<![CDATA[Red Willow Vibes - Crochet Stitch Tutorials]]>Wed, 23 Jun 2021 11:00:38 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[How to Make a Magic Circle]]>Fri, 07 Aug 2020 18:46:37 GMThttp://crochetandpositivity.com/crochet-stitch-tutorials/how-to-make-a-magic-circle
The Magic Circle...
It sounds like some kind of mysterious, mythical place where strange things happen, doesn't it?  And to think, it's only a really cool way to make a circle in Crochet!  When I was new to crochet and heard that term, I thought, ooohhhh I'll never be able to do such a complicated thing!  It's not that it's complicated at all, you just need to find that one tutorial that makes it click for you.  Everyone is a different kind of learner...what may help some may not help others.  And I'm not gonna lie, it took me a couple videos to finally have it click for me.  So I'm going to show you how I learned the Magic Circle, and hopefully it clicks for you!  
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The Site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links.  These links help  support this blog and do not cost you, my awesome reader, anything!

Why Use the Magic Circle?

So why use a Magic Circle instead of just making a chain and joining the ends with a slip stitch?  The answer is, when we use the Magic Circle, the little tail allows us to pull our circle tightly closed, which looks neater in some cases.  See below.
You'll see some crochet patterns that give you a choice of either starting with a Magic Circle or using a chain that you close with a slip stitch.  In that case, it's up to you!  Hopefully this tutorial helps you feel prepared for either method!  So let's get started!
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What You'll Need:

I used a size H/5.00 MM crochet hook and some #4 weight acrylic yarn in this case, but this method can be used with any yarn.

The Left Handed Magic Circle Video

The Right Handed Magic Circle Video

How to Make a Magic Circle 

Start by positioning your yarn like this; see below.
Step 1:  Bring the yarn toward you, under your middle finger, and back up over your middle and index fingers; it should look like an "X"; see below.
Step 2:  Rotate your hand so that you're looking at the tops of your fingers; see below.
Step 3:  Insert your hook under both of the loops; see below.
Step 4:  Grab the inside loop of yarn and pull it under the outside loop; see below.
Step 5:  Pull that loop up as that will be your working loop; see below.
Your Magic Circle is complete!  Now, depending on the pattern you're following, you may need to chain a certain number to secure the circle and prepare for the stitches that will go in the circle.  For example, to Chain 1 after forming your circle, you'll do the following:
Now you can work whatever stitches you need to work into the circle, depending on the pattern you're following.  In this example, I've worked 11 DC's into my circle.  Once you've worked your stitches into the circle, pull the center string to close the circle snugly.  See below.
And that's it!  Practice a couple of times, and it will become like second nature to you!
Insert quick, funny story here:  I'm sorry for the yarn color change!  I photographed this tutorial in pieces, and one of my kitties took it upon herself to steal my light blue yarn!  I have since found said yarn, but we're going to pretend it's the same color!  Thank you for playing along! 

If you absolutely don't want to do the magic circle...

Don't beat yourself up!  You WILL get it!  In the meantime, you can just crochet a chain circle.  Most patterns will tell you how many chains to make your circle with.  In this case, start with a slip knot and chain 5; see below.
Now, make a circle by inserting your hook into the first chain you made; see below.
Now you can work your desired stitches into your circle!

The Left Handed Video Tutorial for the Chain Circle

The Right Handed Video Tutorial for the Chain Circle

Okay!  Now do you feel ready to go crochet some circles?  Yesss!  I knew you would!  I'd love to hear from you and see how your circles come out!  You can comment below, sign up for my email below, or join my Facebook Group!  Until then, please stay safe and take care of you!
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Sending you positive energy always,
Krista ☮? 
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If this tutorial helped you out, you may like these tutorials as well!

How to Crochet the Single Crochet Stitch

How to Crochet the Half Double Crochet Stitch

How to Crochet the Double Crochet Stitch

Let's keep in touch!
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]]><![CDATA[How to Crochet the Double Crochet Stitch]]>Fri, 31 Jul 2020 18:34:39 GMThttp://crochetandpositivity.com/crochet-stitch-tutorials/how-to-crochet-the-double-crochet-stitch
Hello, Beautiful Crochet Friend!  Guess what we're talking about today....
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The Site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links.  These links help  support this blog and do not cost you, my awesome reader, anything!

