How to Crochet the Modified Gothic Crochet Stitch

Hey everyone, today I’m sharing how to crochet the Modified Gothic Crochet Stitch and how you can tailor it to fit your own crochet pattern! 

I absolutely love this crochet stitch, it gives your fabric the appearance of lacy diamonds, which is great for gothic crochet patterns.

The original Gothic Crochet Stitch was created by astra.lebedeva2019, who can be found on Instagram. I became very inspired to crochet some sort of lacy crochet pattern with this stitch. However, I discovered what I wanted to use it for…well it just didn’t quite work the way I wanted it to! 

I needed the diamond stitches to be thicker and more chains in between the diamonds. This was to give a more lacy look to my particular project, hence the Modified Gothic Crochet Stitch was born. 

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For this crochet stitch pattern, I’m using crochet thread from Hobby Lobby’s Artiste line, specifically in Orchid. The black yarn pictured is Rainbow Cotton from Hobbii. 

I think the black yarn works better for a gothic crochet pattern (for obvious reasons), but it can be pretty difficult to see the stitches in the following tutorial. So, I’ve opted for a lighter color (the Orchid) in order for you to be able to actually see.

Of course, you can use any yarn or hook size that you like, I just really like to crochet lace, so I’m using crochet thread with a 1.65mm crochet hook.

What is the Modified Gothic Crochet Stitch best used for?

I personally crocheted a Gothic Crochet Table Runner with this stitch, which I think looks pretty great (although I’m obviously biased)! 

This stitch would be a good choice to use on scarves, shawls, light weight blankets, veils, market bags…really anything that you can think of that would be great for lace crochet stitches!

What is the repeat formula for the Modified Gothic Crochet Stitch?

The repeat formula for this crochet stitch is 12+6. This means that you will chain a multiple of 12 chains and then add 6 more chains for the turning chain. 

For example: 12 x 3 = 36 chains, then + 6 more chains for the turning chain to = 42 chains.

The turning chain in this pattern counts as a treble crochet and a chain 2. 

What if I want to make a foundation row of single crochets, half double crochets, double crochets, etc.?

Go for it! The following instructions for the Modified Gothic Crochet Stitch work into the chains of your foundation row, however some crocheters may want a foundation row with stitches in it already.

In order to make a foundation row of single crochets, half double crochets, double crochets, treble crochets or whatever tickles your fancy, you’ll need to make sure that the total amount of stitches in that foundation row is a multiple of 12. 

It’s also up to you if you want to count your turning chain or not. If you want to count it…just remember to keep your total stitch count to a multiple of 12.

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Materials Used:

Abbreviations Used:

  • YO – yarn over
  • Ch(s) – chain(s)
  • St(s) – stitch(es)
  • Dc – double crochet
  • Trc – treble crochet

Modified Gothic Crochet Stitch Pattern:

For this swatch, I am going to ch a total of 54 (12 x 4 = 48, + 6 for the turning chain)

Row 1: *YO twice, insert into 9th ch from hook, pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 loops (3 loops on your hook).

Crochet Stitch That Looks Like Diamonds

Skip a ch, YO insert your hook into next ch, pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 loops (4 loops on your hook).

YO, skip a ch,  insert your hook into next ch, pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 loops (5 loops on your hook).

YO, skip a ch, insert your hook into next ch, pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 loops (6 loops on your hook).

Modified Gothic Crochet Stitch 4

YO, pull through 4 loops, YO and pull through 2 loops, YO and pull through 2 loops again. This is your triangle decrease stitch.

Ch 2, skip 2 chs, trc into next ch, ch 1, dc into the first two “loops” in the leg of the trc you just crocheted (see pic below for placement).

Ch 1, dc into same space, ch 1, dc into same space again, ch 1, dc one more time into the same space (you should have 4 posts separated by 3 ch 1s). This is your triangle increase stitch

Ch 2, skip 2 chs*, repeat from *to* trc into the last ch.

