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Crochet Edgings for Beginners

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BiCrafty Bootcamp Beginner Crochet Lessons for Knitters: Lesson 5

Welcome back to BiCrafty Bootcamp: Beginner Crochet Lessons for Knitters. Did you enjoy your week off? Did you use it to make the crochet baby blanket pattern that we suggested for extra credit practice? If so, then your crochet muscle memory should be getting pretty good by now. Either way, you’re ready to put some stitch patterns you already know together with some new skills as we advance further with lesson five. You’ll learn how to crochet edgings for beginners. Additionally, you’ll begin to learn about working in the round. This week’s pattern is a bandana-style triangle shawl.

It’s not too late to join BiCrafty Bootcamp. Sign up free here.

Click Here to Join BiCrafty Bootcamp with Marly Bird

Skill-Building: Granny Stitch and Shell Stitch

In this week’s pattern, you’ll have the opportunity to continue working with some of the crochet stitches that you’ve already learned and learn a few new ones to add to your growing dictionary of stitches.

In this lesson, we will learn key tips for crochet edgings, how to read an edging chart and plan for the multiples, how to work the shell stitch crochet edging (which is ideal for beginners), moss stitch crochet edging, and

We’re going to create a granny stitch triangle shawl. Then we’re going to add crochet shell stitch edging to it. You learned these stitches in Lesson 3.

This pattern lets you practice what you’ve learned while adding new skills. Your comfort with the stitches themselves provides a solid platform for the skill-building part.

Crochet Edgings for Beginners

There are many, many, many crochet edgings out there for crocheters, and most are easy enough to apply to just about any item. The trick is understanding how it all works with the math and how it relates to your fabric.

Ideally, you’ll always have a pattern where the stitch count math has already been done for you by the designer. However, there are so many great crochet edgings for beginners, and you might want to choose a different one than the designer intended. Therefore, we have listed 11 key tips for adding crochet edgings to crochet below.

11 Key Tips for Adding Crochet Edgings to Crochet

When working edgings on crochet, there are some key points to consider:

  1. Working an edging is easier when you have a solid base of stitches to begin. For that reason, you will find that many patterns will have you begin with a row or round of single crochet or half double crochet evenly spaced out along the stitch edge or row edge. This is not absolutely necessary (as you will see in the project for this week), but it does make for an easier transition to the edging, and it also makes for a cleaner look. Note: You can crochet more than one row or round of these base stitches.
  2. Work the first row or round of base edging on an item in the main color for a cleaner look. This helps hide any unsightly stitches you might have along the fabric. It will also help hide any floats you might have along the edge when changing colors.
  3. These base edge rows or rounds should be made with the right side of the fabric facing.
  4. When working along the crochet stitch edge, it is necessary to work under both loops of the crochet stitch.
  5. When working along the crochet row edge, you can work around the post or tch of the first/last stitch of the row OR work into the post or tch like you do when working into a foundation chain. Choose what looks best for the piece you are crocheting.
  6. When working along the crochet row edge, it is necessary to space the stitches evenly as best you can to prevent the fabric from pulling in too much due to too few stitches or rippling because there are too many stitches. Use stitch markers to divide each side into sections or quadrants to help with this.
  7. General rule of thumb for stitch spacing ratio, 1 single crochet edge stitch for each single crochet row, 3 single crochet edge stitch worked around every 2 rows of double crochet. But remember, these rules are meant to be broken, and you should adjust them as necessary for the item you are making.
  8. When working around a corner, you must make room for the turn in the fabric by adding a stitch or chain at each corner. This is why you will often see corner stitches written as 3 stitches in a corner or (stitch, ch 1, stitch) in a corner.
  9. Remember to maintain the stitch count multiple when making stitch count adjustments to fit your fabric.
  10. Crochet edgings can be made flat in back-and-forth rows, in the round with joined rounds that do not turn, or in the round with joined rounds that turn. Make sure you know what is best for your project.
  11. Last but not least, a little tweak or fudge here and there to make an edging stitch count work for your fabric will blend right into the fabric. For example, if you are supposed to skip a stitch to make the stitch count work and for some reason you get to the end, and you have 1 extra stitch…then skip 2 stitches instead…or work a -2tog over the extra stitch and the one you are supposed to work into to close any possible hole and get to the right stitch count. DON’T STRESS TOO MUCH OVER THE SMALL STUFF!