The Double Crochet Stitch!!

As you can see above, the Double Crochet stitch is the next tallest of the basic crochet stitches.  Projects using Double Crochet stitches work up very quickly because you're building the height more quickly.  Depending on the yarn you use, these projects may also be a bit more "holey" as well because it's a taller stitch.  For example, I love to make lightweight scarves with this stitch, because it gives them an airy look and feel!
See!  Light and airy!

Watch the left handed video!

Watch the right handed video!

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What You'll Need

In the pictures and video, I used a H/5.00 MM crochet hook and #4 worsted weight yarn.  Any yarn and hook you have on hand will work, though, while you're learning how to do the stitch!

How to Crochet the Double Crochet Stitch (a.k.a. DC)

This method is what the Craft Yarn Council recognizes to be the correct way to do the Double Crochet Stitch!  After I've shown you all of the steps, I'm going to show you an alternate way to do the Double Crochet Stitch.
Start by making a slip knot; then chain 12; see below.
Step 1:  Yarn over (YO); see below
Step 2:  Insert your hook into the 4th Chain from the hook; see below
Step 3:  Yarn over again, and pull the hook back through the chain stitch.  You should have 3 loops on your hook at this point; see below.
Step 4:  Yarn over again and pull through only 2 of the loops; see below.
Step 5:  Yarn over one more time and pull through both loops on the hook; see below.
Repeat Steps 1 through 5 in each of the next 9 chain stitches; see below.
Step 6 to add another row:  Chain 3 and turn your work, skip the first stitch, then work 1 Double Crochet into the next stitch and into each stitch across the row, until you get to the last stitch; see below.
The last Double Crochet should be worked into the TOP of the Chain 3 from the previous row; see below.
Do a happy dance because you just learned how to double crochet!! 

Alternative Method to Do the Double Crochet

I don't want to confuse you while you're learning the basics of crochet!  So...if you're an absolute beginner, you may want to save the alternative method until you feel a little more comfortable in your new crochet skills.  It's not super different than the first method, there are just a couple small differences that result in less gaps in your piece of crochet.
See, they don't really look much different, but the first method has larger gaps at the ends of each row; see below.
Start with a slip knot, then chain 12; see below.
Step 1:  Yarn over; see below.
Step 2:  Insert your hook into the 3rd chain stitch from the hook; see below.
Step 3:  Yarn over and pull yarn back through the chain stitch; you should have 3 loops on your hook; see below.
Step 4:  Yarn over again and pull through only 2 loops; at this point, you should have 2 loops on your hook; see below.
Step 5:  Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the last 2 loops on your hook; see below.
Repeat Steps 1 through 5 into each of the next 9 stitches; see below.
Step 6 to add more rows:  Chain 2 and turn your work; starting with the first stitch, Double Crochet 1 into each stitch across; see below.
The last double crochet will be worked into the last stitch from last row, not into the turning chain 2 like the previous method.
Do another happy dance!! You learned the alternate way to do the Double Crochet stitch!  Whichever method you choose depends on the pattern you're following and/or what looks good to you!  One of the many things I love about Crochet is that it's all about self expression!  
I hope you enjoyed this stitch tutorial and found it helpful!  If you have any questions or comments, I'd LOVE to hear them!  You can comment here or sign up for my newsletter below so we can keep in touch!  I'm also including a link to join my Facebook group, where you can ask questions or just say hi!  Until then, please stay safe and take care of you!

Sending you positive energy always,
Krista ☮?  

Other Stitch Tutorials You May Like:

How to Crochet the Single Crochet Stitch

How to Crochet the Half Double Crochet Stitch

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]]><![CDATA[How to Crochet the Single Crochet Stitch]]>Sun, 05 Jul 2020 14:24:38 GMThttp://crochetandpositivity.com/crochet-stitch-tutorials/how-to-crochet-the-single-crochet-stitch
​Hello, my Beautiful Crochet Friend!  I hope this post finds you and your family safe and healthy!
​I decided that dedicating a post to each crochet stitch would make things easier for you and pull together all the pieces in one place - the photos, the video and the written instructions.  I'll still have the separate page for Video Tutorials HERE for when you just need a quick refresher!
​AFFILIATES DISCLAIMER 
The Site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links.  These links help  support this blog and do not cost you, my awesome reader, anything!

