How to crochet a Solid Granny Square

 Flowers, Squares, Circles & Crochet Motifs  No Responses »
Nov 052017
 

Dear Artsy Craftsy Friends ,

It has been far too long since I last posted an article or crochet instructions for different stitches or projects . But the time has come to teach you once again how to crochet the simple things , like circles , squares and other shapes , motives and appliques . This is because I downgraded to a beginner crocheter myself after the stroke that made me blind nearly four years ago . So all these written instructions are now posted as they come along in my mind and memory . Today’s article will show you how to crochet the solid granny square , like the ones in the images below .

Level : beginner

Abbreviations :

ch – chain

ch-sp – chain space

dc – double crochet

sc – single crochet

sl st – slip stitch

Ch 4 ; join with sl st to form a ring .

Row 1 : Ch 3 ( counts as dc here and throughout ) ; 2dc in the ring ; ch 2 to form a corner ; 3dc in the ring ; ch 2 ; 3dc in circle ; ch 2 ; 3dc in the ring ; ch 1 ; join with top of beg ch3 with 1sc . ( 12dc and 4 corners on row 1 )

Row 2: Ch 3 ; 1dc in same ch1-sp as ch3; 1dc in each of next 3dc from previous row ; [ 2dc in next ch2-sp ; ch 2 ; 2dc in same ch2-sp ] ; 1dc in each of next 3dc ; [ 2dc in next ch2-sp ; ch 2; 2dc in same ch2-sp ] ; 1dc in each of next 3dc ; [ 2dc in next ch2-sp ; ch 2 ; 2dc in same ch2-sp ] ; 1dc in each of last 3dc from previous row ; 2dc in next ch1-sp ; ch 1 ; join with top of beg ch 3 with 1sc . ( 7dc on each side ; 28dc in total ; 4 corners on row 2 )

Row 3 : Ch 3 ; 1dc in same ch1-sp as ch3 ; *1dc in each of next 7dc from previous row ; [ 2dc in next ch2-sp ; ch 2 ; 2dc in same ch2-sp ] *; repeat from * to * 2 more times ; 1dc in each of last 7dc from previous row ; 2dc in last ch1-sp ; ch 1 ; join with top of beg ch3 with 1sc . ( 11dc on each side ; 44dc in total and 4 corners on row 3 )

Row 4 : ch 3 ; 1dc in same ch1-sp as ch3 ; * 1dc in each of next 11 dc from previous row ; [ 2dc in next ch2-sp ; ch 2 ; 2dc in same ch2-sp ]* ; repeat from * to * 2 more times ; 1dc in each of next 11dc ; 2dc in last ch1-sp ; ch 1 ; join with top of beg ch 3 with 1sc . ( 15dc on each side ; 60dc in total and 4 corners on row 4 )

Row 5 : Ch 3 ; 1dc in same ch1-sp as ch 3 ; * 1dc in each of next 15dc from previous row ; [ 2dc in next ch2-sp ; ch 2 ; 2dc in same ch2-sp ]* ; repeat from * to * 2 more times ; 1dc in each of next 15dc ; 2dc in last ch1-sp ; ch 1 ; join with top of beg ch 3 with 1sc . ( 19dc on each side ; 76dc in total and 4 corners on row 5 )

Cut the yarn and fasten off . However if you want to increase the size of your solid granny square , continue working more rows just like you crocheted the previous 4 rows , never forgetting that each row will grow in size with 16dc as the previous one .

I hope my written instructions helped you learn how to crochet the solid granny square and that this motivates you to start a crochet project , such as a blanket or a purse or a sweater . Or the simplest project I can think of , colorful and cheerful doilies . And don’t forget to post and share your crochet and handmade ideas on my Facebook page that you can find in the sidebar .

If you prefer visual instructions, you can watch the video tutorial bellow.

Happy crocheting solid granny squares ,

Cătălina (from The Coolorburbians).

How to Crochet a Square around a Circle

 Flowers, Squares, Circles & Crochet Motifs  No Responses »
Sep 262016
 

Dear Artsy Craftsy Friends,

Today, we are going to teach you how to crochet a square around a circle.
There are many ways to crochet a circle. Also, there are lots of variations in the number of rounds you can crochet for a circle, for instance, a circle with two rounds, a circle with three rounds, or more. Crocheting a circle with 2 rounds is different from crocheting a circle with 3 rounds. This is based on the number of double crochet stitches you are using on the first round. There are video tutorials showing both types of circles on my YouTube channel, which you can find by following the links below:
How to crochet a circle with 2 rounds: part 1 and part 2.
How to crochet a circle with 3 rounds: part 1, part 2 and part 3.
We had to reconfigure the number of stitches on each round so as to have an even number of stitches to match a square.

