Easy Beginners Crochet Beanie

October 18, 2022October 18, 2022Leave a comment

Want to crochet the easiest ever beanie? Then look no further, I got ya!

You can find the video tutorial here –

If you prefer a written pattern then I’ve also got you covered!

*Please note that some links in this post may be affiliate links. This means that I may receive a small commission if you purchase via my link at no extra cost to yourself. This small amount allows me to keep this blog up and running.

Supplies

5.5mm/ I crochet hook (I always use clover amour – they are the best!)
Aran/ Size 4 yarn (I used King Cole Aran)
Clover pom pom maker
Darning/Tapestry needle
Scissors

Select which size you would like to make from the chart below.

*This pattern is written in UK terms

Chain the required amount for your size

Round 1 – Half treble crochet (HTC) in the second chain from the hook and into every chain space along your chain until you reach the end.

Round 2 – Chain 1 and turn. HTC back loops only (BLO) into every stitch from the previous round.

Round 3 onwards – Chain 1 and turn. Continue to work 1 hdc blo into every stitch from the previous round until you have reached your required number of rows. Do not fasten off your yarn.

Finishing – Fold your finished panel in half. Join the panel at the shorter sides using a slip stitch to create a tube. Secure your yarn and leave a long tail as we will be using this to fasten the top of the beanie. Weave long tail end, in and out, around the top of the beanie. Pull tight to close up the top. Attach your pom pom, fold up the brim and you are done!

I love to see your creations on instagram so don’t forget to tag me – @lexie_loves_stitching

Scrap Yarn Bookmark

October 13, 2022October 13, 2022Leave a comment

I made this scrap yarn bookmark and posted the video on TikTok/YouTube. It has been very popular and after a request from the lovely Wanda on my YouTube for the written pattern, I have written it up! These only take about 20 minutes to make so are perfect for using up any scraps of yarn you may have hanging about!

@lexielovesstitching
Make a quick #crochet #bookmarksdiy #booktok #crochetersoftiktok
♬ Paper Birds (3 min) – Jordan Halpern Schwartz

Supplies

4 mm/Size G crochet hook (I always use Clover Amour)
Scrap Yarn (I used Lily Sugar n Cream)
Scissors
Darning/tapestry needle

Method (this bookmark only has one round but I have split it into sections to make it easier to follow)

Start by chaining 33 (or a multiple of 2 + 5 for a bigger/smaller bookmark)

Round 1 (right side RS) –

First Stitch –

Yarn over (YO) and insert your hook into the 2nd chain space. *YO and pull up a loop. Insert your hook into the next chain space (do not yarn over) and pull up a loop*. Repeat *-* in the next 2 chain spaces – you should have 6 loops on your hook. YO and pull through all 6 loops. Chain 1.

Next Stitch:

Insert hook into the ch-1 space of the last stitch– this is called the “eye” of the st.
YO and draw up a loop – you should have 2 loops on the hook.
Insert hook into the leg of the last stitch, YO, and draw up a loop – you should have 3 loops on the hook.
Insert hook into the ch of the last stitch, YO and draw up a loop – you should have 4 loops on the hook.
[Insert hook into next ch, YO and draw up a loop] 2 times – you should have 6 loops on the hook.
YO, and pull through all 6 loops.
Ch 1 to complete the st.

Repeat the instructions for the “Next Stitch” part of the pattern across the row. When Row 1 is complete, there should be a total of 15 stitches.

Round 2 (Wrong Side)

Turn your work and do not ch 1 to start the row. Instead, go directly into the “eye” (or ch-1 sp) of the st.

Make 2 sc into the eye of each st across.
There should be a total of 30 sc at the end of Row 2.

To finish off your bookmark, slip stitch into the the first stitch from round 1, cut off yarn and weave in ends. I have added a tassel to the bottom of my bookmark to give it a bit of pizazz!

Happy Crocheting

Baby Bonnet Pattern

February 20, 2019February 23, 20191 Comment

Hello Everyone,

This baby bonnet pattern is part of my baby set and is suitable for intermediate beginners. For this pattern you will need –

4mm Crochet Hook
DK Cotton Yarn (I used Peter Pan Baby Cotton)

Find the video here, the written pattern is below –

This pattern in written in UK Terms

Abbreviations

st/sts – Stitches
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
htc – half treble crochet
tc – treble crochet
ss – slip stitch

Start by making a magic circle or ch 4 and ss into the 1st ch

Round 1 – ch 1, work 10 tc into the magic circle, ss to join (10 st).

Round 2 – ch1, work 2tc into each stitch, ss to join (20 st).

