How to roll an EPIC double-strand yarn ball

My scrap yarn stash looks like this...

But I like to be able to bring my crochet projects with me wherever I go. So, before I start a double-strand scrap yarn project like a beanie or a pillow, I roll up an awesome scrap yarn ball!

Watch the video below for tips on how to roll your own center-pull scrap yarn ball that's portable, easy to use, and creates an awesome, colorful scrap yarn project!

Links mentioned in the video:

Tutorials
How to tie a magic knot 

Scrap Yarn Beanie

Patterns
Scrap yarn beanie crochet pattern  
Scrap yarn pillow crochet pattern - 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...

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.

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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!

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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.

New pussy hat crochet pattern - Sparkle Puss Hat!

he Women's March on January 21 was so awesome! I was so inspired by all the women uniting together and standing up for ourselves. And all the awesome pussy hats that I saw in the crowd!

After the march was over, I was exhausted and thirsty. I must have walked 5 miles (or at least it felt like 5 miles!) And I ended up in a little neighborhood pub near a friend's house. There were lots of women from the march wearing pink pussy hats and I felt so proud to be a part of it.

One woman in particular had a really fun, sparkly hat on. I'm usually a shy person, but I felt so jazzed from the march that I walked right up to her. I asked her where she got the yarn for her hat. She told me and I couldn't believe it was from Michaels, the store where I buy most of my yarn!

I left the pub and drove straight to Michaels to buy the sparkly yarn and create my own blingy pussy hat.

And so, the Sparkle Puss Hat was born!

The Sparkle Puss Hat has little bits of shiny, metallic string woven in with soft, fuchsia yarn. As I was crocheting, I was a little worried that the yarn would be scratchy, but it's not at all! The hat is super warm and soft. I love wearing it and don't want to take it off!

The finished hat looks similar to my original Pussy Hat pattern, but it's made with bulky weigh yarn instead of worsted weight yarn, so the stitch counts are very different.

Get started on your own Sparkle Puss Hat now!

Here are some more pattern details...

This pattern is written in standard American crochet terms. It's sized to fit an average woman's head. 

Materials:

• Size L/8 mm hook (or whichever hook you need to achieve the correct gauge)
• Bulky weight yarn (details in pattern)
• Stitch marker
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors

Crochet Skills:

• Magic circle/ring
• Single crochet
• Increase
• Measure Gauge
• Crochet in front loop only
• Attach pieces with whip stitch

The Sparkle Puss Hat is easy to make. It works up very quickly because you're using bulky weight yarn. As always, the pattern includes links to video tutorials for the different steps of the beanie making process. Including FLO which you use to make the fold-up brim.

Grab your copy of the Sparkle Puss Hat Crochet Pattern

I hope you love making the Sparkle Puss Hat as much as I do!

How to crochet FLO (front loop only)

Learn how to crochet FLO (front loop only) to create a different look for your projects! I use the FLO in single crochets to make a ridged brim for my fold-up beanies.

I used this technique to make the cute little fold-up brim from my Pussy Hat! I'm going to wear this beanie for the Women's March in Denver on January 21. If you'd like to get a little political and support women's rights, consider joining a march in your local area. And crochet a Pussy Hat, of course!

You can grab the Pussy Hat pattern here

Ok, so on to the video. Here's the FLO tutorial.

Use the FLO to create your very own Pussy Hat!

And, other patterns using this technique will be coming soon!

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!

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

Worsted weight yarn pattern

Worsted-Bulky weight yarn pattern

How to crochet with a double strand

Today I want to show you one of my favorite techniques to make a warm, cozy beanie that is really unique -- crocheting with a double strand!

The crocheting with a double strand is great because...

1. The finished beanie is super warm and cozy.
2. You can make the beanie super fast!
3. You can combine any colors (favorite sports team colors?)
4. Use any type of yarn, thick or thin.

Watch the video below to learn how to crochet with a double strand!

Want to make the beanies featured in the video? Check out the patterns...

Cranberry Crush Beanie Crochet Pattern

Scrap Yarn Beanie Crochet Pattern - Worsted and Bulky weight yarns

Scrap Yarn Beanie Crochet Pattern - Worsted weight yarn

How to Crochet a Perfect Circle (aka JOIN)

Have you ever tried to crochet a perfect circle? The most common technique for crocheting round shapes is called crocheting in the round. When you crochet in the round you create a spiral going out as you increase. But you never get to the point of finishing a circle or closing it to make it nice and neat.

