This stitch uses post stitches and v-stitches to create a neat trellis effect! When I asked for name suggestions on Instagram, some of you said it also looked like a garden gate.

Which I actually loved! But “Garden gate stitch” just didn’t sound right. So Trellis Stitch is second best!

If you haven’t joined my Stitch Along yet, it’s not too late! I’m releasing 4 stitch patterns per month, and you can jump in at any time! Be sure to join the Stitch Along community in my Facebook group HERE. Or follow me on Instagram to see new stitches there.

You can also view the master list of stitches that have been released so far by clicking HERE! There are definitely some more cool ones you will want to check out.

One of the goals of the #desertblossomstitchalong has been to empower you guys to expand your crochet knowledge and take the step out into designing.

It has been AWESOME to see some of you designing patterns with these stitches!

Last thing before we get started on this stitch: I created a bundle of 4 stitch patterns on Etsy which can be found here. Included is the Trellis Stitch, plus 3 OTHER stitch patterns (all of the ones from July, see picture below!) The stitches are written out for easy printing. Find this bundle HERE!

How to Crochet the Trellis Stitch

• To Pin this Tutorial to your Pinterest Boards, click HERE
• To get the PDF version of this pattern (+3 bonus stitch patterns!) click HERE
• To pre-order the ENTIRE library of stitches in the Stitch Along, click HERE

Notes

• Stitch Pattern is a multiple of 8+7
• Ch 3 at beginning of rows counts as dc

Materials

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

• Red Heart Super Saver Yarn
• I/9 Crochet Hook

1/ Royalty Scarf2/ Liberty Bell3/ Helena Shawl

Instructions

Note: View the video above for pictures to go along with each row!

Fsc a multiple of 8+7 (to start with a chain stitch, you’ll need a multiple of 8, and then one row of single crochet).

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

Row 2: Ch 3, dc in next dc. Dc in next dc, dc in next ch-2 sp, dc in next dc. *Fpdc over next dc. Sk next dc, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next dc. Sk next dc, fpdc over next dc. Dc in next dc, dc in next ch-2 sp, dc in next dc. Rep from * until 2 dc left. Dc in last 2 dc. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 3, dc in next dc. Sk next dc, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next dc. *Sk next dc, bpdc over next fpdc. Dc in next dc, dc in next ch-2 sp, dc in next dc. Bpdc over next fpdc. Sk next dc, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next dc. Rep from * until 3 dc left. Sk next dc, dc in last 2 dc. Turn.

Row 4: Ch 3, dc in next dc. Dc in next dc, dc in next ch-2 sp, dc in next dc. *Fpdc over next bpdc. Sk next dc, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next dc. Sk next dc, fpdc over next bpdc. Dc in next dc, dc in next ch-2 sp, dc in next dc. Rep from * until 2 dc left. Dc in last 2 dc. Turn.

Row 5: Rep row 3.

Rep rows 4-5 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!

• 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!

Happy Crocheting!

—Rachel

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

Ok, so if you’ve been following my Stitch Along, then you know that the stitch I released last week was the Twisted Stitch.

This week’s stitch is a variation of that! While the twisted stitch required you to work behind a stitch, the Swirl stitch will have you work in FRONT. More explanation will come with the tutorial, don’t worry!

If you haven’t joined my Stitch Along yet, it’s not too late! The great thing about this is that you can jump in at any time. Be sure to join the Stitch Along community in my Facebook group HERE.

You can also view the master list of stitches that have been released so far by clicking HERE! There are definitely some more cool ones you will want to check out.

Last thing before we get started on this stitch: I created a bundle of 4 stitch patterns on Etsy which can be found here. Included is the Twisted Stitch, plus 3 OTHER lace stitch patterns (all of the ones that will be released in June!) The stitches are written out for easy printing. Find this bundle HERE!