Row 2: Ch 6 (counts as a trc and ch 2), turn, for this row, we will be making triangle decrease stitches on top of the previous row’s triangle increase stitches and vice versa. 

The last stitch from row 1 should have been a triangle decrease stitch, so for row 2, we will begin with a triangle increase stitch. 

If your row 1 ended with a triangle increase, skip to row 3!

Skip the next ch 2 space, make a trc, but place it under the next stitch (not into it as you normally would). I find it helpful to think of this space as the “neck” of the last row’s triangle decrease stitch. Just find a space to insert your hook into the neck and trc there. If you trc into the stitch normally, the diamonds we are trying to create will look off-center (see pic below for placement).

Triangle increase stitch as you did in row 1 (ch 1, dc in the front 2 loops of the trc, ch 1, dc again in the same space).

Ch 2, now we will make a triangle decrease into the next triangle increase.

Make a triangle decrease stitch as we did in row 1, using only the dcs and trc sts and skipping the ch 1 spaces between. 

If crocheted correctly, this will give us our first diamond shape.

Ch 2 and repeat these two stitches with a ch 2 between each triangle increase and decrease.

After the last ch 2, ( you should have 3 chs left), finish your row by skipping 2 chs and trc into the last ch.

Row 3: Ch 6 (counts as a trc and ch 2), turn, the first st below should be a triangle increase stitch, so we will begin with a triangle decrease stitch. Make a decrease stitch as you did in row 1, but use the tr and dcs, while skipping the ch 1’s between. Ch 2, and triangle increase into the next triangle decrease like we did in row 2 (trc into the “neck” of the decrease stitch below, not the actual st). 

There is no difference in this row compared to row 2, other than starting with a different triangle stitch. 

Repeat rows 2-3 

And there you have it! That is the Modified Gothic Crochet Stitch! 

Thank you and I’ll see you next time.

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Magic Circle VS Chain 2: Which Method is Better in Crochet?

Hello everyone, today we are going to learn the difference between using a magic circle (sometimes called a magic ring) in crochet vs. a chain 2.

If you’ve been crocheting for a while, you might have noticed that some patterns start in the center and grow outward. Those patterns usually use a chain 2 or a magic circle to start. 

Crochet patterns that start from the center and grow out can include projects like blankets, hats, granny squares, doilies, shawls, and especially…amigurumi!

In this post, we’re going to look at the difference between using these two techniques. Which one is better to use? The magic circle or a chain 2?

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Let’s look at the magic circle first.

What is a magic circle?

A magic circle is basically just a modified slipknot. When you make a magic circle, you’ll notice that you have a circle with your crochet hook attached at the top. This is what a magic circle looks like:

You’ll see crochet makers use this for many patterns, and it is most commonly used in amigurumi (doll making using crochet).

Pros of the Magic Circle:

  • It’s easier to work into.
  • Has a less noticeable “center hole.”
  • You can adjust the size of the hole in the center.
  • Makes your work look neater.

Cons of the Magic Circle:

  • More difficult to learn.
  • Some crocheters report the magic circle coming undone more easily if you don’t sew the tail in securely.
  • Does not work well with certain types of yarn (velvet, chenille or anything that likes to split).

What about the Chain 2 Method?

The chain 2 (it can be any number of chains really), is a common way to start crocheting from the center out.

You put your yarn on your hook with a slipknot (like normal), chain 2, and then start crocheting into the first chain you made.

Let’s take a peek at the pros and cons of using this method.

Pros of the Chain 2:

  • Much easier to do, especially as a beginner.
  • Works great for most projects.
  • Some crocheters claim this method is sturdier.

Cons of the Chain 2:

  • Tends to have a more noticeable starting hole.
  • You cannot adjust the size of the starting hole well.
  • Difficult to crochet a large amount of stitches into the starting hole.
  • May leave a “bump” and not look as neat compared to the magic circle.

