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Free Crochet Pattern Guide: Florence top with straps

Buy the crochet pattern here:

How to crochet a top with off-shoulder straps and textured stitch:

Hook: 3 mm
Yarn: Cotton, superfine/size 1. Link to a cheap yarn with lots of pretty colors here (affiliate).

Follow pattern for Florence top – but instead of sc use hdc stitches. The fit and drape will be different. You can of course also use sc as the pattern.

    Here’s how to make the stitch, here shown in hdc

    1. Finish the top as the pattern says, now measure your measurement over your shoulder – from armpit to armpit, see video here for guide to how to measure. Of course you can also try on the top as you go!
    2. Now place your top flat as pictured above. Insert your hook in the side with a slip stitch and repeat the stitches for the body until you have the strap with you want.
    3. Crochet back and forth until you have your measurement or until you have the length you want.
    4. Slip stitch into the opposite side of the top, repeat the same with the other side.

    Other crochet patterns you might like:

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    Free Crochet Pattern Guide: Olivia Striped Dress

    Buy the crochet pattern here:

    How to crochet a striped halterneck textured dress with low-cut back and back strap:

    Hook: 6 mm
    Yarn: BLUE: 2 strands of superfine/size 1 cotton (50 g = 169 m), OFF WHITE: 2 strands of superfine/size 1 in Tencel/Lyocell yarn (50 g = 141 m) and GREEN: 1 strand of size 3/DK/worsted cotton, viscose and linen blend (50 g = 120 m).
    LINK TO YARN: Click here, here and here for yarn + yarn alternatives (affiliate)
    I used 355 g for my size M/L.

    Stripes: The stripes are made randomly. I change color the following way: on the last stitch of the round I switch colors before pulling the yarn through for the last time. Make sure to mark the start of your round to know when to change color.

    SKIRT

    1. You will need to follow the pattern Olivia dress to make this. Follow the pattern and see my measurement example in the pattern. Make sure to always try the first row around your hip to see how it fits.

    2. The stripes are made randomly – a good tip: alternate between the colors and make 1 or 2 rows of white between the darker colors – this will make it stand more out and blend less into each other. I did not break off the yarn, I just left it and picked it up whenever I needed that color. You still crochet in the same direction, just make sure to mark the beginning of your round so you know when to change color.



    BACK OPENING

    3. For the back opening you will need to break off the yarn (you only need to do this if you make stripes, otherwise follow the pattern).

    4. Place the dress so the beginning of the round is on the side, this way it will be less visible on the front/back. Then mark out the measurement for the back on the middle of the round.

    5. Insert your hook with 1 slip stitch and 1 chain from the wrong side in your first mark and make the back.

    6. Try on the dress, when you reach the middle of your bust, make twice as many decreases than before.

    7. Continue until you reach your collarbone/neck. Finish with 1 row of hdc in white (or the color you want) Now chain for the strap.

    STRAPS

    8. Chain 70, ss back over the chains. Crochet hdc down the side, over the back opening and up to the other side, chain for the second strap and break off the yarn.

    9. Insert your hook with 1 slip stitch in the edge of the back opening (around where your waist would be or below your bust, depending on what you prefer – try on the dress and hold it how you want it to be tied).

    10. Tightly chain until you have about 80-100 chains. I only used 1 strand of superfine/size 1 yarn – but you can also make the strap thicker by using two strands.

    11. That’s it! Remember to tag @mati_denmark and hashtag #OliviaDress if you share photos of your creation on social media!


    Other crochet patterns you might like:

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    Free Crochet Pattern Guide: Bias Keri skirt

    Buy the crochet pattern here:

    How to crochet bias skirt with A-line shape:

    Hook: 3 mm
    Yarn: 100% lyocell yarn. Size 1/superfine. Brand: Tencel – feel so nice. Bought at Kvickly. 50 g = 141 m.
    Stitches: Double crochet

    1. Follow the pattern for Keri skirt but use double crochet instead.
    2. When you reach the beginning of your slit, increase twice as often, with the same number of stitches as the pattern states. Thereby making double the amount of increase to get a more flared skirt. 
    3. Finish the skirt as the pattern states with the elastic waist band.

    Other crochet patterns with tencel yarn that you might like:


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    Free Crochet Pattern Guide: Ellie Shorts Guide in Chunky Version and Drawstring Waist

    Buy the crochet pattern here:

    How to crochet chunky shorts with drawstring waist:

    Hook: 6 mm
    Yarn: Size 4/aran/worsted. Find yarn here (affiliate)
    Stitches: Single crochet in back loop and half double crochet.