Round 3 – ch1, work 2tc into the first st and 1 tc into the next. Repeat until the end. Ss to join (30 st).

Round 4 – ch1, work 2tc into the first st and 1 tc into the next 2 st. Repeat until the end. Ss to join (40 st).

Round 5 – ch1, work 2tc into the first st and 1 tc into the next 3 st. Repeat until the end. Ss to join (50 st).

Round 6 – ch1, work 1 tc into each st (50st).

Round 7 – ch1, 1htc, *skip 2 st, work 2tc, ch3, ss all into the same stitch*. Repeat *to* 16 times. 1htc into the last st. Turn (50 st)

Round 8 – ch1, 1htc, * work 2tc around the ch3 from the previous round, ch3, ss into the 3rd ch from the previous*. Repeat *to* 16 times. 1htc into the last st. Turn (50 st)

Round 9 – 17 – Repeat round 8. Fasten off and secure your yarn.

Strap

Chain 42 then join with a slip stitch to the main part of the bonnet. Work dc’s evenly around the bottom edge of the bonnet. When you reach the opposite edge, ch42, turn, work 1dc into each chain, along the bottom edge of the bonnet and into each of the 42 chains on the opposite side. Fasten off and sew in all your ends.

Congratulations, you have made yourself a baby bonnet!

Happy Crocheting!

The Magic Knot

October 21, 2018Leave a comment

Hello Everyone!

Have you ever struggled to attach new yarn or wondered how to change colours?? Well have no fear, the magic knot is here to help you! It is so easy and simple and you will be changing colours in no time! Have a watch of the video below to see how its done!

I love to see your makes so don’t forget to tag me on Instagram – @Lexie_Loves_Stitching

Take care and happy crocheting!

Sew a Book Sleeve

October 11, 2018Leave a comment

Hello Everyone

As well as making things I also love to read. I hate it when I carry my book in my bag and the front cover gets damaged and pages get creased. I have come up with a super easy pattern for a book sleeve. This project is suitable for beginner sewers and also makes an easy project for kids to have a go at.

Find the video on how too make your book sleeve here –

I love seeing your makes so don’t forget to tag me in them on Instagram @Lexie_Loves_Stitching

Happy Sewing!

Easy Crochet Friendship Bracelet

October 3, 2018Leave a comment

Hi Everyone!

Its been ages since I have done a blog post! I’ve been really busy with my University course and have had loads of work to do so I haven’t been blogging as much as I should at all!

Anyway, I have come up with a really east and super quick make that even the kids can do and will soon be making lots for their friends. Find the video here –

I love to see all your makes so don’t forget to tag me in your pictures on Instagram – @Lexie_Loves_Stitching.

Take care and happy crocheting!

No Fuss Fish Pattern

August 1, 2018July 31, 20181 Comment

Hello Everyone and welcome to my No Fuss Fish Pattern!

This easy crochet amigurumi fish works up really easily and you can use your scraps of leftover yarn to make him. If you’re not very confident at following patterns, find my YouTube tutorial here –

To make this little chap you will need –

2 contrasting colours of DK Yarn (I used cotton DK but acrylic is fine)
A 3mm Crochet Hook
Toy Stuffing (or yarn scraps)
Safety Eyes or black yarn
A stitch marker
A darning needle
Scissors

This pattern is written in UK TERMS, do not turn your work between rounds.

Start with a Magic Circle, if you’re not sure how to do the magic circle, find a video here –

Round 1 – 6 dc into the magic circle, pull your magic circle closed,slip stitch to join to your first dc.

Round 2 – Ch1, *1dc into the first stitch, 2dc into the next* Continue * – * until the end of the round (9 Stitches).

Round 3 -Ch1, *1dc into the first 2 stitches, 2dc into the next* Continue * – * until the end of the round (12 Stitches).

Round 4 -Ch1, *1dc into the first 3 stitches, 2dc into the next* Continue * – * until the end of the round (15 Stitches).

Round 5 -Ch1, *1dc into the first 4 stitches, 2dc into the next* Continue * – * until the end of the round (18 Stitches).

Round 6 -Ch1, *1dc into the first 5 stitches, 2dc into the next* Continue * – * until the end of the round (21 Stitches).

Round 7 -Ch1, *1dc into the first 6 stitches, 2dc into the next* Continue * – * until the end of the round (24 Stitches). Fasten off yarn.

Round 8 – Attach contrasting yarn colour, 24 dc around. Fasten off yarn.

Round 9 – 17 – Attach original yarn colour, *24 dc around, slip stitch into the 1st stitch of the round, chain 1*. Repeat * – * for each round.