Now, let me show you the visual differences between the magic circle and the chain 2:

Magic Ring vs Chain 2
Chain 2 vs magic ring

The first picture above shows what a chain 2 with 8 starting double crochets (with a second row of 2 double crochets in each stitch) looks like. I’ve even pulled the tail end of the yarn pretty tight here.  

The second picture shows what the magic circle looks like with 8 starting double crochets (with a second row of 2 double crochets in each stitch).

As you can see, if you’re making a flat circle, they really don’t look that different (in terms of the starting center hole). I think maybe the magic circle looks a little neater, but I’ll leave that up to you to decide.

Now let’s add even more starting stitches and see what happens.

The first picture on the left depicts the chain 2. I’ve placed 18 double crochets into the first chain. You can see that there is a noticeable hole in the center here. I’ve pulled the tail end as tight as I could here too.

The second picture shows the magic circle, which has 18 starting double crochets as well. You can see that the center hole isn’t as noticeable as compared with the chain 2 method.

Okay, but what if you’re making amigurumi? 

Let’s see what happens when you make a sphere shape (a common shape in amigurumi) with the magic circle vs. the chain 2 method.

The first sphere on the left is made with the starting chain 2. I’ve placed 8 single crochet into the center and grew it out from there. As you can see, it looks pretty good!

Now the second sphere on the right is made with the magic circle. Again, I’ve placed 8 single crochet into the circle and created the sphere shape. This method looks pretty good too! 

Both methods look basically the same, however if you’re putting a lot of stitches into the center for a spherical shape, I would choose the magic circle method. This will prevent the big hole in the center.

When making amigurumi, you want your stitches to be tight, and it’s important to make sure the center stays closed so your stuffing doesn’t pop out!

Now let’s see what happens when we make a cone shape. This is another common shape in amigurumi.

Ch 2 or Magic Ring
Ch 2 Cone Side

These two pictures show what a cone shape looks like from the top and the side with the chain 2 method. Again, I think the tip (center hole) looks great.

Magic Circle Cone
Magic Ring Crochet Cone Side

As you can see here, they both look practically the same! Maybe the magic circle looks a little tiddier? But it’s almost impossible to tell. 

Magic circle vs.  chain 2 in crochet: which one is better to use?

So now that you know the differences between using a magic circle vs. a chain 2 in crochet, which one is better to use?

Well…to put it simply, it’s up to you and what your pattern is supposed to look like.

Both methods are completely valid to use.

If it were up to me, I would use whichever method is going to make you less frustrated.

Remember, crochet is supposed to be fun! 

I personally like to use the magic circle over the chain method, but I understand why someone wouldn’t want to use it. It can be tricky to get down! I just think it’s easier to crochet into since the starting circle doens’t get any bigger.

So to recap, the magic circle and chain 2 method look basically the same for most patterns, but there are instances where one may be preferred over the other.

The magic circle can be difficult to learn, but looks a little neater. 

The chain 2 method is much easier, but may cause unwanted center holes.

The magic circle is used for amigurumi to get a tight center, however, if you use the chain 2 and pull the tail end tight enough, it can work too.

Ultimately it’s up to you to decide what’s going to cause you the least amount of grief to get your crochet project up and going!

Which method do you prefer? Feel free to comment below!

Thanks and I hope this post helped you figure out the differences between the Magic Circle and the Chain 2 in crochet!

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A Quick Start Guide on How to Crochet

New to crochet? Wondering where to start? Not sure what to do with that cool yarn you picked up at the store? Well, good news! We are going back to basics and learning how to crochet for beginners with this quick start guide.

What is Crochet?

According to Wikipedia, crochet is a method of creating textiles by using a crochet hook to interlock loops of yarn, thread or strands of other materials. 

What Can I Make with Crochet?

