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Posts Tagged ‘free crochet patterns’

Learn How to Crochet With This Crochet Kit

Friday, June 29th, 2012

495062 main Learn How to Crochet With This Crochet Kit Have you always wanted to learn how to crochet? Or perhaps you know how to crochet, but have only made granny squares and simple scarves. Expand your crochet skills today with this helpful book from CutRateCrafts. Leisure Arts presents Learn To Crochet- Purse. This kit is ideal for beginners that are just learning how to crochet.

Included in this crochet kit is one crochet hook (size G), more than 100 yards of yarn, Learn to Crochet instructions, one pattern for a cross-body purse, a pom-pom and tassel maker, one yarn needle, and two bonus patterns. It is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Check out more helpful hints on how to crochet at AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns! Find helpful crochet stitch tutorials and beginner crochet afghan patterns.

And head over to AllFreeCrochet for even more crochet bag patterns. Check out a few of our favorites below:

Little Granny Bag: This is an easy crochet pattern to complete, and it’s just the right size to hold all of your daily essentials including car keys, credit cards, and lipstick. The straps of this crochet bag can made whatever length you prefer.

Sturdy Errands Bag: This intermediate pattern is ideal for the more experienced crocheters. If you’re just learning how to crochet, save this pattern in your back pocket for later. It’s a great size, and the straps are sturdy enough for all your errands around town.

If you’re serious about learning how to crochet, buy this book today!

Do you know how to crochet, yes or no? Leave a comment below and tell us!

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Tags: book, book review, CutRateCrafts, easy crochet patterns, free crochet patterns, How Do I Crochet, product review, products
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Relax and Indulge with Scented Yarns from Bernat!

Thursday, April 5th, 2012

Do you remember the smell of your grandfather’s cologne? What about what your first car smelled like? Or the smell of your favorite book?

It’s pretty common knowledge that scent is one of our most powerful and influential senses. It can remind us of a favorite memory, a certain time and place, and can completely change our mood in a matter of seconds. So when Bernat decided to come out with a line of scented yarns for crafting, I was eager to try them out!

With soft pastels and subtle scents, Bernat’s Cotton Scents collection is perfect for all your knitting and crocheting projects. Here are a few of my favorites!

Of all the scented yarns from Bernat, I would have to say that Lavender is my favorite. I love the color and the smell, and mixed with another scented yarn, like Vanilla Bouquet, I can create something that looks and smells wonderful! Since lavender is a scent meant to relax you, this yarn would make a wonderful afghan for a living room or bedroom. This Basketweave Twists Afghan would be a great pattern for this yarn. If the scent becomes too overpowering for you, you could always mix it with an unscented yarn.

For your kitchen and bathroom projects, like these Cotton Stripes Dishcloths for example, you could use Bernat’s Powder scented yarn. This soft and relaxing scent works well in smaller places, like bathrooms and laundry rooms, as well as bigger spaces, like your kitchen. It’s perfect if you’re looking for that fresh clean laundry smell!

For new babies, there’s Bernat’s camomile scented yarn. This yarn is a very soft cream color and would make a beautiful baby jacket or Baby Booties. The scent isn’t overpowering at all, but if you’re worried about it being too strong, try mixing it with a pastel pink or blue.

I love the color of Bernat’s Aloe Vera yarn! How beautiful is that? This soft scent would be perfect in your kitchen or bathroom. I think this is the best yarn to make these Crocheted Curtains, that way whenever the wind blows through my windows, there’s a soft scent that fills my living room!

There are several other Bernat Scented Yarns to choose from on CutRateCrafts.com! You could also check out our great selection of crochet projects and knitted projects for ideas on what to make with your new scented yarn!

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Tags: bernat, free crochet patterns, free knitting patterns, Melissa Conner, scented yarn
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How Does Your Garden Grow?

Thursday, March 29th, 2012

Are you as anxious to get out into the garden as I am? I’m so excited to start my vegetable garden, plant some flowers outside my windows, and welcome the back the butterflies!

In preparation for all the outdoor work I want to do this year, I’ve decided to create some easy garden crafts to help me out. The best part is that both of them are crocheted, so they’re fun and quick to make and I can wash them with ease if and when they get dirty!

