Recycle from Clothing - Crochet Tip #58

If you have old clothing that is going to be thrown away, check it thoroughly to see what you can recycle.

• Save the buttons. They work well for eyes or decorations on your crochet projects.
• Pockets and zippers may come in handy as an embellishment.
  
• Some clothing may have unique designs that can be sewn on to a crochet hat or afghan.
  

This is a great way to stretch your crafting budget. Please share your ideas on what you recycle and use with crafting.

Crochet Valentine Puffy Heart - Small

Crochet Valentine Puffy Heart - Small

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial: Crochet Valentine Puffy Heart - Small

Video Tutorial: Left Hand Crochet Valentine Puffy Heart - Small

Skill Level - Easy

Abbreviations
SC - Single Crochet
CH - Chain
SL ST - Slip Stitch

Single Crochet Decrease - Insert the crochet through the first stitch, wrap the yarn over the hook and pull it through, insert the crochet hook through the next stitch, wrap the yarn over the hook and pull it through. There will be 3 loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn and pull through all 3 loops.

Materials
Size G/4 mm crochet hook
4 ply yarn
Tapestry Needle
Fiberfill Stuffing to fill the heart

Make 2 Circles
Chain 3, join.
Round 1: Work 9 SC, do no join. Work in a continual round. (9 Single Crochet)
Round 2: Work 2 SC in ea stitch around ( 18 Single Crochet)
Round 3-4: Work 1 SC in each stitch around ( 18 single crochet)
On the second circle, join each of the remaining 5 SC to the stitches on the opposite circle.

Round 5: Work 1 SC in each stitch around.
Press the heart in half and eyeball the center of each side of the heart. There will be 1 decrease on each side. Mark the front center of the heart with a yarn marker.

The heart will decrease to a point on each round.

You will stuff the heart with fiberfill after round 10.

Round 6-11: Work single crochet in each stitch around to the first side, work a single crochet decrease, work 1 SC in each stitch around to the opposite side, work single crochet decrease. Work 1 SC in each stitch around to the center front.

Round 12-13: Work a single crochet decrease in each stitch around.

Thread your tapestry needle and sew the remaining stitches shut and sew the tail in to the center of the heart. Sew in any remaining tails.

Rib Cuff Crochet Baby Bootie

Rib Cuff Crochet Baby Bootie

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial: Rib Cuff Crochet Baby Bootie

Video Tutorial: Left Hand Rib Cuff Crochet Baby Bootie

Skill Level - Easy

Abbreviations
HDC - Half Double Crochet
CH - Chain
SL ST - Slip Stitch
EA - Each

Materials
Size G/4 mm crochet hook
4 ply yarn
Tapestry Needle

Stitch Instructions and Definitions
Front Post Half Double Crochet - Wrap the yarn over your hook, insert the hook from the front and to the right of the post of the stitch, wrap the hook around the post and back up the opposite side. Wrap the yarn over and pull it around. Complete the half double crochet.

Back Post Half Double Crochet - Wrap the yarn over your hook, insert the hook from the back and to the right of the post of the stitch, wrap the hook around the front of the post and to the back on the opposite side. Wrap the yarn over and pull it around. Complete the half double crochet.

Sole and Sides
Round 1: Side 1:Create 8 Foundation Half Double Crochet

Round 1: Side 2: Work 4 HDC in the bottom of the last stitch that was just completed. Work 1 HDC in each of the next 6 stitches. Work 4 HDC in the last stitch. Join with the beginning stitch. ( 22 Half Double Crochet Total)
Round 2: CH 1, Work 2 HDC in the same stitch. Work 1 HDC in ea of the next 6 stitches. Work, 2 HDC in the next stitch, 1 HDC in the next stitch, 2 HDC in the next stitch, 1 HDC in the next stitch. 2 HDC in the next stitch. Work 1 HDC in each of the next 6 stitches. Work 2 HDC in the next stitch, 1 HDC in the next stitch, 2 HDC in the next stitch, 1 HDC in the next stitch. Join with the beginning stitch. (28 Half Double Crochet total)

Round 3-4: CH 1, Work 1 HDC in each stitch around, join. (28 Half Double Crochet total)

Toe Top
Find the center front of the bootie. Count back 7 stitches and attach the yarn.
Row 1: Count back 7 stitches from the toe center. Attach the yarn with a slip stitch, work 1 HDC in ea of the next 4 stitches, work 3 HDC DEC, work 1 HDC in each of the next 4 stitches.