There are so many possibilities when it comes to making things with crochet! You can make almost anything out of crochet, but some of the most popular items include: 

  • Blankets
  • Hats and Headbands
  • Scarves
  • Sweaters and Tops
  • Socks
  • Market Bags
  • Toys (Amigurumi)
  • Doilies
  • Table Runners
  • Pillows
  • Tapestries/Wall Decorations

Not only do you get to choose the type of yarn and color combinations to make these items, you get the satisfaction of knowing that you made something by hand! How awesome is that?

Where to Start When Crocheting

If you haven’t already, visit your local craft or big box store (or check out online) and head to the yarn aisle. Pick out a yarn that you’re drawn to, and check out the label on your yarn. 

On the yarn label, it should have a recommended hook size that you should use when working with that yarn. It’ll probably have knitting needle sizes on there too, but disregard those recommendations. 

Crochet hooks should be nearby, grab the number hook your yarn label recommends. Most hooks are measured in millimeters, but some have letters. The most common hook size used is a H-8 or 5mm.

Grab a tapestry needle and some scissors as well. You’ll need the tapestry needle to hide any ends of your yarn that show after you’re done with your project.

Learn How to Hold Your Hook and Yarn

There’s a couple different ways you can hold your yarn and hook, but I would just hold your yarn and hook in a way that feels the most comfortable for you

It’s probably going to feel weird and clunky when you first try, that’s ok, just keep practicing. As you learn to crochet, you’ll learn how tight or loose (this is called tension) to make your stitches. Just remember to relax! 

How to Put Your Yarn on Your Crochet Hook

In order to start crocheting, you will have to attach the yarn to the hook with a slip knot.

How to Hold Your Yarn in Crochet
Hold your yarn in your non dominant hand.
Easy Way to Hold Yarn in Crochet
Hold the yarn with your middle, ring, and pinky finger, use your index finger to lift your yarn up.
Hand Placement for Crochet
Use your middle finger and thumb to pinch your slip kno so it's not super tight to chain through.

Crochet A Starting Chain (Ch)

Most crochet patterns will tell you how many chains to start with. This is usually abbreviated as ch.

To make your first chain, you need to grab your yarn with your crochet hook and pull it through the slip knot. This is called yarning over and pulling through. You might need to loosen up your slip knot if you find it difficult to get your hook through.

It’s important to relax and not make your chains super tight.

It’s really hard to get your hook into your tight chains when you go back over the top, plus your hands will most likely cramp. This part takes practice until you can get a consistent tension down. 

Stop after you’ve made the number of chains your pattern says or until you’re happy with the length.

Yarn Over in Crochet
Yarn over or grab your yarn with your crochet hook.
How to Make a Chain in Crochet
Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook. This is 1 chain (ch).
starting chain of 10 chains
Here is an example of a chain of 10.

Turning Your Work and Crocheting into the Starting Chain

Many patterns will tell you what kind of stitches to crochet into your starting chain. You’ll need to go back down or turn to crochet back into the chain. 

Let’s look at a couple of beginner stitches that will be useful for you.

Crocheting a Slip Stitch (Sl St)

A slip stitch, also abbreviated as sl st, is typically used to join your work or make very small stitches

Slip stitches aren’t usually used in the starting chain, as it can be difficult to crochet into such a small space, but you can practice a slip stitch into yours if you’d like.

Steps to Slip Stitch (sl st):

  • Insert your hook into the 2nd chain of your foundation chain, or into the stitch.
  • Grab your yarn with your crochet hook (yarn over), pull the yarn through your chain (or stitch). You will have what looks like two loops on your hook.
  • Pull the yarn all the way through or in other words, pull the loop closest to your hook through the second loop.
Insert Hook into Chain
Insert your hook into the 2nd chain (or next stitch).
Yarn Over
Yarn over.
Pull Yarn Through Chain
Pull the yarn all the way through the chain (first loop on your hook).
Finished Slip Stitch in Crochet
Finished slip stitch (sl st).
Foundation Row of Slip Stitches
Slip stitches (sl sts) down a foundation chain.

