Category: how to

The Chainless Foundation Stitch…

Have you ever wondered if there was an easier way to start a crochet project other than having to make that long foundation chain?

The good news is, yes, Chainless Foundation Stitches. This method can be used anytime you need a solid row of stitches or even when you want to add stitches at the end of a row. It can accommodate, increases, decreases & different height stitches. The only time it isn’t useful is when you’re working lacey patterns that use chains & chain spaces.

So, why bother using the Chainless Foundation Stitch when a foundation chain works perfectly fine?

Firstly, instead of having to count your chains, sometimes finding you’ve mis-counted after completing your first row only to rip it out & start again; with the Chainless Foundation St, you work the chain & stitch at the same time. For example: where a pattern asks for 11 chs to equal the 10 dc (US:sc) needed for your first row, or as for trebles (tr) (US:dc), where the pattern asks for 12 ch to equal 10 sts, you will be making the exact number of sts in one go… This is such a time saver, not to mention, no more frustration when mis-counting.

Another good reason is, you can work a project from top down or bottom up, both giving you a neat, strong, yet flexible edge, whereas, the simple foundation chain can sometimes be tight & less flexible or stretchy, which can be a problem around necklines or sleeve cuffs.

Want to give it a go? Great… I’ve created 2 short Pictorial Tutorials for working the Chainless Foundation Stitches.

I trust these tutorials are helpful, easy to understand & add another crochet trick to your repertoire. 

Chainless foundation double crochet (dc) (US: single crochet (sc) PDF download

Chainless foundation treble (tr) (US: double crochet (dc) PDF Download

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Chainless foundation double crochet (dc), US: single crochet (US:sc)

1. Start with a slip knot on hook

for Subsequent sts, repeat from * for desired number of sts

Row 2 & subsequent rows, depending on which st used:

~ dc (US:sc): 1 ch, turn, work your dc (US:sc) in the first st & in each st across

~  htr (US:hdc): 2 ch (count as htr (US:hdc)), turn, work htr (US:hdc) in next st & in each st across

~ tr (US:dc): 3 ch (count as tr), turn, work tr (US:dc) in next st & in each st across

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Chainless foundation treble (tr), US: double crochet (US:dc)

1. start with a slip knot on hook

for Subsequent sts, repeat from * for desired number of sts

Row 2 & subsequent rows, depending on which st used:

for dc (US:sc): 1 ch, turn, work your dc (US:sc) in the first st & in each st across

for htr (US:hdc): 2 ch (count as htr (US:hdc)), turn, work htr (US:hdc) in next st & in each st across

for tr (US:dc): 3 ch (count as tr), turn, work tr (US:dc) in next st & in each st across

Left Handed Crochet Stitch Overview

Over the years, I’ve had quite a few left handed ladies come to class. And even more who contact me about left handed crochet. I decided I needed to put together some crochet stitch basics to help you guys get going. I trust these simple, left handed crochet instructions do the job…

I’ve included: stitch symbols, both UK & US terminology & step by step stitch drawings illustrating how to make the stitch

I’m hoping to get more done but, as they take a bit of time, it may take a while…  meanwhile, enjoy!

you’ll find the left handed crochet stitch overview here

A Beginners’ Crochet Notebook…

A Beginners’ Crochet Notebook… click here for the tutorial

I receive many, many emails from folk needing help with their crochet; not only from frustrated beginners, but also from those who have been crocheting for a while asking, what for some are, fairly basic questions… But there is no such thing as a silly, stupid or ‘I should know this’ type of query, even after many years of crocheting there are always new things to learn.

 

And so, I’ve put together this Beginners’ Crochet Notebook to help those of you who want to start crocheting but don’t know where to begin. And, even though I’ve written this notebook mainly with the novice in mind, that doesn’t mean the more experience crocheter won’t find a few helpful tips as well.

~What hooks to use with which yarn. 

~Which yarns are: animal, plant or synthetic. 

~How to read patterns. 

~What those scary, abbreviations & symbols mean…&  lots more.

 

I’ve done my best to gathered together answers to the most frequent questions I receive, but of course, it’s impossible to have an answer for everything. There is so much more information I could have included in this Notebook; so much more the reader might find useful; but it’s such a fine line between cramming in too much & overwhelming you.

Nevertheless, I trust this tutorial is a comprehensive journey through the crochet basics for the beginner & others, & that it encourages you to venture forth with a little more confidence & understanding of this wonderful craft.

Tassels, Fringes & other Dangly Bits Ebook…

Tassel title pageOver the years of Freeforming, crocheting & felting, I’ve always been on the lookout for interesting additions to my work & Tassels, Fringes & Other Dangly Bits fall easily into that space where a little variety and/or originality is required to complete a project.

