Crochet Me

Pom pom

AmyPalmer — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 22:04:00 GMT

Cut two circles of cardboard, each 1⁄2” (1.3 cm) larger than desired finished pom-pom width. Cut a small circle out of the center and a small edge out of the side of each circle (Figure 1). Tie a strand of yarn between the circles, hold circles together and wrap with yarn—the more wraps, the thicker the pompom. Knot the tie strand tightly and cut between the circles (Figure 2). Place pom-pom between two smaller cardboard circles held together with a needle, and trim the edges (Figure 3). This technique comes from Nicky Epstein’s Knitted Embellishments, Interweave Press, 1999.

Applied slip stitch crochet

AmyPalmer — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 22:00:00 GMT

With crochet hook, right side facing, and holding yarn under fabric and hook on right side of work, insert hook through fabric, pull up a loop. Insert hook a short distance away, yarn over hook (Figure 1), and pull a new loop up and through loop on hook (Figure 2).

Double base crochet

AmyPalmer — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:58:00 GMT

see Foundation Double-crochet

Base chain single crochet

AmyPalmer — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:51:00 GMT

See Foundation Single Crochet

Slip-stitch seam

AmyPalmer — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:50:00 GMT

Make a slipknot with seaming yarn and place on hook. With RS of pieces facing each other, *insert hook through both pieces of fabric under the stitch loops, wrap yarn around hook to form a loop (Figure 1), and pull loop back through both pieces of fabric and through the loop already on hook (Figure 2). Repeat from *, maintaining firm, even tension.

Blanket stitch

AmyPalmer — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:49:00 GMT

This stitch, worked from left to right, is great for edging a knitted garment or blanket. Bring threaded needle out from back to front at the center of a knitted stitch. *Insert needle at center of next stitch to the right and two rows up, and out at the center of the stitch two rows below. Repeat from *.

Satin stitch

AmyPalmer — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:42:00 GMT

This stitch is ideal for filling in open areas, such as the center of leaves or flowers. Work closely spaced straight stitches, in graduated lengths as desired, and entering and exiting in the center of or at the side of the crocheted stitches.

Herringbone stitch

AmyPalmer — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:40:00 GMT

French knot

AmyPalmer — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:35:00 GMT

Bring needle out of background from back to front, wrap yarn around needle 1 to 3 times and use thumb to hold in place while pulling needle through wraps into background a short distance from where it came out.

Raised (M1) increases (knitting)

AmyPalmer — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:34:00 GMT

With left needle tip, lift strand between needles from front to back (Figure 1), knit lifted loop through the back (Figure 2).

Woven seams

AmyPalmer — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:32:00 GMT

Place pieces side by side on a flat surface, right sides facing you and the edges lined up row by row or stitch by stitch.

Step 1: Secure seaming yarn on wrong side of piece A at start of seam. Pass needle to right side at bottom of first stitch.

Step 2: Put needle through bottom of first stitch of piece B and pass it up to right side again at top of stitch (or in stitch above, if you’re working in single crochet).

Step 3: Put needle through bottom of first stitch of piece A, exactly where you previously passed needle to right side, and bring needle to right side at top of same stitch.

Step 4: Put needle through piece B where you previously passed needle to right side, and bring needle to right side at the top of same or next stitch.

Step 5: Put the needle through piece A, where you previously passed needle to right side, and bring needle through to right side at top of stitch. Repeat Steps 4 and 5, gently tightening seam as you go, being careful not to distort fabric. Allow rows to line up but don’t make seam tighter than edges themselves. Edges will roll to the wrong side of work. Secure end of seaming yarn.

Backstitch seam

AmyPalmer — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:31:00 GMT

Bring right sides of pieces together. Hold pieces in your hand with the 2 edges facing you and piece A closest to you. Work from right to left.

Step 1: Secure seaming yarn on wrong side of piece A at start of the seam. Pass needle through both pieces, from front to back in first stitch. Then bring needle back to front through the first stitch to the left.

Step 2: Pass needle to back, at the same spot worked in Step 1. Then bring needle to front in 2nd stitch to the left.

Step 3: Pass needle to back in first stitch to the right where the needle came through in previous stitch. Bring needle to front in 2nd stitch to the left.

Repeat Step 3 to complete seam. Secure end of seaming yarn.

