Blueprint to Construct a Beanie | Crochet for Beginners

I remember the first time I ever crocheted a beanie. I had no clue how to read a pattern, so all I knew was this blueprint that I’m going to share with you here. My first beanie wasn’t perfect but I was definitely hooked!

Read More

Supplies to Crochet a Beanie | Crochet for Beginners

Wondering what supplies you need to get started on crochet a beanie? Here ya go! I’ve been crocheting beanies since 2002 and I’ve found some favorite supplies through trial and error.

Read More

Half Double Crochet Ribbed Brim Tutorial | FPHDC and BPHDC

Here’s how to crochet a super fun ribbed brim for a beanie! You’ll use half double crochet (hdc), front post double crochet (fphdc), back post half double crochet (bphdc), and a couple of slip stitches too.

Read More

How to Half Double Crochet | Crochet for Beginners

I really enjoy working projects with half double crochets. And in this video, I’m going to teach you how! I created this video with beginners in mind so I show you how to half double crochet step by step.

Read More

Front Post Double Crochet Tutorial (FPDC)

It’s time for front post double crochet (fpdc)! This is a fun stitch where you make a normal double crochet, but you put your stitch around the post of the double crochet instead of in the top of the stitch.

Read More

Back Post Double Crochet Tutorial (BPDC)

It’s time to learn back post double crochet (BPDC)!

If you already know how to double crochet, then this stitch is going to be pretty easy for you.

However, when you’re finished, your row is going to look REALLY different than if you had done just regular double crochets.

Read More

How to Crochet Seed Stitch in the Round

I recently had a major surgery with a 6 week recovery. While I was lazing about and letting my body heal, I started browsing Pinterest for some new crochet inspiration.

And I discovered seed stitch! It was a great moment because I felt inspired and motivated for the first time since my surgery. Unfortunately, I was staying with my parents for help while I recovered. And I cursed to realize that I hadn’t brought the right crochet hook with me to try out seed stitch right away.

So, I had to wait until I got back to my own house to try it. And it was worth the wait!

I just discovered seed stitch and I’m obsessed with it! It’s beautiful because it takes two basic crochet stitches: single crochet and double crochet and combines them to make a totally unique look. Crocheting seed stitch in the round is a little tr…

I really love how seed stitch takes two basic crochet stitches (double crochet and single crochet) and combines them in a way that looks totally different than plain double or single crochet.

I’m actually making two video tutorials on seed stitch. One on seed stitch in rows and one on seed stitch in the round. 

I definitely find seed stitch in the round to be slightly more challenging. I always have to turn off my TV or audiobook so that I can concentrate and count my stitches!

And I don’t know about you, but I enjoy a new crochet challenge every once in awhile.

So, if you’re in the mood to try something fun and new, then watch the video tutorial below and give it a shot!

Crochet skills you need for seed stitch in the round

Magic Circle
Single Crochet
Increase
Double Crochet

I’m so obsessed with seed stitch that I’m dreaming up all kinds of designs with it! I’ll be releasing at least two new beanie crochet patterns using seed stitch in the round. 

If you’d like to be notified when the new patterns launch, then sign up below and join my email list!

How to Double Crochet | Crochet for Beginners

I have a small confession to make. I actually don’t have any designs that use plain double crochet. You’ll see why in this video. 

However, I still wanted to create this tutorial for a couple of reasons.

First, double crochet is one of the most basic and quintessential stitches and all crocheters should have it in their repertoire.

And second, once you know how to double crochet, then you can learn the more fun and interesting cousins — front post double crochet, back post double crochet, half double crochet, seed stitch, basket weave stitch, and the list goes on!

Double crochet is one of the most common stitches used in crochet, so it’s time to learn how to do it! I actually don’t make a lot of designs with double crochet (you’ll see why in the video), but it’s important to know how to do it so that you can …

But before you can dive into all that funness, you’ve got to know a basic double crochet.

For absolute beginners

You’ll want to make sure that you have these two skills down before you watch this video and learn double crochet. 

Slip Knot

Chain

In this video, I’m going to show you how to make a little practice swatch and nail your double crochet so that you can move on to bigger, better and more fun stitches!

Free Crochet Hat Pattern

How to crochet a chain (ch)

Most crochet projects start out with at least 2 chains.

Inside the patterns, you'll see this abbreviated as "ch"

Watch this video to learn how to crochet a chain and get your crochet party started!

Crochet skills to know before you start

How to tie a slip knot

Tutorials for the next steps 

Single crochet (sc)

Crochet in rows

Patterns to practice your skills

Easy spring scarf - coming soon!

How to tie a magic knot

When you run out of yarn and need to tie on a new skein, or you're making a scrap yarn project and changing colors, the magic knot is the best knot to use!

Here's why you should try the magic knot instead of a regular square knot...

Ever run out of yarn while you’re in the middle of crocheting a project? Next time this happens, try the magic knot! This knot is so sturdy that you don’t have to worry about it coming undone. And it’s so tiny that you’ll never notice it making your…

1. The Magic Knot is sturdy. I have used hundreds of these and I have never had one come undone. Unlike a square knot which can be hit and miss.

2. You can trim off the ends and avoid the tedious task of weaving them into the wrong side of your work later. This knot is so strong that you can cut those ends off super close and you don't have to worry about it unraveling.

3. This knot is small and you can easily hide it inside of the stitches so that it doesn't make a funny bump in your work. It's totally invisible after you crochet it into your piece!

4. The magic knot is quick and easy to do. Once you get the hang of it.

Here's a video to show you exactly how to tie a magic knot.


The hat I'm crocheting in the video is a Pussy Hat that I made for the 2017 Women's March!

Here's what it looks like when it's done. I love it so much. Even though the march is over, I still wear mine all the time!


The magic knot is also super useful when you're doing a lot of color changes and making a scrap yarn beanie! You'll save tons of time weaving in ends if you use the magic knot as you go.


How to make cool color combinations in a scrap yarn beanie

You're finished crocheting your latest beanie. You're so happy! You can't wait to wear it or give it away.

Then, you look down and realize that you didn't use up all of your yarn. And there's not enough left over to make a whole new beanie. You have scrap yarn! 

What should you do with it?

Throw it away? No. I don't know any crafters who are cool with wasting supplies.

Store it with the rest of your yarn stash? Yeah, you might find a project to use it up in the future, but in the mean time it's going to sit and take up lots of space on your shelves.

How about making a scrap yarn beanie?!? Ding ding ding!!

Crocheting a beanie with your yarn scraps is an awesome stash buster! Imagine how you can use up all those little scraps of yarn that would have otherwise gone to waste. And you can free up space on your shelves for...more yarn, of course.

Plus, multi-colored scarp yarn beanies like these are truly unique! You'd barely be able to replicate one if you tried. 

Here are some tips on how to combine the colors of your scrap yarn pieces to make a fun, cool, boho style beanie.

Want the pattern for this beanie? Grab it here.

I'd love to see some pictures of your scrap yarn beanie. Join the Denver Whimsy Crochet Facebook group and post your pics!

Want a little closer look at some of my beanies? Here ya go!

IMG_0452.JPG

Want to try crocheting one of these Scarp Yarn Beanies yourself? Get your patterns here...

Worsted weight yarn pattern

Worsted-Bulky weight yarn pattern