Its now time to stuff your fish and attach his safety eyes (see video above for best placement of eyes).

Round 18 – Skip 8 stitches, slip stitch into 9th stitch. Slip Stitch through both sides of your fish to close the gap (see video above if you need help). When you have closed the space fully, chain 4, skip the first chain and dc into the next 3 chain spaces, slip stitch into the next stitch (on the main body of the fish). Fasten off and cut your yarn.

Round 19 – Attach your yarn, dc2tog, dc in the next 2 stitches, dc2tog. Ch1 and turn. 1dc in each stitch around, slip stitch through both sides of your work to close (see video). Fasten off and cut your yarn.

Fins (Make 2) – Start with a magic circle. 1dc into the middle of the circle, 1htc, 1tc, 1htc, 1dc. Fasten off and pull your circle closed.

Tail – With main colour yarn, chain 7. 1dc in each stitch starting from the second chain from the hook. Tie off and cut your yarn. Attach your contrast colour, 1dc2tog, 1dc in the next 2 stitches, 1dc2tog in last 2 stitches, ch1, turn. 1dc in each stitch (4 stitches), ch1, turn, 1dc2tog, 1dc2tog (2 stitches), ch1, turn, 1dc in each to the 2 stitches, fasten off and secure your yarn.

Now sew all your parts together and you have made your fish!

Fill a large jar with gravel and decorate as you wish. Attach some thread to the top of your fish and glue the thread to the inside of the lid. When the glue is dry, pop the lid on and your fish will be ready to swim in his new home!!!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial

Happy Crocheting

Easy Crochet Market Bag

July 25, 20184 Comments

Hello Everybody!

Huge apologies that it has been sooooo long since I have published a new pattern! I have been so busy with Uni, work placement and life in general! I have lots of patterns to write up but I thought I would start with this super easy market bag and as July is plastic free month it fits in perfectly! I have also done a youtube tutorial for those that are not as confident at reading patterns so you won’t miss out!

FOR THE BAG YOU WILL NEED –

3mm hook
100g skein of Wendy Supreme Cotton

HANDY TIPS!

This pattern is written in UK terms.
The 3ch at the beginning of the first 4 rounds count as a UK tr (US dc).
If you have loose tension, try downsizing to a 2.5mm hook.
Do not turn your work when making the main body of the bag.

PATTERN:

Start with a magic ring (or ch4 and join with a slip stitch).

Round 1: 3ch, 11tr into ring. Join to third ch of initial 3ch with a slip stitch, pull the magic ring to close. [12st]

Round 2: 3ch, 1tr into same stitch, 2tr into each stitch, join to third ch of initial 3 ch with a slip stitch. [24st]

Round 3: 3ch, 1tr in same st, 1 tr in next st, *2tr in next stitch, 1 tr in next; rep from * around. [36st]

Round 4: 3ch, 1 tr in same st, 1tr in next 2st, *2tr in next st, 1tr in next 2st; rep from * around. [48st]

Round 5: 1ch, 1dc in same st. *ch3, miss 1 stitch, 1dc in next; rep from * around until the second to last stitch. At this point make a half tr into beginning dc. (Placing a stitch marker on the last stitch of each row from here will help a lot! If you are stuck, have a look at my YouTube video.) [24 chain spaces].

Round 6: *4ch, 1dc in next ch sp; rep from * around until second to last ch sp, 1ch, 1htr into the top of the last st of the previous round (ie, into the top of the htr of previous round).

Round 7: *5ch, 1dc in next ch sp; rep from * around until second to last ch sp, 2ch, 1htr into the top of the last st of the previous round.

Round 8: *6ch, 1dc in next ch sp; rep from * around until second to last ch sp, 3ch, 1htr into the top of the last st of the previous round.

Round 9: *7ch, 1dc in next ch sp; rep from * around until second to last ch sp, 3ch, 1 tr into the top of the last st of the previous round.

Round 10 -25: Repeat Round 9

Round 26: Repeat round 8

Round 27: Repeat round 7

Round 28: 1ch, 1dc in same stitch, 2dc in space, 1dc in dc, *4dc in each ch sp, 1 dc in top of each dc of previous round; rep from * 2dc in last sp, ss to join to 1st dc [120]

Round 29-30: 1ch, 1 dc in same space, dc around, ss to join.

HANDLE – Chain 8

Row 1: 1tr in second chain from the hook, 1 dc in next 6st, turn [7]

Row 2: 1ch, 1tc along the next 7 stitches, turn [7]

Repeat Row 2 until desired handle length or when nearing the end of the yarn (I made my handle approx 46cm/18″).

