Crochet Pattern: Shell Stitch Blanket

By Rachel Choi – March 10th, 2009 108 Comments
The shell stitch blanket is simple yet elegant. It is crocheted with rows and rows of shell stitches. Each shell stitch is staggered so that it creates a beautiful pattern. This is intended to be a generic blanket pattern, so that you can create any blanket size that you desire. Simply follow the initial instructions to determine the proper number of foundation chains needed for your desired blanket size. crochet blanket
Skill Level: beginner crochet skill level

Finished Size: Whatever you want it to be!

Materials:
Medium Weight Yarn
Crochet hook
crochet yarn size 4

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

Crochet Pattern: Blanket
Row 1: make a chain as wide as you want your blanket.
(Note: the number of chains should be a multiple of 6, since each shell uses 6 chains.)
Row 2: ch 2, sc in second ch from hook, (skip 2, 5 dc in next ch, skip 2, sc in next ch) across, changing color in last sc made
Row 3: ch 2, turn, 2 dc in next sc, skip 2, sc in next dc (skip 2, 5 dc in next sc, skip 2, sc in next dc) across, skip 2, 3 dc in last sc, changing color in last dc made
Row 4: ch 1, turn, sc in next dc, (skip 2, 5 dc in next sc, skip 2, sc in next dc) across, changing color in last sc made

Repeat row 3 and 4 until blanket is the length you desire.

To create border, double crochet around your finished blanket. You can change colors as desired. For the finishing shell border just follow the shell pattern, (skip 2, 5 dc in next ch, skip 2, sc in next ch) around.

Crochet Tips:

  • For beginners, it is really easy to miss count your stitches. Even I miss count all the time. So just be careful!
  • Each shell (set of 5 double crochets) you make should be positioned between two shells on the previous row.
  • Each single crochet after the shell (set of 5 double crochets) should be positioned on top of a shell on the previous row.

Need Help? No worries just leave a comment!

Crochet Pattern: Four Leaf Clover

By Rachel Choi – March 9th, 2009 50 Comments

Whether it is St. Patrick’s Day or not, everyone can use a lucky four leaf clover. You can use it as a fridgie, glue a magnet to the back and stick it to your refrigerator, or perhaps as a pin for your shirt or hat. It also makes a great coaster! This crocheted four leaf clover will look great where ever you decide to place it.

Here are the easy, simple instructions to crochet this four leaf clover. The basic idea is to create all four leaves and the stem, then sew them all together.

crochet four leaf clover
Skill Level: crochet skill level easy

Finished Size: 3 ½” (9 cm) wide, 4 ½” (11 cm) long

Materials:
Medium Weight Yarn
Crochet Hook F (3.75 mm)
Yarn Needle
crochet yarn size 4

Crochet Pattern: Four Leaf Clover
Leaf (Make 4)
Row 1: ch 2, 2 sc in second ch from hook: 2 sc
Row 2: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in next 2 sc: 4 sc
Row 3: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc: 6 sc
Row 4: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across: 6 sc
Row 5: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc: 8 sc
Row 6: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across: 8 sc
Row 7: ch 1, turn, skip 1, (sc, hdc, dc) in next sc, (dc, hdc, sc) in next sc, sl st in next sc, ch 1, skip 1, (sc, hdc, dc) in next sc, (dc, hdc, sc) in next sc, sl st in next sc, finish off

Stem
Row 1: ch 18, dc in third ch from hook, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in next 2 ch, sc in next 11 ch: 16 sts

You may also like to check out the Crochet Pattern: Leprechaun Hat – 5 Sizes

If you need help with this pattern, no worries just leave your concerns as a comment!

Free Crochet Pattern: Amigurumi Robot

By Rachel Choi – March 9th, 2009 25 Comments
Meet Cara the Compassionate Robot! Whether you are a child or an adult, Cara the Compassionate Robot will be your friend through thick and through thin. She will always be there with you to share those happy moments or be the shoulder you can lean on during those hard times. All you need to do is wip out some yarn and grab your crochet hook and start bringing a new friend to life.

Note: Thanks everyone for helping me name this robot! All of the names submitted were awesome and in reality this robot can have any name you want it to have!

