Tutorials Archives - Little World of Whimsy

Katherine Eng for Yarnspirations

This pattern is great because you can either use the square as a washcloth or turn it into a granny square in part of a larger project. The bean stitch gives the square a fun puffy texture, and there’s a photo tutorial in case you haven’t used that stitch before.

10. Solid Granny Square

Sarah Maker

Here’s a simple, basic granny square made with no gaps. It’s a perfect choice if you want to make a cozy blanket or sweater for the winter months! The pattern is beginner friendly because it uses easy stitches and includes step-by-step photos.

11. Priscilla Granny Square

Janet Myrto

This granny square has a stunning star-like texture that will look amazing in any project you’re working on. As long as you know how to work front-post half-double, double, and triple crochet, making it will be a breeze.

12. Big Dipper Traveling Afghan Square

Hooked Hazel

This square is such a fun idea—the perfect project for astronomy lovers! The only special stitches used are the bobble stitch and surface slip stitch, and the pattern includes directions for both. It also includes a chart to help with the placement of the constellation in the square.

13. Traveling Afghan Crochet Sampler Square

Make & Do Crew

This beautiful granny square looks almost like a mandala. It uses a variety of stitches to showcase many textures, so it’s far from plain even when made in a solid color. You’ll need to know basic stitches plus the cluster and puff stitches, which are described in the pattern.

14. Moss Stitch Turned Rounds Square Dishcloth

Crochet by Retrofresh

Here’s another versatile pattern that can be used to make either a dishcloth or a granny square. The moss stitch gives it a simple beauty and is easy to learn, especially because the pattern includes instructions.

15. Emerald Asscher Crochet Afghan Square

Crochet For You

This granny square has a simple yet gorgeous design that uses the puff stitch to add a textured accent. I love how it also mixes solid areas with chain-space gaps for an intriguing look. To make this square, you’ll need to know basic stitches plus the front-post bobble stitch.

16. Sheldon Sq’d Granny Square

The Crochet Crowd

This granny square is intricate but not difficult to crochet, and sewing multiple together makes a beautiful throw. The pattern comes in both PDF and video form, so it’s great for all kinds of learners. You’ll need to know basic stitches plus the popcorn stitch, which is described in the pattern.

17. Origami Flower

ChiChi Allen

The beautiful floral motif of this granny square caught my eye immediately. The pattern calls for only easy stitches plus the 3dc cluster, and it’s available in nine languages, so it’s a great choice for beginners from across the world.

18. Petals and Diamonds

ChiChi Allen

Here’s another equally stunning granny square by the same designer. I love how the petals contrast with the simple background. This pattern comes in ten languages and only requires easy stitches plus the puff stitch for the petals.

19. Unity Crown 12″ Afghan Square

Margaret MacInnis

This granny square has a gorgeous lace-like design. It requires quite a few non-standard stitches (a variety of cluster stitches plus the double-crochet bridge stitch) but the pattern describes them all, so this is a good project to try if you’re an intermediate beginner who has some experience with granny squares and wants to learn new skills.

20. Elsa Square

Kimations Designs

Here’s a granny square that incorporates both circles and squares into its design. It requires only easy stitches plus the 3-double-crochet cluster, so it’s a good beginner pattern. It’s also the same size as the next two squares in this round-up, which are by the same designer, so you could mix and match them in your project!

21. Evelyn Square

Kimations Designs

Here’s a daintier, more lacy option by Kimations Designs. It’s just as beautiful as the Elsa Square, and only requires simple stitches!

22. Medea Square

Kimations Designs

Time for one last square by Kimations Designs. All of her creations look so good in solid colors, and this one is the least lacy of all, so it’s great for any warmer projects you want to create. It uses basic stitches plus the 2-double-crochet cluster.

23. Latent Heart 12 inch Crochet Square

Cre8tion Crochet

This granny square has a fun round design in the center that is made with the basic building block of most granny squares: the 3-double-crochet cluster. You’ll also need to know how to work in the back loop only, but overall this square is a breeze to crochet!

24. Tranquil Garden Afghan Square

Pattern Paradise

This gorgeous granny square has a strong design that mixes a circle into a square. It uses basic stitches plus the beginning cluster, cluster, and popcorn stitches, and the pattern includes instructions for all three.

25. Gem Star

Chris Simon

I love this granny square because it really does look like a gem, especially in the beautiful purple yarn the designer chose. This is a good project to try if you have some crochet experience already, because it requires quite a few stitches that a beginner might not have used before: small cluster, large cluster, beginning large cluster, and the V-stitch. All four are explained in the pattern, so they should be quite easy to learn!

26. Twisted Braids

DragonFlyMomof2 Designs

This granny square has a very fun cross design made of twisted braids. The texture gives it a Celtic look, especially when made with green yarn! The pattern is beginner friendly, and there’s even a video tutorial for how to work in the front post to create the braids.

27. Empty Granny Square

Anna Lisek

Anna Lisek designed this square as a base for floral appliques, but I think it looks stunning even on its own! A really fun idea would be to create a blanket or another project where you use these squares and only put appliques on some of them—you wouldn’t want to cover up the fun circular design on every square! The pattern includes written instructions, photos, and a graph, so this is a good beginner project.

28. Red Heart Crochet Granny Square

This is a basic but beautiful granny square that uses many small clusters to achieve a delicate look. The simple border makes it easy to seam these squares together into a bigger project, and you’ll only need to know standard stitches.

