#free-pattern — Public Fediverse posts

This little chick always finds the most cozy spot.

Both of these cute cross stitch patterns are freebies!

https://www.infinitybeardesigns.com/freebies

@fiberarts

#CrossStitch #Embroidery #Art #FediArt #MastoArt #FreePattern #Cats

This little chick always finds the most cozy spot.

Both of these cute cross stitch patterns are freebies!

https://www.infinitybeardesigns.com/freebies

@fiberarts

#CrossStitch #Embroidery #Art #FediArt #MastoArt #FreePattern #Cats

This little chick always finds the most cozy spot.

Both of these cute cross stitch patterns are freebies!

https://www.infinitybeardesigns.com/freebies

@fiberarts

#CrossStitch #Embroidery #Art #FediArt #MastoArt #FreePattern #Cats

This little chick always finds the most cozy spot.

Both of these cute cross stitch patterns are freebies!

https://www.infinitybeardesigns.com/freebies

@fiberarts

#CrossStitch #Embroidery #Art #FediArt #MastoArt #FreePattern #Cats

This little chick always finds the most cozy spot.

Both of these cute cross stitch patterns are freebies!

https://www.infinitybeardesigns.com/freebies

@fiberarts

#CrossStitch #Embroidery #Art #FediArt #MastoArt #FreePattern #Cats

Five Things I Never Crochet Without

People always assume that the most important part of crocheting is the yarn.

Or the hook.

Or maybe that magical pattern that somehow works perfectly on the first try.

Don’t get me wrong—they’re all important. But after years of crocheting just about everywhere imaginable—on the couch, in waiting rooms, during road trips, and while pretending to watch television—I’ve discovered there are a handful of things I reach for every single time.

Some of them are obvious.

Some might surprise you.

But every one of them has earned a permanent spot in my crochet routine.

1. A Pair of Kiddie Safety Scissors

This one usually gets me some funny looks.

Most crocheters swear by tiny, razor-sharp embroidery scissors.

Me?

I reach for a pair of kiddie safety scissors.

Why?

Because they’re just dull enough that I don’t have to panic every time they’re near my project. They’ll cut yarn beautifully, but they’re much less likely to slice into the blanket, sweater, or shawl I’ve spent hours making.

Ask me how I figured that one out.

Let’s just say I’ve accidentally snipped my actual crochet project before, and once is all it takes to make you rethink your choice of scissors.

Now my trusty little safety scissors go everywhere with me. They may not be fancy, but they’ve saved me from repeating that mistake more than once.

Sometimes the best crochet tools aren’t the expensive ones—they’re the ones that fit the way you crochet.

2. Stitch Markers (Even When the Pattern Says You Don’t Need Them)

If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll definitely remember where that stitch is,” allow me to gently welcome you to reality.

You won’t.

At least I won’t.

Stitch markers aren’t just for beginners. I use them constantly—marking the beginning of rounds, keeping track of repeats, noting increases, holding pieces together, and reminding myself where Future Me needs to pay attention.

They’re like little sticky notes for your crochet project.

Future You will be incredibly grateful.

3. A Plain Sheet of White Paper

This might be the strangest thing on my list.

It’s not a fancy gadget.

It doesn’t cost much. And it isn’t even technically a crochet tool.

I almost always keep a plain sheet of white paper nearby when I’m working with dark yarn.

If you’ve ever crocheted with black, navy, forest green, or deep burgundy yarn, you know the struggle. Sometimes it feels like the stitches disappear completely.

Here’s the trick.

Slip the white paper behind your work.

That simple background creates enough contrast that the stitches suddenly become much easier to see. Instead of squinting and guessing where your hook belongs, you can actually see what you’re doing.

It’s one of those little tricks that has saved my eyes more times than I can count.

Now, whenever I pull out dark yarn, I automatically reach for a piece of printer paper, too.

4. A Pen and Notebook

Ideas have terrible timing.

They don’t wait until you’ve finished your project or sat down at your computer.

They show up halfway through row 27.

Or while you’re trying to fall asleep.

Or when you’re working on something completely different.

That’s why I never crochet without a pen and notebook nearby.

Sometimes it’s a quick sketch of a stitch pattern I’d like to try. Other times it’s a note reminding me to change an increase, write down a row count, or save an idea before it disappears into the great yarn-filled abyss where forgotten inspirations seem to go.

I’ve learned the hard way that telling myself, “I’ll remember that later,” is almost guaranteed to end with me not remembering it later.

Now, whenever inspiration strikes, I simply write it down and get back to crocheting.

Future Me is always thankful.

5. A Project Bag

If your current project has ever lived in a grocery bag…

a reusable shopping tote…

or the front seat of your car…

welcome to the club.

A dedicated project bag keeps everything together—your yarn, hook, pattern, scissors, stitch markers, measuring tape, and whatever mysterious little notions always seem to accumulate along the way.

It also protects your yarn from dust, curious pets, and the universal enemy of crocheters everywhere…

The yarn barf that somehow appears the moment you toss a skein loose into your bag.

A project bag isn’t about being fancy.

It’s about staying organized enough that you actually spend your time crocheting instead of searching for where you put everything.

Honorable Mentions

It’s amazing how quickly the area around me fills up once I settle in for a crochet session.

A measuring tape.

A row counter.

An extra skein of yarn—because I’d rather have it nearby than get up halfway through a row.

Lip balm.

My phone for checking pattern notes, answering messages, or snapping a quick progress photo.

A highlighter for marking my place in a printed pattern.

A small crochet hook case with a few backup hook sizes.

A small bowl or tin for stitch markers and yarn needles.

A lint roller…because our cat, The Manager, seems to believe every project requires a quality-control inspection before it’s finished.

See?

This list grows very quickly.

The Real Essential

If I’m being completely honest, though, none of those things are the one item I truly never crochet without.

The real essential is enjoyment.

I’ve learned not to rush projects just to finish them.

I’ve stopped worrying about every tiny imperfection.

I’ve accepted that sometimes I’ll frog ten rows, and sometimes I’ll discover six months later that I accidentally skipped an increase somewhere.

The world keeps spinning.

Crochet isn’t about perfection.

It’s about creating something with your own two hands.

The tools simply make that journey a little smoother.

Now I’m curious…

What’s the one thing you absolutely refuse to crochet without? I’d love to hear what has earned a permanent place in your own crochet kit.

What Will Crochet Look Like in 2040?

Every generation thinks they’ve reached the peak of technology.

Then twenty years later they’re explaining to confused children why they used to print MapQuest directions or carry CDs in giant binders.

Crocheters are no different.

Right now, we’re pretty impressed with ourselves. We have digital patterns, online yarn shopping, stitch-counting apps, and video tutorials for every project imaginable.

But what will crocheting look like in 2040?

Nobody knows for sure.

That won’t stop us from wildly guessing.

Smart Hooks Will Judge Us

Today’s crochet hooks are simple.

In 2040?

Your hook will probably connect to your phone, count your stitches automatically, and gently inform you:

“That was supposed to be a double crochet.”

You’ll argue with it.

The hook will be correct.

You’ll frog three rows anyway.

Some things never change.

AI Will Design Patterns

Artificial intelligence is already writing patterns. I didn’t say they were good patterns…but you’ve likely stumbled upon a few in your day-to-day on the internet.

By 2040, you’ll probably be able to type:

“Make me a cardigan inspired by my cat, my favorite coffee mug, and the emotional trauma of trying to learn foundation stitches.”

Thirty seconds later you’ll have a complete pattern.

Will the sleeves match?

That’s another question.

Yarn Will Become Ridiculously High-Tech

By 2040, yarn companies will stop asking whether they can and start asking whether they should.

Spoiler alert:

They won’t.

Mood Yarn

Changes color based on your emotional state.

Halfway through a project you’ll discover your sweater contains:

• Optimism Blue
• Mild Frustration Orange
• Pattern Rage Red
• Existential Crisis Gray

Future therapists will diagnose stress levels by examining unfinished blankets.

Accountability Yarn

This yarn knows how many unfinished projects you own.

When your WIP count reaches double digits, it starts asking uncomfortable questions.

“Shouldn’t you finish that cardigan first?”

Nobody needs that kind of negativity.

Predictive Yarn™

Using advanced AI, this yarn knows what projects you’ll start next month.

The replacement skeins arrive before you’ve even convinced yourself you need them.

The accuracy is unsettling.

Competitive Yarn

This yarn tracks the progress of nearby crocheters.

Your blanket reaches Row 45 and suddenly receives a notification:

Karen finished hers three days ago.

Smart Yarn Labels

Current labels:
“Machine wash cold.”

Future labels:
“Based on your previous projects, I recommend you buy three more skeins.”

“You’re not going to skip swatching, are you?”

“We both know you’re making modifications.”

No matter how advanced yarn becomes, there will still be one universal truth:

A crocheter will stand in front of a closet containing 147 skeins and say:

“I don’t have anything to work with.”

And somehow, even in 2040, that statement will feel completely reasonable.

Virtual Crochet Circles

Instead of meeting in person, some groups may gather in virtual reality.

Picture it:

You’re sitting in your living room wearing fuzzy slippers.

Your friend is in another country.

Your crochet buddy is on vacation.

Yet somehow all three of you are sitting around the same virtual coffee table complaining about yarn prices.

Honestly?

That part already feels realistic.

Self-Counting Stitch Markers

The most commonly lost item in crochet history may finally evolve.

Future stitch markers might:

• Count repeats
• Track rows
• Flash when you miss a stitch
• Send notifications

Current crocheters lose stitch markers inside couch cushions.

Future crocheters will lose them after forgetting the password.

Progress.

Pattern Reading May Become Optional

Instead of reading a pattern, you may simply wear smart glasses.

The glasses highlight:

• The next stitch
• Where increases go
• Which row you’re on
• How many stitches remain

Future crocheters may never know the joy of discovering they’ve been repeating Row 14 instead of Row 15 for an entire evening.

