Free Crochet Patterns, Crochet Classes & Techniques

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Quick & Easy Crochet Dishcloth Pattern – Two Ways

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This is a Quick & Easy Crochet Dishcloth Pattern that I made for the Yarndale 2021 Creative Project. This easy pattern is available in two versions and works up pretty quickly (a tad over half an hour). You can also adjust the size if you like, so you could make it bigger for a face cloth or flannel. One version is corner to corner and the other version is crocheted from the bottom up.

These have been preoccupying me on and off over the last few months. Once I get an idea in my head, even for something as humble as a dish cloth, I can’t let it go. The question to myself was – can I make a quick and easy crochet dishcloth that only uses 25g of cotton Aran/worsted yarn so that I can get 2 cloths out of each ball? Then, what’s the quickest, simplest AND most suitable stitch?… single crochet (uk double) is too slow, double crochet (uk treble) is too “open”… so half double (uk half treble) it is. Can I make it from corner to corner to give more flexibility with size? I.e. keep going until it’s the desired size rather than having a fixed size defined by the chains to start. This took a bit of experimenting because it’s not as simple as increasing the same number of stitches each row due to the height of the stitch. How about a bit of texture to add some visual interest without complicating things with fancy stitches? … ok, let’s work through the back loops. Then finish off with a simple yet quick border that doesn’t require too much stress along the edges of the work trying to decipher “what’s what” – solution : quick & dirty single crochet & chain 1 border. 10 dishcloths later and I’ve cracked the formula. Each one takes about 30 minutes. All of them will be donated to the Yarndale Worldwide Creative Community Project to raise funds for Martin House.

powder blue hand crochet dishcloths folded with a lemon sliced in half

Tools & Materials

Aran or Worsted weight cotton (un-mercerized works best).
Approximately 25g/38m/41yds.
Hook – 4.5mm / G or H.

Supplies

Here are some suggested yarns:

Yarn & Colors Epic
Lily Sugar ‘n Cream Solids
DMC Natura Medium 

Quick & Easy Crochet Dishcloth Pattern

Features 2 Versions
1. Bottom Up
2. Corner to Corner

Download pdf here. (opens in new tab)

powder blue textured dishcloth crocheted from the bottom up... natural bristle washing up brush

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Transparency

I use affiliate links for yarns, hooks and some other products. If you purchase anything via one of my links I may make a small amount of commission.

Washable Crochet Makeup Remover Pad – Free Pattern – Folly Fairs

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I’m a big fan of washable crochet makeup remover pads – especially when made with organic cotton. They are really effective at removing makeup and grime and they can be washed and reused time, after time. As a bonus, because the crochet stitches are quite textured, you also get a gentle exfoliation at the same time as cleaning your skin!

There are so many of these patterns out there, it barely seems worth making another…however, I was asked to produce an IGTV tutorial by Folly Fairs as an addition to the virtual craft fair that’s running on Instagram on Sunday 4th October, starting at 11am. I thought a crochet scrubbie would be a quick and easy tutorial, which would produce a very useful finished item.

About Folly Fairs

Folly Fairs, run by Amy, support local crafters in the Surrey & Berkshire areas by running craft fairs where makers can sell and showcase their products. Additionally, Folly Fairs have showcased and promoted small crafting businesses during COVID lockdown, by running free Virtual Craft Fairs on Instagram & Facebook.

If you don’t crochet, but do like to use plastic free and sustainable products in your beauty regime, I thought it would be nice for you to see the handiwork that goes into making these popular products…perhaps you could be tempted into supporting a small scale crafter by purchasing some of their handmade face pads?

hand crocheted cotton face pad makeup removers in green, cream and dusty pink

Giveaway!

As an additional treat, there is also a giveaway running in conjunction with the Folly Fairs virtual craft fair. I have 4 x 4 sets of hand crocheted scrubbies (made by my own fair hands in organic cotton) to give away. You can win a set by:

  1. Following Folly Fairs & Mezzamay on Instagram
  2. Liking the giveaway post on each account.
  3. Commenting on each post and tagging someone who you think might like to learn more about local craft fairs and crafting.

So keep an eye out on our posts on Sunday 4th October!

Terms and conditions will be stated in the relevant Instagram post.

Washable Crochet Makeup Remover Pads – How to Make

These scrubbies are a slightly larger size than the ones you can typically buy – I prefer them bigger! I’m offering three sets of instructions – IGTV quick tutorial (great for crocheters with experience), YouTube video (best for crocheters that need some extra guidance) & Written instructions in a PDF format (perfect as a stand alone instructions or to use in conjunction with the videos).

