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
    • Pattern Posts
    • StoneGnome Shop ♥
    • Visit Ravelry
    • Visit LoveCrafts
  • Themes
    • Slip Stitches (ss)
    • Felting
    • Hats
    • Ribbing
    • Waistcoat stitch Love
    • Top Stitch
    • Amigurumi
    • Small Hearts
    • Ornaments
    • Seasonal Themes n more
  • About
    • Contact Me
    • Copyright and Selling
    • Personal Data & Privacy
This adorable double heart is double love. Give it to someone extra special or make it for your own joy.

Double Heart - Crochet Pattern

The heart ornament is made in one piece, so there is no sewing the parts together in the end.

Share
Pin
No comments
Let us end the year by being kind to ourselves and each other. I have a FREE little heart-shaped crochet love for you. 
Crochet a little heart with a crocheted string
Hang it on the Christmas tree, as decor for a present or just make one if you need a break during the holidays. 

Share
Pin
No comments
Tomorrow it is Valentine's Day and everyone deserves at least one heart. Here is one for you. 

Big Valentines Day Pillow - Tunisian crochet

The pattern is free for a while. See the details below.

Share
Pin
No comments
Here is a beautiful open Valentine's Heart for you. It is a free pattern.

Valentines Heart - crochet pattern

Use it for decoration or as a bookmark.

Share
Pin
1 comments
A Crocheted Heart for Mother's Day
Crochet a heart for Mother's Day.

A Crocheted Heart for Mother's Day

This one doesn't need blocking, but it is still super cute and easy to do.
Share
Pin
No comments
Don't you think a big and a smaller pillow looks good together? The bonus-pages for the Heart on Fire is ready now. This means the pattern now includes a smaller heart too.
Heart on Fire Tunisian crochet pillow pattern - two sizes

Share
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
Pin
No comments
This heart was made for#WorldHeartDay (sep 2022), but it also works perfectly for Valentines Day.

World Heart Day - free crochet pattern

Use the heart to remind you of what is important in your life and what makes you happy. ❤ 

Written Pattern

Use any yarn and hook that works for you. I used Scheepjes Catona and hook 3.5 mm (US E/4- UK 9)

Abbreviations
(US terms)
ss    - slip stitch
ch    - chain
sc    - single crochet
hdc  - half double crochet
dc    - double crochet
[ ]    - all in the same stitch

Make a Magic Ring. Work 1st round in the Magic Ring.

Round 1 
Ch 1, 3 dc, 2 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 2sc, 3 dc, ch1 and 1 sc in the ring.
Pull the magic ring semi-tight.

Round 2 
sc in the chain, (2dc in the next st) x 4, 
1 hdc in the sc, 1 hdc in the hdc,
[1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 hdc] in the dc, 
1 hdc in the hdc, 1hdc in the sc, 
(2dc in the next st) x 4, 
1 sc in the chain, 1 ss in the sc.

Pull the magic ring as tight as possible (don't break the yarn). Cut the yarn and pull at the last loop on the hook till the strand is free. Pull tight and weave in ends.

Pattern Chart

If you prefer a chart, then see below. I will post these on Instagram too. 

Round 1 starts at the red dotted line. Round 2 starts at the blue dotted line.

❤ StoneGnome




If you want more hearts, then check out my other small heart posts. I love hearts ❤
Share
Pin
2 comments
The twisted single crochet stitch adds charm to your project without too much fuss. Perfect for a simple border to frame your crochet work.

Make a twisted single crochet stitch for a border

Also, we’ve all had an edgy border, that could use a little LTC. The Twisted Single Crochet Stitch will help you do that. It is simple and easy to do. 

The twisted single crochet stitch is an excellent alternative to the crab stitch or the reverse single crochet stitch.

Note for British Crocheters - The term single crochet (SC) in US patterns corresponds to the double crochet (DC) in British terminology.

The Twisted Single Crochet Stitch - Instructions

  1. Insert your hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop.

  2. Pro tip: Expand the stitch a little - about twice as tall as usual. This makes the twist stand out and keeps the border softer and easier to work with.

    Pull up a tall loop


  3. Next, gently turn your hook towards yourself and all the way around. Counter-clockwise if you are right-handed (clockwise if you’re left-handed). This twists the loops on the hook. 

    Turn or twist the hook around

    Twist the single crochet stitch


  4. Finish the stitch with a yarn-over and pull through all loops.

    Finish the crochet stitch as usual


That’s it. The twisted single crochet stitch is simple, yet so effective! If you’d rather follow along with a video, you can check it out here.



Hearts to Love

Looking for a heart pattern to pair with the twisted single crochet stitch? Try the World Heart Day crochet pattern!.

World Day Heart Crochet Pattern

For more heartwarming designs, explore the other heart patterns here at stonegnome.com. 