Project Bags Will Get Smarter

Today’s project bag:

A bag.

Tomorrow’s project bag:

• Built-in lighting
• Charging ports
• Yarn management systems
• Automatic row counters
• Emergency chocolate storage

Actually, let’s hope that last one becomes available much sooner.

The Great Granny Square Revival Will Continue

Let’s be honest.

No matter what technology does, granny squares aren’t going anywhere.

Crochet trends come and go.

Yarn brands come and go.

Hooks change.

Styles change.

But somehow granny squares survive every decade.

If archaeologists uncover a crochet project in the year 3000, there’s at least a 50% chance it will involve a granny square.

Future Crocheters Will Laugh at Us

Imagine a crocheter in 2040 saying:

“Wait… you counted stitches manually?”

“You downloaded PDF patterns?”

“You had to search for yarn substitutions yourself?”

“You bought yarn without scanning it with a smart fiber analyzer?”

We’ll sound ancient.

Which is exactly how we sound when we hear stories about crocheters copying patterns by hand from magazines.

Final Thoughts

Will any of these predictions come true?

Probably some.

Definitely not all.

But one thing seems certain:

In 2040, crocheters will still buy yarn they don’t technically need.

They’ll still start new projects before finishing old ones.

They’ll still play yarn chicken.

And they’ll still insist that this next project will only take a weekend.

Some technologies are destined to change.

Crocheter optimism is not one of them.

If you could invent one futuristic crochet tool or gadget, what would it do?

What Will Crochet Look Like in 2040?

Every generation thinks they’ve reached the peak of technology.

Then twenty years later they’re explaining to confused children why they used to print MapQuest directions or carry CDs in giant binders.

Crocheters are no different.

Right now, we’re pretty impressed with ourselves. We have digital patterns, online yarn shopping, stitch-counting apps, and video tutorials for every project imaginable.

But what will crocheting look like in 2040?

Nobody knows for sure.

That won’t stop us from wildly guessing.

Smart Hooks Will Judge Us

Today’s crochet hooks are simple.

In 2040?

Your hook will probably connect to your phone, count your stitches automatically, and gently inform you:

“That was supposed to be a double crochet.”

You’ll argue with it.

The hook will be correct.

You’ll frog three rows anyway.

Some things never change.

AI Will Design Patterns

Artificial intelligence is already writing patterns. I didn’t say they were good patterns…but you’ve likely stumbled upon a few in your day-to-day on the internet.

By 2040, you’ll probably be able to type:

“Make me a cardigan inspired by my cat, my favorite coffee mug, and the emotional trauma of trying to learn foundation stitches.”

Thirty seconds later you’ll have a complete pattern.

Will the sleeves match?

That’s another question.

Yarn Will Become Ridiculously High-Tech

By 2040, yarn companies will stop asking whether they can and start asking whether they should.

Spoiler alert:

They won’t.

Mood Yarn

Changes color based on your emotional state.

Halfway through a project you’ll discover your sweater contains:

• Optimism Blue
• Mild Frustration Orange
• Pattern Rage Red
• Existential Crisis Gray

Future therapists will diagnose stress levels by examining unfinished blankets.

Accountability Yarn

This yarn knows how many unfinished projects you own.

When your WIP count reaches double digits, it starts asking uncomfortable questions.

“Shouldn’t you finish that cardigan first?”

Nobody needs that kind of negativity.

Predictive Yarn™

Using advanced AI, this yarn knows what projects you’ll start next month.

The replacement skeins arrive before you’ve even convinced yourself you need them.

The accuracy is unsettling.

Competitive Yarn

This yarn tracks the progress of nearby crocheters.

Your blanket reaches Row 45 and suddenly receives a notification:

Karen finished hers three days ago.

Smart Yarn Labels

Current labels:
“Machine wash cold.”

Future labels:
“Based on your previous projects, I recommend you buy three more skeins.”

“You’re not going to skip swatching, are you?”

“We both know you’re making modifications.”

No matter how advanced yarn becomes, there will still be one universal truth:

A crocheter will stand in front of a closet containing 147 skeins and say:

“I don’t have anything to work with.”

And somehow, even in 2040, that statement will feel completely reasonable.

Virtual Crochet Circles

Instead of meeting in person, some groups may gather in virtual reality.

Picture it:

You’re sitting in your living room wearing fuzzy slippers.

Your friend is in another country.

Your crochet buddy is on vacation.

Yet somehow all three of you are sitting around the same virtual coffee table complaining about yarn prices.

Honestly?

That part already feels realistic.

Self-Counting Stitch Markers

The most commonly lost item in crochet history may finally evolve.

Future stitch markers might:

• Count repeats
• Track rows
• Flash when you miss a stitch
• Send notifications

Current crocheters lose stitch markers inside couch cushions.

Future crocheters will lose them after forgetting the password.

Progress.

Pattern Reading May Become Optional

Instead of reading a pattern, you may simply wear smart glasses.

The glasses highlight:

• The next stitch
• Where increases go
• Which row you’re on
• How many stitches remain

Future crocheters may never know the joy of discovering they’ve been repeating Row 14 instead of Row 15 for an entire evening.

Project Bags Will Get Smarter

Today’s project bag:

A bag.

Tomorrow’s project bag:

• Built-in lighting
• Charging ports
• Yarn management systems
• Automatic row counters
• Emergency chocolate storage

Actually, let’s hope that last one becomes available much sooner.

The Great Granny Square Revival Will Continue

Let’s be honest.

No matter what technology does, granny squares aren’t going anywhere.

Crochet trends come and go.

Yarn brands come and go.

Hooks change.

Styles change.

But somehow granny squares survive every decade.

If archaeologists uncover a crochet project in the year 3000, there’s at least a 50% chance it will involve a granny square.

Future Crocheters Will Laugh at Us

Imagine a crocheter in 2040 saying:

“Wait… you counted stitches manually?”

“You downloaded PDF patterns?”

“You had to search for yarn substitutions yourself?”

“You bought yarn without scanning it with a smart fiber analyzer?”

We’ll sound ancient.

Which is exactly how we sound when we hear stories about crocheters copying patterns by hand from magazines.

Final Thoughts

Will any of these predictions come true?

Probably some.

Definitely not all.

But one thing seems certain:

In 2040, crocheters will still buy yarn they don’t technically need.

They’ll still start new projects before finishing old ones.

They’ll still play yarn chicken.

And they’ll still insist that this next project will only take a weekend.

Some technologies are destined to change.

Crocheter optimism is not one of them.

If you could invent one futuristic crochet tool or gadget, what would it do?

What Will Crochet Look Like in 2040?

Every generation thinks they’ve reached the peak of technology.

Then twenty years later they’re explaining to confused children why they used to print MapQuest directions or carry CDs in giant binders.

Crocheters are no different.

Right now, we’re pretty impressed with ourselves. We have digital patterns, online yarn shopping, stitch-counting apps, and video tutorials for every project imaginable.

But what will crocheting look like in 2040?

Nobody knows for sure.

That won’t stop us from wildly guessing.

Smart Hooks Will Judge Us

Today’s crochet hooks are simple.

In 2040?

Your hook will probably connect to your phone, count your stitches automatically, and gently inform you:

“That was supposed to be a double crochet.”

You’ll argue with it.

The hook will be correct.

You’ll frog three rows anyway.

Some things never change.

AI Will Design Patterns

Artificial intelligence is already writing patterns. I didn’t say they were good patterns…but you’ve likely stumbled upon a few in your day-to-day on the internet.

By 2040, you’ll probably be able to type:

“Make me a cardigan inspired by my cat, my favorite coffee mug, and the emotional trauma of trying to learn foundation stitches.”

Thirty seconds later you’ll have a complete pattern.

Will the sleeves match?

That’s another question.

Yarn Will Become Ridiculously High-Tech

By 2040, yarn companies will stop asking whether they can and start asking whether they should.

Spoiler alert:

They won’t.

Mood Yarn

Changes color based on your emotional state.

Halfway through a project you’ll discover your sweater contains:

• Optimism Blue
• Mild Frustration Orange
• Pattern Rage Red
• Existential Crisis Gray

Future therapists will diagnose stress levels by examining unfinished blankets.

Accountability Yarn

This yarn knows how many unfinished projects you own.

When your WIP count reaches double digits, it starts asking uncomfortable questions.

“Shouldn’t you finish that cardigan first?”

Nobody needs that kind of negativity.

Predictive Yarn™

Using advanced AI, this yarn knows what projects you’ll start next month.

The replacement skeins arrive before you’ve even convinced yourself you need them.

The accuracy is unsettling.

Competitive Yarn

This yarn tracks the progress of nearby crocheters.

Your blanket reaches Row 45 and suddenly receives a notification:

Karen finished hers three days ago.

Smart Yarn Labels

Current labels:
“Machine wash cold.”

Future labels:
“Based on your previous projects, I recommend you buy three more skeins.”

“You’re not going to skip swatching, are you?”

“We both know you’re making modifications.”

No matter how advanced yarn becomes, there will still be one universal truth:

A crocheter will stand in front of a closet containing 147 skeins and say:

“I don’t have anything to work with.”

And somehow, even in 2040, that statement will feel completely reasonable.

Virtual Crochet Circles

Instead of meeting in person, some groups may gather in virtual reality.

Picture it:

You’re sitting in your living room wearing fuzzy slippers.

Your friend is in another country.

Your crochet buddy is on vacation.

Yet somehow all three of you are sitting around the same virtual coffee table complaining about yarn prices.

Honestly?

That part already feels realistic.

Self-Counting Stitch Markers

The most commonly lost item in crochet history may finally evolve.

Future stitch markers might:

• Count repeats
• Track rows
• Flash when you miss a stitch
• Send notifications

Current crocheters lose stitch markers inside couch cushions.

Future crocheters will lose them after forgetting the password.

Progress.

Pattern Reading May Become Optional

Instead of reading a pattern, you may simply wear smart glasses.

