it comes to the intersection of tech and craft?

These adorable posies are perfect for making any project more feminine and adorable. Make a bunch and add them to a baby blanket, or just a few to pretty up a plain beanie! They can be made with either five or six petals, both varieties included in the pattern below.

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