Tips 'n Tricks

Do you have a helpful hint or handy trick that will make any aspect of crocheting easier? Share it! Post ideas on scrap yarn usages, stitch markers, starching, hook organization, color changing, maintaining your sanity while following a difficult pattern, etc. There is most probably someone out there that will benefit from your help. Need ideas yourself? Read others' comments--we all live and learn!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012Name: Lizzie

Subject: Spot losing ( 3 ways to keep your spot )

Comment: I haven't been crocheting long but one thing I learned is alway leave something in the last sc you did so here are three things that will do the trick: 1: a safety pin, clip it into the last hole! 2: actual yarn holders,follow the instructions. 3: your hook, just keep your hook there (tho I prefer not to ) thanks hope this is useful!! Have fun crocheting!!!!

Monday, September 10, 2012Name: MindyeM

Subject: yarn holder

Comment: Beverage pitchers with lids are great for holding yarn while working a project. I have a suntea pitcher large enough to hold 2 skeins...simply put the working ends through the opening in the lid and voila. This trick is also good for keeping balls of yarn clean and contained.

Monday, September 10, 2012Name: Patty Klima

Subject: Organization

Comment: I keep all my essentials in an old eyeglass case!The kind that snaps together! It's just right for a hook, some stitch holders and a stitch cutter. It's easy to find and travels well. And it's free when you get new glasses.

Tuesday, September 04, 2012Name: Emily

Subject: Hair Pins

Comment: When making working in rounds, I put a bobby pin in the first stitch in the round. They're always on hand, and make an easy place marker. A bobby pin in the last stitch also helps to ensure that the last stitch won't slide out and your work won't unravel if you put it down for a period of time.

Monday, September 03, 2012Name: Nitastewart

Subject: Crochet hook storage

Comment: I couldn't bring myself to spend nearly $15 on a pre made kit at the craft store...so I started looking around at home for something to carry my hooks and accessories in...I found an old bank deposit zippered bag from long ago. It is sturdy and the perfect size for ally my hooks, snippets, needles, etc. cost...free!

Friday, August 31, 2012Name: Lizzie

Subject: Another Crochet Hook Storage Idea

Comment: I have a little plastic yarn work basket that I keep everything in. The problem I was having was digging my needles and hooks out from when they slipped to the bottom. Then they'd snag on every single thread of yarn when I tried to even delicately pull them up, sometimes ruining a project. I starting slipping my crochet hooks into a M&M's Minis tube. Not only do they fit perfectly but it's so brightly colored I don't have to sift through everything to find it which is perfect when I have those days where my eyes are just not acting 100%. So enjoy some chocolate and then you have a cheap, bright storage container! A girls best solution haha

Thursday, August 30, 2012Name: Karen

Subject: changing colors

Comment: I find that if I am crocheting with two colors, it is easier to hold one skein to the front of your work and one skein to the back of your work, this way they do not tangle as you switch colors

Monday, August 27, 2012Name: Nichelle

Subject: Traveling Crochet

Comment: Whenever I'm traveling (in car or plane) I put all the skeins I'm using for one project in a gallon-size ziploc bag (holds 3 skeins of Carron or Red Heart). I cut slits in the bottom of the bag and feed the center-pull end of the yarn through the holes. Then I can stick the whole thing upside down in my bag and pull from it as I need to change colors. Nothing gets tangled or lost and I can easily complete projects on the way!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012Name: Heather

Subject: Storage

Comment: I use an old oatmeal container to hold the skein of yarn I'm working with, and poke a hole through the top to feed my line through. In addition, I wrap a large rubberband around the container and slip my hook on that for storage when I'm not working :-)

Wednesday, August 22, 2012Name: Diana Sparks

Subject: Patterns

Comment: I find my patterns online and save them in pdf form on my computer. I also have a Kindle and if I am going somewhere I can send the file to my Kindle and take the pattern with me. (much easier than a paper form that can get lost or fall out of whatever u have your project in)

Monday, August 20, 2012Name: Melinda Pleacher

Subject: Crochet Needles

Comment: I found that the clear plastic container that the Crystal Light individual packets comes in makes an excellent case to hold your needles. It is large enough to hold your needles and a small pair of scissors.

Sunday, August 12, 2012Name: Ginnie

Subject: prevent losing stitches

Comment: I crochet a lot and knit a little. On knitting, I finish the row because I only know how to knit one hat :0) and use the rubber ends I bought for that purpose.
For crocheting it's much easier....whichever stitch I'm on when I have to go do something else, I pull that stitch up 10-12 inches, lay the hook aside, fold my project and it's perfect next time.

Sunday, August 12, 2012Name: Tammie Strickland

Subject: Easy Yarn Use

Comment: When Im crocheting something that I know that I will be using that all of the yarn I use a 2 liter drink bottle. Cut it in half... put the yarn in put the top half back on with tape and pull the yarn through the drink opening. Makes it so easy the yarn doesnt get tangled

Friday, August 10, 2012Name: jan

Subject: Blocking

Comment: Take the time to block your finished project. All crochet projects, whether large or small, benefit from blocking. This helps corners to lay flat and ruffles to stand up better, and all your hard work will look so much nicer!

Tuesday, August 07, 2012Name: Lilysmama467

Subject: Crochet Needles

Comment: I heard somewhere that the M&M Mini containers work well for needle storage. Also, I am currently working with cotton yarn for little dolls so I found using the quart freezer bags are great for each doll. Just switch out the color to a labled bag (Contrast A, B, or C etc.and lable what it is for Hair, Dress, or Shoe color.) Makes it simple to custom the dolls. Glad I found this sight. Happy crocheting.

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