One of the most frustrating and tedious elements of crocheting is getting to the end of a pattern or project and having to get rid of all the odds and ends.  For the beginning crocheter this can be particularly maddening, considering it’s not always known how to properly execute this task.

Annoying and ugly ends can ruin any finished project so take care to finish off appropriately.  The best way to do this is to use a yarn needle (also known as a tapestry needle).  A yarn needle is usually larger than other needles, has a larger eye and is most of the time made of plastic.
Click Here To Read More »

Crochet this poncho to wear during winter or cool summer nights. The pattern is a simple and easy, repetitive pattern to crochet and includes instructions for customizing the poncho’s size so that it fits you exactly the way you want it. Finished Size: In photo: 14 1/2” (37 cm) long, 31” (78.5 cm) at widest point when flat, fits an adult small / medium size This pattern can be made to fit any size(s). Instructions include guidelines for taking measurements which are used in the place of conventional sizing guidelines, allowing for the item to be customized for the intended body shape or size. Skill Level:

Materials: Medium Weight Yarn (approximately 400 yards) Crochet Hook K (6.50 mm) Yarn needle

Download Pattern:
To download pattern, visit the Crochet Spot Store. New users may create a new account, while existing store shoppers may log in using their email address and password. Once logged in, you may add the pattern to your shopping cart and check out. If you are a Premium Pattern Member, you may download this pattern for free!

Need help while crocheting your poncho? No worries, just ask for help!

Photo by Saki Chikaraishi

You could crochet a cozy for your brand-spankin’-new iPad like Japanese crocheter Saki Chikaraishi did…wait, you’re a novice still learning the crochet ropes? There’s an App for that! Thanks to Jones APR, a mobile app, consulting and PR firm, there is now “Knitting & Crocheting HD,” an application specifically created for Apple’s iPad. The app just hit the iTunes store in late June and features over 500 photos, illustrations as well as instructions to take you through the knitting and crochet basics, including supplies needed and yarn types explained.

Apple gadgets are no strangers to crochet applications: there’s already one for the iPhone and iPod Touch, not to mention a few podcasts to choose from. But, the iPad is obviously more conducive to learning just about anything because of its visually-friendly size. Have you tried out any of these crochet apps or do you stick to crocheting up gadget cozies when it comes to the intersection of tech and craft?

These adorable posies are perfect for making any project more feminine and adorable. Make a bunch and add them to a baby blanket, or just a few to pretty up a plain beanie! They can be made with either five or six petals, both varieties included in the pattern below.

Click Here To Read More »

When I take a break from making cute crochet toys, which is rare, I try to come up with “practical” projects to make. (Well, I think cute crochet toys are practical, but that’s another story). I tend to stick to things I can wear, such as scarves or hats, but in summer weather? No thanks! The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house, the source of edible goodness and culinary creativity. It only makes sense to throw some creative crochet into the mix.

“Crochet for the Kitchen” immediately makes me think of dishcloths, because of the inevitable clean-up involved in all-things-kitchen. Here are five dishcloth patterns for whoever is on clean-up duty. Maybe they’ll actually make it fun?

How about some thick potholders? Crochet potholders are quick to whip up, even when they have multiple layers. And you’ll need those multiple layers, if say you want them to be…practical!

A cozy mug sweater and a pot handle cozy combine the best of cute and functional–keeping your fingertips safe from heat and dressing up plain kitchenware to boot.

Placemats are one of those “extras” that I may not ever want to spend the money on, but if I can crochet something to my liking using some multi-colored yarn? I’m in!

What do you like to crochet for your kitchen?

When I was a little girl I was obsessed with my grandma’s crochet hooks. There were so many different sizes, colors and in a few cases, different shapes.  My favorite was a large size N aluminum hook in Gold.  I thought it looked more like jewelry than a tool for making afghans and also made for an awesome (and blunt) sword.

She quit crocheting when I was in my late teens due to arthritis and gave me all of her hooks and supplies.  I spent lots of days getting them out, looking them over and playing around with them, but never learned to use them.  Later, while on bedrest with my second daughter, I finally learned.

At first everything I made was completely incorrectly sized, mainly due to the fact that I insisted on using the shiny gold hook for every pattern I was trying to make¸ regardless of what size hook the pattern called for.  Soon I learned the difference between the hooks I found in the large tin box, and which ones I preferred over the rest.
Click Here To Read More »

New to the Crochet Spot Store, the Nylon Cleaning Set includes 5 patterns, each uses nylon netting to give an extra scrubbing power. If you’ve never crocheted with nylon netting, no worries, instructions for working with netting are also included.

Click Here To Read More »

One way of crocheting in the round is to chain 2 and then make a certain number of stitches into the 2nd chain from the hook (you can do so with any kind of crochet stitch–sc, hdc, dc, etc.–but for this tutorial, I’ll be using sc. This tutorial is for both right and left handed people. For left handed pictures, roll your mouse over the image and it will change for you. When you have the desired number of stitches and you join to the first single crochet, you’ll notice a little something–a hole! Right there in the middle. The way around this? The magic adjustable ring, a really simple technique that prevents a hole from appearing.

Making a magic adjustable ring only requires a few extra steps and will give your  in-the-round projects a smooth start. For this one in particular, I’ll make a magic adjustable ring with 5 single crochet stitches. Click Here To Read More »