Skill Level: crochet skill level intermediate

Finished Size: 9 ½” (14 cm) tall, 3 1/4” (8 cm) wide

Materials:
Medium Weight Yarn (Yellow and Black, less than 1 skein each)
Crochet Hook F (3.75 mm)
Yarn Needle
crochet yarn size 4
crochet amigurumi robot

This crochet pattern is an Exclusive Crochet Spot pattern, which is available to Crochet Spot Newsletter Subscribers. You can receive this pattern by becoming a subscriber. It’s free! Just fill out the orange box at the top of this page and this crochet pattern will be emailed to you upon confirmation of your email.

If you have a suggestion for the next exclusive crochet pattern or if you have questions about this one, just leave a comment!

Correction: The pattern is to be crocheted in back loops only, unless otherwise indicated in pattern.

Free Crochet Pattern: Key Fridgie

By Rachel Choi – March 7th, 2009 1 Comment
Here is a very simple and easy crochet pattern for a key fridgie. After you crochet this key just glue it to a magnet and stick it to your refrigerator! This key can also be used as a toy for children. Just make several of them and place them on a ring and your child can have a set of keys!

Skill Level: beginner crochet skill level

Finished Size: 2 3/4″ (7 cm) long, 1″ (2.5 cm) wide

crochet key fridgie

Materials:
Small amount of Medium Weight Yarn
Crochet Hook F (3.75 mm)
Magnet (Optional)

Crochet Pattern: Key Fridgie
Row 1: ch 25, sl st in fifteenth ch from hook, sc in next 10 sts
Round 2 – 3: ch 1, turn, sc in next 3 sc
Finish off.

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

This pattern was requested by a Crochet Spot Newsletter Subscriber! If you would like to receive the free newsletter too, just fill out the orange box at the top of this page.

Free Crochet Pattern: Heart Fridgie

By Rachel Choi – March 7th, 2009 26 Comments
Fridgies are small crocheted items that are intended to be refrigerator magnets. But these crochet patterns can be used for so much more. You can add this heart to any project you like, whether you use it as a pin or sew it onto a hat. The options are limitless.

Skill Level: beginner crochet skill level

Finished Size: 2 ¼” (6 cm) wide, 2” (5 cm) tall

crochet heart-fridgie

Materials:
Small amount of Medium Weight Yarn
Crochet Hook F (3.75 mm)
Magnet (Optional)

Crochet Pattern: Heart Fridgie
Row 1: ch 2, 2 sc in second ch from hook: 2 sc
Row 2: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in each sc: 4 sc
Row 3: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc: 6 sc
Row 4: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc: 8 sc
Row 5: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc: 10 sc
Row 6: turn, skip 2, (2 dc, 4 tr, 2 dc) in next sc, skip 1, sl st in next sc, skip 1, (2 dc, 4 tr, 2 dc) in next sc, skip 2, sl st in next sc, finish off

Glue heart fridgie onto magnet.

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

This pattern was requested by a Crochet Spot Newsletter Subscriber! If you would like to receive the free newsletter too, just fill out the orange box at the top of this page.

How to Crochet a Blanket

By Rachel Choi – March 7th, 2009 9 Comments
Learning how to crochet a blanket can be very rewarding. Many people who crochet blankets like to follow a crochet pattern. But you do not always need a pattern to crochet a blanket. All you need to know is the basic idea of how a blanket is crocheted. Here are some steps to follow to crochet your very first blanket.

Step 1: decided whether you want to crochet a blanket from a pattern you like or you want to make your own original creation.

crochet blanket

If you choose to use a crochet pattern:
Step 2: Gather all the materials needed. The materials should be specified at the beginning of your crochet pattern. This includes, yarn type, crochet hook size, scissors, and any other special materials you may need.

Step 3: Make sure you can understand the pattern. Some crochet patterns can be confusing. So it is a good idea to skim over the pattern to understand the designer’s style. If you have trouble understanding the pattern, ask someone for help! Once, you understand the basic idea of you blanket’s pattern, you are ready to move on to the next step. This helps prevent frustration later on and helps you finish your crocheted blanket in a timely manner.

Step 4: Make sure that you know the crochet stitches that are used in the pattern. Some patterns will specify the stitches used in the pattern, before the pattern starts. If your pattern does not do this, then just skim the pattern for the crochet stitches. If you do not know how to crochet a stitch, then you can either ask someone for help or simply look it up online. The internet is a great source for crochet tutorials.

Step 5: You are now ready to start crocheting! Just follow the instructions in your crochet pattern.

