If you’re a fan of starting your rows or rounds without a turning chain, you may want to try using the technique when you have to start a row off with a decrease. This is not a beginner technique, so it is suggested you learn the double crochet decrease and the chainless initial double crochet before trying this.

As a side note, if your pattern says the turning chain counts as a dc, you should simply make the chainless dc then work the decrease to maintain the proper stitch count. This technique is for chains that do not count as a dc.

Lengthen your first ch to the height of a dc; holding the loop still, wrap the loop around the hook, yo, pull through two loops; (yo, insert hook into next stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through two loops) for as many stitches as you need to decrease, yo pull through all loops.
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I think sunflowers are one of the most beautiful flowers in the garden. Their smiling faces, which follow the movement of the sun, remind me to always look for the bright side of every circumstance and to turn my back on dark days. I find crochet easily as therapeutic as enjoying a beautiful flower garden. So, I decided to combine the two this week. This project can be whipped up in no time. I plan on making several sunflowers, joining them at the petals, and creating a lacy scarf. Another use for this easy pattern is coasters!

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Treble three together (tr3tog) is a decrease you can see used in the Cat Scrubbie pattern. Like other decreases, it’s performed by working each stitch up to its second to last step an then pulling through all remaining loops.

To complete a tr3tog: *yo twice, insert hook into next st, yo, pull up a loop, (yo, draw through 2 loops) twice, repeat from * two more times, yo, draw through all loops on hook.
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There’s a new pattern in the Crochet Spot Store! Are you ready for football season? If you’re a football fan or know someone who is, crochet this fun football hat to wear while watching the game. The hat is crocheted in the round from the top down. Then the laces are crocheted separately and sewn onto the hat. The pattern provides 5 different sizes: baby, toddler, child, adult, and large adult. The hat in the sample photo is the adult size.

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.

A while back, I became a big nail polish aficionado. At this point, I have over thirty bottles–not counting minis–and I still can’t get enough. It was only a matter of time before it bled into my other hobbies, and here it is–a crocheted bottle of nail polish.

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I have to admit, it’s been a while since I’ve put together a photo round up, it’s was pure laziness on my part! Finally, here is a round up of awesome crochet pictures of finished projects that were submitted by readers. I love seeing everyone’s finished work, and I’m super impressed when folks get creative with the Crochet Spot patterns by adding their own touch. If you used a Crochet Spot pattern and would like to be included in a future roundup feel free to submit your crochet pictures. Enjoy the roundup everyone!
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Well, it’s finally happened. I am in a crochet slump. I have enough patterns both in books and stored on my computer to start a shop. I also have ample yarn and thread of all textures and materials. So what has happened? I don’t know.

I have my standard plethora of yet to be completed projects all around me, also a basket of yarn in front of the TV. I have looked through all my patterns and poked at all the yarn. I long for something to do but I just can’t get into it all. I just can’t get motivated. Admittedly we have had a recent passing in the family and I don’t think I am very normal since that’s happened, however crochet would be very therapeutic.
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Usually twirls and ruffles are crocheted along their length. This can be an uncertain process, especially if you’re making twirls by decreasing each row, but if you want to have a little more control of the final product, it can help to make them width-wise by varying stitch heights.

As an example, you can progress from a single crochet up to a treble crochet across the row, then turn and go from a tr to a sc, repeating the process until you have the length you want without the guesswork.
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There’s a new pattern in the Crochet Spot Store! This is a shrug pattern that uses the popular lover’s knot stitch to make a light and lacy fabric. Don’t let the lightness of the fabric fool you though, the shrug is still fairly warm to wear. The shrug can be warn as a cover up when you’re cold but then converted to a scarf if desired. The shrug is crocheted from sleeve to sleeve, all in one piece, with no sewing required! The pattern is design so that it can be made for any size from small children to large adults.

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.

A Guest Post by Patricia Shuler.

I was talking with my mom a few days ago. She sits on the couch at night while my dad watches whatever sporting event is on. She knits, crochets, needlepoints… she does it all. I asked her what kind of mobile apps she used to help her keep track of her projects, and she gave me a whole list, but then she sighed and gave me an exasperated look – “Pattie, sitting here can be kind of like being on an island.” I immediately abandoned the idea of re-hashing another “apps list” and probed her for more.

She went on to tell me that technology has actually helped her in more ways than just the ability to manage her projects with apps, that it actually gives her a sense of community when she’s not with her knitting or crocheting group.
I know what she means. As a writer, I understand the solitude of a hobby or profession that is solo in nature. So, here are a few of the ways she connects with her hobby using technology.
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