Row 2: Work 1 HDC in each stitch for a total of 11 HDC.

Sew the stitches to the opposite side.

Cuff
Round 1: Attach the yarn on the right side next to the toe top. Evenly work 1 HDC in each of the next 16 stitches. Work 2 HDC DEC over the toe top. Join with the beginning stitch.

Round 2-4: CH 1, *Work a FPDC next stitch. Work a BPDC next Stitch. Continue around from *, join with the beginning stitch.

Cut the yarn and sew in the tail. Sew in any remaining tails on the bootie.

Jacmel Crochet Granny Square

Jacmel Crochet Granny Square

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial: Jacmel Crochet Granny Square

Video Tutorial: Left Hand Jacmel Crochet Granny Square

Skill Level - Intermediate

Abbreviations
HDC - Half Double Crochet
CH - Chain
SL ST - Slip Stitch
FPDC - Front Post Double Crochet
BPDC - Back Post Double Crochet
EA - each

Materials
Size I/5.5 mm crochet hook
4 ply yarn
Tapestry Needle

Stitch Instructions and Definitions
This is working around the post of the stitch. If you are left handed, you will replace right with left.

Front Post Double Crochet - Wrap the yarn over your hook, insert the hook from the front and to the right of the post of the stitch, wrap the hook around the post and back up the opposite side. Wrap the yarn over and pull it around. Complete the double crochet.

Back Post Double Crochet - Wrap the yarn over your hook, insert the hook from the back and to the right of the post of the stitch, wrap the hook around the front of the post and to the back on the opposite side. Wrap the yarn over and pull it around. Complete the double crochet.


Chain 3, join.

Round 1: Chain 1, *Work 3DC CH 1, Complete 4 times from *, ending with a single crochet to join.

Round 2: Chain 1, * Work 2 DC in same space. Work a DC in the next stitch, Work a FPDC over the next stitch. Work a DC in the next stitch. Work 2 DC in the next ch2 space, CH 1, Complete 4 times from *, ending with a single crochet to join.

Round 3: Chain 1, * Work 2 DC in same space. Work a DC in the next stitch, Work a FPDC over the next stitch, Work a DC in the next stitch, Work a FPDC over the next stitch, Work a DC in the next stitch, Work a FPDC over the next stitch. Work a DC in ea of the next 5 stitches. Work 2 DC in the next ch2 space, CH 1, Complete 4 times from *, ending with a single crochet to join.

Round 4: Chain 1, * Work 2 DC in same space. Work a DC in the next stitch, Work a FPDC over the next stitch, Work a DC in the next stitch, Work a FPDC over the next stitch. Work a DC in ea of the next 3 stitches. Work 2 DC in the next ch2 space, CH 1, Complete 4 times from *, ending with a single crochet to join.

Round 5: Chain 1, * Work 2 DC in same space. Work a BPDC over each stitch across. Work 2 DC in the next CH 2 space, CH 1, Complete 4 times from *, ending with a single crochet to join.

How to Sew and Join the Edges on Crochet Ribbing

Crochet Circle to Square 2

Crochet Circle to Square 2

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial: Crochet Circle to Square 2

Video Tutorial: Left Hand Crochet Circle to Square 2

Skill Level - Easy

Abbreviations
HDC - Half Double Crochet
CH - Chain
SL ST - Slip Stitch
DC - Double Crochet

Materials
Size I/5.5 mm crochet hook
4 ply yarn
Tapestry Needle

Stitch Instructions and Definitions
How to do the stitch

Chain 8, join with the beginning chain.

Round 1: Chain 1, work 16 DC through the loop, join with the beginning stitch.
Round 2: Chain 5, *DC in the next stitch, CH 2. Continue around from *, join with the beginning stitch. (16 DC, Chain 2 total)

Round 3: CH 3, 3 DC in the CH 2 space. *DC in next stitch, 3 DC in next CH 2 space. Continue around from *, join (64 DC total)

Round 4: CH, *work 2 DC, CH 2, 2 DC in the same stitch. CH 2, skip 3 DC, HDC in the next stitch. CH 2, skip 3 DC, SC in the next stitch. CH 2, skip 3 DC, HDC in the next stitch, CH 2, Complete from * 4 times total.

