Crochet Blog

I combined my own version of the boxed shell stitch with sections of easy double crochet shells to create this scarf pattern. So that the shells will be right side up on both scarf ends, this scarf is made in two matching pieces that are joined at the point which is the middle of the scarf.

• Boxed Shell/Shells Path Combo Scarf

• Other Scarves That I've Designed

• Boxed Shell Basics

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This filet crochet example of my charted design shows four squares joined together, in one possible placement pattern. On the chart page, I've given starting chains for both a 4-dc mesh and a 3-dc mesh, explaining a little bit about what to expect in a finished result between the two methods.

• Leaves and Tiny Flowers Free Chart

• Larger Photo of Four Squares Joined

• Hints for Using the Same Chart for Silhouette Cross-Stitch

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If you are an experienced crocheter looking for a challenge, the bullion stitch could be a new adventure for you. It's classified as one of the more difficult stitches to master but it can be used for a beautiful effect in crochet pattern designs.

• Roll or Bullion Crochet Stitch Instructions

When you are looking for other crochet stitches and techniques to learn, my Crochet How-To Directory will give you many choices.

^{Image: Resized from antique Handbook of Crochet published in early 1900s.}

I alternated sections of plain double crochet with 3-dc shells to form the look of columns on this crocheted afghan square. A 3-dc shell is made by crocheting three double crochet all in one same stitch. In this pattern, I also used the technique of crocheting three double crochet in the space between two shells, which forces a larger space between shells, giving a more open look to the design of the column areas.

• Shell Block Columns Afghan Square - Free Pattern

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When I began designing this leaf shape, I started at the narrowest point, with only two single crochet in row one, increasing the edges from there and adding some shell stitches into the mix, to make this a unique leaf design. For Fall, you might enjoy crocheting it in red, gold or orange.

You could crochet it with worsted weight yarn to be used as a coaster or crochet it with thread for an applique. Add a magnet to the back and you have a refrigerator decoration. Sew or glue on a pin finding to wear the leaf as a decorative pin.

• Shells Leaf Shape - Free Pattern

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This dishcloth is crocheted in a design that combines double crochet stitches in several different combinations. It's easy to crochet but I created an extra photo anyway, showing a closer look at the stitches, to make it even easier for crocheters of all skill levels to follow the pattern instructions.

• Pointed Edging Double Crochet Cloth Pattern

Following are links to two of my help photos for this cloth, which show a closer look at the stitch combinations used in crocheting it. These photos can also aid a beginner in learning how to understand the meanings of written crochet pattern directions.

• Stitch Combinations Explained For This Pattern
  
• Beginning Outside Edging Illustrated

Other Crochet Resources:

• Learning More Crochet Stitches
  
• Free Crochet Patterns A-Z

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I used a long stitch for the rows of this capelet ... the treble stitch. Once you are confident with making treble stitches, the capelet works up fairly fast. There is a drawstring that threads through the top edge, making it easier to get a good fit for a range of sizes.

• Trebles Capelet - Free Pattern
  
• How Trebles are Crocheted

Other Crochet Resources:

• Learning More Crochet Stitches
  
• Free Crochet Patterns A-Z

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• Steps 1 - 4, Picot Trio How-To
  
• Steps 5 - 7, Picot Trio How-To

Other Crochet Resources:

• Snowflake Coaster - Free Pattern (uses picots)

• Basics For Beginners
  
• Learning More Crochet Stitches
  
• Free Crochet Patterns A-Z

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This scarf is worked in long rows, with ridges for texture and v-stitches that are pulled into a slanted direction (the first paragraph of my directions explain how). I gave three starting chain choices for different lengths, so you can choose your favorite.

• Slanted Vs and Ridges Scarf

• This Design as a Skinny Scarf

• Slanted V-Stitch How-To Photo

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• Little Bird Free Chart

You could work the chart in filet crochet or use this same chart to cross stitch the design in solid color silhouette on a single crochet or afghan stitch background.

The photo on the left shows this design made in a filet crochet technique. The photo on the right shows an example of this charted pattern being worked in cross stitch instead, following the same chart that the filet crochet was worked from.

• How to Cross Stitch on Single Crochet

• Filet Crochet Basics

• Tutorial for Filet Crochet in a 3-dc Mesh

^{Images: © Sandi Marshall. Licensed to About.com, Inc}