29. Love Your Granny Square

Wilmade

Last but not least, here’s a beautiful granny square that reminds me of a doily! You can make this square as big as you want, so it’s perfect whether you want to make a coaster, a pillow cover, or even an afghan! The pattern calls for the back post double crochet and 2-double-crochet cluster stitches, but there’s a video tutorial provided, so this is a great pattern to pick up if you’re a beginner looking to branch out and learn new skills.

The post 29 Easiest Solid Granny Square Free Crochet Patterns (easy) appeared first on Little World of Whimsy.

My Foolproof Guide to Crocheting with Fluffy Yarn (easy!)

Sara — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 14:09:41 +0000

Fluffy, furry yarns can transform your crochet item into something that doesn’t look crocheted at all. The fur hides the iconic crochet stitches, giving it the appearance of a store bought toy (or just something luxurious and plush!).

With fluffy yarn, you do not have to limit yourself to just one thing. You can make anything from fluffy yarn from earmuffs shaped like bears to a sweet, lovable kitty.

Fluffy yarn can also be used to add soft textures to items, such as the lining for a cardigan, or using it as a point of interest such as the spikes on the back of a dragon amigurumi. You can use it for almost anything!

It is quite tempting to grab the softest, fluffiest yarn you see in the store, but please keep in mind that fluffy or faux fur yarn is not beginner friendly. It’s great for covering mistakes, but more mistakes can and will happen while you use it.

It is very difficult to work with, even when you’re an experienced crocheter. It will get easier with practice, but it will never be as easy as non-fluffy yarn.

If you’re still wanting to take the dive into working with fluffy yarns, especially when it comes to amigurumi, I have created a guide to help you out! I recommend becoming a confident crocheter before attempting to work with fluffy yarns.

Basics

The fluffy yarn, also known as faux fur yarn, that I will be talking about is not yarn that is made using animals. It’s faux or fake fur yarn made out of polyester.

It’s typically a bulky (5) or super bulky (6) yarn weight. You may find yourself sizing up your hook in order to lessen your frustration while working with it!

Be careful when sizing up your hook when working on a fluffy amigurumi; you may not be able to see the holes, but they are still there. Feel with your fingers to make sure the holes are not unnecessarily big.

As a general rule, if you can stick your finger into a hole without much resistance, the holes are too big. You will most likely need to downsize your hook (if it is an amigurumi).

The stitches are completely invisible!

Most of the fluffy yarns are machine washable, but make sure you check your care labels when selecting a yarn. I find that most fluffy yarns are fairly sturdy, but they are usually not as sturdy as acrylic yarns.

While you can crochet with it by itself, you might find it helpful to use an acrylic yarn that’s a similar color in order to see the stitches better. You won’t want to use a thicker yarn, since that may take away from the fluffiness of the yarn.

If you are too rough with fluffy yarn, it will snap. If you are weaving in the ends or using it for sewing, you want to be careful with it.

It’s sturdier than chenille yarns, but it’s still not the best sewing yarn. Your ideal sewing yarn would be an acrylic yarn that’s close in color to the fur yarn and hidden easily.

My personal go-to brand is Lion Brand Go For Faux. I have an entire review about it, and I have worked quite a few of my fluffy yarn patterns using it!

Fluffy vs Chenille

These yarns, while both soft and fuzzy, are completely different. You can usually tell what is fluffy/fur yarn and what is chenille yarn just by a glance.

Furry yarn – notice how the base yarn is thick, but the fur is only on one side

Chenille yarn – see that thin core?

Fluffy yarns typically have a thick base with tufts of fluff connected to one side. Length of fur varies but is generally longer than chenille fluff.

Chenille yarns have a thin core strand with fuzz wrapped all around the strand. It is generally short and incredibly soft.

You will be able to see the stitch definitions better with chenille yarns (although it can still be difficult). Fluffy yarns are known for hiding all the stitches and can be a challenge for even the most seasoned crocheter.

Like the idea of using chenille yarn but need help starting? You can find more tips and tricks for using chenille yarn specifically in one of my other foolproof guides.

Fluffy vs Eyelash

Once fluffy yarns drop down to a fingering (2) or lace (1) weight and loses its fuzzy, furry softness, it becomes something known as eyelash yarn. While that’s not exactly how eyelash comes to be, it’s quite similar to fluffy yarn.

It looks like eyelashes, which is how its name came to be!

In terms of using it, it has the same difficulty. Because of how much smaller and thinner it is, and how unruly the ‘eyelashes’ can be, it can be challenging to work with.

However, I like the uniqueness of eyelash yarn! It makes for some lovely embellishments you can’t get with regular yarns. It has an interesting texture as well.

You can use it for hair if you need a frizzy look. I have found that it’s actually quite fun to use either eyelash or fluffy yarn for ponytails or braids with my dolls.

General Tips

Use your hands, not your eyes

You can’t see the stitches no matter how practiced you are. The fluff is way too long and gets in the way.

Feeling for the stitches is the best way to work with fluffy yarn. You will want to pinch and wiggle your fingers back and forth until you get the feel of the two loops of the stitch and the little hole right underneath them.

Make sure you aren’t stretching the holes out too much. While you can’t see the stitches, they are still there, and you want to make sure the stuffing stays inside!

As you get more and more used to fluffy yarn, you might be able to see the stitches better. However, it won’t ever be as easy as acrylic yarn. You may find yourself feeling for the stitches to make sure you didn’t miss one and that it’s actually one stitch.

In my personal opinion, working in rows is a whole lot easier than working in rounds. You do not have to worry about the holes being too big or the stuffing falling out if there is none!

Unlike chenille, its shedding is tolerable!

