The bullion stitch is a special stitch formed by wrapping the yarn several times around the crochet hook (usually 7 to 10 times), and then pulling a loop through. It can be used as a decorative stitch for jewelry, flower making or as a pretty edging. There are several methods for accomplishing this stitch, but I chose the following method because it was the easiest for me.

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A motif is defined as a distinctive and recurring form, shape, figure, etc., in a design, as in a painting or on wallpaper. Granny squares are a great example of a motif. The mini motifs featured in these posts can be used for so many fun crochet projects. Make a cool garland with many mini-motifs strung together, design your own jewelry (earrings!), decorate a child’s room, make a table runner; the possibilities are practically endless!

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When crocheting in the round, there are two different ways to progress through rows. At the end of each row, we can join the last stitch to the first by making a slip stitch at the top of the first stitch (the “traditional” way); or we can continue working on to the next round by making the first stitch for the next round on top of the first stitch of the row below (working in a spiral).
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A motif is defined as a distinctive and recurring form, shape, figure, etc., in a design, as in a painting or on wallpaper. Granny squares are a great example of a motif. The mini motifs featured in these posts can be used for so many fun crochet projects. Make a cool garland with many mini-motifs strung together, design your own jewelry (earrings!), decorate a child’s room, make a table runner; the possibilities are practically endless!

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Have you ever seen a crocheted item displayed wrong side out? The worst case I ever came across ironically was inside a craft store. I came across a crocheted doily, and it was displayed wrong side up! I cannot believe my eyes; the doily even had Irish crochet roses on the border. It should have been too easy to tell the front from the back, with a three-dimensional design element.

So how do we tell the two sides apart? It can be difficult, specially when the item is made in the round–the two sides could look identical at first glance. Let’s take a look:

Sc in the round - Front

Sc in the round - Back

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A motif is defined as a distinctive and recurring form, shape, figure, etc., in a design, as in a painting or on wallpaper. Granny squares are a great example of a motif. The mini motifs featured in these posts can be used for so many fun crochet projects. Make a cool garland with many mini-motifs strung together, design your own jewelry (earrings!), decorate a child’s room, make a table runner; the possibilities are practically endless! This little motif is simple and reminds me of a little jewel. The pictured motifs are a smaller motif made with an E hook and fingering weight yarn and a larger one made with a G hook and sport weight yarn.

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The word picot originates from the French verb for “to prick.” Picots have been used not only in crochet but in other crafts as well–to add decorative points and interesting dimension. And yes, it is pronounced pk or p-k (I know I had trouble deciding how to say it the first time).

Picots in crochet are done by making 3 or more chains, and then making a slip stitch or single crochet into the first chain. This slip stitch or single crochet can be made into the V of the chain, or into the back ridge of the chain. There is also a relatively new technique, where the slip stitch or single crochet is made on top of the stitch made before the chains made for the picot.
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Knowing a pattern’s skill level before you start it is an important part of the crocheting process. If you pick a pattern that is too easy for you, you might be bored easily and find the project tedious. If you pick a pattern beyond your skill level or knowledge you might become frustrated and give up! Using the basic Crochet Skill Level chart and paging through some different level patterns and stitches can help you be well aware of what you’re getting into at each level. Clicking on any link in this post will take you to a tutorial or pattern that will help you master each skill level!
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Adding tassels or fringe to crocheted creations can transform them from ordinary to unique. Tassels can also be added to knitted items, or even cloth (just make sure to make perforations neatly and evenly). They are a popular addition to scarves and wraps. Did you know that one of the easiest ways to attach fringe or tassels to craftwork is by using a crochet hook? This step-by-step tutorial shows you how exactly to do that.

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All kinds of crafts have a long legacy of classic techniques that had meaning to the peoples they originated with. In crochet and knitting Aran stitches are great examples of this. Although most are originally knit stitches, some are crochet as well and have been passed down for many generations.

This particular stitch is made of panels of 17 plus three. One panel is perfect for a scarf, a thick headband (or earwarmer) or a smaller sized washcloth. If you wanted a wider project you could either whipstitch appropriately length-ed panels of the 17 plus 3 together, like a quilt.

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