#crochet-projects — Public Fediverse posts

How Much Yarn Do You Actually Need?

Spoiler alert: More than you think.

Or less than you bought.

There is absolutely no in-between.

If you’ve been crocheting for more than five minutes, you’ve probably asked yourself one of life’s greatest mysteries:

“How much yarn do I actually need for this project?”

The answer?

Well… that’s complicated.

Sometimes one skein is plenty. Sometimes six skeins somehow disappear into what still looks suspiciously like half a blanket. And sometimes you finish an entire sweater with half a skein left over and spend the next three years wondering what to make with 47 yards of dusty mauve.

Crochet is weird like that.

The Great Yarn Shopping Delusion

Let’s be honest.

None of us walks into the yarn aisle intending to buy too much.

We walk in with a plan.

“I only need three skeins.”

Then we remember dye lots.

Then we remember that discontinued color from 2019 that still keeps us up at night.

Then we panic.

Suddenly we’re leaving the store with eight skeins, a new hook we definitely didn’t need, stitch markers shaped like llamas, and a tote bag because it was on sale.

It happens to the best of us.

The Blanket That Ate Your Yarn

Blankets are notorious liars.

You finish the first few rows and think, “This isn’t using much yarn at all!”

Fast-forward two weeks.

You’re staring at what looks like a bath mat, and somehow you’ve already gone through four skeins.

Blankets have a magical ability to convince you they’re almost done right up until they’re approximately 38% finished.

It’s science.

Probably.

Every Stitch Has an Appetite

Not all stitches are created equal.

A lacy mesh stitch sips yarn like it’s at an afternoon tea.

A puff stitch? That thing shows up to an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Bobbles don’t just use yarn. They inhale it.

Meanwhile, simple double crochet is over there quietly minding its own business, stretching every yard just a little bit farther.

Who knew stitches could have personalities?

Then There’s Yarn Chicken

Ah yes.

Yarn Chicken.

The sport nobody signs up for, yet somehow every crocheter ends up playing.

You’re ten rows from the finish.

The skein feels suspiciously light.

You start crocheting slower, as if conserving stitches will somehow conserve yarn.

You pull tighter.

You stretch the strand just a little.

You begin bargaining with the crochet gods.

“I don’t even need that last border…”

We’ve all been there.

Sometimes you win.

Sometimes you lose with three stitches left.

Those are the moments that build character.

Or at least colorful vocabulary.

So… How Much Yarn Do You Need?

Here’s the least satisfying answer you’ll ever read:

It depends.

It depends on the project.

It depends on the stitch.

It depends on the hook.

It depends on your tension.

It depends on the yarn itself.

It depends on whether you’re making a baby blanket or something large enough to survive the next ice age.

No calculator on Earth can predict every variable.

That’s why patterns list yardage instead of simply saying, “You’ll need four skeins.”

Because not all skeins are created equal.

My Advice?

If you’re standing in the yarn aisle asking yourself whether to grab one extra skein…

Grab it.

Future You would much rather have one lonely skein sitting in the stash than discover the yarn has been discontinued three days before finishing your project.

Besides…

Let’s not pretend that one extra skein is what finally pushed the stash over the edge.

We crossed that line a long time ago.

So… Give Me a Ballpark!

I know. After all that “it depends” talk, you’re probably rolling your eyes and thinking, “Just tell me how much yarn I need already!”

Fair enough.

While every project is a little different, most crocheters just want a starting point before heading to the yarn store. The chart below won’t replace the yardage listed in a pattern, but it will give you a pretty good idea of how much yarn common crochet projects typically require. Think of it as your “don’t panic in the yarn aisle” guide.

Here’s a handy cheat sheet… and yes, you’ll probably still buy one extra skein because we’re all traumatized by yarn chicken.

*Based on a typical 200–220-yard skein of worsted weight yarn. Always check the yardage on your yarn label!

Before you sprint to the yarn store… These numbers are ballpark estimates. A tightly stitched blanket worked in single crochet can gobble up significantly more yarn than an airy granny square blanket. Your hook size, tension, stitch pattern, and even the brand of yarn can all change how much you’ll need. Think of this chart as your starting point—not a pinky promise from the crochet gods.

My completely unscientific rule of thumb? If your project is the size of a loaf of bread, buy one skein. If it’s the size of a toddler, buy several. If it’s the size of a queen bed… grab a shopping cart and don’t make eye contact with your spouse when you get to the checkout.

Tell me the truth… what’s the most yarn you’ve ever bought for a project—and did you actually use all of it?

Flower Burst Granny Square

Some crochet projects are enjoyable the first time, and then you’re ready to move on.

This isn’t one of them.

The Flower Burst Granny Square is the kind of square that quietly sneaks into your project bag and refuses to leave. You make one to test the pattern, another to see how a different color combination looks, and before you know it you’ve got a stack sitting beside your chair and you’re already planning a blanket.

I’ve learned over the years that the best granny squares all have one thing in common: they keep your interest. Every round gives you something new to do, but nothing feels overly complicated or repetitive. That’s exactly what I love about this design.

A Square That Looks More Complicated Than It Is

Whenever I share a finished blanket made with this square, I usually hear the same thing:

“That looks way too hard for me.”

The funny thing is, it really isn’t.

Each round builds naturally on the one before it. Instead of memorizing complicated stitch sequences, you’re simply watching the flower bloom a little more with every round. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy teaching this square on video. Once people see it worked stitch by stitch, they realize it’s much more approachable than they expected.

If you’ve already made a basic granny square, you’re more than ready for this one.

Color Changes Are Half the Fun

One of my favorite parts of making granny square blankets is laying finished squares across the floor and moving them around like puzzle pieces.

Sometimes I’ll spend longer arranging colors than I did crocheting the squares themselves.

The Flower Burst Granny Square is especially forgiving when it comes to color.

You can make every flower different, alternate background colors, work everything in soft neutrals, or go completely wild with your scrap yarn. I’ve made enough blankets over the years to know there isn’t really a wrong answer.

Some of my favorite combinations were the ones I almost didn’t try.

Joining Makes All the Difference

If you’ve ever spent weeks making granny squares, only to dread joining them together, you’re not alone.

Joining is where many beautiful projects lose their momentum.

That’s why I demonstrate the zig-zag join in my tutorial.

Rather than working through only one loop, I prefer going through both loops. It creates a stronger seam that holds up beautifully after years of use. It also gives the blanket a nice, substantial feel without becoming stiff.

A join shouldn’t be the weakest part of your project.

If you’re investing dozens—or even hundreds—of hours into a blanket, it’s worth taking a little extra time to make sure every seam is built to last.

Don’t Chase Perfection

Here’s something I wish someone had told me years ago.

Your first square probably won’t be perfect.

Neither was mine.

Maybe one corner leans slightly. Maybe your tension changes halfway through. Maybe one petal looks just a little different from the others.

Keep going.

By the time you’ve finished your tenth square, you’ll notice your stitches becoming more even. By your fiftieth, you’ll be crocheting almost without thinking.

Crochet has a wonderful way of rewarding consistency.

The blanket grows, and so do your skills.

The Best Part Isn’t the Blanket

People often think the finished blanket is the reward.

For me, it isn’t.

The reward is the quiet evening spent with a cup of tea, adding another square while listening to music or watching an old movie.

It’s seeing a basket slowly fill with finished motifs.

It’s laying them out across the living room floor and imagining what they’ll become.

The blanket is simply the proof that all of those peaceful moments added up to something beautiful.

And honestly, that’s why I’ll probably never get tired of making granny squares.

Ready to Make Your Own Flower Burst Granny Square?

If you’d like to crochet along with me, I’ve created a complete step-by-step video tutorial that walks you through every round of the Flower Burst Granny Square. I also show exactly how I work my sturdy zig-zag join through both loops so your finished blanket is as durable as it is beautiful.

https://youtu.be/JTv678F9EyM

I’d love to see what you create. If you make this square, tag me on social media or leave a comment on the video—I genuinely enjoy seeing the different color combinations everyone comes up with. No two blankets are ever the same, and that’s part of what makes granny squares so much fun.

Happy crocheting! 🧶💕

The Crochet Personality Test: Pick a Yarn and I’ll Tell You Who You Are

Ever gone to the yarn store for one skein… and somehow walked out with a bag full of yarn you absolutely “needed”?

Yeah… same.

Every crocheter has that one type of yarn they reach for without thinking. Maybe it’s soft merino, dependable cotton, chunky blanket yarn, or those gorgeous hand-dyed skeins you swear you’ll save for something special.

Think of it as your crochet instinct.

Pick the yarn you’d grab first, then see what it says about your crochet personality.

🧶 Cotton Yarn

Reliable. Practical. Always ready for a project that will actually get used.

You appreciate crisp stitch definition and love seeing every detail in your work. Dishcloths, market bags, summer tops—you’d rather make something useful than something flashy.

And yes… tangled yarn drives you a little crazy.

Crochet superpower: Precision

🧶 Acrylic Yarn

You know a good deal when you see one.

Acrylic is affordable, easy to wash, available in every color imaginable, and perfect for everyday projects. You’re probably the person making baby blankets, hats, scarves, and gifts for everyone else before you ever crochet something for yourself.

You believe handmade should be for everyone.

Crochet superpower: Generosity

🧶 Wool

Some people buy yarn because it’s on sale.

You buy it because it’s worth it.

You’d rather invest in quality fibers that will last for years than fill your stash with things you’ll never use. Chances are you’ve got blocking mats, favorite stitch markers, and at least one project bag you’re oddly proud of.

Crochet superpower: Patience

🧶 Velvet Yarn

You don’t mind a challenge.

People complain about working with velvet, but you’re too busy making ridiculously soft blankets and plushies to care. When a velvet project turns out well, nothing else feels quite the same.

You like a little drama—in the yarn, not in life.

Crochet superpower: Confidence

🧶 Blanket Yarn

If it isn’t soft enough to cuddle, what’s the point?

You’re all about comfort. Big hooks, chunky yarn, quick projects, and blankets people refuse to give back after borrowing them.

Making something cozy is your idea of a perfect afternoon.

Crochet superpower: Warmth

🧶 Mohair

Most crocheters look at mohair and slowly back away.

Not you.

Tiny stitches, fuzzy fibers, loops that disappear into the halo—you’ll figure it out. You enjoy experimenting and aren’t afraid to frog a project until it’s exactly what you imagined.

Crochet superpower: Creativity

🧶 Self-Striping Yarn

You love a little surprise.

Every few rows brings a new color, which somehow makes even the longest project feel exciting. Watching the yarn do its thing is half the fun.

You trust the process.