IGTV Crochet Face Scrubbies Tutorial

You can find the link to the quick tutorial here:

If you prefer a more indepth tutorial, you can find that here, on my YoutTube channel:

Washable Crochet Makeup Remover Pads – Written Pattern

You can also find the written pattern below. For a downloadable version, with step by step photos, click here.

Tools & Materials

Aran/Worsted weight yarn in cotton (un-mercerised works best).
Per scrubbie : 15.0 meters (16.4 yards), 10 grams.
4mm / G hook.

or, for a smaller pad you can try DK or Sport weight with a 3.5mm / E or 3mm / D hook.

Key

beg – beginning
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
prev – previous
sk – skip
rnd(s) – round(s)
sc(s) – single crochet(s)
sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
tr – treble crochet

Special stitches:

fpdc – front post double crochet – instead of crocheting into the top of the stitch, you crochet around the post of the stitch below.
mini picot – ch1 loosely, sl st into the back ridge of the ch just made.

Instructions

Ch4, join to form a ring.

Round 1 : ch3, 20 dc in the ring (keep moving the stitches to the right every now and then to make sure you have enough room to fit them all in); join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch3. (20sts)

Round 2 : ch1, turn the work, working on the wrong side, 1sc into the sl st made from joining prev rnd, then 1sc into each of the next 19sts (Make sure you have 20sts – don’t worry if it seems like there is an empty stitch at the end of the round); join with a sl st into the 1st sc made.(20sts)

NOTE : All fpdc are worked around the dc stitches from Round 1.

Round 3 : ch3, turn work, working on the right side, sk the ch3 from Rnd1 and 1fpdc around the next dc; sk the sl st join from prev rnd; [1dc into each of next 2 sc stitches (the first stitch lies behind the fpdc just made); sk the next dc from Rnd1 and 1fpdc around the next dc] 9 times; 1dc into next  sc stitch (the stitch lies behind the last fpdc made – again don’t worry if it seems like there is an empty stitch at the end of the round – just make sure you have 30 sts in total) ; join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch3. (20dc & 10 fpdc).

Round 4 : ch1, turn the work, working on the wrong side, 1sc into the sl st made from joining prev rnd, then 1sc into the next st; [2sc in next (the fpdc); 1sc into each of the next 2sts] 9 times; 2sc into the last fpdc. (40sts)

Round 5 : ch3, turn work, working on the right side, sk the sl st join from prev rnd, 1dc into next st;  [1fpdc around fpdc from Rnd 3; make a mini picot as follows: ch1 loosely, sl st in back ridge of ch just made – this lies to the left; 1dc into each of the next 4 sc (the first stitch lies behind the fpdc just made)] 9 times; 1dc into each of the next 2sts (again don’t worry if it seems like there is an empty stitch at the end of the round again don’t worry if it seems like there is an empty stitch at the end of the round – just make sure you have 50 sts in total) ; join with a sewn bind off. (40dc & 10 fpdc).

Notice

I sometimes use affiliate links to Lovecrafts.com & Amazon.co.uk from which I may receive a small commission should you purchase anything.

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Tapestry Crochet – 3 Week Course – Walton-on-Thames – 11th-25th November 2020

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I am running my Tapestry Crochet course over 3 evenings in November at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre in Walton-on-Thames. You’ll be making a mini sized “Columbian bag” over the course of the weeks. Learn all the basic techniques used to create a Wayuu or “mochila” style bags so that you are confident enough to design your own bag or make one from a pattern. You will love this beautiful and very useful, crochet art-form.

Course Overview

  • Brief overview of bag construction & materials used.
  • How the bottom of the bag is made and basic principles of base design.
  • Getting started with your own bag.
  • Adding and changing colours – mastering the tapestry crochet stitch.
  • Making the sides of the bag – reading charts, designing your own patterns.
  • How to manage multiple skeins of yarn without tangling.
  • Making eyelets for the cord fastening.
  • Using crab stitch or reverse single crochet borders to reinforce and add stability and shape to the top and bottom of the bag.
  • Mastering two coloured crab stitch or reverse single crochet.
  • Making a simple cord.
  • How to make quick and easy tassels.
  • Tips for lining the bags.
  • Design options – examples of & ideas for projects using tapestry stitch.
three images showing the start of a crochet tapestry back, detail of a chevron design and tassels on a wayuu style bag

Dates

This is a 3 week course, running on Wednesday evenings:

Week 1 : Wednesday 11th November 7:30 – 9:30pm
Week 2 : Wednesday 18th November 7:30 – 9:30pm
Week 3 : Wednesday 25th November 7:30 – 9:30pm

Class Size

Due to safety measures in place due to COVID, the class sizes are limited to 5 students.

