Eyelash yarn (popularly known as Fun Fur) and other novelty yarns can be difficult for beginners to crochet with since it is hard to see the stitches. These yarns aren’t like regular yarns you may be used to crocheting with. The strands of yarn are “furry” and textured causing your work to have a unique look that hides your stitches.

To crochet with eyelash yarn and other fun novelty yarns you crochet the same way as you normally would. But because it may be a little tricky when you first start, here are some tips that can help you out:
read more »

Taking the dive into working with crochet patterns can be daunting for a beginner. So here’s a few tips and free crochet patterns to get you started!

Tips before beginning:

• Always have the crochet abbreviation chart with you. This will tell you what all those funny symbols and letters mean.
• Choose a pattern that is labeled with the skill level beginner.
• Choose a pattern that you won’t get bored working on.
• Make sure the project isn’t too big. It’s nice to get instant satisfaction when you’re a beginner to help boast your confidence.
• Take your time and work at your own pace.
• Be patient if something doesn’t make sense initially. Remember to go back to the abbreviation and symbols chart to help you figure it out.
• Don’t be shy if you need help!  Ask the designer of the pattern for help.

read more »

The Crochet Stitch Bible is one of my favorite and most used crochet book in my collection. Yes, there’s lots to rave about in this book, which I’ll be sure to tell you about. But there is always small flaws, which I’ll share with you as well.

As the title implies, The Crochet Stitch Bible is a book containing lots of stitch patterns, over 200 to be more precise. The stitches are organized into 14 different categories from basic stitches to special techniques such as texture, shells, lace, and Tunisian, just to name a few. Having so many stitches to choose from can be overwhelming, but the most convenient part of the book is that there is an eight page “Stitch Selector” where you can preview a small picture of each stitch without having to thumb through the entire book.

read more »

Crochet this mini sized scarf for your teddy bear or doll. This scarf was designed for a 16″ teddy bear but can be adjusted to fit other doll sizes or even a child or adult. Just use the instructions in the pattern to change the size. As the name implies, this scarf is made with scraps of yarn. So if you have small scraps of yarn left over from other crochet projects, here’s your time to use them up! It doesn’t matter how much of each color you have and it doesn’t matter if the colors even match. Just start crocheting with one color and change to a new color once you run out. If you’re not sure how to change colors, here’s a tutorial to help you out: How to Change Colors in Crochet. The more scraps you use, the more interesting your scarf will turn out! Skill Level:

read more »

Do you think you have what it takes to join the Crochet Spot team? The Professional Program is a way to give aspiring writers/designers the opportunity to have their tutorials and crochet patterns published on Crochet Spot, while getting paid to do it! As a part of the Crochet Spot team you’ll work with Rachel, the founder of Crochet Spot, in developing your crochet skills and creating tutorials and patterns that readers will be able to use for free.
read more »

I came across an article online the other day that talked about a woman named Mary Friese who just celebrated her 100th birthday. In the photo she’s crocheting a blanket for her 11th great-great-grandchild. She wasn’t sure if its a boy or girls so shes going to crochet a girl and a boy version. Oh, and did I mention she’s been blind for 15 years? Mary is able to crochet by touch alone! Feel free to read more about Mary Friese here. When you are 100 years old, do you think you’ll still be crocheting?

I hope I will be, if I even live to be 100 years old. I think it’s great to be able to crochet things for your children, your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren, and even your great-great-grandchildren. Wow, that’s a lot of greats!

What about you? Will you be crocheting when you’re 100?

Added to the Crochet Spot Store, this pattern set includes 2 different teardrop earrings! The beaded earrings are made with size 10 thread and use a total of 30 beads per earring. There is even a photo tutorial to show you how to crochet with the beads! The non beaded earrings use a light weight yarn so they aren’t heavy on your ears, while still maintaining its shape while being worn. Both earrings are easy and fast to crochet. Skill Level: Finished Sizes: Beaded Earrings: 1 3/4” (4.5 cm) long, 1 1/2” (4 cm) wide including beads Earrings (no beads): 1 1/2” (4 cm) long, 1 1/4” (3 cm) wide

read more »

Crochet this pot handle cozy to place on your pot or pan handle. Used it to keep yours hands from burning on those hot metal handles! The cozy is made to be extra thick by using 2 strands of yarn held together while you crochet. Be sure to use 100% cotton yarn and always use the cozy with caution. If you need a larger or smaller cozy, follow the instructions within the pattern to adjust the size.

read more »

On Saturday, June 5, 2010, a whopping 427 crocheters/baseball fans gathered at the Citi Field in New York to watch a Mets game and set the world record for the most people crocheting in one place! This gathering was organized by The National NeedleArts Association. In fact, Major League Baseball (MLB) and The National NeedleArts Association (TNNA) hold “Stitch n’ Pitch” events like this every season. Those who attend sit in a special section and enjoy crocheting, knitting, cross-stitching and other needle projects, while watching a baseball game.

Photo by Levine / New York Metz

If you remember a while back I posted about the Granny Square Dress on the Red Carpet. That’s the crocheted dress on the right hand side. I though it was a neat and bold dress. But now here comes another! This one I’m not so crazy about. Although I wouldn’t wear either, I still like the one on the right more. The crochet granny square dress on the left is too baggy and loose for me. It’s like wearing a blanket. It might as well be a Snuggie. I’ll give it an A+ for trying to be creative and thinking outside the box, but honestly the design is not for me.

What do you think? Which one do you like better?