The glasses highlight:

• The next stitch
• Where increases go
• Which row you’re on
• How many stitches remain

Future crocheters may never know the joy of discovering they’ve been repeating Row 14 instead of Row 15 for an entire evening.

Project Bags Will Get Smarter

Today’s project bag:

A bag.

Tomorrow’s project bag:

• Built-in lighting
• Charging ports
• Yarn management systems
• Automatic row counters
• Emergency chocolate storage

Actually, let’s hope that last one becomes available much sooner.

The Great Granny Square Revival Will Continue

Let’s be honest.

No matter what technology does, granny squares aren’t going anywhere.

Crochet trends come and go.

Yarn brands come and go.

Hooks change.

Styles change.

But somehow granny squares survive every decade.

If archaeologists uncover a crochet project in the year 3000, there’s at least a 50% chance it will involve a granny square.

Future Crocheters Will Laugh at Us

Imagine a crocheter in 2040 saying:

“Wait… you counted stitches manually?”

“You downloaded PDF patterns?”

“You had to search for yarn substitutions yourself?”

“You bought yarn without scanning it with a smart fiber analyzer?”

We’ll sound ancient.

Which is exactly how we sound when we hear stories about crocheters copying patterns by hand from magazines.

Final Thoughts

Will any of these predictions come true?

Probably some.

Definitely not all.

But one thing seems certain:

In 2040, crocheters will still buy yarn they don’t technically need.

They’ll still start new projects before finishing old ones.

They’ll still play yarn chicken.

And they’ll still insist that this next project will only take a weekend.

Some technologies are destined to change.

Crocheter optimism is not one of them.

If you could invent one futuristic crochet tool or gadget, what would it do?

What Will Crochet Look Like in 2040?

Every generation thinks they’ve reached the peak of technology.

Then twenty years later they’re explaining to confused children why they used to print MapQuest directions or carry CDs in giant binders.

Crocheters are no different.

Right now, we’re pretty impressed with ourselves. We have digital patterns, online yarn shopping, stitch-counting apps, and video tutorials for every project imaginable.

But what will crocheting look like in 2040?

Nobody knows for sure.

That won’t stop us from wildly guessing.

Smart Hooks Will Judge Us

Today’s crochet hooks are simple.

In 2040?

Your hook will probably connect to your phone, count your stitches automatically, and gently inform you:

“That was supposed to be a double crochet.”

You’ll argue with it.

The hook will be correct.

You’ll frog three rows anyway.

Some things never change.

AI Will Design Patterns

Artificial intelligence is already writing patterns. I didn’t say they were good patterns…but you’ve likely stumbled upon a few in your day-to-day on the internet.

By 2040, you’ll probably be able to type:

“Make me a cardigan inspired by my cat, my favorite coffee mug, and the emotional trauma of trying to learn foundation stitches.”

Thirty seconds later you’ll have a complete pattern.

Will the sleeves match?

That’s another question.

Yarn Will Become Ridiculously High-Tech

By 2040, yarn companies will stop asking whether they can and start asking whether they should.

Spoiler alert:

They won’t.

Mood Yarn

Changes color based on your emotional state.

Halfway through a project you’ll discover your sweater contains:

• Optimism Blue
• Mild Frustration Orange
• Pattern Rage Red
• Existential Crisis Gray

Future therapists will diagnose stress levels by examining unfinished blankets.

Accountability Yarn

This yarn knows how many unfinished projects you own.

When your WIP count reaches double digits, it starts asking uncomfortable questions.

“Shouldn’t you finish that cardigan first?”

Nobody needs that kind of negativity.

Predictive Yarn™

Using advanced AI, this yarn knows what projects you’ll start next month.

The replacement skeins arrive before you’ve even convinced yourself you need them.

The accuracy is unsettling.

Competitive Yarn

This yarn tracks the progress of nearby crocheters.

Your blanket reaches Row 45 and suddenly receives a notification:

Karen finished hers three days ago.

Smart Yarn Labels

Current labels:
“Machine wash cold.”

Future labels:
“Based on your previous projects, I recommend you buy three more skeins.”

“You’re not going to skip swatching, are you?”

“We both know you’re making modifications.”

No matter how advanced yarn becomes, there will still be one universal truth:

A crocheter will stand in front of a closet containing 147 skeins and say:

“I don’t have anything to work with.”

And somehow, even in 2040, that statement will feel completely reasonable.

Virtual Crochet Circles

Instead of meeting in person, some groups may gather in virtual reality.

Picture it:

You’re sitting in your living room wearing fuzzy slippers.

Your friend is in another country.

Your crochet buddy is on vacation.

Yet somehow all three of you are sitting around the same virtual coffee table complaining about yarn prices.

Honestly?

That part already feels realistic.

Self-Counting Stitch Markers

The most commonly lost item in crochet history may finally evolve.

Future stitch markers might:

• Count repeats
• Track rows
• Flash when you miss a stitch
• Send notifications

Current crocheters lose stitch markers inside couch cushions.

Future crocheters will lose them after forgetting the password.

Progress.

Pattern Reading May Become Optional

Instead of reading a pattern, you may simply wear smart glasses.

The glasses highlight:

• The next stitch
• Where increases go
• Which row you’re on
• How many stitches remain

Future crocheters may never know the joy of discovering they’ve been repeating Row 14 instead of Row 15 for an entire evening.

Project Bags Will Get Smarter

Today’s project bag:

A bag.

Tomorrow’s project bag:

• Built-in lighting
• Charging ports
• Yarn management systems
• Automatic row counters
• Emergency chocolate storage

Actually, let’s hope that last one becomes available much sooner.

The Great Granny Square Revival Will Continue

Let’s be honest.

No matter what technology does, granny squares aren’t going anywhere.

Crochet trends come and go.

Yarn brands come and go.

Hooks change.

Styles change.

But somehow granny squares survive every decade.

If archaeologists uncover a crochet project in the year 3000, there’s at least a 50% chance it will involve a granny square.

Future Crocheters Will Laugh at Us

Imagine a crocheter in 2040 saying:

“Wait… you counted stitches manually?”

“You downloaded PDF patterns?”

“You had to search for yarn substitutions yourself?”

“You bought yarn without scanning it with a smart fiber analyzer?”

We’ll sound ancient.

Which is exactly how we sound when we hear stories about crocheters copying patterns by hand from magazines.

Final Thoughts

Will any of these predictions come true?

Probably some.

Definitely not all.

But one thing seems certain:

In 2040, crocheters will still buy yarn they don’t technically need.

They’ll still start new projects before finishing old ones.

They’ll still play yarn chicken.

And they’ll still insist that this next project will only take a weekend.

Some technologies are destined to change.

Crocheter optimism is not one of them.

If you could invent one futuristic crochet tool or gadget, what would it do?

What Will Crochet Look Like in 2040?

Every generation thinks they’ve reached the peak of technology.

Then twenty years later they’re explaining to confused children why they used to print MapQuest directions or carry CDs in giant binders.

Crocheters are no different.

Right now, we’re pretty impressed with ourselves. We have digital patterns, online yarn shopping, stitch-counting apps, and video tutorials for every project imaginable.

But what will crocheting look like in 2040?

Nobody knows for sure.

That won’t stop us from wildly guessing.

Smart Hooks Will Judge Us

Today’s crochet hooks are simple.

In 2040?

Your hook will probably connect to your phone, count your stitches automatically, and gently inform you:

“That was supposed to be a double crochet.”

You’ll argue with it.

The hook will be correct.

You’ll frog three rows anyway.

Some things never change.

AI Will Design Patterns

Artificial intelligence is already writing patterns. I didn’t say they were good patterns…but you’ve likely stumbled upon a few in your day-to-day on the internet.

By 2040, you’ll probably be able to type:

“Make me a cardigan inspired by my cat, my favorite coffee mug, and the emotional trauma of trying to learn foundation stitches.”

Thirty seconds later you’ll have a complete pattern.

Will the sleeves match?

That’s another question.

Yarn Will Become Ridiculously High-Tech

By 2040, yarn companies will stop asking whether they can and start asking whether they should.

Spoiler alert:

They won’t.

Mood Yarn

Changes color based on your emotional state.

Halfway through a project you’ll discover your sweater contains:

• Optimism Blue
• Mild Frustration Orange
• Pattern Rage Red
• Existential Crisis Gray

Future therapists will diagnose stress levels by examining unfinished blankets.

Accountability Yarn

This yarn knows how many unfinished projects you own.

When your WIP count reaches double digits, it starts asking uncomfortable questions.

“Shouldn’t you finish that cardigan first?”

Nobody needs that kind of negativity.

Predictive Yarn™

Using advanced AI, this yarn knows what projects you’ll start next month.

The replacement skeins arrive before you’ve even convinced yourself you need them.

The accuracy is unsettling.

Competitive Yarn

This yarn tracks the progress of nearby crocheters.

Your blanket reaches Row 45 and suddenly receives a notification:

Karen finished hers three days ago.

Smart Yarn Labels

Current labels:
“Machine wash cold.”

Future labels:
“Based on your previous projects, I recommend you buy three more skeins.”

“You’re not going to skip swatching, are you?”

“We both know you’re making modifications.”

No matter how advanced yarn becomes, there will still be one universal truth:

A crocheter will stand in front of a closet containing 147 skeins and say:

“I don’t have anything to work with.”

And somehow, even in 2040, that statement will feel completely reasonable.

Virtual Crochet Circles

Instead of meeting in person, some groups may gather in virtual reality.

Picture it:

You’re sitting in your living room wearing fuzzy slippers.

Your friend is in another country.

Your crochet buddy is on vacation.

Yet somehow all three of you are sitting around the same virtual coffee table complaining about yarn prices.

Honestly?

That part already feels realistic.

Self-Counting Stitch Markers

The most commonly lost item in crochet history may finally evolve.

Future stitch markers might:

• Count repeats
• Track rows
• Flash when you miss a stitch
• Send notifications

Current crocheters lose stitch markers inside couch cushions.