Crochet superpower: Optimism

🧶 Hand-Dyed Indie Yarn

For you, yarn isn’t just a supply—it’s inspiration.

One beautiful skein is enough to send you searching for the perfect pattern. Supporting independent dyers makes the project feel even more special, and your yarn stash probably doubles as home décor.

No shame in displaying it.

Crochet superpower: Imagination

Bonus Question

Let’s be honest…

How many skeins are currently sitting in your stash waiting for “the perfect project”?

☐ Fewer than 10

☐ 10–25

☐ 25–50

☐ I’d rather not discuss it.

We’ve all bought yarn with the best intentions… and then immediately found another skein we couldn’t leave behind.

So… How’d I Do?

Which yarn did you pick?

Did your result sound like you, or was it completely off?

While you’re here, confess your biggest crochet habit:

• Buying yarn without a project in mind.
• Having more WIPs than you can count.
• Avoiding weaving in ends until the very last minute.
• Telling yourself, “Just one more row,” and suddenly it’s 2 a.m.

No judgment. This is a safe space for crocheters. 😉

20 Relaxing Crochet Patterns for Stress-Free Stitching

Not every crochet project needs to be a challenge.

Sometimes, you just want to pick up your hook, settle into your favorite chair, and let the stitches flow without constantly checking the pattern or counting every row.

Mindless crochet projects are perfect for those moments. They’re relaxing, repetitive, and satisfying—ideal for unwinding after a long day, listening to a podcast, catching up on your favorite show, or simply enjoying the rhythm of stitching.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weekend project or something to keep your hands busy while your mind relaxes, these 20 crochet patterns are sure to fit the bill.

Let’s dive in!

Love discovering fun crochet ideas?

Subscribe to HodgePodge Crochet and get fresh patterns, tutorials, roundups, and crochet inspiration delivered straight to your inbox!

1. Classic Granny Square Blanket

Once you’ve made a couple of rounds, your hands practically know what to do.

2. Corner-to-Corner (C2C) Blanket

The diagonal construction becomes almost automatic after the first few rows.

3. Moss Stitch Scarf

Simple alternating stitches create beautiful texture.

4. Dishcloths

Small, useful, and finished in no time.

5. Crochet Washcloth Set

Mindless stitching with practical results.

6. Chunky Infinity Scarf

Big yarn means fast progress—which makes every crochet session feel productive.

7. Beanie Using Half Double Crochet

A classic project with an easy rhythm.

8. Simple Market Bag

Repeating mesh stitches make this one surprisingly relaxing.

https://youtu.be/HXHOoyHqpHw

9. Basket

Perfect if you love working in continuous rounds.

10. Ribbed Ear Warmer

Simple rows with minimal counting.

11. Pillow Cover

Large sections of repetitive stitches make this wonderfully relaxing.

12. Temperature Blanket Squares

One small square each day while watching TV.

13. Crochet Coasters

Quick little wins.

https://youtu.be/zee0k5rYe_8

14. Simple Baby Blanket

Choose a one-row repeat and enjoy hours of easy stitching.

https://youtu.be/fTL9A9fzKTo

15. Potholders

Great for using up cotton yarn.

16. Coffee Cozy

Fast enough to finish during a movie.

17. Bucket Hat

Once the increases are finished, it’s smooth sailing.

https://youtu.be/6gT7IMbyO4U

18. Throw Pillow

Rows of single crochet are surprisingly relaxing.

19. Neck Warmer

Simple enough for beginners but satisfying for experienced crocheters too.

20. Endless Granny Stripe Blanket

If there were an Olympic event for mindless crochet, this project would win gold.

One repeat.

No stress.

Just stitch after stitch until you’ve accidentally finished three seasons of your favorite show.

Final Thoughts

Crochet doesn’t always have to push your skills or keep you glued to a pattern.

Some of the most enjoyable projects are the ones that let you settle into a comfortable rhythm and simply enjoy the process. Whether you’re relaxing after work, listening to music, chatting with friends, or spending a quiet evening at home, these patterns are perfect for slowing down and enjoying every stitch.

Which project is your favorite when you just want to crochet without overthinking it? Let me know in the comments!

10 Crochet Green Flags That Instantly Tell Me What Kind of Crocheter You Are

Let’s be honest. Crocheters are a unique bunch.

Give us a skein of yarn and we’ll immediately start making life decisions based on fiber content, colorways, and whether or not we can justify adding just one more project to our already overflowing WIP basket.

The last time we talked about crochet red flags. This time, let’s celebrate the green flags. These are the little things crocheters do that instantly tell me what kind of wonderful human I’m dealing with.

Love crochet, coffee, and questionable yarn-buying decisions? You’re in the right place. Subscribe and stay awhile.

1. You Buy Extra Yarn “Just in Case”

You are an optimist.

You know perfectly well the pattern only calls for six skeins.

You buy eight.

Not because you need them.

Because you refuse to be held hostage by a discontinued dye lot six months from now.

Future You appreciates your paranoia.

2. You Frogged Three Rows Instead of Pretending It Didn’t Happen

You are brave.

Many crocheters see a mistake and whisper, “Nobody will notice.”

You looked that mistake directly in the eye and said, “Not today.”

It hurt.

But your integrity survived.

3. You Own More Stitch Markers Than Any One Person Could Ever Need

You are organized.

Or at least you desperately want to be.

Either way, your stitch markers are sorted by color, size, shape, and possibly astrological sign.

I respect the commitment.

4. You Read the Entire Pattern Before Starting

You are the responsible adult of the crochet world.

The rest of us are already halfway through Row 4 wondering why nothing looks right.

Meanwhile, you’re over there reading pattern notes like a scholar preparing for final exams.

5. You Actually Make Gauge Swatches

You are either incredibly wise or slightly terrifying.

Most of us treat gauge as a friendly suggestion.

You treat it like federal law.

And honestly? Your sweaters probably fit.

6. You Leave Encouraging Comments on Other People’s Projects

You are the sunshine of the crochet community.

You see a beginner’s slightly lopsided scarf and respond like they just unveiled a masterpiece in an art gallery.

The world needs more people like you.

7. You Can Walk Through a Craft Store Without Buying Yarn

You possess supernatural powers.

I don’t understand you.

I don’t trust you.

But I admire your strength.

8. You Finish Projects Before Starting New Ones

Legend says people like this exist.

I’ve never personally met one.

But if you are reading this, please know that we speak of you in hushed, reverent tones.

9. You Save Every Scrap of Yarn

You are creative.

What others see as leftovers, you see as future projects.

Tiny flowers.

Mini amigurumi.

Scrap blankets.

A giant tote bin filled with “valuable resources.”

10. You Teach Someone Else to Crochet

You are the reason crochet keeps going.

Every crocheter remembers the person who first showed them how to hold a hook, make a chain, or survive their first accidental yarn knot.

You are creating future yarn addicts.

And honestly, that’s beautiful.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, every crocheter has their quirks.

Some of us collect yarn like dragons collect treasure.

Some of us have twelve unfinished projects.

Some of us still refuse to make a gauge swatch on principle.

But if you found yourself in one or more of these green flags, congratulations.

You’re exactly the kind of crocheter I’d want to sit next to during a long yarn sale.

10 Crochet Red Flags That Instantly Tell Me What Kind of Crocheter You Are

Crocheters are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. We create beautiful things, support each other, and somehow convince ourselves that buying more yarn is a perfectly reasonable response to having too much yarn.

But spend enough time in crochet groups and patterns start to emerge.

Certain habits instantly reveal what kind of crocheter you’re dealing with.

In the spirit of fun—and because every single one of us is guilty of at least one of these—here are ten crochet red flags that instantly tell me what kind of crocheter you are.

Enjoy crochet humor, free patterns, tutorials, and yarn-fueled chaos?

Join HodgePodge Crochet and never miss a post.

🚩 1. “I Don’t Need More Yarn.”

You say this while standing in front of a yarn stash large enough to survive an apocalypse.

You aren’t fooling anyone.

Not your spouse.

Not your crochet group.

And definitely not the yarn store cashier who recognizes you by name.

Crocheter Type: The Yarn Dragon

Special ability: Acquiring yarn faster than projects can consume it.

🚩 2. “I’ll Weave in the Ends Later.”

No.

No, you won’t.

That blanket is finished.

The photos have been taken.

The project has been gifted.

The ends are still hanging there, mocking you.

Crocheter Type: The Professional Procrastinator

Special ability: Creating future problems with remarkable efficiency.

🚩 3. You Own 47 Crochet Hooks But Use the Same One Every Time.

You have ergonomic hooks.

Fancy hooks.

Light-up hooks.

Wood hooks.

Hooks you forgot you owned.

Yet somehow every project gets made with the same trusty favorite.

Crocheter Type: The Hook Collector

Special ability: Shopping for hooks instead of using them.

🚩 4. You Refuse to Check Gauge.

Patterns provide gauge for a reason.

You look directly at it.

Ignore it completely.

Then spend three days wondering why your sweater would fit either a Chihuahua or a small horse.

Crocheter Type: The Chaos Goblin

Special ability: Turning every project into a surprise.

🚩 5. You Buy Yarn Before Choosing a Pattern.

The yarn spoke to you.

You had a vision.

The vision lasted approximately four seconds.

Now the yarn lives in a storage bin waiting for destiny.

Crocheter Type: The Yarn Optimist

Special ability: Believing every skein has a purpose.

🚩 6. Every “Quick Project” Takes Three Weeks.

You confidently announce:

“This should only take an evening.”

Three weeks later you’re still explaining why it’s almost finished.

Crocheter Type: The Time Traveler

Special ability: Existing in a completely different dimension than the calendar.

🚩 7. You Frog the Same Row Five Times.

The pattern is fine.

The yarn is fine.

The hook is fine.

The problem is that your brain has temporarily left the chat.

Crocheter Type: The Perfectionist

Special ability: Repeating the same mistake with increasing determination.

🚩 8. You Start New Projects Before Finishing Old Ones.

You have:

• One blanket in progress.
• Two amigurumi missing arms.
• A shawl waiting for a border.
• Three mystery projects in bags.

And yet you just cast your eye on a new pattern.

Crocheter Type: The Serial Starter

Special ability: Maximum excitement, minimum completion.

🚩 9. You Keep Every Tiny Scrap of Yarn.

You can’t throw it away.

What if you need it someday?

For what?

Nobody knows.

But it might be useful.

Crocheter Type: The Scrap Goblin

Special ability: Turning sandwich bags into a storage system.

🚩 10. You Say “Just One More Row” at Midnight.

The most dangerous lie in crochet.

One more row becomes five.

Five becomes ten.

