StoneGnome

Crochet Love · Crochet & Tunisian Crochet · Studying, Developing, and Teaching Crochet Techniques

  • Home/Blog
  • Crochet
    • Basic Skills
    • Beyond the Basics
    • Advanced Crochet
    • Stitches and Stitch Patterns
  • Tunisian Crochet
    • Basic Tunisian Skills
    • Beyond the Basics
    • Advanced Tunisian Skills
    • Stitches and Stitch Patterns
  • Tutorials n Guides
    • Guides
    • Step by Step Tutorials
    • Stitches and Stitch Patterns
  • Patterns
    • Free Patterns
    • Paid Patterns
  • Themes
    • Slip Stitches (ss)
    • Felting
    • Hats
    • Ribbing
    • Split Crochet Love
    • Top Stitch
    • Amigurumi
    • Small Hearts
    • Ornaments
    • Seasonal Themes n more
  • About
    • Contact Me
    • Copyright and Selling
    • Personal Data, Cookies and Marketing
Have you noticed Double Crochet Stitches (dc) tend to get skewed/slanted? Sometimes it's very visible and if you want to straighten them out, the solution is simple and easy to remember. It can be used for taller stitches too.

Avoid Skewed Double Crochet Stitches

For me this mostly applies to open crochet projects, However, it does happen that I also use this technique in something like a granny square with lots of DCs next to each other. It just adds a little extra to the overall look.

When your double crochet (dc) stitches don't line up as beautiful as you want, the reason can be, that you have a very open pattern and/or very loose stitches. The loose work makes room for the foot of the stitches to move a little in the horizontal direction. Chevron patterns can make the imperfection even more visible.

Another Double Crochet Tip: Start a Row with a Fake Stitch

The Workaround

You avoid the messy look by inserting your hook differently. If you look closely at the top of a dc stitch, you can see the hole you would normally use. At the bottom right of the regular hole is a small loop. If you stitch through this loop, it will help the foot of your dc stay put on top of the previous dc.

Crochet nicer double crochet stitches

The slope only exists at the top of higher stitches, so don't look for it, when you are about to hook into a chain stitch.

Related article: Linked Stitches

Stitch Height

Your workaround stitches will be slightly shorter, than a regular dc. So don't change the way of stitching in the middle of a project. If you are about to start on a new project, then make sure to do your gauge swatch with the exact stitch you want to use.

Workaround for avoiding Skewed DC Stitches

When (Not) to Use the Workaround

As said already, this little double crochet trick is mostly needed, when you work on something loose, open, and/or chevron. If you work on a project with a lot of dc stitches close to each other - or a tighter piece - chances are, the stitches fill in all holes beautifully. 

Only in a few tighter cases - like an outside-in granny square I recently played around with - it makes sense. Here, the hole pattern relies a lot on stitches being placed upon each other. Hence I used the dc workaround and got really nice stitches.

Crochet Granny Square - Outside-in

Btw. the granny square idea shown here, was presented to me by Tuula Maaria @instagram. See her youtube video, if you want to try one too :)


Note. The original post was made in July 2017. The latest update is from May 2021.

Share
Tweet
Pin
3 comments
Suddenly there were Bernie Sanders' mittens all over. What a joy and GREAT inspiration :) Like many other yarn geeks, I've tried to see if I could figure out the color pattern of the mittens.
I'm not sure, though I will make the actual mittens. However, I do have quite a detailed idea of HOW I would do it and maybe this could be of interest to you?

I would crochet in the round in waistcoat stitches (ws), so the mittens got the knitted feeling and would be as warm and cozy as they look at the photos of Bernie Sanders.

The Color Pattern

I had great fun making the color pattern. I used a drawing app on my iPad, that can do grids and layers, but I can also recommend StitchFiddle if you want to make your own stitch pattern and be sure your gauge works well.

Related blog post: From Image to Crochet Chart

Here is my green version of the color pattern. Choose whatever color you like.
Bernie Sanders mittens in green

Sketching Bernie Sanders Mittens

This is ONLY A SKETCH, but if you are interested in trying, you are welcome to use it. I will also gladly help you if you stumble upon something here, that you need help with.

Hook. Use a 5mm hook
Yarn. Stretchy wool yarn blend with yardage around 200m/50gr. Fingering (or possible Sport).

