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!

Monday, April 13, 2009Name: Liz Wick

Subject: Pictures

Comment: Whenever you finish an item, take a picture of it! This way if you give the item away, you still have a record of what you made. Because I don't always follow patterns, and seldom write down what I did, I find having an image helpful if I want to try and recreate it.

Friday, April 10, 2009Name: Dee

Subject: dry fingers

Comment: Hello....I have been crocheting for over 26 years. My fingers get dry and cracked no matter how much I moisturize them. They then drag and snag on the yarn, so I always keep a small piece of fine grade sandpaper around to smooth out the snags. Works great!

Sunday, March 22, 2009Name: Joyce

Subject: Translating Filet Charts

Comment: It's easier for me to translate each row of a filet chart into easy-to-read, easy-to-track written instructions something like the following example:
R1: 5O, 1S, 1O, 3S, 1O, 1S, 5O
R2: 4O, 3S, 2O, 1S, 2O, 3S, 4O
O = open mesh, S = solid

Sunday, March 15, 2009Name: Melissa

Subject: scrap/leftover yarn uses

Comment: Simple solutions-winter hats, scarfs and mittens for the kids! I have two elementary age kids and they are always loosing track of these things so I make several pair over the summer when I like to keep my projects simple and keep them in a plastic tote for winter. If you arent a parent they make great gifts and craft fair projects.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009Name: Sharon

Subject: buying no lot number yarn

Comment: When buying yarn that has no dye lot numbers, that is supposed to match, I found that by checking the label for the date works. All "no dye lot numbered" yarn does not always match.

Thursday, March 05, 2009Name: Linda Perkins

Subject: Yarn storage

Comment: The large plastic coffee container (red with black lid) makes a great yarn storage container. Just wash out, cut hole in lid, feed yarn through hole and you've saved $8-$10 they cost at a craft store, and you've done your share to recycle!

Tuesday, March 03, 2009Name: Dorothy

Subject: loose ends

Comment: Most of the time I choose to work the loose ends as I go, but sometimes it's better to wait till your sure your not going to have to unravel the work. It might be easier to find the ends this way.

Tuesday, March 03, 2009Name: carmen

Subject: crochet hook

Comment: I have been crocheting for over 40 plus years and it's something that I love. I was having a hard time holding the hooks for a certain amount of time. I discover one day a new type of hook and its clover hook brand. I bought it at a craft store or even some pharmacy stores that sell yarn carry it. The hook is rubber on the top and very comfortable to hold and smooth. I can crochet for hours and faster and my fingers don't cramp. I know that some people use rubberband around the hook, but it's not the same. It's a little more expensive but worth it. I have one in each size. My favorite is a G hook.

Sunday, March 01, 2009Name: Peggy

Subject: crocheting over ends

Comment: I have been crocheting for 30 plus years. I get ideas from patterns, but always make something original. I prefer to crochet as many ends in as I can. when you lay them on top and crochet over they will work out over time when the project is stretched during use. I crochet over for about two inches or less, then I bring the end up and over after drawing a loop through the next stitch, bringing it up to the next row to crochet over in the other direction. this will secure it so it will not work itself out down the road.

Saturday, February 28, 2009Name: kay darke

Subject: sticky hooks

Comment: if your hook gets sticky and seems like it doesn't want to go thru the loops, just take it out of your work and run it thru your hair. hold it down against your scalp and push it backwards and forewards a few time. my mother told me this about 60 years ago! it works a treat. happy hooking :)

Friday, February 27, 2009Name: Holly

Subject: Storage

Comment: I use the plastic packaging that comforters and sheets come in to store yarn and projects. They keep everything clean and most have zippers for closures. You will be surprised just how much yarn you can fit in the comforter bags.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009Name: CrochetGirl99

Subject: organization

Comment: To keep my yarn organized, i keep them in boxes or plastic bags and a different color in each of them. At different craft stores, they sell these little cute crochet hook holders, i use that to organize my crochet hooks

Friday, January 30, 2009Name: Roxanna Crist

Subject: yarn storage

Comment: I store projects in pop corn tins (the ones you get around Christmas time). They are perfect for holding the pattern, yarn, needles, etc. for the project you are working on.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009Name: A. Goode Crotchayer

Subject: Different Patterns

Comment: You can often use one pattern for many different projects, you can use a simple afghan pattern and skip a few stiches to make it a hat!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009Name: littlebit

Subject: leftover yarn

Comment: Whenever you have little snipets of yarn leftover just keep them somewhere and whenever you need a little bit of stuffing there you go!

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