How to Crochet the Swirl Stitch

• To Pin this Tutorial to your Pinterest Boards, click HERE
• 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 3
• Ch 3 at beginning of rows count as dc

Materials

You can potentially use any yarn and hook for this stitch. However, here is what I used:

• Red Heart Super Saver Yarn
• H/8 Crochet Hook

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

1/ Angelica Cardigan2/ Raised V-Stitch3/ Twilight Beanie

Instructions:

Fsc a multiple of 3+2 (to start with a chain stitch, you will need a multiple of 3, and then a row of single crochet).

Row 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc, here and throughout) dc in next fsc. Sk next fsc, dc in next fsc. Working around front of same dc, dc in skipped stitch. *Ch 1, sk 2 fsc, dc in next fsc. Working around front of same dc, dc in skipped fsc. Rep from * until 2 fsc left. Dc in last 2 fsc. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 1 (does NOT count as sc) sc in first st.Sc in next 3 dc. *Sc in next ch sp, sc in next 2 dc. Rep from * until 2 dc left. Sc in last 2 dc. Turn.

Like this pattern so far? Be sure to check out the printer-friendly version (plus 3 BONUS stitch patterns—see picture below!)

Click HERE for more information!

Row 3: Ch 3, dc in next sc. Sk next sc, dc in next sc. Working in front of dc just made, dc in skipped stitch. *Ch 1, sk 2 sc, dc in next sc. Working in front of dc just made, dc in skipped st. Rep from * until 2 sc left. Dc in last 2 sc. Turn.

Row 4: Rep row 2.

Rep rows 3-4 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!

• 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!

Happy Crocheting!

—Rachel

The post How to Crochet the Swirl Stitch—Free Crochet Pattern appeared first on .

Whenever I think of February, I think of Valentines Day. Whenever I think of Valentines Day, I think of hearts. So I knew when I was planning my theme of stitches for February that I had to come up with something that resembled hearts. 

Have you joined the Desert Blossom Stitch Along? For the year of 2019, we are together learning 4 new crochet stitches per month. Be sure to join the community in my Facebook group, or view the details here!

To view the master list of stitches released so far, click HERE! January’s stitches were a winter bobble theme. 

Last thing before we get started on this stitch: I created a bundle of 4 Valentines stitch patterns on Etsy which can be found here. Included is the Heart Stitch, plus 3 OTHER lace stitch patterns (you’ll get a sneak peak to the rest of February’s stitches if you buy this bundle!!) All the stitches are written out for easy printing. Find this bundle HERE!

How to Crochet the Heart Stitch

All right, lets get started!

• To Pin this Tutorial to your Pinterest Boards, click HERE
• To add this Stitch Pattern to your Ravelry queue, click HERE
• To get the ad-free, printable version of this pattern (+12 stitches in an easily formatted ebook) click HERE

Notes

• Stitch Pattern is a multiple of 4+1
• Ch 3 at beginning of row counts as a dc
• Tutorial will be provided for tricky parts of stitch

Materials

You can potentially use any yarn and hook for this stitch. However, here is what I used:

• Worsted Weight Yarn
• H/8 Crochet Hook

You May Also Like

1/ Adalyn Pullover 2/ Moonbeam Baskets 3/ The Pansy Stitch

Instructions

Fsc 4+1 (to start with a chain stitch, you will need a multiple of 4+2, and then a row of single crochet).

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

Row 2: Ch 3, dc in next dc. Ch 1, sk next dc, 2 dc in next dc. Sl st in next dc. 2 dc in next dc. *Ch 2, sk next dc, 2 dc in next dc. Sl st in next dc. 2 dc in next dc. Rep from * across until 3 dc are left. Ch 1, sk next dc, dc in last 2 dc. Turn. NOTE: For help with making the “hearts”, see pictures following Row 4. 

Row 3: Ch 3, dc in next dc. Dc in next ch-1 sp. Ch 1, sk next 2 dc, dc in next sl st. Ch 1, *sk next 2 dc, 3 dc in next ch-2 space. Ch 1, sk next 2 dc, dc in next sl st. Ch 1. Rep from * across, till 4 dc and one ch sp are left. Sk next 2 dc, dc in next ch sp. Dc in last 2 dc. Turn.