Future crocheters will lose them after forgetting the password.

Progress.

Pattern Reading May Become Optional

Instead of reading a pattern, you may simply wear smart glasses.

The glasses highlight:

• The next stitch
• Where increases go
• Which row you’re on
• How many stitches remain

Future crocheters may never know the joy of discovering they’ve been repeating Row 14 instead of Row 15 for an entire evening.

Project Bags Will Get Smarter

Today’s project bag:

A bag.

Tomorrow’s project bag:

• Built-in lighting
• Charging ports
• Yarn management systems
• Automatic row counters
• Emergency chocolate storage

Actually, let’s hope that last one becomes available much sooner.

The Great Granny Square Revival Will Continue

Let’s be honest.

No matter what technology does, granny squares aren’t going anywhere.

Crochet trends come and go.

Yarn brands come and go.

Hooks change.

Styles change.

But somehow granny squares survive every decade.

If archaeologists uncover a crochet project in the year 3000, there’s at least a 50% chance it will involve a granny square.

Future Crocheters Will Laugh at Us

Imagine a crocheter in 2040 saying:

“Wait… you counted stitches manually?”

“You downloaded PDF patterns?”

“You had to search for yarn substitutions yourself?”

“You bought yarn without scanning it with a smart fiber analyzer?”

We’ll sound ancient.

Which is exactly how we sound when we hear stories about crocheters copying patterns by hand from magazines.

Final Thoughts

Will any of these predictions come true?

Probably some.

Definitely not all.

But one thing seems certain:

In 2040, crocheters will still buy yarn they don’t technically need.

They’ll still start new projects before finishing old ones.

They’ll still play yarn chicken.

And they’ll still insist that this next project will only take a weekend.

Some technologies are destined to change.

Crocheter optimism is not one of them.

If you could invent one futuristic crochet tool or gadget, what would it do?

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. 🧶😂

That too, coming from a few strands of yarn. You can have some quality time with yourself and invest fully in this project. Whatever it is, this Crochet Frog stands out like no other. It is the kind of charm that people don’t usually expect, and in the end start loving it.
Get the free pattern here:
https://www.amipatterns.com/crochet-frog-amigurumi-pattern/ #crochet #amigurumi #freepattern #yarn

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.

Crochet Questions & Answers: Let’s Talk Yarn, Fit, and Patterns

I get a lot of great questions about crochet—everything from yarn choices to sizing to why something just isn’t working the way it should. So I thought it would be fun to do a little Q&A and answer some of the most common ones!

❓ “My project doesn’t look like the pattern. What am I doing wrong?”

You’re probably not doing anything wrong at all.

Most of the time, it comes down to gauge. If your stitches are bigger or smaller than the pattern’s gauge, your project will look different—looser, tighter, longer, or wider.

The fix?
👉 Make a swatch before you start. I know… not the fun part, but it saves a lot of frustration later.

❓ “Can I use a different yarn than the pattern calls for?”

Yes—but with a few caveats.

Not all yarns behave the same. For example:

• Acrylic tends to stretch and relax
• Cotton holds its shape more
• Lighter yarns create more drape

If you substitute yarn, just be prepared to:
👉 adjust your hook size
👉 check your gauge
👉 possibly change your size

❓ “Why does my mesh stitch look slanted?”

This is a great question because it happens to everyone.

Double crochet mesh naturally leans a bit because of how the stitches are formed. The best way to reduce that slant is to:

• turn your work each row
• work into the chain spaces consistently
• keep your tension even

And remember—blocking at the end helps a lot.

❓ “How do I know what size to make?”

Start with your actual measurements—not the label on your clothes.

Then look at the pattern’s finished measurements and decide how much ease you want:

• 2–4 inches = fitted
• 4–8 inches = relaxed
• 8+ inches = oversized

Pick your size based on that, not just the name (S, M, L, etc.).

❓ “My sleeve feels too short—should I just add more rows?”

It depends on the pattern construction.

Some designs (like drop-shoulder or batwing styles) look short at first but come together once the body is added. In those cases, adding rows can actually throw off the fit.

When in doubt:
👉 check where the sleeve should hit on your arm
👉 compare with the schematic if there is one

❓ “Do I really need to follow the pattern exactly?”

No—and honestly, you shouldn’t feel like you have to.

Patterns are a guide, not a rulebook. Once you understand how a piece is constructed, you can:

• adjust length
• tweak width
• swap yarns
• customize fit

That’s where crochet gets really fun.

❓ “Why does my project look better after I wash or block it?”

Because yarn relaxes!

Blocking helps:

• even out stitches
• reduce slanting
• improve drape
• make everything look more polished

It’s like the final step that brings the whole project together.

💛 Final Thoughts

If something feels off while you’re crocheting, trust that instinct. Most issues can be fixed early with small adjustments—and the more you crochet, the easier it gets to spot what’s going on.

And if you ever find yourself thinking, “This doesn’t look right…”
👉 you’re probably learning something new—and that’s a good thing.

If you have a question you’d like answered in the next post, feel free to send it my way. I love hearing what you’re working on!

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started to Crochet

When I first picked up a crochet hook, I had no idea how much I was going to love it.

I also had no idea how many little things no one really explains to beginners.

At the beginning, crochet can feel exciting, confusing, relaxing, frustrating, and weirdly humbling all at once. One minute you feel like you’re getting it, and the next minute your row looks crooked, your stitch count is off, and your yarn is somehow trying to fight you.

That is normal.

If you are just starting out, or even if you have been crocheting for a little while, here are 10 things I really wish I had known from the start.

1. Tension matters more than speed

When you are new, it is easy to think you should be crocheting faster.

But speed is not the goal. Consistency is.

A slower crocheter with even stitches will usually get a better result than someone racing through a project with uneven tension. Your hands will learn with time. Let them.

2. You will probably make a lot of rectangles before anything starts looking right

A lot of beginners think they are doing something wrong because their first projects are awkward.

But honestly, crochet has a learning curve. Your first swatches may lean, ripple, shrink, stretch, or somehow become a shape that does not exist in nature. That does not mean you cannot crochet. It means you are learning.

3. Counting stitches is not optional

This is one of the biggest beginner lessons.

If you do not count, your project will eventually count for you — and not in a kind way.

Counting stitches helps you catch mistakes early, especially when you are learning how to find the first and last stitch of a row.

4. The yarn you choose can make learning easier or much harder

Not all yarn is beginner-friendly.

Dark yarn can be hard to see. Fuzzy yarn hides stitches. Slippery yarn can be frustrating. Very splitty yarn can make you question everything.

If you are learning, smooth, light-colored yarn is usually much easier to work with.

5. The hook size on the yarn label is only a suggestion

This one surprises a lot of people.

The hook size listed on a yarn label is a starting point, not a rule. Sometimes you may need a different hook size depending on:

• your tension
• the stitch pattern
• the type of project
• the drape you want

Changing hooks does not mean you failed. It means you are adjusting.

6. Frogging is part of crochet

At some point, you are going to have to rip something out.

Actually, probably many things.

And while that can feel discouraging at first, it is completely normal. Even experienced crocheters frog rows, change their minds, or restart projects. It is not a sign that you are bad at crochet. It is just part of the process.

7. You do not have to crochet exactly the way everyone else does

People hold their hook differently. They tension yarn differently. They prefer different hooks, fibers, and methods.

There is room for personal style in crochet.

As long as your stitches are working and your hands are comfortable, you do not have to force yourself into someone else’s exact method.

8. Straight edges are a skill, not an accident

I used to think some people were just magically better at getting neat edges.

But straight edges usually come from a few simple habits:

• knowing where your first and last stitch are
• counting
• turning consistently
• not accidentally adding or losing stitches

It gets easier once you know what to watch for.

9. Every project teaches you something

Even the annoying ones.

Sometimes a project teaches you patience. Sometimes it teaches you tension control. Sometimes it teaches you never to buy that yarn again. Sometimes it teaches you that the pattern was not the problem — your mood was.

Every project adds something to your skill set, even if it does not become your favorite finished object.

10. Crochet is not just about making things

Yes, crochet gives you blankets, bags, cardigans, toys, shawls, and all kinds of beautiful finished pieces.

But it also gives you something else.

It gives you quiet. Focus. Rhythm. A place to put your hands when your mind feels busy. A sense of progress. A creative outlet. A skill that can grow with you for years.

That may be one of the most important things I wish I had understood from the beginning.

Crochet is not just a craft. For many of us, it becomes comfort.

Final thoughts

If you are new to crochet, give yourself permission to learn slowly.

You do not need perfect tension on day one. You do not need flawless edges. You do not need to understand every pattern immediately. You just need to keep going, one stitch at a time.

Crochet has a way of teaching you as you go.

And before you know it, the thing that once felt confusing starts to feel familiar. The stitches make sense. Your hands relax. Your confidence grows. And something that began as a simple hook and a ball of yarn becomes a part of your life.

That is the beauty of it.

How I Reattach Yarn When I Hit a Factory Knot

If you crochet long enough, you are going to run into them.

Those annoying little factory knots hidden in the middle of a skein. Sometimes you spot them before you crochet them into your project. Sometimes you do not notice them until they are already right in front of you. Either way, they are frustrating, especially when you want your finished piece to look neat, secure, and intentional.

Over time, I have settled into a simple method for dealing with them. I do not just keep crocheting through the factory knot and hope for the best. I remove it, then reattach the yarn in a way that feels cleaner and more controlled.

This is the method I use.

Why I Remove Factory Knots

Factory knots may hold just fine in the skein, but I usually do not trust them inside a finished project. They can leave a noticeable bump, interrupt the look of your stitches, and make me wonder later whether that spot is truly secure.

By cutting the knot out and rejoining the yarn myself, I know exactly where the join is and how it was handled.

It gives me more confidence in the finished piece.

What You Need

You do not need much for this method:

• your crochet project
• the old yarn strand
• the new yarn strand
• your crochet hook
• scissors
• a yarn needle for weaving in ends later

That is it.

