How to Make a Single Crochet Stitch

The single crochet stitch is the tightest and smallest stitch you can use for finished crochet pieces (the slipstitch is used for finishing works, but it does not allow you to increase). Many people use single crochet for a wide range of things, such as the popular amigurumi creations. Here is how I make a single crochet stitch.

1. First, make a slipknot and create your chain stitch. I decided to chain 15.
   
2. Next, insert your hook in the second loop from the hook.
   
3. Yarn over (YO)
   
4. Pull the yarn through the loop on the hook. This will leave you with 2 loops on your hook.
   
5. Yarn over (YO) again.
   
6. Pull your yarn through both loops on the hook. This creates your first single crochet stitch!
   
7. Repeat for the remaining loops on your chain stitch.
   
8. Once you have reached the end, chain 1 and turn your work over so the end is facing the opposite direction.
   
9. Insert your hook in the first stitch near it.
   
10. Repeat Steps 3 – 9 until you feel comfortable with doing the single crochet stitch.
    
11. To end, crochet the last single stitch in your row, leaving one loop left on your hook (do not Chain 1). Cut your yarn, leaving about 6-7 inches left.
    
12. Then, pull your crochet hook until the remaining yarn is pulled all the way through the last stitch.
    
13. With an embroidery needle, weave in your ends in the back.
    

…and you’re done!

Things I Want in 2010 – Pt. 5

• “Vintage Yellow Checkers” Tee by Jessalinb – I really love the fit and print of this tee. It has this droopy, baseball vibe to it, plus I love anything with simple, geometric patterns.
• “Incredible Flying Guy” Necklace by mamaslittlebabies – A unique, conversation-starting pendant. I’d most likely wear this everyday as a “signature” piece, just because it’s so random. It’s perfect for the ephemera lover like me.
• “Green Curly Neckwarmer” by knittingshop – This is just too amazing for words, and it makes me want to learn knitting pronto! I love the concept, structure and color, and could totally see myself wearing it (though I’d probably trade the button in for a brown, wooden or leather one).

  
  

Distressed Capelet

Available at Uchenna.etsy.com

I’m getting closer and closer to crocheting actual, whole garments. Before you know it, you’ll see me making a sweater. It’s not that I can’t make them if I tried, it’s just that:

1. They take a long time to make, and I doubt my own patience sometimes.
2. Crocheting smaller pieces allows me to be creative inside of a smaller space, and I often like the freedom that comes with confinement (does that make sense?).
3. I don’t know if I really want to make a sweater at this point. I still have to remove the festering stigma of the creepy cat lady crocheting an unwanted sweater for her distant niece. I don’t want to be the male counterpart to that lady.

So for now, I make what I make, and that’s fine with me. In spite of not making the coveted sweaters, I have improved my skills and refined my design aesthetic with the things I do like to create.

I’ve wanted to make a shawl/capelet (what’s the difference?) for some time, so decided to buckle down and make one for the (prayerfully) soon-to-come warmer weather. I love wearing flowy and drapy accessories, and this definitely has that appeal, with a bit of scrunchy/melting-fiber chic thrown in for good measure. I love the free-form detail, and am interested in seeing what other variations I can make of it.

The material is %100 mercerized cotton, and I used the biggest hook I had (size 15, I think) so it’s definitely breathable and light enough for sunny days.

This capelet is now available in my brand-new Etsy shop! You need this in your wardrobe :)

Things I Want In 2010 – Pt. 4

Abstract Southwestern Peyote Cuff (2009) by SandFibers - Sharp, vivid colors and a bold design make for the absolute perfect bracelet.

Photo Extracted from SandFibers.etsy.com

LeCollier Persephone by CocoBoudoir - An stunning necklace that’s nothing short of heavenly. This would look amazing with jeans and a t-shirt on a hot summer day.

Photo Extracted from CocoBoudoir.etsy.com

Soft Spikes Textile Necklace by Kjoo - Gorgeous, thought-provoking fiber art with a wonderful color combination. I adore the spikes!

How to Make A Simple Beaded Necklace

Browsing through a neighborhood thrift store a few days ago, I found an old chair cushion made out of small wooden beads. I think these were pretty popular in the 70s or 80s.

Since it only cost around 3 dollars, I took it home and decided that I’d use the wooden beads to make necklaces. I didn’t realize how many beads were on the chair, but once I was finished cutting it apart, I was left with alot of beads.

If you don’t have an old 70’s beaded chair cushion lying around, you can find similar beads at most craft stores. To make a simple crocheted beaded necklace, you will need beads that have holes large enough for a crochet needle to go through (there are ways to crochet with small beads, but it takes a bit more time).

For my necklace, I used a US G6/ Size 4.00 mm hook and three spools of different colored mercerized cotton yarn (1-ply).You will also need a large-eye embroidery needle for later (not shown).

Instructions:

1. First, make a slip stitch (for help with this, and on making a chain stitch, check out this post).
   
2. Then grab a bead and insert your hook through it. Bring your yarn over the hook.
   
3. Pull your yarn through the bead, then through the loop on the hook.
   
4. Bring your yarn over again (this time it should be on the outside of your bead).
   
5. Pull through the loop on the hook.
   
6. Chain 6, or however many you’d like.
   
7. Repeat Steps 2 – 7 until you reach your desired length.
   
8. Make your final chain 6, then cut your yarn, leaving about 1 foot left. Pull your yarn all the way the your loop, then pull to tighten.
   
   To End:

1. Tie a few knots with your end and beginning remnants of yarn.
   
2. Pull all remaining yarn pieces through your embroidery needle and pull through the last bead you added to your necklace.
   
3. With your embroidery needle, pull your yarn through the side of the last bead (under your stitch), leaving a loop.
   
4. Then pull through the newly formed loop and tighten.
   
5. Insert your needle back through the wooden bead, and cut off the remaining yarn near the bead.
   
   And you know have your very own super-cute beaded necklace! These will definitely be a staple in my wardrobe in the upcoming summer months, which needs to come very soon as I’m pretty much over freezing temperatures at this point :)