Crocheting a Single Crochet (Sc)

A single crochet, also abbreviated as sc, is a very common stitch used. I suggest practicing going down your starting chain with this stitch first. 

Single crochets are used for many projects and are typically the only stitch used if you’re making crochet toys (also called amigurumi).

They are a little taller than slip stitches, but shorter than double crochets.

Steps to single crochet (sc):

  • Insert your hook into the second chain from your crochet hook (or into the next stitch). Inserting it into the first chain doesn’t really work, you can try it if you want to see what I mean.
  • Grab your yarn with your crochet hook (yarn over), pull the yarn through the chain. You should have two loops on your hook.
  • Yarn over again and pull it through both loops on your hook. 
  • Move onto the next chain and practice another single crochet. Try not to single crochet in the same chain you just single crocheted into. 
Insert Crochet Hook into 2nd Chain
Insert your hook into the second chain or into the next stitch.
Yarning Over for Single Crochet
Yarn over.
Two Loops on Hook for Single Crochet
Pull through the chain, notice how I turn my hook upwards to prevent my yarn from slipping off.
Grab Yarn with Hook Again
Yarn over again and pull it through both the loops on your hook.
Completed Single Crochet in 2nd Chain
Completed single crochet in the second chain. Notice how the single crochet makes a larger hole in the foundation chain? Don't single crochet there, but in the next chain. The hole is the chain you just crocheted into.

Crocheting a Double Crochet (Dc)

A double crochet, also abbreviated as dc, is another common stitch used in many crochet patterns. 

Double crochets are much taller than single crochets. Patterns like blankets, will use this stitch to achieve the desired length or height quickly.

Steps to double crochet (dc):

  • Grab your yarn with your hook/wrap it around your hook (yarn over) then insert your hook into the third chain from your crochet hook. 
  • Yarn over again and pull it through your chain (you should have three loops on your hook).
  • Yarn over again and pull it through the first two loops on your hook (you should have two loops on your hook).
  • Yarn over again (yes I know), and pull it through the last two loops on your hook.
Yarning Over and Then Inserting Hook for Double Crochet
Yarn over and insert your hook into the third chain or into the next stitch.
Grabbing Yarn with Crochet Hook
Yarn over.
Pull Yarn Through First Loop for Double Crochet
Three loops on her hook.
Yarning Over 2nd Time
Yarn over again.
Pull Yarn Through First Two Loops
Pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook. You have two loops on your hook now.
Yarn Over 3rd Time in Double Crochet
Yarn over once again and pull through both loops on your hook.
Completed Double Crochet in 3rd Chain
Completed double crochet in 3rd chain.
Double Crochet Foundation Row
Double crochets in foundation chain.
A Quick Start Guide on How to Crochet
Here's a comparison of the stitches we've covered in this post. Notice the differences in height.

Chaining and Turning Your Work Again

Once you reach the end of your starting chain with single or double crochets, you’ll need to keep building on top of your stitches. 

I find that chaining a number of chains first and then turning works better, but you can turn your work first and then chain if you prefer. 

Your pattern should tell you how many chains to chain, if you’re planning on single crocheting in the first stitch of your next row, chain 1.

If you’re planning on double crocheting in the first stitch of your next row, chain 3. 

Your pattern will also tell you whether or not your chains are going to be considered a stitch or not, this will determine which stitch you crochet into first. 

Single crochet or double crochet into your first stitch and every stitch down your row. 

Chain and turn your work again. Be sure to count your stitches as it’s easy to skip a stitch after turning your work.

Continue this way until you’ve reached the height you desire.

Chaining and Turning Crochet Work
Here I'm working on double crochets. I have chained 3 chains and have turned my work the opposite way.
Double Crochet Again in Row 2
This is what double crochets look like on the second row. I'm considering the chain 3 as a double crochet in this picture.

