Free Crochet Patterns: January 2014

I love love love to crochet. My Grandma (the first Grandma Dot) was my hero. I was not only named after her... I wanted to BE her. Her hands were always busy. I thought she was sooo ambitious, but later realized that it was probably nervous energy. She loved to sew, and she loved to crochet. So patiently she guided my fingers and proudly displayed my masterpieces. I now own many of them and they were anything but masterpieces. How Grandma would have loved the internet with its endless images and free crochet patterns.

When my own daughter came along I wanted to pass on this tradition, with its cherished memories, to my own "baby girl". The problem was... Tracy is a lefty. I tried and tried to teach her stitches, with much frustration and little success. Then Grandma tipped me off to teach her in front of a mirror. DUH. What turned out is that my Grandma taught my little girl, and another generation keeps Grandma alive through cherished memories.

Tracy has been bit by Grandma's "crochet bug". From the time she hit the double digits, through high school, college, grad school, working and anywhere went, her fingers were always intertwined with yarn. All her friends owned homemade afghans, from traditional granny squares to unusual and unique stitches. Her cousins all have dolls and toys made with her hands, and her nieces and nephews came into the world with a yarn and thread crochet wardrobe waiting for them; shoes and booties, dresses, and of course baby blankets galore. Her roommates and co-workers were blessed with bookmarks, hats, hair bows and purses, and my favorite... Her brother's collection of the ugliest Christmas sweaters you could imagine.

Last year, Tracy's life was altered forever by a young man who drove his truck into her drivers door. Having lost the use of her left hand she can no longer crochet and thus lives vicariously through the work of others. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration. But she does take pleasure in seeing the beautiful craftsmanship in the colorful and creative yarns and threads available. Thus this blog was birthed, to combine her passion for crocheting and her desire to help others get "bit by the bug" by providing a place where they can find fabulous free crochet patterns. Enjoy. Get bit. Let us know what you're up to. We want to hear your crochet story.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Free Crochet Patterns: Valentine Crochet

Free Crochet Pattern: I LOVE U

Free Crochet Pattern: Heart Shaped Candy Bag

Free Crochet Pattern: Perfect Pink Valentine

Free Crochet Pattern: Hugs and Kisses Heart Baskets

Free Crochet Pattern: Sweetheart Table Set

Free Crochet Pattern: Crochet Rose Heart Wreath

Free Crochet Pattern: Valentine Scarf

I Love My Hubby Bupersticker

Free Crochet Pattern: Love Bug

Free Crochet Pattern: Miniature Crochet Projects

Monday, January 27, 2014

Free Crochet Patterns: More Interesting Crochet Stitches

At its basic, crochet is made up of many different stitches that are manipulated and repeated to make almost anything. There are the basic single crochet, double crochet, chain, slip stitch.... and so many more.

What you do with these stitches determines the quality and beauty and value of the made item. Adding variety to these stitches makes crochet so much more appealing and even more enjoyable to make.

When someone looks at some of these stitches they may think the stitches are too hard for them, but that is the joy of printed patterns. If someone knows the basic stitches and the basics of reading a pattern they can make just about any crochet pattern.

Here are ten different patterns that can be used for afghans, pillows, scarfs, dishcloths, clothes, curtains, bedspreads and so much more. There is no limit to what you can do.....

Free Crochet Pattern: Alternating Knot Stitch

English Pattern On Bottom of Page

Free Crochet Pattern: Puff Daisy Stitch

English Translation Included

Free Crochet Pattern: Puff Stitch

English Translations Included

Bavarian Crochet on-the-Go
These crochet patterns are perfect for on-the-go stitching -- and the Bavarian 2 round-stitch technique by Jenny King allows you to bring interesting color and texture to your crochet projects.These crochet projects are small -- so, you won?t need too much yarn or time to complete them. Bavarian Crochet on-the-Go includes instructions for:; A crocheted bag holder; Baby bottle cover; Crochet hot pads; A crochet slouchy beanie, a girl's hat and a baby hat; Fingerless gloves; Crochet slippers and morePacked with fun crochet patterns, Bavarian Crochet on-the-Go will keep you stitching and stylish!

Free Crochet Pattern: Tulip Stitch

Free Crochet Pattern: Spiral Stitch

50 Fabulous Crochet Squares
This magnificent collection of 50 innovative designs will make creating your own personalized afghans easy and fun. From simple squares to masculine patterns, holiday themes to intricate flowers -- you'll find it all inside. Squares measure from 5" to 12" across; sizes vary with yarn weight.

Free Crochet Pattern: Diamond Stitch

Free Crochet Pattern: Flower Pattern

English Instructions Included

Free Crochet Pattern: Puff Flower Stitch

How to Crochet on the Double
Create something truly extraordinary!With the double-end crochet hook, you can produce a unique two-sided fabric unlike anything you can get from a regular crochet hook or a knitting needle. The two techniques covered in this book are: working through vertical bars and working through horizontal bars. Includes instructions for making a dishcloth and an afghan. 8 pgs.