Category: easy patterns

The Humble Granny Square revisited…

The Humble Granny Square is back… most people who crochet will know The Granny Square, it’s been around forever, or so it seems & perhaps this alone may be why it is so often overlooked, or relegated to the boring basket.

However, recently I’ve been noticing a resurgence of the Granny Square in all its shapes & sizes & it’s made me think…. although I’ve gained reams of experience & moved on to more challenging projects over the years, I can’t help but be mindful of how much I owe to the good ol’ Granny Square… they are how I learnt to crochet & where my crochet journey really began so many moons ago &, I suspect, this applies to almost everyone who loves to crochet – after all, we all had to start somewhere & the humble Granny Square made with loving care is a beautiful thing.

Who hasn’t dug out that old granny square rug on a chilly winter’s evening, wrapped themselves in its wooly warmth for a night in front of TV? Have a look behind the scenes while watching your favorite sitcom, there’s most probably a brightly coloured rug thrown randomly over a chair to add that homely touch.

So, what’s so great about this little gem?

  • they are super easy to make
  • they are a great way to use up all those odds & ends in your yarn stash
  • you can use any yarn you like & work with any size hook you’re comfortable with
  • you can make your squares using a single colour, harmonies, contrasts, mono tones or be as random as your heart desires
  • you can make your square any size you want & join them as you wish to make a blanket, bunny rug, vest, scarf, jacket, slippers, handbag… gosh, the list is far too long to name them all
  • or you can just keep going around & around adding new colours (or not) at will
  • they are possibly the best way for learners to gain speed & understanding, with the bonus of having a lovely handmade item at the end of it
  • &, once you’ve mastered this easy one it may lead you on to try others… there are hundreds

If you are new to crochet (or perhaps just want a refresher) & would like to give the Granny Square a go you’ll find, what I hope are easy to follow instructions on, ‘The Humble Granny Square’ page of Crochet tips & Tricks – enjoy

How to make an easy Crochet Cord

Crochet Cord: make this decorative cord using any yarn of your choice, each will create an individual look – fingering, metallic, ribbon, chunky or even try using 2 or more threads together – the cord can be incorporated into your freeform work, used as a handle strap or sewn on as binding to created a beautiful edging – experiment with different size hooks & yarns…. you’ll be delighted with the results

You will find the instructions here on Novel Stitches Page

Crochet Handy Hints Pages…..

I’ve been planning this little exercise for some time now & finally found the time to put together these pages of handy hints, hopefully… answering some of the many questions I’m often asked – This is only a beginning… there is so much more to come but I think I’ve made a good start – if only one hint helps one person, I’ll call it a success – stay tuned, I’ll be adding more bits & pieces regularly

~ CROCHET TIPS & TRICKS ~

Another Super Easy Pattern

I just LOVE these Super Easy Patterns – work in a fine yarn or chunky… with a large hook or small… none if this matters so long as you follow the measurements given as your guide – if you love the 3 step summer shrug you will fall in love with this new user friendly crochet pattern just as quickly.

Not only can you use any yarn of choice or combination there of, you can wear this vest any which way you like – check it out on my Flickr photostream

Super Easy Vest – is another effortless garment for you to make. It’s adaptable to suit any size & worked by size, not number of stitches. Even though I have given yarn & hook requirements, because this pattern is worked by size not number of stitches the choice of yarn & hook is up to you –

Instructions are given in both UK & US terminology

As with all my recent patterns I like to think that even the most basic beginner will be able to have a go.

Tunisian Crochet Tutorial – Ebook

Over that past few months I have received a lot of mail from people asking about the Tunisian Crochet Technique which has led me to compiled this tutorial – I trust the reader will find it to be a comprehensive journey through the Tunisian basics & that it encourages them to delve deeper into this exciting crochet technique – My aim in writing the tutorial was to build confidence so that once you understands the basics you will venture out & explore the multitude of stitch combinations available.

This Ebook tutorial is now available in my Ravelry shop & also in my Etsy & Zibbet shops

Tunisian Crochet is worked on a long hook, not unlike a knitting needle, resulting in a rich-textured, woven fabric

The tutorial takes you through the basics of Tunisian Crochet in both written (UK & US terminology) & diagram form & covers the following:

  1. how to make the foundation chain (pg 2)
  2. how to make the basic foundation cast on row (pg 2)
  3. how to make the basic foundation cast off row (pg 2)
  4. how to make a basic Tunisian Knit stitch (pg 3)
  5. how to finishing off (pg 4)
  6. how to increase (pg 4)
  7. how to decrease (pg 4)
  8. how to make a basic Tunisian Solid Knit stitch (pg 5)
  9. how to make a basic Tunisian Purl Knit stitch (pg 6)
  10. how to make a basic Tunisian Treble stitch (pg 7)
  11. how to make a basic Tunisian puff stitch. Aligned puffs (pg 8)- Alternate Puffs (pg 9)
  12. how to bring in new yarn & change colour (pg 10)
  13. tips & tricks (pg-10)
  14. Three super easy projects to get you started Potholder (pg 11) Belt (pg 12) Scarf (pg 13)