Round 5: SL ST to the CH space. CH 1, *Work 3 DC in CH 2 SP, Work 1 DC in ea of the next 2 stitches, 2 DC in next CH 2 space, 1 DC in next HDC, 2 DC in next CH 2 space, 1 DC in next SC, 2 DC in next CH 2 space, 1 DC in next HDC, 2 DC in next CH 2 space, Work 1 DC in ea of the next 2 stitches, Complete 4 times total from *, join with the beginning stitch.

How to Crochet a Wide HeadBand - Ribbing Stitch

How to Crochet a Wide HeadBand - Ribbing Stitch

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial: How to Crochet a Wide HeadBand

Video Tutorial: Left Hand How to Wide HeadBand



Skill Level - Intermediate

Abbreviations
HDC - Half Double Crochet
CH - Chain
SL ST - Slip Stitch
TC - Triple Crochet

Materials
Size H/5 mm crochet hook
4 ply yarn - Light Weight 4 ply or 3 ply yarn
Tapestry Needle

Hat Side (CupCake Paper)
Row 1: Work 14 Foundation Half Double Crochet

Row 2-46: HDC in the loop below the top of the stitch (this creates the rib effect) in each stitch across. Work the last HDC below the two loops on the last stitch of the edge. This will create a solid edge.

Sew the two edges together working through the same loop that was used to create the rib stitch on one side and through the top stitches on the opposite side. This will push the stitches to the front.

How to Crochet a CupCake Hat

How to Crochet a CupCake Hat

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial: How to Crochet a CupCake Hat

Video Tutorial: Left Hand How to Crochet a CupCake Hat



Skill Level - Intermediate

Abbreviations
HDC - Half Double Crochet
CH - Chain
SL ST - Slip Stitch
TC - Triple Crochet

Materials
Size H/5 mm crochet hook
4 ply yarn - Light Weight 4 ply or 3 ply yarn
Tapestry Needle
Fiberfill for Cherry

Stitch Instructions and Definitions

Working between a stitch is inserting the hook in the space between each stitch.

Single Crochet Decrease
Insert the hook through the first stitch, wrap the yarn over and pull through, there are 2 loops on the hook, insert the hook through the next stitch, wrap the yarn over and pull through, there are 3 loops on the hook, wrap the yarn over and pull through all 3 loops to complete the single crochet decrease.

Hat Side (CupCake Paper)
Row 1: Work 14 Foundation Half Double Crochet

Row 2-46: HDC in the loop below the top of the stitch (this creates the rib effect) in each stitch across. Work the last HDC below the two loops on the last stitch of the edge. This will create a solid edge.

Sew the two edges together working through the same loop that was used to create the rib stitch on one side and through the top stitches on the opposite side. This will push the stitches to the front.

Hat Top (Frosting)
Note: You will ignore instructions to "CH 1" and "join with the beginning stitch" if you choose to use the continual round.
Chain 4, join.

Round 1: CH 1, Work 10 HDC through the loop, join with the beginning stitch. At this point you can use joined rounds or work in a continual round. If you choose a continual round, you will want to use a yarn marker. (10 HDC total)

Round 2: CH 1, work 2 DC between each stitch around, join with the beginning stitch. (20 HDC total)

Round 3: Ch 1, *work 1 HDC between ea space, work 2 HDC between ea space. Continue around from * join with the beginning stitch. (30 HDC total)

Round 4: Ch 1, *work 1 HDC between ea space around, join with the beginning stitch. (30 HDC total)

Round 5: Ch 1, *work 1 HDC between ea space, work 2 HDC between ea space. Continue around from * join with the beginning stitch. (45 HDC total)

Round 6: Ch 1, *work 1 HDC between ea space around. Continue around from * join with the beginning stitch. (45 HDC total)

Round 7: Ch 1, *work 1 HDC between ea of the next 2 stitches, work 2 HDC between the next stitch. Continue around from * join with the beginning stitch. (60 HDC total)

Round 8: Ch 1, *work 1 HDC between ea stitch around, Continue around from * join with the beginning stitch. (60 HDC total)

Round 9-18: Ch 1, *work 1 HDC between ea stitch around, Continue around from * join with the beginning stitch. (60 HDC total)

If you worked in the continual round, skip 1 stitch and work a slip stitch in the next. This will even off the round so there is not a ridge.

