Tips and Tricks

Here are some of my super secret crochet tricks. Not so secret anymore...
(New tutorials coming all the time so check back often!)

Poms, poms, and more poms! If you've been in the yarnie world long, you've seen pom poms of every size adorning the tops of beanies everywhere... yarn poms, small poms, fur poms, mega poms! From learning how to use a pom-pom maker, to stitching your own faux fur poms, and attaching them to your beanies - here are my video tutorials, originally recorded live on Facebook so you can learn everything you need to know about these awesome little fluff balls.

Have you been too intimidated by Tunisian crochet to try it? Don't know where to start or even what hooks you can use? Check out my full Tunisian tutorial and I'll show you why it's nothing to be afraid of. I'll take you through the tools, foundation, basic stitches, and finishing your work in this video series that was originally recorded live on Facebook. You'll be quickly addicted!

Do you hate tangled yarn as much as I do? When you're changing colors (a LOT) it's inevitable... actually, no. Check out what I do to make changing colors not only less frustrating, but faster too.

Gettin' Knotty: How to attach more yarn like a pro
Run of out yarn in the middle of a project? Forget all that weaving, braiding, and fraying... get knotty. This is the ONLY method I trust in my finished items. Once you get it, you'll love it too!

CSC: Chainless Single Crochet Foundation
Never work into chains again! I've used the chainless foundation method and offered the tutorials in my patterns for several years now. Hopefully it will help you learn a new skill, push outside your comfort level, and let you grow as a crocheter.

 CHDC: Chainless Half-Double Crochet Foundation

 The half-sister of the CSC. They're related, but this one's a little rebellious. You'll have to keep a little closer eye on her.

 You've probably got the idea of the chainless foundation, but here's the double crochet step-by-step just in case you're a visual learner like me. 

The Chainless Single Crochet Foundation Join is rounding things out for my chainless tutorial series (see what I did there?). It's for use when you're making something in the round and you don't want a big ugly gap at the bottom of your join. Because really, no one wants a gap - unless we're talking about thighs.

Magic Ring (Magic Loop, Magic Circle...)

 The Magic Ring is a technique that I use almost exclusively when I'm making my beanies. It's a great way to start a project in the round and eliminate that big hole at the top!

Add a liner to your hats

I live in the mountains of Colorado. It's cold here. And windy. So let's face it... getting cozy rocks. I've had several requests to show you how I add a liner to my hats. You asked for it!

Invisible Finish
Ever wonder what you can do to make your finished items just a little more professional and clean? This is one of those tricks. I'll show you how to remove that big ugly knot when you fasten off your work. (This is a tutorial I've had on my blog for a loooong time - new, updated photos coming soon!)

28 comments:

  1. SloanJanuary 28, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    This is a great concept, I will definitely give it a try!

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  2. LynneJanuary 28, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    can't wait to try this! Thanks for the tute and for the great pics!

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  3. deebrieseJanuary 29, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    Thank you! this is awesome! I would love to know what your making! beautiful

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  4. PlayinHookyJanuary 29, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    I'm so glad you like the tutorial! I hope it makes all your projects just a little better (b/c I know they're already awesome!). Neicee - Thank you! It's my Fishnet Beanie. The pattern is for sale on my "Buy Patterns" page!

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  5. Jeni BurnsJanuary 30, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    this works AMAZING!!! :D

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  6. AnonymousJune 15, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    That is clever. I will use this in my next pattern. I'm so happy for all your success. I have the ziggy pattern and you are so right - you can't make this hat bad.

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  7. Vashti BrahaAugust 4, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    This is a great blog post! It's just the kind of thing that I like to recommend in my Crochet Inspirations newsletters. I listed it in issue #24: http://eepurl.com/e7ajk

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  8. PlayinHookyAugust 5, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    Thank you!! :D

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  9. UnknownSeptember 23, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    thank you, thank you, thank you!!

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  10. Kristel T.M.October 27, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    Just used this on a granny square and it's awesome! Thank you so much for sharing!

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  11. Mami Made ItOctober 30, 2011 at 2:46 AM

    Fantastic! Thank you!

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  12. DarcieOctober 31, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    This is genius! (I saw it on Pinterest.) Thank you! I will be trying this today. ;)

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  13. VanessaDecember 8, 2011 at 9:27 PM

    When weaving in your loose ends, I still always have that last little bit that sticks out somewhere. I have tried getting fabric glue to make it stay down, but it gives for a rough inside finish :( any suggestions?

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  14. CoolLouDecember 17, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    Thank you,thank you thank you.I used your suggestion to finish off the remainder of my holiday gifts, only wished I had came across your tutorial at the beginning of my gift making.However,it is definitely better late than never!!Will keep this in my crochet arsenal. Again many thanks and do have a wonderful holiday.

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  15. Mimi8309December 23, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    Thanks. Where might I find the pattern for the hat in the above pictures? Love the pink and green!!!

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  16. PlayinHookyDecember 24, 2011 at 10:29 PM

    Mimi - Thank you! It's my Fishnet Beanie http://www.playinhookydesigns.com/collections/adults-patterns/products/fishnet-beanie-crochet-pattern

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  17. wig4uscJanuary 5, 2012 at 5:52 PM

    Can't wait to try, I HATE knots!

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  18. Southern GalJanuary 23, 2012 at 12:13 PM

    Love, love! Thanks for posting! :)

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  19. moonbeamJanuary 30, 2012 at 9:33 AM

    How fantastic! Thank you for sharing this! Knots are the worst :(

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  20. TeresaFebruary 4, 2012 at 7:39 PM

    this is a wonderful idea, thank you so much.

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  21. BeverlyJuly 6, 2012 at 2:42 PM

    There may not be a big ugly knot, but the problem with this method is there is NO knot at all. I've seen way too many times that no matter how long you leave the tail, over a period of time, these ends slip themselves out and the stitches unravel.

    My suggestion if you're using this method, is to weave in the tail half way, bring the yarn over top of the last yarn it was threaded under. From this point, weave the tail back up the same path it went down. This is a much more sure way of 'locking' the yarn. It's still not guaranteed, but it's more secure.

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  22. Rhonie KOctober 16, 2012 at 6:38 AM

    Thank you for the tip. Love your patterns. I've made your brain waves hat; your pattern was wonderful to follow.

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  23. pahwhiteOctober 24, 2012 at 5:31 PM

    Great tip! Love the hat.

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  24. GrandmaanneNovember 6, 2012 at 6:37 PM

    Thanks for the tip! It finishes my hats off so much better

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  25. UnknownDecember 6, 2012 at 4:48 PM

    LOVE IT!! Easy - and it looks so much better!!! Have always hated that ugly knot at the end of the project!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

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  26. UnknownDecember 8, 2012 at 4:18 AM

    I made the brain waves beanie and used this tip, I weaved it in several different directions to make it more secure. I love this pattern. I am going to make several more for my kids and gkids. Thanks so much for the pattern and tip....

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  27. Vanisha O.March 11, 2013 at 10:12 AM

    It's perfect! Thanks!

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