Author Archive

Reading Charted Crochet Patterns

Posted in Tutorials and Help on July 13th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 15 Comments

The first time I saw a charted crochet pattern, I thought it was some form of ancient hieroglyphics, or a language beamed down from another planet. It didn’t help that the rest of the instructions was in Japanese–another very foreign language to me. I shouldn’t have been intimidated–as it turned out I would prefer charted patterns to worded ones.
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Bringing Out the Crochet Designer in You

Posted in Tutorials and Help on July 12th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 9 Comments

Do you think of yourself as a crochet designer? No? Think again…Have you ever tweaked a pattern to suit your liking? Maybe you thought of a different handle for a bag you were crocheting, or finished an item all in one piece instead of sewing it together as written in the pattern.
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Crochet Pattern: X Marks The Spot Placemat

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on July 5th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 12 Comments
This is a nice lacy, openwork placemat that will impress family and friends when you invite them over! Make your own set of crocheted placemats in any color you want. You’ll also save money since you can crochet these using cheap cotton or acrylic yarn.

Skill Level: crochet skill level easy

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Crochet Pattern: Basketweave Canister

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on July 3rd, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 11 Comments
Organizing stuff has always been one of my weakest points. I just don’t see the problem–if I can stand the “organized clutter” around me, how come other people can’t? 

Okay, so admittedly, clutter can be an eyesore. Whip up this quick little canister to store little knickknacks: paper clips, loose change, candies, and what-nots.

Thanks to the basketweave stitch, the interesting and textured design gives the canister a unique look (that is actually easy to make).

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Crochet Pattern: Versatile Bijoux

Posted in Best Crochet Patterns on June 30th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 2 Comments

New in the Crochet Spot Store, the Versatile Bijoux pattern is true to its name — there are SO many ways to wear it! Wear it as a long necklace, a lariat, a layered choker, as a bracelet or anklet. You can even use it as a lanyard or eyeglasses strap. Made with ever-abundant crochet thread and seed beads, you can make one to match each outfit in your closet. One size definitely fits all!


Click here to see full pattern details!

All purchases help to support Crochet Spot and are greatly appreciated! Please log in or create a new account at the Crochet Spot Store to purchase this pattern. Premium Pattern Members may log into the store and download the pattern for free.

Crochet Pattern: Vortex Tawashi

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on June 24th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 14 Comments
Just can’t get enough of tawashis? I know the feeling all too well. Here’s a tawashi with elements I love: texture, one-piece construction, and spiral work. Another feature I love in tawashis? Practicality. This tawashi makes chores a little easier on your hands, with a pocket-like construction–no need to concentrate on your grip while cleaning!
Texture is made by making stitches in the back loops only (blo) of stitches. The front is worked in a spiral, and the project continues back and forth in rows for the back, to make the pocket. A few chains are made for the loop, and a simple slip stitch border wraps up this handy project. Made with medium weight yarn and size H hook, this project works up fast.

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5 Things I Wish I Had Known as a Crochet Newbie

Posted in Tutorials and Help on June 15th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 18 Comments

Pliny the Elder had written, “Experience is the most efficient teacher of all things.” I personally discovered that statement true enough—specially when it came to my crocheting. As a newbie I didn’t know much about the “proper” way of doing things. I made a LOT of mistakes that resulted in catastrophically funny FO’s (finished objects). Here are five things I learned, the HARD way:
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Crochet Pattern: Bracelet Favor Bag

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on June 10th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 16 Comments
Wouldn’t it be great if party favors came in something guests can use over and over again? This little favor bag has straps that can be worn over the user’s wrist, leaving his or her hands free for other things. 

Crocheted using worsted yarn and an H hook, this little bag is finished in just 11 rounds. This bag is very basic–add your favorite embellishments to make it unique! Adding a crocheted brooch for example, adds to the design and also doubles as an additional giveaway.

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Crochet Pattern: Asterisk Headband

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on June 2nd, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 12 Comments
Headbands can fix any number of bad hair days. They also add that extra “oomph” to the everyday look. 

This lacy yet sturdy headband is made in one go: after crocheting the main body back and forth in rows, the straps and edging are made in the same round. Make this using organic yarn for a spring or summer accessory, or make it double as a warmer by using wool or acrylic.

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Crochet Pattern: Magical Market Bag

Posted in Best Crochet Patterns on May 29th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 5 Comments

New in the Crochet Spot Store, the Magical Market Bag is a roomy tote that, after a few folds, reduces to a quarter of its original size! Thus proving that it IS magical – at first your purse can fit inside it, and then it can fit in your tote (what can be more magical than that, right?). This market bag is  made up of just 21 join-as-you-go motifs. Crocheted in worsted weight yarn, this tote is sure to be sturdy and lightweight.

Click here to see pattern details!

All purchases help to support Crochet Spot and are greatly appreciated! Please log in or create a new account at the Crochet Spot Store to purchase this pattern. Premium Pattern Members may log into the store and download the pattern for free.