Tutorials and Help

3 Tips on Starting a Crochet Group

Posted in Tutorials and Help on April 24th, 2012 by Tameko Barnette – 7 Comments

Being a part of any group where everyone shares the same interest is a wonderful thing. No doubt. The conversations, the ideas, the advice, and the overall connection between all who attend is well worth the time and effort.

I have been a part of and have started several groups over the years. All of them were creative. You can start your own crochet group. All you need is a creative mind, some patience, and the following three tips. 🙂
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Filet Crochet: Lacet and Long Mesh

Posted in Tutorials and Help on April 21st, 2012 by Candace – 1 Comment

In filet crochet, two commonly used meshes are the lacet or Fancy Mesh and the Long Mesh. Both of these meshes are longer than the basic mesh stitches. In a pattern that uses a 4-stitch mesh, these stitches are made over 7 stitches (2 outer stitches, 5 inner stitches–the equivalent of 2 meshes).

The lacet is made as follows: Ch 3, skip 2 sts, sc in next st, ch 3, skip 2 sts, dc in next st
To start a row with a lacet: Ch 6, skip 2 sts, sc in next st, ch 3, skip 2 sts, dc in next st

Two lacets over four normal-sized meshes


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What to Do With Those Tiny Crochet Hooks

Posted in Tutorials and Help on April 18th, 2012 by Tameko Barnette – 32 Comments

My favorite size crochet hook is “J”. However, most of my creations are made with a size H, I, or K. When I started attending a crochet group around the end of 2011, one of the members gave me two tiny crochet hooks.

I believe they are sizes B and C. Very small. They are so small I can’t even see the hook without my reading glasses.

My mind scrambled to find uses for these tiny crochet hooks because quite frankly, I couldn’t then and still can’t imagine now actually using them for a pattern. Now, I’m sure you extremely advanced crocheters from way back can really work with any crochet hook that comes your way. But I have to admit these tiny crochet hooks got me stumped. So I figured out another use for them.
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Filet Crochet Basics: Spaces and Blocks

Posted in Tutorials and Help on April 12th, 2012 by Candace – 5 Comments

Filet crochet is a technique that uses a series of solid (blocks or solid meshes) and open (spaces or meshes) areas made with chains and crochet stitches (usually dc) to make a pattern. This technique is often done with crochet thread.


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Crochet Party Favors for All!

Posted in Tutorials and Help on April 11th, 2012 by Tameko Barnette – Be the first to comment

Who doesn’t love a great party? Whether it’s a birthday party, engagement party, graduation party, or even a crochet party, it’s all about coming together in the spirit of something positive. There’s nothing like sharing good food, good music, and good company.

Crochet party favors can be an excellent addition to any type of party. You can tailor the favors to the party theme. While the food, music, and people make a great party, the ambiance add its own special twist to the event. The party environment sets the tone for sure.
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3 Cool Ideas for Crochet Wearables

Posted in Tutorials and Help on April 4th, 2012 by Tameko Barnette – Be the first to comment

Indeed, crochet is a versatile craft. You can make just about anything for yourself and others. From home decor to accessories for your yoga practice, crochet can supply your every want and need. All you need is a little time, a lot of patience, yarn, hook, and a good pattern or imagination. With wearables, this is no exception. You can even crochet some amazing and fashionable items that will have others asking you, “Where did you get that?”
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How to Crochet: Butterfly Stitch

Posted in Tutorials and Help on March 30th, 2012 by Candace – 13 Comments

The butterfly stitch is a simple technique that creates a lace-like accent. It’s worked between other stitches, usually double crochet or taller. The butterfly stitch is worked over four rows and uses long chain spaces. In this tutorial, the chain spaces are 8 chains long.

Hovering over the pictures will give you a left-handed view.

Start by beginning your row as usual. You’ll need at least one stitch on each end of the butterfly stitch to anchor it to. Make the required number of chains and finish your first three rows.


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How to Crochet: Adjustable Double Ring

Posted in Tutorials and Help on March 28th, 2012 by Candace – 5 Comments

The adjustable ring is a very popular method of starting a project in the round, but some prefer the double ring for its greater durability. This tutorial will teach you how to make a double ring so you can see which one you prefer and have another skill in your crochet arsenal.

You can roll over the pictures to see a left-handed view.

First, wrap the yarn around twice. Your yarn tail should be in the front, and the working yarn should be in the back.


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3 Crochet Ideas for Your Home Decor

Posted in Tutorials and Help on March 21st, 2012 by Tameko Barnette – 4 Comments

Decorating the home can be a fun experience, but we’ve had moments where decorating the home can be a daunting task. Coming up with new ideas, especially if you’re an experimentalist like me, can help make the experience a lot better. This time around I put together my favorite three crochet ideas for your home decor.
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3 Tips for Your Spring Creations

Posted in Tutorials and Help on March 14th, 2012 by Tameko Barnette – Be the first to comment

Every year in March, we gear up our thoughts of new beginnings with spring cleaning, new ventures, and new ideas. Our crochet projects are no exception to this rule. Springtime brings with it beautiful colors, textures, and clothing that speaks to the rejuvenation and the spirit of renewal that is felt all throughout the season.
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