Suddenly it’s 2:17 a.m. and you’re making life choices with a crochet hook in your hand.

Crocheter Type: The Night Owl Hooker

Special ability: Time blindness powered entirely by yarn.

The Real Question…

Which red flag are you?

Personally, I suspect most crocheters are a terrifying combination of:

🚩 Yarn Dragon

🚩 Scrap Goblin

🚩 Professional Procrastinator

🚩 Serial Starter

And honestly? That’s part of the fun.

After all, if we were perfectly organized, would we even be crocheters?

Tell Me Your Crochet Red Flag

What’s your biggest crochet red flag—the one you can’t even defend anymore?

Be honest.

This is a safe space.

Mostly. 😆

Which Hooks Are Actually Worth Your Money?

Every crocheter starts with the same innocent thought:

“A crochet hook is a crochet hook.”

Three months later you’re researching ergonomic handles at 2 a.m., reading 47-page forum debates, and wondering if a Japanese hook will somehow improve your life.

The answer is…sometimes.

Today we’re diving into the most popular crochet hooks on the market, who they’re best for, and whether they’re worth adding to your collection.

Best Hook for Complete Beginners

Boye Aluminum Hooks

Why beginners like them:

• Cheap
• Available almost everywhere
• Durable
• Great for learning basic stitches

The downside:

The tapered head can split yarn for some crocheters, especially when working with softer acrylics.

Crocheter Rating: ★★★☆☆

Wallet Rating: ★★★★★

Likelihood You’ll Still Be Using It In Five Years: 40%

The Hook Everyone Eventually Tries

Clover Amour

If crochet hooks had a popularity contest, Clover Amour would probably win.

Why people love them:

• Comfortable ergonomic handle
• Smooth glide
• Distinct colors by size
• Excellent for long crochet sessions

Many crocheters describe their first Clover Amour purchase as a “gateway hook.”

One turns into three.

Three turns into the whole set.

Crocheter Rating: ★★★★★

Likelihood You’ll Accidentally Start a Collection: 98%

Best for Arthritic Hands

Furls Odyssey

These are the luxury sports cars of crochet hooks.

Pros:

• Extremely comfortable grip
• Beautiful designs
• Reduces hand strain for many crocheters

Cons:

• Expensive
• Losing one feels like losing jewelry

Crocheter Rating: ★★★★☆

Panic Level When Dropped on a Hard Floor: ★★★★★

Best for Speed Crocheters

Tulip Etimo

These hooks have developed a near-cult following.

Many experienced crocheters claim they can crochet faster with Tulips than with any other hook.

Why:

• Very smooth finish
• Excellent hook shape
• Consistent tension

If Clover Amour and Furls had a very efficient Japanese cousin, it would be Tulip Etimo.

Crocheter Rating: ★★★★★

Likelihood of Becoming Your Favorite Hook: High

Best Budget Ergonomic Hook

Susan Bates Soft Ergonomic

Many crocheters overlook these because they’re less flashy than some of the premium brands.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Comfortable
• Inline hook design

Perfect for:

Anyone who wants ergonomic comfort without spending premium-hook money.

Most Divisive Hook

Inline vs. Tapered Hooks

This debate has been going on since approximately the invention of yarn.

Inline Hooks

(Susan Bates style)

• More defined throat
• Better stitch consistency for some crocheters
• Popular with amigurumi makers

Tapered Hooks

(Boye style)

• Smoother stitch flow
• Easier for beginners
• Often preferred for garments and blankets

Ask ten crocheters which is better and you’ll get twelve opinions.

Hooks That Look Amazing But Aren’t For Everyone

Resin Hooks

Wooden Hooks

Handmade Turned Hooks

They’re gorgeous.

They’re photogenic.

They’re Instagram famous.

But depending on the finish, they may not glide as smoothly as metal hooks.

Sometimes pretty and practical aren’t the same thing.

The Hook Hall of Fame

If I were building a crochet starter collection today:

🥇 Best Beginner Hook: Boye

🥈 Best Overall Hook: Clover Amour

🥉 Best Premium Hook: Tulip Etimo

🏆 Best Luxury Hook: Furls Odyssey

💰 Best Budget Ergonomic Hook: Susan Bates Soft Ergonomic

Let’s settle this once and for all:

What’s the best crochet hook you’ve ever used—and which one do you absolutely refuse to buy again?

Intermediate Crochet Edging Pattern for Blankets (With Video Tutorial)

Have you ever finished a blanket, admired your handiwork, and thought, “You know what this needs? A little something extra.”

Or maybe you’ve stared at a finished blanket and thought, “Nope. Don’t touch it. If I add one more stitch, I’ll end up frogging the whole thing.”

I understand both feelings.

My Rolling Tide Ripple Blanket was originally designed to be completely borderless. The ripples create a beautiful finished edge all on their own, and honestly, I love the look just as it is.

But sometimes you want a border.

Maybe you want to frame your blanket. Maybe you have a few yards of yarn left. Maybe you simply enjoy making decorative edges. (No judgment here. Some of us think crocheting a border is the best part.)

That’s exactly why this crochet edging exists.

This intermediate-level border combines crossed treble crochet stitches, textured dc3tog clusters, and decorative front-facing picots to create a beautiful edge that works on far more than just ripple blankets.

It looks fantastic on:

• Ripple blankets
• Granny square blankets
• Solid afghans
• Baby blankets
• Lapghans
• Throws
• Home décor projects

The finished edging has wonderful texture, plenty of visual interest, and just enough detail to keep things fun without becoming overly complicated.

Love beautiful crochet edgings, free patterns, and step-by-step tutorials?

Subscribe to HodgePodge Crochet and never miss a new pattern, crochet tip, or creative project. There’s always something new coming off the hook!

Subscribe

Watch the Video Tutorial

If you’d like to crochet along with me step-by-step, be sure to watch the full video tutorial below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWngDcuxGKg

The written instructions below are intended to supplement the video tutorial.

Skill Level

Intermediate

Crochet Terms

US Crochet Terminology

Special Stitches

Crossed Treble Crochet (Crossed tr)

Skip the next stitch, work a treble crochet in the following stitch, then working behind the previous treble crochet, work a treble crochet in the skipped stitch. This creates a decorative crossed effect.

dc3tog (Double Crochet 3 Together)

Yarn over and insert hook into the indicated space. Yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops. Repeat twice more in same space. Yarn over and pull through all 4 remaining loops on the hook.

Front Picot

Ch 3. Insert hook into the 2 front vertical bars of the single crochet directly below the chain and slip stitch to form the picot. This creates a picot that sits on the front of the edging rather than on top of the chain.

Notes

• This border can be added to virtually any blanket.
• Round 1 serves as an adjustment round and allows you to customize the spacing to fit your project.
• Each side should have an even number of chain-2 spaces at the end of Round 1.
• Corner stitches are marked to simplify placement in later rounds.

Written Pattern

Rnd 1: Beginning in any corner, work 3 sc in the corner. *Ch 2, skip a few stitches along the side of the blanket as needed, sc in the next stitch; repeat from * across to the next corner. Work 3 sc in the corner. Repeat around the blanket, joining to the first sc with a slip stitch.

Note: Each side should have an even number of ch-2 spaces.

Rnd 2: Join with a sc in the first corner sc. Work sc in the same stitch, sc in the next sc, and place a marker in this stitch to mark the corner. Work 2 sc in the next sc.

*2 sc in the next ch-2 space, skip the next sc; repeat from * across to the next corner.

Corner: Skip the next sc, 2 sc in the next sc, sc in the next sc (place a marker in this stitch to mark the corner), 2 sc in the next sc.

Repeat from * around the blanket. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc.

Rnd 3: Beginning 3 stitches before the marked corner stitch, join yarn and ch 4 (counts as a tr). Work a tr in the stitch to the right of the beginning ch-4 to form the first crossed tr pair.

*Skip 1 st, tr in next st, working behind the previous tr, tr in the skipped st; repeat from * across to the next corner, working the first tr of the final crossed tr pair in the marked corner stitch.

Corner: Ch 3, then work a crossed tr pair using the next stitch and the marked corner stitch.

Repeat from * around. Join to the top of the beginning ch-4.

Rnd 4: Join yarn in any space between crossed tr pairs. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), sc in the same space.

*Ch 1, skip the next crossed tr pair, sc in the space between the next crossed tr pair; repeat from * to the corner.

Corner: Work (sc, ch 1, sc, ch 1, sc) in the corner ch-3 space.

Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc.

Rnd 5: Join yarn in any sc on any side. Ch 3 (counts as a dc).

*Work a dc3tog in the next ch-1 space; repeat from * across to the next corner.

Corner: Work 3 dc in the center sc of the corner.

Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning ch-3.

Rnd 6: Join yarn in the top of any dc on any side. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), sc in the same dc, ch 1, skip the next dc3tog.

*Sc in the next dc, ch 1, skip the next dc3tog; repeat from * across to the next corner.

Corner: Work (sc, ch 1, sc) in the center dc of the corner.

Ch 1, sc in the next dc, ch 1, skip the next dc3tog.

Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc.

Rnd 7: Join yarn in any ch-1 space on any side. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), sc in the same ch-1 space.

*Ch 1, skip the next sc, sc in the next ch-1 space; repeat from * across to the next corner.

Corner: Work (sc, ch 1, sc) in the corner ch-1 space.

Ch 1, skip the next sc, sc in the next ch-1 space.

Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc.

Rnd 8: Join yarn in any ch-1 space on any side. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), sc in the same ch-1 space, work a picot, sc in the same ch-1 space.

*Skip the next sc, work (sc, work a picot, sc) in the next ch-1 space; repeat from * around.

Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Final Thoughts

One of my favorite things about crochet borders is how dramatically they can change the look of a project. It’s a little like putting a frame around a piece of artwork. The blanket may already be finished, but a beautiful edging can make the entire project feel complete.

If you add this border to one of your projects, I’d love to see it! Share your finished photos and be sure to tag me so I can admire your handiwork.

Happy Crocheting!

— Tanya
HodgePodge Crochet

The Weirdest Crochet Hacks People Actually Swear By

Washing Acrylic Yarn in Hair Conditioner

The Hack:
Soak scratchy acrylic yarn in hair conditioner to make it softer.

Why People Swear By It:
It genuinely can make some acrylics feel softer. Entire tutorials exist for it.

The Potential Disaster:
Nobody seems entirely sure how much conditioner is too much.

Use too much and you can leave residue behind.

Now your afghan smells like it just got back from a spa weekend.

Freezing Yarn to Kill Odors

This one pops up occasionally in stash groups.

