Changing the Color of your Crochet Project

Changing colors is nothing more than, cutting your yarn, securing it, then attaching a new color. There is no special way to go about doing it. It is no different than if you ran out of yarn in the middle of your project and had to attach a new skein. It comes down to your personal preference when attaching a new strand of yarn. Below are several videos that touch on changing colors.

Tunisial Crochet Color Change

This is a video tutorial for the changing color of a row with tunisian crochet.

Video Tutorial: Tunisian Crochet Color Change

This is a video tutorial for changing color in the middle of a granny square and in the middle of a row.

Video Tutorial: Changing Color in the Middle of a Project

Circle to Square

This is another good example of changing color with rows.

Video Tutorial: Crochet Circle to Square

Reggae Rasta Slouch

There are several color changes in this tutorial.

Video Tutorial: Reggae Rasta Slouch Popcorn Cap - Part One

Reggae Rasta Slouch Popcorn Cap - Part Two

Miniature Christmas Stocking Variation 2

Miniature Christmas Stocking Variation 2

Pattern by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial: Miniature Christmas Stocking Variation 2

It takes two rows to complete the star stitch.

Size I crochet hook

Chain 13

Red Yarn
Round 1: CH 1, 12 SC on ea side for a total of 24, join.

Round 2: First Part of Start Stitch: CH 3, 13 Star Stitch. Join in Beginning.

Round 3:SL ST in to the center of the previous stitches. CH 2, HDC in same space. 2 HDC in each joining space around. Join. (26 HDC)

Round 4: Repeat round 2.

Round 5: Repeat round 4 skipping 4 star stitches at the toe. Continue around, join (18 HDC) This is a good place to turn it inside out to sew the toe shut. Evenly sew across the top of the toe. Knot and tie in tails. Turn it right side out when finished.

Round 6-9: Repeat rounds 3 & 4 two time. This will be two more complete star stitch rows. (9 star stitches in all) Calf of stocking.

Round 10: With white yarn, SC around, join.

Round 11: Ch 1, SC, Long HDC Spike down 2 or 3 rows. Continue around with random stitches. Join, cut yarn and sew in tails.

I recommend a clear craft line or good old clear fishing line will work too so you can hang your completed project.

How to Create a Yoke from a 3-Sided Motif

How to Create a Yoke from 3 Sides

Pattern by Teresa Richardson

I am using the magic circle. You can use a chain if you don't want to use the magic circle.

Round 1: CH 3, 3 DC, CH 2, 4 DC, CH 2, 4 DC, CH 1, SC in Beg CH 3.

Round 2: CH 3, 2 DC in previous CH Space. DC in each of the next 4 DC. 8 DC in next corner space. DC in each of the next 4 DC. In the next corner, 3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC. DC in ea of the next 4 DC, 3 DC in corner, CH 2, SL ST in beg CH 3.

I am using 9 motifs in my example. The top, curved section of the motif will be the 8 DC . Matching right sides together, Slipstitch or whipstitch 9 DC together. Picture image will show joining stitches.

You will decide the placement of your armhole chains and where they will go. After that is complete, you will crochet the skirt to your dress with the pattern stitch of your choice.

This size yoke is a variation to the yoke for the Solomon's Knot baby dress. It could be used to make a larger baby dress. You can also make the motifs larger and create an adult size yoke for a shirt, sweater or even a dress.

Crochet Christmas Wreath

Crochet Wreath

Video Tutorial: Crochet Christmas Wreath

Green Yarn

With green yarn Chain 35.

3 SC in each chain across. It will start to twist and be very uneven.

Straighten the section out so the twist is turning one way. Run a pipe cleaner through the center of the wreath. Secure the ends of the pipe cleaner. Twist the yarn section in the direction to tighten the yarn on the pipecleaner. This will grab the fibers of the pipecleaner and tighten it up nice and neat. Sew the yarn ends of the twist so the wreath will not come apart. Sew in all the tails. You can hotglue or dab craft glue to the pipecleaner and yarn so it will stay in place and not come apart. You can add a french knot embellishment for berries on the wreath. I have found that fishing line or clear craft line will work very well for an invisible hanger.

Crochet CandyCane

Crochet CandyCane

Video Tutorial: Crochet Candy Cane

Red Section
With red yarn Chain 50.

3 SC in each chain across. It will start to twist and be very uneven.

White Section
With white yarn Chain 50.