So, it's time to learn how to crochet in joined rounds! (Abbreviated as JOIN in my patterns)

Like stripes? Even better, do you like perfect stripes? Crocheting a beanie or toy in joined rounds creates a project that is about as close to perfect as you can get in crochet.

Observe… the Perfect Stripe Beanie!

When I first learned, I found this a little bit harder than simply crocheting in the round, but I got the hang of it with a little practice.

When you crochet in the round, you simply crochet around and around in a circle going out like a spiral. In joined rounds, Each round begins and ends rather than going on continuously.

In a single crochet project, you make joined rounds by starting each round with a chain and ending each round with a slip stitch. In my patterns, I use an abbreviation for this procedure, JOIN. 

Check out the video below for a step-by-step demo.

Crocheting in joined rounds is the best way to crochet perfect stripes in a beanie! Practice your JOIN with the One Hour Triple Stripe Crochet Beanie Pattern.

Cheery the Monster Amigurumi Crochet Pattern Giveaway

Say hello to Cheery the Monster!

Isn't she the cutest thing ever! ?

And you have the chance to win her pattern for free! Just enter to win on my Denver Whimsy Instagram page where you see this picture posted. 

To enter, all you have to do is follow me (@denverwhimsy) on Instagram and tag a crafty friend in the comments under this picture. That's it! You are allowed to tag more than one friend for multiple entries into the giveaway. The contest runs through July 13, 2015.

Head on over to Instagram and have some fun!

P.S. Don't worry if you don't win, I'll be releasing the pattern for sale on Tuesday, July 14 and you'll have the chance to grab it for just $5.

Rammer Amigurumi Crochet Pattern

Rammer makes a great gift for a happy, fun-loving kid. You can customize the color scheme to coordinate with a monster-themed nursery. Or you can choose the colors of a kid's favorite sports team to make your monster special.

My Inspiration
I chose to make Rammer yellow and green because I wanted to use up some scrap yarn from my stash. He only requires 49 yards of the yellow and 39 yards of the green, so he's a great stash buster!

Making Rammer's belly. I had seen a video on Craftsy (the Mix 'n Match Hats class, which I highly recommend) that showed how to do colorwork in the round, and I wanted to try that out on a monster. Making his belly took a little fiddling. I had to frog it the first time because I pulled the stitches way too tight and it gave him an hourglass figure! LOL. 

So, my tip for you for this pattern: Be careful to control your tension while you do the color changes on Rammer's middle. If it looks tighter than the upper part of his body, then you can pull it out and try again, but hold the yarn looser.

Through May 22, 2015, you can use the coupon code RAMMER for 50% off the pattern when you buy from my pattern shop!

Get the pattern now!

How I created 30 crochet patterns in 30 days

I'm feeling pretty victorious right now. I just posted my 30th crochet pattern in as many days. Every day in April I posted a new crochet pattern!

Here are a few facts for you about my 30 day journey.

• I came up with this idea on March 28.
• I had 7 beanies crocheted before I started.
• I had pictures taken and edited of 3 of the 7.
• I had 0 patterns ready to go.
• I did not buy any new yarn for this challenge.
• I worked a full time teaching job as well as after school tutoring while posting a new crochet pattern every day.

And I'm damn proud of myself! I honestly can't believe I was organized enough to plan ahead and pull all of this off. A lot of days I was still crocheting the beanie in the morning, photographing it on my lunch break, putting the pictures in the pattern and posting it at night. Whew!

So, why did I put myself through this difficult challenge?

• I wanted to use up some of my stash.
• I needed practice putting my stuff out there without overthinking everything.
• I wanted to experiment with the best days/times to post new content.
• I wanted to have 30 more patterns to post on the web and start bringing in some passive $$!

And what were my results?

• I nearly quadrupled the number of subscribers to my mailing list.
• I have 100 new Instagram followers. And that's a lot considering I had about 275 when I started the challenge.
• I have 30 new patterns to post to Etsy, Ravelry and Craftsy.
• I feel so much more confident! People like my stuff! They really like it! Hooray!

So, if you're reading this. I'd love to say thanks by offering you this coupon! Through May 5, 2015, you can use the coupon code 30in30 to get 50% off all of the crochet patterns in my shop. So, if you missed any of the freebies this month, you can grab them at a discount!