Share
Pin
No comments
The holiday season is here - read on for last-minute Christmas crochet inspiration! Handmade ornaments bring extra warmth to your decorations and make wonderful last-minute gifts.

Crochet Christmas Patterns

Small crochet ornaments are perfect for busy days or when you need a relaxing creative break. Each is like a little piece of handmade magic, adding a personal and cozy touch to your home.

Free Christmas Crochet Patterns

Here are some of my favorite patterns to inspire you this season.

Snowflakes will always have a special place in my heart. They brighten up winter days and make delicate window decorations that last well beyond Christmas.

The stars and hearts add their charm to everything. Timeless and versatile for any occasion, including Christmas. You really can't go wrong with those.

  • Snowflake No.1
    Bright, delicate, and perfect for winter window decorations.
  • Snowflake No.2
    The sister of Snowflake No.1, with its own unique charm.
  • Sibling Stars
    Easy and relaxing to make, with a festive touch.
  • A Little Christmas Heart
  • World Heart Day
  • Double Heart
  • Striped Christmas Bauble
    Now with a cap! - This might take a little longer to crochet, so make this for someone special.
  • A Curly Border
    The twisted sc border adds a special touch to your work. Find it on Instagram - Swipe for video.
Whether you hang these ornaments on the tree, place them in a window, or gift them to someone special, they’re sure to bring warmth and joy to the season.

I’d love to see your creations and how you use these patterns! Tag me @stonegnomedesign on Instagram, so I can find your posts.

Wishing you a warm and creative Christmas season!

Sincerely,
Heidi aka StoneGnome
Originally published in December 2018, updated in 2024.
Share
Pin
2 comments
Crochet your own decorated eggs. Use a basic egg and change colors as you wish for nicely decorated eggs.

crochet Easter eggs

If you use waistcoat stitches for your egg you get different options. Like small, heart-shaped dots ♥ 

Share
Pin
No comments
It's time for Christmas Crocheting.
Christmas Ornament Patterns

Here are links to some free Christmas crochet patterns to you from StoneGnome.

Little ornaments are great to crochet and hang in the window or on a Christmas tree. They are also pretty fast to make, which is excellent if you have busy days or just need something easy to make.

I love the crochet snowflakes. They are small, bright, and last all winter as window decorations. And btw, there are two different versions. The second snowflake might have been hiding, so use the link below :)

I also love hearts; you can use them for more yearly occasions. And then of course the pretty stars. Very easy and relaxing to make.
  • World Heart Day
  • Snowflake #1
  • Snowflake #2
  • A Little Christmas Heart
  • Sibling Stars
  • Double Heart

Christmas Crochet Ideas

If you get into it and suddenly have a lot of crochet beauties, then use the crocheted items as part of your Christmas wrapping for a more personalized look and feel on the presents. Or make a tree branch mobile by hanging ornaments on a pretty curly branch from the garden.

Happy Christmas Crocheting!
Share
Pin
No comments
Waistcoat stitches in the round are fantastic for colorwork. They stack neatly, create a smooth, uniform fabric, and fill up space beautifully.

Crochet holder graph

If you’d like to try it, I’ve put together a small chart along with a few helpful tips.

Waistcoat stitches worked in the round are great for projects like pillows, bags, cowls, beanies, and more.

For my sample, I added 8 stitches to a round, and then the colorwork happened to fit an old glass. So, now the glass can be upgraded into a fancy crochet hook holder. - And yes, the glass is very happy with its new look.

The Heart Chart

I created the heart chart using StitchFiddle. I've shared it, so you can view or copy the chart for easy editing. FYI. StitchFiddle offers a handy progress tracker to help you keep your lines straight. 

If you prefer a paper version, click and print this image.

Hearts Crochet Chart

Never tried a Crochet Chart before?

If you're new to reading crochet charts, don't despair, it is easy to learn the basics: Each rectangle in the chart represents one stitch. Since this pattern is worked in the round, keep working in the same direction and do not turn your work. Read every round from right to left (if you are left-handed from left to right) and keep following the chart in the same direction as you crochet.

waistcoat stitch color graph

Just to let you know how easy it is, here is a written version of the beginning - BUT, please read additional notes further below before you do anything but a swatch:

Foundation. Chain 33 or more (I made 41).
  1. Work 1 single crochet stitch into each chain. (I prefer turning the chain over to insert my hook into the back bumps.). This is line 1 on the chart.

  2. Do not turn - instead, join into a ring by making a waistcoat stitch in the first stitch of your first line. Continue working in the round. As you follow the chart, work each stitch in the color shown for that rectangle.

  3. Continue working in the round and remember to change color right before every colored rectangle - see color change tip at the bottom of the page.
Repeat line 3.
❤️ · ❤️ · ❤️

Tips n Tricks

To get the best out of the waistcoat stitch colorwork, these additional notes can be helpful.

