Lacy stitches are my absolute favorite. It never ceases to amaze me the endless ways to combine simple stitches to form an intricate stitch pattern! The Crown Stitch is a combo of double crochet v-stitches, single-crochet v-stitches, and other simple stitches. I promise, it’s not hard to make!

This stitch is apart of the Desert Blossom Stitch Along, which is running throughout all of 2019! We are more than halfway through the year, but you can still jump in now if you’d like to! Be sure to view the master list of stitches released so far by clicking HERE, or join the community in my Facebook Group HERE.

You can also get an easily printable version of this stitch pattern, plus 3 OTHER stitch patterns (all the ones coming in August!) when you click HERE. This PDF is inexpensive and ad-free.

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How to Crochet the Crown Stitch

All right, let’s jump right in!

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• To get the PDF version of this pattern (+3 bonus stitch patterns!) click HERE
• To pre-order the ENTIRE Desert Blossom Stitch Dictionary, click HERE

Notes:

• Stitch pattern is multiple of 7+4
• Ch 3 at beginning of rows counts as dc
• Ch 1 at beginning of rows does NOT count as dc

Materials:

You can potentially use ANY yarn and hook for this stitch. However, here’s what I used:

1. Mary Maxim Woodlands Yarn
2. H/5mm crochet hook

Instructions:

Fsc a multiple of 7+4 (to start with a chain stitch, you’ll need a multiple of 7+5, and then one row of single crochet).

Row 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc, here and throughout) dc in next 2 fsc. Ch 1, sk 2 fsc, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next fsc. *Ch 1, sk 2 fsc, dc in next 2 fsc. Ch 1, sk 2 fsc, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next fsc. Rep from * until 5 fsc left. Ch 1, sk 2 fsc, dc in last 3 fsc. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 1 (does NOT count as dc, here and throughout) sc in first 3 dc. Sk next ch and next dc, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch-2 sp. *Sk next dc and next ch, dc in next dc. Ch 3, dc in next dc. Sk next ch and next dc, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch-2 sp. Rep from * until you’ve worked in all the ch-2 spaces. Sk next dc and last ch, sc in last 3 dc. Turn.

Like this pattern so far? Click HERE to get the PDF version, with 3 bonus stitch patterns!

Row 3: Ch 3, dc in next 2 sc. Ch 1, sk next sc, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next ch-3 sp. Ch 1, sk next sc and next dc, 2 dc in next ch-3 sp. Ch 1, sk next dc and next sc, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * until 4 sc left. Ch 1, sk next sc, dc in last 3 sc. Turn.

The Picture below shows the progression of what each row looks like at the end!

Repeat rows 2-3 for stitch pattern!

I hope you have enjoyed learning this fun stitch pattern.

If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

SHARING IS CARING!

If you did enjoy this post, I would love if you shared it in the following places so many MORE people can see it!

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Happy Crocheting!

Happy Crocheting!

—Rachel

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The Shell Trellis stitch is truly a beautiful lace stitch. Lace is one of my favorite things to crochet—and believe it or not, it’s not hard to make! This tutorial will include detailed photos to make sure you know what you’re doing. And if you have any questions, always feel free to contact me! 

I first heard about this stitch in a wonderful pattern by Interweave Crochet. I am going to do a review of this pattern next week, so look out for that! If you want to hear about it right away, you can sign up for my email list below.

Love this stitch? I made a top using this stitch, and it turned out beautiful! Read about it HERE. 

Before we get into the pattern, lets just quickly talk about yarn. The yarn I am using here is called Knit Picks Galileo. This is a gorgeous sport-weight yarn that has lovely bounce and drape. You can get some for yourself HERE!  

Shell Trellis Stitch

• To Pin this pattern to your Pinterest boards, click HERE
• To ask a question about this tutorial, click HERE
• To buy the yarn I used in this tutorial, click HERE

Note:

Stitch Pattern is a multiple of 10. I started with a foundation chain of 30.

Materials:

• Any yarn—I used Knit Picks Galileo, which is a sport weight yarn
• A hook that is suitable for your chosen yarn; I used a G hook

Special Stitch:

Shell (sh): 5 dc in indicated stitch.

Instructions:

Ch a multiple of 10 (I recommend starting with at least 30 ch like I did)

Row 1: sk first ch, sc in ea ch across. Turn

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc, here and throughout), dc in next sc. *Sk 2 sts, sh in next st. Sk 2 sts, sc in next st. Ch 5, sk 3 sts, sc in next st. Rep from *till 7 sts left. Sk 2 sts, sh in next st. Sk 2 sts, dc in last 2 sts. Turn.

FREE CROCHET PATTERNS I LOVE (AND YOU SHOULD TOO!)