Row 4 (FOLLOWING PICTURES ACCOMPANY THIS ROW): Ch 3, dc in next dc. Ch 1, sk next dc, dc in ch sp. Ch 1, sk next dc, 2 dc in next dc. Sl st in next dc. 2 dc in next dc. *Ch 2, sk next dc, 2 dc in next dc. Sl st in next dc. 2 dc in next dc. Rep from * across, until 4 dc and one ch sp are left. Ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch sp. Ch 1, sk next dc, dc in last 2 dc. Turn.

Like this pattern so far? Want the printer-friendly version (plus 3 BONUS stitch patterns—see picture below!)

Click HERE for more information!

Row 5: Ch 3, dc in next dc. Dc in next ch-1 sp. Ch 1, sk next dc, 3 dc in next ch sp. *Ch 1, sk 2 dc, dc in next sl st. Ch 1, sk 2 dc, 3 dc in next ch sp. Rep from * across, till 3 dc and one ch sp are left. Ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch sp. Dc in last 2 dc. Turn.

Rep rows 2-5 for stitch pattern!

Don’t forget to share your stitches with the hashtag #desertblossomstitchalong and tag me on Instagram and Facebook! 
To view the master list of all the stitches in my Stitch Along, click HERE.

More Valentines Themed Patterns:

• Crochet Heart Coaster
• Amore Shawl (uses the heart stitch!)
• Crochet Heart Applique 3 Sizes
• Romantic Crochet Lace Shawls

To view all of my tutorials, click HERE.

Happy Crocheting!

—Rachel

The post How to Crochet the Heart Stitch appeared first on .

The Lattice Stitch is a nice and easy lace pattern! I love using this stitch for anytime I need an openwork section for a design. 

Plus, when I say its easy, I’m really not kidding! Did you know this stitch is made entirely of chains and single crochet? Perfect for beginners!

This stitch is apart of a larger stitch library on Desert Blossom Crafts. There are over 40 stitches in my library. To view the master list of stitches, click HERE! 

Ad-Free Stitch Bundle

If you want the free instructions for this stitch, just keep scrolling. However, if you’d like to access a printable PDF with 4 OTHER stitches, I have that option also!

The ad-free bundle includes some other fun stitches that look like hearts and rose petals! Find it HERE or click below.

Facebook Group

I also want to personally invite you to join my crochet community on Facebook!

Our community is small but engaged, and we have themed days where we encourage and motivate each other in our crochet goals. Come join the group here.

How to Crochet the Lattice Stitch

All right, lets get started!

• To Pin this Tutorial to your Pinterest Boards, click HERE
• To add this Stitch Pattern to your Ravelry queue, click HERE
• To get an easily printable ebook of this pattern (+12 other stitch patterns!) click HERE

Notes

• Stitch Pattern is a multiple of 3+1
• Ch 1 at beginning of row does NOT count as stitch

Materials

You can potentially use any yarn and hook for this stitch. However, here is what I used:

• Red Heart Super Saver Yarn
• H/8 Crochet Hook

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

1/ Adalyn Pullover 2/ Moonbeam Baskets 3/ The Pansy Stitch

Instructions

Fsc a multiple of 3+1 (to start with a chain stitch, you will need a multiple of 3+2, and then a row of single crochet).

Row 1: Ch 1 (does NOT count as st, here and throughout), sc in first sc. *Ch 3, sk 2 sc, sc in next sc. Rep from * across row. Turn.

Like this pattern so far? Want the printer-friendly version (a PDF of 4 eye-catching lace stitches?) Click HERE for more info! 

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first sc. Ch 2, sc in next ch-3 sp. *Ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * across all ch-3 spaces. Ch 2, sc in last sc. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first sc. Ch 3, sk next ch-2 sp, sc in next ch-3 sp. *Ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * across all ch-3 spaces. Ch 3, sk next ch-2 sp, sc in last sc. Turn.

Rep rows 2-3 for stitch pattern!

Don’t forget to share your stitches with the hashtag #desertblossomstitchalong and tag me on Instagram and Facebook! 
To view the master list of all my stitches, click HERE.

