CROCHET "HOW-TO's"

         The Basics and Techniques for All Experience Levels        

More coming soon, but here is a little sample:

Click Here to see Crochet Pattern Central.com's Tips & Tricks on how to do anything involving crochet.

MAGIC CIRCLE (aka ADJUSTABLE RING):
Click here to view a video on how to do this.  This is a great technique for starting circles.  The result is a tiny or non-existent hole in the middle, rather than a 'bigger hole than you wanted' if you do it the traditional way.  You tighten it to the desired size! 

BOBBY PINS AREN'T JUST FOR HAIR:
When working in rounds or if you are new to crochet, it's a good idea to use a "stitch marker."   Stick one in the first stitch of a round or the last stitch in the row so you know where your last stitch goes.  Instead of using store bought stitch markers, use a bobby pin.  Chances are you have a bunch in your bathroom drawer.  They stay in place but are quickly removeable.  Perfect for marking your stitches and best of all they are FREE!

SPECIAL JOIN:
Click here to view a video on how to do this.  This is a great technique for moving the working yarn to the other side of the work.  It is firmer and tidier than the usual slip stitch join used in most patterns.  Here is the technique described in words... but view the video to better understand:

1. Insert hook under both loops of first dc of the round and pull through a loop.
2. Withdraw hook from that loop.
3. Leaving a little of the working yarn loose in the back bring working yarn under hook between the dropped loop and the loop on the hook.
4. Reinsert the hook in the dropped loop and pull that loop through the other loop on the hook.
5. Holding the loose working yarn at the back firmly pull up the modified slip stitch you have just done very firmly so it is tiny.
6. Pull on the loose yarn at the back to firm up the loop on the hook.
7. Pull on the working yarn at the front to pull all the loose yarn through. 

HOW TO MAKE "PLARN" (Plastic Yarn)
Plarn is "yarn" made of plastic grocery bags.  This is a great, green way to recycle your 'bag of bags'!  You can crochet plarn just like yarn and the result will be a sturdy, waterproof, 'green' creation.  Especially great for tote bags/beach bags.  Click here for photos & instructions on how to make plarn. 

HOW TO MAKE T-YARN (YARN FROM OLD T-SHIRTS)
T-Yarn is "yarn" made of old t-shirts.  This is a great, green way to recycle your old t-shirts.  There are TWO WAYS to do this:  FIRST WAY:  The best way is to use t-shirts that do not have side seams as you can cut around and around starting at the bottom. First cut off the hem and then with a sharp pair of scissors cut strips about 1/2″ to 3/4″ wide. Cut in one continuous strip.  Click here for the tutorial. Anything you make from t-yarn will be really soft and interesting looking.   

   SECOND WAY:  
Starting at the bottom hem, cut around the front of the shirt in rounds until you reach the middle.  See photo (left) from ecoemporia.com. Then do the same to the back and tie together.

HOW TO SEW FABRIC LINING FOR A 
CROCHETED BAG
Crochet pouches are quick and easy to make.  Once you've made one, you can make a fabric lining with minor sewing skills by following these simple instructions (click here).  If you're adventurous, you can add snaps or a zipper as a bag closure (do this before you sew the lining to the crocheted bag).

DIAGONAL BOX STITCH &
STRAIGHT BOX STITCH

I love this stitch.  I found this cute baby blanket at a thrift store with this stitch and I have been trying to figure out how they did it.  I finally found out it's called a box stitch (aka crazy stitch/brick stitch).  And you can make it in straight rows(see photo) or you can make it on the diagonal.  Here are a few links to some good tutorials on the subject.
DIAGONAL:
http://www.crochetcabana.com/stitches/diag-box-st.htm
STRAIGHT: http://crochet.about.com/library/blcrazyst.htm OR http://www.crochetcabana.com/stitches/box-st-in-rows.htm