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How to Crochet: Angel Wings Necklace Part 1

Here’s a photo tutorial on the Angel Wings Necklace pattern, as requested by a Crochet Spot reader.

The first part of the tutorial shows how to crochet the first two rows of the pattern. Watch out for the second part, for detailed instructions on how to crochet the third, and final, row. As with all the crochet tutorials here, mousing over the images shows images for the left-handed tutorial.

How to Crochet: Foundation Double Crochet (fdc)

Posted in Tutorials and Help on March 27th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 61 Comments

Who doesn’t love chainless foundations? I, for one, hate crocheting hundreds of chains at the beginning of projects. I love crocheting, and doing math, but for some reason I hate counting those chains (anyone with me here?).

Enter: the foundation single crochet (fsc). But what if the base is made up of double crochet (dc)?

How to Crochet: Granny Squares (Step-by-Step)

Posted in Tutorials and Help on March 16th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 55 Comments

I know we already have a post about how to crochet granny squares, but I thought that some would appreciate a step-by-step tutorial. We’ll be using the same pattern in that post, but more pictures will be included. As with all other tutorials here at Crochet Spot, mousing over the images shows the photos for the left-handed tutorial.

Need help understanding the abbreviations? Check out the crochet abbreviation chart.

How to Slip Stitch Crocheted Pieces Together

Posted in Tutorials and Help on March 11th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 18 Comments

If you’re anything like me, you’ll find the most difficult part in crocheted projects is the assembly. If I had my own way, I would crochet all the pieces in one piece–but of course this wouldn’t work for every single crochet project I would like to make. This tutorial will show you an easy way to join crochet motifs or parts together: slip stitch away all the seams!

This particular method is ideal for projects with double thicknesses like trivets, hot pads, and hat brims.Â Aesthetically, this method is very flexible–one side looks like a chain-embroidered border, while the other side renders the seam virtually invisible.
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Crochet Pattern: Shamrock Shawlette

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on March 3rd, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 36 Comments

Want to get lucky (and keep warm, too)? This eye-catching shawl is deceptively simple to make. Made with worsted yarn and size L (8.00 mm) hook, the main body is really just a granny triangle. The key to the unique look lies in the shamrock edging: 3-leaf clovers all around, with a lucky 4-leaf clover in the center.

How to Crochet: Spike Stitches

Posted in Tutorials and Help on February 24th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 9 Comments

Sometimes we don’t really need to learn a new technique to add fire power to the crochet arsenal. Would you believe that the visually stunning spike stitch is done just by inserting your hook in different places in your work? Yes, we use the same old stitches we’re so familiar with — single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and so forth. The only difference is that we insert the hook in a lower place in the work before making the stitches.

Crochet Pattern: Pressed Petals Bookmark

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on February 16th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 6 Comments

Don’t we all like having those cute bookmarks? I do–but then I always lose them! So I came up with the idea of bookmark-bracelets. I wear them on my wrist as I read, so I never forget that I set them down on the table, or so that it won’t get blown away by a stray gust of wind. Never lose another bookmark again!

This bookmark can be used to mark a group of pages, as well as just the place you left off. Very easy to adjust the length to fit any book–just make sure to chain the appropriate number of chains in the beginning. There are two sizes in the pattern, one for 7-inch tall books (pink), and the larger for 8.5-inch tall books (red).

Crochet Pattern: Angel Wings Necklace

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on February 2nd, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 48 Comments

They say accessories have the power to make or break an outfit. Purchasing them can also break the bank! Why buy when you can make some yourself?

I just love the look of those bib necklaces that went mainstream last year. But I couldn’t imagine myself actually wearing one of those gem-laden beauties–I’m more of a t-shirt and sneakers kind of gal.

So I made myself something that has a similar look; something that makes a statement but can still be worn as an everyday addition to outfits.

Does the necklace look familiar? I used the fans in theÂ Royal Scarf Crochet Pattern toÂ achieve the lacy yet solid look for this necklace.

Different Ways to Crochet in the Round

Posted in Tutorials and Help on February 1st, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 48 Comments

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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Crochet Pattern: Hearty Neckwarmer

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on January 28th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 5 Comments

Make sure you don’t go cold on Valentine’s day (or any other day, for that matter). This little neckwarmer features a row of hearts. It can also be worn as a headband, or made longer for a scarf or sash. Worked in one piece, it is crocheted in rows from one tip to another, so it’s a cinch to adjust the length; just make more pattern repeats.

Skill Level:

Finished Size: 32″ long x 3″ wide

Materials:
65 Yards Medium Weight Yarn
Crochet Hook J (6.00 mm)

Gauge: Not important
Need help understanding the abbreviations and symbols? Check out the crochet abbreviation chart!