Turn your bag inside out. Attach the handle to the bag using slip stitches. To attach to the opposite side, count how many stitches are around the top of the bag. I had 120 stitches. You want your handles evenly spaced, I counted 53 stitches along from the right side of my handle and stitch 54 was where I started to attach the other end of the handle. Make sure there are no twists in your handle before you attach it. I used simple slip stitches to attach my handle. Fasten off and sew ends in securely.

Congratulations! You have made yourself a market bag!

Until next time, happy crocheting!!

Heart and Flower Pattern In Memory of Emily Anderson.

April 24, 2018April 24, 2018Leave a comment

Hello Everyone.

As many of you on Crochet Beginners Group will have heard, one of our members – Emily and her 2 year old daughter Kaylee were tragically killed yesterday. Emilys family have asked for us to crochet hearts and flowers so that they can be handed out to other family members to show how much the crochet community are thinking of them at this awful time. I know how amazing and compassionate our community can be so feel free to get involved.

Here is the written and video patterns for the Heart and Flower Call To Hooks on Crochet Beginners Group. Once you have finished your hearts and flowers, please message the CBG Admin Page and we will send you the address of where to send your hearts and flowers.

Written Heart Pattern (UK TERMS)

Terminology
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
dtr = double treble crochet
tr = treble crochet

Round 1
Ch4, sl st in 1st chain to form a loop (alternatively you can make a magic circle), ch4, [4tr, 2dtr] in loop, ch4, sl st in loop, ch4, [2dtr, 4tr] in loop, sl st in top of ch4 to joinRound 2
Ch4, 1tr in same st as previous sl st, 2tr in next 3 sts, [1tr, 1dtr] in next st, 2dtr in next st, 3dtr in next st, 1tr in top of next 4chs, ch4, sl st in centre of ch4 loop, ch4, 1tr in top of next 4 chs, 3dtr in next st, 2dtr in next st, [1dtr, 1tr] in next st, 2tr in next 2 sts, [1tr, 1dtr] in last st, sl st in top of ch4 to join.

Written Flower Pattern

Step 1
Ch7, sl st into first ch to form a loop

Step 2
*ch4, 3dtr into centre of loop, ch4, sl st into loop* repeat from * to * another 4 times to make 5 petals.

Videos

How to Start Crocheting

April 15, 2018April 15, 2018Leave a comment

Hello Everyone

One of the most frequently asked questions that I get from brand new crocheters is “What sort of equipment do I need to start my crochet adventure?”. Well, in this post I am going to talk you through the few (and inexpensive) things you will need to get going. I will warn you though, you will soon have the biggest yarn stash ever and WILL become a crochet addict! I love crochet. It is my favourite thing to do. Crochet has helped me get through bad days, has given me the opportunity to make new friends and even makes me feel valued when I get lovely compliments about my work. So what are you waiting for?! Pick up that hook and yarn and join the best community that I have ever had the privilege of being part of!

Firstly, hooks! You do not need to buy yourself a super duper expensive hook. I started out with a simple 4mm aluminium hook.. These hooks are brilliant for beginners as they are cheap and widely available. If you have any issues with grip, such as arthritis I would highly recommend a silicone handled hook such as the Clover 4 mm Amour Crochet Hook. These are my favourite hooks in the whole world and are defiantly worth spending that little bit extra on. 4mm is the size that I would recommend starting out with. It is the hook size that I use the most and is the size recommended for most Double Knit (or DK) yarns.

4mm Clover Amour Hook

4mm Pony Aluminium Hook

Now for the yarn! Trust me when I say DO NOT start off with a dark coloured yarn such as black or navy. Dark colours are really hard to work with and you will end up seriously frustrated which is not what you want when you are first starting out. I suggest a light colour in Double Knit (or DK). I absolutely love the Robin Yarns from Thomas Ramsden. They are affordable and come in a huge variety of colours. My favourites for a beginner would be their Madonna or Spearmint. Both of these are DK yarns.

Madonna Robin DK Yarn

Spearmint Robin DK Yarn

Stitch markers are also a great accessory for a beginner as they can help you to keep the edges of your work straight. I use Clover Locking Stitch Markers. These are defiantly the best stitch markers and will be your best friend for straight edges!

Clover Locking Stitch Markers

If you are still feeling a bit overwhelmed by all this information, you can find my YouTube guide here to help you even more.

Please feel free to contact me via the contact page if you have any questions.
Happy Crocheting!

Lexie Loves Stitching

Crochet and Sewing Tutorials for Beginners

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