Price

The course is £46 for 3 weeks and includes a kit with everything you need.

Class Format

All my classes come with detailed class notes and pattern. I provide samples and practical demonstrations of all techniques, helping and encouraging students with hands on assistance so that they can feel confident with their new found skills. Along with the class notes, the students should be able to continue & complete their mini project in the comfort of their own home, with relative ease. I am also happy to offer help by email, after the course, should any student have any questions.

Cancellation Due To COVID

In the event of the class being cancelled due to new physical distancing legislations or lockdown, the course will run online. A Zoom meeting will take place each Wednesday evening at 7:30pm to discuss the techniques and tasks that need to be completed before the next class. A private page will be available on my website with downloadable class notes and detailed YouTube videos covering all the techniques for making the bags.
Should the course run online, you will receive a 20% refund on your class fee.
If you do not wish to take the course online, you will receive a full refund.

Skill Level

Students must be competent with basic crochet techniques, particularly chaining & single crochet (UK double).

Three images showing crochet tutor and student, example of class notes and student crocheting a bag during class

Materials & Tools

All materials and tools will be provided.
The project uses 3 x 50g balls of DK cotton, locking stitch markers and 2.5mm crochet hook.

Course Sign Up & Payment

3 Week Course Starting on Wednesday 11th November 2020
£ 0.00


Treble Flower & Leaf Coasters – Free Crochet Pattern

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I designed this Flower Coasters Crochet Pattern back in March 2014. I was running a 5 week course and some students had finished their projects early. Since they were beginners and hadn’t yet tried the treble crochet stitch, I came up with this project specifically to practice this stitch through repetition!

Since I have not been able to teach in the flesh this year due to COVID, I will be working through my back catalogue of patterns and classes that I have created over the last 7 years with a view to sharing them with you. So with that in mind, please do keep an eye on my website and YouTube channel. Please sign up to my newsletter so that I can let you know what I’ve got for you!

two images showing crochet flower coasters made in cotton

Treble Flower & Leaf Coasters – Free Crochet Pattern

Tools & Materials

Aran/Worsted weight yarn in cotton in 4 colours (A for centre of flower, B for petals, C for petal border, D for leaf toggle).

4mm / G hook.

Approximate Yardage Version 1 (white, red & yellow):

A (yellow) – 22.5 meters (24.6 yards), 15 grams.

B (red) – 22.5 meters (24.6 yards), 15 grams.

C (white) – 60.0 meters (65.6 yards), 40 grams.

D (green) – 15.0 meters (16.4 yards), 10 grams.

Approximate Yardage Version 2 (yellow, lilac & white):

A (yellow) – 15.0 meters (16.4 yards), 10 grams.

B (lilac) – 45.0 meters (49.2 yards), 30 grams.

C (white) – 45.0 meters (49.2 yards), 30 grams.

D (green) – 15.0 meters (16.4 yards), 10 grams.

Finished dimensions:

12.5cm / 5 inches across.

Finished size & yardage will vary depending on hook size, yarn thickness & your personal gauge.

Alternative Yarn Thickness

You can also make these with DK or Sport weight for a smaller motif – these would make lovely re-usable face scrubbies/makeup removers. Try a 3.5 / E or 3mm / F hook.

Flower Coasters Crochet Pattern – Instructions

five petal crochet flowers in white and lilac with green leaf and toggle

Written instructions with photos : download here (opens in new tab)

Video tutorial :

Crochet is my gift to the world. It sounds cheesy, but actually, inspiring people to craft and make things with their hands is so important and so fundamentally human. In a world of instant gratification and quick fixes, crochet can be a vital and often healing past time.

Learn to Crochet Course – Surrey, Riverhouse Barn – Starting 3rd October 2020

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I’m happy to announce that I am able to offer this learn to crochet course at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, in Walton-on-Thames – with limited numbers, due to COVID*.

This is a 3 week course where you will get to grips with all the basics needed to get you competent and confident in the art of crochet.

I have developed a special project that covers starting off, chaining, the basic stitches and joining motifs together for a finished item.

