Crocheters, grab your hooks and unfinished projects! It's National Crochet Month!
National Crochet Month is celebrated every March, and is the perfect time to pick up old projects, start new ones, or—if you haven't tried crocheting before—pick up a hook and learn the basics.
Want to catch up on the latest crochet fashion or show off your fashionable yarn wares? This year's Crochet Fashion Week runs from March 30-31 and will be held in Nashville, TN. Check out their couture crochet to inspire your own works.
The Basics
What you will need:
- Yarn — Yarn comes in many materials and weights from bulky blanket yarn to super-fine yarn.
- Crochet hook — Standard hooks come in sizes measured in millimeters from 2.25 to 30 millimeters. Common hooks are the Worsted Weight Yarn Hook (5mm), Fingering Weight Yarn Hook (3.25mm), and Jumbo Yarn Hook (19 mm). Most yarns are labeled with which hook matches best, but crocheters can use other hook sizes depending on the designs/patterns. There are also crochet thread hooks used for lace which are too small for the millimeter measuring system.
- Other helpful materials
- Scissors
- Embroidery or tapestry needles
- Gauge measuring tool
- Measuring Tape or Ruler
- Stitch Markers
Get started by learning these simple beginner stitches (see video above):
- Slip Knot
- Chain (ch)
- Single Crochet (sc)
- Double Crochet (dc)
- Half-double Crochet (hdc)
Many beginner-friendly project patterns use these basic stitches. Practice these to get comfortable with holding the crochet hook (either pencil hold or knife hold) and the motion of crocheting. Branch out with more stitches and try out Tunisian Crochet which we wrote about in a previous blog.
Don't forget to check out the library eSource, Creativebug! Learn to knit or crochet with their easy-to-follow tutorials, and find patterns to try—all you need is your library card number!
Events
Learn to crochet at your local library!
Marvelous Makers - Sundays at 1 p.m. at Alachua Branch
If you enjoy crafting, hang out with us in this drop-in craft club! All crafts are welcome, including crochet, knitting, drawing, painting, cross stitch, jewelry-making, etc. Just gather your supplies and join us in the Learning Center! This program is open to all ages.
Sew 'n' Sew - Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at Alachua Branch
Sew n’ Sew is a weekly group of hand needle crafters that meet to work on individual projects in a group setting. Hand needle crafts refer to those that don’t require a machine, such as hand sewing, cross stitching, embroidery, crocheting, and knitting.
Crocheting for Adults - Thursday, April 4, at 5 p.m. at Headquarters Library
We are continuing our Introduction to Crochet with new stitches and patterns advancing our knowledge of all things crochet.
ArtSpace: Fiber Fun Fellowship - Mondays, March 25 and April 8 and 22, at 1 p.m. at Hawthorne Branch
Join us for conversation and stitching fun! This group meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month.
All fiber hobbyists are welcome! Throw some supplies in a bag and come stitch with us. If you are into fiber arts, such as sewing, embroidery, cross-stitch, knitting, or crocheting - join us. Hang out and chat while you work on your current project or start a new one. You will meet like-minded people and trade tips, advice, or ideas.
Learn to knit and/or crochet with the Crafternooners. If you already know the craft, you are welcome to join and share what you know.
Queer Crafting Collective - Saturday, March 30, at 2 p.m. at Library Partnership Branch
A program for local queer adults to get together to craft, chat, and build community. Some supplies (yarn, fabric, beads, etc.) and patterns to be provided to those who are interested.
Book Recommendations
Complete Crochet Course: The Ultimate Reference Guide by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby
From renowned crochet designer Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby comes the ultimate reference manual for the absolute beginner.
Filled with step-by-step photography throughout for an easy-to-follow and fully visual experience, this unparalleled guide teaches you how to crochet from the very first stitch—and will keep you crocheting as you gain experience! The Complete Crochet Course explains all the tools, materials, and techniques you need, from choosing a hook and yarn to seaming, working in the round, handling specialty stitches, and adding details. Ten patterns are perfectly designed for novices eager to complete their first projects, while intermediates can enjoy mastering even more advanced skills.
Crochet Every Way Stitch Dictionary: 125 Essential Stitches to Crochet in Three Ways by Dora Ohrenstein
This illustrated crochet stitch dictionary features 125 stitches plus handy shaping techniques and endless inspiration for creative crocheters.
In Crochet Every Way Stitch Dictionary, designer Dora Ohrenstein offers detailed instructions for 125 beautiful stitch patterns. Plus, she explains how to increase and decrease each stitch pattern in three different ways—without shaping, with shaping at the edges, and with internal shaping.
