The Last Stitch in a Granny Squares Afghan

Crocheting is a fun and easy way to make blankets, garments, scarves, hats, toys, and anything else you can imagine. Whether you are sitting in a waiting room, passing the time on an airplane flight, or watching the kids during after school sports, crocheting is a very portable craft. All you need is yarn and a crocheting needle, which are both easily carried in a tote bag.

Crocheted Floral Design

Whatever your learning preference, crocheting lessons are available in abundance. Formal classes are offered through craft and fabric stores, as well as sewing centers, but most people learn to crochet from family members or friends eager to share their craft. If you prefer a more social, group-learning experience, many churches have knitting and crocheting clubs. Another option is the local high school evening program, and of course the Internet features how-to videos for beginners and experts.

Zigzag Crochet Stitch

This afghan only has two colors, but you can use as many as you like.

Shell Crochet Stitch

There are a multitude of stitches to choose from, including the single and double crochet, the zigzag, the shell, and the popcorn stitch.

Rainbow Yarn

Yarn selections are amazing– textured, soft or bold colors, ultra soft, bulky versus fine gauge, heather, fiber content (acrylic, wool, cotton, nylon), ombre, and metallic. Manufacturers label their products with recommendations for needle gauge, and uses for each type of yarn.

Ombre Yarn

Blankets make great housewarming and baby gifts. For the college and professional sports enthusiast, team colors and logos can be incorporated into the design.

Luminaries

A beautiful crocheted cover really dresses up this otherwise ordinary glass jar luminary.

Placemats & Table Runners

Fine, silky yarns, produce lacey crocheted textiles.

Home Decor

African violets can be tricky to grow, but this plant will never need water or special plant food. In fact the only thing it needs is a place of honor on your table.

Crocheted Top

Crocheted apparel, such as skirts, tops and dresses have become very popular. Depending upon the openness of the weave, a matching fabric lining may be required.

Beaded Shawl Detail

You can easily change the look of a crocheted item by: combining different stitches; changing the needle size or tension; using novelty yarns or multiple colors; the addition of beads and fringe.

Toy Turtle

Some of the more unusual crocheted items are stuffed animals, baby toys, handbags, pillows, and slippers. Craft stores have free downloadable project ideas with full instructions on their websites.

Toy Dog

This adorable pup is perfect for babies because it’s soft, easy to handle, and there are no dangerous parts or pieces.

Riding in Style

If you’re really ambitious, and have a great sense of humor, you might consider updating your exercise equipment with the playful patterns and colorful whimsy of crochet. You probably weren’t going to use it anyway, so you might as well transform it into a work of art and wonderful conversation piece.

Thanks for reading & Happy Crafting!