This course is for you if you are :

  • a complete beginner and you’ve never even picked up a hook.
  • someone that has dabbled in crochet but never really got to grips with it.
  • someone that may have crocheted many years ago but need refreshing on the basic techniques.
  • self taught from the internet but want to make sure you’re not picking up any bad habits.

As well as my expert guidance and hands on practical work, the course includes detailed class notes with photo tutorials AND everything you need, including hook, yarn, needles, stitch markers and a handy project bag.

Course Dates 2020

Week 1 : Saturday 3rd October 3:00 – 5:30pm
Week 2 : Saturday 10th October 3:00 – 5:30pm
Week 3 : Saturday 17th October 3:00 – 5:30pm

Cost

The 3 week course is £70 and covers all materials needed.

After Course Crochet Clinics

I will also be offering a selection of weekly follow-up sessions at my home studio, at an exclusive, reduced rate.

*COVID-19 Provisions

The classes are being kept small, with a maximum of 5 students. We’ll be following all the necessary protocols to keep the students and tutor safe. A full refund will be issued in the case of cancellation due to further government lockdown regulations.

Book Now

3 Week Course Starting on Wednesday 26th January 2020
£ 0.00

Unable to attend this class?

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Round Granny in a Square Crochet Motif – With Video Tutorial

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This Round Granny in a Square crochet motif was the result of a student asking me if it was possible to make a round granny square. At the time, I didn’t have access to the internet to see what was already available, but because I had some yarn and a hook to hand, I quickly came up with a basic formula. That was back in 2017 and the sample I made was stored in a box in my office and forgotten about. Then, in 2018 I received my Yarn Advent from the talented Lottie Knits. The yarn was so beautiful, I couldn’t think what to make with it or even find a suitable pattern. So my 24 skeins of yarn sat in their box for almost a year. One day I was poking around for something in my office and found the round granny. I instantly though of the Advent Yarn and then wondered how I could round it off into a square so that I would make a scarf. This is the result! I finished the scarf in 2019 and now, almost a another year on, thanks to an Instagram challenge prompt, I have written up the pattern!

two images showing a round granny square being crocheted in rainbow colours

Round Granny in a Square Crochet Motif (Free Pattern)

Download written instructions – click here (opens in new tab).
scroll down for video tutorial.

Materials & Supplies

To make this motif, you can use any yarn thickness and corresponding hook size. See below for suggestions.

4ply/Fingering weight yarn – 3 mm/D.
DK/Sport weight yarn – 4mm/G.
Worsted/Aran weight yarn – 5mm/H.

Sample motif:

I have used a 4ply yarn with a 3 mm/D hook.

Yardage per square:

In total, I have used 10g/36m/39yds.

Finished dimensions:

Using 3mm hook & 4ply yarn, after blocking – 10cm/ 4” x 10cm/ 4”

Finished size & yardage will vary depending on hook size, yarn thickness & your personal gauge.

Advent Scarf

Here is the scarf I made using this motif. I used 23 x 10g of the Advent Calendar (I didn’t use one of the colours because I felt it didn’t fit in) and I also used about 3/4 of a full 100g skein in the same yarn that I used as a blending colour.

woman with long hair wear hand crocheted patchwork scarf

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Retro Pentagon Potholder – Free Crochet Pattern

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Help for Mauritius

I originally made these pot holders to sell and help raise funds to clear up the terrible oil spill in the beautiful island nation of Mauritius. Now I am offering this pattern for free, in the hope that you too might make a few and sell them to help raise funds for this worthy cause. Please go to the end of this post for places to donate.

This double thickness pot holder is made from 4ply/fingering weight yarn. You should use a slightly smaller hook than you would usually use to ensure a firm and solid fabric. I have used scrap sock yarn, left over from other projects. I recommend natural, plant based fibers. When acrylic gets hot and melts it can be quite dangerous.

Retro Pentagon Potholder – Free Crochet Pattern

Download your free pattern here: Retro Pentagon Potholder

You can find a crochet video tutorial for the “Coil Stitch” here:


Please note, this pattern has not been tech-edited or tested. Let me know if you have any problems.

How to Help Mauritius

Environmental organisations you can donate to:
Mauritian-based NGO Eco-Sud
Mauritian Wildlife Foundation
Greenpeace Africa

Did you make and sell any of these pot holders?