    1. Follow the Ellie shorts pattern and use the same measurements as describes. I made mine short – but just make sure the full length is longer than the crotch length.
    2. When doing the decreasing on the crotch and the hips, you are going to decrease less. I decreased about half as many stitches per row than the pattern says. Sometimes I only decrease 1/3.
    3. As the pattern is quite intuitive it won’t matter if you on some rows make less decreases than on others – just as long as front and front have the same stitches when you end the panel (and back and back have the same stitches at the end of the decreasing).
    4. For the waist. You are going to make half double crochet stitches through both loops. I made approximately 1-2 hdc per single crochet row – but just make sure to spread them out so you are not increasing on the waist band.
    5. You do the same as in the pattern, but you don’t insert elastic at the end – just make a small opening inside the waistband so you can insert a waist tie.
    6. Sew the waistband close and then use a safety pin to weave the waist tie into the waistband.
    7. Use this tutorial for the waist tie.
    8. Then weave the waist tie out through the stitches on the front and middle of the shorts.

    Other crochet patterns you might like:

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    When Crocheting Turns Toxic

    NOTICING THE SIGNS…

    If you are like me, crocheting can turn into a stressful activity and make you get stuck in your head, drifting away from the present moment and out of your body – this can lead to dissociating where you shut down your body and emotions, feel numb, lose track of time and neglect doing other things during the day because crocheting takes up everything.

    Dissociating can be good in smaller doses and it is something most people recognise – have you ever read a book and drifted totally away from your life and into this story? But if it happens too much or all the time it can lead to feeling disconnected and losing touch with yourself and even forgetting to breathe.

    For me not being present when crocheting looks like this:


    – Thinking about how the item is gonna look
    – Forgetting to breathe
    – Fixating on visualizing putting on the item/ weaving in the last end/making the last stitch
    – Thinking about where to take photos, what to wear with the item
    – Crocheting way too fast to reach the goal quicker
    – Worrying about wheter or not the item will look good/fit
    – Neglecting other areas like eating, drinking, bathroom breaks, socializing or even personal hygiene.

    It’s not that it’s bad to sometimes think or act in this way. Visualizing and having a goal is also important, but when it takes over it can turn crocheting into something toxic and even an addiction.

    But often this overwhelms me with all the things that needs to be done to get the item done, I’ll become too fixated on finishing the project rather than being present, being in the Now – and therefore be mindful about the process.


    IT’S NOT ENOUGH, SO I RUSH.

    My problem is that I get a feeling of urgency, I feel that was is here now is not enough, I think that it will be better once I’m done with the project. And I feel this lingering feeling of not having enough hours in the day, I am behing and time is running out for me, so I rush.

    Then today while sitting with my crochet and thinking these thoughts I looked over at my herb table where I have planted seeds in soil. No sprouts are visible. I started to think, that I can focus on watering the soil and giving it enough sunlight – focus on the need of the seeds day by day, or I could get fixated on the future — when the herb table is filled with green herbs. Then I thought, but then you’ll pick the herbs – and then there will be no more herbs left, the soil will be empty again – no seeds and no sprouts and I’ll have to sow again and it all starts over. And I could see how this related to my crocheting and addiction to it and to always being one step ahead, not really enjoying the Now.


    UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSE


    Being constantly in the future prevents me from living. It tells me that something better is just around the corner. The same phenomenon happens when I go into a PTSD flashback, just the other way around; I feel that danger is lurking around every corner and I can’t be present.

    I like to notice why I’m having difficulty being present. Writing this now is an attempt to do just that – be present about why I can’t be present today. Notice what I feel and why I might feel that way.

    Often it stems from feeling of mistrust and uncertainty about me and my life, so drifting off into the future becomes an escape into “something better”, where the tasks are done, the kitchen is clean, my hair is washed, my bank account has more money etc.

    CAN BE A TRAUMA SYMPTOM

    Escaping into the future can be a life saver if you have experienced trauma, this is what saves you, if something bad is happening to you and the pain of being in the moment is worth than dying. Then it’s a relief to drift away in your mind, to avoid experiencing the pain in the present.

    Mindfulness and being present can’t be forced. You can’t do anything to become mindful, it’s actually more about not doing.

    If you’re doing a lot, racing through your projects, thinking ahead all the time, rushing around and trying to reach the finish line, you’ll continue to race. Because it’s not about the things and the race, it’s because of something happening right now that you are fleeing from. But know, that it’s okay to flee, understanding the “why” is so crucial in both being aware of what is happening and being able to change it.