- - -
Foundation. Chain 30-42 to start with. A number divisible by 3. (Might need a swatch to test the gauge). Turn the chain row into a circle with a slip stitch. Work in a spiral.

Cuff ribbing. Crochet *2 ws, 1 ch* for several rows.

From cuff to hand. Waistcoat stitches only. Increase evenly in the first round (maybe two rounds). You will need a number of stitches divisible by 4 - plus 3 extra stitches (like 32+3=35).

Because. The color pattern is made of repeats of 4 stitches and the root of the thumb could require 3 stitches.

Make a couple of extra rounds. 2-4 rounds I think.

The Thumb
Below is how I would try to make the thumb. I would begin the colorwork right after starting the thumb part. So read both parts now.

Place two stitch markers with 3 stitches between them. The stitch markers mark the beginning and end of the hand. In between them is the thumb.

The middle stitch will be worked normally all the time. Increase when working into the other two stitches next to the stitch markers.

Increase at every second round or what works for you. Move the stitch markers up accordingly. Always increase in a stitch right next to the stitch marker and on the thumb-side of that stitch marker.

Once the base of the thumb is done, simply skip the thumb stitches and continue with the hand part (= skipping all the thumb stitches between the stitch markers).

Do the thumb-increase for something like 5cm (2inches).

Color Work
After initiating the thumb, I would start working on the color pattern as well. The stitch markers marking the thumb are placed in the first and last stitch of the hand. These are also the last and first stitches of the colorwork. So just pretend the thumb isn't there when you look at the color diagram.

Use a solid color for the thumb - or carry through the color from the color pattern.

Color Change Tips
Prepare a color change by changing yarn when you do the last YO-pull-through of a stitch. (Right before the visual color change).

Carry the un-used yarn color on the wrong side of the work or hide it by crocheting over it.

Finalizing the Hand

Carry on with the colorwork until you have about an inch left of the desired length of the mitten. Decrease on both sides at every round now.

Hopefully, you are now working with the dark color and don't have to figure out the colorwork at the same time.

Finalizing the Thumb
Crochet the rest of the thumb in any color. Work straight up till it is long enough and then decrease all the way around.

Would You like to Try?

Would you like to try? I'll be here to help you if you run into trouble. And who knows. Hubby asked for fingerless gloves long ago. One day, I might make him a pair using the color pattern above.

Have fun :)
Share
Tweet
Pin
No comments
I've used the lovely Twinkle for my snowflakes and thought I'ld share a few notes with you.

Scheepjes Twinkle Yarn

Share
Tweet
Pin
No comments
Crochet with 3 strands of yarn
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.

Crochet with 3 strands of yarn

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

Share
Tweet
Pin
2 comments
Most guides about crochet and tension talks about how tight you hold the yarn with your non-dominant hand. This is only half the story, though.

Tunisian Crochet - How to Change and Control your Tension

What you do with the right hand (dominant hand) and what you do with your hook, is also important.

Share
Tweet
Pin
No comments
Fluffy and furry yarn tips
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...

Fluffy and furry yarn tips

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

Share
Tweet
Pin
No comments
Christmas gets closer every day. All full of love and (Xmas) hearts. Here is a free heart pattern for you.

Crochet Filet Heart Table Topper

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.

Share
Tweet
Pin
No comments
Have you been told to hold your hook as a pencil or maybe as a knife? This might be wrong for you.

How to Hold Your Hook and Avoid Pain

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

Share
Tweet
Pin
1 comments
Splitting yarn is no big deal, if it is just a minor piece. However, one day you might need to split more and need to know, how to avoid a big messy tangled ball of yarn.

Splitting Yarn - tools

Some DIY pages have omitted a few details about splitting yarn. I've added these points to this guide.

Share
Tweet
Pin
2 comments
Most of us use it frequently. Just a little here and there. Some consider it more of a technique than a stitch. But it IS a stitch.


We tend to forget that this stitch is very versatile and can be used for much more. It can give your work a dense - though soft and drapable - fabric, you can use it for decoration, and it can be used for a stretchy ribbing.

Have you figured out by now, what stitch I'm referring to?
Share
Tweet
Pin
6 comments
Beaded Crochet Rope Necklace
Do you know how to make a beaded crochet rope necklace? I recently found some, I made years ago and I remember, how much fun they were to make and how pretty they got.

Beaded Crochet Rope Necklace

They are perfect for Summer crafts and you can find an incredible amount of fantastic patterns for the beaded crochet ropes.