To protect my knees when I’m kneeling down, I decided to make this Kneeling Garden Cushion. I love that this cushion is both sturdy and attractive. I can even use it for picnics and other outdoor events. To create the colors I like, I’ll be using a variety of Sugar’n Cream Yarns. I love the soft colors they have in their collection! I think the “Over the Rainbow” yarn is perfect for my cushions. The bright colors are great for spring and summer!

And there’s nothing worse than having to run back and forth to the garage as I’m gardening. I like to have everything I need in one place in a storage container that makes it easy for me to find exactly what I’m looking for. This Gardening Bag Crochet Pattern, for example, is perfect for that! This crocheted bag is sturdy and attractive and I can use Sugar’n Cream’s “Playtime” yarn to compliment the colors in my garden cushion!

And don’t forget about adding some character to your garden! There are a ton of clay pot crafts that you can make that will help bring your garden to life! I particularly love this Terra Cotta Garden Turtle! I think he would look so cute sitting right outside my vegetable garden.

So before you jump into weed pulling and flower planting this year, do some prep work and make yourself a comfortable kneeling pad or a garden tool organizer. These projects would also make great Mother’s Day gifts for moms who love to garden!

What’s your favorite thing to grow in the warmer months? I love growing basil and cilantro! I put them in everything!

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Tags: crochet bag, crochet products, free crochet patterns, Melissa Conner, storage and organization
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Creative Pet Projects

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

If you’re anything like me, your four-legged friends have become as much a part of your family as your very own flesh and blood. They sleep in your bed, accompany you to the bathroom, and sometimes even eat right from your plate. There is a reason dogs have been nicknamed “man’s best friend,” and although cats tend to stick to themselves a bit more than their canine counterparts, they still form just as close of a bond with their owners.

After years of coming home to a wagging tail, I am sad to report I am currently without a furry friend keeping me company. This, of course, means I live vicariously through all my friend’s and family’s pets. Being a newbie to the knitting and crocheting worlds, I am blown away at the sheer volume and immense variety of free pet craft projects and patterns available online to create. Between AllFreeCrochet, AllFreeKnitting, and AllFreeHolidayCrafts, there are literally pages and pages of unique homemade pet projects to make. You’ll find homemade sweaters, dog collars, and cat toys, just to name a few. Whether you’re a dog or a cat person, you are sure to find something to create for your favorite furry friend! If you are searching for a free online pet project to make, check out some of my favorites:

Paw Socks: This knit pattern is perfect for small pooches with sensitive paws. This simple pattern is easy to knit, and your puppy will thank you when the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall.

Pet Candy Corn Sweater: Halloween is just around the corner, and you won’t want to forget about the family pet when you are planning this year’s costumes! This festive sweater would be a perfect weekend crochet project for any animal under 20 pounds, but the pattern can be adjusted for larger breeds, as well.

Crochet Pet Bow Tie Collar: More and more dogs are now being included in family weddings, Bar and Bat-Mitzvahs, and many other important milestones than they ever have been before. Make sure your pooch looks classy and stylish with this homemade Bow Tie Collar. This is an easy free crochet pattern and is perfect for novice crocheters like myself!

Crochet Kitten Cozy: Cats spend a good portion of their day napping, so why shouldn’t they have the most comfortable bed in the house? Your kitty will just love sleeping in this cozy homemade bed. Follow this intermediate crochet pattern to give your furry friend a new spot to spend the entire day in– literally!

All of the above projects are fairly easy to make, and they all use the same weight of yarn, worsted or aran. These two yarns are both medium weight and are the most popular to use, especially for throws. Our friends at CutRateCrafts carries a large selection of both. You can find a wide array of colors of worsted weight yarn, and many different varieties of aran yarn. So what are you waiting for? Pick up some yarn today and get crafting!

Have you made any pet crafts before? Which ones were your favorite? More importantly, which ones did your pet like the most?

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Tags: CutRateCrafts, easy crochet patterns, easy knitting patterns, free crochet pattern, free crochet patterns, knitting, pet crafts, pet projects
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Do You Bamboo? Check Out This Bamboo Wool Yarn From Red Heart!