Step 1: Stop When You Reach the Factory Knot

As soon as I see the factory knot, I stop crocheting.

I do not work it into the fabric. I want full control over where the join happens, so I deal with it before going any farther.

At this point, you will usually have:

• the yarn attached to your project
• the factory knot somewhere along that yarn
• the continuation strand on the other side of the knot

Step 2: Cut Out the Factory Knot

Next, cut the knot out completely.

That leaves you with:

• the old yarn tail still attached to your project
• the new yarn strand that will continue the work

This is the cleanest starting point. Instead of trying to work around the knot itself, you are now dealing with two plain yarn ends.

Step 3: Finish the Last Stitch with the New Yarn

When I reach the point where I want to switch over, I finish the last stitch with the old yarn as usual.

Then, I take out my hook and place it through the top two loops of the front of the stitch. I use the new yarn strand and pull through.

This transfers the working loop to the new yarn and places the color/strand change right into the stitch itself.

That gives you a much neater transition than tying something bulky in the middle and continuing on.

Step 4: Pull Up a Loop with the New Yarn

Once the new yarn has completed that final pull-through, pull the original loop back so that it disappears.

At this point, the new yarn is now acting as your working yarn.

The old yarn tail is no longer active, but it is still there and will need to be secured later.

Step 5: Leave Enough Tail to Weave In

Before continuing, make sure both yarn ends are long enough to weave in securely later.

Do not leave tiny little stubs. Give yourself enough length to comfortably thread a yarn needle and weave the ends in well when the project is done.

A little extra tail is always better than not enough.

Step 6: Crochet Over the Tails for a Few Stitches

This is the part that makes the join feel extra tidy.

As I continue crocheting with the new yarn, I lay both yarn tails along the top of the row and crochet over them for several stitches.

That helps anchor them in place right away and keeps them from flopping around while I work.

Important note: crocheting over the tails is helpful, but I still recommend weaving them in afterward for real security. I treat crocheting over them as an added layer of stability, not the only finishing step.

Step 7: Continue Crocheting as Usual

Once the new yarn is attached and the tails are anchored under a few stitches, just keep crocheting normally.

At that point, the join is done.

Your project keeps moving, and the interruption from the factory knot is behind you.

Step 8: Weave In the Ends Later

When the project is finished, go back and weave in both yarn tails with a yarn needle.

This is what truly locks everything down.

I usually weave each end in one direction, then double back in another direction if the stitch pattern allows. That helps the ends stay put and makes the join more secure over time.

If you are making something that will get a lot of use, washing, or stretching, this step matters even more.

Why I Like This Method

I like this method because it is:

• clean
• simple
• secure
• easy to repeat
• less bulky than crocheting over a factory knot

Most of all, it puts the join in my hands instead of leaving it to whatever happened at the mill.

That makes a difference.

A Few Helpful Tips

Check every skein as you work

Factory knots can show up anywhere, so it helps to stay alert as you crochet.

Do not panic when you find one

It is annoying, but it is not a disaster. Once you have a go-to method, it becomes just another quick pause in the project.

Leave longer tails than you think you need

Short tails are harder to weave in securely and can make finishing more frustrating.

Match your tension

When you complete that first stitch with the new yarn, try not to pull it too tight or leave it too loose. You want it to blend in with the rest of your stitches.

Weaving in still matters

Even if you crocheted over the tails, weaving them in is still the best finishing step for durability.

Final Thoughts

Factory knots are one of those little crochet annoyances that most of us deal with sooner or later. They are not the end of the world, but they are worth handling carefully.

For me, the best solution is simple: cut the knot out, finish the stitch with the new yarn, crochet over the tails for a few stitches, and weave everything in securely later.

It keeps the project looking cleaner, and it gives me peace of mind knowing the join was done the way I wanted it done.

Sometimes the smallest habits make the biggest difference in a finished piece.

And this is one of those habits I have come to trust.

Po & Tato :)

Mi versión esta tejida con agujas del 4,5 y Mondial Merino Aran.
Patrón gratuito de https://youtu.be/4IbWGtM0nns (tenéis versión en circular y en plano y el patrón escrito en la caja de comentarios)

Ahora voy a tejerles unos jerseys a juego.
#knitting #amigurumi #freepattern #teddy #bear #punto

Po & Tato :)

Mi versión esta tejida con agujas del 4,5 y Mondial Merino Aran.
Patrón gratuito de https://youtu.be/4IbWGtM0nns (tenéis versión en circular y en plano y el patrón escrito en la caja de comentarios)

Ahora voy a tejerles unos jerseys a juego.
#knitting #amigurumi #freepattern #teddy #bear #punto

Po & Tato :)

Mi versión esta tejida con agujas del 4,5 y Mondial Merino Aran.
Patrón gratuito de https://youtu.be/4IbWGtM0nns (tenéis versión en circular y en plano y el patrón escrito en la caja de comentarios)

Ahora voy a tejerles unos jerseys a juego.
#knitting #amigurumi #freepattern #teddy #bear #punto

Po & Tato :)

Mi versión esta tejida con agujas del 4,5 y Mondial Merino Aran.
Patrón gratuito de https://youtu.be/4IbWGtM0nns (tenéis versión en circular y en plano y el patrón escrito en la caja de comentarios)

Ahora voy a tejerles unos jerseys a juego.
#knitting #amigurumi #freepattern #teddy #bear #punto

Po & Tato :)

Mi versión esta tejida con agujas del 4,5 y Mondial Merino Aran.
Patrón gratuito de https://youtu.be/4IbWGtM0nns (tenéis versión en circular y en plano y el patrón escrito en la caja de comentarios)

Ahora voy a tejerles unos jerseys a juego.
#knitting #amigurumi #freepattern #teddy #bear #punto

Alternative patterns are included for the pattern featuring partial stitches, and those using variegated thread.

Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/4kfRKtD

#ValentinesDay #CrossStitch #FreePattern

I’ve created a mix of designs, including both traditional styles and some more nerdy options too.

Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/4kfRKtD

#ValentinesDay #CrossStitch #FreePattern

I’ve created a mix of designs, including both traditional styles and some more nerdy options too.

Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/4kfRKtD

#ValentinesDay #CrossStitch #FreePattern

I’ve created a mix of designs, including both traditional styles and some more nerdy options too.

Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/4kfRKtD

#ValentinesDay #CrossStitch #FreePattern

I’ve created a mix of designs, including both traditional styles and some more nerdy options too.

Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/4kfRKtD

#ValentinesDay #CrossStitch #FreePattern

Valentine’s Day – Free Cross Stitch Patterns
▸ https://bit.ly/4kfRKtD

#ValentinesDay #CrossStitch #FreePattern

Today I’m sharing seven quick and easy free cross stitch patterns, perfect for small gifts or handmade Valentine’s Day cards for your loved ones.

Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/4kfRKtD

#ValentinesDay #CrossStitch #FreePattern

Crochet Dog Pattern @Yarntopia1101 on YT!

#crochet
#freepattern
#fiberarts
#crafts
#yarncrafts
#crochetpatterns

Crochet Dog Pattern @Yarntopia1101 on YT!

#crochet
#freepattern
#fiberarts
#crafts
#yarncrafts
#crochetpatterns

Crochet Dog Pattern @Yarntopia1101 on YT!

#crochet
#freepattern
#fiberarts
#crafts
#yarncrafts
#crochetpatterns

Crochet Dog Pattern @Yarntopia1101 on YT!

#crochet
#freepattern
#fiberarts
#crafts
#yarncrafts
#crochetpatterns

Crochet Dog Pattern @Yarntopia1101 on YT!

#crochet
#freepattern
#fiberarts
#crafts
#yarncrafts
#crochetpatterns

Que cosas.

Hace medio año me teji mi primer par de calcetines, patrón de pago (Petiteknit) y me parecieron un coñazo.

Ahora estoy tejiendo unos con un patrón gratuito, que encima hay que tejer más porque son de media caña y me estan gustando mazo, tanto el resultado como el proceso (y estoy aprendiendo tecnicas nuevas).

https://youtu.be/jDHu8CcyDOs

También tiene patrón escrito en la caja de información.

#knitting #knit #socks #freepattern #tejer #calcetines

Que cosas.

Hace medio año me teji mi primer par de calcetines, patrón de pago (Petiteknit) y me parecieron un coñazo.

Ahora estoy tejiendo unos con un patrón gratuito, que encima hay que tejer más porque son de media caña y me estan gustando mazo, tanto el resultado como el proceso (y estoy aprendiendo tecnicas nuevas).

https://youtu.be/jDHu8CcyDOs

También tiene patrón escrito en la caja de información.

#knitting #knit #socks #freepattern #tejer #calcetines

Que cosas.

Hace medio año me teji mi primer par de calcetines, patrón de pago (Petiteknit) y me parecieron un coñazo.

Ahora estoy tejiendo unos con un patrón gratuito, que encima hay que tejer más porque son de media caña y me estan gustando mazo, tanto el resultado como el proceso (y estoy aprendiendo tecnicas nuevas).

https://youtu.be/jDHu8CcyDOs

También tiene patrón escrito en la caja de información.

#knitting #knit #socks #freepattern #tejer #calcetines

Que cosas.

Hace medio año me teji mi primer par de calcetines, patrón de pago (Petiteknit) y me parecieron un coñazo.

Ahora estoy tejiendo unos con un patrón gratuito, que encima hay que tejer más porque son de media caña y me estan gustando mazo, tanto el resultado como el proceso (y estoy aprendiendo tecnicas nuevas).

https://youtu.be/jDHu8CcyDOs

También tiene patrón escrito en la caja de información.

#knitting #knit #socks #freepattern #tejer #calcetines

Que cosas.

Hace medio año me teji mi primer par de calcetines, patrón de pago (Petiteknit) y me parecieron un coñazo.