    When I can’t see a clear cause to my stress I notice that it’s just because that’s what my brain has been taught – even though there is no danger in the present. I have been used to driving on a road of fear and stress and it’s what it has known most. I need to create another road aswell, a road of more peace and being, so I have a contrast to the old road.



    LEARNING TO TAKE MY TIME
    Sometimes I just need to put the work away to do (or not do) something else completely. Brew some tea, watch a comedy series, go for a walk, breathe. I think it is also about appreciating what is here and now – even if what is here and now is an unfinished project. Think about maybe sharing your unfinished project and romanticizing the process more than the product.

    Today I’m practising to tell myself “There is nothing to do”. Everything that is happening or that “needs to get done” will get done in its own, I can’t force it – well I can, but I won’t like it. I’m enough and I’ve done enough.

    And sometimes it’s my fear talking, it’s the fear of not earning enough money to provide for myself, the fear of being forced to do a regular job that will slowly kill me, the fear of being trapped in an enviornement that is not good for me.
    I sometimes think, that if I can just do and do at 200 km/h, then I can relax for a few days.

    No! I can relax and still earn money. Just as the days I’ve been the most productive I don’t sell a single product. And yes it’s uncertain and I don’t know how the future will look, and that’s okay. I can take my time, I have time, I don’t need to rush, I’m enough. I’m really enough.


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    Free Crochet Pattern Guide: Chunky Etna Top with Elastic Back Strap

    Buy the crochet pattern here:

    How to crochet a chunky ribbed top with elastic straps:

    Hook: 10 mm (beige top) or 6 mm (grey top)
    Yarn: Size 8/super bulky/14 ply, wool, 50 g = 50 m (I used 90 grams)
    Or size 4/aran/worsted, cotton, 50 g = 125 m.
    Click here or here for the yarn I used (affiliate).

    Follow pattern for Etna top but make half as many decreases. For the grey top crochet use single crochet instead.

    For the straps: chain 80 (or 10 for the grey top) and crochet hdc slip stitches: Yarn over, hook through chain, yarn over, pull through stitch and all loops. Repeat through the remaining chains.

    For elastic back:

    For the straps only chain 40 (70 for the grey top). Repeat the hdc slip stitch above.

    Cut a piece of 5 mm elastic that measures about 20 cm. Attach to both sides of the top with safety pin. With a 4 mm hook crochet single crochet around the elastic until it covers it. Sew in the elastic. Use this tutorial.

    Other crochet patterns you might like:

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    Free Crochet Pattern Guide: Holly bucket hat

    Buy the crochet pattern here:

    How to crochet a bucket hat:

    • Follow the Holly hat pattern and use single crochet
    • Use 4 mm hook and 2 strands of superfine/size 1 cotton
    • When you reach the increases on the brim, only increase half as much as increase randomly. (depending on the stitches you use, you increase either 4, 5 or 6 stitches per round)
    • When you have the length you want, finish and break off the yarn.

    Other tips for Holly hat:
    – If you want a smooth circle make sure to just increase randomly.

    – If you want a pointy edge (to the brim as well), mark every other increase (every other point) that you made on your last increase round that you made before making the actual tube. This way you know when to increase when you start the brim (as the increase is made in the same stitch on each round).

    Other crochet patterns you might like:

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    Free Crochet Pattern Guide: Sporty Doanna Top with Elastic Back and Cowl Neck

    Buy the crochet pattern here:

    How to crochet a sporty elastic top with cowl neck:

    • Follow Doanna top
    • Only subtract 20 cm from Measurement 1
    • Straps and edge is made in different color
    • Straps: 135 chains/49 cm, followed by hdc ss into every chain (tutorial here)
    • Edge: hdc stitches (1 per row)
    • Then make a cowl neck by sewing the front of the top, on the wrong side (tutorial here)
    • Finally take a piece of 5 mm wide elastic (10 cm in length).
    • Follow my elastic tutorial here, and crochet with hdc around the elastic. Sew each side in place (where your first decrease rows begin)
    • Now you’re done!

    Other crochet patterns you might like:

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    Kan man leve af at hækle?

    Ja! Du behøver ikke have taget kurser, have erfaring med at drive virksomhed eller have hæklet i adskillige år, for at starte en hæklevirksomhed. Jeg plejer at sige, at hvis jeg kan, så kan du også.