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

Last Tuesday in my crochet class my friend Samantha was talking about this new yarn she had discovered: Red Heart Bamboo Wool Yarn. Now, I don’t consider myself an overly eco-conscious person (I do my part to recycle my milk jugs and cans, but that’s about it), but something about this bamboo yarn intrigued me.

Samantha was raving about how soft it was and how easy it was to work with, but she’s also a die-hard environmentalist so I wasn’t really sure I could take her word for it. She probably just likes it because it’s an eco-friendly yarn, I remember thinking. I just couldn’t wrap my head around how yarn made of bamboo could be soft and flexible. In my head, this is what I imagine when I think of anything bamboo-related:

bamboos Do You Bamboo? Check Out This Bamboo Wool Yarn From Red Heart!

How could this turn into something as soft and fluffy as what Samantha was describing? According to her, working with this yarn was like working with a cloud:

cloud 5 Do You Bamboo? Check Out This Bamboo Wool Yarn From Red Heart!

Completely baffled, I decided to check this whole thing out for myself. I bought a skein in Red Heart’s rust color because I’m already getting ready for Fall and I think this shade will be beautiful to wear once the leaves start changing color. When I first picked up my skein, any doubts I had about bamboo yarn went out the window. This is honestly the softest, silkiest yarn I’ve ever worked with. I wish there was a way you could somehow feel this yarn through your computer screen because writing about it just won’t do it justice.

Once the yarn won me over with its soft-as-silk texture and beautiful sheen, I couldn’t wait to get started working with it! I decided to make a scarf because I always have problems with scarves being itchy and uncomfortable, but I figured with this yarn I wouldn’t have that problem.

Here’s the pattern I chose to make: The Soft Check Scarf. Isn’t it pretty?!

I love the detailed look, with the checks and diamonds running all along the scarf. Plus the pattern includes two slits to pull the scarf through so it stays put around your neck. Definitely a good thing for someone like me who has lost a scarf or two to a large wind gust or just from plain old absentmindedness! This is one scarf that’s sure to stay put!

I’m just starting out on my scarf, but I can already tell I’m in love. This is definitely going to be one of my wardrobe staples this Fall and I can’t wait until the weather gets cool enough to wear it!

So in the end Samantha was right and I probably never should have doubted her in the first place. At our next crochet class I’ll have to tell her how much I love the bamboo yarn… I just won’t mention that at first I dismissed her as an eco-crazy person!

To get your own Red Heart Bamboo Wool Yarn, just head on over to the CutRateCrafts online store!

We’re curious: What would you make with bamboo yarn?

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Tags: crochet, CutRateCrafts, easy crochet patterns, eco, free crochet pattern, free crochet patterns, green crafting, Red Heart, yarn
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101 Crochet Stitches Card Set: Your Go-To Crochet Helper

Friday, July 15th, 2011

I must confess, when I first started learning to crochet, I couldn’t make anything identifiable. Even during my practice rounds I could only pull together a messy yarn square. Recently, I stumbled upon this box set of stitch cards. If only I had known about these during my struggles! Actually, I still find this product to be totally helpful.

Whether you’re new to crochet or you’ve been at it for years, the 101 Crochet Stitches Card Set will become your go-to guide for stitching. I especially love that each card features color photos and step-by-step instructions. Now when I find great patterns I’m not spending hours trying to teach myself how to make something, but rather just flipping through my box set to find the stitch card that can guide me. It’s like having a personal crochet teacher with you at all times!

And did I mention how messy my craft room is? The last thing I need is tons of random stitch cards lying around. With the handy flip-top storage box and the color coded cards, I have no excuse but to keep them organized. Not to mention it’s even easier to simply reach for the card I need when I’m ready to crochet.

The 101 Crochet Stitches Card Set is too good to pass up. Once I got my hands on this crochet helper I couldn’t put down the hooks! The first thing I made with help from the cards? This Basketweave Purse I found on AllFreeCrochet. com. First, I watched this video tutorial on How to Crochet a Basketweave Stitch (below). Then, as I worked on the pattern I had the Basketweave Stitch card to reference. Needless to say, everyone was impressed with my completed purse.