In my experience, while fluffy yarn is a lot harder to work with than chenille, it doesn’t shed as much. It has a thicker base than chenille yarn and the fur is typically longer, which allows it to retain its fluff.

However, if you continuously frog your mistakes, it will begin to cause friction which, in turn, will cause excess shedding. It is not a hardy yarn. Pulling on it too roughly will cause it to snap.

Frogging will cause shedding. If you can somehow work your pattern without needing to frog, this will minimize the shedding!

Chain 2 Method

The adjustable, magic ring is perfect for acrylic yarn. For fluffy yarn, it’s nearly impossible to work. You tug too hard, and the yarn snaps! You can’t see the ring or the stitches, so you give up before you even start.

Can you even tell that I crocheted this? Can you tell I used the chain 2 method? Without the yarn tail in the background or me informing you, I don’t think you would know!

Thankfully, there’s another way: the chain 2 method! You won’t have to worry about a massive hole being noticed when the fluff will hide it for you!

To start it off, you will chain 2 with the yarn. From there, in that first chain, you will work all your six or eight or whatever number of beginning stitches and continue like normal.

Normally, when you use this method with acrylic yarn (sometimes even with chenille), it leaves a gaping hole that anyone and everyone can see. With fluffy yarn, however, it’s completely hidden.

If you’re worried about the stuffing slipping out, use the yarn tail to sew the hole together like you would with a magic circle. Make sure to be careful when you are tugging it closed!

If you tug it too much and it snaps, you might need to frog your item and redo it. If you did the chain 2 method, it should keep your item from unraveling since there is no adjustable magic ring, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Counting is overrated

With all this fuzz, sometimes you just have to go with the flow.

My personal opinion with crochet is that as long as it looks good, it’s perfectly fine! I know when I started crocheting, I discovered I had lost all my how-to-count-correctly abilities.

Missing a stitch here or there isn’t the end of the world. As long as you’re in the ballpark of the number of stitches you need, you’ll be just fine. If things get a little wonky, that’s nothing a bit of extra stuffing can’t fix.

Truthfully, you do not want to work on something that involves specific, intricate shaping with fluffy yarn. All that hard work will just be covered by the fur anyway.

Fluffle the Bear is one of the best patterns for working with fluffy yarn. It’s very forgiving and only uses basic circles to work with, so you won’t need to worry about counting.

Stitch markers, stitch markers, stitch markers!

If you need to make sure you have the correct number of stitches and do not want to wing it, use a plethora of stitch markers! Marking every stitch, every other stitch, or every fifth stitch is a great way of making sure you’re still on track.

If you do not have any fancy stitch markers, bobby pins and paper clips work just as well. You can even use snippings of a contrasting yarn color and slip it in the stitches to mark them.

Feel with your fingers to make sure you are not inserting two stitch markers into the same stitch. You won’t want to accidentally double up!

Keeping your fluffiness to the max

You may be crocheting along with your fluffy yarn after finally gotten your groove down. You pause and realize that one side of your project is softer and fluffier than the other side.

It’s completely fine to flip your project to the side you like best! If you would rather not do that, or if you have a specific side you need on the outside, you can always work in the front or back loop only.

Working in the FLO will leave you a slight ridge on the wrong side you can use to count your rows, which is a huge plus! However, you will need to keep in mind that working in FLO will make your item taller.

Working in BLO will give you a slight ridge on the right side of your work. It will also leave those unworked loops about as fluffy as they were in the skein. Just like working in FLO, working in BLO will make your item taller.

If you need some help with differentiating between FLO and BLO, I have a whole how-to tutorial with pictures! It is centered around using yarns where you can see the stitches easily, but the general guide is helpful for all yarns.

Have patience!

Because of how challenging this yarn can be, you will need a plethora of patience to get through a project, especially if it is completely in fluffy yarn.

You won’t be able to speed through while working with fluffy yarn. Slow down, take your time. Put that show you have been meaning to finish or an audiobook you have been wanting to listen to on in the background.

I know it can be frustrating when something doesn’t work out for the first couple times. If you need to step back and take a break, go ahead and do so. It’s okay to take your time.

You do not need to jump right into the biggest, fluffiest project either. Make some mittens, some bearmuffs, or even just add a lining to a different project!

Crochet was never meant to be a fast craft. You don’t need to rush. This world is already so focused on getting things done in a quick manner.

Projects can take a couple hours or a few years to complete. It is okay to work at your own pace!

The post My Foolproof Guide to Crocheting with Fluffy Yarn (easy!) appeared first on Little World of Whimsy.

21+ Durable and Stylish Crochet Hot Pad Free Patterns (easy!)

Sara — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 20:48:13 +0000

Do you like both cooking and crochet? Then you’re in luck! Crochet is great for kitchen accessories, especially hot pads.

And of course, you’ll want your hot pads to be both stylish and durable, able to keep your hands and counters safe from hot foods.

One of the most important parts of crocheting a hot pad is what yarn you choose. You’ll want something heat resistant—natural fibers like cotton or wool are good choices. Definitely don’t use acrylic yarn or other synthetics! Here are a few options that you can use with many of the patterns in this round-up:

1. Stargazer Potholder

This Pixie Creates

First up is this beautiful circular potholder that’s made with worsted-weight cotton yarn. You can choose six of your favorite colors, or use just one color to showcase the hot pad’s texture. The pattern includes a video tutorial, instructions for size changes, directions for the front-post double-crochet stitch, and even a tutorial and pictures for how to do an invisible color change. All that makes it a great beginner project!