​The Single Crochet Stitch, Your First Friend

​Call me crazy, but I tend to personify pets, inanimate objects, crochet stitches...it amuses me immensely!  So the single crochet, he's like that first friend you meet in a new school.  He's very kind, helpful and easy to be around.  As you "meet" more complicated crochet stitches, you see him around and say, Hey, single crochet, I remember you, old friend!  Is it weird that my brain works this way?  Anyway, enough with my shenanigans!!

​What You'll Need:

​Honestly, we're just playing around at this point, so you can use any crochet hook and yarn you have around.  In my pictures and video, I used an H/5.00 MM crochet hook and some Red Heart #4 weight yarn in light blue.

​How to Do the Single Crochet Stitch

​Start by making a slip knot and insert your hook.  In this case, we're making 11 chains.  See below
​Step 1:  Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook
​Step 2:  Yarn over and pull back through the stitch (you'll have 2 loops on your hook)
​Step 3:  Yarn over one more time and pull through both loops.  If you're crocheting in rows (as opposed to in rounds), you'll chain 1 and turn your work; See below
​Repeat the steps above until you have the desired length.  See below

​The Video

If you loved this tutorial post, you may want to check out the next stitch in line, the Half Double Crochet stitch!!  Check it out HERE!
​I hope this helps you learn how to do the single crochet stitch!  If you need more help or have any questions, please contact me, either in the comments or by email at kristalee@crochetandpositivity.com.  You can sign up for my email list right below!
​Also, join me in my new Facebook Group, the Crochet and Positivity Crochet Group!  It's a drama free place to ask questions, show off projects, and celebrate our love of crochet!!  Follow this link to join:  Crochet and Positivity Crochet Group .  I can't wait to see you there!

​Oh, and Don't Forget to Pin This for Later!

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​That's all for now, my friend.  I'll be adding more stitches so be sure to check back and pay me a visit!  Stay safe and healthy and take care of you!
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]]><![CDATA[How to Crochet the Half Double Crochet Stitch]]>Sat, 04 Jul 2020 18:18:48 GMThttp://crochetandpositivity.com/crochet-stitch-tutorials/how-to-crochet-the-half-double-crochet-stitch
Hello, my beautiful Crochet Friend!  

​I'm so excited to talk to you about..
​AFFILIATES DISCLAIMER 
The Site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links.  These links help  support this blog and do not cost you, my awesome reader, anything!
the Half Double Crochet stitch!  As you can see in the photo above, it's a little taller than the Single Crochet Stitch.  It's one of my favorite crochet stitches because it's simple, has minimal holes, and builds your crochet project up pretty quickly.  So let's get to it!!

What You'll Need

You can use whatever yarn and crochet hook you have at your disposal.  In my photos, I used an H/5.00 crochet hook and a #4 weight yarn in light blue.  

How to Do the Half Double Crochet Stitch

Start by making a slip knot.  Now chain 12
Step 1:  Yarn over
Step 2:  Insert the hook into the 3rd chain from the hook
Step 3:  Yarn over again
Step 4:  Pull yarn back through the stitch; you should have 3 loops on your hook
Step 5:  Yarn over one last time
Step 6:  Pull yarn through all 3 loops on your hook
One Half Double Crochet (HDC) complete!  Do happy dance!  
Step 7:  Repeat Steps 1 through 6 in each stitch across the row (10 stitches)
Step 8:  Chain 2
Step 9:  Turn your work
Repeat *Steps 1 through 6 in each stitch (10 stitches), then chain 2 and turn your work*; repeat from * to * until your work is the desired size!
Tadaaa!!  Easy peasy!  

The Video

If it helps you more to watch the stitch being crocheted, check out this little video!
I really hope you enjoyed this tutorial!  If you have questions or need help, I have several ways we can connect!!  You can leave a comment here on the blog, or you can subscribe to my email list and we can chat.  I also created a Facebook group called Crochet and Positivity Crochet Group, which is a safe and judgement free place to ask questions or just enjoy Crochet!  All of the options are below!  I can't wait to connect with you and talk crochet!!
JOIN MY FACEBOOK GROUP!
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That's all for now.  Be on the lookout for the next stitch tutorial, the Double Crochet Stitch!  Until then, please stay safe and take care of you!

Sending you positive energy, always,
Krista ☮❤
Oh and don't forget to pin this for later!! 
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