Don’t be scared! You’ve actually already learned a little bit of this if you’ve been following along with all of the BiCrafty Bootcamp crochet lessons. Remember when we added the ties to both of our headbands? As part of that lesson, we showed you how to crochet evenly along the short edges. However, now you’ll have the opportunity to go in-depth with this important lesson in crochet edgings for beginners.

What About Working in the Round with Edgings?

As mentioned already, you can do edgings in rows or rounds. For this lesson, we will be focusing on rows. In lesson 6, we’ll work with motifs created in the round and, thus, crochet edging in the round. This week’s lesson teaches you what you need to know.

???? Do put a pin in that one for right now.

Crochet Edgings on Knitted Fabric

You read that correctly; adding crochet edgings to knit fabric is possible. Mostly, the tips for doing that are the same as for crocheters with a few specific changes because you are working into knit stitches and rows, not crochet.

12 Key Tips for Adding Crochet Edgings to Knitting

When working crochet edgings on knitting, there are some key points to consider:

  1. Working a crochet edging around knitted stockinette stitch helps prevent curling.
  2. Although it is possible to work the crochet edging stitch pattern directly into the knit stitches or knit rows, it is easier when you have a solid base of crochet stitches to work into first. For that reason, you will find that many patterns will have you begin with a row or round of single crochet or half double crochet evenly spaced out along the stitch edge or row edge. This is not absolutely necessary, but it does make for an easier transition to the edging, and it also makes for a cleaner look. Note: You can crochet more than one row or round of these base stitches.
  3. Work the first row or round of base edging on an item on the right side and in the main color for a cleaner look. This helps hide any unsightly stitches you might have along the fabric. It will also help hide any floats you might have along the edge when changing colors.
  4. When working along the knit bind off edge, work under both loops or legs of the V.
  5. Work into each cast on stitch when working along the knit cast on edge.
  6. Staying in one column of stitches is essential to keep a consistent distance from the edge when working along the knit row edge.
  7. When working along the knit row edge, evenly space the stitches as best you can to prevent the fabric from pulling in too much due to too few stitches or rippling because there are too many stitches. Use stitch markers to divide each side into sections or quadrants to help with this.
  8. A general rule of thumb for stitch spacing ratio: 2 sc for every 3 rows of knitting, or 3 sc for every 4 rows of knitting.  It is important to note that knitting is not square like single crochet; thus, it takes more rows of knitting per inch than it takes for crochet stitches per inch. Therefore, you will do fewer crochet stitches when working along rows of knitting. But the overall takeaway is this: do what works best for your fabric. These rules are meant to be broken. And remember, crochet is easy to rip out and start over if you don’t like the spacing.
  9. When working around a corner, you must make room for the turn in the fabric by adding a stitch or chain at each corner. This is why you will often see corner stitches written as 3 stitches in a corner or (stitch, ch 1, stitch) in a corner. Think of this like what you do when you work the center point on a knit shawl. It has to have the increase to allow the fabric to lay flat and not cup.
  10. Remember to maintain the stitch count multiple when making stitch count adjustments to fit your fabric.
  11. Crochet edgings can be made flat in back-and-forth rows, in the round with joined rounds that do not turn, or in the round with joined rounds that turn. Make sure you know what is best for your project.
  12. Last but not least, a little tweak or fudge here and there to make an edging stitch count work for your fabric will blend right into the fabric. For example, if you are supposed to skip a stitch to make the stitch count work and for some reason you get to the end, and you have 1 extra stitch…then skip 2 stitches instead…or work a -2tog over the extra stitch and the one you are supposed to work into to close any possible hole and get to the right stitch count. DON’T STRESS TOO MUCH OVER THE SMALL STUFF!

