Figuring out if you are a tight or loose crocheter is actually pretty simple! In most cases, it’s super easy to correct as well. But before we get into correcting your tension, let’s figure out what yarn tension is. Tension is the “stress” that you apply to your yarn as you use it or crochet with it. Yarn tension is important to understand because it can ultimately determine the outcome of your future crochet projects. To read more about yarn tension and learn a few quick tricks to perfect your tension, check out my post called, “What’s Yarn Tension.” Now, let’s find out if you tend to crochet ..read more

Tension in crochet is the “stress” that we apply to our yarn as we use it, or crochet with it in this case. Practicing your yarn tension is important because it can ultimately determine the outcome of your project. The first thing that I need you to know is that there is no “right” or “wrong” tension to have. The number one MOST important thing is consistency. It’s okay to be a “tight” crocheter for instance, as long as you are consistently crocheting tightly.  However, there are a few things you can do to crochet in that sweet spot between crocheting too tight or too loose. One thing th ..read more

If you love to crochet and you’ve been looking for Christmas gift ideas for your friends and family, look no further! I have compiled a list of great crochet gift ideas that will help you get into the Christmas crocheting mood.  These crochet patterns will be great for you if you are anything like me – a huge procrastinator! Most of them will work up fast, but I’ve also included a couple that will be more challenging. Crochet Twisted Ear Warmer Headband Just Be Crafty – Learn to Knit & Crochet This ear warmer headband will make for a perfect gift and the pattern is SUPER easy to foll ..read more

Have you ever tried to make a handmade beanie for someone but you have no idea how big to make it? I’ve definitely been there! I used to try Googling beanie sizes by age, but one huge problem I kept running into is that every article and sizing chart seemed to have different measurements! And unless you have an actual head to measure, that can be pretty confusing.  This post includes average head sizes, hat measurements with stretch allowance, hat height measurements, and flat circle diameter measurements. Average Head Sizes and Hat Sizes For each of these average head sizes, I have inclu ..read more

Today marks the second snowfall here in central Colorado, and as it starts to get colder and colder I decided I needed some new mittens! These mittens are stretchy and warm and they feature a crochet cable stitch. If you have never tried to crochet a knit-like cable design, then this pattern will be the perfect introduction for you. Before you begin this pattern, check out the Skills & Abbreviations section to review the stitches used to create these mittens. If you are familiar with the stitches used, then these mittens will be a breeze! Things You Will Need Worsted weight yarn Size G ..read more

Fall is officially here, and there’s no need to wait for Halloween to begin setting out your pumpkins! These cute little pumpkins make a perfect centerpiece and are sure to look great anywhere you place them! This pattern includes three sizes, but you can make these as large or small as you would like! The stitch pattern creates a knit-like look that is easy to achieve. You can personalize your pumpkins by making them in any color (to match your decor!) or by adding your own unique embellishments. This pattern can also be purchased and downloaded from my Etsy Shop for easy keeping or printing ..read more

One of my favorite things to crochet right now are beanies. Most of my beanie patterns are fairly intricate and can take a bit of time to work up. I designed this beanie to be quick and easy. It works up faster than most other beanie crochet patterns because of the super bulky yarn and a large crochet hook. This beanie is so warm and fluffy and works up in only an hour! This pattern is great for beginners because it only uses a few different types of stitches. The main stitch used is a half double crochet in the back loop only (hdcBLO), which give this beanie its ridges. Things You Will Need ..read more

The other day I was in the shower about to grab my loofah, and I couldn’t help but stare at it for a second. I started thinking, “Huh… I wonder how long I’ve had this thing.” I am the kind of person who will use and use and use something until the moment it is no longer functional. My loofah was nearing its breaking point, and I swear it had nearly tripled in size since I bought it.  Lately, I have been trying to reduce my plastic waste, so I felt guilty at the thought of throwing it in the trash. So, I decided to repurpose it! The first thing I decided to make was a new dish scrubby. I’v ..read more

You may be wondering, “What the heck even is plarn??” or “What would I use this for?” Plarn is precisely what it sounds like: Plastic + Yarn = Plarn Plarn is a great way to reduce your plastic waste AND use up all of those old grocery bags in your pantry. How to Make Plarn Notes Each 1 bag will give you about 7 yards of plarn. Most patterns will let you know how much yarn you will need to complete the project. So for example, if a pattern for a coaster says that you need 35 yards of yarn, that would mean that you need to use 5 plastic bags to be able to follow that pattern. What You Will Need ..read more

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