Author Archive

Crochet Pattern: Reversible Wrist Warmers

Posted in Best Crochet Patterns on October 3rd, 2010 by Rachel Choi – 5 Comments
These wrist warmers are reversible with a different pattern on each side. The main side has a series of cables, while the reverse side has a classic ridged pattern. The finished wrist warmers are nice and thick for the winter weather while still providing mobility for your fingers. This pattern is great for practicing or learning cable stitches! Plus, no sewing is required.

Finished Size: 3” (7.5 cm) wide, 8” (20.5 cm) long when flat
Note: width and length may be adjusted to fit any hand size using the instructions within the pattern

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Always Crochet with Stitch Markers

Posted in Tutorials and Help on October 2nd, 2010 by Rachel Choi – 11 Comments

Okay, maybe not always, but a lot of times stitch markers are like headache relievers when you crochet. Not familiar with stitch markers? Check out this quick post: All About Stitch Markers in Crochet. A stitch marker can be anything from plastic rings you buy at the store, a spare safety pin, or something as simple as a scrap of yarn. Whatever you use, the point is to stick markers into the stitches of your crochet work so that it’s easier to follow. Hence, headache relieving!

When working with crochet patterns, it most likely will not tell you to use markers unless completely necessary. However, there are tons of times when stitch marks are extremely useful. Here are some examples:
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Crochet Pattern: Circular Vest – 9 Sizes

Posted in Best Crochet Patterns on September 26th, 2010 by Rachel Choi – 34 Comments

The Circular Vest is crocheted in the round as one piece (no sewing required). It’s crocheted with a large crochet hook to give it a loose drape while still providing warmth. Best of all, this vest works up really quick! Personalize this cardigan styled vest by adding buttons or a belt.


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Crochet Pattern: 5 Halloween Goodie Bags

Posted in Best Crochet Patterns on September 19th, 2010 by Rachel Choi – 11 Comments

Crochet these cute little goodie bags to make the perfect Halloween party favors. This set includes 5 different bag patterns: candy corn, pumpkin, ghost, Frankenstein, and witch. Each bag is crocheted in the round and designed with a drawstring at the top. Basic embroidery skills are required for the Frankenstein and witch bag.


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Update on Hooded Scarf (3 sizes) Crochet Pattern

Posted in News on September 14th, 2010 by Rachel Choi – 15 Comments
I just wanted to write this quick note to let you know that I updated the Crochet Pattern: Hooded Scarf (3 sizes). There was a mistyping at the beginning of the pattern. So if you purchased or downloaded the pattern before today (9/14/2010) feel free to log into your Crochet Spot Store account and download the new version (free of charge of course).

To download the new version, just login and download the pattern the same way you normally would. Go to “My Purchased Patterns” for non-members. For Premium Pattern Members, just scroll down to the pattern and click “Download Pattern”.

Sorry for any confusion in the pattern that the mistyping may have caused. Big thanks to the reader who caught my mistake! If you have any questions about the pattern, always feel free to ask me!

Crochet Pattern: Pumpkin Baby Cocoon with Hat

Posted in Best Crochet Patterns on September 9th, 2010 by Rachel Choi – 17 Comments
Crochet this baby cocoon with matching hat and use it as a cute Halloween costume, photo prop, or just a warm sack to tuck a baby into. The ridged lines give it the distinct pumpkin look. Feel free to customize the cocoon by sewing or embroidering on your own jack-o-lantern face! You can even omit the pumpkin’s stem to create a traditional baby cocoon set. This pattern can be downloaded in the Crochet Spot Store.

Finished Sizes:
Cocoon: 20” (51 cm) long, 10” (25.5 cm) wide when flat
Hat: 14” (35.5 cm) circumference, 5” (12.5 cm) long
Fits most newborns and should stretch

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Crochet Pattern: Pumpkin Hat – 3 Sizes

Posted in Best Crochet Patterns on September 2nd, 2010 by Rachel Choi – 8 Comments
Ready for Halloween? Crochet this quick pumpkin hat for your baby, toddler, or child to top off a pumpkin Halloween costume. This hat features ridged lines to create the pumpkin look and texture. Finish off by sewing on the stem. For the creative crocheters, feel free to embroider or sew your own jack-o-lantern face onto the pumpkin hat. This pattern can be downloaded in the Crochet Spot Store.

Finished Sizes: Baby, Toddler, Child (exact measurements and instructions for measuring are included within pattern)

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11-Year-Old Raises Money for School in Kenya

Posted in News on August 29th, 2010 by Rachel Choi – 9 Comments

Morgan Kranz is an 11-year-old girl who recently sold crochet and knit items such as purses, hats, and wrist warmers, at a craft show in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. Unlike many folks who sell at craft shows, this young lady was raising money for the Diani Maendeleo Academy in Kenya. Morgan was able to raise $1,485 the day of the fair and even more since then. The profits were much more than expected so it’s unknown what they will be used for. It may be used for school supplies or lunch for the students. Students attend the academy 12 hours per day Monday to Friday, and 6 hours on Saturday with only breakfast provided.

Photo courtesy of Gwen Kranz

With only 2 years of crochet experience, Morgan Kranz is a great example that you can make a difference at any age and skill level (and turn a profit at craft fairs).

Crochet Pattern: Hooded Scarf – 3 Sizes

Posted in Best Crochet Patterns on August 26th, 2010 by Rachel Choi – 6 Comments

New in the Crochet Spot Store, this hooded scarf features deep pockets on both sides and a ribbed edging along the front. The scarf and hood are designed to be wide and large to keep you extra warm during the winter. Feel free to mix and match colors to create your own unique color pattern!

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Should All Crochet Patterns Be Free?

Posted in Fun Ramblings on August 22nd, 2010 by Rachel Choi – 79 Comments

Is it greedy for designers to charge for their work? Is it unreasonable to charge $4 or $5 for a pattern? Is it shameful for people to try and make a living doing what they love?

Recently, I came across a blog post that really got my insides stirring. It discussed how crochet and knit patterns should be free, or should be sold at an extremely low price. What disgusted me the most was the disrespect and ignorance the writer had for designers and their work. Being a designer myself it was hard not to take it personally. Designers aren’t trying to take advantage of people. We aren’t trying to “get rich quick” by selling over priced patterns. In fact, most if not all crochet pattern designers I know spend lots of time creating their work and helping customers with questions. In my opinion, they deserve what they charge. If you would like to read the blog post that I discuss, click here.

If you’ve been visiting Crochet Spot for a while, you’ll notice there are both free crochet patterns and for sale crochet patterns. Trust me, I like freebies as much as the next person, but should someone be expected to work for free all the time?

What do you think? Should all crochet patterns be free?