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!

Sunday, October 23, 2005Name: Angie

Subject: loose ends

Comment: I have found that those flat metal hair clips that you bend to snap shut work very well to attach yarn ends to the the yarn skein.

Saturday, October 22, 2005Name: Monica

Subject: Washing Yarn Skeins

Comment: Are you going to be making a fringe or did you spill soda on your skein of yarn? You can wash an entire skein of yarn easily! Simply remove the label and place the skein inside a pillow case and tie it shut. wash and dry according to yarn instructions, making sure to feel deep inside skein to ensure it is completely dry. It comes out beautifully and clean, so you don't have to wash your product before you give it away! (Although if you smoke or have pets, I recommend you wash it anyway -- but just add the fringe (with the washed yarn) after washing the finished item.

Saturday, October 22, 2005Name: Minnie

Subject: Keep track of # of rows

Comment: Take a 3x5 index card with lines and write the whole pattern on the index card. For each row use a separate card.Example: row 1,one card, row 2 another card. This is another way to keep track of the number of rows used. After you finish with one row, put the card aside.

Friday, October 21, 2005Name: Shirley

Subject: keeping track

Comment: Just wanted to remind everyone - take a picture of your project. Take one that shows just the project, and put the date on the picture. Also, if you give the project to someone, have a picture of you, the other person, and both of you holding the project together. Date the photo, and put the persons names on them. It will just give you a reminder later on, of what you've made and shared.

Wednesday, October 19, 2005Name: ayesha

Subject: needle storage

Comment: I keep my needles in a snap shut eye glasses case. This works great as I have a two year old daughter and have to drop the project and run to her many times a day, so I just throw the needle in the box and snap it shut. It's too hard for her to open too! Because the most interesting thing for her is to look at my books and fiddle around with my projects!

Wednesday, October 19, 2005Name: Betty Stinson

Subject: Starting a crochet project

Comment: After you chain the number of stitches you need, turn your chain over to the back and begin crocheting into the hump stitch of the chain you are suppose to start in. Continue to the end of your chain. Then continue in the normal manner that you usually crochet in. This way your bottom row will look exactly like the last row that you crochet.

Sunday, October 16, 2005Name: Sasha

Subject: yarn storage

Comment: i found it easiest to store scraps of yarn on an empty toilet paper or paper towel roll, depending on the amount of scraps. you can cut a small slit in the top to hold loose ends and this keeps the yarn untangled and ready to use for another project.

Saturday, October 15, 2005Name: rebecca

Subject: storage

Comment: i suggest that to prevent your yarn from getting tangled up roll into a ball and keep it in a basket with seperate compartments to keep all your hooks and needles and scissors.

Friday, October 14, 2005Name: Olivia

Subject: Limit!!!

Comment: I've found out that I work faster when I have a due date than when I am randomly working on a project. So I would advise setting a time limit for each project~~~~

Friday, October 14, 2005Name: Suzanne

Subject: Storage

Comment: I had yarn EVERYWHERE of all colors and weights. I solved the problem by sorting the yarns into clear rubbermaid type containers (whatever size works for you) I have them stacked in my closet. With them being clear it is easy to glance and find the yarn I want to use without tearing apart boxes and having yarn everywhere.

Thursday, October 13, 2005Name: Leona

Subject: Carrying your hooks

Comment: I use the flat containers that baby wipes come in to carry hooks, sewing needles and folding sizzors - the containers snap securely (to add security-put a rubber band around the case) and you can toss them into bag w/out worry!

Monday, October 10, 2005Name: Torrie

Subject: Storage

Comment: I keep my current project in a handeled, plastic box. It's small enough to carry everywhere, but large enough to hold 6 skeins of yarn plus supplies. I keep 2 snack size zipper sandwich bags inside. One holds all my hooks and needles, the other is for yarn scraps. I save the scraps to use as stitch markers on my next project. I also keep a magnetic board and magnetic strips in the box. I bought them to mark my place on cross stitch patterns, but they work great to keep my place in compicated crochet patterns. All of my crochet patterns are stored in a 3-prong folder, which also fits perfectly in the box. With the handle, the box is also very easy to grab and hide when my sister (who I'm making a blanket for) stops by unexpectedly.

Monday, October 10, 2005Name: Jennifer

Subject: Organization

Comment: I used to keep my crochet hooks and yarn needles in a little zippered bag I found. I was always having to dig through the bag for my yarn needle that I use for finishing my projects. I finally got tired of it and crocheted myself a little "pin cushion" of sorts and stuffed it with yarn scraps. I use it to store my yarn needle and whatever crochet hook I'm using for my current project. It works great!

Tuesday, October 04, 2005Name: angie

Subject: good ideas

Comment: Even if you don't knit i've discovered its well worth it to check out knitting patterns at the knitting version of this site. Its a great place to get new ideas that could be adapted to crochet.

Sunday, October 02, 2005Name: Cynthia

Subject: Yarn bobbin

Comment: I have always had a hard time finding bobbins big enough to wind yarn around. So I finally made my own. Using carboard I cut out a circle with little mouse ears on each side (all one piece) and I find that the little ears really help with the wrapping and its a cheap and easy solution. And the best part is that you can use them over and over.

Notice: If you want to send me (the webmistress) a "thank you" using this form, that is fine (I appreciate it). However, I may not be posting it publicly for all to see, and I have no way of responding without knowing your email address.

Name Provide Your Name Subject Subject of Your Testimonial Comment What is your tip or trick? Type In the Letters/Numbers Submit

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.