Simple Crochet Patterns for Kids

February 24, 2009 by Admin  
Filed under Crochet Patterns

Crochet patterns can range from simple to complex. Patterns consist of shapes in different sizes and colors, as well as curved lines. The complexity of patterns chosen is based on the skill of the person – beginner, intermediate or an expert.

Crochet can be done by anyone even children age 10. Before they can start on even the simplest patterns, they first have to learn the basic stitches in crochet; and once they know them, they can start on any pattern they want. Crochet patterns are available online for free, while some special patterns need to be purchased. You can even buy crochet pattern books in bookstores and craft shops. Below are great crochet patterns for kids and beginners.

There are patterns for hair accessories such as patterns for Pretty Bead Soup Scrunchies, Easy Pony Holders, and for end of braid scrunchy. Kids can also download dishcloth patterns to create a simple crochet dishcloth in different colors. Moreover, doing a simple mobile phone case pattern, purse pattern, or a simple crochet pin cushion is very appealing for kids. If you are a parent, choosing cute finger puppet patterns to crochet together is a perfect way to share quality time with each other.

Having kids do different patterns hones their skill in crocheting. If you are looking for more patterns for kids, you can always download other patterns from the internet, some of which are in PDF format, while others are in picture form which can be printed.

Indeed, these ideas are awesome! Still, do not limit your imagination on the patterns you see in books and online. You can even combine crochet and cross stitch to create more dramatic and beautiful products.

Search for Free Crochet Patterns Online

February 24, 2009 by Admin  
Filed under Crochet Patterns

You know how to crochet, but have no idea what to crochet? If you are at a loss for crochet patterns and have no money to buy crochet pattern books (or you just simply do not want to spend) the best place to look for free crochet patterns is through the internet. With just a click, you can browse hundreds of wonderful patterns that you can download or print for free!

Patterns are grouped according to the ability of the person. Usually there are crochet patterns for kids, for beginners, and for adults. However, some patterns are grouped according to category like fashion, kids, infants, kitchen accessories, hair accessories, and the likes. In searching for crochet patterns, you can choose any search engine you would like to use; but it is best to choose the most popular and widely used search engine like Google.

The best way to search for online crochet patterns for free is the use of key words. Keywords are essential to finding the desired information you are looking for in the internet. Since you are looking for free crochet patterns, you can type the words ‘free crochet patterns’ or ‘crochet patterns for free’ on the search bar. After typing in the keywords, you hit enter and a series of information will appear on your screen.

All you have to do is read the title of the articles and click on your chosen title. You may also play around with keywords, like omitting the word free and just type in crochet patterns. The important thing is to you type in the exact words that grasp the thought of what you are searching for.

What are Crochet Hooks?

February 24, 2009 by Admin  
Filed under Crochet Tools

Crochet hooks are a type of needles with a hook on its tip, which is used to draw the string inwards to form knotted loops in crochet or knitting. Hooks for crochet and knitting were used in the late 17th century. Most of hooks during that time were made from plastic, wood, aluminum, and casein. Some were even made of bones, ivory, steel, celluloid, porcupine quill and even mammoth ivory. Today, most crochet hooks are made from stainless steel and comes in different sizes.

The difference in hook size depends on hook brand, country, and crochet patter pattern. The size of the hook is usually measured in millimeters, which determines the thickness of the hook. For crochet hooks, the smallest size is 2.00mm and .6mm for steel hooks. While the biggest hook size are 15.75mm and 3mm respectively. Also, the size of the hook and its thickness is related on the type of thread being used. Since yarns are thick threads, crochet hooks are a bit bigger than hooks used for knitting.

Due to health reasons, hook manufacturers designed various types of hooks for people with arthritis. Some hooks are designed to avoid cramping, while others are made of bamboo and other lightweight materials because this type of hook makes slippery threads easy to crochet. With the new types of crochet hooks, crocheting and knitting are not only for healthy people, but also for any interested individuals even those with health concerns

Most beginners purchase steel hooks, eventually buying other hooks as their ability in crochet improves.

Choose the Right Crochet Thread

February 24, 2009 by Admin  
Filed under Crochet Tools

People new to the world of crochet and knitting are having a difficult time choosing which crochet thread to buy. True, choosing which thread can be quite tricky at first but the more you crochet, the easier the picking process will be for you. To make things simpler for you, here are 3 tips on how to buy the right crochet thread.

Tip #1. Choose crochet patterns which include a list of thread to use. When you buy a pattern or look up a certain pattern online, there will be a list of threads that you’ll need. Patterns which come with instructions including a list of needed threads are ideal for beginners.

Tip #2. Choose threads according to your desired crochet product. If your project is a colorful vest for your toddler, mid-sized threads are good; if you are working on finger puppets, thin threads are the best. Thread size is not the only concern. As you choose the thread according to your desired pattern, you also have to consider the purpose of your product. If the end product is for your baby, then, you must also choose the thread that is designed for babies.

Tip #3. Use the brand of thread most trusted or is widely used; because these brands have already established a reputation for quality.

Basically, choosing which thread depends on the kind of crochet you will be doing. Just keep these tips in mind, and soon enough you will learn how to choose the right crochet thread for your project.