3 SC in each chain across. It will start to twist and be very uneven.

Straighten each individual section out so the twist is turning one way. Once that is accomplished, join the two sections together, twisting them together to form the candycane coloration. Once they are evenly twisted, secure each end with yarn so they won't come apart. Sew in all the tails. Run a pipe cleaner through the center of the candycane. Twist the yarn section in the direction to tighten the yarn on the pipecleaner. This will grab the fibers of the pipecleaner tighten it up nice and neat. You can hotglue or dab craft glue to the pipecleaner and yarn so it will stay in place and not come apart. Shape project in to a candycane. I have found that fishing line or clear craft line will work very well for an invisible hanger.

Inspiration for Solomon's Knot Baby Dress

The time of the year was spring of 1983 near Dayton, Iowa. The little dress was something my former mother in law created for my baby daughter. It is made from solomon's knot which is a stitch that is unique, light and airy. Amanda was about 10 months old in this photo. She just turned 26 the 20th of July. I always loved the dress. I didn't know how to crochet much at this time in my life but I knew I wanted to know how to master this stitch. This dress was my inspiration for the Solomon's Knot Baby Dress.

Common Crochet - Fair Use or Copyright - DMCA

A false accusation towards me, has led me to the following thoughts. The person has apologized but it got me thinking anyway since the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) has been a hot topic of conversation.

My main goal from the start has been to teach people how to crochet. You crochet because you love to do it. People don't get rich from selling crochet items or patterns. Maybe the publishing companies might make money. If there is a way, someone please share it with me. I did some research and found that under "Fair Use", people teaching can use copyright material. I am doing nothing more than teaching and sharing my knowledge of crochet. I choose not to use copyright material. I teach basic stitches, shapes and concepts, in addition to the patterns I create.

BUT...................................... how can a basic shape or basic set of increases be copyright? The art of crochet is estimated to have been started around the 1800's, somewhere between Europe and the Middle East.

I could look at a fabric article of clothing and create something crochet. Does that mean I am in violation of copyright since I may have used common rounded features to create my neckline, circles to create my armholes and a horizontal hem on my shirt? There is a basic common set of rules when it comes to crochet increasing and shaping. There are bound to be more similarities in common shape pattern writing, than not. The combination of increasing and stitches used in hats, sweaters, flowers, anything rounded is very common. I have seen baby patterns from the early 1900's with yoke's similar to the yoke I created for the baby dress, so the concept of the rounded crescent shape is nothing new by any means. A yoke is just a simple crescent shape with common increases. The stitches can be juggled around to any numerical equation with the end result looking like something that someone else may have created. But how may other someones are out there, that created an identical pattern, prior to the sensitive someone. Example-I create a pattern, someone else has the same pattern they created 15 years ago setting in their closet. How am I supposed to know that? How does that constitute infringement from a basic concept? In fact, my Grandma loved the Workbasket magazine. Workbasket is where I saw the first rounded crescent yoke on a baby bunting from a picture in the magazine about 20 years ago. I was not at all good at crocheting back then and I sure was not writing patterns. The shape stuck in my head. There would need to be some outstanding original differences for anyone make an accusation of copyright infringement off of a basic common shape concept.

On top of it, how can the author of a pattern dictate whether or not the end user can sell the finished piece of work. I understand not selling the pattern, but the author didn't create the finished piece of work. That is very selfish in my opinion and I really don't see the point. All a person would need to do is change the pattern stitch so it has strayed from original pattern. What if you get distracted and you crochet 28 instead of 24? Once again the original pattern has been changed. If you don't want it out there, don't post it on the Internet for people to use. Don't submit it to a publisher if you don't want people using it or God forbid photocopying it.

If anyone ever wondered, you are more than welcome to sell your finished projects, that you have made from a pattern and video tutorial, that I have created. You may distribute, post and share the links to my crochet blog and video tutorials as well as print out instructions for your friends, family and co-workers. I do know that there are a lot of people who don't have computers. We want to share instructions with them too.

Copyright infringment is a big problem so we must respect each individuals right. There are gray areas so when in doubt, ask for permission.

Crochet Baby Dress - Solomon's Knot

Crochet Baby Dress - Solomon's Knot

Size F Crochet Hook

Baby Weight or 3-Ply Yarn

Chest Measurement: 18" around

There are a couple of ways to make the dress larger or smaller.

1. You can change the hook size to an E or G.
2. You can add a couple more stitches to the under arm of the yoke. You could use 6 or 7 chains or chainless foundations stitch if you wanted to make the chest larger.

The chain can be used instead of the chainless foundation.