Learn How To

The first rounds are confusing and they might make you incredibly frustrated. I sometimes start over again and again - especially if I crochet with one color beads. Once you got the first rows, the rest of the beaded crochet necklace is easy to make.

It can be difficult to find good tutorials, but I've hand-picked some, that can help you get started. The tutorials I've found are clever and use different colored beads.

Also notice that some tutorials start with a row of regular chains (without using beads yet) and make a circle with this, while other tutorials will get right on to using the beads.

You will need:
  • beads (see later about beads)
  • thin crochet hook, maybe around 2mm (US 0, UK14) The smaller your beads, the tinier the hook.
  • a strong thread in a color that matches the beads (or a contrasting color for the first sample)
  • needle to put the beads on the thread
  • Optional: end caps and a lock - or be creative.

Practice with HAMA beadsYou can practice with huge beads like HAMA beads for children. It will make it easier for you to see, what you are doing. Use a 3mm (US C/D, UK11) hook or likewise.

Animation Tutorial

If you are impatient, I found this simple page on Fiosarterapia that explains the different steps with only 5 animations. The first animation shows how to make the first round of stitches including beads. The other animations show the 4 steps you need for doing sc with each bead:
  1. Insert hook
  2. push the already attached bead to the side
  3. make the next bead ready on the loose end
    (push the loose end over the already attached bead)
  4. finalize your sc

Photo/Image Tutorials

Fusion Beads has good and lots of images. Just don't get paralyzed when you see the number of images. Step 1-10 is enough for a good start. Step 16 shows how to join the ends of the first row to make a circle, and then you might only need to look at steps 17-19 to know how to do all the rest of the beads.

Making Beaded Jewelry got great photos and text. Here is how to crochet over beads (for the first round), and for the rest of the beaded rope, follow the How to Crochet Beaded Ropes tutorial.

Video Tutorials

A great and very straightforward video tutorial is made by Beadaholic. The actual tutorial starts around 3:15.

Ann Benson made a detailed youtube video tutorial that starts with info about what you need and a couple of great tips too. Around 3:12 the 'real' tutorial starts by showing how to make the first row of stitches. She uses nice animations as well as short videos to show the details.

Finalize the Necklace

Only some tutorials show how to end the rope. You can do this, just like you would end another crocheted project. Make a slip stitch, cut the thread and pull it through. You decide whether to attach end caps or not. There are many options. Be creative.

Another way to finalize a necklace


About Beads

The more perfect beads you have, the easier to get a perfect outcome. The beads have to be 'perfect' in the way that they should be very similar in size and shape. Because when you are new at this you might crochet pretty tight and then uneven beads will give you a messy looking rope. When you get more advanced, you can mix bead sizes in a controlled way to make more complex ropes.

About beads

Useful Links 

When you are familiar with the rope technique, I found some good links on biser.info. It is a Russian page, but with lots of great photos. It will bring you joy and hours of work:
  • A collection of patterns and images of beaded crochet ropes.
  • Photo tutorial on how to split a crochet rope into two.
  • Photo tutorial on how to make a twisted spiral shape on the crochet rope (use Google Translate to get the whole meaning)

Updated May 2020
Share
Tweet
Pin
No comments
I've started to collect plastic bottles. I save those that have been used for vinegar. I found out, they are pretty easy to cut into different shapes - and they can be washed.

Save Plastic Bottles for Your Crochet Projects

So hubby, please bear with me!
Share
Tweet
Pin
No comments
From Image to Crochet ChartHave you ever wanted to put your own photo or image on a pillow or an afghan? You could also make a corner to corner (c2c) blanket or use the same technique for a filét chart or a sweater.

From Image to Crochet Chart

What you need is:
  • an image
  • a crocheted stitch sample
  • a computer
  • time

Share
Tweet
Pin
4 comments
The back of the Tunisian Top Stitch has similarities to a chain mail when using a large hook.
It is perfect for halloween or for any everyday childrens play.



The project is fast and it doesn't matter, if you make a little mistake here and there. So feel free to try even if you just learned to do the Tunisian Top Stitch.

This is a detailed guide. Grab your yarn, measure tape, a shirt of approximately the right size and your creativity.