This collection brings together a broad selection of 24 Tassels, Fringes & Other Dangly Bits that I’ve used many times over in my work.

Tassels, fringes & other dangly bits will bring some razzle-dazzle to your projects, whether it’s a freeform crochet piece, a scarf, shawl or hat, or even add some pizzazz to your rugs (afghans), throw pillows, bedspreads, lampshades & other soft furnishings.

A few beads, here and there, gives a touch of glitz and glamour plus adds weight to the tassel/fringe so it hangs better.

* Enjoy yourself with these patterns, suggestions & ideas. Experiment with yarns, colours & textures. I’ve tried to cover a broad range of creative ideas in this collection & I hope you find it useful & inspirational

This Ebook (21 pages) brings together a collection of 24 tassels, fringes & other dangly bits & where appropriate patterns are written in both UK & US terminology, with diagrams, charts & photos &, covers the following:

Crochet Abbreviations (page 2)Rainbow Lariat 2

1) Standard Single Tassel (page 3)

2) Standard Double Tassel (page 3)

3) Twisted Cord Tassel (page 4)

4) Crochet Chain Fringe (page 4)

5) Standard Clump Tassel (page 5)

Cherry Red beanie scarf set

6) Ponytail Clump Tassel (page 5)

7) Hooded Tassel (page 6)

8) Clone Tassel (page 7)

9) Off-set Clover Tassel (page 8)

10) Crochet Chain Link Tassel (page 9)

11) Joined Crochet Link Tassel (page 9-10)

12) Barrel Knots (page 10)

Carnival 2

13) Adding Beads (page 11)

14) Adding Single Beads (page 12)

15) Beaded Fringe (page 12)

16) What to do with tassel tail ends (page 13)

17) Hanging Crochet Ball Tassel (page 14)

18)Crochet Circular Medallion Tassel (page 15)

19) Crochet Square Medallion Tassel (page 16-17)Rasta (2)

20) Crochet Diamond Medallion Tassel (page 16-17)

21) Crochet Triangular Medallion Tassel (page 17)

22) Crochet Cork Screw Tassel (page 18)

23) Wet & needle Felting ideas (page 19)

24) How to make Twisted Cords (page 20)

25) How to make Rasta (4)Pompoms (page 21)

You can purchase the ‘Tassels, Fringes & other Dangly Bits Ebook’ from Etsy & Ravelry

& soon on Zibbet & Craftsy

… enjoy!

Wet Felt Flowers Pattern Tutorial…

DSCF0534I’ve had this tutorial in my mind for a very long time, but knowing how much time & work was involved putting it together: taking photos & editing, writing step by step instructions & keeping them clear & precise…

Like many of us, I procrastinated, allowing other things to occupy my time… even though that little voice in my head kept reminding me of what I had intended to.

So, a few weeks ago, I decided I couldn’t put it off any longer (that little voice was beginning to chatter & become annoying) – I got my act together…

Writing the tutorial was as I thought – time consuming – but I had forgotten just how much fun making these felt flowers is & how satisfying it is completing & reaching another goal…

ff-felt-flower-groupAnyone can make these  flowers, no felting experience necessary as the tutorial takes you through the steps &, apart from the wool roving, which can be purchased at any good DSCF0553craft suppliers, most of the requirements are items you’ll already have in your home.

The tutorial covers 2 wet felted flower methods ~ (1) using polystyrene moulds ~ (2) free formed & it also covers making leaves, centre balls & stamen/pistils

Have fun with these wet felted flowers… experiment with colour combos, textures & sizes… turn them into brooch pins or jazz up an old hat, they even look great in a vase… they’re such a joyful gift for family & friends… enjoy!

4xfelt-flower

Requirements: xxfelt-require-1

  1. coloured wool rovings (available from any good craft suppliers)
  2. polystyrene balls, egg shapes, golf balls,
  3. very sharp pointed scissors
  4. rubber gloves if you don’t like harsh soap on your hands
  5. old towels
  6. bamboo sushi mats – bubble wrap
  7. pure soap
  8. hot water
  9. old sheeting – chux wipes
  10. craft glue
  11. sewing machineDSCF0547
  12. sewing cotton

The tutorial includes:

  • requirements (page 2)
  • making flowers using the polystyrene method (page 3-6)
  • making centre balls (page 7)
  • making pistils/stamens – page 7-8
  • making leaves (page 9-11)
  • making freeform flowers (page 12-15)

The Wet Felt Flower Pattern Tutorial is available for sale in my Etsy Shop & Zibbet shop

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