Finishing Your Crochet Project and Weaving in Yarn Ends

Once you’ve reached the length and height of your crochet project, leave a little length of yarn and cut it with your scissors.

Pull the rest of the yarn through with your crochet hook.

With your tapestry needle, thread your yarn through the eye of the needle and weave in and out through your stitches to hide the yarn. Make sure the yarn is weaved securely and cut off any excess.

Wrapping Up…

These are the basic steps you should take in order to learn how to crochet. Remember, grab your yarn and hook, make a starting chain, crochet back into the starting chain and build on top of your stitches, cut your yarn and weave in your ends.

As a beginner crocheter, I learned a lot from video tutorials (there’s tons out there). I would slow down the play back speed of any video tutorial if you find that they’re going to fast. 

Start small. Try out small, beginner projects first like a square coaster, dishcloth, or bracelets until you get a feel for what stitches look like and get better at crocheting.

Don’t be afraid to post questions online to other fellow crocheters if you’re not sure how to read a pattern or are stuck. r/crochet on Reddit is a fairly active and helpful source of crochet information.

Good luck and happy crocheting! 

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How to Change Color in Crochet the Right Way

In this post you will learn: How to change color the right way in crochet and how to change color with single, half double, double, and triple crochet stitches.

Hello everyone! Today we are going to learn how to change colors in crochet the right way! In one of my works in progress (WIP), I am needing to change between two different colors frequently, and I thought this would be a great learning opportunity for beginners.

Have you ever worked on a project that required you to attach a new colored yarn to complete it? Did you attach your new color, but notice as you crocheted along that your new color tended to look a little…off?

I am here to help! This technique of changing colors will keep your colored stitches straighter and much more uniform!

Why is this technique the right way?

This color change technique is better because it prevents your last color from “wandering” into your new one. 

Many crocheters will attempt a color change by inserting their hook into the next stitch, THEN attaching the new yarn and finishing the stitch.

There is nothing wrong with doing that, it just makes the top of the stitch have the previous colored yarn and the bottom of the stitch with the new.

This is what happens if you attach a new color the INCORRECT way:

Incorrect way to change colors
Incorrect!

Do you see how the stitch that needs the new color is half the cream colored yarn and half the brown colored yarn? We want to avoid this!

Below I will show you how to change colors with single, half double, double, and triple crochet stitches.

Color Change with Single Crochet:

(Please note these are US crochet terms used, not UK)

Step 1 of Color change technique
Step 1
Step 2 of Color Change
Step 2
Step 3 of color change technique crochet
Step 3

I have already made a starting chain and single crocheted back into those chains prior to step 1.

Step 1 – Stop yourself two stitches BEFORE the needed color change. The arrow indicates the stitch that needs the new color. 

Step 2 – Single crochet as per usual into the next stitch, but DO NOT finish all the way. Keep those two loops on your hook.

Step 3 – Loop your new color onto your hook and pull it through both of the loops. I found that this was a little tricky when I was a beginner crocheter. Just try to keep tension on the new color and your previous color the best you can so it’s not super loose.

Step 4 of color change technique
Step 4
Step 5 of color change
Step 5

Step 4 – Single crochet into the next stitch with your new color.

Step 5 – Finished row of color change.

You can also use this technique if you are needing to start a whole new row with a color. 

In the LAST stitch of the row (before turning and chaining) do Steps 2-4 and chain however many chains you need for your stitch height with your new color, continue with the next row with your new color. 

Color Change with Half Double Crochet:

Step 1 of half double color change
Step 1
Step 2 of half double color change
Step 2
Step 3 of half double color change
Step 3

Step 1 – In the stitch before the needed color change, start your half double crochet stitch, but don’t finish it (yarn over, insert hook into next stitch). You should have 3 loops on your hook.

Step 2 – Loop your new colored yarn onto your hook and pull through all 3 loops. Do your best to keep your tension!

Step 3 – Continue half double crocheting with your new color!