This hefty collection, ranging from lace and filigree to shells and textured stitches, is loaded with beautifully photographed swatches of each pattern, plus charted and text instructions. Ohrenstein’s focus on shaping techniques makes it possible to explore an array of variations without a pattern.
Tunisian Crochet Workshop: The Complete Guide to Modern Tunisian Crochet—Techniques, Stitches, and Patterns by Michelle Janine Robinson
Tunisian crochet is enjoying a revival with many crocheters wanting to expand their skills and try something new. This comprehensive guide has something for everyone--from complete beginners to those who have learnt the basics but now want to expand their skills. As well as the stitch tutorials, there are also 12 beautiful, contemporary designs to create. With projects ranging from fashion accessories to decorative homewares, there is something for everyone!
Hello Hexie!: 20 Easy Crochet Patterns from Simple Granny Hexagons by Sarah Shrimpton
See granny hexagons in a whole new light with this inspired collection of modern crochet patterns for clothes, accessories, and homewares.
Hexagons are quick and easy to make and can be combined in a myriad of ways to create a huge range of projects—from garments and accessories to home décor and even toys.
In this unique collection, popular crochet designer Sarah Shrimpton reveals ten crochet hexagon patterns and twenty step-by-step projects that you will be itching to stitch thanks to their simplicity and creativity. This refreshing twist on the classic granny square will get you excited about the possibility of the humble six-sided polygon and how it can be used to create gorgeous projects... one little hexie at a time.
Dark & Dramatic Mosaic Crochet: A Master Guide to Overlay Colorwork with 15 Modern Goth & Alternative Patterns by Alexis Sixel
Capture the art of mosaic crochet and craft gothic colorwork creations with ease! From Alexis Sixel, the creator of Sixel Design, comes the ultimate all-in-one resource for the addictive technique of overlay mosaic crochet. Under Alexis’s expert guidance, you’ll effortlessly master all the essential skills in no time. Learn to read mosaic charts, crochet border stitches and create the unique special stitches that Alexis has personally spent years developing and perfecting―all before moving on to the edgy, eye-catching works of crochet art on every page.
From quick, exciting projects like the Heartbreaker Zipper Pouch to wearable designs like the Poison Skull Cap to dramatic home décor like the damask-style Victorian Pillow, you’ll never run out of vibrant creations to crochet. Perfect for beginners, each of these dazzling designs is quick to come together and is paired with clear step-by-step images and encouraging instructions to guarantee your stitching success. So, grab your hooks and get started! Your dark and dramatic side has never looked so good.
Classic Crochet Blankets: 18 Timeless Patterns to Keep You Warm
Practical, timeless, and easy to make, crocheted blankets can turn any house into a home. Interweave Presents Classic Crochet Blankets shares 18 projects for crochet afghans, blankets, and throws you'll love to make and use.
The clever and classic designs featured in this collection explore a variety of techniques and crochet stitches, including lovely lacework, textured cables, creative colorwork, and stash-busting granny squares. The projects are worked in several different ways: from the center out, in rows, and in crochet motifs that are joined. A helpful tutorial on crochet symbols and a mini-library of crochet edgings you can use to further customize your afghans round out this wonderful resource.
Crochet in a Weekend: 29 Quick-to-Stitch Sweaters, Tops, Shawls & More by Salena Baca
If you shy away from crocheting sweaters, cardigans, ponchos, or tops because you think they’re complicated and take too much time to make, this book was designed just for you.
Crochet in a Weekend offers 29 wrap, cowl, cardigan, poncho, tunic, sweater, and top patterns for every season of the year! Each design is made with a yarn that’s easy to find (or substitute), stitches that create gorgeous fabrics (that are easy to memorize), and separate pieces that are portable and easy to seam together!
You can start with simple designs like the Roving Stole or Date Night Poncho if you’re looking for styles made with dazzling yarns! The Coboo Top and ZZ Twist Tee are worked with open stitches, creating oversized fits that are very complementary to wear. When looking for cozy, plush styles, the Charisma Poncho, Color Made Easy Cardigan, and Weekend Blanket Wrap are classic pieces that you’ll love to wear!
Whether you’re looking for a quick project, like the Picnic Vest or Warlock Wrap, or want to learn a new stitch or technique with the Mauve Cardigan or Speckle Sweater, your weekend crochet projects really can be gorgeous designs that you’ll enjoy making!