    MIN BEGYNDELSE


    Da jeg startede, var jeg slet ikke klar over at man kunne tjene penge på at hækle. Jeg husker en af de allerførste opslag jeg lavede på Instagram, hvor en fremmed kvinde skrev og spurgte om hun kunne bestille sådan en top. Langsomt begyndte det at gå op for mig, at det faktisk var muligt at tjene penge på.

    Når det kommer til hækling er der også mange forskellige måder at tjene penge på det på. Det afhænger både af hvad du er god til, hvad du kan lide at lave og hvad andre er villige til at betale for.

    Sommetider skal du være i gang i lidt tid, for at opdage hvad folk er interesserede i og hvad du er god til og andre gange vil folk kontakte dig direkte og fortælle dig, hvad de vil have.

    FIND UD AF HVAD DU KAN, HVAD DU VIL & HVAD ANDRE VIL BETALE FOR


    Kan du lide at designe noget som en kunde bestiller dig til? Vil du hellere selv bestemme den kreative proces? Vil du skabe fysiske produkter og sælge dem eller lave produkter på bestilling? Eller vil du lave digitale produkter som fx opskrifter eller kurser?

    NÃ¥r du har fundet ud af det omrÃ¥de du ønsker at arbejde i, sÃ¥ skær processen ned til mindre dele – hvad indebærer det – skridt for skridt. Hvilke opgaver kan du lide og er god til? Hvilke opgaver bryder du dig mindre om? Det er vigtigt at forstÃ¥ dine egne begrænsninger og talenter, sÃ¥ du har overbliuk over det.

    Måske vil du samarbejde med andre hæklere, fx designe for dem eller hækle for dem eller skrive deres opskrifter? Hvad er det for et slags arbejde du ønsker at skabe for dig selv? Skriv det hele ned, skriv alle dine ønsker og behov ned, og alt det som afholder dig fra det. Det er okay at bede andre om hjælp også, og det er okay at sige nej til noget, som du ikke vil eller kan finde ud af. Forvent ikke at du skal kunne det hele og kunne lide det hele, vi hara alle styrker og svagheder.

    SKÆR NED PÅ UDGIFTER


    Hvis du ligesom mig synes, at det allervigtigste er at være selvstændig, så tror jeg også du er villig til at ofre nogle ting for det. For mig har friheden i at have mit eget job, været meget højere end ønsket om at rejse, shoppe meget eller gå i byen. Men hvis det ikke er så vigtigt for dig at blive selvstændig, men du hellere bare vil tjene lidt ved siden af, så kan du sagtens fortsætte din livsstil og stadig tjene lidt ved at hækle på deltid.

    Jeg er heldig at jeg ikke kun kan leve meget billigt, men at jeg også skaber produkter, som ikke koster mig særlig meget. Det koster mig ikke penge at lave en opskrift og eksportere den til en pdf-fil. Jeg bruger et gratis skriveprogram og det garn jeg bruger til at lave designs med, det bliver enten til et produkt jeg kan sælge eller bruge eller også piller jeg det op og skaber noget nyt.

    SAMARBEJDE MED GARNFORHANDLERE & INFLUENCERE

    Hvis du har cirka 1.000 følgere på dine sociale medier, kan det godt betale sig at tage kontakt til en garnforhandler.

    Meget af mit garn har jeg også købt i genbrug til en billig penge og ellers har jeg indgået nogle sponsorsamarbejder med garnforhandlere, som har sendt mig gratis garn i modbetaling til at jeg deler billeder med det, jeg har kreeret. Når du sender sådan en mail, så hav fokus på hvad du kan bidrage med. Fortæl hvem og hvor dine følgere er fra, fortæl hvilke slags opslag du har tænkt dig at lave og hvordan de kan forvente at få flere kunder igennem dine opslag.

    Du kan også oprette en profil på partner-ads.com. Det er gratis og her kan du ansøge om at bruge reklamelinks på din side. Hvis folk klikker på linket og køber noget igennem det, får du en procentdel af salget.

    En sidste god idé er at indgÃ¥ samarbejder med influencere – afhængig af hvilket slags arbejde du laver, sÃ¥ er det en god idé at finde en influencer med følgere som kunne være potentielle kunder. Hvis du sælger fysiske produkter, sÃ¥ find en influencer der passer din stil. Hvis det er opskrifter du sælger, sÃ¥ find en influencer, som har følgere der ogsÃ¥ kan lide at hækle.