Ahora estoy tejiendo unos con un patrón gratuito, que encima hay que tejer más porque son de media caña y me estan gustando mazo, tanto el resultado como el proceso (y estoy aprendiendo tecnicas nuevas).

https://youtu.be/jDHu8CcyDOs

También tiene patrón escrito en la caja de información.

#knitting #knit #socks #freepattern #tejer #calcetines

Modified Box Stitch | Crochet

I just came to the end of a week-long adventure working out a stripe on my current afghan project. It’s a happy ending — I now have a version of box stitch that’s

• Truly reversible
• A full notch easier to work
• A bit lighter and slightly less of a yarn hog.

I have a whole story to tell, but if you want, you can jump to the instructions.

The story began when I decided to include Box Stitch in the striped afghan I’m currently working on. It’s a really great-looking stitch, and I had in mind the perfect place to use it. I’d never tried that stitch before, so I headed to a detailed photo tutorial. That may have been my first mistake. But it certainly wasn’t my last. Here’s what happened:

Day 1

• I read the tutorial,
• Figured out how to start on a bed of established stitches (rather than a chain),
• And laid down the first (2-row) stripe.

Day 2

• I brought up the tutorial, made the next (4-row) stripe,
• Noticed that the wrong side didn’t look great,
• Decided it wasn’t bad enough to pull out four rows and figure out how to make it better,
• Worked the next (4-row) stripe,
• Looked at the wrong side again and decided I’m not frogging 4+ hours of work, and…
• Weaved in all the ends. (Foreshadowing? Maybe.)

Day 3

• I studied the tutorial and “realized” I’d been doing it wrong,
• Undid the two full stripes, carefully preserving all the yarn,
• Made a stripe the “correct” way
  (Hmmm… what’s with all the scare quotes, Rachel?),
• And put it away because my head needed a break.
  

Day 4

• I decided the tutorial I was using was too hard to follow,
• Made another stripe. carefully following along with a very clear video…
• Checked the wrong side and saw that it was different from the correction I made the day before,

• Removed the two reworked stripes,
• Attempted to do it the “wrong” way (from Day 3)
  because I thought the wrong side was better when I did it “wrong”…
• Decided the wrong side still didn’t look good enough.
  
• And put it away for mental health reasons.

Day 5

• I frogged the Day 4 rows,
• Worked out a modification I was happy with (it only took three tries)
• Made one stripe the new way…
• And put it away because my head needed a break. (Are we sensing a theme here?)
  

Day 6

• I finished the next 2 stripes (Woot!),

• Figured out how to even out the top.
  (Nope, I didn’t get it on the first try.
  Who would have guessed?),
• Made the first of 2 rows for the filling-in part…
  
• And put it away
  because my head was done for the day.

Day 7

• Finished it!
• Did a happy dance.

After all that, I figured the least I could do was share. After all, making one section of a sampler afghan was not enough to justify all that work.

So finally, the moment you’ve all been waiting for, here it is…

The Instructions!

The part between *’s in the row summaries represents the repeating group. Basic crochet abbreviations and chart symbols are available from a link on the sidebar.

Next up… (guess what?)

Special stitches:    

• Fan stitch (Fan): Work [5 dcs, ch1, 5 dcs] into the same st or ch sp.
• V stitch (V st):  Work [dc ch2, dc] into the same st.
• Front post single crochet (video) (FPsc):
  Insert hook from front to back; working around the post of a stitch on the previous row, make a single crochet.

Repeats and counting

Now we’re getting serious. This is designed to work on a bed of existing sc-width stitches or a chainless foundation.

But before you hurry off to work the first pattern row…
Place stitch markers. Really. Do this. It’s very easy to miscount in the first row.

• Place a stitch marker on the 18th stitch.
• Then place another marker every 24 stitches
  (that should leave a multiple-of-8-minus-1 stitches after the last marker.)

Oh yes, and don’t forget… this stitch works with 2 colors. Their names are A and B. Now to really get serious. (Yes. I mean it this time.)

Foundation row

Let’s say we start with a multiple of 8 + 1 scs.

Row 1

R1: (Fan Row) Begin with color A, ch1, sc in first st,
*sk next 3 sts, Fan in next st, sk next 3 sts, sc in next st* to end.

(beg sc, *sk3, Fan, sk 3, sc*)

Row 2

R2: (FPsc Row) ch1, turn, sc in first st,
*sc around post of each of next 5 dcs (that’s 5 FPscs up the side of the Fan), ch1, sc around post of each of next 5 dcs (down the Fan), sc around legs of next sc between Fans (to make the 11th and last FPsc of the repeating group)*,
rep from * to last Fan, work [5 FPscs, ch1, 5 FPscs] in last Fan, sc in last sc.

(beg sc, *[5 FPscs, ch1, 6 FPscs]*, end [5 FPscs, ch1, 5 FPscs] + 1 sc)

Row 3

R3: (V row) Join color B, ch4 (counts as dc + ch1), turn, dc in first sc,
*ch3, sc in ch1 sp 2 rows below (at top of Fan), ch3, V st in next sc (between Fans 2 rows below)*,
rep between *’s to last Fan, work [dc, ch1, dc] in last st.

(beg [ch4, dc], *ch3, sc, ch3, V st*, end [dc, ch1, dc])

Row 4

R4: (Fan row) ch3, turn, work 4 dcs into first chsp,
*sc in next ch1 sp 2 rows below (between FPscs at top of Fan), work a Fan into the ch2 sp of the next V*, rep between *’s to top of the opposite-color-fan, work 4 dcs in last chsp, dc in last sc.

(beg ch3 + 4dcs, *Fan, sc*, end 5 dcs)

Row 5

R5: (FPsc Row) ch1, turn, sc in first dc, sc around posts of each of next 4 dcs,
*sc around legs of next sc, sc around post of each of next 5 dcs, ch1, sc around posts of each of next 5 scs*,
rep between *’s to last half-fan,
sc around posts of next 4 dcs, sc in top of turning chain.

(beg 1 sc + 4 FPscs, *6 FPscs, ch1, 5 FPscs*, end 4 FPscs + 1 sc)

Rows 6 – 8

R6:  (V Row) Join color A, ch1, turn, sc in first st,
*ch3, (sk the dcs), make a V st in next sc 2 rows below, ch3, sc in next ch1 sp (between dcs at top of Fan)*,
rep between *’s to end, ch3, sc in last st.
(beg sc, *ch3, V st, ch3, sc*, end ch3 + sc)

R7: (Fan row) ch1, turn, sc in first sc (sk next ch3 sp),
*Fan in next ch2 sp (middle of V st), sk next ch3 sp, sc in ch1 sp 3 rows below*, rep between *’s to end.
(beg sc, *Fan, sc*)

R9: Repeat row 2

Filling in the Curves

For the last 3 rows, I’ve gone away from the pattern rows of the box stitch to fill in the curves, and end with a normal stitch depth.

Definitions:

Zipper Stitch (Zip): 
Insert hook through back loop of st 2 rows below (the row nearest you)
and the front loop of the st in same position one row below,
working through those 2 inside loops,
make a sc.

ch pair: 2 matching chain stitches, one from each of the previous two rows (see image next to zipper stitch definition.)

sc pair: 2 matching scs, one from each of the previous 2 rows.

And finally… the 3 filling-in rows

I’ll write the next steps as if 1 of this section is the same as row 6 of the main pattern, but of course it could be shifted if you end on a different stripe.

R1: Change colors ,ch1, turn, sc in first st,
*ch2, (sk the dcs), make a V st in next sc 2 rows below, ch2, sc in next ch1 sp (between dcs at top of Fan)*,
rep between *’s to end, ch2, sc in last st.
(beg sc, *ch2, V st, ch2, sc*, end ch2 + sc)

R2: Make one more V row on the other side as follows:
 ch1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch2, make a V st in next FPsc 2 rows below (the side facing you), ch2, sc in next ch1 sp (still the side facing you)*, rep between *’s across, ch3, V st in next FPsc 2 rows below, ch3, sc in last sc.
(beg sc, *ch3, V st, ch3, sc*, end ch3 + sc)

R3:  ch1, turn, sc in first sc,
work a Zip st in each chain pair across (skipping sc pairs), sc in last sc.

So that’s the whole story… well, it’s a chapter. Here’s where I am (so far) on the whole story.

A few closing thoughts.

This modified stitch is perfect for my afghan. It’s not as dramatic as regular box stitch, but being reversible and quicker to work up are things that matter for an afghan. Next year, I think I’ll made throw pillows for each of my daughters, in colors from each of their samplers. Regular box stitch will be great for pillows. No one’s gonna see the wrong side on a pillow (unless you have X-ray vision?) and they’re smaller, so taking more time will be fine.

I hope you found something either useful or funny in this post. And if you made it all the way here to this paragraph, Thank You!

P.S. If you give this stitch a try, I’d absolutely love to hear about it. If you find any mistakes in these instructions, or have questions, please let me know!

Because frankly, I’m sick to death of them at the moment and can’t properly proofread.

Winterbrew Flexi Hexi Longline Cardi by Melu Crochet

Wrap yourself in warmth with The Winterbrew Cardigan: a cozy, hexagon-based crochet pattern made with Tea Time aran weight yarn. Designed for chilly days and tea-filled afternoons, it features soft vertical stripes from colour-changing yarn, and a thick, squishy texture perfect for winter layering. With multiple sizes and lengths, this cardigan is as comforting and customisable as your favourite brew.

This design puts a fresh twist on the classic hexi cardi, starting with an elongated hexagon so you can crochet both halves continuously—no extra rows needed!

This makes it much easier to work with colour-changing yarn while keeping a sleek, streamlined look, with no horizontal lines across the bottom.

The pattern includes 11 lengths and five sizes, so you can create the perfect fit for yourself!

Materials

Yarn: 2-8 cakes (depending on chosen size) Hobbii Tea Time yarn (200 g (7.05 oz), 580 m (634.3 yds) in each cake) this is an Aran/Medium (Size 4) 100% Acrylic

6mm hook

Stitch markers I find it much easier to use different colours as these are used in the pattern to show the corners I am working on

Yarn Needle

See table below for sizing:

Choose from 11 different lengths!