Keep the Waistcoat Stitches Straight

Waistcoat stitches don’t have to lean a lot! For a cleaner look make waistcoat stitches the right way. Insert your hook right before the vertical bar at the back of the stitch. (If you’re right-handed, this means inserting the hook on the right side of the bar.) This utilizes softer stitches and fabric and the stitches will lean a lot less.
Read more: Waistcoat stitch patterns in the round

Tension & Sizing

In case size is important to you.

  • The chart is designed for a gauge of 20 stitches × 28 rows per 10×10 cm (4″×4″).
  • I used a 4mm hook (US: G6) and Scheepjes Organicon, a very soft cotton yarn.
  • The final size of my work will be around 10cm (4") wide and 8 cm (3.1") tall. - Remember I added 8 sts to the chart for a full round.

I crocheted quite tight, so you can likely achieve the same gauge with maybe a 3mm hook (US:~D3) and a looser tension.

The hearts should still look great even if your gauge isn’t exact, but if size matters, be sure to make a swatch first.

Tapestry or Not?

Decide whether you want to:
  • Carry and crochet over the unused yarn throughout as for tapestry crochet
  • or let the unused strands float on the back. If you want to keep them under control, either twist the strands or just crochet over the unused yarn at every 4-6 stitch
Note. In tapestry crochet using waistcoat stitches, it is easy to accidentally catch the carried yarn when pulling up a loop. Also, be aware that tapestry crochet makes the fabric slightly taller, as each row takes up more space.

Color Changes

Make smooth color transitions by changing color at the last yarn-over of the previous stitch - except when creating a single, isolated 'V' in the design. In that case, simply pull up the alternate color once, then continue with the main color.


One stitch crochet heart

Happy crocheting! ❤️

Share
Pin
No comments
To all the little stars in the world. Crochet a little star or two. 
Crocheted Stars

In a few weeks, it is December 1st. I'm not good at being ahead of the season, but this year my sweet kids started making little ornaments a while ago, so I joined them. 

Making the star pattern was a bit frustrating at first. :) Sometimes making things very simple is difficult. I also wanted it to somehow match the Valentine's heart, which can be used as a Christmas decoration as well.
Read more: See more hearts at Stonegnome

I think they will look good together in a window or at the Christmas tree.

Crocheted star and heart

Below is the crocheted star pattern. Have fun ❤️

Star Pattern

While working on the pattern it can be difficult to see the star shape. The further you get, the better it should be, and once blocked and shaped, it should be just how you want it.

Little star: around 5cm wide (2")
Medium star: around 6cm wide (2.4").

  • hook size 2.25-2.5mm (US: B/1, UK 13)
  • cotton yarn. Yardage around 170m/50g (185y/1.76oz)
  • optional. A stitch marker.
  • glasses, if needed.
Abbreviations (US terms)
ss = slip stitch
ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
tr = treble crochet
yo = yarn over
[ ] = instructions for the medium star

Foundation
Chain 30 [medium star, chain 40]. Join with a ss to make a ring.
Optional. Turn the work, so you can see the back bumps of your chains. Hook into the back bumps.

1) chain 3
2) 1 dc and 1 hdc in the base of the 3 chains
3) 1 hdc in the next chain [medium star, repeat the line]

Now make a cluster-decrease of two hdc with a skipped chain between. like this:

4) yo, insert the hook into the next chain and pull up a loop
5) skip a chain
6) yo, insert the hook into the next chain and pull up a loop
7) yo and pull through all 5 loops on the hook

Continue with:

8) 1 hdc in the next chain [medium star, repeat the line]

Star point
Tip: when working a lot of stitches into a single chain, the chain right AFTER might get very tight. Avoid it being tight by inserting a stitch marker into it before you start the previous group of stitches.

9) (optional. Place a stitch marker in the second chain from the hook)
    Make 5 stitches in the next chain (= the first chain from the hook): 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 tr, 1dc, 1hdc

Continue with:

10) (optional. Remove the stitch marker)
      1 hdc in the next chain [medium star, repeat the line]

Repeat from line 4 until you reach the last star point, which is already halfway done.
(The initial 3 chains you made in the beginning, are substituting the tr.)

11) In the base of the 3 chains make two more stitches: 1hdc, 1dc

Join with a ss, cut the yarn, and secure it by pulling it through the last loop on the hook. Sew in the yarn end from your foundation chain. Make it come out at the top of the star. Use the two yarn ends for hanging up the ornament.

Wash and block* it for a perfect shape and you've got a star!

Let me know if you find any typos in the pattern. ❤️


*Wash and block
I highly recommend blocking for the best final touch.

Handwash the star. Press out excess water by wrapping it in a towel. Place the star on a flat surface and pull the outer and inner star points till you are happy with the shape. Use water-safe needles and a foamboard or likewise if you prefer - I just do it freehand.