    OVERVEJ OM DU KAN TILBYDE ANDRE PRODUKTER

    Det er vigtigt at huske, at du ikke behøver at holde dig til ét omrÃ¥de, hvis du ogsÃ¥ brænder for noget andet. Fx kan du lave e-bøger, kurser, lydoptagelser eller videoer som du kan tage penge for. Tænk over hvad du er god til og hvad du kan bidrage med og samtidig hvad andre er interesserede i at betale for. Husk at værdsætte din egen viden og input – du er og kan noget specielt og det er penge værd.

    Det kan ogsÃ¥ være du vil noget helt andet – fx lave en hækleworkshop eller være mentor for andre hæklere.

    HVORDAN TJENER JEG PENGE?

    I starten, da jeg ikke kunne leve af det endnu, tjente jeg penge på at hækle toppe på bestilling. Da jeg stadig var ret ukendt, kunne jeg ikke få en særlig fair pris for mine produkter og jeg måtte gentagne gange lave opslag omkring produktionen, for at minde folk om at det tager tid at producere håndlavet tøj. Entop der tog mig 6-7 timer at hækle (uden pauser), fik jeg 400 kr for. Så var der også levering oveni og prisen for garnet. Det kunne ikke betale sig i længden.

    Min plan var egentlig at fortsætte med det, fordi jeg ikke var interesseret i at skrive opskrifter. Men med tiden sÃ¥ jeg, at der var færre der bestilte og flere der eftersprugte opskrifter, sÃ¥ derfor besluttede jeg mig for at skabe opskrifter, selvom jeg faktisk ikke brød mig om at skulle det – med tiden begyndte jeg ikke kun at kunne lide det men ogsÃ¥ opdage, at jeg var rigtig god til det.

    FINDE BALANCEN


    Alt hvad du laver i din virksomhed, kan ikke være lige sjovt. Noget kan du være rigtig god til, men ikke synes er særlig sjovt. Noget andet kan du synes er rigtigt sjovt, men er ikke særlig god til. Det er meget naturligt, at vores styrker og svagheder ligger forskellige steder. Det er også okay, at bede andre om hjælp og det er også okay at lave noget som du ikke synes er ligeså sjovt som det andet og det er også okay at sige nej til at lave noget!

    Find ud af, om det er det værd. Hvis du kan tjene penge pÃ¥ at lave noget, som er nemt for dig eller som du er god til, sÃ¥ betyder det mÃ¥ske ikke sÃ¥ meget om du synes det altid er lige sjovt – hvis du tilgengæld fÃ¥r noget igen!

    Hvis du decideret ikke kan udstå noget, er det måske en god idé at lægge fokus et andet sted.

    TIL SIDST


    For at kunne leve af at hækle, er det vigtigt at finde en balance mellem det du kan, det du kan lide og det andre vil betale for. Det er vigtigt, at hvis en opgave føles overvældende for dig, så husk at sæt en grænse. Sig ikke bare ja, fordi nogen er villig til at betale dig for det.

    Og husk, at bliv ved med at mød dig selv i det, du kan lide – giv dig selv lang snor – bÃ¥de til at udforske de ting du kan lide, men ogsÃ¥ at prøve nye ting af. Samtidig, mød andre med et Ã¥bent sind, lyt til deres feedback, deres ønsker, deres idéer – hvem ved, mÃ¥ske vil du blive overrasket!


    Husk at du altid er velkommen til at skrive til mig, hvis du har brug for hjælp på din hæklerejse. Du kan også finde min e-bog der beskriver mere i detaljer, hvordan du kan skabe dit eget job. Læs den her.

    Du kan også læse mere om min rejse fra arbejdsløs på kontanthjælp med ptsd, kronisk angst og stress til selvstændig i min egen virksomhed lige her.






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    How To Crochet The Ultimate Crochet Guide For Beginner’s Crochet

    Hi my name is Matilde and I’m the owner of Mati Denmark – Denmark’s first business with crochet clothes in focus. Read this post if you want to learn how to crochet.

    If you are able to, you can donate small or big amounts to say thanks for the pattern, this way I can continue to share free patterns:

    See all crochet patterns here.

    If you are a crochet beginner then look no further, cause here I’ll show you my tips and tricks, so you can learn how to crochet your own clothes.
    Let’s go!

    My goal is both to innovate and simplify crochet patterns, techniques and crochet clothing designs in general.