I hope you have enjoyed this stitch pattern. 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.

Happy Crocheting!

—Rachel

The post How to Crochet the Lattice Stitch appeared first on .

I figured February would be the perfect time to do some Valentines themed stitches. In the next four weeks you’ll see some flowery stitches, plus my favorite, a heart stitch! Look out for the heart stitch next week, on the 14th!

In case you haven’t heard, I’m doing a huge Crochet Stitch Along for all of 2019! I’ll be publishing 4 neat stitch patterns per month. If you’d like to view the 4 January stitch patterns (lots of wintery bobble stitches) click HERE.

To join the Stitch Along community, click HERE. You can also post pictures on Instagram of your stitches using the hashtag #desertblossomstitchalong!

For today I want to share with you the Petal Stitch, a simple and beautiful stitch to start the February patterns off. 

This stitch alternates back loop ridges with openwork “petals”. I love the finished result!

Last thing before we get started on this stitch: I created a bundle of 4 Valentines stitch patterns on Etsy which can be found here. Included is the Petal Stitch, plus 3 OTHER lace stitch patterns (you’ll get a sneak peak to the rest of February’s stitches if you buy this bundle!!) All the stitches are written out for easy printing. Find this bundle HERE!

How to Crochet the Petal Stitch

All right, lets get started!

• To Pin this Tutorial to your Pinterest Boards, click HERE
• To add this Stitch Pattern to your Ravelry queue, click HERE
• To get the PDF version of this pattern (+3 bonus stitch patterns!) click HERE
• To pre-order the ENTIRE library of stitches in the Stitch Along, click HERE

Notes

• Stitch pattern is a multiple of 2+1
• Ch 1 at beginning of row does NOT count as stitch

Materials

You can potentially use any yarn and hook for this stitch. However, here is what I used:

• Red Heart Super Saver Yarn
• J/10 Crochet Hook

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

1/ Adalyn Pullover 2/ Moonbeam Baskets 3/ The Pansy Stitch

Instructions

Fsc a multiple of 2+1. (to start with a chain stitch, you will need a multiple of 2, and then a row of single crochet).

Row 1: Ch 1 (does NOT count as st, here and throughout) hdc in first 2 fsc. *Sk one fsc, 2 hdc in next fsc. Rep from * until 2 fsc are left. Hdc in last 2 fsc. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in BL of ea hdc across. Turn.

Row 2 Finished: 

Like this pattern so far? Want the printer-friendly version (plus 3 BONUS stitch patterns—see picture below!)

Click HERE for more information!

Row 3: Ch 1, hdc in FRONT LOOP of next 2 sts. *Sk one st, 2 hdc in FRONT LOOP of next st. Rep from * until 2 sts left. Hdc in front loop of last 2 sts. Turn.

Rep rows 2-3 for stitch pattern!

Don’t forget to share your stitches with the hashtag #desertblossomstitchalong and tag me on Instagram and Facebook! 
To view the master list of all the stitches in my Stitch Along, 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!

To view all of my tutorials, click HERE.

Happy Crocheting!

—Rachel

The post How to Crochet the Petal Stitch appeared first on .

I love this stitch because it reminds me of a flurry of winter snow and rain. Bobbles alternate with open v-stitches to create a neat effect. 

This stitch is also the last stitch for January in my Stitch-Along! It’s been a great first month. It’s so fun to see you all posting pictures of your stitches.

If you haven’t joined the Stitch Along community yet, be sure to join my Facebook group HERE. Or follow me on Instagram to see new stitches posted there. Make sure to use the hashtag #desertblossomstitchalong when you post pictures!

If you’re just now hearing about the Stitch Along, you can read the details of HERE. Last week’s stitch was the Snowball stitch, which can be found HERE!

Last thing before we get started on this stitch: I created a bundle of 4 wintery stitch patterns on Etsy which can be found here. Included is the Flurry Stitch, plus the 3 OTHER bobble stitch patterns from January. They are all written out for easy printing. Find this bundle HERE!

How to Crochet the Flurry Stitch

All right, lets get started!