How to crochet a square around a circle

Let’s get started!

Abbreviations:
beg ch – beginning chain
ch – chain
ch-x-sp – chain x space
dc – double crochet
hdc – half double crochet
sc – single crochet
sl st – slip stitch
st – stitch

Level: beginner.

Part 1: How to crochet a circle with 3 rounds

Ch 4. Join with first ch with sl st to make a ring.

Round 1: ch3 (counts as a dc here and throughout); 11dc in the ring; join with top beg ch3 with sl st. (12dc in total)

Round 2: ch3; 1dc in same st as ch3; (2dc in next dc from previous round) X 11 times; join with top of beg ch 3 with sl st. (24dc in total)

Round 3: ch3; 1dc in same st as ch3; 1 dc in next dc; [2dc in next dc, 1dc in next dc] X 11 times; join with top of beg ch3 with sl st; (36dc in total)

If you want to continue with a different color, fasten off and attach the new color in any of the dc from previous round. We continued where we left off.

Part 2: How to crochet a square around a circle

Round 4: ch3; 1dc in same st as ch3; ch2; 2dc in next dc from previous round; * 2hdc in next 2 dc; 3sc in next 3 dc; 2hdc in next 2dc; 2dc in next dc; ch2; 2dc in next dc*; repeat from * to * two more times; finish the round: 2hdc in next 2 dc, 3sc in next 3dc, 2hdc in next 2dc; join with top of beg ch3 with sl st; (44dc and 4ch-2-sp in total).

Round 5: ch3; 1dc in next dc; (2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next ch-2-sp; * 1dc in each of next 11dc from previous round; (2dc, ch2, 2dc in next ch-2-sp)*; repeat from * to * two more times; finish the round: 1 dc in each of next 9dc from previous round; join with top of beg ch3 with sl st; ( 60 dc and 4ch-2-sp in total).

Cut the yarn and fasten off.

If you want to make the square larger, you can crochet an extra round following the same instructions showed in row 5, making sure you enlarge the square size in corners.

If you prefer video instructions, here is the link showing you how to crochet a square around a circle.

Part 1: Hot to crochet a circle with 3 rounds

Part 2: How to crochet a square around a circle with 3 rounds

When you are done crocheting your project using our instructions, please share your photos on our Facebook page, in the sidebar.

Happy squaring circles,
The Coolorburbians.

How to crochet a shawl in a triangle shape

 Randoms, Shawls  No Responses »
Jul 062016
 

Dear Artsy Craftsy Friends,

I thought I should tell you that I’ve finally managed to overcome the lethargy after the stroke. In fact, even my sister, Ana-Maria, is feeling much better. We were both struck with apathy and with this sense of futility. But for the past few months I’ve started crocheting again and my sister started to learn how to crochet. I feel this overwhelming joy that I can hold the crochet hook without feeling frustrated that I can’t crochet double crochet stitches like I used to. I’m still limited to a few techniques and stitches, because of my blindness, but it’s better than nothing. Ever since I started crocheting I’ve been making shawl after shawl. Seven, to be more precise. Some of them I offered to friends as gifts, and the rest I intend to sell. But, even if I want to sell the complete project, that doesn’t mean that you do not have the right to know “the secret” behind the project. So, we decided to teach you how to crochet a shawl in a triangle shape, like the one in the image below.

How to crochet a shawl in a triangle

You can also watch the video tutorials below on how to crochet a shawl in a triangle shape:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Let’s get started!

Abbreviations:

() – work instructions within parentheses as may time as instructed

[] – work instructions within parentheses as may time as instructed

beg ch – beginning chain

ch – chain

ch-x-sp – chain-x-space

dc – double crochet

sl st – slip stitch

Level: beginner.

Tips: Read my next article on tips and recommendations about how to crochet a shawl in a triangle shape.

Work a loose ch of 5. Join 1st ch with last ch with a sl st to make a ring. (Tip: work around the ring and the loose end to avoid sewing).

Row 1: work 4ch (this represents 1dc and ch-1-sp here and across); 3dc inside the ring; 3ch to work the tip of the shawl; 3dc inside the ring; 1ch; 1dc inside the ring; 4ch to turn.

