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| Featured Pattern of the Week: Ruffles Pillow |
        Interested in knitting? Visit our sister site: Knitting Pattern Central  | Tips 'n TricksDo 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! Name: Gail Subject: Organizing Comment: I value all of these great hints. Here are some others for organizing: (1) use a counter-top paper towel holder (that sits vertically) with a as a thread cady. They typically hold 2-3 thread "skeins" and allow the thread and skein to unwind freely. Be sure the "post" of the holder is fits the center of the skein (carry a sample from the yard goods department to the kitchen wares to try it out before purchase). (2) Stitch some narrow "pockets" into a pot holder that already has a pocket built in for a hand, as a hook/scissor holder. Fold it over and use a button or ribbon closure (makes the case about the size of an eyeglass case), for travelling. (3) Use a "lazy susan" type desktop pencil holder to hold hooks, needs, scissors. Now: does anyone have a good organizing tip for yarn and thread for a yarn packrat? Name: ARLEEN Subject: Tucking loose ends Comment: When you are croceting application pieces (granny squares) it is good to tuck as many strands while you are crocheting so you won't have so much weaving and tucking of the ends when your project is finished. Name: Josephine Subject: Pets Comment: Never leave your new kitten alone with a ball of yarn and your project on the coffee table unless you enjoy picking up miles of yarn around the house. Name: Red Williams Subject: hook storage Comment: I bought a hard plastic pencil box (about 3 inches wide and about 7 inches long) to keep all of my hooks and my scissors in. I think I paid a dollar for it at Wal-Mart, but it works great! Name: Cynthia Subject: Keeping WIP Comment: I always seem to have four or five projects going at any given time. Granny squares, hats, scarves, or cat toys, and I find that a cheap and easy way to store the WIP is in freezer sized ziplock bags. I write the project, hook size and stitch on the label part. This makes is easier to know where I left off and what I was doing. I also print off a copy of the pattern and put it in with the yarn, or make a note of which book and page I got it from, so I know where to find it when I get back to it. Name: Sharon Subject: hook storage Comment: I find a travel toothbrush container is great for keeping a few hooks in to take with you. Just be sure to put tape over the air-holes at each end. Make sure to push the lid on firmly. Name: Carol Subject: bringing your crochet on the plane with you. Comment: As we all know today we can't bring scissors on the plane with us. So I came up with this idea. I kept a finished container that dental floss was in, and use that to cut my yarn. Sure makes the flying time shorter when you can stay busy. Name: Rhonda Subject: keeping from losing stitches Comment: My grandmother taught me to put a safety pin in the last stitch to keep from it unravelling. Name: Louise Subject: Unravelling work Comment: When I have to put my work down for whatever reason I find that a good way to keep my work from unraveling is to leave the hook in the work and then in a figure eight motion I wrap the yarn around both ends of the hook. do that a couple of times and then stick the hook into the skein to help keep everything together. Name: Louise Subject: Locking loose ends Comment: My mother recently showed me a secret way of darning in the loose ends that is really discreet and solid. with a darning needle weeve over and under through the little v's on your crochet work 3 times. after the third under work back over the stitch you just went under and then stab the yarn into the loose end you just weeved in. this creates a natural lock with the yarn and it holds great. try it. but don't tell my mom i told you. it's suppose to be a secret Name: June Subject: crochet storage Comment: I have found that the plastic zippered bags that blankets come in are great for storing yarn and the little zippered bags that curtain valances come in are the perfect size for storing crochet hooks, small scissors and darning needle in. When taking a project with me, I find the large oatmeal containers with a hole cut in the lid make a fine caddy and keep the yarn clean, with room to tuck your hook, and other tools in. I always take a small project with me when we go somewhere...."just in case", the car breaks down, I get bored...or....whatever. I never miss a chance to crochet! Name: Kahud48 Subject: Tip Comment: Use baby powder, it works real good when you need to make the needle slide in your hand better. Name: Doreen Subject: Wool Comment: When starting any work, always pull the thread from inside the ball of yarn, as it's much easier to work with. Name: Donna Subject: yarn container Comment: I travel in my motor home during the winter, and I don't want to get my yarn dirty while on the road. So I put it in a tall canister with a hole drilled in the top with a rubber groment to keep it from snagging. You could use a coffee can with the plastic lid. IT WORKS GREAT!!! Name: Gwen Subject: hooks Comment: I take some cream type furniture polish and put it in a small, cleaned out make up bottle. If it is the pump kind it is helpful. Then whenever the hook feels like it is dragging, apply a small amount on the hook and polish off with a tissue. 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... |
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