You need

  • scissors - for your yarn only, do NOT cut the sample shirt you found!
  • needle for sewing in ends.
  • yarn: acrylic is fine. 
    • yarn weight: DK (133m/50g or 145.5yds/1.76oz)
    • I used: Torino from Lane Cervinia - 120g (4.2oz) for a size 3-4 year old.
  • at least one size 10mm straight hook with a rubber band around the far end.
    • OR - if possible - a Tunisian hook with hooks on both ends (or make your own).


Step 1 - Draw and Measure

Get the measurements from the shirt you want to copy. If you want to adjust anything, do it now.

The top stitch is very flexible, so the sizes on my drawing makes the costume large enough to be worn on top of a jacket as well as on top of a regular shirt.

Draw a shirt before you crochet

Use Google to convert the cm into inches if you like and if you want the exact same size as I.

I took one of my 3-year olds shirts and added a little length to make room for a side seam slit.
I also changed the neck to an easier one with a slit making plenty of room for my kid's huge head.
And finally I decided to make the arms straight and not too long, as I think this goes well with a chain mail.

Notice: The top stitch likes to stretch. So when you measure the work laying flat down, it should be 10% shorter, as it stretches when worn (due to gravity). Does that 10% explanation make sense to you? If it is supposed to be 40cm (15.75in) long, then make it 36cm (14.2in) when laying flat on a table.
My measurements on the drawing are those I used, when the costumes was laying flat on a table.

AND REMEMBER: We want The BACK of the top stitch. So the side you look at, when you crochet, will be the WRONG side of the final shirt.

Step 2 - Crochet the Front and Back

You can start from the top or the beginning. The top stitch will look the same.

I started the shirt from the bottom. I regretted that, as my boy suddenly came by and wanted it to be knee length - and then changed his mind back, when he saw the result. So I had to frog the neck. It would have been easier to frog the part with the side seams. - Or at least to do a reality check on the way down there :)

Anyway - This is how you start from the bottom. Make the side seam parts. Two rectangular pieces of 6x38 cm.

Continue working in a spiral to make the back and then front at the same time: When you have the two rectangles, you start picking up loops on one of them and when you reach the end of the first one, continue on the other piece.

See ChiCrochets video for Tunisian Crochet in the Round.
Ignore that she changes colors. It just makes it easier for you to see, what she does.

If you don't want to do Tunisian in the rounds (or you only have one regular hook), you can make the front and the back separately and then slip stitch them together later.

If you work in a spiral, then remember to stop, when you get to the sleeve openings (make plenty of room here). My work measured 24cm (9.5in)here - laying flat. From here I crocheted in rows. Back and forward. Back side first and then the front side.

Neck

On the front side, I wanted a slit in the neck. Skip this part if you don't want it.

5cm (2in) from the measurement target, mark the center of the work for the neck slit. Stop crocheting, when you get to the slit and worked your way back again doing one side first. When done, cut the yarn and do the second part afterwards. This leaves a 5 cm slit in the middle.

Slip Stitch Shoulders Together

Now, stitch the back and the front together on top of the shoulders. You can use a regular slip stitch for that. Remember: You want the WRONG side to be visible. So put the front and back side together, so the wrong sides face each other. That way your slip stitches will be on the back of the costume.

Step 3 - The Arms

Remember that the top Stitch likes to stretch lengthwise? Currently there should plenty of room for the armpits. Make sure to pick up stitches anywhere possible, so there keep being plenty of space in the armpit.

Pick up stitches for the sleeves everywhere where your arms should be. Then crochet spiral-wise (or back and forward) all the way to the hand.

If you work back and forward in rows, then make the arm as a huge rectangle. The seam should be placed under the arm and will be slip stitched together.

No decreases.

When both arms are done, cut the yarn and pull it through the last loop on the hook. Hide the closing off, when you sew in ends. This shirt is for dressing up, not an everyday garment, so it doesn't matter if it looks a little rough.

Step 4 - Assembly

If you didn't work in a spiral, then you can crochet pieces together now with loose slip stitches. Remember that the BACK side of your work is the one we want to show, so put things together while you watch the front side of your work.

Weave in Ends

Weave in and lock ends
Loose yarn ends should be woven in. First in one direction for at least 5cm (2inch). Then lock it by turning the needle in the other direction and sew the thread into itself. This will prevent the yarn from getting loose.


Tadaa ! Chain Mail done!



