-
Edging – Crab Stitch & Twisted SC
Crab stitch was one of the first decorative, single row edgings I learned. It creates a rope like edge by working backwards (from left to right). I recently learned a stitch called the twisted single crochet, which creates a very similar edge, but working forwards. Crab Stitch (Reverse Single Crochet) The instructions are simple – single crochet in each stitch, working from left to right. Actually doing it can be a bit awkward. For the first stitch, just make a single crochet as you normally would. Now without changing anything, insert your hook into the next stitch to the right (instead of to the left). The loop on your hook will naturally…
-
Edging – Slip Stitch Edgings
One very popular edging technique is the slip stitch edging. It’s easy to do and creates a nice, finished edge without adding a lot of bulk or length. By adding a chain between the stitches, you can get an entirely different, stretchier edging. Basic slip stitch edging For this edging, just slip stitch into every stitch.The slip stitches form a 2nd layer of V shapes along the edge, matching the V shapes already there on top of your last row of stitches. You can get 2 different effects, depending on the direction of your work. Here I have worked the yellow row of slip stitches in the same direction as the previous…
-
Edging – Working Evenly Across/Around
Many edgings start by working evenly across or around the edge of your project. To make this edge nice and even, you need to work the right number of stitches, and space them evenly. If your stitches are too close together, you’ll end up with a ruffled effect. If they are too far apart, it will pucker. When using a pattern, it should tell you how many stitches to work. It may even give you an idea of how to space them. If you’re doing your own thing though, or if you’ve made any adjustments to the pattern, you may need to calculate this for yourself. Calculating the number of stitches For squares,…
-
Tutorial – Why Continuous Rounds Shift
Yesterday, we looked at crocheting in continuous rounds and using a running stitch marker. The stitch marker shows clearly that the first stitch of the round shifts slightly to the right (or left, if you’re left handed) with each round. Why does this happen? Let’s look at the way the stitches are lined up in the middle of this swatch. If we look at the posts of the stitches (which in this case are the little V shapes, since this is single crochet), you will see that they don’t line up. In fact, each stitch sits in-between the two stitches below it. Looking at the current round, you can see how this works.…
-
Colorwork
This post contains affiliate links (click for more info). If you click one of these links and then make a purchase, I may be compensated. You get the same great prices, and you will be helping to support this site! I just read an article about Laurinda Reddig’s book “Reversible Color Crochet” has me itching to do some colorwork. I’ll be taking her class on this technique at the Knit and Crochet Show in July, and I can’t wait! Intarsia is just one (very fun!) type of crochet colorwork. Do you know the other types? Stripes: This is the first kind of colorwork most people learn. Each entire row or round…
-
Crochet Stash Buster – Linen Stitch Scrap Rug
Use up all your yarn scraps with a Linen Stitch Scrap Rug! This crochet stash buster is thick, soft, and squishy, and designed to use up lots of yarn, very quickly, without weaving in a lot of ends. The stitch pattern is a simple 2 stitch repeat, so can easily be adjusted to any size.
-
Scrappy Stitchers Link Party #7
Congrats to Underground Crafter for last week’s most clicked link – Mitered Square Pillow! Now it’s your turn Remember, any fiber related project you’ve made is fine – it does not have to be your own design and you don’t have to have a blog. You can link up your Ravelry project pages or Instagram photos too, so come share your love for fiber! While you’re here, help support each other by clicking on a few of the other entries. If you post about your entry on social media, please use the hashtag #ScrappyStitchersLinkParty so we can all find your posts. A few simple rules: A few simple rules: Adding your…
-
Free Pattern – Storm Clouds
Diagonal puff stitch gives this 14″ pillow a soft, plush texture, which works well with the heathered tones of the Lion Brand Heartland yarn. When completed, the 3 blocks of color form diagonal striping patterns that are distinctly different on the front and on the back. The construction also makes it easy to take the pillow form out for washing when needed. This pattern is protected by copyright. Please do not distribute or share this pattern in any way other than by sharing a link to this page or to the pattern page on Ravelry. Click here for copyright information. This pattern contains affiliate links (click for more info). If you click…
-
Tutorial – Diagonal Puff Stitch
Earlier, I showed you how to do the diagonal box stitch. Now here is a fun variation! The diagonal puff stitch is worked exactly in the same way as the diagonal box stitch, except that the 2nd dc of each box is replaced with a puff! With this one simple substitution, you get puffs that line up in opposite directions, creating a thick, soft fabric with great texture. Caution – this stitch is a serious yarn hog, so probably best kept for smaller projects. First, let’s define a puff stitch (puff) as follows: YO, insert hook into specified stitch or space, and draw up a loop to the same height as…
-
Scrappy Stitchers Link Party #6
Congrats to Posh Pooch Designs for last week’s most clicked link – Colorado Fox Beanie Hat! Now it’s your turn Remember, any fiber related project you’ve made is fine – it does not have to be your own design and you don’t have to have a blog. You can link up your Ravelry project pages or Instagram photos too, so come share your love for fiber! While you’re here, help support each other by clicking on a few of the other entries. If you post about your entry on social media, please use the hashtag #ScrappyStitchersLinkParty so we can all find your posts. A few simple rules: Adding your link to…