The theory is that putting yarn in the freezer will remove musty smells from thrifted yarn.

The problem?

Freezers don’t magically remove odors.

They just create cold yarn.

Now you have cold, musty yarn.

Putting Acrylic Projects in the Dryer Until They “Bloom”

The internet occasionally refers to this as “killing” acrylic.

Some crocheters deliberately heat acrylic to soften it and improve drape.

Sometimes it works.

Sometimes your project goes from “beautiful drape” to “gravity’s strongest supporter.”

There is a very fine line between:

“Look how soft this is!”

and

“What happened to my cardigan?”

Spraying Projects with Fabric Softener

The logic seems reasonable.

If fabric softener softens clothes, surely it softens crochet.

The downside?

Residue.

Lots of residue.

Some crocheters report projects feeling coated rather than softened.

Your blanket should not feel like it has been marinated.

Vinegar Fixes Everything

There are people who recommend vinegar for:

• softening yarn
• setting colors
• removing odors
• blocking
• laundry

At this point vinegar is basically the essential oil of crochet.

Sometimes it helps.

Sometimes your craft room smells like a fish-and-chip shop.

Store Hooks Inside the Yarn Ball

This one sounds clever.

Until six months later.

A crocheter on Reddit reported finding multiple hooks hidden in yarn skeins after using this method.

Future You becomes an archaeologist.

“Ah yes, a 5mm hook from the Late Granny Square Period.”

Use Bobby Pins, Paper Clips, Safety Pins, Hair Clips, Barrettes, and Literally Anything as Stitch Markers

Crocheters are inventive.

The issue is that every substitute marker eventually finds the one strand of yarn it can snag.

It’s almost a law of nature.

“Just Crochet Tighter”

This advice gets handed out constantly.

Gaping stitches?

Crochet tighter.

Amigurumi holes?

Crochet tighter.

World hunger?

Probably crochet tighter.

The result is often hand cramps, wrist pain, and a hook that barely fits into the stitches.

Ignore Dye Lots

This isn’t really a hack.

It’s more of a gamble.

Every crocheter eventually learns that “close enough” can become:

“Why is half my blanket a completely different shade of blue?”

Glue It

Every so often somebody suggests using fabric glue instead of weaving in ends.

I need everyone to sit down.

Because that little blob of glue is now the hardest part of your project.

Forever.

You have essentially installed a tiny rock into your blanket.

Crocheters are some of the most creative problem-solvers on Earth.

Which is wonderful.

It’s also how we ended up soaking yarn in conditioner, freezing skeins, baking acrylic in dryers, and storing hooks inside yarn balls.

Sometimes innovation changes the craft.

Sometimes it creates a very soft blanket that smells vaguely like Pantene.

What’s the weirdest crochet hack you’ve ever tried—and did it actually work?

The Porch Goose: America’s Most Fashionable Lawn Ornament

If you grew up in America anytime between the 1970s and early 2000s, chances are you saw one.

Standing proudly near a front door, decked out in a raincoat, Easter bonnet, Halloween costume, or Christmas scarf, the porch goose wasn’t just a lawn decoration—it was a lifestyle.

And somehow, after years of hiding in the shadows of flamingos and garden gnomes, the porch goose is having a major comeback.

Love crochet, yarn adventures, and the occasional porch goose obsession?

Subscribe to HodgePodge Crochet and never miss a new pattern, tutorial, or crochet deep dive.

✓ Subscribed

What Exactly Is a Porch Goose?

The classic porch goose is usually a concrete or resin statue about two feet tall. On its own, it’s just a goose.

But that’s not how porch goose owners think.

To them, the goose is a blank canvas.

One week it’s dressed as a pilgrim. The next it’s wearing bunny ears. By July it’s sporting patriotic stars and stripes. Some geese even have entire wardrobes with dozens of outfits.

The goose doesn’t live on the porch.

The goose works on the porch.

Where Did This Weird Tradition Come From?

Most porch goose historians trace the craze back to the 1980s when lawn ornaments were at their peak. The statues themselves were often sold through garden centers, craft fairs, and local concrete statuary businesses.

The real innovation came when someone looked at a goose and thought:

“What if it had tiny clothes?”

That simple idea spread faster than chain letters and Beanie Baby collecting.

Before long, companies were selling custom goose outfits for every holiday imaginable.

5 Crochet Porch Goose Outfits That Are Almost Too Cute

One of the reasons porch geese have exploded in popularity again is that people aren’t just dressing them up—they’re turning them into full-blown characters. Entire communities swap outfit ideas, compete for Goose of the Month, and create wardrobes that would make Barbie jealous.

1. The Bumblebee Goose 🐝

If there is a universal porch goose favorite, it’s the bee. It’s cheerful, instantly recognizable, and somehow makes a 25-inch goose look even more adorable. Bonus points if you place a few flowers around the base so it looks like your goose is hard at work pollinating the neighborhood.

2. The Strawberry Goose 🍓

There is something ridiculously charming about taking a giant white goose and transforming it into a giant strawberry.

The Strawberry Goose hits several trends at once:

Cottagecore — all those cozy gardens, handmade items, and vintage vibes.

Grandmillennial Style — younger generations embracing things their grandmothers would have loved.

Crochet Aesthetic — strawberries have become one of crochet’s most beloved motifs over the past few years.

It’s sweet without being overly seasonal. Unlike a Christmas outfit that only gets a few weeks of glory, a Strawberry Goose can stay on duty from spring all the way through early fall.

3. The Snowman Goose ☃️

If the Strawberry Goose is the darling of spring, the Snowman Goose is the cozy celebrity of winter. Among porch goose enthusiasts, snowman outfits are legendary and remain some of the most popular winter designs.

The Snowman Goose has one major advantage over every other holiday outfit:

It was practically destined to exist.

Think about it. A porch goose already has a long neck, a rounded body, and stands upright. It’s basically halfway to becoming a snowman before you even start dressing it.

Add a white crocheted body cover, a bright scarf, a few black buttons, and a jaunty top hat, and suddenly your goose looks like it stepped out of a Hallmark movie.

4. The Beach Babe Goose 🏖️

Yes, this is a real thing.

The sheer confidence of a goose strutting around in a bikini is exactly the energy we should all bring into summer. Beach-themed goose outfits are popular enough to have entire collections devoted to them.

5. The Christmas Tree Goose 🎄

The undisputed holiday heavyweight champion.

This outfit turns the entire goose into a decorated Christmas tree complete with ornaments, garland, and a topper. It’s one of the most recognized and widely shared goose costume styles online.

It’s festive.
It’s ridiculous.
It’s magnificent.

And let’s be honest:

If your porch goose isn’t dressed like a Christmas tree in December, is it even trying?

Want to Crochet Your Own Porch Goose?

After looking at all these adorable outfits, you might be wondering:

“What if I just made my own goose?”

Good news—you can.

While porch goose clothing patterns are becoming more common, actual crochet goose patterns large enough to serve as porch décor are still surprisingly rare.

One of the few dedicated options currently available is Penny the Porch Goose offered on Etsy from Loops to Loveys by Chantel. This pattern creates a freestanding goose inspired by the classic lawn ornament that has become a staple of front porches across America.

What makes it especially fun is that once you’ve finished the goose, you can start creating seasonal accessories and outfits for it—just like the concrete versions that inspired the trend.

Final Goose Thoughts

Whether you’re dressing up a classic concrete goose, crocheting a strawberry outfit, or making an entire goose from scratch, there’s something wonderfully wholesome about the whole phenomenon.

In a world full of complicated hobbies and expensive trends, a porch goose is refreshingly simple:

It’s a goose.

In a costume.

Making people smile.

And honestly, that’s enough.

Skull Granny Square Crochet Pattern

Few crochet motifs are as recognizable as the granny square.

Whether you’ve been crocheting for decades or picked up a hook last week, chances are you’ve encountered one. Granny squares have been used in blankets, clothing, bags, home décor, and just about every other crochet project imaginable. They’re simple, versatile, portable, and endlessly customizable.

But the granny square wasn’t always the colorful patchwork icon we know today.

A Brief History of the Granny Square

The origins of the granny square are somewhat debated, but crochet itself became increasingly popular during the nineteenth century. Early crochet publications featured motifs and lace designs, though the classic granny square as we recognize it today did not become widespread until much later.

By the 1970s, granny squares had exploded in popularity. Bright colors, scrap yarn projects, and handmade fashion were everywhere. Crochet enthusiasts began joining individual squares together to create afghans, vests, ponchos, purses, and even entire outfits.

One of the reasons granny squares became so beloved is their practicality. Small amounts of leftover yarn could be transformed into useful projects rather than being thrown away. The humble granny square quickly became one of the most accessible crochet motifs ever created.

The Evolution of the Granny Square

Over the years, crocheters have proven that a granny square can be much more than a simple cluster stitch design.

Today’s granny squares feature:

• Flowers
• Sunbursts
• Animals
• Seasonal themes
• Geometric designs
• Mandalas
• Pop culture characters
• Three-dimensional textures
• Intricate colorwork

Modern crochet designers continue pushing the boundaries of what can fit inside a square.

Which brings us to skulls.

Why Skull Granny Squares?

Skulls have become surprisingly popular in the crochet world. While they are often associated with Halloween, many crocheters enjoy incorporating them into gothic, alternative, fantasy, and year-round spooky projects.

A skull motif adds personality and visual interest while still maintaining the practicality of a granny square. Once completed, skull squares can be joined together just like traditional motifs to create larger projects.

The result is something that feels both classic and modern at the same time.

Meet the Skull Granny Square

This Skull Granny Square combines a textured skull motif with decorative petal rounds and a traditional square finish.

The finished square measures approximately 5 inches and works up quickly, making it perfect for stash-busting projects or larger motif-based designs.

Use a single color for a dramatic silhouette or experiment with multiple colors to create a completely different look.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S12ufbweIVU

Project Ideas

Not sure what to do with your Skull Granny Squares?

Try using them for:

• Halloween blankets
• Gothic afghans
• Tote bags
• Market bags
• Pillows
• Wall hangings
• Table runners
• Cardigans
• Hooded scarves
• Book sleeves
• Decorative panels

Or simply make one square and enjoy the process. Sometimes that’s enough.

Crochet Patterns That Look Terrible Until the Very Last Row

Trust the Process (Even When the Process Looks Questionable)

Have you ever been halfway through a crochet project and thought:

“Well, this was a terrible idea.”

Of course you have.

Every crocheter has stared at a project in progress and wondered if they accidentally forgot how to crochet overnight.

The stitches look weird.

The shape makes no sense.

The colors seem wrong.

The entire thing resembles a household object nobody intended to make.