    1. Pick a hook that you like

    Go looking in your local supermarket or yarn shop and feel for a hook that is comfortable in your hand. You determine the size of the hook by looking for the “mm” – the higher the number the bigger the hook. For starters choose a hook that is 3 mm or bigger.

    You can try one with a simple handle (6 mm) or one with an even more advanced handle (4 mm) for ultimate comfort.
    No matter which you choose it’s important you find it comfortable or like to hold it.

    2. Pick the right kind of yarn

    When it comes to yarn try to look for cotton and avoid wool as it will be more difficult to unravel or yarn with many threads as it can get stuck in the hook. I recommend yarn that is woven like this or if you want some thinner yarn, this one is great for both garments and cloths.

    On the yarn label it will show you what size hook is recommended – it will also say so on the website. Bare in mind you will almost always be able to use a smaller or bigger hook than recommened on the label. But this is just a good indicator to make sure the crocheting is as easy as possible.

    On this page you can read more about my favourite yarns.

    3. Start practising

    In the next sections you will learn to crochet basic crochet techniques, learn my favourite unique stitches and learn different techniques that you can use for your crochet projects:

    How to crochet the basic stitches:

    When you have your materials ready it’s time to get started with crocheting!

    Start by practising the smallest stitches first.
    Here is how to crochet CHAINS (ch)

    With chains you will have a foundation for whatever stitch you want to make.

    Here are the stitches and their abbreviations in order of how big they are (= how they difficult they are).
    These are US terms:

    chain (ch)
    slip stitch (ss)
    single crochet (sc)
    half double crochet (hdc)
    double crochet (dc)

    If you know these basic stitches you will be able to make many of my patterns.

    Learn crochet stitches

    Learn how to crochet CHAINLESS FOUNDATION

    If you want to make garments it’s good to know chainless foundation. Chainless foundation acts as the first row or round on your project. In this playlist I show you how to make chainless foundation with three different stitches.

    Other good things to learn:

    • crochet in a circle (for making circle shapes for either garments or animals)
    • add new yarn to your project (either by tying yarn ends together or pulling the new yarn through the stitch)
    • decrease and increase (meaning to either remove or add stitches to create a specific shape)
    • crocheting out from your existing crochet (this is if you want to add something extra to your project)

    CROCHET STITCHES

    Learn how to crochet unique stitches for your next crochet pattern. you can use these if you are thinking of designing your own crochet pattern. These are some of my personal favourite and there is a lot of stitches that I have invented myself, this will give your crochet project or crochet clothes a unique look.

    ROUND MESH STITCH

    Learn how to crochet this unique stitch I came up with that consists of circles and looks like tentacles.


    123 TEXTURED STITCH

    Learn how to crochet this textured stitch that I came up with, which is very meditative.

    Buy the crochet pattern here>>

    TRIANGLE MESH STITCH

    Learn how to crochet a mesh stitch that I came up with, Ternion stitch.

    Buy the crochet pattern here>>

    HALF DOUBLE CROCHET RIB STITCH

    Learn how to crochet ribbed stitches for a knit look and stretchy texture:

    Buy the crochet pattern here>>

    DOUBLE CROCHET MESH STITCH

    Learn how to crochet mesh double crochet stitches:

    Buy the crochet pattern here>>

    LUCET CORD STITCH

    Learn how to crochet an old viking stitch as a cord:

    LOOP STITCH

    Learn how to crochet the loop stitch as seen on the Freya jacket. You can also cut and brush it (like I show in the video) and get a faux fur look which is both plastic free and vegan as you will be using cotton yarn.

    Buy the crochet pattern for Freya jacket here>>

    UNIQUE LACE STITCH

    WAVE STITCH

    Here’s how to crochet a 70’s crochet stitch with beautiful and unique texture. This is a stitch I learned from a Danish vintage crochet book from the late 70‘s.

    Buy the crochet pattern here (incl. video tutorial)>>

    MATI MESH STITCH

    Learn how to crochet a unique lace mesh stitch that I came up wirh.

    Buy the crochet pattern here>>

    More crochet stitches:

    4. Choosing a project

    I don’t think you need to start out with a basic square – but if you’re just interested in making household items this is a good start. You could also try out my free pattern for a crochet handbag – this is basically just a square but more fun than a kitchen cloth.

    If you are more into making garments you need to pick a simple garment to start out with.
    Preferably one with no increases or decreases or one that is either just 1 panel worked in rows (like a backless top) or one with a video or video tutorial that comes along.

    Crochet top patterns for beginners

    Here are some crochet beginner patterns I recommend.

