Crochet Tutorials

Free Crochet Pattern: Weaveless Colorful Granny

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FREE, CONDENSED PATTERN BELOW

Any seven colors may be used with stunning effect. The colors pictured are derived from the seven colors of the natural rainbow, in order: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Reverse the colors and you have the other half of a double rainbow. Alternate the squares in a project for eye-popping color and a pleasing design.

This pattern employs the Weaveless Color-Change Joins technique, which uses the tidy and sturdy fisherman’s knot (aka magic knot), greatly reducing the number of yarn tails to be woven or sewn in at the end of the project. In this solid granny square, the color changes and joining are done at the corners, eliminating an ugly seam.

The color changes are implemented during the final steps of each round. The secret to the knot ending up in the correct place is this: prior to completing the final [dc, ch1, sc] at the end of each round, cut the working yarn to a length of about 7” and join the new yarn color with a knot. The expanded pattern contains a detailed photo tutorial.

In order to test the durability of these knots, this technique was tested in a dish scrubber pattern. After repeated, vigorous use, the knots remain very much intact.

Materials: Seven different colors of worsted weight or 10-ply (#4) yarn. Total yardage for one square: 52.25 yds. Colors pictured: Red Heart Super Saver (RHSS) Lavendar, RHSS Light Blue, RHSS Aruba Sea, RHSS Melon, RHSS Light Yellow, Lion Brand Pound of Love in Creamsicle, and RHSS Light Raspberry. 

Yards per Round: Rnd 1 – 1.75, Rnd 2 – 3.5, Rnd 3 – 5.5, Rnd 4 – 7.5, Rnd 5 – 9.25, Rnd 6 – 11.25, and Rnd 7 – 13.5.

Tools: H8 (5mm) hook, yarn needle, and scissors.

Gauge/Size: Three rounds make a 3” x 3” square. Seven rounds make a 7.5” x 7.5” square.

Abbreviations: CCJ – color change join, ch – chain, dc – double crochet (UK – treble crochet), NJ – needle join (aka invisible join), sc – single crochet (UK – double crochet), sl st – slip stitch, sp – space, sq – square, st(s) – stitch(es), yo – yarn over (UK – yarn over hook).

Special Instructions

  • Beginning ch3, and ch2 do count as a st in this pattern.
  • Color-Change Join (CCJ): Prior to final dc, ch1, cut working yarn to a length of 7” (18 cm), work Color-Change Knot. To complete rnd, dc, ch1, sc into top ch of ch-3 (or ch-2) that began round, resulting in new yarn color on hook.
  • Color-Change Knot: Lay two colors of yarn in parallel configuration, next to each other on flat surface. Ends should be aiming in different directions, like two trains passing each other on parallel tracks. Start with end of yarn attached to project, wrap it around the new yarn and tie it into a knot. Tail should be about 1 inch long. Wrap other end around first strand and tie into a knot. Length of this end doesn’t matter. Pull on both strands until the two knots are snugly next to each other. Cut off both short ends very close to knot. Continue as instructed.
  • Corner Shell (CS): 2dc, ch2, 2dc.
  • Start New Round (SNR): Sl st back into same corner space to cover old yarn color with new yarn color. Cinch down tightly, to avoid loose loop. Ch2 loosely (= dc), then dc into same corner space just made.
  • Needle join (NJ) (a.k.a. Invisible Join)
    • Leaving last loop on hook, cut working yarn about 6 inches (15 cm) away from hook. Gently pull newly cut yarn through loop on hook, making sure to leave last loop loose. Remove hook and set it aside.
    • Thread cut end of yarn through yarn needle. Gently insert yarn needle from front to back under both top loops of stitch indicated. Pull tail through to back of fabric.
    • Insert yarn needle from front to back through last stitch of round, where yarn was pulled through. Pull tail tightly until it disappears, to keep from adding a loop to the stitch count.
    • Turn your work over and use yarn needle to weave in end, making sure to keep appropriate tension. Snip end of yarn.

Procedure 

Rnd 1. With A, start with magic circle [or ch4 and join with sl st in first chain.] Ch3 (=dc), 2dc, ch2 in ring, * 3dc, ch2 in ring. Repeat from * two more times, CCJ. 20 sts.

Rnd 2. Continuing with B, SNR, dc in next 3 sts, *corner shell, dc in next 3 sts. Repeat from * two more times, CCJ. 36 sts.

Rnd 3. Continuing with C, SNR, dc in next 7 sts, *corner shell, dc in each of next 7 sts. Repeat from * two more times. CCJ. 52 sts.

Rnd 4. Continuing with D, SNR, dc in each of next 11 sts, *corner shell, dc in next 11 sts. Repeat from * two more times. CCJ. 68 sts.

Rnd 5. Continuing with E, SNR, dc in next 15 sts, *corner shell, dc in next 15 sts. Repeat from * two more times. CCJ. 84 sts.

Rnd 6. Continuing with F, SNR, dc in next 19 sts, *corner shell, dc in next 19 sts. Repeat from * two more times. CCJ. 100 sts.

Rnd 7. Continuing with G, SNR, dc in next 23 sts, *corner shell, dc in next 23 sts. Repeat from * two more times. NJ. 116 sts.

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Free Crochet Pattern: Stripey Pouch (Helix)

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FREE, CONDENSED VERSION BELOW

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This is the FREE, condensed version of this pattern. An expanded, printable, ad-free version is available for $2.00 in my Ravelry store or my Etsy Shop.