The star points can be pointed or more rounded. Let the star dry.

Make a Whole Family of Stars

You might have figured out by now how to make an even bigger star. Every time you add 10 more chains to the foundation row you go up one size. And the line with 1 hdc is also repeated once more (lines 3, 8, 10).

I tried and ended up with 4 different sizes of stars. After blocking and a little nursing, even the bigger one got very good.

Crocheted star family

I'm not sure how far you can go and keep the shape, but feel free to try :) Just be aware that the larger the star, the more wobbly it will be and you might need to use stiffener if it is to be hung up.

Tag me on Instagram @stonegnomedesign to show me your star(s).


Enjoy!


Sell & Share
You are welcome to sell/share any products you make from my patterns. For further information look at Copyright and Selling

Snowflakes

If you like crocheted Christmas ornaments, try the two snowflakes too - Snowflake 1 and Snowflake 2
Crocheted snowflakes
Share
Pin
No comments
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.

Back-linked crochet stitches - Tutorial

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.

Back-linked crochet stitches
Back linked stitches. Almost invisible at the front.
See the back side below.

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.
Back-linked crochet stitches - img 1

  1. 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.
Back-linked crochet stitches - img 2

  1. Finalize the dc as usual. *YO and pull through two loops.* Repeat this.
Back-linked crochet stitches - img 3

Back-linked crochet stitches - img 3b

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

Back-linked crochet stitches - img 4


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

  1. Insert the hook in the back bump. YO and pull up a loop.
Back-linked crochet stitches - img 5

  1. Insert the hook it the top of the previous row or chain (as usual). YO and pull up a loop.
Back-linked crochet stitches - img 6

  1. Finalize your stitch as usual. *YO, pull through two loops* until there is only one loop left on the hook.
Back-linked crochet stitches - img 7

Back-linked crochet stitches - img 7b

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.
Back-linked crochet stitches - turning 1

  1. Insert your hook into the next stitch of the previous row (as usual). YO and pull up a loop.
Back-linked crochet stitches - turning 2


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.

Two rows of back-linked stitches
Two rows of back-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?
Share
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

Loop Legends

  • From Image to Crochet Chart
  • How to Find Your Gauge
  • Mini Neck Warmer
  • Guide: Splitting Yarn
  • You Don't Need a Tunisian Crochet Hook
  • Crochet (Sea)Grass and Succulents
  • Chain Mail Shirt
  • Minor Felting Mishaps

My favorite Links

  • StoneGnome Pattern Shop
  • StoneGnome at Ravelry
  • StoneGnome at LoveCrafts
  • Crochet Kim
  • Annie's Catalog
  • Designing Vashti
  • Stitch Fiddle
  • Stitchboard · Pattern Wizard
  • Free Vintage Crochet

Labels

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

All Crocheticles

  • ▼  2025 (3)
    • ▼  June (1)
      • Slim Tunisian Breeze Scarf
    • ►  February (1)
    • ►  January (1)
  • ►  2024 (6)
    • ►  December (1)
    • ►  November (1)
    • ►  October (2)
    • ►  April (1)
    • ►  March (1)
  • ►  2023 (7)
    • ►  September (2)
    • ►  June (2)
    • ►  March (1)
    • ►  February (1)
    • ►  January (1)
  • ►  2022 (3)
    • ►  November (1)
    • ►  April (1)
    • ►  February (1)
  • ►  2021 (9)
    • ►  November (1)
    • ►  October (3)
    • ►  September (2)
    • ►  May (1)
    • ►  March (1)
    • ►  February (1)
  • ►  2020 (15)
    • ►  December (1)
    • ►  November (1)
    • ►  October (2)
    • ►  May (2)
    • ►  March (2)
    • ►  February (3)
    • ►  January (4)
  • ►  2019 (8)
    • ►  December (2)
    • ►  October (2)
    • ►  September (1)
    • ►  May (1)
    • ►  March (1)
    • ►  February (1)
  • ►  2018 (15)
    • ►  June (3)
    • ►  May (1)
    • ►  April (4)
    • ►  March (1)
    • ►  February (4)
    • ►  January (2)
  • ►  2017 (48)
    • ►  December (4)
    • ►  November (3)
    • ►  October (2)
    • ►  September (5)
    • ►  August (5)
    • ►  July (3)
    • ►  June (5)
    • ►  May (3)
    • ►  April (4)
    • ►  March (5)
    • ►  February (5)
    • ►  January (4)
  • ►  2016 (25)
    • ►  December (5)
    • ►  November (7)
    • ►  October (5)
    • ►  September (4)
    • ►  August (4)
FOLLOW STONEGNOME @INSTAGRAM

    Ⓒ StoneGnome · Created with · by BeautyTemplates