2. Crochet Circle Hot Pad

Tales and Yarns | Laurie Laliberte

Here’s another durable circle hot pad; this one is made with two layers for extra heat resistance. You’ll need worsted cotton yarn, and a stiffer yarn is best according to the designer. This is an easy pattern because you’ll only need to know basic stitches and how to crochet in the back loop. Just be sure to follower the designer’s advice and make your stitches tight enough that there aren’t any large gaps, since this will prevent burns.

3. Crochet Wavy Pad

Naztazia

This hot pad uses a super-fun technique called “wiggle crochet,” which involves creating a mesh base and then arranging crocheted pieces in a wiggle pattern over top. This is a great design to keep heat off your countertops, since the hot pad is tall and has gaps to allow for airflow. The pattern calls for easy stitches, but you’ll need to do them in a certain way for wiggle crochet. That’s where the video tutorial comes in handy!

4. Urban Kitchen Potholder

Crochet Dreamz

This is a great project because it can be used as both a potholder (with a handy hanging loop for storage) or as a hot pad. It’s double-layered and created by crocheting one piece, then folding and seaming it. This adds some extra durability and heat protection. You’ll only need to use basic stitches, so this is a beginner-friendly pattern—just make sure you’re comfortable with color changes before starting.

5. Polar Circle

DROPS Design

This pattern uses a technique you might not have encountered during crochet before: felting. You’ll need super bulky wool yarn and can choose any of your favorite colors, though I love how the greys give it a wintery look. This pattern is good for visual learners because it uses a chart instead of written instructions. Make sure you’re comfortable with charts and felting before you begin; there’s even a linked lesson for how to felt.

6. Ever Ridge Hot Pad

Bliss This by Amber

This is a fun, two-toned ridged hot pad made with worsted cotton yarn. The pattern calls for easy stitches and describes how to do front-post half-double crochet. Plus, there are useful progress photos, so this is a great beginner project.

7. Crochet Cast Iron Handle Cover & Double Thick Hot Pad

Kirsten Holloway Designs

Here’s a two-in-one pattern that includes both a hot pad and a handle cover for your pans! The hot pad is double-thick and made with cotton yarn, so it’s very durable. You’ll only need knowledge of basic stitches and how to work in the back loop of a stitch, so this is a very easy pattern. Cooking will be a breeze if you make both these accessories!

8. Easy Bobble Stitch Hot Pad

Christine S Williams

The bobble stitch gives this hot pad a fun texture, and you’ll only need to know basic stitches plus the bobble stitch. The pattern includes links to tutorials for every stitch, so this is a perfect project for beginner crocheters. Plus, the pattern can be adjusted to make any size of hot pad.

9. Star Spangled Trivet & Hot Pad

Moogly

Here’s a pattern where you can use the wiggle crochet technique from earlier! This hot pad is perfect for all your summer celebrations, especially the Fourth of July and Labor Day. You’ll need worsted weight cotton yarn and knowledge of wiggle crochet and surface crochet, and the pattern includes handy links to instructions for both those techniques.

10. Pineapple Crochet Hot Pad

Petals to Picots

Here’s another summery pattern that’s both cute and fun! The pineapple hot pad is made with worsted cotton yarn and basic stitches plus the 5 double-crochet cluster, which is explained in the pattern. Once you get the hang of that stitch, the project will be a breeze!

11. Turkey Gobble Hot Pad

DragonFlyMomof2 Designs

Of course, you’ll also want hot pads for the fall and winter months! This turkey hot pad is perfect for hosting a Thanksgiving meal—just be sure not to use plastic googly eyes if you’re going to place hot items on it. It’s durable because it’s made with cotton yarn and is double-thick, and you’ll only need to use easy stitches plus front-post double crochet.

12. Brr Snowman Hot Pad

DragonFlyMomof2 Designs

This snowman hot pad is perfect for winter. I love the snowman’s cute accessories—the scarf, hat, and earmuffs are absolutely perfect! The pattern calls for only cotton yarn, so it’s safe for putting down hot items like a nice mug of cocoa on a chilly winter day. The best part? It’s made with easy stitches!

13. Crochet Vintage Hot Pad

Interweave

This hot pad has a gorgeous vintage hexagon design. It’s made with worsted cotton yarn and looks amazing in ombre yarn, but you could also choose a solid color, or alternate colors each row for a striped look. You’ll only need to chain and single crochet, but make sure you’re comfortable working in the back loop only, since that’s what gives the hot pad its texture. You can make this project in any size, and the designer suggests making smaller ones for coasters or larger ones for placemats.

14. Woven Hot Pad / Trivet

Crochet Between Worlds

This hot pad has a very stylish woven design, and you can customize it by choosing your two or three favorite colors of yarn. This is a good beginner project because the pattern uses easy stitches, includes a tutorial for a chainless foundation, and has lots of progress photos for how to assemble the hot pad.

15. Mandala Hot Pad Trivet Cover

Hooked by Anna

This pattern is a cover for a trivet like the type sold by IKEA, but you could also use it on its own without any insert. It has an absolutely gorgeous design that evokes a mandala or a stained glass window, and you can customize your hot pad by choosing your favorite yarn colors. You’ll need sport-weight cotton yarn and knowledge of basic stitches.

16. Plenty Thick Hot Pad

Denton Foreman

This is a basic hot pad, but it’s very durable because it’s two layers thick and made with worsted-weight cotton yarn. It’s a great beginner pattern because it uses simple stitches and has lots of progress photos, so as long as you can work in the front loop and back loop, you’ll whip up a potholder in no time!