1. NIAGARA CARDIGAN / 2. NEW YORK SIGN / 3. WAVE SHAWL

Row 3: Ch 3, dc in next dc. Ch 3, sc in middle dc of next sh. (see fig 1) *Ch 5, sc in ch-5 sp (see fig 2). Ch 5, sc in middle dc of next sh. Rep from * across. Ch 3, dc in last 2 dc. Turn.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Row 4: Ch 3, dc in next dc. Ch 1, sc in next ch-3 sp. *Ch 5, sc in next ch-5 sp. Sh in next sc. Sc in next ch-5 sp. Rep from * until only ch-3 sp is left. Ch 5, sc in last ch-3 sp. Ch 1, dc in last 2 dc. Turn

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Row 5: Ch 3, dc in next dc. Ch 3, sc in next ch-5 sp. *Ch 5, sc in middle dc of next sh. Ch 5, sc in next ch-5 sp. Rep from * across. Ch 3, dc in last 2 dc. Turn.

Row 6: Ch 3, dc in next dc. Sk ch-3 sp, sh in next sc. *Sc in next ch-5 sp. Ch 5, sc in next ch-5 sp. Sh in next sc. Rep from * across. Dc in last 2 dc. Turn

Rep rows 3-6 for stitch pattern.

Finishing:

I recommend blocking this stitch, as it opens up very nicely and looks even more beautiful! To learn the 3 blocking methods, click here. 

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would love to help! And remember, I made a beautiful crochet top using this stitch pattern. If you want to read about it, click here. 

To view all of my tutorials, click HERE. If you want to be the FIRST to see new tutorials like this, sign up for my email list below!

The post How to Crochet the Shell Trellis Stitch appeared first on .

And while we will probably never be able to create the exact same look and texture in crocheting, we CAN come close. Let me show you how to crochet the woven stitch—a stitch that looks very much like knitting!

Disclosure: this post may contain affiliate links. 

How to Crochet the Woven Stitch

Let me start off and tell you that this stitch is super close to a regular single-crochet. Don’t be scared off—it’s really easy. The ONLY difference is where you put your hook. Seriously. A simple change of where you start creates a whole different look in the fabric. Cool, right?

So let’s get started!

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• To buy the same yarn I am using, click HERE

Step 1:

The woven stitch will always start out with a regular row of single crochet. To practice this stitch, begin with a chain of any amount (probably around 10-20 stitches would be good). Then skip the first chain and single-crochet across the rest of the chain. Make sure you do not crochet this row too tightly, or the woven stitch will be more difficult. 

Step 2:

Now ch 1 and turn your work like you’re starting a new row (the ch does not count as a st.) Make another regular sc in the first stitch of the new row.

(Basically, you will have a regular sc on each end of your row, but the for the other stitches you will insert your hook a different way. See next step!)

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Step 3: How To Insert Your Hook

Okay, so now you’re ready to create your first “woven” stitch!

Here’s how it works: normally you would insert your hook into the top two loops of a stitch. However, with the woven stitch, you will insert your hook into the middle of the stitch.

If you look at a regular sc from the wrong side, there are 3 main parts of the stitch OTHER than the ones you would normally insert your hook into. There is the one horizontal bar, right underneath the top loops. And then there are the 2 vertical bars. It is in between those 2 vertical bars that you want to insert your hook

The picture below shows some little white arrows pointing to this exact place!

Here is a picture showing what the hook looks like when inserted:

Now, simply complete a regular single-crochet! Yarn over and pull through the stitch.

By the way—the yarn I’m using here is Lion Brand Feels Like Butta. This yarn is truly soft and wonderful to work with! Get some for yourself HERE. 

Free Crochet Patterns I Love (and you should too!)

1. Niagara Cardigan / 2. New York Sign / 3. Wave shawl

Then yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops on hook.

Repeat Step 3 all across your row, until you get to the last stitch.

For the last stitch, work another regular sc in the top loops. The two normal sc keep the edges neat.

One Last Tip:

Remember how I said at the very beginning to make sure your first row of sc isn’t too tight? Well, tension is definitely something important for this stitch, because if you crochet too tightly, it will be impossible to make your hook fit through those two vertical bars. This applies for all rows. If you’re having trouble inserting your hook, try making the first loop you pull up a bit looser. This will make the two vertical bars looser, thus allowing for smoother entry of the hook.

That’s really all there is to it! When you crochet the woven stitch over many rows, it creates an effect very similar to knitting. Personally, I like using it way better than regular single-crochet.

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would love to help! To view all of my tutorials, click HERE.

The post How to Crochet the Woven Stitch (Looks Like Knitting!) appeared first on .

Why You Should Use Charts

Ready to find out why you should learn charts? Read on to find out why they are helpful, and then follow the tutorial that will help you understand them in no time! TRUST ME—they are really not that hard!

1. Charts Help You Visualize

That’s right. Charts can help you see what the finished result of the pattern will be. I know you’re probably thinking that that’s what pictures are for. Many times, however, it is harder to see the exact stitches in a picture. Charts give you a detailed representation of all the stitches you’ll be using for the pattern.