Curvy Girl Crochet: 25 Patterns That Fit and Flatter by Mary Beth Temple
Full-figured women who love to crochet will rejoice in this fun, fresh, and pretty new book, Curvy Girl Crochet: 25 Patterns that Fit and Flatter. Instead of making adjustments to “average-size" patterns, this exciting guide celebrates larger women with 25 original crochet patterns designed specifically in plus sizes. Pullovers, sweaters, wraps, and more—every wardrobe staple you can think of is here, with techniques and schematics to show crocheters exactly how to troubleshoot and solve pattern-fitting problems before they occur.
Expert crochet designer Mary Beth Temple, whose books can be found in major craft stores nationwide, teaches curvy crocheters everything needed to create fashionable items that will fit and flatter.
Designer Crochet: 32 Patterns to Elevate Your Style, Sizes Small to 5X by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby
Designer Crochet is your source for sophisticated and figure-flattering garments with great drape and shape. Using lightweight yarns and a beautiful variety of stitch patterns and motifs, you'll create jackets and cardigans, a layering tank and a floor-sweeping skirt, a convertible vest/wrap and matching winter accessory set, and more, with every design built to flatter most body types. Beginner crocheters can learn the basics using easy-to-follow tutorials while advanced crocheters will enjoy mastering special techniques. This is a complete wardrobe in a single book for sizes small through 5X.
The New Tunisian Crochet: Contemporary Designs for Time-Honored Traditions by Dora Ohrenstein
Tunisian crochet is hot! Open the door and discover many designers and 30+ Tunisian stitch patterns.
Tunisian crochet, a technique dating back to the nineteenth century, has recently been making its way back into the hands of crocheters. Here, author Dora Ohrenstein presents more than 30 Tunisian stitch patterns and 11 projects, updating historic concepts and introducing innovative techniques using contemporary styles and yarns. The door has officially been opened for those interested in rediscovering this treasured craft.
In The New Tunisian Crochet, you'll begin with Tunisian stitch patterns to create a variety of beautiful fabrics you'll love. Next, follow the inspiration of some of crochet's masters with projects that showcase these stitches in a variety of garments, accessories, and home decor projects. Get ready to explore a craft that's received a fresh jolt of inspiration and insight in The New Tunisian Crochet.
Amigurumi Made Easy: 16 Straightforward Animal Crochet Patterns by Mariska Vos-Bolman
In this book Amigurumi Made Easy, designer Mariska Vos-Bolman (DIY Fluffies) has compiled a wealth of amigurumi knowledge and expertise. Even if you're a crochet beginner, you'll be able to tackle all of these projects with ease. With clear instructions, lots of step-by-step pictures and simple video tutorials to guide you along, you’ll become a master of amigurumi in no time!
Say hello to endless hours of crafting fun as you test out your new-found creative skills in 16 amazing patterns. You’ re sure to impress your friends and family with handmade gifts or a collection of cuddly plushies to show, you can never make enough. So grab some soft yarn, find a good spot and open the book right up to start!
- Perfect for beginners -With handy instructions on all stitches (including video links) and help with all materials needed, you'll be mastering amigurumi in no time.
- 16 straightforward animal patterns - With patterns for a bee, mouse, cat, cow, dog, flamingo, frog, gorilla, bunny, otter, owl, puffin, snail, snake, squirrel and goat your biggest issue will be which one to make first.
- Step-by-step pictures - More challenging parts in the patterns are accompanied by detail pictures. And there is an online forum as well if you have any questions left.
So whether you are new to amigurumi or looking to up your stitch game, Amigurumi Made Easy may just be perfect to start. All 16 characters are waiting to be crocheted by you!
My Pretty Brown Doll Crochet Patterns for a Doll That Looks Like You by Yolonda Jordan
From American Girl Dolls to Barbie, there’s something special about having your own doll, and even more so, having a doll that looks like you. And it’s not just about clothing; having a doll that has eyes, skin tone, and even a hairstyle to match your own is a thrill. For African American girls, this isn’t the norm nor is it easy to find.
Created by Yolanda Jordan, My Pretty Brown Doll offers patterns and crochet techniques to create this charming crochet doll, with skin tone, hairstyle, eyes, and outfits that are customizable to match the young person this gift is for. Jordan’s unique aesthetic will appeal to a wide variety of crocheters, and there are endless possibilities to make this doll unique.
The book covers a basic wardrobe, including pants, shirts, shoes, coats, a hat, and a scarf. But then Jordan dives into specific adventures like going to school and playing soccer, dancing ballet and traveling to Paris. There’s even a mermaid and a scientist outfit, complete with lab coat. Offering African American girls the chance to have their own doll, who looks like them and can be outfitted exactly the way they want, is a gift unlike any other. It’s a wonderful opportunity to deliver something special to an underserved market.