Pattern by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial:
Crochet Baby Dress - Solomon's Knot

Chainless Half Double Crochet Foundation


40 Chainless HDC or 42 Chains

Row 1: CH 2, *HDC in next ST, 2 HDC in next ST, continue across from *, turn

Row 2: CH 2, HDC in ea ST across, turn

Row 3: CH 2, *Hdc in next ST, 2 HDC in next ST, continue across from *, turn

Row 4-5: CH 2, HDC in ea ST across, turn

Row 6: CH 2, *HDC in next 2 STs, 2 HDC in next st, continue across from *, turn

Row 7: Add a marker to the 40th stitch from each edge. CH 1, HDC across next 16 Sts(Back Right),5 Chainless HDC ,SK 24 HDC(Right Arm Hole), HDC Across Front leaving the remaining 40 Sts for the left arm hole and back,5 Chainless HDC ,SK 24(Left Arm Hole), HDC across 16 Sts(Left Back). NOTE*- You can use a chain 5 if you are not familiar with the chainless foundation stitches.

Row 8: 2 Solomon's Knot, SK 2 HDC, SC in next, continue across, turn

Row 9: 3 Knots, *sc on each side of the center of previous knot. 2 Knots, SC on each side of previous knot. Work in a continual round for length of project.

Arm Edging: Attach yarn to armhole. Single Crochet evenly around the armhole opening, slip stitch in beginning SC. Cut yarn, secure, and sew in tail.

Right Back Opening Edging: Attach Yarn, *SC, CH 2, SK 2, SC in next(Button Hole Opening) SC in next 4 Sts, Repeat from * for the next button hole. SC in Rem Sts. CH 1 Turn, SC in ea SC and CH SP. Cut yarn and sew in.

Left Back Opening: Evenly SC 2 rows along edge. Cut yarn and sew in tail. Align buttons with holes and sew on.

Neck Edging:Attach yarn to neck edge. Single Crochet evenly around the neck opening. Once you get to the other edge, cut yarn, secure, and sew in tail.

Crescent Shape Crochet Moon

Crescent Shape Moon

Pattern by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial: Crescent Shape Crochet Moon

CH 12.

Row 1: 1 SC in ea of the next 2 Sts. 2 DC in ea of the next 7 CH (14 DC) 1 SC in ea of the next 2 CH.

Row 2: Turn, Sk the first SC, *SC in ea of the next 2, 2 SC in the next, Repeat from * SL ST in last SC.

What do I do with Extra Chains at the end of my Afghan?

You have all probably experienced a time where you made your chain, then the first row of the foundation and thought it was exact, only to discover that you have a lot of extra chains at the end. Maybe you decided that the foundation was to long. Sometimes multiples can be confusing so you may wind up with extra chains. What ever the reason, you don't have to rip it all out and start over. I know from experience that making a 300+ chain can take a long time and my count may not be accurate due to distractions and we all have them. There are three tips that I have found to work very well for me over the years. I am also including the link to the video tutorial posted on Youtube.

Video Tutorial:
Crochet Tip 2: For Extra Chains on Foundation

1. Sew in the whole chain. If you have stitches large enough, you can weave the extra chain in-between your stitches.

2. Pull the chain loops out until you have a tail, knot it well and sew the tail in your project.

3. Cut the chain, then pull the chain loops apart until you have a tail. You can resort to this if you have a long chain or if your beginning chain is pulled to tight to pull apart.

Needles for Crochet

This is the little case I use to store my needles.Well, most of them. I use a variety of needles for sewing in the tails of my projects and for hand stitching. Many years ago I created a little needle case out of three pieces of felt sandwiched between two cotton crochet motifs and then sewed it together. On occasion I will take the needles out and wash the case. As you can see in the image to the right, it looks like it needs to be washed again. It has served its purpose well.


The needle on the left bottom, closest to the ruler, is the one I use in most of the yarn video tutorials. It is a tapestry needle and is about 2" long. I am not able to store it in my case because it has a dull point.The three needles to the right on the top section are the ones I use for thread and smaller yarn. One of them has a sharper point which works good for thread. Most of the other needles have been used for a variety of sewing projects in the past. As you progress with crochet and become advanced, you will learn what needle size will be your preference. There is a wide range of needles to choose from. When I am searching to purchase a craft needle, I look at the eye size to see how well my yarn or thread will pass through the eye. You can find many different sizes of tapestry needles. Joann Fabric and Crafts has needles online. Wal-mart has tapestry needles in the craft department. Crochet thread will need a smaller needle. I have used smaller tapestry needles and sewing needles with a point. The small the thread, the smaller the needle you will need for sewing in tails. The needle you use for a size 10 thread may not slide through size 30 crochet cotton stitches or it may distort your stitches. You may need to try a few different types, to find what you like and what works best for you.