• To Pin this Tutorial to your Pinterest Boards, click HERE
• To add this Stitch Pattern to your Ravelry queue, click HERE
• To get the PDF version of this pattern (+3 bonus stitch patterns!) click HERE
• To pre-order the ENTIRE library of stitches in the Stitch Along, click HERE

Notes

• Stitch pattern is a multiple of 6+5
• Ch 1 at beginning of row does NOT count as stitch

Materials

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

• Red Heart Super Saver Yarn
• H/8 Crochet Hook

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE 

1/ Adalyn Pullover 2/ Moonbeam Baskets 3/ Pansy Stitch

Special Stitch

Bobble: YO, insert hook into indicated st. YO, pull up loop. (YO, insert hook into same st. YO, pull up a loop) twice. YO, pull through all 7 loops on hook.

Instructions: 

Fsc a multiple of 6+5 (to start with a chain stitch, you will need a multiple of 6, and then a row of single crochet). For a tutorial on foundation single crochet (fsc), click here. 

Row 1: Ch 1 (does NOT count as st, here and throughout) sc in first 2 sc. *Bobble in next st, sc in next st. Sk next sc, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next st. Sk next st, sc in next st. Rep from * until 3 sts left. Bobble in next st, sc in last 2 sts. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in next 5 sts. *Sc in next ch-2 space. Sc in next 5 sts. Rep from * across. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first st. *Sk next st, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next st. Sk next st, sc in next st. Bobble in next st, sc in next st. Rep from * until 4 sts left. Sk next st, (dc, ch 2 dc) in next st. Sk next st, sc in last st. Turn.

Like this pattern so far? Want the printer-friendly version (plus 3 BONUS stitch patterns—see picture below!)

Click HERE for more information!

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first 2 sts. Sc in next ch-2 sp. *Sc in next 5 sts, sc in next ch-2 sp. Rep from * until 2 sts left. Sc in last 2 sts. Turn.

Up close picture of stitch rows: 

Rep rows 1-4 for stitch pattern!

I did 14 rows in the swatch.

Don’t forget to share your stitches with the hashtag #desertblossomstitchalong and tag me on Instagram and Facebook! I’d love to see your projects! To view the master list of all the stitches in my Stitch Along, click HERE.

To view all of my tutorials, 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!

Happy Crocheting!

—Rachel

The post How to Crochet the Flurry Stitch appeared first on .

So, let’s say you know the basics of tapestry crochet. You can change colors, carry non-working colors, etc. But there may be a couple things you still don’t know.

Is sure didn’t know these things when I first did tapestry crochet. In fact, I even started designing a project unaware of these important details! The result was that I had to rip out a ton of work and start over.

• To Pin this tutorial to your Pinterest boards, click HERE
• To Ask a question about this tutorial, click HERE
• To view the first tutorial in this series, Beginner’s Guide to Tapestry Crochet, click HERE

If you’ve done any amount of tapestry crochet, you’ve probably noticed something: whether working in rows or rounds, the stitches don’t sit right on top of each other. Because of the nature of a single crochet stitch, the color changes slant to one side. (P.S. If you’re NEW to tapestry crochet, check out the first post I did in this series—Beginner’s Guide to Tapestry Crochet!)

Now, when you’re making a pretty “picture” in the tapestry crochet, it is inconvenient that the colors don’t line up in each row.

BUT…did you know there is a method that gets rid of this annoying slant?! THAT is what I want to share with you today!!

Like this article so far? Sign up for my email list to be the first to see new tutorials, free patterns, and more!

Getting rid of the Slant

There are 3 things you have to do to get rid of the slanting colors in tapestry crochet.

#1. Work in the Round

Yes, this method only works with projects in the round. That is why it is perfect for baskets, purses, etc. If your project must be worked in rows, then unfortunately this method won’t work.

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

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

2. Work in the Back Loop

The second part to this method is working in the back loop of stitches. In other words, normally you would go through the 2 top loops of the stitch. However, now you will skip the front loop and insert your hook only in the back loop.