Stem stitch embroidery

AmyPalmer — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:30:00 GMT

Bring the needle through the fabric from the back. Take a stitch as shown, keeping the thread below the needle. Repeat. The needle always emerges on the left side of the previous stitch so that the stitches overlap slightly.

Single-crochet seam

AmyPalmer — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:29:00 GMT

Place the pieces together with the wrong or right sides facing depending on whether you want your seam to be hidden on the wrong side or show on the right side of your work. Hold the pieces in your hand with the two edges facing you.

Insert the hook through both pieces at the beginning of the seam and pull up loop, chain 1. Work a row of single crochet by inserting your hook through both pieces at the same time. Complete the seam and secure the end of the seaming yarn.

Mattress Stitch

AmyPalmer — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:23:00 GMT

Wi th RS facing, use threaded needle to *bring the needle through the center of the first stitch or post on one piece, then through the center of the corresponding stitch or post of the other piece. Repeat from * to end of seam.

Easy Crochet Patterns

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:36:00 GMT

Beginning and advanced crocheters alike appreciate easy crochet patterns. Here at Crochet Me, simplicity doesn’t mean lack of sophistication. We never sacrifice style or taste when bringing these easy crochet patterns to you.

Free Crochet Patterns

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:36:00 GMT

Browse through Crochet Me’s collection of free crochet patterns. New designs are constantly being added, and whether you are looking for step by step instruction or inspiration, Crochet Me has the pattern for you.

How to Crochet

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:36:00 GMT

Now learning to crochet is as easy as browsing Crochet Me. You will find detailed instructions, hundreds of patterns, and plenty of inspiration to get your hook moving.

Tunisian Crochet

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:36:00 GMT

The experts at Crochet Me are ready to share the secrets of Tunisian crocheting with you. This stitch involves similar skills to knitting and can produce beautiful results. Find tutorials, step by step instruction, patterns, and everything you need to master this artful technique.

Crochet Scarf

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:35:00 GMT

Find a scarf pattern for any occasion (or no occasion at all) right here at Crochet Me. In addition to patterns, we also offer expert tips and ideas to help you make your knitted accessories uniquely you!

Crochet Shawl

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:35:00 GMT

Shawls are an incredible accessory for any occasion or even to wrap up in on a rainy day. Follow along with Crochet Me as we discuss finishing options, offer advice on the best yarn to use, show you the latest shawl designs, and so much more.

Crochet Stitch

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:35:00 GMT

Part of the fun in learning to crochet, is familiarizing yourself with the various stitches at your fingertips. Discover when to use a front post double crochet, or a popcorn, and much more with Crochet Me.

Crochet Sweater

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:35:00 GMT

Every fiber artist has dreamed of the perfect sweater. Cozy up with Crochet Me as we discuss alternate finishing options, offer advice on the best yarn to use, show you the latest fashion trends, and so much more.

Crochet Hat

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:34:00 GMT


Flutter By Hat, Interweave Crochet Accessories 2011

As crocheters, we make a lot of hats. Beanies, cloches, berets, stocking caps, tams, hoods, and hats with earflaps all make fashionable accessories. They also make wonderful gifts and donations. Many crocheted hat patterns are fun, simple projects that can be completed in a short amount of time, and the one-size-fits-many pattern sizing is invaluable when you don't know the exact clothing size of the intended recipient.

Because they are small, hats are also a great project with which to learn a new technique. They provide more latitude in gauge and stitch uniformity that a larger project such as a cardigan. You can find hat patterns that incorporate cables, tapestry crochet, Tunisian crochet in the round, lace, colorwork, and much more. And because of this broad range of hat styles, you will never be bored, whether you are a beginning crocheter or are looking for a new and challenging project.

Whether you are looking for a vintage design or a simple crocheted hat, Crochet Me has a pattern to fit your personality.

Crochet a Circle


Goldilocks Family of Hats, Interweave Crochet Accessories 2010

Crochet Me Shop Hat ePatterns

Campus Field Cap
This hat gets a fresh look with a splash of color!

Gloria's Happy Hat
This is the perfect topper for a questionable hair day!

Boyfriend Beanie
Self-striping sock yarn creates unique colorwork.

Audrey's Lace Cap
Channel your inner movie star with this elegant cap.