4 Tips on Choosing the Right Crochet Yarn

February 24, 2009 by Admin  
Filed under Crochet Materials

Crochet yarn is a type of thread used in crochet. There are over 50 brands of yarns sold in craft shops and online crochet stores. If you are to exclusively use yarns in your crochet projects, you have to remember that there are different types of yarns. Below are 4 important tips on choosing the appropriate crochet yarn for your project.

1. For beginners, it is best to choose patterns which does not only give instructions on how to do the pattern but also lists down the tools, particularly the type of yarn, to be used. This way, you will be a hundred percent sure that the yarn you have bought is the right one.

2. Do research. It always pays off to gather information on the different types of yarns and its uses, especially if you are new at crocheting. As you gather information, you will learn about the types of yarns used for crocheting. This learning will guide you in choosing the right crochet yarn for your project.

3. Choose yarn type according to project type. If you are making a bonnet or vest for babies, you much choose the yarn that is for babies – baby yarn. This type of yarn is hypoallergenic and definitely safe to use for making infant clothes and accessories. There are also yarns for socks, eco-friendly yarns, metallic yarns, and other types.

4. It is better to purchase the yarn brand which is widely used or popular amongst crochet aficionados. These known brands have already established itself as a quality product. If you want to create beautiful things by crocheting, it is always best to use quality materials

Keep these tips in mind, and you will never go wrong when you go shopping for the perfect crochet yarn!

Crochet Lace – A Work of Art

February 24, 2009 by Admin  
Filed under Crochet Materials

Crocheting is a popular hobby amongst mainly women. It is interesting to note that unlike decades ago when most women who were into crochet are the elderly or the married ones, younger women today enjoy crocheting a lot. Crochet is not just a hobby for women. It is actually considered a work of art, particularly crochet lace.

Crochet lace is a lace product which was created through applying one’s skill in crochet. Fine threads are usually used to create an intricate pattern of lace. Such task needs time and dedication as well as passion. The beauty of the product is more evident if the person who created it put her heart into the crocheting process; because this way, the process of crocheting is carefully and meticulously done resulting to a beautiful work of art.

There are many types of crochet laces. There is the Venetian crochet, Irish, filet crochet, reticella lace, pineapple crochet, and the freeform. These laces are included in the pattern and are usually sewn on table cloths, bed sheets, or custom-made for special purposes.

If you want to have a copy of the different types of lace as well as lace patterns, you can always purchase crochet books in bookstores, craft shops, and online crochet stores. Lace patterns are also freely available online. All you need to do is type in the keywords on the search bar and a series of results will appear on your screen. Simply type in free lace patterns or just lace patterns, and you will have more than 10 options to choose from.

What to Look for Your First Crochet Baby Patterns

February 24, 2009 by Admin  
Filed under Featured

A baby’s first belongings are usually hand crochet fabrics either made by their mother of given by their loving grandmothers. It has been a tradition that a new born baby should have a hand made crochet and that’s probably the reason why crochet baby pattern are popular whether on stores or just surfing the net.

There is a large selection of crochet baby patterns available online that you can choose from, whether gifts for christening, a birthday present, or just something useful for your new born. With all the different designs and colors you will never be out of choices. Here are some of the patterns that I found online.

- An exceptional baby blanket that never goes out style. You can even make or buy one in different shapes, colors, and designs.

- Baby Afghans can surely wrap up your baby for a comfortable sleep.

- Baby booties to keep your baby’s toes protected.

- The ever loved baby sweaters to keep them warm in a night walk.

- Boy or girl ensembles that is very useful on a little walk at the park.

- When your baby girl is ready to walk a perfect crochet sun dress should be readily available.

- Eating won’t be messy with the crochet baby bibs.

- A baby bunting and cap or a cardigan for infant.

- Think crochet baby patterns’ only consist of the clothes wear… believe it or not you can also make cuddly bears and stuff animals using your crochet hooks.

Give Me 5 minutes and I’ll Teach You How to Crochet

February 24, 2009 by Admin  
Filed under Featured

Crochet is the method of crafting a fabric out of a yarn with the use of a crochet hook. In order to start with this method you should have a crochet hook and a yarn or thread of your desired color.

Crochet hooks comes in different varieties.

• Steel crochet hooks are used for fine crochet works and is 3.5 to 0.4 mm in hook size and 00 – 16 for American sizing.

• Plastic and aluminum crochet hooks are B to S for American size and 2.5 to 19 mm on regular sizing.

• There are hooks that are particularly used for Tunisian crochet it is stretched out and has a stopper at the edge of the handle.

• There are also crochet hooks that has hooks on both ends called the double-ended crochet hooks.

• The popular double hooked apparatus called Cro-hook.

• Other crochet hooks are the artisan-made, hand-turned wood, and there are also precious hooks that are decorated with stones and beads.

For novice crochet maker here’s some easy step on how to crochet.

First, put a running knot ring on the hook then make another ring/loop and pull it from beginning to end the initial loop. Continue with this process until you made the chain of your desired length. Both chains can be crooked and designed in rows, or attached at the start of the row using a slip stitch and shaped in rounds. Rounds can be done by running several stitches hooked on a single loop. You can make stitches by drawing a single or several loops side to side with every loop on the chain. Remember that for every end of the stitch there should only be a single loop remaining on the hook. Tunisian crochet on the other hand, pulls out every loop of an entire row on an elongated hook prior to working them off individually.