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!

Tuesday, October 24, 2006Name: Donna

Subject: bring-along bag

Comment: I travel alot with my family of 7 we always pack lots of bags I like to take my crochet along but its not always quick to find so what I found that works for me is a simple valence bag you know the zip kind that the curtains come in they work great i can see through it, easy to find and an added bonus its waterproof just in case of spills (5 kids)

Thursday, October 19, 2006Name: Ann

Subject: Blankets for men

Comment: It's often tough to find a great present for a man in your life. I like to purchase a masculine print fleece for one side and a plain color for the other. I purchase 2 1/2 yards of each. Lay the out together and pin. Use the pattern on one side to help you find the stitch lines to secure both pieces together. I stitch around with a long zig-zag stitch and then trip the edges. Next, I take a 1/16 to 1/8" hole punch and punch holes around about 1" in and 1" apart. I start to crochet around the blanket. Sometimes I crochet two or three single crochet stitches in each hole, and sometimes I stich one one and then chain. This looks like a blanket stitch. I usually just leave it like this and the men that I have given these to, just adore them.

Thursday, October 19, 2006Name: Doris

Subject: thread holder

Comment: I find that using a CD holder (the kind you get when you buy 100 CD's)works great for holding your thread. The clear plastic CD protector that is on top of the stack allows the thread to turn easily when you pull on the thread.

Thursday, October 19, 2006Name: Martha

Subject: copy of patterns

Comment: I frequently make a copy of the pattern I will be working on (and usually enlarge it some, as the print is sometimes too small). By doing this I can make notes on the copy, ie keeping count of rows/stiches, how many times I have repeated a designated row etc. This has really helped me, especially the enlarging. If you don't have a printer/copier maybe a friend would help you out.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006Name: Sharon Lucchesi

Subject: tension rings for crochet

Comment: For those who have difficulty keeping the thread tension the way they need it when crocheting...they might try to find gadgets especially made for this purpose that fits on the finger and helps so that you don't depend on you finger alone. Herrschners has them. They're plastic for about $2.99 or so and while it slips on the index finder I think it could go on the middle finger if that is more comfortable. I have not used them myself but if crocheters are having discomfort it might help. They are referred to as tension rings for crocheting or yarn guides. Just checked and see Herrschners still has them. Go online and type in Herrschners homepage or online catalog. It should take you there, then just type it in or do a search there or send email to CONTACT US or Customer Service. You should have no trouble once you get to Herrschners.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006Name: Sharon Lucchesi

Subject: place marker

Comment: Just had a thought...if you have no safety pen to mark your place when crocheting...how about using the Jumbo size paper clip. Carefully spread the clip enough to insert the thread or yarn and carefully remove. Better than nothing...(if you have a paper clip that is) Just as a matter of habit I always keep a clip or two in my pockets and purse. Never know when it comes in handy.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006Name: Sharon Lucchesi

Subject: crochet bag

Comment: Not glamorous but really works well is the old humble brown grocery bag. It works for me all the time. You can plunk it down on the floor and it always holds up well and the crochet thread balls or yarn can just flip and flop around all it wants as you pull on your thread plus you can just throw into the roomy space what have you for the moment til you resume again. I always keep a small note pad and pen or pencil to jot reminder notes about what I am doing or need to do next or any changes to be made. Don't trust to memory especially when a pattern is being your own creation as you go along. This works well when working at home and being chic is not important...maybe try taking it when you go out to your crocheting circles and start a trend when function is desired more that beauty of bag.

Friday, October 13, 2006Name: Matthew

Subject: Fringe with books

Comment: I find that using pieces of carboard boxes to make custom-length fringe can be problematic -- the carboard bends and the lengths come out all wrong - using a hard-cover book works great... I choose the size book appropriate for the length ("War & Peace" or a big cookbook for long blanket fringe - smaller books for shorter) I close the starting end into the book (close to the spine) then wind the book around until it is neatly covered with one layer of yarn (or as needed), then cut along the top where the cover usually projects beyond the edges of the pages, a perfect place to run your scissors under the yarn, making sure to cut the piece that held between the pages. The rigid book is easy to hold and makes the lengths very regular. as always, be careful of tension as you wind.

Friday, October 13, 2006Name: Donna

Subject: yarn containers

Comment: Every once in a while I like to get the Planter's cheese balls in the tube containers. I find them pretty handy to put my skein of yarn in them. Just clean out the inside, cut a hole in the lid to string the yarn thru. The containers are big enough for an eight ounce skein.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006Name: Josephine

Subject: yarn

Comment: Hi me again. I am 12 years old and find that if you go on holidays and want to take your crochet things with you and don't want to carry big balls of yarn around that you just find the end of the ball and make a mini ball of yarn. It can be whatever size you want/need. I know that it is very handy because I have done this several times. Sure it may take a while to make the mini ball but it is worth it!

Wednesday, October 11, 2006Name: Josephine

Subject: hooks

Comment: I am 12 years old and currently teaching myself to crochet with grest success. Whatever you do DON'T EVER buy plastic crochet hooks! I bought some when I was beginning and while I was crocheting a bookmark with a 4.00mm hook, it snapped in half! I had to get my mum to drive for half an hour just to get to the craft store so I could buy a ALUMINIUM 4.00mm hook!Now I only buy METAL or ALUMINIUM hooks. (sorry if i spelt anything wrong!)

Sunday, October 08, 2006Name: brandi

Subject: Scraps of thread?

Comment: When I have scraps of thread I make a scrap blankey usually granny squares

Saturday, October 07, 2006Name: Bethany

Subject: granny squares

Comment: I like to make granny squares so i have a whole bunch of them, and they can be sewn together to make loads of stuff. They make great quick easy projects, too.

Friday, October 06, 2006Name: Taylor

Subject: way to send thread through bottles

Comment: I've used those 2 liter soda bottles for my thread. Everyone's asked me how I get the thread throught the tiny opening in the bottle. I put a paper clip on the end of the string and take a strong magnet near the top. Works every time!

Sunday, October 01, 2006Name: Mari

Subject: Project Container

Comment: When beginning a project, I place my yarn/thread in a small plastic bucket (the kind with a rope handle). The yarn stays put when working, there is no friction with holes poked in oatmeal container tops, and I keep the hook and instructions in the bucket with the yarn when not in use.

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