17. Easy Double-Thick Crochet Potholder

Sarah Maker

Here’s another simple but durable potholder. It’s crocheted as one piece and then folded over for extra heat resistance. The pattern makes a 7×7-inch square hot pad, but you can also adjust the sizing very easily. And because the pattern calls for basic crochet stitches, this is a beginner-friendly project!

18. Coffee Cup Hot Pad / Pot Holder

Posh Pooch Designs

This hot pad has a super cute coffee cup design, so it’s perfect for setting down a coffee pot or a mug of your favorite warm drink! And the pattern is great for beginners: it includes photos, written instructions, and a video tutorial, and you’ll only need to know basic stitches. So choose your favorite colors of worsted-weight cotton yarn and you’ll have a fun potholder in no time!

19. Autumn Leaves Dish Cloth and Hot Pad

BellaCrochet

This unique leaf-shaped hot pad is perfect for hosting fall gatherings. It’s made with worsted-weight yarn and easy stitches—just be sure you’re ready to work in the back loop only. The best part? The pattern includes instructions for both a hot pad and a dish cloth, so you can make a matching set for your kitchen!

20. “Too Hot To Handle” Hot Pad

Here’s a beautiful hot pad with a fun textured stripe down the middle. It’s made of two layers—a plain layer and a decorated layer—so it’s very durable and will protect all your countertops from heat. The pattern only calls for easy stitches, so it’s a great beginner-friendly project.

21. Watermelon Slice Hot Pad / Pot Holder

Posh Pooch Designs

This summery watermelon pot holder will get lots of compliments at your next barbeque or picnic! It uses worsted-weight yarn and beginner-friendly stitches, and you can make either the half version or the full version. Both are double-layered and durable. Plus, the pattern is easy to follow and includes tons of progress photos.

22. Easy Crochet Potholder Hot Pad

Traverse Bay Crochet

Here’s a gorgeous hot pad that evokes the sun or a summertime flower. I particularly love the way the designer chose to use yellow and bright pink yarn for a pop of colorful style. You can follow her lead, or choose any of your own favorite colors! And this pot holder is super easy to make: you just need worsted-weight cotton yarn and knowledge of simple stitches. It’s also very durable because it’s made of two layers seamed together.

23. Granny Square Crochet Hot Pad

Nana’s Crafty Home

Need a way to use up scrap yarn? Here’s the perfect project! This granny square potholder is easy to crochet and works up quickly. You can use any number of colors and change colors after any number of rounds (or never!), though the designer chose to rotate her three colors by changing at the end of every round. As long as you know basic stitches plus the cluster stitch (which is described in the pattern), this project will be a breeze. And it’s made as one large square and then folded to double thickness, so it’s very durable.

24. Crochet Flower Hot Pad

Pattern by Free Craft Unlimited | Photo by Violiknit

Last but not least is this super stylish flower hot pad. You’ll need some crochet experience under your belt before starting this project, because you’ll need to follow the pattern exactly for it to turn out correctly. The pattern is very detailed and only calls for easy stitches, but pay close attention to the directions for assembling the petals. You’ll also need to be comfortable with color changes if you want your hot pad to look like the photos, but you could also choose to use just one color of yarn, or choose an ombre yarn for an easier multi-color look.

The post 21+ Durable and Stylish Crochet Hot Pad Free Patterns (easy!) appeared first on Little World of Whimsy.

15 Effortless Bean Stitch Crochet Patterns (free!)

Sara — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 17:39:23 +0000

Part of the fun of crochet is learning and using new stitches. I particularly love stitches that add texture to my projects. The bean stitch is a fun stitch that’s similar to the puff stitch. If you crochet your bean stitches in the standard way—working each bean stitch into one of the chain spaces of the previous row—the stitches end up interlocked, looking quite a lot like a pile of coffee beans, like in the photo below:

Okie Girl Bling ‘n’ Things

The bean stitch is quite easy to learn, so it’s perfect for beginner crocheters who are ready to branch out. All you’ll need to do is insert your hook into your next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Then repeat this step in the same stitch until you’ve got six loops on your hook, then yarn over one more time and pull through all the loops. Chain one to keep the stitch together.

Of course, every crocheter learns differently, so it’s great to have written instructions but also photo and video tutorials! Three of the most helpful bean stitch tutorials can be found here, here, and here!

1. Huckleberry Beanie

Our first pattern in the round-up is this color block Huckleberry Beanie, which is one item in a cozy two-part set. You can use gorgeous autumn colors like the designer, choose your favorite three colors, or even make the hat just one solid color if you don’t feel like changing yarns. The designer used a cotton yarn, but you can choose any soft worsted-weight yarn.

This is a great pattern for beginners because it uses only easy stitches, has a written and photo tutorial for the bean stitch, and includes tons of progress photos. The pattern is written for an adult small hat, but also includes instructions for size adjustments. And you can add a fun optional pom-pom!

2. Huckleberry Scarf

Here’s the matching Huckleberry Scarf. The color blocks look absolutely stunning as part of a scarf, and the best part is that it’s a super easy project. Just grab the same yarn you used for the beanie, and you’ll be set. Like the beanie pattern, this one includes a bean stitch tutorial and lots of progress photos. And gauge isn’t vital, so this is a very beginner-friendly pattern. Plus, you’ll look great and stay cozy in your matching set!

3. Michelle Beanie

The Michelle Beanie is the first part of another set by the same designer. This pattern uses the bean stitch more sparingly, spreading bean stitch clusters around the hat for a fun pop of texture. The beanie looks great in the solid pink chosen by the designer, and I think it’d also look amazing in an ombre colorway. So pick out your favorite size-four yarn and you’ll have a new hat in no time, especially because it only uses easy stitches.