I hope you find the 101 Crochet Stitches Card Set to be as helpful as I do!

How do you learn new crochet stitches?

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Tags: crochet, CutRateCrafts, easy crochet patterns, free crochet patterns, yarn
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Easy Wardrobe Makeover: It’s a Wrap!

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of people wearing wraps. Whether it’s at the grocery store or out on a date at a nice restaurant, it seems like wraps are the new hot accessory for women… and I think I know why.

First, they look good on everyone. How many kinds of clothing can you say that about? Second, you can pair a wrap with pretty much any outfit. Throw one on over a basic black tee and jeans to add a bit of visual interest to an otherwise boring outfit. Or you could pair a delicate, lacy wrap with an evening dress for a sophisticated and elegant look. Finally, I think the main reason wraps are becoming such a huge trend lately is because there are so many options to choose from!

Just take a look at some of the designs I found:

If you’re like me and have been in a bit of a fashion slump, wraps are a great way to easily add some “wow” to your wardrobe. I was looking in my closet the other day and realized that all I have are basics, basics and more basics. Which is great… everyone needs a little black dress, a classic crew neck sweater and a simple v-neck tee. But I have to admit, wearing these things day after day is getting a bit boring. I want to get excited about my clothes. I want to have pieces that I can’t wait to show off.

Luckily I have my crochet skills to fall back on. I haven’t crocheted clothes for myself in awhile, but whenever I wear something I’ve made myself, that’s usually when I get the most compliments… and usually from strangers!

So, inspired by my lackluster closet and these amazing trendy wraps I’ve been seeing lately, I decided to crochet myself a wrap. I wanted something that I could wear during several seasons, so nothing too heavy and nothing too light. I also wanted a simple pattern… I’m a no-fuss kind of girl and busy designs just aren’t for me.

I found my perfect pattern with this Sage One Skein Wrap. Not only is this wrap classy and sophisticated, the pattern is easy to make as well. And, just as the name suggests, all I need to make this beautiful coverup is one skein of yarn. You can’t beat that!

For the color I chose this Mixed Greens Print from Caron. It’s muted enough to be considered a “neutral,” but still has that pop of color I want.

I am so excited to make this wrap… It’s just what my wardrobe needs! I’m hoping that once I’m done making this, I’ll be inspired to make more crocheted clothing. I don’t know about you, but for me there’s nothing quite like opening my closet and seeing a bunch of things I created myself! Plus making your own clothing is a much thriftier way to give your wardrobe a makeover than going on a shopping spree at the mall!

What kinds of clothing have you made for yourself? Would you ever make a wrap?

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Tags: crochet, CutRateCrafts, easy crochet patterns, free crochet pattern, free crochet patterns, wrap, yarn
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Learn How to Crochet Flip Flops

Thursday, June 9th, 2011

Since the summer season has finally started to peak around the corner I thought what better way to celebrate then by making flip flops! Everyone loves wearing flip flops during the summer so your feet can breathe and be nice and cool.

Michael Sellick of the Crochet Crowd has come out with a new video on learning how to crochet flip flops. In the video you’ll learn how you can transform a plain pair of flip flops into a fabulous dazzling pair for your beach days.

Michael uses Darn Good yarn for an amazing clean look. This is a bit more expensive yarn, but it makes your projects look nice and crisp. You can of course use any kind of yarn you wish. If you want more fluffy looking flip flops then I might suggest boa yarn; my favorite is the chick color.

You can watch Michael’s video below. The thing I love about his videos is how honest he is. He says transforming your flip flops from drab to fab takes about 30 minutes, which in reality really isn’t all that bad. He also used his partner’s flip flops instead of his own which I thought was pretty funny. If you want some more fun flip flop ideas you can check out CutRateCrafts.com where they have templates, kits, books and more.

How would you transform your flip flops?