Edging - Scallop
Working between the stitches, work 1 SC, skip 2 spaces, *work 5 triple crochet in the next space. Work a single crochet in the same space as the triple crochet. (this is folding 5 triple crochet to the back creating a 3D raised effect) skip 2 spaces. Repeat around from *. Join with the beginning SC.

Cherry
CH 3, join with the beginning chain.

Round 1: CH, Work 6 SC through the chain. Work in a continual round. (6 single crochet)

Round 2: 2 SC in each stitch around. (12 single crochet)

Round 3-4: 1 SC in each stitch around (12 single crochet)

Round 5: Work 7 Single Crochet Decrease. See stitch definitions above. Fill with stuff after the 3rd SC DEC and continue around. Secure the stitch and sew the top shut. Pull a loop up with the crochet hook and chain 4. Slip stitch back down the chain 3. Slip stitch and secure. Knot and Sew in the tail.

Tight Crochet Grip - Crochet Tip #57

Quite often, pain while you are crocheting, can be attributed to holding your hook and yarn to tight when you are crocheting. Repetitive motion may also cause pain.

When I was first learning to crochet, I would have pain in my wrist and arm from the repetitive motion with long hours of crochet. If I were crocheting with thread, I would run a groove in my finger. I was holding my yarn/thread and hook to tight but did not know I was at the time. It took quite a while for me to learn that I do not have to hold my work with such a tense grip. I attributed the pain to crochet. I have fine tuned my crochet style to reduce pain. The gel grips help a lot too.

I am sharing my experience because pain can be associated to how you hold your work and several hours of crocheting. If you are having constant pain you are not sure about, you should seek medical attention.

How to Join a Crochet Round

This video will show how to join a round. There are several clips of rounds being joined with slow motion following the "real time" segment.

Crochet Kingston Hat

Crochet Geek on YouTube
Crochet Kingston Hat

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial: Crochet Kingston Hat

Video Tutorial: Left Hand Crochet Kingston Hat

Skill Level - Easy

Abbreviations
HDC - Half Double Crochet
CH - Chain
SL ST - Slip Stitch
DC DEC - Double Crochet Decrease - Reducing two stitches down to one stitch.

Double Crochet Decrease - Wrap the yarn over your hook, insert the hook through the stitch. Wrap the yarn over and pull through, wrap the yarn over the pull through 2 loops. Leave the remaining two loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook, insert it through the next stitch. Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull it through. Wrap the yarn over and pull throught 2 loops. Wrap the yarn over the pull through the remaining 3 loops on the hook.

Materials
Size I/5.5 mm crochet hook
4 ply yarn
Tapestry Needle

Chain 4, join

Round 1: Ch 1, pull up, *3 DC, CH 1, Work 6 times total from *. Work a single crochet, instead of the chain 1 to join. (6 Sets of Double Crochet with a chain 1)
Round 2: CH 1, Pull up, * Work 3DC, CH 1, 3 DC CH 1 in the same space and each space around, Complete 6 times total from * working a single crochet to join. ( 12 sets of 3 double crochet with chain 1 between)
Round 3: CH 1, Pull up, * Work 3DC, CH 1, in each chain 1 space around. Complete 12 times total from * working a single crochet to join. ( 12 sets of 3 double crochet with chain 1 between)

Round 4: CH 1, Pull up, *Work 3 DC, CH 1 in CH 1 space, Work 3 DC, CH 1, 3 DC CH 1 in the next chain 1 space. Continue around from *. work a single crochet to join. (18 sets of 3 DC, CH 1 total)

Round 5: CH 1, Pull up, *Work 3 DC, CH 1 in CH 1 space, Work 3 DC, CH 1, 3 DC CH 1 in the next chain 1 space, Work 3 DC, CH 1 in next CH 1 space,. Continue around from *. work a single crochet to join. (24 sets of 3 DC, CH 1 total)

Round 6: CH 1, Pull up, in the same space *Work 2 sets of 3 DC, CH 1 in CH 1 space, work 1 set of 3 DC, CH 1 in each of the next 3 CH 1 spaces. Continue around, work a single crochet to join. (30 sets of 3 DC, CH 1 total)

Round 7-10: CH 1, Pull up, in the same space *Work 3 DC, CH 1 in each space around, work a single crochet to join. (30 sets of 3 DC, CH 1 total)

Round 11: CH 1, Pull up, Work 3 DC in each CH 1 space around, join with the beginning stitch. Do not chain 1 between.