And yet…

Some of the most beautiful crochet projects spend most of their lives looking absolutely ridiculous.

The Ugly Duckling Phase

Nobody talks about the Ugly Duckling Phase.

That’s the point in a project where:

• The cardigan looks like a lumpy bath mat.
• The granny square blanket resembles a pile of potholders.
• The shawl looks like a fishing net with commitment issues.
• The amigurumi resembles an unidentified vegetable.

This phase is completely normal.

Unfortunately, nobody warns beginners.

So they assume they’ve ruined everything.

Granny Squares Are Masters of Deception

Let’s be honest.

One granny square by itself is not particularly impressive.

Neither are two.

Or six.

Sometimes not even twenty.

You spread them across the table and think:

“I spent three weeks making coasters.”

Then suddenly they’re joined together.

A border gets added.

The ends are woven in.

And somehow you’ve created a gorgeous blanket.

It’s crochet sorcery.

The Cardigan Crisis

Cardigans may be the worst offenders.

At some point during construction, every cardigan becomes deeply suspicious.

The sleeves are hanging off at odd angles.

The body resembles a geometric experiment.

Nothing appears wearable.

You hold it up and think:

“This cannot possibly fit a human being.”

Then you add the ribbing.

And the collar.

And the edging.

And suddenly you’re planning outfits around it.

The Border Is Doing All the Heavy Lifting

Can we talk about borders?

Because sometimes a border deserves its own award.

A project can spend weeks looking like a lost cause.

Then one carefully chosen border appears and suddenly:

“Ohhhhhh. THAT’S what we’re making.”

Borders are the crochet equivalent of putting a frame around a painting.

Color Changes Can Be Liars

Some color combinations look questionable until they’re finished.

Very questionable.

You may spend weeks wondering:

• Why did I choose these colors?
• What was I thinking?
• Was I under some sort of yarn-induced spell?

Then the final row ties everything together.

Suddenly those colors make perfect sense.

It’s enough to make you question reality.

The Last Row Effect

There should probably be a scientific study on this.

The final row has magical powers.

Nothing changes.

The yarn is the same.

The stitches are the same.

The project is mostly the same.

But somehow that final row flips a switch in your brain.

You stop seeing random pieces.

You start seeing the finished object.

And that’s when the excitement returns.

Why We Keep Falling For It

You’d think after enough projects we’d learn.

But no.

Every new project starts the cycle all over again.

1. Excitement
2. Confidence
3. Mild concern
4. Panic
5. Existential crisis
6. One final row
7. “Wow, I love it.”

Every.

Single.

Time.

Final Thoughts

The next time you’re halfway through a project and convinced you’ve created the world’s saddest cardigan, blanket, shawl, or plushie…

Keep going.

Some crochet patterns spend 95% of their existence looking terrible.

Then the last row arrives and suddenly everything makes sense.

Trust the process.

Trust the border.

And most importantly…

Don’t frog it during the Ugly Duckling Phase.

You might be only one row away from magic.

What’s the ugliest project you’ve ever made that somehow turned out beautiful in the end? 🧶😂

Crochet Superstitions Nobody Admits To

Crocheters are logical people.

We count stitches. We calculate yardage. We measure gauge.

And yet…

Many of us also have a collection of completely irrational crochet beliefs that we secretly follow without question.

No judgment here. This is a safe space.

1. Never Announce You’re Almost Finished

The moment you tell someone:

“I’m almost done!”

Disaster strikes.

You discover:

• You’re out of yarn.
• You skipped an entire row.
• The sleeve lengths don’t match.
• Your cat has adopted the project.

Somehow the Crochet Universe hears your confidence and immediately humbles you.

2. The Lucky Hook

You own seventeen crochet hooks.

But there’s one hook.

The hook.

The hook that magically makes every project behave.

Does it actually crochet better?

Probably not.

Will you search the entire house for it instead of using an identical replacement?

Absolutely.

3. Never Play Yarn Chicken Out Loud

You can think it.

You can hope it.

But you must never say:

“I think I have enough yarn.”

The yarn hears you.

The yarn always hears you.

Suddenly you’re six stitches short with no matching dye lot in existence.

4. The Project Knows When You’re In A Hurry

Need a baby blanket by tomorrow?

The blanket becomes sentient.

It develops:

• Knots
• Mistakes
• Counting errors
• Mystery decreases

Projects that were behaving perfectly for weeks immediately enter their rebellious phase.

5. The “One More Row” Curse

Every crocheter knows this lie.

“I’ll just do one more row before bed.”

Three episodes of a TV show later, you’re Googling whether 2 a.m. counts as tomorrow.

6. Frogging Creates Better Results

Scientifically?

Questionable.

Emotionally?

Absolutely true.

Many crocheters secretly believe a project isn’t really committed to excellence until it’s been frogged at least once.

Twice if it’s a cardigan.

7. Never Let Someone Touch A Project Mid-Count

This is not superstition.

This is survival.

The second someone asks:

“What are you making?”

while you’re counting stitches…

Everything is ruined.

You now have to start counting from the beginning because your brain has permanently left the chat.

8. The Stash Must Never Reach Zero

Some people call it a yarn stash.

Others call it an emergency preparedness kit.

No crocheter wants to find themselves in a situation where:

• Inspiration strikes
• The yarn store is closed
• The stash is empty

That’s how civilization collapses.

9. Every Unfinished Project Will Eventually Reveal Its Purpose

We’ve all got one.

The project in the basket.

The project that hasn’t moved since 2021.

You can’t throw it away because someday you’ll finish it.

Or frog it.

Or turn it into something else.

Or at least remember what pattern you were using.

10. If A Project Is Going Perfectly, Don’t Mention It

This is perhaps the most important crochet superstition of all.

The second you say:

“Wow, this project is going really well.”

You’ll immediately discover:

• A missed stitch
• A twisted row
• A sizing problem
• A knot in the yarn the size of a grapefruit

Stay humble.

Stay quiet.

Protect the project.

Final Thoughts

Crocheters may not agree on the best yarn, the best hook, or whether gauge actually matters.

But deep down, many of us share the same unspoken crochet superstitions.

And if you’ve ever searched the house for your lucky hook, refused to brag about having enough yarn, or stayed up until 2 a.m. because of “just one more row”…

Congratulations.

You’re officially one of us.

What’s your weirdest crochet superstition? Tell us in the comments—I promise I won’t judge. 🧶😂

The Crochet Projects Nobody Makes Anymore (And Maybe We Should)

There was a time when every crocheter had a mission.

Not a vague goal like “use up my yarn stash” or “finish that cardigan before next winter.”

No, these crocheters had purpose.

Somewhere in America, a grandmother was furiously crocheting a toilet paper doll to protect the family bathroom from… something. Dust? Shame? Nobody really knows.

Another was creating a doily large enough to cover every flat surface in the house.

And someone, somewhere, looked at a perfectly functional tissue box and thought:

“This needs a crocheted cover shaped like a Victorian cottage.”

Crochet trends come and go, but some projects have quietly faded away. Today we’re taking a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the crochet projects that used to be everywhere—and asking whether they deserve a comeback.

Enjoying this trip down crochet memory lane?

Subscribe to HodgePodge Crochet for more crochet history, free patterns, project ideas, and plenty of yarny fun. You never know which forgotten crochet trend we’ll revive next!

✓ Subscribed

1. The Toilet Paper Doll

If you’re under 40, you might think I’m making this up.

I assure you, I am not.

For decades, bathrooms across North America featured elaborately dressed crochet dolls sitting proudly on top of spare toilet paper rolls.

These ladies wore magnificent gowns.

They had hats.

They had lace.

Some looked like they were attending a royal wedding.

And underneath all that elegance?

Toilet paper.

Looking back, it seems ridiculous.

Looking back, I kind of love them.

2. Doilies on Literally Everything

There was a time when a bare table was simply unacceptable.

Coffee table?

Doily.

End table?

Doily.

Dresser?

Doily.

Television?

Believe it or not…

Doily.

If a flat surface existed, a crocheter somewhere felt compelled to decorate it.

Today’s minimalist design trends may have pushed doilies out of the spotlight, but there is something beautiful about knowing someone spent hours creating intricate lace simply to make a home feel special.

3. The Television Cover

Younger readers may need a moment here.

Televisions used to be giant wooden boxes.

And apparently, giant wooden boxes needed sweaters.

Crocheted TV covers were surprisingly common.

When guests weren’t watching television, the set could be covered with a decorative crochet piece, making it blend into the room.

Imagine explaining that to a teenager today.

“Back in my day, we crocheted clothing for the television.”

4. Tissue Box Covers

Crocheters once looked at ordinary household objects and declared war on boredom.

The humble tissue box was transformed into:

• Cottages
• Barns
• Flower baskets
• Churches
• Teapots

No object was safe.

Honestly, modern crochet could use a little more of this energy.

5. Bed Jackets

This one always fascinates me.

A bed jacket was exactly what it sounds like: a short sweater worn while sitting up in bed.

People wore them while reading, knitting, crocheting, writing letters, or recovering from illness.

They were practical.

They were cozy.

And somehow they’ve almost disappeared.

Considering how many of us spend evenings curled up on the couch with yarn, maybe it’s time for bed jackets to make a comeback.

6. Crocheted Pot Holders Hanging in Every Kitchen

Not just one.

A dozen.

Usually hanging from a hook somewhere near the stove.

Every color imaginable.

Some shaped like flowers.

Some shaped like fruit.

Some shaped like things no one could identify anymore.

They weren’t just kitchen tools.

They were little pieces of everyday art.

Why We Miss These Projects

The funny thing is that none of these projects were really about the project itself.

The toilet paper doll wasn’t about toilet paper.

The doily wasn’t about protecting furniture.

The tissue box cover wasn’t about tissues.

They were about making a home feel loved.

Every stitch represented time, patience, and care.

In a world increasingly filled with disposable things, there is something comforting about remembering the handmade touches that used to fill our homes.

Final Thoughts

Will toilet paper dolls ever return to mainstream crochet?

Probably not.

Although I’ve learned never to underestimate crocheters.

After all, we’ve recently brought back granny squares, bucket hats, and crochet hacky sacks.

Anything is possible.

And if I suddenly find myself designing a toilet paper doll pattern next week…

Please pretend this article had nothing to do with it.

What crochet project do you remember seeing at your grandmother’s house that you never see anymore? Leave me a comment and let me know!

The Crochet Projects Nobody Makes Anymore (And Maybe We Should)

There was a time when every crocheter had a mission.

Not a vague goal like “use up my yarn stash” or “finish that cardigan before next winter.”

No, these crocheters had purpose.