The expanded version contains a photo tutorial, abbreviations, detailed explanations for the needle join, extended dc, standing extended dc, standing sc, alternate tasseled drawstrings, and tips for keeping 4 yarn balls organized.

This soft drawstring pouch protects eyewear from scratches. Use bright colors so you never lose your glasses again. It can also hold all sorts of small objects, such as phone chargers, pens, pencils, and wrapped snacks.

This project works up quickly, taking only one to two hours, so it makes a great last-minute gift. Worked in four colors, this pattern employs the helix method of crocheting in a spiral, which eliminates an awkward seam.

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Skill Level: Intermediate.

Stitches/Techniques: Ch, edc, standing edc, sc, standing sc, sl st, needle join, and the helix method for single-row stripes.

Finished Measurements: 8.5” long x 3.5” wide (21.5 x 9 cm).

Tools: H/8-5.0 mm hook, tapestry/yarn needle, 4 st markers (optional), and scissors. If you crochet loosely, you might want to go down one hook size to make denser fabric.

Materials: 58 yds (34 g, 1.2 oz, 53 m) of any brand of worsted-weight yarn. Each color requires approximately 14.5 yds (8.5 g, 0.3 oz, 13.25 m).

Gauge: 8 sts and 9 rows in 2” (5 cm) of single crochet.

A note about yarn colors: A is lightest, B and C are mid-range, and D is darkest. The colors are not started in alphabetical order. (Expanded pattern includes photo tutorial.)

Until the helix is established in Rnd 3, you may wish to use st markers in loose lps, to avoid losing sts.

Procedure

Rnd 1. With B, ch15. Sc in 2nd ch from hk and next 13 sts. Pull up lp and remove hk. Rotate piece clockwise (counter clockwise for left-handed crocheters). With A, work standing sc in same st (on opposite side of chain). Sc in next 12 sts. Bases of these A sts will be located in same place as B sts in first half of rnd. Pull up lp and remove hk. With D, work standing sc in last st. Pull up lp and remove hk. (Expanded pattern includes instructions for standing sc.)

Rnd 2. With C, work standing sc in first sc of Rnd 1. Sc in next 10 sts sts. Pull up lp and remove hk. Insert hk in B lp, tighten lp, sc in standing sc of A from Rnd 1 and in next 10 sts. Pull up lp and remove hk.

Rnd 3. Insert hk in D lp, tighten lp, sc in standing sc of C at beginning of Rnd 2. Sc in next 7 sts. Pull up lp and remove hk. Insert hk in A lp, tighten lp, sc in standing sc of D and in next 5 sts. Pull up lp and remove hk. The helix is now established. Weave in all beginning yarn ends with yarn needle.

Rnds 4 – 32. *Insert hk in any lp, tighten lp, and continue working sc until there are only a few unworked sts of next color. Pull up lp and remove hk. Repeat from * around entire pouch, until pouch is 7.5” long. This is approximately 32 rounds. It is difficult to count rounds, because they form a spiral with no clear beginning or end. Managing yarn balls is possible. Just take your time and you’ll get into the rhythm. (Expanded pattern includes photo tutorial.)

Rnd 33. Final helix round: Work NJ as close as possible to both right and left edges of pouch, two colors on one edge and the other two colors on the other edge. Finish colors on same edge as that on which they were begun. (Expanded pattern includes photo tutorial.)

Rnd 34. Using any color, work standing edc in any st. (Expanded pattern includes detailed instructions.) Work edc in every remaining st around. NJ.

Rnd 35. Using any color, work standing sc in any st. Work sc in every remaining st around. NJ.

Simple Knotted Drawstrings
Make 2 for each pouch.

Ch 60. Cut yarn and pull tail out through last st. Pull sts at both ends of chain tightly and, leaving about 3” (7.5 cm), snip tails. Lightly press bag flat with your hands. Starting from either side of edc round, weave first drawstring in and out around posts of sts, until both ends of drawstring come out on same side of bag. Use yarn needle, hook, or fingers. Tie ends together in a firm knot, being sure to include actual chain, not just tails. Snip ends neatly.

Repeat for second drawstring, starting on opposite side of bag. Make sure to weave second drawstring behind and in front of the same posts as with first drawstring. Both ends of second drawstring will come out on opposite side of bag from first drawstring. Tie ends together in a firm knot. Add beads or buttons, if desired. Snip ends neatly.

(Expanded pattern includes alternate, tasseled drawstrings with photo tutorial.)

Enjoy your creativity.

This pattern was professionally edited by Amy Curtin, editor for Crochet Now magazine. It was also extensively tested in my Ravelry group, Cheryl Dee Crochet Designs.

Copyright 2018 by Cheryl Dee Floyd. All Rights Reserved. You are welcome to give away or to sell any items you make from this pattern. You may not copy, distribute, or otherwise publish this pattern as your own. More patterns: https://www.ravelry.com/stores/cheryl-dee or https://www.etsy.com/shop/CherylDeeCrochet……….

Crochet Tutorial: Mountain Picot

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I’m calling this the “Mountain Picot,” because it’s very pointy, as opposed to most picots I see, which are rather rounded. Here are some photos that show how it’s done.

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Chain 2. Insert hk into 2nd ch from hk.

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YO and pull up lp. Insert hk under 2 strands shown.

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YO and pull up lp to make 3 lps on hk.

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Yarn over…

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…and pull thru all lps and continue with next sts in pattern.

Give this a try and let me know how you like it!