The pattern includes options for lengths A-K

The Winterbrew Flexi Hexi Longline Cardi Crochet Pattern is now available in English UK and US Terminology as a PDF download in my Etsy shop, Ravelry , LoveCrafts, and Payhip

Available in German and English (US terminology) on Hobbii

You can also order a printed paperback copy book from Amazon (UK version) and Amazon (US Version)

Pin for later:

https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/862228291197482282/

Testers!

I had the pleasure of working with an incredible group of testers who helped bring the Winterbrew Flexi Hexi Longline Cardi to life. Their thoughtful feedback, attention to detail, and creativity made sure the pattern is clear, enjoyable, and accessible for all makers.

A heartfelt thank you to each of these talented crocheters. I have loved seeing the Winterbrew Cardi made in such a variety of yarns, colours, and styles. Every version reflects the maker’s unique touch and showcases the versatility of this design.

Meet the wonderful makers behind these beautiful cardigans. Click on their links to visit their Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok profiles to see more of their inspiring crochet work and creative journeys.

🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 

Nicole @kidscoffeeandmagic made size XL/2X length G using Hobbii we love yarn acrylic

🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 

Sonya Neal @dewer421421 made size XL/2X length F using Caron Big Cakes Deep Lake

🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 

Julie Bowry made size XL/2X length F using Yarnsmiths Pebble Haze Prints Aran – Lulworth (2M090)

🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 

Helen Harris @helensp54 made size XL/2X length C using Jewelspun Aran Tourmaline Dream

🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 

Kathlyn made size XL/2X length E using Wendy Aran with Wool

🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 🧶 

Thanks again to my wonderful testers!

The Winterbrew Flexi Hexi Longline Cardi Crochet Pattern is now available as a PDF download in my Etsy shop, Ravelry , LoveCrafts, and Payhip

You can also order a printed paperback copy book from Amazon (UK version) and Amazon (US Version)

Added a small free cross-stitch pattern to the shop! Enjoy! #CrossStitch #Embroidery #FreePattern
https://ko-fi.com/s/c9ae05745f

Added a small free cross-stitch pattern to the shop! Enjoy! #CrossStitch #Embroidery #FreePattern
https://ko-fi.com/s/c9ae05745f

Added a small free cross-stitch pattern to the shop! Enjoy! #CrossStitch #Embroidery #FreePattern
https://ko-fi.com/s/c9ae05745f

Added a small free cross-stitch pattern to the shop! Enjoy! #CrossStitch #Embroidery #FreePattern
https://ko-fi.com/s/c9ae05745f

Added a small free cross-stitch pattern to the shop! Enjoy! #CrossStitch #Embroidery #FreePattern
https://ko-fi.com/s/c9ae05745f

Solid Flexi Hexi Longline Cardi by Melu Crochet

Finding the perfect hexagon cardigan fit can be tricky, but the Solid Flexi Hexi Longline Cardi makes it effortless with its elongated hexagon design. 

I wanted to design a cardi that felt approachable for everyone, whether you’ve made lots of garments or are picking up your hook for your very first one. The elongated hexagon construction keeps things simple while giving you plenty of room to customise, from cropped to floor-length, in your favourite yarns and colours.

This innovative, no-sew pattern allows you to crochet both halves seamlessly, eliminating extra rows and ensuring a smooth, streamlined finish. It also makes it much easier to work with colour-changing yarn, so your colours flow beautifully without horizontal lines along the bottom.

The stitches are wonderfully simple, which makes this a brilliant choice if you’ve never tackled a garment before. Designed for intermediate crocheters, the pattern is easy to follow, with a detailed chart, step-by-step photo tutorial, and plenty of images to guide you. Think of it as a confidence-boosting project that looks impressive when you wear it for a day out or a cosy evening in.

The pattern includes 11 lengths and five sizes, so you can make the perfect fit for yourself. Whether you fancy a cropped cardi, something mid-length, or a dramatic floor-skimming version, there’s an option to suit every height and shape.

The Solid Flexi Hexi Longline Cardi Crochet Pattern is now available as a PDF download in my Etsy shop, Ravelry , LoveCrafts, and Payhip

You can also order a printed paperback copy book from Amazon (UK) version and Amazon (US Version)

pin for later

https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/862228291196945554/

Materials 

6mm hook

Aran/Medium (Size 4) 61% cotton, 39% Acrylic

I used Hobbii Cascata yarn, Color: Angel (01) 

Stitch markers I find it much easier to use different colours as these are used in the pattern to show the corners I am working on

Yarn Needle

See table below for sizing

Choose from 11 different lengths!

The pattern includes options for lengths A-K

I loved making this long version of my Solid Flexi Hexi Longline Cardi. I used hobbii Cascata in this gorgeous colour Nachi (04) – it is a lovely mix of pinks, reds and almost a maroon tinge coming in every now and then. My lovely sister claimed this on about row 3 so her payment was modelling it for me 👏🩷 this is Length G, size M/L

Here you can see the finished extended hexis, just about to be joined:

Testers!

I’ve been lucky to work with an incredible group of testers who helped make the Solid Flexi Hexi Longline Cardi pattern clear, easy to follow, and a joy to crochet! A huge thank you to the talented makers listed below—your creativity, input, and support mean so much to me. I love seeing how each cardigan looks in different colours, yarns, lengths, and sizes—it’s amazing how unique every version is! 😍

Meet the amazing makers behind these gorgeous cardigans: click on their links to visit their Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok profiles; you’ll love seeing more of their beautiful creations and creative journeys!

Shino @shino_the_octopus made size XS/S in length A. She used I Love This Yarn in Navy. Crafter’s Secret in white and light blue

🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶

Aiko @kaiandliamscrochet TIKTOK: @kailiam, FACEBOOK: Kai and Liam’s Crochet
made size XS/S in length A. She used “Snow Princess Brand (Shade of Sakura)

I love that the pattern only used basic stitches and the pattern is really easy to follow.

🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶

Ebony @Ebonyfiercecreations made size 3X/4X in length B. She used red heart super savers in white, light grey, granny square Aran and granny square soft white frigid

🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶

Milly @millyanderson5087 made XL/2XL size and the C length using Fiddlesticks FINCH

🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶

Jess @Stubborn_stitcher used Stylecraft serene Aran, shade 6221 Quiet Coral to make Size M/L in length B

🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶

Laure @chou.rose made size XS/S in length B using Alison & Mae Festival yarn colour 589557 100% acrylique

🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶

Jana R used Sirdar Jewelspun Aran, Tourmaline Dream to make size XL/2X in length C

🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶

Joan @joansmith6291 made size M/L, length C in I Love This Yarn Print #708 Strawberry Jam

🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶

Megan @Mdampiermcneil made size L/XL length C using Hobbii Frutta – colour 6 – forest clearing

🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶

Sue H @sue.hogg.777 Made size XL/2X, length C in Sirdar, Jewelspun Ombre – Rainbow Glow

🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶

Beth @dela.bunny made size XL/2X and length D using K&C superwash merino wool hand dyed (the two brighter colors) in purple coleus flower & plum jam (RIP JOANN), “Peruvian Baby Alpaca” from Temu in #18 sauce purple.

🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶

Karen @styledwithkare made size XL/2X length D using Caron Jumbo Prints Easter Basket Yarn

🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶

Kianna @Kianna_webb made size XL/2X and length D using Lion Brand Yarn Landscapes Breeze in Rainforest

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LeeAnn @stitchcraftcreations_ made size XL/2X in length D Red Heart Super Saver, Weight 4, Baby Blanket (Old) and Light Pink

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Sarai @lacocinha made size XL/2X in length D using Red Heart Super Saver in Wildflower

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Veronica @learning.to.count.in.stitches made size M/L size in length D Caron Blossom Cake in color Charcoal

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Mandy @madebymandymoonpie made size XL/2X in length E using Juniper Moon Farms Cumulus in King Coconut and Oak

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Robin @yarn_candy_by_robin Made size XL/2X length E using Caron Blossom Cake in Macaw

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Kaity @the_nerdy_therapists made size 3X/4X in length F Pound of love , Waterfall

 this was a very fun and easy pattern to make! I loved all the pictures that made it very easy to make sure I was on the right track. I have been crocheting for a while but am branching out to wearables and this is a great pattern to increase my skills!

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Julie @my_crochetmakes66 made size M/L in length G using Yarnsmiths Pebble Haze Aran Prints in Chesil

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Julie Bowry XL/2X G Yarnsmiths Pebble Haze Prints Aran in Sidmouth (shade 2M330)

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Camille @camdecab_abstractart made the 3X/4X in length H, she used 2,140 yards (5 cakes total) Caron Blossom Cakes in color Macaw.

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Amy @teachingmissamy used 6 1/2 skeins of the 4 Seasons Spotsaver Prints in Water Blue 10Ply from SPOTLIGHT in Australia,
Amy says;

Read-ability of the pattern was amazing. I absolutely loved the fact that you had so many clear photos of the pattern as I went along! Thank you for making my first wearable an easy make😍

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Barbara @crochetbybarbaragayle used Lion Brand Mandala Ombré yarn in the Felicity colorway to make size XL-2X in length D

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Dawn @shegeekpro used big twist to make size 3X/4X length D

Thanks again to my wonderful testers!

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A Fresh Take on Diamond Stitch | A Crochet Tutorial

When working on the pattern for my Sampler Squares afghan, I wanted a square with separated rows of diamond stitch. As always, it took a few tries to make it look right. But I couldn’t be more pleased with the results.

I’d like to share what I did that’s different from the classic diamond stitch. And we’ll take a step by step journey through creating the diamond shapes. Understanding the stitch can be a bit tricky at first. But once you pick up what’s going on, it’s not difficult.