Find More Crochet Hat Resources
in the Crochet Me Shop:

Crochet Hat Books and eBooks

Crochet Hat CD Collections

Crochet Hat DVDs/Videos

Crochet Hat Magazines

Crochet Hat Patterns

The circle will become the top of the hat. Here are the ground rules:

1 |The number of stitches in the first round of the circle is the number of stitches you should increase in each subsequent round. So, if you start with six single crochet stitches in the first round, you should increase by six single crochet stitches in each of the following rounds. In Round 2, you would have twelve single crochets. In Round 3, you would have eighteen single crochets. And so on. By Round 10, you'll have sixty stitches.

2 | The taller the stitch, the more stitches there should be in the first round. In most cases you should start with six single crochets in the first round, or eight half double crochets, or twelve double crochets. Sometimes, you'll break this rule. If the yarn is really bulky, use fewer stitches; if it's a fi ne yarn, use more stitches. But, no matter how many stitches you start with, Rule 1 holds: Increase by the number of stitches you start with.

3 | The front always faces. Don't turn the work. Some hat patterns instruct you to turn, in which case you should. But for this formula, don't turn. For your practice swatch, use lightcolored, smooth, worsted-weight yarn.

Source: Interweave Crochet Accessories 2010

Teach Someone You Know to Crochet A Hat


Summer Cloche, Hip to Crochet

It is amazing how many friends, family members, and coworkers have expressed a desire to learn to crochet and just need a willing teacher and a few fun and easy patterns to become passionate crocheters. I'm sure you have had a friend or two express a desire to learn the art of crochet as she (or he) admires your latest project.

My advice: Start with easy and fun projects such as hats, scarves, or bags. Hip to Crochet or Getting Started Crochet, both by Judith L. Swartz, are both a great place to start. The stitch illustrations and explanations will help visualize the construction of the stitches and the quick, colorful projects walk the novice crocheter through the fundamentals without being boring.

Pattern Source: Hip to Crochet 23 Contemporary Projects for Today's Crocheter by Judith Swartz, Interweave Press, 2004

Create Your Own Crocheted Hat Pattern


Street-smart Hat, Design Your Own Hat with Robyn Chachula

Crocheted hats are my go-to project. I make at least 5 hats for every other project I manage to complete. They make incredible presents that recipients of all ages love; there are an infinite variety of patterns; and they are fast. Consequently, I am always looking for new hat ideas. Whenever I see a new stitch pattern my first thought is, "What would that look like as a hat."

However incorporating a new stitch pattern into a hat can seem like a daunting challenge. You have to take into account the shaping at the crown and the accompanying math that invariably accompanies shaping. But it's really much simpler than it appears. Robyn Chachula cleverly walks through the steps in her new video, Design Your Own Crocheted Hat.

Pattern Source: Design Your Own Crocheted Hat with Robyn Chachula, Interweave Press, 2011


Hat Squared, Crocheted Gifts

Donate to a Charity

Craftivism, or crafting for charity, is an integral part of crochet for many people. I am so inspired by the stories you share on Crochet Me, and this year, I want give craftivism a larger role in my crochet goals. I think I'll start with hats. The Hat Squared (at right) makes a great easy pattern. The fact that it is worked in a bulky yarn also means I can crochet one of these warm hats in an evening. If you are aiming for this goal, and are worried about fitting it into the rush of life, consider joining or creating a crochet group. We are stronger together.

Pattern Source: Interweave Presents Crocheted Gifts: Irresistible Projects to Make & Give by Kim Werker, Interweave Press, 2009

Featured Product: Design Your Own Crocheted Hat with Robyn Chachula
DVD Workshop

Designer and author Robyn Chachula walks you through the process of designing your own crocheted hat, whether simple or complex in design. You'll start by choosing the right yarn for your project, pick out a stitch pattern that is easy to shape, and explore hat fashions, from berets to caps, newsboy brims, slouchy hats, and even a floppy sunhat. No matter what your style, Robyn's guide to crocheting one-of-a-kind hats will improve your crochet design skills and leave you with original accessories to cap off your wardrobe.

PLUS, included with this DVD is a worksheet Robyn uses for her crochet classes that makes designing even easier! And, Robyn has also included two of her popular hat patterns, the Crochet Bobble Beret and Street Smart Hat, both downloadable from this DVD.

Design Your Own
Crocheted Hat
with Robyn Chachula

Order the DVD today! Can't wait to start designing your own hats? This workshop is also available as an instant video download!

Crochet Instructions

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:34:00 GMT

Crochet me has an extensive collection of crochet instructions for crocheters of all levels. Browse easy crochet patterns, expert tips, step by step instruction, yarn technique and so much more.