Row 2: work 3ch in first ch-1-sp which separates the last set of 3dc and the last 1dc; 1ch; (3dc,3ch,3dc) in next ch-3-sp; 1ch; (3dc, 1ch,1dc) in beg ch from previous row; 4ch to turn.

Row 3: work 3dc in first ch-1-sp which separates the last set of 3dc and the last 1dc; 1ch; 3dc in next ch-1-sp; 1ch; (3dc,3ch,3dc) in next ch-3-sp; 1ch; 3dc in next ch-1-sp; 1ch; (3dc, 1ch, 1dc) in beg ch from previous row; 4ch to turn.

Row 4: work 3dc in first ch-1-sp which separates the last set of 3dc and the last 1dc; 1ch; [3dc in next ch-1-sp, 1ch] X 2; (3dc, 3ch, 3dc) in next ch-3-sp; 1ch; [ 3dc in next ch-1-sp, 1ch] X 2; (3dc, 1ch, 1dc) in beg ch from previous row; 4ch to turn.

Row 5: work 3dc in first ch-1-sp which separates the last set of 3dc and the last 1dc; 1ch; [ 3dc in next ch-1-sp] X 3; (3dc, 3ch, 3dc) in next ch-3-sp; 1ch; [ 3dc in next ch-1-sp, 1ch] X 3; (3dc, 1ch, 1dc) in beg ch from previous row; 4ch to turn.

Row 6: work 3dc in first ch-1-sp which separates the last set of 3dc and the last 1dc; 1ch; [ 3dc in next ch-1-sp] X 4; (3dc, 3ch, 3dc) in next ch-3-sp; 1ch; [ 3dc in next ch-1-sp, 1ch] X 4; (3dc, 1ch, 1dc) in beg ch from previous row; 4ch to turn.

Rows 7-40/50: repeat row 6 following the same steps as shown in this row.

That’s it. Seriously. We are not going to write instructions for the next rows because it would be redundant. All you have to do is follow the instructions for rows 4-6. The only difference is that each side of the row will have an additional set of 3dc. This is how the shawl increases: on the sides and not on the tip, as you might think.

Don’t forget to read the article about tips and recommendations about how to crochet shawls in a triangle shape. We will also post an article to show you how to attach the tassels to a shawl. And lastly, feel free to post photos of your finished projects on our Facebook page.

Happy crocheting,
The Coolorburbians

How to crochet a beginner Elongated Rhombus Stitch

 Fancy Stitches  2 Responses »
Dec 022014
 

Dear Artsy Craftsy Friends,

Welcome to yet another “name this stitch” written instructions. We thought the pattern looks like a rhombus, so we decided to name the stitch the elongated rhombus stitch. The pattern is composed from two parts: one that looks solid and one that looks like a lace. It can be used to make shawls, tops, scarves, shrugs, summer sweaters and many others.

How to crochet a beginner elongated rhombus stitch

How to crochet a beginner elongated rhombus stitch

Abbreviations:

ch – chain;
ch- – refers to chain previously made
ch-sp – chain space;
sc – single crochet;
dc – double crochet.

Level: beginner.

Tip: Because it tends to be a lacey stitch, we recommend that you use finer yarn and a smaller sized crochet hook (3,5-4mm).

Grab your yarn and crochet hook and let’s begin.

Work a loose chain from multiples of 4, plus 2 extra chains to complete the pattern.

Row 1: work 1sc in the 2nd ch from the hook; * work a ch5; skip ch3 from foundation ch; 1sc in next ch * ; repeat from * to * ; to finish the row: work a ch3 to turn (counts as a dc here and throughout).

Row 2: work 2dc in the first sc from previous row; * work 1sc in the next ch5sp; in the next 1sc work [2dc, 1ch, 2dc] * ; repeat from * to * ; to finish the row: work 1sc in the last ch5sp; 3dc in the last 1sc from previous row; ch1 to turn.

Row 3: work 1sc in the first dc from previous row; * work a ch5; skip next [2dc, 1sc, 2dc]; work 1sc in next ch1sp * ; repeat from * to * ; to finish the row: work 1sc in the beginning ch3; work ch3 to turn.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 to complete the pattern.

Happy crocheting,
The Coolorburbians.

P.S.: We are very interested in what you, guys, work with these new stitches. You can upload photos and share your projects with us and other crochet lovers on our Facebook wall that you can find in the right side bar.