Color Change with Double Crochet:

Step 1 of double crochet color change
Step 1
Step 2 of double crochet color change
Step 2

Step 1 – In the stitch before the needed color change, make a double crochet but don’t finish it! You will have 2 loops on your hook.

Step 2 – Attach your new colored yarn and pull through both loops. Continue double crocheting across.

How to Color Change with Triple Crochet:

Start your triple crochet
Step 1
Pull through 2 loops
Step 2
Attach yarn at top of triple crochet stitch
Step 3

Steps 1-2 – In the stitch before the needed color change, make your triple crochet. Yarn over twice (step 1), insert hook into next stitch, yarn over (4 loops on your hooks), pull through 2 loops (step 2/ 3 loops on your hook), yarn over pull through 2 loops again (2 loops on your hook).

Step 3 – Attach new colored yarn by looping it onto your hook

pull yarn through triple crochet
Step 4
Triple Crochet color change
Step 5

Step 4 – Pull new yarn through both loops

Step 5 – Continue triple crocheting across.

 

What if I want to start a whole row with a new color, not just in the middle?

There are actually a few ways you can do this! You can either, A) Cut your yarn at the end of your row, attach a new yarn to your hook via a slip knot and make a standing stitch. Or B) Follow the steps above in the last stitch of your row to attach your new colored yarn. Chain one (or however many you need for your stitch height) with your new color and continue crocheting.

Whichever one you choose will be up to you and I think depends on what your project is. If your project uses many different colors, option A) might be better. If you’re only using two colors option B) would be ideal.

So to recap: You want to color change with this technique if you want your colors to be nice and straight. Essentially, you will make whatever stitch you are using, and before the last pull through of that stitch, attach your new color, THEN pull through to finish it.

Thank you for reading, and as always…happy crocheting!

How to Crochet a Beanie of Any Size

It’s super easy to crochet the perfectly sized beanie or hat! All you need is the measurement of the head circumference and you’re golden! 

Well, there’s a little more to it, but I promise, it’s not as bad as you might think. I’ll provide the formulas for you, so there’s little room for error.

If you’re not sure what the head circumference is of the person you’re crocheting your beanie for, I have an average of measurements listed below that you can use. 

Supplies you’ll need:

  • Your choice of yarn
  • Crochet hook 
  • Measuring tape
  • Tapestry needle to sew your ends
Crown
Height
Circumference

In order to get:

Crown width – Take your circumference and divide that number by pi (3.14).

Hat height – Take your circumference divided by 10 and multiply by 4.

Circumference -Take a measuring tape and measure around your head above the ears. I like to subtract an inch or so off of this measurement so the beanie sits snugly (especially if your are crocheting with stretchy/squishy yarn)

So in the picture above, the circumference for this hat is about 16 inches. In order for me to get the crown width, I took 16/3.14 which is right about 5. So 5 inches for the width. 

To know how long to crochet my hat (the hat height), I took 16/10 x 4. So 16 divided by 10 is 1.6. Take 1.6 times 4 and you get 6.4. 6.4 inches is how long I want my hat to be in order for the proportions to be correct.

You can use this chart below to see average measurements per age.

Happy crocheting! 

Make a Magic Circle for Crochet (Magic Ring)

Finished magic circle on crochet hook

In this post I will show you in 11 steps with pictures, how to make a magic circle for crochet.

Making a magic circle, or interchangeably, magic ring, is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success if you want to crochet amigurumi or any projects that require you to crochet in a round.

You may have seen some patterns say something along the lines of like x number of sc in a mc. The “mc” stands for magic circle. 

So what makes this magic circle so magical? The magic circle, when pulled tightly, makes a less noticeable hole than if you were to make a slip knot, chain 2 and crochet in the first stitch. Magic circles are also a lot less likely than the previous method, to unravel from the beginning.11

First step of magic circle
Picture 1
Pulling yarn behind two fingers
Picture 2
Pulling yarn up and over two fingers
Picture 3

Step 1)

With the tail end of your yarn, pull it through between your middle and ring finger (see picture 1).