Also, I'd love to hear from you. Have you ever completed a crochet challenge? Or any similar challenge where you had to do a lot in a short time? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.

Sports Fan Beanie Crochet Pattern

Do you need an quick gift for a sports fan? Then this beanie is perfect! It’s made with super bulky weight yarn so it whips up super fast. Crochet it using his favorite team’s colors to create the perfect, thoughtful handmade gift!

About the pattern

• Includes links to video tutorials for each step
• Sizing options for men and women
• Written in standard American crochet terms

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Here's what customers are saying about my crochet beanie patterns:

"Great pattern, fast shipping, great experience." - Vonnie

"Pattern was easy to follow. Finished the hat in one night. Already made 2!!! Thank you!!" - Kerri D.

"Easy and looks awesome. I'm making everyone a hat for Christmas now!" - Linda K.

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Materials Required:

• Size N/10 mm hook 
• Super bulky weight yarn
• Stitch marker

Skills Required

• Crocheting in the round
• Crocheting in joined rounds
• Single crochet
• Increase
• Slip stitch
• Color change

Click here to get the pattern for free!

One Hour Sunset Beanie Crochet Pattern

That's right! You can crochet this beanie in one hour! The finished beanie is super soft and warm, and I love the cool color combination! To make this beanie, you use bulky weight yarn in a variegated colorway, which creates the cool color changes and stripes. The pattern includes sizing options for teens, women and men and is written using standard American crochet terms.

**BONUS** This pattern includes links video tutorials that I've created to help you with each step of the beanie-making process. So, if you've never crocheted a beanie before, no problem!

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Here's what customers are saying about my crochet beanie patterns:

"Great pattern, fast shipping, great experience." - Vonnie

"Pattern was easy to follow. Finished the hat in one night. Already made 2!!! Thank you!!" - Kerri D.

"Easy and looks awesome. I'm making everyone a hat for Christmas now!" - Linda K.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Materials Required:
Size L/8 mm hook (or whichever hook you need to achieve the correct gauge)
One skein of bulky weight, self-striping yarn
Stitch marker
Scissors

Crochet Skills Required:
Crocheting in the round
Magic circle/ring
Single crochet
Increase
Slip stitch

Click here to get the pattern!

Cotton Ball Holder Crochet Pattern

Want to crochet something small and handy to hold cotton balls in a convenient place in your bathroom? Now you can! This crocheted cotton ball holder is super fun to make and whips up in just over an hour. 

About the pattern

• Finished dimensions are 2.5" tall and 4" wide
• Includes links to video tutorials for each step
• Written in standard American crochet terms

Materials Required

• Size F/3.75 mm hook 
• Cotton worsted weight yarn
• Stitch marker

Skills Required

• Crocheting in joined rounds
• Single crochet
• Increase
• Slip stitch
• Back loop only

Click here to get the pattern!

Oatmeal Crush Beanie Crochet Pattern

Crush your next crochet project! When finished, this beanie is super soft and warm, and I love the cool color combination! To make this beanie, you use bulky weight yarn and worsted weight yarns together to make a thick, warm beanie. The pattern includes sizing options for teens, women and men and is written using standard American crochet terms.

**BONUS** This pattern includes links video tutorials that I've created to help you with each step of the beanie-making process. So, if you've never crocheted a beanie before, no problem!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Here's what customers are saying about my crochet beanie patterns:

"Great pattern, fast shipping, great experience." - Vonnie

"Pattern was easy to follow. Finished the hat in one night. Already made 2!!! Thank you!!" - Kerri D.

"Easy and looks awesome. I'm making everyone a hat for Christmas now!" - Linda K.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Materials Required:
ize P/11.5 mm hook 
Bulky gray yarn and worsted weight yarn
Stitch marker

Crochet Skills Required:
Crocheting in the round
Magic circle/ring
Single crochet
Increase
Slip stitch

Click here to get the pattern!

Kiss Me Beanie Crochet Pattern

Want to crochet a beanie that is totally unique? Then you will enjoy making the vivid, multi-toned Kiss Me Beanie. This special yarn weaves together red, pink and purple with a cool, shaggy texture to make this beanie original.

FYI, this pattern uses super bulky weight yarn, but after experimenting, I realized that this particular yarn functions a little differently than most super bulky weight yarns. So, if you plan to use this pattern with a yarn other than the one recommended, you may have to modify the pattern to your liking.