Somewhere in America, a grandmother was furiously crocheting a toilet paper doll to protect the family bathroom from… something. Dust? Shame? Nobody really knows.

Another was creating a doily large enough to cover every flat surface in the house.

And someone, somewhere, looked at a perfectly functional tissue box and thought:

“This needs a crocheted cover shaped like a Victorian cottage.”

Crochet trends come and go, but some projects have quietly faded away. Today we’re taking a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the crochet projects that used to be everywhere—and asking whether they deserve a comeback.

1. The Toilet Paper Doll

If you’re under 40, you might think I’m making this up.

I assure you, I am not.

For decades, bathrooms across North America featured elaborately dressed crochet dolls sitting proudly on top of spare toilet paper rolls.

These ladies wore magnificent gowns.

They had hats.

They had lace.

Some looked like they were attending a royal wedding.

And underneath all that elegance?

Toilet paper.

Looking back, it seems ridiculous.

Looking back, I kind of love them.

2. Doilies on Literally Everything

There was a time when a bare table was simply unacceptable.

Coffee table?

Doily.

End table?

Doily.

Dresser?

Doily.

Television?

Believe it or not…

Doily.

If a flat surface existed, a crocheter somewhere felt compelled to decorate it.

Today’s minimalist design trends may have pushed doilies out of the spotlight, but there is something beautiful about knowing someone spent hours creating intricate lace simply to make a home feel special.

3. The Television Cover

Younger readers may need a moment here.

Televisions used to be giant wooden boxes.

And apparently, giant wooden boxes needed sweaters.

Crocheted TV covers were surprisingly common.

When guests weren’t watching television, the set could be covered with a decorative crochet piece, making it blend into the room.

Imagine explaining that to a teenager today.

“Back in my day, we crocheted clothing for the television.”

4. Tissue Box Covers

Crocheters once looked at ordinary household objects and declared war on boredom.

The humble tissue box was transformed into:

• Cottages
• Barns
• Flower baskets
• Churches
• Teapots

No object was safe.

Honestly, modern crochet could use a little more of this energy.

5. Bed Jackets

This one always fascinates me.

A bed jacket was exactly what it sounds like: a short sweater worn while sitting up in bed.

People wore them while reading, knitting, crocheting, writing letters, or recovering from illness.

They were practical.

They were cozy.

And somehow they’ve almost disappeared.

Considering how many of us spend evenings curled up on the couch with yarn, maybe it’s time for bed jackets to make a comeback.

6. Crocheted Pot Holders Hanging in Every Kitchen

Not just one.

A dozen.

Usually hanging from a hook somewhere near the stove.

Every color imaginable.

Some shaped like flowers.

Some shaped like fruit.

Some shaped like things no one could identify anymore.

They weren’t just kitchen tools.

They were little pieces of everyday art.

Why We Miss These Projects

The funny thing is that none of these projects were really about the project itself.

The toilet paper doll wasn’t about toilet paper.

The doily wasn’t about protecting furniture.

The tissue box cover wasn’t about tissues.

They were about making a home feel loved.

Every stitch represented time, patience, and care.

In a world increasingly filled with disposable things, there is something comforting about remembering the handmade touches that used to fill our homes.

Final Thoughts

Will toilet paper dolls ever return to mainstream crochet?

Probably not.

Although I’ve learned never to underestimate crocheters.

After all, we’ve recently brought back granny squares, bucket hats, and crochet hacky sacks.

Anything is possible.

And if I suddenly find myself designing a toilet paper doll pattern next week…

Please pretend this article had nothing to do with it.

What crochet project do you remember seeing at your grandmother’s house that you never see anymore? Leave me a comment and let me know!

The Crochet Projects Nobody Makes Anymore (And Maybe We Should)

There was a time when every crocheter had a mission.

Not a vague goal like “use up my yarn stash” or “finish that cardigan before next winter.”

No, these crocheters had purpose.

Somewhere in America, a grandmother was furiously crocheting a toilet paper doll to protect the family bathroom from… something. Dust? Shame? Nobody really knows.

Another was creating a doily large enough to cover every flat surface in the house.

And someone, somewhere, looked at a perfectly functional tissue box and thought:

“This needs a crocheted cover shaped like a Victorian cottage.”

Crochet trends come and go, but some projects have quietly faded away. Today we’re taking a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the crochet projects that used to be everywhere—and asking whether they deserve a comeback.

1. The Toilet Paper Doll

If you’re under 40, you might think I’m making this up.

I assure you, I am not.

For decades, bathrooms across North America featured elaborately dressed crochet dolls sitting proudly on top of spare toilet paper rolls.

These ladies wore magnificent gowns.

They had hats.

They had lace.

Some looked like they were attending a royal wedding.

And underneath all that elegance?

Toilet paper.

Looking back, it seems ridiculous.

Looking back, I kind of love them.

2. Doilies on Literally Everything

There was a time when a bare table was simply unacceptable.

Coffee table?

Doily.

End table?

Doily.

Dresser?

Doily.

Television?

Believe it or not…

Doily.

If a flat surface existed, a crocheter somewhere felt compelled to decorate it.

Today’s minimalist design trends may have pushed doilies out of the spotlight, but there is something beautiful about knowing someone spent hours creating intricate lace simply to make a home feel special.

3. The Television Cover

Younger readers may need a moment here.

Televisions used to be giant wooden boxes.

And apparently, giant wooden boxes needed sweaters.

Crocheted TV covers were surprisingly common.

When guests weren’t watching television, the set could be covered with a decorative crochet piece, making it blend into the room.

Imagine explaining that to a teenager today.

“Back in my day, we crocheted clothing for the television.”

4. Tissue Box Covers

Crocheters once looked at ordinary household objects and declared war on boredom.

The humble tissue box was transformed into:

• Cottages
• Barns
• Flower baskets
• Churches
• Teapots

No object was safe.

Honestly, modern crochet could use a little more of this energy.

5. Bed Jackets

This one always fascinates me.

A bed jacket was exactly what it sounds like: a short sweater worn while sitting up in bed.

People wore them while reading, knitting, crocheting, writing letters, or recovering from illness.

They were practical.

They were cozy.

And somehow they’ve almost disappeared.

Considering how many of us spend evenings curled up on the couch with yarn, maybe it’s time for bed jackets to make a comeback.

6. Crocheted Pot Holders Hanging in Every Kitchen

Not just one.

A dozen.

Usually hanging from a hook somewhere near the stove.

Every color imaginable.

Some shaped like flowers.

Some shaped like fruit.

Some shaped like things no one could identify anymore.

They weren’t just kitchen tools.

They were little pieces of everyday art.

Why We Miss These Projects

The funny thing is that none of these projects were really about the project itself.

The toilet paper doll wasn’t about toilet paper.

The doily wasn’t about protecting furniture.

The tissue box cover wasn’t about tissues.

They were about making a home feel loved.

Every stitch represented time, patience, and care.

In a world increasingly filled with disposable things, there is something comforting about remembering the handmade touches that used to fill our homes.

Final Thoughts

Will toilet paper dolls ever return to mainstream crochet?

Probably not.

Although I’ve learned never to underestimate crocheters.

After all, we’ve recently brought back granny squares, bucket hats, and crochet hacky sacks.

Anything is possible.

And if I suddenly find myself designing a toilet paper doll pattern next week…

Please pretend this article had nothing to do with it.

What crochet project do you remember seeing at your grandmother’s house that you never see anymore? Leave me a comment and let me know!

The Crochet Projects Nobody Makes Anymore (And Maybe We Should)

There was a time when every crocheter had a mission.

Not a vague goal like “use up my yarn stash” or “finish that cardigan before next winter.”

No, these crocheters had purpose.

Somewhere in America, a grandmother was furiously crocheting a toilet paper doll to protect the family bathroom from… something. Dust? Shame? Nobody really knows.

Another was creating a doily large enough to cover every flat surface in the house.

And someone, somewhere, looked at a perfectly functional tissue box and thought:

“This needs a crocheted cover shaped like a Victorian cottage.”

Crochet trends come and go, but some projects have quietly faded away. Today we’re taking a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the crochet projects that used to be everywhere—and asking whether they deserve a comeback.

1. The Toilet Paper Doll

If you’re under 40, you might think I’m making this up.

I assure you, I am not.

For decades, bathrooms across North America featured elaborately dressed crochet dolls sitting proudly on top of spare toilet paper rolls.

These ladies wore magnificent gowns.

They had hats.

They had lace.

Some looked like they were attending a royal wedding.

And underneath all that elegance?

Toilet paper.

Looking back, it seems ridiculous.

Looking back, I kind of love them.

2. Doilies on Literally Everything

There was a time when a bare table was simply unacceptable.

Coffee table?

Doily.

End table?

Doily.

Dresser?

Doily.

Television?

Believe it or not…

Doily.

If a flat surface existed, a crocheter somewhere felt compelled to decorate it.

Today’s minimalist design trends may have pushed doilies out of the spotlight, but there is something beautiful about knowing someone spent hours creating intricate lace simply to make a home feel special.

3. The Television Cover

Younger readers may need a moment here.

Televisions used to be giant wooden boxes.

And apparently, giant wooden boxes needed sweaters.

Crocheted TV covers were surprisingly common.

When guests weren’t watching television, the set could be covered with a decorative crochet piece, making it blend into the room.

Imagine explaining that to a teenager today.

“Back in my day, we crocheted clothing for the television.”

4. Tissue Box Covers

Crocheters once looked at ordinary household objects and declared war on boredom.

The humble tissue box was transformed into:

• Cottages
• Barns
• Flower baskets
• Churches
• Teapots

No object was safe.

Honestly, modern crochet could use a little more of this energy.

5. Bed Jackets

This one always fascinates me.

A bed jacket was exactly what it sounds like: a short sweater worn while sitting up in bed.

People wore them while reading, knitting, crocheting, writing letters, or recovering from illness.

They were practical.

They were cozy.

And somehow they’ve almost disappeared.

Considering how many of us spend evenings curled up on the couch with yarn, maybe it’s time for bed jackets to make a comeback.

6. Crocheted Pot Holders Hanging in Every Kitchen

Not just one.

A dozen.

Usually hanging from a hook somewhere near the stove.

Every color imaginable.

Some shaped like flowers.

Some shaped like fruit.

Some shaped like things no one could identify anymore.

They weren’t just kitchen tools.

They were little pieces of everyday art.

Why We Miss These Projects

The funny thing is that none of these projects were really about the project itself.

The toilet paper doll wasn’t about toilet paper.

The doily wasn’t about protecting furniture.

The tissue box cover wasn’t about tissues.

