Surface crochet, surface slip stitch or surface chain–the name pretty much explains itself. This technique involves slip stitches made through crocheted fabric, to make designs directly onto crocheted pieces. It is also used to smooth out the outlines when the design involves color changes. It’s a little like drawing, except we use yarn and hook instead of pen and paper–ain’t that cool? Here’s a step-by-step tutorial for surface crochet, or surface slip stitch. Mousing over the images will show the photos for the left-handed tutorial.

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Make a scarf for your pet! A houndstooth scarf, to be more appropriate and stylishly classy. If your pet has any sort of fashion sense, they will surely love this! Changing up the length and width of this scarf is extremely easy, too–you can even make it for yourself, to match with your pet.

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I think it’s a fact that some stitches just scream for multi-color! This series gives instructions for stitches like these, includes photos to see what the end result look like, and suggests color sequences to best display the stitch.

Multi-Colored Reversible Fans Stitch

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This set includes 5 patterns: basic ball, stringy ball, fish, mouse and spider. Each toy is designed to be quick to crochet so your cat can have an instant toy. These toys are puurfect for cats that like to simulate hunting since the toys are small objects. The stringy ball and spider are great for the string lover cats. Feel free to attach any of these finished toys to a stick with a string to play along with your cat. Add bells or catnip for extra cat fun!

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Crocheted gifts are always popular during the holidays! They are typically inexpensive to make and there are tons for crochet patterns to work with and choose from. Did you give or get a crocheted gift this year? If you gave a crocheted gift, what was it and how did your recipient react to it? If you got a crocheted gift, what did you get and how do you like it?

Often times, crocheted gifts are either appreciated and loved or dreaded. Maybe it’s the hideous crochet Christmas sweater that most folks dread to get. But now a days, crocheting is more fun and modern!

Feel free to share your experience with giving and getting crocheted gifts!

Here’s a quirky potholder for you: a potholder using the popcorn stitch, shaped like a tub of yummy popcorn! The textured popcorn stitches prevent pots and pans from slipping away from your grip. Skill Level: Materials: Medium Weight Yarn in Red, White, Yellow and Black Crochet Hook H (5.00 mm) Gauge: 8 hdc stitches x 5 hdc rows = 2 inches Notes: Ch 2 and ch 3 at beginning of rows counts as stitch. Color changes are made by carrying yarn from the very start of the work–doing this makes the potholder thicker and sturdier.

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I think it’s a fact that some stitches just scream for multi-color! This series gives instructions for stitches like these, includes photos to see what the end result look like, and suggests color sequences to best display the stitch.

Multi-Colored Ridged Ripples Stitch

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The reverse single crochet stitch, also known as the crab stitch, is made by doing single crochet stitches. With one major difference: the stitches are done in the opposite direction. So right-handed people work the reverse sc from left to right, and left-handed people from right to left.

This stitch is pretty distinctive; it looks ridged and makes a nice finishing option for crochet items. I personally love using this stitch for bag handles and baby things–it makes items sturdier. And it looks like a hand-sewn edging, too. It looks great when worked as an edging using a contrasting or coordinating color.

Here’s a step-by-step tutorial for the crab stitch, or reverse sc. Mousing over the images will show the photos for the left-handed tutorial.
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Stay warm this winter with a hooded cowl. This hooded cowl is an easy way to add a hood to your outfit. The cowl is adjustable using the buttons to make it as tight or loose as you want around your neck. This pattern includes 3 different sizes to crochet so that everyone in the family can have one! Sewing is only needed for attaching the buttons. Skill Level: Finished Sizes: Toddler: 22” (56 cm) at widest point, 11 1/2” (29 cm) long Child: 24” (61 cm) at widest point, 13” (33 cm) long Adult: 26” (66 cm) at widest point, 14 1/2” (37 cm) long

Sizes may be adjusted and customized using the instructions within the pattern to create any width or length desired regardless of sizes mentioned above.
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This snowflake pattern is a personal favorite and a versatile Christmas decoration or applique. Sew this snowflake onto the bottom of a scarf, chain many multi-colored snowflakes together for an interesting garland or use one as an ornament on the tree!
The pattern and photos are for a snowflake made with DK weight yarn and an H hook, but also works great with a G hook and fingering weight yarn!