About the pattern

• Includes links to video tutorials for each step
• Sizing options for men and women
• Written in standard American crochet terms

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Here's what customers are saying about my crochet beanie patterns:

"Great pattern, fast shipping, great experience." - Vonnie

"Pattern was easy to follow. Finished the hat in one night. Already made 2!!! Thank you!!" - Kerri D.

"Easy and looks awesome. I'm making everyone a hat for Christmas now!" - Linda K.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Materials Required:

• Size N/10 mm hook 
• Super bulky weight yarn
• Stitch marker
• Scissors

Skills Required

• Crocheting in the round
• Single crochet
• Increase
• Slip stitch
• Pom pom making

Click here to get the pattern!

Blueberry Smoothie Chunky Slouchy Beanie Crochet Pattern

Do you love crocheting with self-striping yarn? Then you will enjoy every stitch of crocheting this slouchy beanie. When you finish, you’ll have a beanie that is super soft and warm. And it has a pom pom. Who doesn’t love that?

About the pattern

• Includes links to video tutorials for each step
• Sized to fit women
• Written in standard American crochet terms

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Here's what customers are saying about my crochet beanie patterns:

"Great pattern, fast shipping, great experience." - Vonnie

"Pattern was easy to follow. Finished the hat in one night. Already made 2!!! Thank you!!" - Kerri D.

"Easy and looks awesome. I'm making everyone a hat for Christmas now!" - Linda K.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Materials Required:

• Size L/8 mm hook (or whichever hook you need to achieve the correct gauge)
• One skein of Loops and Threads Charisma yarn in Dark Purple
• Stitch marker
• Scissors

Skills Required

• Crocheting in the round
• Single crochet
• Increase
• Slip stitch
• Pom pom making

Click here to get the pattern!

Mystic Beanie Crochet Pattern

 Do you love cool colors? Then you will love every crochet stitch of the Mystic Beanie. This beanie works up very quickly because you use super bulky yarn and a large crochet hook. I love the way this yarn has various cool colors woven together and makes the crocheting process so much fun.

 

Click here to download the pattern for free!

One Hour Pink Zebra Beanie Crochet Pattern

That's right! You can crochet this beanie in one hour! The finished beanie is super soft and warm, and I love the cool color combination! To make this beanie, you use bulky weight yarn in a variegated colorway, which creates the cool color changes and stripes. The pattern includes sizing options for teens, women and men and is written using standard American crochet terms.

**BONUS** This pattern includes links video tutorials that I've created to help you with each step of the beanie-making process. So, if you've never crocheted a beanie before, no problem!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Here's what customers are saying about my crochet beanie patterns:

"Great pattern, fast shipping, great experience." - Vonnie

"Pattern was easy to follow. Finished the hat in one night. Already made 2!!! Thank you!!" - Kerri D.

"Easy and looks awesome. I'm making everyone a hat for Christmas now!" - Linda K.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Materials Required:
Size L/8 mm hook 
One skein of bulky weight, self-striping yarn
Stitch marker
Scissors

Crochet Skills Required:
Crocheting in the round
Magic circle/ring
Single crochet
Increase
Slip stitch

Click here to get the pattern!

Northern Lights Slouchy Beanie Crochet Pattern

Do you love cool colors? Then you will enjoy every stitch of crocheting this slouchy beanie. When you finish, you’ll have a beanie that is super soft and warm. And it has a pom pom. Who doesn’t love that?

Pattern Details:

• Includes links to video tutorials for each step
• Sizing options for men and women
• Written in standard American crochet terms

Materials Required:

• Size L/8 mm hook 
• Self-striping, bulky weight yarn
• Stitch marker
• Scissors

Skills Required

• Crocheting in the round
• Single crochet
• Increase
• Slip stitch
• Pom pom making

Click here to get the pattern!

Triple Stripe Beanie Crochet Pattern

After years of trial and error, I’ve finally figured out how to crochet near perfect stripes. Now, I hope you can too! This beanie is not crocheted in the round, but instead it is crocheted in joined rounds. That way, the stripes are much smoother and the seam is practically invisible.

Change up the colors and make it your own by substituting any bulky weight yarn that you prefer. I hope you love this pattern as much as I do!

Click here to get the pattern!