4. Michelle Scarf

The matching Michelle Scarf will keep you warm all winter long! The pattern is great for when you just want to relax, because you just crochet the same four rows over and over until your scarf is as long as you want. And as always, CAAB Crochet has created a pattern that uses only simple stitches and is good for even beginner crocheters.

5. Crochet Coffee Bean Beanie

Left in Knots

Let’s look at one more cozy winter set, this time designed by Megan of Left in Knots. She made her set a fun play on the bean stitch by giving it a coffee bean theme! The first item in the set is this Coffee Bean Beanie, which looks absolutely wonderful in this coffee-colored ombre Scarfie yarn. Of course, you can use any of your favorite size-5 bulky yarns. Best of all, the pattern only calls for easy stitches plus, of course, the bean stitch.

6. Coffee Bean Infinity Scarf

Left in Knots

The second part of the coffee-themed set is this beautiful, cozy infinity scarf. It’s beginner-friendly and super quick to make, because you only need to know how to chain and do the bean stitch. It’s a very repetitive pattern, so it’s perfect for when you want to crochet while watching TV or talking with friends.

7. Crochet Coffee Bean Mittens

Left in Knots

The third and final part of the coffee bean set are these very warm mittens. The main part of the mittens are made from a basic pattern, while the bean stitch adds texture to the cuffs. This is a perfect beginner pattern because it includes a video tutorial for the basic mitten shape, and because you’ll be an expert at the bean stitch by the time you’ve reached this part of the set! And you’ll look amazing in the matching set this winter!

8. Spring Bean Cowl

Yarn + Chai

Of course, you don’t have to make all your wearables in matching sets! The Spring Bean Cowl stands on its own as a beautiful work of crochet art. If you use Lion Brand Mandala yarn like the designer did, or another DK-weight ombre yarn, your cowl will have a fun multicolor effect. The bean stitch gives the cowl warmth and a fun texture, while the tassels add a pop of style. Best of all, it’s a great pattern for beginner crocheters since it uses easy stitches.

9. Crochet Cotton Sun Hat

The Crochet Crowd

And the bean stitch isn’t just for winter wear! This sun hat uses the bean stitch to create gaps that will keep your head cool for a full summer beach day. You’ll need Bernat Softee Cotton yarn or a similar weight-three yarn, plus knowledge of basic stitches and the bean stitch. The hat is designed to fit the average adult woman, and the pattern includes both PDF written instructions and a video tutorial.

10. Spill The Beans Crochet Baby Blanket

Blankets are another item you can make to feature the bean stitch. This Spill the Beans baby blanket will look great with either a multicolored yarn plus a solid yarn, or with two solid yarns. The pattern calls for just basic stitches plus the bean stitch, and there are tons of progress photos, so this is a good beginner project. The designer suggests a heavy weight-3 yarn or a light weight-4 yarn, but gauge isn’t super important for this project, so you can pick any yarn you want. Also, the blanket is worked from the center outward like a granny square, so you can make it whatever size you want.

11. The Finley Throw

I Can Crochet That

This throw uses gorgeous contrasting textures and only requires simple stitches plus the bean stitch. You’ll need your favorite worsted yarn—the designer used Lion Brand’s Pound of Love. There’s even a video tutorial included for the bean stitch, though make sure to follow the pattern and crochet into chain spaces instead of the bean stitch of the previous row.

12. Spill the Beans Easy Crochet Pillow

Maisie and Ruth | Pretty Simple Crochet

Other types of home decor, like this decorative pillow, look great with the bean stitch too. It’s a super easy project, and since it’s basically a granny square, you can make it whatever size you need to fit your pillow form. Just pick up your favorite worsted yarn, and you’ll have some new decor in no time!

13. Heavenly Textured Crochet Washcloth

Love Life Yarn

Did you know you can even crochet your own washcloth? This one is particularly handy because it acts like a pocket for your soap. It uses the modified bean stitch, also known as the mini bean stitch, which is described in the pattern. You’ll want to use a cotton yarn like Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton for durability. There’s even a video tutorial, so this is a good beginner project.

14. Bean Stitch Pumpkin

The Cookie Snob

With fall just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking of themed decor! The bean stitch gives this pumpkin a pop of texture. The pattern is easy to follow and includes lots of photos, so just pick up some worsted yarn and fiber-fill stuffing, and you’ll be well on your way to fall fun!

15. Crochet Flat Christmas Tree

Stitching Together

Right after fall comes winter, so you might want to whip up some Christmas decorations. This Christmas tree can be used in a garland, as an ornament, as a gift tag, or in many other ways. You’ll need small amounts of worsted-weight yarn in your favorite festive colors, and the pattern only calls for simple stitches plus the bean stitch and puff stitch, which are described.

The post 15 Effortless Bean Stitch Crochet Patterns (free!) appeared first on Little World of Whimsy.

17 Quick and Easy Decorative Bow Free Crochet Patterns

Sara — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 19:49:08 +0000

Bows are a super versatile accessory that can be used to decorate nearly anything! Whether you want to wear a hair bow or a bow tie, need something to top a present, or want to add a fun decoration to another crochet project, you’ll find the perfect pattern in this round-up!

Plus, you can make bows in any size and with basically any type of yarn! So grab your crochet hooks, and let’s look at some quick and easy decorative bow patterns!