They were about making a home feel loved.

Every stitch represented time, patience, and care.

In a world increasingly filled with disposable things, there is something comforting about remembering the handmade touches that used to fill our homes.

Final Thoughts

Will toilet paper dolls ever return to mainstream crochet?

Probably not.

Although I’ve learned never to underestimate crocheters.

After all, we’ve recently brought back granny squares, bucket hats, and crochet hacky sacks.

Anything is possible.

And if I suddenly find myself designing a toilet paper doll pattern next week…

Please pretend this article had nothing to do with it.

What crochet project do you remember seeing at your grandmother’s house that you never see anymore? Leave me a comment and let me know!

The Crochet Projects Nobody Makes Anymore (And Maybe We Should)

There was a time when every crocheter had a mission.

Not a vague goal like “use up my yarn stash” or “finish that cardigan before next winter.”

No, these crocheters had purpose.

Somewhere in America, a grandmother was furiously crocheting a toilet paper doll to protect the family bathroom from… something. Dust? Shame? Nobody really knows.

Another was creating a doily large enough to cover every flat surface in the house.

And someone, somewhere, looked at a perfectly functional tissue box and thought:

“This needs a crocheted cover shaped like a Victorian cottage.”

Crochet trends come and go, but some projects have quietly faded away. Today we’re taking a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the crochet projects that used to be everywhere—and asking whether they deserve a comeback.

1. The Toilet Paper Doll

If you’re under 40, you might think I’m making this up.

I assure you, I am not.

For decades, bathrooms across North America featured elaborately dressed crochet dolls sitting proudly on top of spare toilet paper rolls.

These ladies wore magnificent gowns.

They had hats.

They had lace.

Some looked like they were attending a royal wedding.

And underneath all that elegance?

Toilet paper.

Looking back, it seems ridiculous.

Looking back, I kind of love them.

2. Doilies on Literally Everything

There was a time when a bare table was simply unacceptable.

Coffee table?

Doily.

End table?

Doily.

Dresser?

Doily.

Television?

Believe it or not…

Doily.

If a flat surface existed, a crocheter somewhere felt compelled to decorate it.

Today’s minimalist design trends may have pushed doilies out of the spotlight, but there is something beautiful about knowing someone spent hours creating intricate lace simply to make a home feel special.

3. The Television Cover

Younger readers may need a moment here.

Televisions used to be giant wooden boxes.

And apparently, giant wooden boxes needed sweaters.

Crocheted TV covers were surprisingly common.

When guests weren’t watching television, the set could be covered with a decorative crochet piece, making it blend into the room.

Imagine explaining that to a teenager today.

“Back in my day, we crocheted clothing for the television.”

4. Tissue Box Covers

Crocheters once looked at ordinary household objects and declared war on boredom.

The humble tissue box was transformed into:

• Cottages
• Barns
• Flower baskets
• Churches
• Teapots

No object was safe.

Honestly, modern crochet could use a little more of this energy.

5. Bed Jackets

This one always fascinates me.

A bed jacket was exactly what it sounds like: a short sweater worn while sitting up in bed.

People wore them while reading, knitting, crocheting, writing letters, or recovering from illness.

They were practical.

They were cozy.

And somehow they’ve almost disappeared.

Considering how many of us spend evenings curled up on the couch with yarn, maybe it’s time for bed jackets to make a comeback.

6. Crocheted Pot Holders Hanging in Every Kitchen

Not just one.

A dozen.

Usually hanging from a hook somewhere near the stove.

Every color imaginable.

Some shaped like flowers.

Some shaped like fruit.

Some shaped like things no one could identify anymore.

They weren’t just kitchen tools.

They were little pieces of everyday art.

Why We Miss These Projects

The funny thing is that none of these projects were really about the project itself.

The toilet paper doll wasn’t about toilet paper.

The doily wasn’t about protecting furniture.

The tissue box cover wasn’t about tissues.

They were about making a home feel loved.

Every stitch represented time, patience, and care.

In a world increasingly filled with disposable things, there is something comforting about remembering the handmade touches that used to fill our homes.

Final Thoughts

Will toilet paper dolls ever return to mainstream crochet?

Probably not.

Although I’ve learned never to underestimate crocheters.

After all, we’ve recently brought back granny squares, bucket hats, and crochet hacky sacks.

Anything is possible.

And if I suddenly find myself designing a toilet paper doll pattern next week…

Please pretend this article had nothing to do with it.

What crochet project do you remember seeing at your grandmother’s house that you never see anymore? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Lost Your Crochet Mojo? Here’s How to Find It Again

It happens to all of us.

One day you’re happily crocheting until 2:00 a.m., convinced you’ve discovered the greatest stitch pattern in human history. The next day you’re staring at a basket full of yarn wondering if maybe you’d rather reorganize your spice cabinet.

If you’ve lost your crochet mojo, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean you’re done with crochet. It doesn’t mean you’ve run out of creativity. It definitely doesn’t mean you need to buy more yarn.

(Okay, it might mean you need more yarn, but let’s explore some cheaper solutions first.)

What Is Crochet Mojo?

Crochet mojo is that magical feeling that makes you excited to pick up your hook.

It’s the urge to start new projects, learn new stitches, browse patterns, and think about crochet when you’re supposed to be doing other things.

When the mojo disappears, crochet can start feeling more like a chore than a hobby.

Step 1: Give Yourself Permission to Take a Break

This may sound strange coming from a crochet designer, but sometimes the best thing you can do is put the hook down.

If you’ve been working on deadlines, gifts, markets, or large projects, your brain might simply need a rest.

Take a few days off.

The yarn will still be there when you get back.

Trust me.

Step 2: Finish Something Small

Nothing kills motivation faster than a pile of unfinished projects.

Instead of starting something new, look around for the project that’s 90% finished.

Spend an hour completing it.

That little burst of accomplishment can be surprisingly powerful.

Step 3: Try a Completely Different Project

If you’ve made six blankets in a row, don’t start blanket number seven.

Make a hat.

Make a coaster.

Make a tiny crochet pickle wearing a bow tie.

Your brain loves novelty.

Sometimes all it takes is a change of pace.

Step 4: Visit Your Yarn Stash

Not to organize it.

Not to judge it.

Just to enjoy it.

Pull out yarn you forgot you owned.

Touch it.

Squish it.

Imagine what it could become.

Sometimes inspiration is hiding in the bottom of a tote bag you’ve ignored for three years.

Step 5: Learn One New Thing

You don’t need to master an advanced technique.

Learn one new stitch.

Try mosaic crochet.

Experiment with colorwork.

Watch a tutorial you’ve been saving.

A small challenge can wake up a sleepy creative brain.

Step 6: Crochet With Other People

Creativity is contagious.

Join a crochet group.

Watch crochet videos.

Scroll through project photos.

Chat with fellow crocheters.

Seeing someone else’s excitement can remind you why you fell in love with crochet in the first place.

Step 7: Stop Chasing Perfection

Sometimes we lose our mojo because we put too much pressure on ourselves.

Every project doesn’t need to become a bestseller.

Every pattern doesn’t need to be revolutionary.

Sometimes it’s okay to crochet something simply because it makes you happy.

Imagine that.

Step 8: Remember Why You Started

Most of us didn’t learn crochet because we wanted another job.

We learned because it was relaxing.

Creative.

Comforting.

Fun.

Try reconnecting with the part of crochet that first made you fall in love with it.

The Good News

Your crochet mojo isn’t gone forever.

It’s probably just taking a little vacation.

Every crocheter experiences creative slumps. The key is not to force inspiration but to create opportunities for it to return.

So grab a hook, pick a small project, and see what happens.

And if all else fails, there is always the time-honored crocheter’s solution:

Buy one skein of pretty yarn and see if that helps.

(Results may vary.)

Have you ever lost your crochet mojo? What helped you get it back? Let me know in the comments!

Why Crochet Bags Stretch — And How I Finally Fixed Mine

If you have ever finished a crochet bag, held it proudly in your hands, and thought:

“This looks amazing.”

…only to use it for one day and suddenly realize it now hangs halfway to your knees…

trust me, you are not alone.

For years, crochet bag stretching frustrated me more than almost anything else in crochet.

I would spend hours designing a beautiful tote or market bag. It would look perfect laying flat. The stitches looked neat. The shape looked structured. The straps looked sturdy.

Then reality happened.

I would actually use the bag.

And suddenly:

• the straps stretched
• the body sagged
• the bottom drooped
• the sides warped outward
• the entire shape changed

Sometimes dramatically.

At first, I honestly thought I was just doing something wrong.

But after years of crocheting bags, testing yarns, experimenting with stitch patterns, and learning through a lot of trial and error, I finally realized something important:

Most crochet bags stretch because crochet itself naturally stretches.

Especially open stitch patterns.

Especially cotton.

Especially market bags.

And honestly? A lot of patterns never really explain that part clearly.

Why Crochet Bags Stretch So Much

Crochet fabric is flexible by nature.

Unlike woven fabric, crochet stitches are made from loops pulling against loops. That flexibility is part of what makes crochet soft, comfortable, and beautiful.

But in bags, flexibility can quickly turn into sagging.

The moment you add:

• water bottles
• yarn
• books
• groceries
• wallets
• phones
• everyday weight

…the stitches begin pulling downward.

And over time, they keep stretching farther.

Open mesh and lattice stitches stretch even more because they have larger spaces between stitches with less structural support.

That is why a crochet bag that looks small and compact while empty can suddenly become huge once you put items inside.

The Biggest Mistake I Used to Make

For the longest time, I designed bags based only on how they looked empty.

That was my mistake.

I did not think enough about:

• gravity
• weight distribution
• fiber behavior
• long-term stretching

I would finish a bag, photograph it beautifully, and think the job was done.

Then after actual use, I would realize the straps had grown several inches longer and the entire bag had changed shape.

That is when I started studying what was really happening structurally.

Cotton Is Amazing… But Also Sneaky

One thing many crocheters discover the hard way is that cotton yarn behaves very differently from acrylic.

Cotton is:

• durable
• washable
• crisp
• beautiful for bags

But cotton also has weight.

And once cotton stretches, it tends to stay stretched.

This becomes even more noticeable in larger bags or mesh bags because the weight of the yarn itself contributes to the pulling.

That does not mean cotton is bad for bags.

Honestly, I still love cotton for bags.

But now I design with its behavior instead of fighting against it.

What Finally Fixed My Crochet Bags

After a lot of experimenting, I found that fixing stretching is not about one magical trick.

It is about combining several smart design choices together.

1. Smaller Hooks Changed Everything

This was one of the biggest improvements I ever made.

