Last Minute Mother’s Day Gifts

By Rachel Choi – April 27th, 2011 4 Comments

Did you just realize Mother’s Day is right around the corner? If so, you’re not alone because I just realized it too! Here are a few crochet patterns that are fairly quick to work up and would make great Mother’s Day gifts.
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How to Crochet: Double Crochet with Beads

By Robin Beers – April 26th, 2011 20 Comments
Now that you know how to add beads to your work and do a single crochet, I will teach you how to add beads to a double crochet stitch. For a quick refresher about how to add beads, click here. In this tutorial, I used larger beads made of wood. I found them at my local craft store. The technique is basically the same as in single crochet except that you will pull the bead to the front of your work and secure it there. Some ideas for you are to make a pocketbook with beads, or maybe a beaded plant hanger.  

The materials you need are crochet thread or yarn, beads and a needle. I am using larger beads here so I use a tapestry needle to string them onto my yarn.
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Crochet Pattern: Little Safari Animals

By Rachel Choi – April 24th, 2011 7 Comments

New in the Crochet Spot Store, this pattern set includes 5 cute animals to crochet: Ellie the elephant, Gina the giraffe, Harry the hippo, Lenny the lion, and Zachary the zebra. Each animal is crocheted in the round amigurumi style, and is made up of several small pieces that are sewn together. For the multicolored animals, the pattern will provide tips for smooth color changes. The ability to embroider the faces is required.

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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.

So…What Are You Knitting?

By Veronica Smith – April 23rd, 2011 45 Comments

How many times have you been asked that while you’re crocheting? Why do people assume you are knitting all the time? I get confused when somebody asks me what I’m crocheting because it happens so rarely. Little children I am okay with. A lot of times their terminology is not spot on anyhow. Plus I figure they may have less exposure, and they are cute.

Depending on where I’m at and the specific situation determines my answer. Sometimes it’s just easier to block out the K word and simply answer with scarf, or whatever it happens to be. Other times I get brave and correct politely, this gets mixed reactions no matter how nicely it is said. Sometimes I end up in a lengthy conversation other times I get looked at like I don’t know what I’m saying.
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Crochet Pattern: Beginner’s Butterfly

By Erin Burger – April 21st, 2011 20 Comments

These beginner’s butterflies would be great used as an applique on pretty much anything! Blankets, scarfs, beanies, you name it and you could stick one of these simple butterflies on it. The butterfly is made all in one round, so it’s super fast to crochet!

Skill Level: crochet skill level intermediate

Finished Size: 3″ (7.62 cm) wide across the wings, 3 1/2″ (8.89 cm) long

Materials:
Small amounts of Worsted Weight yarn
Crochet Hook H (5.00 mm)
yarn needle

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How to Do the Burn Test

By Claire Ortega-Reyes – April 20th, 2011 12 Comments

There are many ways to identify what kind of fiber or fibers is in yarn. Obviously, the label tells us the exact composition of the yarn (100% acrylic, 50% cotton 50% acrylic, etc.). But what do we do if the label is gone forever?

We can turn to texture. If the yarn is coarse, it should be acrylic; if it’s a little hairy, it should be wool; if it’s shiny and slippery it must be silk or rayon. Then again, modern technology has made acrylic yarn soft and shiny; there are even acrylic yarns that look like mohair yarn.

Enter: the Burn Test. When yarn is (quite literally) tested in fire, its fiber composition is seen more clearly.
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How To Crochet: Single Crochet with Beads

By Robin Beers – April 19th, 2011 32 Comments
If you have ever wondered how to add beads to your crochet work, whether it is for jewelry or just to dress up a scarf, check out this tutorial. I will show you how to add beads with a single crochet stitch. Use this technique to create one of a kind jewelry with crochet thread. You can add beads to a lacy scarf for a feminine touch or even in fringe. Next week I will teach you how to do the double crochet stitch with beads.

The materials you need are crochet thread or yarn, beads and a needle. One of the challenges is getting the correct size needle to make sure that you can thread your crochet thread and then be able to get it through the bead itself. I use the regular needles that are a bit larger so that the thread will make it through the eye. If you are using regular worsted weight yarn, you will need a tapestry needle and then make sure that your beads have a larger hole. Another trick is to use regular thread to string your beads and then work this thread along with your yarn. The possibilities are as endless as the amount of different kinds of beads there are. Visit your local craft store and you will be amazed at the variety!
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Crochet Pattern: Broomstick Lace Wrap

By Rachel Choi – April 18th, 2011 10 Comments

New in the Crochet Spot Store, this elegant wrap can be worn in so many ways! Wear it around your shoulders when you get cold, around your neck as a fashionable scarf, or any way you desire. As the name implies, this wrap is crocheted using the broomstick lace technique. This pattern is great for practicing and learning broomstick lace. Prior experience with broomstick lace is not required, although it would be beneficial.

Click here to see pattern details!

All purchases help to support Crochet Spot and are greatly appreciated! Please login 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.

3 Ways to Use Crocheted Twirls

By A Guest Writer – April 17th, 2011 22 Comments

A Guest Post by Merry.

Twirls are a simple crochet construction. They can be quick to make and can be used in a variety of different ways.

  • As a decoration: in white, twirls can represent icicles which can be used for seasonal decorating. Made with green yarn, twirls easily stand in for foliage and fronds.
  • As a scarf: worked with mohair or a similar textured yarn, just 3 – 4 rounds result in a fantastically light weight scarf, adding lots of flair to any winter outfit.
  • As a bag strap: when made with double knit/worsted yarn, twirls are a stylish way to add straps to a bag.

But first let me take you through twirl-making, so that you can get crocheting wonderful twirls in all lengths and widths to use in any of the ways suggested above. So, if you’re in the mood to try out some twirls, grab yourself a hook and some yarn and twirl through the following steps:
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Crochet Pattern: Baby Bumblebee

By Erin Burger – April 15th, 2011 10 Comments

This little bee would be a great addition to a baby shower basket, a toy for a child or even a home decoration. Personalize your bee with different colors, a little embroidered face or maybe fun decorative buttons.


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