1. Beginner Crochet Bow

You Should Craft

This is a basic, easy decorative bow pattern. Follow it, and you’ll be able to make three sizes of bows in no time! All you’ll need is a small amount of worsted yarn and knowledge of chaining and single crochet. Plus, the pattern includes a video tutorial, written instructions, and a chart, so it’s perfect for beginner crocheters of all learning styles!

2. Crochet Feminine Bow

Selina Veronique

Here’s a similar bow, but this one is a bit more delicate and feminine. It’s made with DK-weight yarn, and you only need to know how to chain, slip stitch, and half-double crochet. The designer has provided written instructions, progress photos, and even a video tutorial, so the pattern is very beginner friendly.

3. Classic Sailor Hair Bow

The Wannabe Grandma

This is a super cute hair bow that you could also use as decor! It’s made in the sailor bow style with diagonal ends on the tails. The best part? The bow can be made in five sizes, from mini through jumbo! Plus, the pattern calls for super easy stitches, so as long as you’re comfortable assembling the bow, you’ll be able to make one in just a few minutes!

4. Decorative Bow

Dora Does

Here’s another bow that’s assembled from three crocheted pieces. Like the designer says, it’s perfect for decor or gifts! The pattern calls for DK yarn, but you could use a lighter or bulkier weight to change your bow’s size. Just make sure to use a smaller hook size than your yarn calls for—this will ensure tight stitches. The pattern is super easy to follow and includes plenty of pictures, so if you’re a beginner crocheter, it’s a good choice.

5. Crochet Simple 3D Bow

As you can see from the designer’s photos, this bow is the perfect accessory for any crochet project, from blankets to clothes. It’s a fun three-dimensional bow with small tails and plenty of style! Just pick up your favorite DK-weight yarn and follow the written pattern or video tutorial, and you’ll have an easy bow in no time!

6. Easy Crochet Bow

Malloo Knits

This super-easy bow can be made with aran yarn or any other size. Choose your favorite yarn weight to match what size of bow you want! The pattern calls for basic stitches, though you’ll need to know how to work in the back loop only. The bow shape is achieved by winding yarn around the center of the crocheted piece, which is one of the easiest ways to make a bow!

7. Crochet Big Red Bow

Repeat Crafter Me

This big decorative bow is perfect for Christmas presents and holiday decor, especially if you use red yarn like the designer did. If you use worsted yarn, you’ll have a 9×7-inch bow. The pattern is pretty easy, though you’ll need to know how to do tall crochet stitches. Don’t worry if you haven’t used this technique before, because the designer explains it in the video tutorial and also provides a link to instructions.

8. Crochet Bow

Knot Bad Amigurumi & More

This bow has fun curly tails, just like when you curl a ribbon while wrapping gifts. You’ll need worsted weight yarn and can use it to make a small, medium, or large bow. Best of all, the pattern only calls for easy stitches, even for the curly tails!

9. Applique Ribbon Bow

Julia Kim Werts

This is a thin bow that would make a great hair accessory, gift bow, or other decoration. I love its delicate look! The pattern is easy to follow—just make sure to crochet into the loop created by your starting chains, rather than into the chains themselves.

10. Bow in the Round

Roaming Pixies

This bow uses a different technique than the rest of the patterns in this round up: working in the round. You just crochet a circle, then use yarn to tie off the middle and create a bow shape. You can do so many fun things with the colors in your circle, so you’ll definitely have bows that are unique to you. Plus, the stitches are easy and the bows can be made in 10 minutes or less!

11. Sassy Bow

Simply Collectible Crochet

These simple bows are super cute and colorful! They can be made in under 20 minutes, and they only require easy stitches plus the reverse single crochet/crab stitch, which is described in the pattern. They’d make a great decoration for pretty much anything!

12. Nyan Bow

NyanPon.com

This bow is a throwback to the popular Nyan Cat. It’s a great way to use up scrap yarn, because you’ll only need a small amount of each color. The pattern is easy to follow, but make sure you’re comfortable with color changes before you begin. For the sprinkles, the designer used small beads, but you could also sew in short scraps of colorful yarn.

13. Crochet Bow Tie

This is a super basic bow that works well for a bow tie, a hair bow, or decor. It can be made with scrap yarn, only requires easy stitches, and works up in five minutes or less! It’s definitely one of the most beginner-friendly decorative bows in this round up!

14. Large Bow

Michele Wilcox for Yarnspirations

Looking for a larger bow? Daisy Cottage Designs also has a pattern for that! This bow is made by holding two strands of worsted yarn together, which gives it a bulky look. The pattern is easy to follow and even includes instructions for two sizes of this large bow.

15. Red Heart Crochet Glamour Gift Bows

This pattern includes not one but two bow designs! They’re perfect for holiday gift bows. Just grab some Red Heart worsted yarn and you’ll be able to whip them up in no time. The white bow uses double crochets for a fun texture, and the red bow is made of a super cute rosette with curly tails, just like the festive Christmas bows you can buy at the store.

16. Crochet Heart Bow

Yarn Ballin’

This bow features a super-cute heart pattern. It looks great in Valentine’s Day colors like pink and red, but you can choose any colors you like. The pattern includes detailed instructions and progress photos, which is great because you’ll need to know how to work with two colors at once. Once you get the hang of it, this pattern is a breeze!

17. Chunky Bobble Bows

Lululoves

Last but not least is this adorable chunky bobble bow! The texture of the bobble stitch adds so much style to this accessory. The bows turn out quite large, and you can use either chunky/bulky yarn or two strands of worsted yarn held together. You’ll only need to know how to chain, single crochet, and do the bobble stitch, which is explained in the pattern. There are plenty of progress photos, so this is a beginner-friendly pattern.