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Tags: free crochet patterns, how to crochet flip flops, yarn
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Hot Project: Spiral Afghan for the Beach Lover

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

June 1st… We made it! Summer is here (well not officially, but it’s never too early to celebrate, right?) and we’ve all got the beach on our minds. Well at least I do. I’m not sure whether my schedule (or my budget) will allow me to get away to explore any tropical locales this year, but that hasn’t stopped me from fantasizing about frothy waves and sand beneath my toes. Like any good crafter, my daydreams have led me to seek out ocean-inspired projects that will bring the beach to me.

Here are some of the fun summery craft projects I’ve found so far:

Seashell Treasure Box

Under the Sea Hanging Votive Holder

Seashells Crochet Scarf

I’m excited to make all of these projects, but — call me crazy — what I really want to make this summer is an afghan. Yes, an afghan. While most people think of afghans as heavy blankets to snuggle up with on a cold winter night, to me there’s something comforting about having an afghan around even during the warmest of summer months. They just make a house seem more like a home, don’t you think?

If you’re like me and want to add a crochet afghan to your summer home decor, you’re in luck because I found the most perfect pattern! The Spiral Afghan from Caron Yarn has this beautiful swirl pattern that when you look at it, you just can’t help but think of waves. I’m planning on making this beautiful blanket in the recommended colors (sky blue and white), but you can choose whatever color combination you want. I think it would also look nice in a deep blue/purple, possibly with some cream or tan thrown in there for a real beach-y effect.

I was also excited to see that the pattern calls for Caron Natura One Pound Yarn. It’s a great all-purpose yarn that’s also oh-so-soft! I seriously can’t get enough of the stuff. All of my blankets are made from this yarn, and several scarfs too. I got mine at CutRateCrafts.com for a great discounted price!

Now that I’ve shared this great project with all of you, I think it’s time for me to grab my yarn and my hooks and head outside for some relaxing summertime crocheting.

While I’m gone leave me a message! I want to know:

What’s your favorite beach-themed craft to make?

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Tags: afghan, afghan patterns, caron, crochet, crochet afghan, CutRateCrafts, easy crochet patterns, free crochet pattern, free crochet patterns, yarn
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Need a Baby Present? Give the Gift of Crochet!

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

A couple of weeks ago I found out that my friend is expecting her first child. I, of course, was thrilled for her and her husband, but I was also secretly excited for myself. You see, I live in a neighborhood that I affectionately call “Stroller Land”… everyone around me seems to have a baby and there is a baby clothing store literally on ever block. Since I don’t have any children myself, I feel a little strange walking into these baby stores, but I love looking at all of the cute stuff for newborns.

Anyway, the other day I went into a baby boutique to look for a gift for my friend (eight months early, but whatever… I was excited!) and I was stunned by how much everything cost. $130 for a baby blanket? Really? Since I’ve recently been learning about crochet, I guess I was in the mindset of “You can probably make this blanket for so much cheaper!” Outraged at the exorbitant prices at my neighborhood boutique, I decided to look for blanket patterns that I could make myself. Well really, that I could enlist my friend Nancy (an awesome crocheter) to make for me.

I ended up finding some pretty awesome crochet baby afghan patterns including a bunch that seem pretty easy to make. Here are some of my favorites for a girl…

…and for a boy:

I also came across this kit that helps you make a cute baby blanket without the guesswork that normally comes when you crochet an afghan. The kit includes twenty 1.75 ounce (50 gram) balls of worsted weight acrylic yarn, and also comes with a crochet hook, buttons, a blunt needle, and instructions for how to crochet not only an afghan, but also a hat, a sweater and little matching booties! And it’s only $22! Even if I end up giving Nancy some money to make a crochet baby afghan for my friend, I’m still going to wind up spending far less than I would have on that overpriced blanket from the boutique!

I can’t wait to see how the afghan turns out and I’m really excited to give it to my friend, along with all of the matching accessories! Too bad I have to wait eight more months!

For all of the crocheters out there, what is your favorite gift to crochet for a newborn?

To help inspire you, here’s a great collection of 15 cute free crochet patterns for babies, including hats, booties, clothes, toys and more! Check it out!

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Tags: afghan, afghan patterns, baby, baby blanket, crochet, crochet afghan, CutRateCrafts, easy crochet patterns, free crochet patterns
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