Crochet 101: Left Hand Crochet

I have done six of the basic tutorials for left handed crocheters. I decided to put them all on one place so they are easy to find. If you know of a lefty that would like to learn how to crochet, please feel free to share the link to my crochet blog or any of the tutorials.

My suggestion for a lefty that would like to crochet symbol instructions. In an image editing program or your printer program, mirror your symbol instructions so they are heading to the right and then print them out. Custom instructions for a lefty.

Video Tutorials:

Crochet 101: Left Hand Crochet Chain

Crochet 101: Left Hand Slip Stitch

Crochet 101: Left Hand Single Crochet

Crochet 101: Left Hand Half Double Crochet

Crochet 101: Left Hand Double Crochet

Crochet 101: Left Hand Triple Crochet

Crochet Trinity Stitch

Trinity Stitch

Video Tutorial: Trinity Stitch Crochet

The multiple is 2 + 1.

You put your hook through the next chain and pull up a loop, leave the loop on your hook and repeat the same steps two more times. You will have 4 loops on your hook. Wrap the yarn over your hook and pull through all 4 loops. Chain 1 to secure. Chain 1 again. Each stitch will share a chain loop with the previous stitch.

Crochet Messenger Hobo Slouch Handbag

Crochet Messenger Slouch Handbag

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial: Crochet Messenger Hobo Slouch Bag
Video Tutorial: Magic Circle - Crochet

Materials
Crochet Hook Size: L - 8MM
4 Ply Yarn
Yarn Amount Estimate: 600 yards/548 meters

Keep in mind that it is better to have to much yarn than not enough.

2 Strands of Yarn - I use 4-ply and 3-ply in the tutorial. You can use any combination. It will make the bag a little larger or smaller depending on your hook size and crochet tension.

For A Deeper Bag - There is a decrease at round 28. For a deeper bag, you can add more rounds before, more rounds after or both at the decrease round.

Start Loop: Magic Circle Or Chain 3, join.

Round 1: Ch 1, 6 SC in loop or chain, Do Not Join

Round 2: 2 SC in ea SC around (12 SC) Mark beginning round. Make sure you move your

marker every couple or rows. Your start stitch will shift to the left and your marker

will shift to the right with each consecutive increase round.

Round 3: 2 SC in ea SC around ( 24 SC)

Round 4: 1 SC in each SC around ( 24 SC)

Round 5: *1 SC in next ST, 2 SC in next ST, Continue around from *. (36 SC)

Round 6: 1 SC in ea SC around ( 36 SC)

Round 7: *1 SC in each of the next 2 SC, 2 SC in the next SC,Continue around from *.(50 SC)

Round 8: 1 SC in ea SC around, (50 SC)

Round 9: *1 SC in each of the next 3 SC, 2 SC in the next SC,Continue around from *.(60 SC)

Round 10: 1 SC in ea ST around. (60 SC)

Round 11: *1 SC in each of the next 4 SC, 2 SC in the next SC,Continue around from *.(74 SC)

Round 12-27: 1 SC in ea SC around (74 SC)

Round 28: *1 SC in ea of the next 3 Sts, Dec over the next 2 STs, Repeat from * around.

Round 29-37: 1 SC in ea SC around. (60 SC)
Once you have completed your length of the bag, Sk 1 st, sl st in next. Cut yarn and
secure.

Bag Handle: Chain 15, Join, 15 SC in the chain loop. Do not join. Continue crocheting to the length you want your handle to be, approximately 23". Sk 1 st, sl st in next. Cut yarn and secure.

Sewing on Handle: Turn the bag inside out. Put the handle inside the bag. Align the handle with top edge of the handbag. Placement of the first handle does not matter. Sew the 15 stitches of the handle and bag together. Secure and knot well, sew in tail. Repeat the same steps for the other end of the handle. There will be approximately 15 single crochet between each joined handle. After sewing and securing all tails and magic circle loops, turn bag right side out.

Flap:
Row 1: Slip Stitch to one open side. SC across to the other side.
Row 2-10: CH 1, turn, SC in ea sc across.

Crochet Picot Edging 1

Picot Edging

The picot edging is a lengh of chain that is joined together with the first chain to create a tiny little circle on the edge of your work. Typically you evenly place the picot between the stitches you are using on your final row. You can make your picot chain length to your preference. I have used a chain length of 3, 4 and 5. You can also adjust how many stitches are in-between each stitch. I have made the picot edging on every stitch up to 5 stitches in-between each stitch. Patterns are just a guide and can be altered.