Happy guy with his crocheted chain mail

Optional - Making Highlights

Paint highlights on your crocheted work
If you want highlights on the shirt, you can use acrylic paint. It will stiffen the yarn, but nothing serious. Just make sure you don't add too much on the shirt. It will not look good and probably crack and fall off.

Put paint on a big brush and wipe the brush off, so there isn't too much paint. Don't put pressure on the brush while painting. Paint in the direction of top to bottom only. Highlights are supposed to look like sunlight and they only come from one direction.

You should rather add a little paint at a time and then do the maneuver several times, than give it too much from the beginning.

Put it on a hanger and let it dry.

Washing

This costume should be hand washed only. The stitches are quite loose and if something catches a few threads, you will be sorry for the time spent to fix it. Also, if you have painted the costume, the paint might come off and mess with the other clothes in your machine - or the filters.


Share
Tweet
Pin
No comments
Felting - pink shoes
This is my first time felting anything in the washing machine. - At least on purpose.

So, I'm clearly not an expert, BUT! - If you are like me, you would think, this was time consuming and difficult.

It was a piece of cake and amusing too!
I am definitely going to try this again soon.

This is how it works...

Share
Tweet
Pin
No comments
A very easy way to make a hat is making it sideways. You simply crochet a long rectangle and sew the ends and the top. And there you have a hat.


I'll show you how to do that and how to figure out the right sizes.
Share
Tweet
Pin
No comments
Slouchy Loose Hat
You have already made the base of your hat. Now you want a ribbed brim.

And when your hat is done, you want the hat to look smooth and soft without those edgy corners from your increases. Or maybe you want a little decoration?

This post gives you:
  1. Nice tips for doing a ribbed brim
  2. Guidelines for blocking
  3. Tips for making ears
Share
Tweet
Pin
No comments
Everyone is asking for patterns for easy and warm hats.

Even if you are a beginner, you might not need a pattern. At least not if you just want something simple. Here is a guide you can follow and make great rounded hats from.
Crochet a Simple Rounded Hat

Share
Tweet
Pin
No comments
Making a perfect flat circle is not always easy. There are a lot of things to consider. Most blogs only cover a small part of this exercise. Therefor I've collected some good guides and tutorials for you.

With this in hand, you should know the most important things, there is to know about a (perfect) flat circle.
Chart - how to crochet a perfect flat circle

Share
Tweet
Pin
No comments

Use the Perfect Stitch Marker

Once in a while you work on something, were you need to count and count and count. Most of the time you are counting rows and sometimes you need to make sure, you do the increase/decrease or color change in the right place.


FYI: You don't need to count the same rows again and again.

Share
Tweet
Pin
No comments
enhance your sweater with crochet
Do you sometimes find that some of your clothes could use something extra?

I have this lovely way-too-big sweater. It is great for a rainy day, when you just want to stay indoor doing crochet. Only thing is; the neck is too open. So my chest gets cold.

Recently a clever girl on Facebook told me, I could use Tunisian Top Stitch as a rib. So I wanted to try that on my sweater.
Share
Tweet
Pin
No comments
You've found this little project on the internet you want to try. It is Tunisian Crochet, so... do you need to buy a special Tunisian hook for it? Maybe not.
You dont need a Tunisian crochet hook

Share
Tweet
Pin
No comments
Older Posts

Newsletter

Don't miss the next tip or pattern
from StoneGnome.

Find StoneGnome at

  • Ravelry
  • LoveCrafts
  • Littlebugz

  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram

Popular Posts

  • Tunisian Crochet Cast On
  • Free Snowflake Pattern
  • Tunisian Single Hook Cast On
  • A Valentines Heart for You
  • Avoid an Ugly Slip Knot

Labels

advanced amigurumi basic beads Bornholm christmas crochet crochetChart easter edge felting filetcrochet freePattern guide hat miteredCorner ornament paidPattern pattern ribbing shoes slipStitch spiral Split Crochet stitchPattern topStitch tunisian tutorial

recent posts

My favorite Links

  • My designs at LoveCrafts
  • My designs at Ravelry
  • My design page at Littlebugz.dk
  • Annie's Catalog
  • Designing Vashti
  • Crochet Kim
  • Free Vintage Crochet
  • Stitch Fiddle
  • Stitchboard · Pattern Wizard
FOLLOW STONEGNOME @INSTAGRAM

    Powered by Juicer.io

Ⓒ StoneGnome · Created with · by BeautyTemplates