Here is the link to the crochet pattern for the sample blanket used in this post: Crochet Pattern: Shell Stitch Blanket

If you choose to make your own original blanket design:
Step 2: Decide what shape and size you want your crochet blanket to be. Lots of blankets are square shaped, but yours can be any shape you desire: circle, star, ripple.

Step 3: Draw what you want the blanket to look like. Not everyone can visualize everything in their head. So go ahead and draw what you want. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s just a rough sketch.

Step 4: Choose colors. A good color scheme is what makes blankets pretty. You can choose to use several colors or just one. It is all up to you, since this is your design.

Step 5: Choose crochet stitches you want to use. You may need to use different crochet stitches to obtain the blanket shape that you chose and to fit the sketch that you drew.

Step 6: Write your pattern down. By writing your pattern down, you get a clearer picture of exactly how you are going to crochet your blanket. Plus, once you have a solid pattern you can share it with others or even sell it.

Step 7: Gather other materials that you will need, such as a crochet hook, scissors etc.

Step 8: Now it is time to start crocheting. If you find that there are mistakes on your pattern, just correct those as you go.

If you have questions about how to crochet a blanket or if you would like to add something to these steps, just let me know by leaving a comment!

First Exclusive Crochet Pattern: Amigurumi Robot

By Rachel Choi – March 6th, 2009 5 Comments
Finally! I finished my first “exclusive” crochet pattern. Due to a reader’s request for amigurumi crochet patterns, I decided to make my first exclusive pattern an amigurumi robot. I call it exclusive because this pattern will only be available to people who are signed up for the Crochet Spot Newsletter. The newsletter is free, so of course there is no harm in signing up! You can do so by filling out the orange box in the upper right hand corner of this page. I will be sending out this pattern with Crochet Spot’s Monday newsletter, so after you sign up, be on the look out!

But before then, this adorable robot needs a name! If you have a suggestion for a great name, just leave it as a comment. Don’t forget to check back to see if your name is chosen!

crochet amigurumi robot

How to Crochet a Cube

By Rachel Choi – March 6th, 2009 21 Comments
A crochet cube can be used for many projects. You can make baby blocks, dice, tissue box covers or gift boxes. The ideas are limitless. Crocheting a cube can be done using multiple methods. You can either crochet all 6 sides of the cube separately then sew them together, or you can crochet your cube in the round. This tutorial explores crocheting your cube without sewing pieces together, thus crocheting in the round. crochet cube

The basic idea is to start by creating a square and then make it three dimensional by crocheting around it with out increasing the amount of stitches in each round. To make the bottom of the cube, each round is slowly decreased to close the bottom. To make different sized cubes, just make the initial square the size that you want it.

Crochet Pattern: Cube
Note: stitches are crocheted in the back loop only unless otherwise indicated.
Top Square
Round 1: ch 2, 4 sc in second ch from hook, place marker
Round 2: 3 sc in each sc around: 12 sc
Round 3: sc in next sc, (3 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc) 3 times, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next sc: 20 sc
Round 4: sc in next 2 sc, (3 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc) 3 times, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc: 28 sc
Round 5: sc in next 3 sc, (3 sc in next sc, sc in next 6 sc) 3 times, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc: 36 sc
Round 6: sc in next 4 sc, (3 sc in next sc, sc in next 8 sc) 3 times, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc: 44 sc
Round 7: sc in next 5 sc, (3 sc in next sc, sc in next 10 sc) 3 times, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sc: 52 sc
Round 8: sc in next 6 sc, (3 sc in next sc, sc in next 12 sc) 3 times, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 6 sc: 60 sc

Sides of Cube
Round 9: sc in both loops of each sc around: 60 sc
Round 10 – 23: sc in each sc around: 60 sc