Step 2)

Pretend to make “gun” fingers with your left hand. Grip your yarn with your ring and pinky finger (to keep tension), while you move the tail end behind your pointer and middle finger (see picture 2).

Step 3) 

Take the tail and and go up and over your pointer and middle finger (see picture 3).

Pulling yarn around two fingers again
Picture 4
Finished step of pulling yarn around two fingers twice
Picture 5
Showing where to grab yarn to hold in place for magic circle
Picture 6

Step 4)

Repeat step 3 by going behind your pointer/middle fingers with the tail end and go up and over (see pictures 4 and 5).

Step 5)

Pinch your yarn with your thumb to hold in place (picture 6) and turn your hand knuckle-side up (picture 7).

Top view of turned hand while holding yarn in place
Picture 7
Inserting crochet hook under and over strands of yarn
Picture 8
Grabbing the second yarn strand with crochet hook
Picture 9

Step 6)

Grab your crochet hook with your right hand. Go underneath the first yarn and grab the second yarn with your hook (see pictures 8 and 9).

Step 7)

With that yarn still hooked, pull your second yarn underneath the first yarn (picture 10).

Step 8)

Carefully turn your hook up, while continuing to keep that yarn in place (picture 11). 

Pulling the second strand of yarn underneath the first strand
Picture 10
Picture of crochet hook turned upwards while yarn is still hooked
Picture 11
Depiction of yarning over to complete magic circle
Picture 12

Step 9)

Now, this is where it can get tricky. Essentially, “yarn over” to grab the same, second strand of yarn you grabbed before. If that makes sense (see picture 12) and pull it through (see picture 13). 

*Protip! Try not to keep your yarn super tight during step 9. When you attempt to pull it through, it’ll be very, very difficult to do. So try to keep it a tad loose.

Step 10)

???

Step 11)

Profit (see pictures 14a. and 14b.).

Picture of pulling the yarned over strand through
Picture 13
Loose magic circle
Picture 14a.
Magic circle complete with crochet hook
Picture 14b.

Don’t worry too much if you mess up. I had a difficult time trying to keep my yarn and hands coordinated the first couple of tries when I first started. It just takes practice! 

Congratulations and happy crocheting! 

How to Make a Slip Knot for Crocheting

If you’re new to crochet, you’ll need to know how to make a slip knot. It’s literally the very first step to crochet. You need them so that your yarn doesn’t slip off the crochet hook. 

You might notice that many crochet patterns skip mentioning this step! This is because it’s assumed that you already know how to do it! What in the world, right!?

In this post, you will find a step by step guide on how to make a slip knot so you can start crocheting!

Step 1 of slip knot

Step 1) Lay your yarn in a straight line

Start making a loop

Step 2) Start making a loop

Finished loop

Step 3) Finish the loop

Step showing where to grab your yarn for step 4

Step 4) Pinch the very top of the loop with your thumb and index finger

Tucked yarn tail behind loop

Step 5) Tuck the tail end behind the loop and set back down flat

Crochet hook inserted under yarn tail

Step 6) Insert your hook underneath the tail (but over the loop)

Beginning process of where to grab yarn to finish slip knot

Step 7) Pinch the tail end and the top of your yarn

Pull yarn tight

Step 8) Pull your crochet hook up with your right hand while keeping your yarn anchored down with the left

Last step of slip knot

Step 9) Tighten your slip knot by pulling on both ends of your yarn

Slip knot for crocheting

Ta da! You made your slip knot.

The slip knot is a necessary first step in crochet (aside from getting a crochet hook and yarn of course!).

I hope that you found this guide helpful on how to make a slip knot on a crochet hook.

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for more crochet how to’s and free patterns! You can find me @strommercrafts.

Until next time!