    Buy crochet pattern here >>

    Etna top: You need: chainless foundation, chains, slip stitch, half double crochet, back loop & decrease stitches.


    Buy crochet pattern here >>

    Stella top: You need: chainless foundations, chains, sip stitch, single, half double and double crochet & decrease stitches. Pattern comes with video tutorial.

    Buy crochet pattern here >>

    Elsa top: You need: chains, double crochet, slip stitch, single crochet and here are no decreases/increases. Pattern comes with video tutorial.

    Buy crochet pattern here >>

    Aurelia top: You need: chainless foundation, half double crochet, chains, slip stitch & here are no decreases/increases. Pattern comes with video tutorial.

    Learn crochet techniques for your next project:

    In the following video tutorials you can learn how to crochet (or add to your crochet) with a numerous of different techniques and stitches. Let your imagination run wild and find inspiration for an exisiting pattern, let them help you understand how to make clothes and find ways to make your own crochet pattern.

    HOW TO ADD ELASTIC TO YOUR CROCHET

    Elastic thread (1 mm)
    HOW TO USE ELASTIC THREAD:

    Elastic thread is super fun to work with. I use it in my crochet rows to add this ruched effect – the same way you would add it to a sewed item, but here you just manually insert it and crochet around it. I also sometimes just use it in one area of the row to make one area more tight.

    Buy the crochet pattern for this ruched top here>>

    How to crochet with elastic thread:

    Thin elastic band (5 mm)


    HOW TO USE THIN ELASTIC BAND
    (4 ways):

    Have you ever tried adding elastic bands to your crochet? You can add it to the edge, all around or just one area where you want to tighten the crochet or make it stretchy. You can even add it into your crochet straps, see below.

    1. Elastic edge going all around the body

    Buy crochet pattern here>>

    2. Elastic edge just on 1 row

    Buy crochet pattern here>>

    With this crochet dress pattern you learn how to crochet a romantic dress with elastic thread in the waist and thin elastic band in the edge of the top for a comfortable and ruched effect.

    3. Elastic straps and edge

    Buy crochet pattern here>>

    Another use of this elastic is to create ruffles in both edge and straps. Kind of like how a scrunchie works. This both creates a ruched effect on the bra cups as well as making the dress more comfortable.

    How to make an elastic crochet strap:

    4. Elastic shoulders

    Buy the crochet pattern here>>

    Here’s an example of a crochet top with long sleeves and rib, where I only inserted elastic in one area of the sleeve – the top edge – this way it holds the sleeve in place plus makes it a more comfortable crochet blouse top wear.

    How to add elastic band anywhere:

    Wide elastic band (30-35 mm)

    HOW TO USE WIDE ELASTIC BAND (2 ways):

    Here are the ways I use wide elastic band for my crochet projects.

    1. Elastic waist

    Buy crochet pattern combo here>>

    2. Invisible elastic waist

    How to insert invisible elastic in the waist of your crochet skirt, shorts etc:

    Here’s a crochet set with an example of invisible elastic edges. The top uses thin elastic band and the skirt uses wide elastic band.

    Buy the pattern combo here>>

    More crochet techniques…

    PENDANT WITH BEADS

    How to make a beaded pendant for your bag or crochet clothes:

    FLOWER EMBROIDERY

    Learn how to make simple flowers on your crochet clothes with this embroidery tutorial:

    GRANNY RECTANGLE

    I didn’t know what to call this because technically it is not a granny square, but a rectangle. I use it for Althea top but you can use it for a number of different things. How about making them in a big version and using it for a jute bag? Try this free crochet pattern for a granny rectangle bag.


    BEADED CROCHET

    Check out this video tutorial and learn how to crochet with beads. With this tutorial I teach you how to add beads to your crochet clothes. I have added beads to my Florence top, but you can add it to any crochet project where you are working in rows or rounds.


    CONNECTING PANELS

    How to crochet on the side of the row and how to connect crochet panels with your crochet. This is instead of sewing – the good thing about this is that you can easily unravel if needed whereas sewing is harder to undo without wasting yarn.


    SPAGHETTI STRAPS

    To fulfil the Y2K and 90’s crochet look you will need spaghetti straps. They are simple and elegant and so easy to crochet:


    FLOWER EMBROIDERY

    If you want to make your crochet clothes even more unique why not add this flower and leaf embroidery? It is actually quite simple. Get the free crochet tutorial here:


    BRA CUPS

    This is the tutorial I use for many of my designs with bra cups. Learn how to crochet a bra cup in any size:


    COWL NECK

    Learn how to shape a cowl neck. You will need this tutorial for making the Jolene dress, Jolene top, Aronia dress and the free crochet pattern Aronia top.