The post 17 Quick and Easy Decorative Bow Free Crochet Patterns appeared first on Little World of Whimsy.

17 Crochet Baby Blanket Free Patterns (under 6 hours!)

Sara — Sat, 20 Jul 2024 18:31:16 +0000

Chances are there’s a baby in your life—maybe your own kid, or a niece or nephew, or maybe a friend is expecting. One of the best gifts for new parents and their babies is a cozy baby blanket! There are tons of free patterns for crochet baby blankets that can be made in six hours or less. Just grab some soft snuggly yarn, and let’s take a look at what you can make!

1. Granny Square Baby Blanket

Let’s start off with a super easy pattern that works up quickly. I’ve made this blanket myself, and the pattern is great! The pattern calls for three colors of aran yarn, though other yarn weights can also work well, and you can choose the perfect color combination to match your nursery. You’ll only need to know easy stitches, plus the picot stitch for the border.

2. Deluxe Baby Blanket

hobbii

This baby blanket has a gorgeous delicate lacy design. It looks absolutely amazing in a gradient yarn, like Cotton Kings Sultan Deluxe, a fingering weight cotton yarn. The pattern calls for easy stitches plus the shell stitch and V-stitch, and there are tons of photos to guide you through making the blanket. The pattern is very repetitive, so once you learn those stitches, you’ll be able to whip up the blanket in no time.

3. Easy Crochet Baby Blanket

For this blanket with its fun square-hole design, you’ll need just two skeins of Premier Basix or another soft worsted-weight yarn. The pattern calls for simple stitches and is worked in repeated rows, so this blanket is an easy, quick project. There also are instructions for size adjustments and an optional picot border.

4. Moss Stitch in a Square Crochet Blanket

Repeat Crafter Me

This baby blanket looks amazing in self-striping yarn like Caron Big Cakes, but you could also choose another worsted gradient yarn or switch between a variety of solid-color yarns as you work. The blanket is made using the moss stitch, which is very easy to learn. Plus, you can add fun tassels!

5. Rainbow Ripple Baby Blanket

Celeste Young Designs

This blanket has a very fun and colorful star-like design. Just choose your favorite colors of worsted yarn—the designer’s pastels look amazing, but so would any number of color palettes. You’ll need to know basic stitches plus the large and small shell stitches, which are explained in the pattern. And before you get started, make sure you know how to block your blanket to help it keep its shape.

6. Crochet Rainbow Moss Stitch Blanket

Here’s another baby blanket with a fun rainbow color palette. It uses the easy moss stitch and alternates between colorful yarn and white yarn for a speckled design. It’s super easy and will work up quickly, so it’s a good beginner pattern as long as you’re comfortable with color changes.

7. Crochet Modern Granny Blanket

This blanket is similar to a granny square, but it’s worked in rows instead of rounds. It uses basic stitches—mostly double crochet clusters—and is a great customizable project because you can choose any of your favorite colors for the stripes. It also works up quickly and can be adjusted to any size!

8. Baby Sea Turtle Blanket

Made by Mandy

This turtle baby blanket is so adorable and fun! I especially love how the designer chose sand and sea colors to make it look like the turtles are crawling into the ocean. You’ll need knowledge of easy stitches and how to work in the back loop only—that creates the chevrons that look like ocean waves. The turtle appliques are made with Kristin Jacobs’ amigurumi sea turtle pattern, which you can find here.

9. Sunflower Bloom Blanket

Little Brock Crochet

This gorgeous floral blanket is made of 42 granny squares, so once you get the hang of the square’s design, the project will work up super quickly! You’ll need DK yarn and knowledge of basic stitches plus the back-post half-double crochet stitch. And you could even use other yarn colors to make whatever flower you want in your granny squares!

10. The Sweet Granny Baby Blanket

TL Yarn Crafts

Here’s another blanket made of granny squares. The pops of color among the white squares, plus the picot border, make it absolutely stunning. You’ll need Lion Brand Wool-Ease yarn or another similar worsted yarn, plus knowledge of basic stitches and the picot stitch. Don’t worry if you don’t know the picot, since the pattern explains it!

11. Crochet Sedge Stripes Baby Blanket

This blanket is the perfect choice if you want to learn a new, easy stitch: the sedge stitch. This stitch gives the blanket a fun texture, and there’s even a YouTube tutorial linked to show you exactly how to do it. It’s also a very beginner-friendly pattern since it doesn’t call for a border. So pick up your favorite colors of chunky yarn, and you’ll have a baby blanket in no time!

12. Tributary Free Beginner Crochet Baby Blanket

Make & Do Crew

This blanket is super-duper soft, perfect for keeping a baby cozy! The designer used Lion Brand Baby Soft Boucle, which is discontinued, but you can find a similar fluffy yarn using YarnSub. You’ll also need Mandala Baby or a similar DK-weight yarn for the colorful contrasts. The pattern calls for easy stitches, and because you’ll be working into spaces instead of the stitches themselves, it’s actually quite a simple project even with fluffy yarn.

13. Shell Stitch Baby Blanket

The Stitchin’ Mommy

This blanket uses one of my favorite stitches: the shell stitch. It’s a very beginner-friendly pattern because and there’s a photo tutorial for the shell stitch and because gauge isn’t important. So pick up your three favorite colors of worsted-weight yarn, and you’ll have a baby blanket in just a few hours!

14. Crochet Pink Gingham Blanket