3. Change Your Yarn Over

Hang on…I know this sounds weird. But trust me, it’s not too hard. Basically, you’re just going to Yarn Over from the opposite direction.

Normally you would put the yarn over your hook from the left. Instead, put the yarn over your hook from the right. See picture below.

Modified Single Crochet

SO…by working in the BL and changing your Yarn Over, we get a slightly different version of the regular sc. In tapestry crochet, this stitch is called the modified single crochet. 

Basically, this stitch just allows for all your color changes to sit right on top of each other. No more slant! I don’t know about you, but I was so happy to learn this method!

So…do you think you’re ready to try an ACTUAL pattern using this method? I hope you are! Because I am just about to publish a new FREE tapestry crochet pattern using these exact methods. See the picture below!

As you can see, the Little Pumpkin Basket is made in the round, and clearly uses the modified single crochet stitch. It is a perfect Fall pattern—and you can view the free pattern 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!

To view all of my tutorials, click HERE. 

Happy Crocheting!

— Rachel 

The post Tapestry Crochet Secrets You Need to Know appeared first on .

Awhile back I finally jumped into colorwork and started learning about it. Recently I’ve gotten into Tapestry Crochet, which is a beautiful method for changing colors! (I mostly love it because you’re left with very few ends to weave in!)

And Tapestry Crochet is not too hard. It is really very simple to learn, so in this post I want to give you a beginner’s guide to tapestry crochet!

• To Pin this tutorial to your Pinterest Boards, click HERE
• To ask a question about this tutorial, click HERE
• To view the 2nd Post in this series, Secrets of Tapestry Crochet, click HERE

Before we get started, let me show you a few examples of Tapestry crochet.

Below is a tapestry crochet design I am currently working on! Can you tell what it is?

As you can see, color is EVERYTHING in Tapestry crochet! The possibilities are endless!

So, there’s a couple things you need to know before we get into the basics of this technique.

First, Tapestry crochet can be worked both in rows and in rounds. Personally, I prefer to work it in rounds (like the cactus basket above) because the overall result is much cleaner. However, rows are also possible.

Also, this post does not cover every single detail of tapestry crochet. We will be going over the basic things you need to know in order to start your first project. We will go over how carry colors and how to change colors.

And, I will be doing some follow-up posts! In the coming days I’ll go over other details, such as how to read a tapestry crochet chart, and other details you’ll want to know! Be sure to subscribe to my email list to see these posts when they’re published.

All right, lets begin!

How to Carry Colors

Okay, this is one of the most important elements of tapestry crochet. Because of this technique, you will only have a few ends to weave in when your project is done!

Basically, whenever you aren’t using a color, you will crochet over it with your working color. Follow the picture tutorial below:

As you can see, the orange yarn is hidden within the tan stitches!

Basically, whenever you’re not using a color, you will hide it in this way. Then you’ll pick it up again when you’re ready to switch colors. Learn how to do the color switch by reading on below!

How to Change Colors

This is probably the most important step in Tapestry crochet.

First, begin a regular single crochet stitch with your working color (in the pictures, the working color is tan.) Insert hook into next stitch, YO, draw up a loop with working color.

Now, drop the working yarn and pick up the new color. Finish the stitch you started with this new color—YO, draw through 2 loops.

As you can see in the picture below, we have a tan stitch, with an orange top loop. Now you will be continuing with the orange, and hiding, or “carrying” the tan within the orange stitches.

Below, I have changed colors and continued with the orange. As you can see, the color change is completely seamless.

These are the 2 most basic principles in Tapestry crochet! Now that you know how to carry colors and change colors, you have a great foundation to start this technique. As I said before, however, there are some more “ins and outs” that everyone should know about tapestry crochet.

Now you know some basics of tapestry crochet…but there’s still more to learn! I have a follow up post about tapestry crochet that talks about some other secrets you need to know. Find that post here!

To be the first to see new tutorials like this, sign up below.

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. 

Happy Crocheting!

— Rachel

The post Beginner’s Guide to Tapestry Crochet appeared first on .

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!

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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!

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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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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.

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