I’d love to know! Please share via email [email protected] or Instagram @mezzamay

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Feather & Fan Crochet Stitch Pattern – With Video Tutorial

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My biggest gripe with many modern crochet patterns for clothing is that the garments nearly always end up being too bulky, heavy and HOT…not to mention requiring an inordinate amount of yarn! So I often explore crochet stitches that are suitable for clothing because they are lacey or open whilst still retaining a structural integrity to the fabric. That’s why I love this Feather & Fan Crochet Stitch Pattern, a lacey, ripple stitch… it has solid areas and airy sections and when used in a fingering or 4ply/sock-weight yarn, it makes the perfect material for a top. And I did make 2 tops with this chevron stitch. While I was making the tops, I decided to try different coloured stripes with some fingering weight mini skeins I had and ended up making a baby blanket. I will share details for making the blanket and top later on. But first, here’s the stitch pattern!

Feather & Fan Crochet Stitch Instructions

Yarn Thickness & Hook Size

4ply/Fingering weight yarn – 3.5mm/E.
DK/Sport weight yarn – 4mm/G.
Worsted/Aran weight yarn – 5mm/H.

Note : hook sizes are a guide only – please use whichever hook gives you your prefered fabric, e.g. if you’re making a blanket you don’t want it to be too stiff and tight so you might opt for a slightly larger hook than usual.

What type of yarn?

This stitch pattern really comes to life after it’s been washed and blocked – the “feather” element opens up beautifully. Natural fibers with good stitch memory work best with this pattern. So wool & cotton blends are a good example. Synthetic yarns such as acrylic may not give the desired result.

In the tutorial I have used a wool & cotton blend – Cotton Merino from Mayflower.

For the colourful baby blanket, I have used 4ply Hand Dyed Superfine Merino from WitchCraftyLady on Etsy. I would really recommend this yarn, it is beautifully soft and the colours that Almas uses to dye the yarn are so joyful to work with. She’s also an excellent seller and you always receive amazing service from her.

What is stitch memory?

I’ll explain, in case you don’t know what “stitch memory” is – it means a yarn that retains the shape of the stitch you have made, rather than trying to spring back into its natural form. So fibers such as linen, cotton & wool, once washed and blocked, will open up and lock into the stitch pattern. Some synthetic fibers on the the other hand, such as acrylic, tend to spring back after washing and blocking rather than retaining some of the key features of the stitch pattern. This is particularly noticeable in stitches that are open or lacey. Having said that, you can get away with a small amount of synthetic fiber in the yarn, for example if you are using a sock yarn that has some nylon, you should still get a good result.

three colourful images showing sections of crocheted blanket in bright handdyed yarn ripple stitch

Feather & Fan Crochet Stitch Pattern

Written instructions & chart can be downloaded here (opens in new tab).

Video tutorial is below:

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Cartwheels & Clovers – Free Square Crochet Motif Pattern with Video

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Free Square Crochet Motif Pattern with Video. Back in August 2016, on a trip to a beautiful Norwegian island, I bought some gorgeous DK linen yarn, determined to crochet a top to remind myself of the trip. It wasn’t until more than 6 months later that I came up with a motif and subsequently a top using the yarn. Although the motif was lovely and the overall effect of the motifs are very attractive, the yarn was just too thick and the resulting top was a little heavy and bulky. Being very fond of the motif however, I kept coming back to it, so recently, I decided to remake the top using thinner yarn. I am experimenting with 4ply cotton (Scheepjes Catona in Saffron ) and some 3ply Lithuanian linen. I will share my experiments with you, but to start off, I will document the pattern here.

These instructions are for making a motif in 4ply cotton with a 3mm hook which results in a motif that is approximately 14x14cm. Each motif uses about 12g/30m of yarn.

crochet motifs made in saffron coloured cotton yarn with cartwheel and clover pattern

I would recommend using the written pattern in conjunction with the videos.

I would just like to state, that this pattern has not been properly tested. If you make it, I would truly appreciate any feedback.

Also, I LOVE seeing what you’ve made with my patterns, so please share! On Instagram I am @mezzamay and on Facebook @mezzacraft.

Free Crochet Pattern with Photo Tutorials

Download the Cartwheels & Clovers Crochet Motif Pattern here. (opens in new tab)

Video Tutorial – Motif Only

I have filmed the video for the joining technique but I still need to edit it so please check back soon OR nag me if I still haven’t done it!

I also plan to add some details about layout and the construction of the curved neckline.

Did you enjoy this Free Square Crochet Motif Pattern with Video? I’d be very grateful if you gave my video a “like” on YouTube.