Round 12: Work 1 DC, work a DC DEC, Continue around. This part can easily be adjusted for a larger or smaller head. Each double crochet decrease will count as 1 stitch. I have found that 60-70 stitches is the approximate amount of stitches for an adult size head. Try the cap on to see how close you are with the fit. If the cap is to small on the band, work less double crochet decreases. If the cap is to large, work more double crochet decreases. This is how you will modify the band to your custom fit.


Band:
Round 13-19: Work 1 SC in each stitch around. Do not join, work in a continual round. To finish off, skip 1 SC and SL ST in the next. Cut the yarn and sew in the tail.

Extra Increase Round:
This will follow round 6.
CH 1, Pull up, in the same space *Work 2 sets of 3 DC, CH 1 in CH 1 space, work 1 set of 3 DC, CH 1 in each of the next 4 CH 1 spaces. Continue around, work a single crochet to join. (35 sets of 3 DC, CH 1 total)

After the extra increase round, you will continue for the length of the cap with rounds 7-10. You will be work 35 sets of double crochet instead of 30. Work rounds 11 and then 12. Round 12 goes in to details on how to decrease more and approximately how many stitches will work for an average adult size head. This estimate will be different when using a smaller hook and yarn.

HandMade Crafters - OnLine Crafting Stores

1) Salihan Crafts
http://salihan.com/

2) CarmenBee
http://www.carmenbee.etsy.com

3) A Vision To Remember
http://www.avisiontoremember.etsy.com

4) CUTEure Creations
http://www.CUTEureCreations.etsy.com

5) SpeckledFrogCrochet
http://www.etsy.com/shop/speckledfrogcrochet

6) Flaming Daisies
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7) Blue Fish Handmade
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bluefishhandmade

8) Crochet Basket
http://www.etsy.com/shop/annebreal
http://crochetbasket.blogspot.com/

9) HookinMomma Handmade Wood Crochet Hooks
http://www.hookinmomma.yolasite.com

10) Jennifer Crochets
http://www.etsy.com/shop/JenniferCrochets

11) Kandy's Krafts
http://kandyskrafts.blogspot.com

12) Crochet Creations
http://www.etsy.com/shop/monikarose

13) Sans30s
Crochet Patterns can be purchased at either place:
http://seemask.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Sans30s

14) "Butterfly Fashions" Its a home based custom hand made Jewelry store. I take custom orders too.Its very reasonable and perfect for any occasion.
http://butterflyfashions.blogspot.com/

15) Hook 'n Needle Collection
http://hooknneedlecollection.blogspot.com/

Thank you to everyone who participated.

Filet Crochet Heart Doily

This is a Filet Crochet Heart Doily I created using my software program. The doily is created following the chart that I have included below. I used size 10 crochet thread. A size 3-7 steel hook will work with size 10 thread.

Monday Crochet UpDate

I have mailed the three packages out to the recipients of the crochet hooks and magazines. It is very cold weather to venture out in to the elements, with a wake-up temperature in the teens here in the deep south. Brrrrrrrrr........

I am close to finishing written instructions for a hat pattern hopefully getting it posted today. I was watching a commercial and saw a really unique hat and I wanted to write up a pattern. I will be doing a video tutorial in the future.

The written and symbol instructions for the new "Circle to Square 2 Granny Square" are in progress.
How to Crochet a Circle to Square 2
How to Crochet a Left Hand Circle to Square 2

So far I have 11 participants for the "Promote Your OnLine Store" video. What I have now will make a nice 60-120 second video. I will make another video if more people enter their information. It is not to late to submit your information for the first video.

Promote Your OnLine Site or Store in a Video on YouTube

Congratulations to: slimjleo1955, Notthecoolmom, jeliwii

Congratulations to: slimjleo1955, Notthecoolmom, jeliwii, the three winners of Holiday Giveaway 2009. If anyone does not answer back in two weeks, I will draw alternative winners. Enjoy and New Year and Happy Crocheting! ~~Teresa