Closing Bottom
Round 24: sc in both loops of each sc around: 60 sc
Round 25: sc in next 6 sc, (decrease by inserting hook into next 3 sc, yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook, sc in next 12 sc) 3 times, decrease by inserting hook into next 3 sc, yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook,, sc in next 6 sc: 52 sc
Round 26: sc in next 5 sc, (decrease by inserting hook into next 3 sc, yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook, sc in next 10 sc) 3 times, decrease by inserting hook into next 3 sc, yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook, sc in next 5 sc: 44 sc
Round 27: sc in next 4 sc, (decrease by inserting hook into next 3 sc, yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook, sc in next 8 sc) 3 times, decrease by inserting hook into next 3 sc, yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook, sc in next 4 sc: 36 sc
Round 28: sc in next 3 sc, (decrease by inserting hook into next 3 sc, yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook, sc in next 6 sc) 3 times, decrease by inserting hook into next 3 sc, yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook, sc in next 3 sc: 28 sc
Note: stuff cube, while decreasing.
Round 29: sc in next 2 sc, (decrease by inserting hook into next 3 sc, yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook, sc in next 4 sc) 3 times, decrease by inserting hook into next 3 sc, yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook, sc in next 2 sc: 20 sc
Round 30: sc in next sc, (decrease by inserting hook into next 3 sc, yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook, sc in next 2 sc) 3 times, decrease by inserting hook into next 3 sc, yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook, sc in next sc: 12 sc
Round 31: (decrease by inserting hook into next 3 sc, yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook) 4 times: 4 sc
Finish off

If you need help on how to crochet a cube just leave a comment!

How to Crochet a Square

By Rachel Choi – March 5th, 2009 39 Comments
Squares can be crochet “in the round” or row by row. When crocheting in the round, you start by creating the center of the square and then crochet around the center to make your square larger. When you crochet a square row by row, you start by creating one side of the square which is as long as the width. Then you keep adding rows on top of it until your square is the proper length. In this tutorial, I will show you both ways. crochet square

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

Crochet a Square in the Round
Round 1:ch 2, 4 sc in second ch from hook, place marker
Round 2: 3 sc in each sc around: 12 sc
Round 3: sc in next sc, (3 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc) 3 times, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next sc: 20 sc
Round 4: sc in next 2 sc, (3 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc) 3 times, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc: 28 sc
Round 5: sc in next 3 sc, (3 sc in next sc, sc in next 6 sc) 3 times, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc: 36 sc
Round 6: sc in next 4 sc, (3 sc in next sc, sc in next 8 sc) 3 times, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc: 44 sc
Round 7: sc in next 5 sc, (3 sc in next sc, sc in next 10 sc) 3 times, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sc: 52 sc

Continue this pattern until the square is the desired size.

The basic idea is to put 3 single crochets in each of the four corner, while just 1 single crochet in each single crochet on the sides of the square.

Crochet a Square Row by Row
Row 1: chain until chain is width of desired square
Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across

Repeat row 2 until length of square is the same as the width of the square. With this pattern, you can also create a rectangle.

These examples of creating a square only use single crochet. Squares can be crocheted in any crochet stitch that you want. Just make sure you account for the length of a crochet stitch when you make your square. For a fun square pattern, try crocheting a granny square!

If you need help on how to crochet a square, just leave a comment and I would be glad to help you!

Crochet Pattern: Amigurumi Pet Rock

By Rachel Choi – March 4th, 2009 3 Comments
Of all things to crochet, why not a rock? I think pet rocks are the best pets ever. You don’t have to feed them or pick up their poop. You can leave your pet rock anywhere and it will never complain. All it will do is make you happy, simile at you when you are down and remind you that no matter who you are, it will always love you.

So what are you waiting for? Crochet yourself a pet rock today!

crochet amigurumi pet-rock
Skill Level: crochet skill level easy

Finished Size: 2 ½” (7 cm) tall, 2” (5 cm) wide

Materials:
Medium Weight Yarn
Crochet Hook F (3.75 mm)
Yarn Needle
Polyester fiberfill
crochet yarn size 4

Gauge: not really important, every pet rock is unique

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

Crochet Pattern: Amigurumi Pet Rock
Round 1: ch 2, 8 sc in second ch from hook, place marker
Round 2: sc in each sc around: 8 sc
Round 3: (2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc) around: 12 sc
Round 4: sc in each sc around: 12 sc
Round 5: 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next 2 sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc: 16 sc
Round 6: 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next 4 sc, sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc: 22 sc
Round 7 – 8: sc in each sc around
Round 9: 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 20 sc, 2 sc in next sc: 24 sc
Round 10: 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 22 sc, 2 sc in next sc: 26 sc
Round 11: 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 24 sc, 2 sc in next sc: 28 sc
Round 12: sc in each sc around
Round 13: decrease in each sc around, sl st in next sc, finish off leaving long end for sewing

Stuff your pet rock with filling. With yarn needle, sew bottom of rock closed. With black or other color as desired, thread yarn through your rock to create face.

Need help with this pattern? No worries just leave a comment!