Video Tutorial: Crochet - Picot Edging

Purpose of Chainless Foundation

The Chainless Foundation is an alternative variation to creating a chain foundation. This technique is creating your stitch and foundation all in one step. It eliminaties the chain all together and the big holes that come along with the chain. This will make your foundation and the rest of the rows and stitches in your project have more of an even alignment throughout the project. Sometimes the chain is not stretchy enough. For example: I can remember many times making a nice afghan but the foundation where I started with the chain had big ugly holes. I would try to mask it with an edging but you could still see the chain holes. Multiple stitches in a chain will make the chain distorted. Sometimes I would have a chain that was to tight or to loose. I would get halfway through the project and have to rip out my afghan just to re-do the chain so my afghan would not be distorted. The chain was controling the afghan to much by pulling and distorting the overall shape. I have had the same thing had happened with sweather foundations. My sweater would turn out nice but the chain foundation would be distorted being to tight or full of chain holes. These are examples of where you would be able to replace the chain with the chainless foundation instead.

The foundation you use is up to you. There will be times you may have a need for the chain. Other times you may be able to use the chainless foundation. It is an alternative variation with a purpose that works very well.

Video Tutorials:
Chainless Single Crochet Foundation
Chainless Half Double Crochet Foundation
Chainless Double Crochet Foundation

Happy 4th of July 2008

May everyone have a happy and safe 4th of July holiday weekend. To everyone out side of the country, have a great weekend.

Thank you to our American troops who have made the sacrifice to serve our country and put their lives in harms way so we will remain safe. To my son Justin, who is serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. I am proud of you Son and the man that you have become. May you and the men and women you are serving with all be safe. I love you Son!!!

Large Crochet Shamrock

Large Shamrock

Pattern by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial - Large Crochet Shamrock

Shamrock Leaf- *Ch 10, sl st in begining ch.CH 2, 24 HDC in chain. SL ST in beg ch 2 to secure circle*, repeat from * two more times for a total of three circles.

STEM: Ch 10, SL ST back up the CH to complete stem.

Crochet Drop Stitch - Shell Stitch

Drop Stitch Shell Stitch

Video Tutorial:

Crochet Shell-Drop Stitch Part 1

Crochet Shell- Drop Stitch Part 2

Written by Teresa Richardson

The Multiple i s 8 + 3.

This is a variation from the video. The way the stitch is done is the same as in the video. There are two variations illustrated in the symbol instructions and written at the end of the instructions.

Row 1: 3 DC in 3rd CH from hook (1/2 Shell, *CH 2 Skip 7 CHs, (Shell=3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC), repeat from * across, CH 2, 4 DC in last chain for 1/2 Shell.

Row 2: Ch 3, 3 DC in same st, *CH 2, Shell in the center of next shell, continue from * across. CH 2, 4 DC in the last ST of previous round.

Row 3: Ch 3, 3 DC in same st, *CH 1, Slip Stitch two rows below for the drop stitch, CH 1, Shell in the center of next shell. Continue from * to the end. 4 DC in the last ST of previous round. NOTE: You can include the chain in your dropstitch if you would like a rounded edging.

Row 4: Ch 1, SC in same ST, *CH 7 SC in center of next shell. Continue from * across. CH 7, SC in the center of the last 1/2 shell.

Row 5: CH 3, *7 DC in Chain, 1 DC in previous SC, Continue across from * to the end.

Row 6: CH 3, DC in ea DC across.

Row 7: CH 3, 3 DC in same ST. *CH 2, SK 7 DC, Shell in next DC. Continue from * across. CH 2 SK 7 DC and 4 DC in last ST.

Row 8: Ch 3, 3 DC in same st, *CH 2, Shell in the center of next shell, continue from * across. CH 2, 4 DC in the last ST of previous round.

Row 9: Ch 3, 3 DC in same st, *CH 1, Slip Stitch two rows below for the drop stitch, CH 1, Shell in the center of next shell. Continue from * to the end. 4 DC in the last ST of previous round.

Variation 1: Repeat Rows 4-9 for the remainder of the pattern if you are adding the row of double crochet inbetween.

Variation 2: Repeat Rows 7-8 if you are making the shells only.

Edging Recommendations: You can add a row of double crochet around the edge. Remember to add increase stitches in the corner stitch so your piece will not pucker.