    LABELS

    Check out this video tutorial and learn how to sew labels on your crochet clothes:


    FELTET CROCHET

    Maybe you have crocheted a sweater and want to shrink it or learn how to make it more sturdy. Then try out this felting tutorial:


    5. Understanding construction

    Depending on what kind of project you want to make there will be different kinds of constructions. This can be working in rows, rounds or in a circle. Backless tops will be in rows. Garments that go all around the body – like regular tops, sweaters or dresses can be made both in rounds or in rows (individual panels that are put together in the end). Then there are things like shapes and calculating increase and decrease to get a specific angle to the specific area of your project.

    To learn this in a very simple way I have created a crochet course.

    Check out my beginner’s video course on construction here.

    6. Taking measurements

    Most of my recent patterns follows measurements. And even if they don’t it’s always good to have an idea of what your body measures so you are able to figure out what size you are closest to. This video will show you how and where to measure.


    SMALLER CROCHET PATTERNS FOR BEGINNERS:

    How to weave in the ends:

    Here’s how you can sew in you yarn ends once you’re done with your crochet project:

    More crochet tips and tricks:

    Take your time

    … and have patience.
    Learning anything new takes time. But just spending 10 minutes everyday on doing some stitches or working on a project can really go a long way. It’s okay to make mistakes or to finish a project that didn’t turn out how you planned – that’s part of crocheting even when you’ve done it for years or are doing it professionally.
    Be kind to yourself – it’s about the journey not the destination.

    Remember that you are always welcome to contact me if you need any more help in your crochet journey.

    Happy crocheting!

    GET FREE CROCHET PATTERNS FOR BEGINNERS HERE

    Learn how to crochet beautiful, simple and romantic clothes for women and girls

    Here you’ll find all crochet patterns for crochet clothes and crochet accessories. Learn to crochet clothes for girls and women, such as dresses, bags, crochet sweaters, pants, shorts and skirts. Always make sure to measure the first row or round against your body – and stretch it – as the measurements and calculations given are only suggestions.
    Explore the many timeless crochet designs made for simple people who want beautiful crochet clothes for everyday and party. Whether you are a seasoned crocheter or completely new, there are crochet patterns for you. So look around, get inspired and find your own self-love and confidence while crocheting something beautiful for yourself.

    Crochet patterns for crochet tops and vests

    Here you will find crochet tops – both a simple crochet strap top, a crochet top with a cowl neckline or a crochet vest. You will find both sleeveless crochet tops, crochet long-sleeved blouses and if you look under crochet sweaters you will also find crochet summer sweaters that can easily be used as a long-sleeved top.

    Patterns for crocheted skirts and dresses

    In this crochet category you will find, for example, a crochet wrap dress, a crochet bodycon dress, a crochet rock romantic dress or, for example, a crochet tunic for the beach or to wear over jeans. You will also find crochet skirts – both a pattern for a crochet beach skirt with unique crochet stitches, a tight-fitting crochet skirt in a rib pattern (crochet that looks like knitting) as well as a crochet mini skirt with elastic at the waist and a slit in the side.

    Patterns for crocheted sweaters, jackets and cardigans

    Here are both crocheted sweaters for summer and winter, crocheted striped sweaters (if you want to crochet a sweater in scrap yarn, for example), a crocheted chunky sweater that resembles a chunky knit, and light, crocheted sweaters with a lace pattern.

    Crochet accessory patterns

    Crochet accessories, for example, crochet for the home such as crochet dishcloths and crochet tea towels, a crochet plant hanger, learn to crochet a jute scrubber for cleaning in the home, a crochet net that can handle a lot of weight or a crochet tote bag or crochet task for the beach or city trip. You will also find a crochet pattern for a crochet hat – both with a wide brim and a crocheted bully hat. Learn to crochet socks in a super simple way and learn to crochet a mini scarf or, for example, a crocheted rose or crocheted earrings that look like leaves and flowers.

    Patterns for crocheted shorts and pants

    Whether you like crochet that looks like knitwear in the form of a pair of ribbed crochet shorts with an elastic waist, or a more romantic style such as crochet shorts with embroidered flowers, crochet biker shorts or crochet pants with a seashell pattern, there is something for you. With these simple crochet patterns you can learn how to crochet pants and shorts in any style and size.