For years, I crocheted bags using the hook size recommended on the yarn label.

Big mistake.

Now, I almost always size down my hook for bags.

A tighter fabric:

• stretches less
• holds shape better
• creates more structure
• feels sturdier

The difference is honestly shocking.

2. Dense Stitches Matter More Than You Think

Some stitches naturally stretch more than others.

Very open lace and mesh patterns can be beautiful, but they often need support from surrounding structure.

That is why I started balancing open designs with:

• solid sections
• reinforced bands
• tighter borders
• structured bottoms

That combination made my bags hold their shape dramatically better.

3. The Straps Need Special Attention

Bag straps are usually the first thing to stretch.

I learned this the hard way.

Now when I design straps, I think about:

• stitch direction
• density
• width
• reinforcement

Sometimes I intentionally make straps shorter than I want them to end up because I already know they will relax with use.

And honestly? That one adjustment alone helped tremendously.

4. Gauge Actually Matters for Bags

I know.

Nobody wants to hear that.

But for bags, gauge affects more than size.

It affects structure.

Loose tension creates softer, stretchier fabric.

Tighter tension creates stronger fabric.

When testers tell me a bag turned out much larger than expected, tension is often a huge part of the reason why.

5. Real-Life Testing Changed My Designing Process

This may sound obvious, but I used to evaluate bags mostly by appearance.

Now I test them like actual bags.

I load them with:

• yarn
• groceries
• notebooks
• random household items

Then I let them hang.

That tells me far more than flat photos ever could.

Some bags look beautiful but fail completely under real-world use.

Others become softer and more beautiful over time while still holding their structure.

Testing taught me the difference.

The Truth About Stretching

Here is something important I wish more crocheters knew:

Some stretching is completely normal.

Especially in market bags.

Especially in cotton.

Especially in mesh designs.

A crochet bag is not supposed to behave exactly like stiff commercial fabric bags.

The goal is not eliminating all stretch.

The goal is controlled stretch.

There is a huge difference between:

• a bag relaxing naturally
  and
• a bag losing its entire shape

Once I understood that difference, my entire approach to designing bags changed.

Crochet Taught Me Patience

Honestly, fixing my crochet bags taught me something bigger than just construction techniques.

It taught me patience.

Crochet is often about experimenting, failing, adjusting, and learning over time.

Sometimes the projects that frustrate us most are the ones that teach us the most in the end.

And after years of stretched straps, sagging totes, and floppy market bags…

I can finally say:

I think I figured it out.

— Tanya
HodgePodge Crochet 🧶

I Moved from America to Morocco and This Changed My Crochet Business

There are moments in life when everything changes so suddenly that you almost do not recognize your own life anymore.

For me, moving from America to Morocco was one of those moments.

When I first packed up my crochet hooks, yarn, cameras, computers, and the life I had spent decades building in the United States, I honestly did not know what would happen to my crochet business. I did not know if people would still follow my work. I did not know if I would still feel inspired to design. I did not know if I would even be able to find yarn I liked using.

What I did know was this:

I needed a change.

After spending most of my life in America, everything had started to feel rushed, loud, exhausting, and emotionally draining. Day after day felt like survival mode. Even creativity, the thing that once brought me peace, started feeling buried underneath stress, responsibilities, and constant pressure.

Crochet had always been more than yarn and stitches to me.

It was comfort.

It was therapy.

It was memory.

It was the one thing that stayed with me through every stage of life, going all the way back to childhood when I first learned how to crochet and make little outfits for Barbie dolls. Back then, I had no idea those tiny stitches would eventually become a business, a creative outlet, and a connection to thousands of people around the world.

Then came Morocco.

And somehow, slowly, quietly, everything began to change.

Slowing Down Changed My Creativity

One of the first things I noticed after arriving in Morocco was that life moved differently.

People sit longer.

Talk longer.

Drink coffee slower.

Families gather more.

Stores close in the afternoon.

The nights feel alive.

There is a rhythm here that is difficult to explain unless you experience it yourself.

For the first time in years, I felt my mind slowing down.

And strangely enough, that changed the way I designed crochet patterns.

In America, I often felt pressure to constantly produce:

• more patterns
• more content
• more videos
• more posts
• more engagement

Everything felt tied to algorithms, numbers, deadlines, and burnout.

But in Morocco, I started reconnecting with why I loved crochet in the first place.

I started paying attention to textures again.

Colors again.

Details again.

I began designing more intentionally instead of just trying to “keep up.”

And honestly, I think people noticed the difference.

Morocco Reignited My Inspiration

Morocco is full of texture, color, geometry, and artistry.

You see it everywhere:

• in the tile work
• in the architecture
• in the markets
• in the fabrics
• in the desert landscapes
• in the old doors
• in the handmade goods

Even ordinary things here often feel artistic.

As someone who designs crochet patterns, being surrounded by that kind of visual inspiration changes you creatively.

Some of my recent crochet ideas, color choices, and textures absolutely came from simply living here and observing everyday life around me.

Even the natural light feels different when I photograph my work now.

Warmer.

Softer.

More alive.

The Challenges Nobody Sees

Of course, moving overseas also came with challenges.

A lot of them.

Finding crochet supplies was not always easy at first. Yarn brands I used for years in America suddenly were not available anymore. Simple things became complicated. Shipping costs were shocking. Learning where to buy materials in a completely different country took time.

There were language barriers.

Cultural adjustments.

Moments of homesickness.

Moments where I questioned whether I had made the right decision at all.

Building a creative business while adjusting to life in another country is not glamorous the way social media sometimes makes it look.

There were days I felt completely overwhelmed.

But there was also something beautiful happening underneath all of that uncertainty.

I was rebuilding creatively from the ground up.

Crochet Became Personal Again

Somewhere along the way, crochet stopped feeling like a race again.

It became personal.

Peaceful.

Meaningful.

I started creating things because I genuinely loved them, not because I thought they would perform well online.

Ironically, I think that authenticity actually helped my business grow stronger.

People can feel when something is real.

They can feel when creativity comes from passion instead of pressure.

And I think moving to Morocco helped me rediscover that part of myself.

The Internet Made the World Feel Smaller

One of the most unexpected parts of this journey has been realizing how connected creativity really is.

Even while living thousands of miles away from America, I still wake up every day connected to crocheters from all over the world through:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• my blog
• pattern sales
• messages and comments

It reminds me that creativity has no borders.

A crochet pattern designed in Morocco can end up being stitched together in Texas, Canada, Australia, Germany, or South Africa by someone I may never meet.

That still amazes me.

This Move Changed More Than My Business

At the end of the day, moving from America to Morocco changed far more than just my crochet business.

It changed my pace.

My perspective.

My priorities.

My creativity.

And maybe most importantly, it reminded me that sometimes we need to step completely outside of our old environment to rediscover who we are.

Crochet followed me across an ocean.

And somehow, through all the uncertainty and change, it became home again.

4 Cozy Crochet Slipper Patterns in One Bundle

There is something timeless about a handmade pair of crochet slippers. They are soft, comforting, practical, and filled with the kind of warmth only handmade items can bring. Whether you are curling up with coffee on a quiet morning, walking across cold floors during winter, or making a heartfelt gift for someone you love, crochet slippers have a way of turning ordinary moments into cozy memories.

That is exactly what inspired the creation of the Cozy Feet Collection from HodgePodge Crochet.

This special crochet ebook bundle brings together four cozy slipper and bootie patterns designed for comfort, simplicity, and everyday wear. From tiny baby booties to soft adult house slippers, this collection was created to help crocheters make beautiful handmade footwear for the entire family.

What Is Included in the Cozy Feet Collection?

Inside this ebook, you will find four complete crochet patterns:

🧶 Basic Baby Booties
🧶 Simple Toddler Slippers
🧶 Simple Child Slippers
🧶 Ladies Ballet Slippers

Each pattern is written in clear U.S. crochet terms and includes detailed instructions to guide you through the process step by step.

Many of the patterns also include video tutorial support, making this collection beginner friendly while still enjoyable for experienced crocheters looking for a relaxing and satisfying project.

Designed for Comfort and Simplicity

One of the best things about crochet slippers is how practical they are. These patterns were carefully designed to create slippers that are:

✔ Soft and comfortable
✔ Quick to crochet
✔ Great for gifting
✔ Perfect for cold floors
✔ Beginner friendly
✔ Stylish enough for everyday wear

The textured stitches and cozy shaping help create slippers that feel snug while still looking elegant and handmade.

Why Crochet Slippers Are the Perfect Handmade Gift

Few handmade gifts are as universally loved as cozy slippers.

They are thoughtful, useful, and personal. A handmade pair of crochet slippers feels comforting in a way store bought items never quite do. They are perfect for:

🎁 Birthdays
🎁 Baby showers
🎁 Mother’s Day
🎁 Christmas gifts
🎁 Care packages
🎁 Self care baskets

And because many slipper patterns work up quickly, they are wonderful last minute crochet projects too.

A Collection Created with Heart

At HodgePodge Crochet, every pattern is designed with real crocheters in mind. The goal is always to create patterns that are enjoyable to make, easy to follow, and beautiful to wear.

This collection reflects that vision perfectly.

The Cozy Feet Collection was designed to celebrate the comfort of handmade living — the quiet joy of yarn, creativity, and cozy moments at home.

Beginner Friendly with Video Support

If you are newer to crochet, do not worry.

Many of the patterns in this collection include helpful video tutorials to guide you through the process visually. Combined with written instructions and photo support, this bundle is designed to help crocheters feel confident every step of the way.

Available Now

The Cozy Feet Collection ebook is now available from HodgePodge Crochet.

If you love cozy crochet projects, relaxing makes, and practical handmade gifts, this collection was made for you.

Grab your favorite yarn, settle into your favorite chair, and crochet something warm and beautiful for yourself or someone you love. ❤️

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-cozy-feet-colllection

Designed by HodgePodge Crochet

📺 Crochet Tutorials
🧶 Cozy Handmade Designs
💜 Patterns for Real Life Crochet

@cliffc My 1st Srarburst Granny. #Crochet, #CrochetProjects

@cliffc My 1st Srarburst Granny. #Crochet, #CrochetProjects

@cliffc My 1st Srarburst Granny. #Crochet, #CrochetProjects

Working on a crocheted afghan Xmas gift ⬇️ #Crochet #CrochetProjects

Working on a crocheted afghan Xmas gift ⬇️ #Crochet #CrochetProjects

This weekend's project is another #crochet blanket. This one is a Christmas gift for my outdoor-loving nephew. I'm using Bernat Pop! Birch Bark & Blue.

#CrochetProjects #FibreCraft