A crocheted case is a very simple solution to screen scratches and purse dialing on smart phones and newer non-flip cell phones. This pattern is for a case that can be easily changed to fit your cell by simply changing the beginning number of chains in the first row to measure the same as the width of your cell and the number of total rows to measure the same as the length. Keep in mind that each person crochets differently, so measuring your phone and the case as you’re working will ensure for a better fitting case.

This pattern also includes instructions for an open at the top case for phones with headphones and charging jacks at the top of the phone, and instructions for an open at the side case, for phones with jacks on the side. Embellish your case with a bunch of darling poseys as a perfect girly gift for a teenager’s first cell phone or make a black and orange case with some Halloween appliques!

In a previous post I gave instructions for three special stitches, the moss stich, the chevron stitch and the smocking stitch, which all help add texture and interest to crochet projects. Below are instructions for two more special stitches, photos of the stitches and general uses for them.

Classic Checkerboard Stitch
This stitch is great for all kinds of around the home type projects like washcloths and table runners. You can play around with this stitch by making each ‘checker’ a different color or any other kind of variation of colors.

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A cold weather accessory that is quickly becoming popular is the ear-warmer headband. This accessory is versatile and modern, is often used in place of a winter beanie and is very popular with runners. The pattern calls for three colors but have fun with this pattern and add more or less colors to suit your own taste. This headband would be great in Halloween colors with one of these Halloween Appliques sewn right on!

This pattern calls for sport weight cotton yarn to prevent the headband from stretching and to be easy to clean if used by a runner. You can use any weight or type of yarn for this pattern, just keep in mind your finished size will be different than the one listed in the pattern.

Adding Trim to a crocheted project can give it a more finished appeal. The uses for these trims seem fairly endless; crocheted scarfs, blankets, washcloths, belts and table runners are just a few examples of projects just waiting for an interesting trim.

This trim is great for washcloths (imagine it as the ‘fins’ on a aquatic bath set!). It’s also known as ‘Diagonal Box’ trim and is traditionally used as edging for clothing.

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Shawls aren’t just for old ladies anymore! This pattern is for a shawl that definitely warms up a brisk fall walk or a chilly winter morning, but can also be worn as a cowl (flipped around backwards and tied behind head, as pictured in the second photo). In this pattern you use two strands of DK weight yarn held together throughout, but if you wanted a lighter version you could use one strand of yarn and the same N hook.

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Crocheting can be very rewarding and calming, but sometimes it can also be a very expensive hobby to maintain. Over time I have come up with a few tips and have been taught a few things by other crocheters and knitters I have met in my life.

Stay Organized! Keeping track of the yarn you have at home helps to prevent you from buying unneeded yarn. Keep an index card in your purse and write down what yarn you are buying right after you buy it. When you’ve finished a project, cross that yarn off your card.

Organizing yarn in clear, separate containers is also a great way to prevent from buying unneeded yarns. I use clear craft (or childrens toy) towers with three or more large drawers that can be purchased very inexpensively at any walmart, target or kmart. If the yarns are properly organized by color or yarn weight, you are less likely to buy a yarn you already have! read more »

Chunky cowls in muted colors might just be one of the coolest (no pun intended) winter accessories this year! This pattern is very quick to make up and is the perfect Christmas gift. It’s never too early to start crocheting Christmas presents!

Never worked with clusters before? You could practice these stitches first before attempting the pattern: V-Clusters and Clustered Chevrons

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A center pull skein is a skein of yarn (or ball of yarn) that you pull the yarn from the middle while working on a project. This way ensures that the ball won’t roll around or get wound up with other yarns. Also, with a center pull skein you can stick it into your pocket and crochet while you’re strolling around. I do this all the time, mainly when I’m taking my kids to the park or even during their bath times! Though this is one of the best and convenient ways to wrap yarn, if you notice that a yarn is easily knotting or are getting wrapped up in itself, it might not be a suitable yarn for a center pull skein.

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Hacky Sacks are great for children to toss around or for an impromptu game at a bonfire. Teach kids the rules of hacky sack (a variation found here) and they’ll have something to keep them busy at the bus stop or waiting in line at an amusement park! The pattern shows two colors, but this type of pattern is great to experiment with many colors. It’s also a great way to use up scrap yarn. Thinner cotton is suggested for this pattern because it makes the hacky sack much lighter. Dried lentils are used to stuff this particular hacky sack, but you could use any small dried bean or mix of beans instead of lentils.

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Have you ever held the softest, silkiest yarn in your hands and decided not to buy it for your next crocheted project because it wasn’t machine washable? Ever feel like a precious item is ruined because you don’t know how to properly hand wash it?

Never fear, Crochet Spot (and Erin) are here to the rescue!

Here is a step by step guide to gently hand washing your favorite delicate crocheted items. read more »