If you already know how to do diamond stitch, you can jump to the written pattern for all 5 rows.

1. Laying the Groundwork
   • Row 1 | Foundation
   • Row 2 | Building Height
2. Special Stitch: fptr2tog
   • Written Instructions
   • Diagrams
3. Working the Diamond Rows | A Photo Tutorial
   • Row 3 | Bottom of the Diamond
   • Row 4 | Making Height
   • Row 5 | Top off the Diamonds
4. Just The Rows – A Summary
5. Closing Thoughts

Laying the Groundwork

Note: A table of abbreviations and symbols is always in the sidebar.

Row 1 | Foundation

It’s best if the stitch you use for row 1 actually has a post. Some people use scs. Some people use dcs. My favorite way (by far) is the hdc compromise.

1: (RS) Work a multiple of 4 hdcs.

Row 2 | Building Height

2: (WS) ch3 (count as 1st dc), turn, dc in each hdc across.

Special Stitch: Front post treble crochet 2 together (fptr2tog)

That’s a mouthful, right? In the beginning, the name of this stitch kind of threw me off. It sounds like the name of a reducing stitch, right? But nothing gets reduced. A helpful way to think of it is that it makes an upside-down V shape.

Fptr2tog does, however, have the same mechanics of our familiar reducing stitches. You work most of a fptr around one stitch. Then finish it up by working around another stitch. This results in a single stitch in your working row.

Fair warning, I’m about to throw a lot of words at you. If written descriptions aren’t generally helpful for you, you can skip ahead to diagrams. Or start with this video. Or just go ahead and work along with the step-by-step instructions (with photos) for the rows. You can always scroll up later if you need to.

Written Instructions for Fptr2tog

For context, you will start with a regular fptr around the post of a hdc 2 rows below.

Now the stitch:

1. yo twice,
2. insert hook around post of the same hdc you last worked 2 rows below,
3. pull up a loop,
4. yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through 2 (2 loops still on hook.)
   
   Now find the next spot to insert your hook (in step 6). From the hdc you worked in the first half of this fptr2tog, you’ll skip 3 hdcs and work into the 4th.
   
   
5. yo twice,
6. insert hook around post of the 4th hdc 2 rows below,
7. pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2, yo, pull through 2
8. yo, pull through all 3 loops on hook.

Diagrams for FPtr2tog

Was that confusing? Don’t worry, folks. When you get to actually working your 3rd row, with the help of some photos, it should start to make sense. If it still doesn’t, you could practice while following along with a good video. Let’s start off with a couple types of diagrams, in case those help you. (Again, you can come back to these if they don’t make sense to you at first glance.)

Working the Diamond Rows | A Photo Tutorial

Row 3 | Bottom of the Diamond

R3 beginning stitches:

ch1, turn, sc in first dc,
tr around post of 4th hdc 2 rows below,

Color change is for clarity only. I do not recommend changing colors for this stitch.

R3 repeat :
*sc in next 3 dcs,
work a fptr2tog:

• starting around the same post as the previous tr;
• skipping next 3 hdcs 2 rows below and
• ending around the post of the next hdc two rows below* 

Repeat between *’s until there are 6 unworked stitches left in row, 

R3 ending stitches:
sc in next 4 dcs,  
tr around same hdc post as previous fptr2tog ended,
sc in last st.

Row 4 | Making Height

(WS) ch3 (count as 1st dc), turn, dc in each hdc across.

Row 5 | Top of the Diamonds

R5 beginning stitches:

ch1, turn, sc in each of first 4 sts,
work a fptr2tog starting around post of first tr 2 rows below, and
ending around the posts of next fptr2tog,

R5 repeat:
*sc in each of next 3 dcs, fptr2tog starting around same posts as last st, ending around the posts of next fptr2tog*

Repeat between *’s until there are 6 unworked stitches left in row, 

R5 ending stitches:
sc in next 4 dcs,  
tr around same hdc post as previous fptr2tog ended,
sc in last st.

Just The Rows – A Summary

Row 1: (RS) ch2 (count as 1st hdc), hdc in next st and each st across.

Row 2: (WS) ch3, (count as 1st dc), dc in next st and each st across.

Row 3: (Bottom Diamond row) ch1, turn, sc in first dc, tr around post of 4th hdc 2 rows below,
*sc in next 3 dcs, fptr2tog
(start around same post as last tr, sk next 3 hdcs 2 rows below, end around the post of the next hdc 2 rows below), repeat between *’s until there are 6 unworked stitches left in row, sc in next 4 dcs,  
tr around same hdc post as previous fptr2tog ended,
sc in last st.

Row 4: (WS) ch3, (count as 1st dc), dc in next st and each st across.

Row 5: (Top Diamond row) ch1, turn, sc in each of first 4 sts, fptr2tog (start around post of first tr 2 rows below, end around the posts of next fptr2tog), *sc in each of next 3 dcs, fptr2tog (start around same posts as last st, end around the posts of next fptr2tog)*, repeat between *’s to end, sc in last 3 sts.

For the effect you see in my photos of finished work, I added a row of single crochets. Then started over with rows 1 – 5.

Closing Thoughts

If you’ve checked out any of my social media, you know that I’m working on a very special blanket for my daughter. I like the effect of diamond strips so much that I’ve decided to use it on her blanket as well.

Now that I’ve worked with separated strips of diamond stitches, I can imagine so many ways to use them. It would be great for a trivet. Maybe a pretty textured washcloth. You could have one diamond row along the bottom edges of a scarf, and maybe include a ring of diamonds around a matching hat. What if you framed a blanket with a row along the top and bottom? You could also use regular fptrs to work diamond shapes up and down the sides if you liked.

Whoa, am I getting carried away here? Well, I truly hope you found something helpful in this article. Better yet, I hope you use this stitch. I’m sure you have great ideas of your own. Let me know what you think. Send photos!

As always, if you have any issues or questions about this tutorial, ask them. I want you to succeed!

Patron crochet gratuit !
C'est l'été, la saison des fruits et légumes bat son plein, alors quoi de mieux que ce petit panier pour y glisser toutes vos miniatures crochetées ou toutes vos petites trouvailles ?
Le patron est accessible même aux débutants.
Il se pourrait bien que je prépare de quoi le remplir, vous le découvrirez très bientôt.

Vous pouvez retrouver le patron sur mon site et en version pdf téléchargeable directement : https://miliecrochetille.fr/patron-crochet-gratuit/patron-gratuit-panier-rond/

#amigurumis #crochet #crocheting #handmade #artisanat #creation #crochetlove #crochetlife #crochetproject #patron #patroncrochet #amigurumipattern #crochetpattern #freepattern

Patron crochet gratuit !
C'est l'été, la saison des fruits et légumes bat son plein, alors quoi de mieux que ce petit panier pour y glisser toutes vos miniatures crochetées ou toutes vos petites trouvailles ?
Le patron est accessible même aux débutants.
Il se pourrait bien que je prépare de quoi le remplir, vous le découvrirez très bientôt.

Vous pouvez retrouver le patron sur mon site et en version pdf téléchargeable directement : https://miliecrochetille.fr/patron-crochet-gratuit/patron-gratuit-panier-rond/

#amigurumis #crochet #crocheting #handmade #artisanat #creation #crochetlove #crochetlife #crochetproject #patron #patroncrochet #amigurumipattern #crochetpattern #freepattern

Patron crochet gratuit !
C'est l'été, la saison des fruits et légumes bat son plein, alors quoi de mieux que ce petit panier pour y glisser toutes vos miniatures crochetées ou toutes vos petites trouvailles ?
Le patron est accessible même aux débutants.
Il se pourrait bien que je prépare de quoi le remplir, vous le découvrirez très bientôt.

Vous pouvez retrouver le patron sur mon site et en version pdf téléchargeable directement : https://miliecrochetille.fr/patron-crochet-gratuit/patron-gratuit-panier-rond/

#amigurumis #crochet #crocheting #handmade #artisanat #creation #crochetlove #crochetlife #crochetproject #patron #patroncrochet #amigurumipattern #crochetpattern #freepattern

I stitched KAJ! 🇸🇪 🇫🇮

And the colours aren't exact, partially because it's hard to judge colours in stage lighting and partially because I found evidence of at least two different shades of Axel's pants.

But anyway, if you're at a loose end this week and looking for an extra bit of something for the #Eurovision decor collection, here's a free pattern for your enjoyment 😉

https://ko-fi.com/s/b3146dc6fb

#CrossStitch #FreePattern #KoFi

I stitched KAJ! 🇸🇪 🇫🇮

And the colours aren't exact, partially because it's hard to judge colours in stage lighting and partially because I found evidence of at least two different shades of Axel's pants.

But anyway, if you're at a loose end this week and looking for an extra bit of something for the #Eurovision decor collection, here's a free pattern for your enjoyment 😉

https://ko-fi.com/s/b3146dc6fb

#CrossStitch #FreePattern #KoFi

I stitched KAJ! 🇸🇪 🇫🇮

And the colours aren't exact, partially because it's hard to judge colours in stage lighting and partially because I found evidence of at least two different shades of Axel's pants.

But anyway, if you're at a loose end this week and looking for an extra bit of something for the #Eurovision decor collection, here's a free pattern for your enjoyment 😉

https://ko-fi.com/s/b3146dc6fb

#CrossStitch #FreePattern #KoFi

I stitched KAJ! 🇸🇪 🇫🇮

And the colours aren't exact, partially because it's hard to judge colours in stage lighting and partially because I found evidence of at least two different shades of Axel's pants.

But anyway, if you're at a loose end this week and looking for an extra bit of something for the #Eurovision decor collection, here's a free pattern for your enjoyment 😉

https://ko-fi.com/s/b3146dc6fb

#CrossStitch #FreePattern #KoFi

Lydia asked me to make her a Unicorn cross stitch pattern for her to supposedly make herself – although “Mummy can do the back stitching” apparently.

Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/3vU0eBq

#CrossStitch #Unicorn #FreePattern