2. Charts Confirm the Written Pattern

There’s another benefit to using charts. Written patterns are really easy to mess up. Sometimes there will be flat out errors I’ll find in the patterns I make. Other times it is simply an issue of clarity—for example, the wording might be confusing. However, with that chart by your side, you can confirm and clarify exactly what the written pattern is trying to say.

3. Charts Help You Design

For all you designers out there—you know how sometimes you’ll have an idea for a pattern in your head, but you’re not sure if it will work?

Enter charts, once again. Before you start crocheting, try making a chart to visualize your idea. It has saved me a ton of time when I make the chart before starting.

By the way, designers, side note: if you’re wondering how to make your own charts, I use a software called Crochet Charts by Stitchworks Software. It is completely free, and it has a ton of stitches already built in. All you have to do is arrange them for your design!

How To Read Crochet Charts/Diagrams

Ready to dive into learning charts? Trust me, you will not regret this! Charts are one technique that every crocheter should know.

• To save this tutorial to your Pinterest boards, click here
• To ask a question about this tutorial, click here

Crochet Chart Symbols

Simply put, crochet charts are are a symbol representing a stitch. That’s it. They are simply a visual representation of the actual crochet pattern. Learning the symbols is just like learning the abbreviations in a written pattern. Trust me—it is NOT hard.

To make it even easier, each symbol actually LOOKS like the stitch it represents! Let’s look at some of the basic symbols below.

Basic Stitches

Chains

The symbols below show a series of 4 chains. So if you saw this on a chart, it would be the written equivalent of “Ch 4.” Not too hard, right?

Single Crochet

Here is a symbol for a single crochet. See how it is small and looks similar to the regular sc stitch?

Now lets see these two stitches combined—how they would actually look in a chart.

Can you guess how the chart below would be written out? It would be something like this: “Ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 3 ch.”

See, I told you this wouldn’t be hard! It’s just a matter of knowing which symbol goes with which stitch. Now let me show you the next stitches up.

Below, from left to right, we have: half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc), triple crochet (tr), and double triple (dtr). Now: do not get scared on me here. This is still easy, trust me.

You’re probably thinking that its easy to tell which one is which when they’re stacked next to each other like that—but in a chart, it’s a whole different story! Don’t worry! There are actually 2 easy ways to tell them apart.

First, their height. Obviously, the hdc is the smallest, and dtr in tallest.

Second: see those little notches in the center of each stitch? They’re the key to all this! They stand for how many yarn overs are in the stitch. When you make a dc stitch, you yarn over once. Tr, you yarn over twice. Dtr, 3 times. In a sense, this is actually EASIER than a written pattern! All you have to do is look at those notches.

Now, you’ve probably noticed that the hdc is the exception to this rule. It has no notch, but you still yarn over once. You’ll just have to get used to that one—but for all the others, the notches are the key!

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Combining Simple Stitches

Now you now the basics of reading charts.You know the symbols for regular stitches. The next step is to learn how these symbols are combined! Don’t worry, it doesn’t get harder from here. Most symbols that would be considered “hard” are just a combination of the simple stitches you learned above!

Look at the picture below. On the far left, we have stitch that would read: ch 3, 3 dc in one st.

The next symbol is a 5 dc shell, worked simply by doing 5 dc in one stitch. The third one is another type of shell. It is worked by doing 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc in one stitch.

Lastly, we have a 3 dc cluster. Here’s how this one is worked: *YO, insert hook in indicated st, YO, pull up a loop. YO, pull through 2 loops. Rep from * 2 times. Pull through last 4 loops on hook.

The cluster is probably the hardest stitch we’ve looked at so far. But even that is not due to the symbol itself, but just because the stitch is a little more difficult!

There are a lot more symbols out there—but whenever you do a pattern, it will explain all of its symbols. It’s not like you’ll just be left to figure them out on your own. If you’d like, you can check out the Craft Yarn Council’s chart guide. They have a helpful list of symbols you can refer to, and a link to download it as a PDF.

And remember, if a pattern uses a symbol that’s not in this list, they will probably include instructions for completing it. So there is no reason to fear! You can do this!

Think you’re ready to try a pattern that uses a chart? My Royalty Scarf Pattern is completely free, and it has a full chart to accompany the written pattern! Click here to try this pattern!

Crochet Chart Software

Maybe you already know about reading crochet charts, but you want to make your own now. There are not a lot of crochet chart softwares out there, but there are thankfully a few.

Here are the two I recommend:

1. Stitch Works Software. This is great if you need to make charts with a LOT of different symbols. It is also a program that downloads directly to your computer, so you can work offline.
2. Stitch Fiddle. This one is great specifically for color work diagrams. It is still good for charts like shown in this article, but it doesn’t have as many stitch diagrams.

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would love to help! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for lots more inspiration!

Subscribe to my email list to get FREE patterns to your inbox!

SHARING IS CARING!

If you did enjoy this post, I would love if you shared it in the following places so many MORE people can see it!

• Pin to Pinterest – just hover over any of the photos in this post and click “save”
• Tag me in your Instagram posts
• Share photos in my Facebook Group

Happy Crocheting!

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