StoneGnome

You really don't need that little knot in the beginning of your next crochet project. Here is a video showing how to avoid it.

It works with regular crochet as well as Tunisian and it doesn't matter how you like to hook into your starting chain.

Crochet a heart for Mother's Day.


This one doesn't need blocking, but it is still super cute and easy to do.

Working with 3 strands at once is fast and gives you a different and softer look than a bulkier yarn does - and you might save yarn too.


See here how to do it without getting into a big mess and get some tips about yarn usage, hook size etc.

We love new stitches. And being an experienced crocheter, you might sometimes think, you have seen it all.


Then a new stitch pops up and makes everyone excited.

Here is a beautiful open Valentines Heart for you. It is a free pattern.


Use it for decoration or as a bookmark.

Here is a free snowflake pattern for you, that can bring bright snow into your life.


Use it, if you feel everything gets empty, when Christmas decorations are put away, or if you are living on the top of a mountain with no snow - or just want to prepare for next Christmas.

Fluffy yarn, fuzzy yarn, fur yarn or eyelash yarn. All of these long-fibered yarn types aren't always easy to crochet with. But, they look so fluffy and soft and kitten-like...


Here are a couple of tips for you, so you are prepared next time you find a fluffy or furry yarn.

In my last blog post, I showed you how to link stitches. I also have a suggestion of how to do a back-linked stitch, which is much less visible.

Furthermore it gives you a fantastic texture and drape. This is truly useful for scarves and other things you wear.

Back-Linked Stitches

When doing 'ordinary' linked stitches, you get a visible link at the front of the stitch. Sometimes you don't want that. In that case, I've work out a method, where you use a bump on the back of a stitch to link into.


Notice. You can link double crochet (dc) and taller stitches (US terms), though you can also link a dc to a half double crochet stitch (hdc), if the hdc is made first.

Tutorial

Like linked stitches, back-linked stitches are also made by replacing the normal yarn-over (YO) with a link. In back-linked stitches you insert the hook into a bump on the back of the last stitch. Look at the back of a chain stitch. There is a bump there, we will use.

Taller stitches usually start with 2 or more YO. Each of these YOs should be replaced with a insert-into-the-back-bump-yo-pull-up-loop.

Foundation. Make a row of 8 chains. Turn with 2 chains. Be careful NOT to tighten the last chain and the loop on the hook too much or you cannot insert the hook in the bump.

Note. The 2nd chain from the hook will be the 'footer' of this 2-chain turn stitch (for regular linked stitches the 3rd chain is the 'footer'.)

1. Make the first back-linked stitch by turning your work, so you can see the back of your last chain. Find the first back bump close to the hook and insert the hook here. YO and pull up a loop.

2. Skip one chain and insert the hook in the next stitch/chain as you would do with a normal dc. YO and pull up a loop.

3. Finalize the dc as usual. *YO and pull through two loops.* Repeat this.

4. The back-linked stitch is done. If you count the 2-chain-stitch, there are now 2 stitches in the row.

All the following stitches look alike. Turn your work a little, so you can see and find the back bump closest to the hook.

5. Insert the hook in the back bump. YO and pull up a loop.

6. Insert the hook it the top of the previous row or chain (as usual). YO and pull up a loop.

7. Finalize your stitch as usual. *YO, pull through two loops* until there is only one loop left on the hook.

Turning

Turn with 2 chains. Do not tighten the last chain too much.The first linked stitch can be difficult, if you tighten your chains too much.

1. Find the back bump of your last chain and insert the hook here. YO and pull up a loop.

2. Insert your hook into the next stitch of the previous row (as usual). YO and pull up a loop.

Finalize the stitch as usual with *YO and pull through two loops* twice. Repeat 5)-7) all across for a full row of linked stitches.

Video

I know some of you like a video. So I hope this is useful for you. Remember to click like, if you like it and I would also love if you subscribe to more on youtube.

The Geeky Note

When I had worked with linked stitches for a short while, something hit me. If you have tried linked stitches with taller stitches and if you know Tunisian crochet by heart, maybe you have seen it too. To me, linked stitches are similar to short rows of Tunisian crochet stitches.

Ordinary linked stitches are Tunisian simple stitches and the back-linked version is similar to the Tunisian top stitch - which btw, is one of my favorite Tunisian stitches due to its drape and how it can be used for a flexible rib.

What Name to Use?

So, maybe we could just call linked stitches for short rows of Tunisian simple stitch and the back-linked stitches for short rows of Tunisian top stitch?

Well... my problem is that I need to add a disclaimer here. I believe some has argued that linked stitches are NOT Tunisian stitches. I don't see any difference, but now I'm not sure, if we should call them one thing or another - or if the purpose and way of thinking of them can justify two different names.

Funny world, right?

I'll show you how to link crochet stitches and eliminate the slit between them.


It is very useful, if you want to use a tall stitch for an amigurumi figure or just want another stitch in your stitch collection.

Christmas gets closer every day. All full of love and (Xmas) hearts. Here is a free heart pattern for you.


I'll guide you at the beginning of the diagram as well as at the parts, when new things happen. So even if you are a newbie, you should be able to finalize this.

Have you been told to hold your hook as a pencil or maybe as a knife? This might be wrong for you.


Then, how to hold the hook? And how to avoid pain, if you want to crochet a lot?

I was asked about the washcloth / dishcloth I made for the slip stitch tutorial.


I used Color Stacking which is a member of the Planned Pooling family. A great way to have fun with colors. The tutorial here helps you with your first color stacking project.

Make a nice decoration for your bottle of water. Use it as nice touch or for more practical reasons.


Everybody brings a bottle of water at the fitness center or at a field trip. Some of the bottles look very much alike, and occasionally it can be difficult to find the right one.

Here is a pattern for a bottle decoration, that makes your bottle unique.

Say hello to another happy member of the baby toy family. The Smiley Cloud.


As a gift to everyone on the newsletter list and following on facebook, The crochet pattern is FREE for a few days - but on Ravelry only! Use the coupon code FREECLOUD.

Need boot cuffs - or just want to practice slip stitches? Use the boot cuffs as decoration, to stay warm or to give the boots a nice soft top.

A new pattern is out. A cute little Smiley Moon.


The Smiley Moon has actually existed for quite some time. Now it exists as a written pattern too. Find it at www.lovecrochet.com or Ravelry.

There are many ways to crochet a cord or strap. With or without an eye. And more or less elegant, when it comes to hide and weave in the loose ends.


I like a method, where both yarn ends are easy to hide afterwards. Here is a tutorial of how to do that.

Ever thought about using (video) cassette tape for a crochet project? It is smooth and soft and got a distinct metallic color. Apparently, it isn't such a good idea though.

Have you noticed too, that your double crochet patterns, sometimes do NOT look as straight and ordered as you dreamed of? They are skewed/slanted.


The solution to this is really simple and easy to remember. And it works for all higher stitches - not just double crochet.

Bymami has this exquisite pattern package with 5 different succulents. I wanted to try one with variegated yarn, and then I made a tuft of (sea)grass as well to create a sea theme. This might be a good way of spending leftover yarn.


Get links and patterns here.