Tips 'n Tricks

Do you have a helpful hint or handy trick that will make any aspect of crocheting easier? Share it! Post ideas on scrap yarn usages, stitch markers, starching, hook organization, color changing, maintaining your sanity while following a difficult pattern, etc. There is most probably someone out there that will benefit from your help. Need ideas yourself? Read others' comments--we all live and learn!

Jump to submit form

Name: dana
Subject: marking your place
Comment: instead of buying those fancy markers you can use a paper clip just open it out and close it it works like a charm

Name: Mayweed
Subject: Stitch Marker
Comment: I like to make Amigurumi dolls and when working in spirals it is essential to mark the beginning of the row so you don't lose your place. I have tried using safety pins of various sizes, large jump rings, pieces of scrap yarn but none really provided what I needed. I also like to make beaded jewelry and I was looking in the local Dollar Store and saw some lever-backed earring findings, you can pretty them up with a bead or 2 if you wish, but they work great plain as well, the spring back closes tight enough that it doesn't fall out but it is quick and easy to attack and not as fussy as a safety pin and so very lightweight. They also have a rather large opening so work well for small projects or larger ones. Best of all I got a dozen of them for a dollar.

Name: Rue Dene
Subject: No Need for Post-A-Notes
Comment: Before I start a project, I take my pattern to the computer and using Excel put each row number per block. If a row is repeated I put a line under the number and put the number of the row that is repeated underneath. Print it out and keep it with my pattern. As I work each row, I strike that row off with a pencil. If I am interrupted, I know what row I worked last.
I have been crocheting the Paradise doll patterns and this has helped me.

Name: Geneive Garrard
Subject: crochet
Comment: I find it a safety pin inserted into the loop of the last stitch of your pattern makes it safe to lay your work down without the danger of your hook slipping out of the stitch and letting your work ravel out.

Name: Wendy
Subject: Eco-friendly yarn holder
Comment: For a really handy eco-friendly yarn holder, try re-using the plastic cylinder that the handy-wipes for housecleaning come in (eg: Mr. Clean/Clorox wipes). I use the smaller sizes for my thread crochet, and the really big containers for yarn.

**WARNING** Be sure to wash out carefully prior to use - you don't want to get the cleaner on your yarns or hands!

Not only are they perfectly suited for this use, (the yarn even has it's own hole to come out of & a top that closes securely), but it also makes storing your yarn & thread a snap - they stack really well on shelves or in bins!

**HINT**If you happen to be a "crafty" lady or gentleman, you can also "pretty up" the containers with découpage or with paints made for use on plastic. Voilà! =D

Name: Christinne Barnes
Subject: storage of needles
Comment: I use the empty M&M's minis candy container to store my tapestry and embroidery needles that I use to finish a project. They fit perfectly and the container closes quite tightly.

Name: anonymous
Subject: project difficulty
Comment: When you are working on a pattern and can't figure out the instructions, but know what you're supposed to make, improvise. Use your own technique. I've done this several times. It works wonderful!

Name: jenny
Subject: no more rolling balls
Comment: when beginning a new ball of yarn always dig into the centre to pull out the inner end of the ball and it will then not roll around as you use it.

Name: jenny
Subject: yarn scraps
Comment: Keep a mesh bag (like onions are sold in) handy for all clippings of yarn and thread. When this is hung out in a tree in spring the birds can use it as a source of bird nesting material. Truly they love it!

Name: Steph
Subject: crocheting on planes
Comment: when working a project with different color yarn it's difficult to work anywhere without a pair of scissors. I discovered that toe-nail clippers are an excellent substitute for scissors and they're allowed on planes.

Name: Cherlyn
Subject: Blocking
Comment: I use a dress-maker's fold-up cutting board with plastic stapled on top to block my doilies. The grid is wonderful for helping to block evenly.

Name: Eva
Subject: Hiding Stitches
Comment: My mother taught me to always hide my stitches. It's so simple. You just take the end and crochet it in the other stitches two or three times, and then just cut the rest off. Hope this helps! =)

Name: Anna
Subject: Crocheting with plastic bags
Comment: I really like to crochet with plastic grocery bags, but I noticed that they can get sticky and not work well. To solve that problem I bought a container of baby powder. I cut a circle in the lid of a 5 quart ice cream pail, put the end of my ball of plastic bag yarn through the hole, dump in some baby powder and put the lid on. my ball of yarn rolls around in the bucket getting coated with baby powder. This keeps the plastic from getting sticky and hard to work with. Added bonus: Your hands and the finished product smell really good!

Select a Page
<< Prev   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15
16   17   18   19   20   21   22   23   24   25   26   27   28   29   30
31   32   33   34   35   36   37   38   39   40   41   42   43   44   45
46   47   48   49   50   51   52   53   54   55   Next >>

Share your own hints by filling in the form below...

Notice: By submitting your content, you are agreeing to have it displayed on this page. I retain the right to edit and/or refuse unsuitable content. (Unsuitable content includes questions and help requests.) All submissions are checked before being published.

Flexible Fashions.net - Crochet Patterns For Women and Girls