Must-Have Crochet Edgings for Beginners Books

Most of you are knitters and understand the importance of filling your library with great instructional books like ✅ Elizabeth Zimmermann’s “The Knitter’s Almanac“, ✅ Ann Budd’s collection of books “The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns”, “The Knitter’s Handy Book of Top Down Sweater”, “The Knitter’s Handy Book of Sweaters”, and ✅ Clara Parks’ “Knitter’s Book of Yarn”, “Knitter’s Book of Wool”, “Knitter’s Book of Socks” (I have a pattern in the sock book).

Well, in crochet, there are those must-have books as well. Since we are focusing on crochet edgings this week, I feel as if I absolutely MUST tell you about my favorite edging books. And when I tell you I love these, I am not lying. I own 2 copies of each one in hardback, and I have a Kindle version of all of them. They are my go-to edging books!

All these books are by the amazing Edie Eckman. ✅ Crochet Borders ✅ Every Which Way Crochet Borders. You can not go wrong with ANY of Edie’s books, so take a look and begin to stock your crochet library.

Other Things We’ll Learn and Practice This Week

Here are some of the other things we’ll go over as we work on this week’s pattern and our lesson on crochet edgings for beginners:

  • Continue reading charts as well as written patterns. Keep building both skills.
  • Joining yarn for edging with slip stitch, standing stitch (or chainless stitch), and stacked stitches. Let’s get clear on the difference and when to use each. Remember we learned stacked double crochet in Lesson 4.
  • Working with new yarn. This week, we’re working with Chroma Worsted yarn, which means we’re working with a roving type wool. To date, we’ve only worked with cotton unless you did last week’s extra credit project, which was acrylic yarn. What are some things to consider when working with a yarn like this?

When possible, we have provided affiliate links for items. Using these links does not cost you anything more, but it does let the company know you came there from us, and we get a portion of the sale.

????TIP: If you haven’t bought the yarn you need for the next few lessons yet, check out the WeCrochet / KnitPicks sale for I Love Yarn Day. They have 20% off all yarn October 7 – 11, 2021.????

LESSON 5: BEGINNER BANDANA-STYLE TRIANGLE SHAWL

Designed by Marly Bird

SKILL LEVEL

Adventurous Beginner

MEASUREMENTS

Finished Measurements

Completely Customizable 

Gauge 

4 st pattern repeats (ch 1, dc) and 7 rows = 4” [10 cm]; use any size hook to obtain the gauge. 

MATERIALS

Yarn 

WeCrochet Chroma  (70% Superwash Wool, 30% Nylon, 198 yds / 100 g, CYCA 4, worsted) 

#28050, Pixie, 2 balls (sample color)

Hook

Size H (5 mm) or any size hook to obtain the gauge. (WeCrochet Hook, TooShay Crochet Hook)

Notions 

Locking stitch markers from WeCrochet (optional), Chenille and tapestry needles for weaving in ends

ABBREVIATIONS

Ch – Chain(s) 

Dc – Double Crochet 

RS – Right Side 

Sc – Single Crochet

Sp(s) – Space(s) 

St(s) – Stitch(es) 

Tc – Treble Crochet

Tch – Turning Chain

WS – Wrong Side

DIAGRAM

crochet diagram for the bandana-style triangle shawl by Marly Bird -- uses granny square stitches and shells for the crochet edgings for beginners.

NOTES

  • The bandana-style triangle shawl begins with a ring but is not made in the round. 
  • When changing to new balls of yarn, start where you left off to continue the color flow.
  • This shawl size is completely customizable. Make it as large as you want; just be aware of how much yarn you have available. 

VIDEO TUTORIAL

  • Coming Soon

BEGINNER BANDANA-STYLE TRIANGLE SHAWL PATTERN

SHAWL BODY

Chain 4, sl st into first chain to form a ring, turn.

Row 1 (WS): Ch 5 (counts as tc, ch 1 now and throughout), (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 1,tc) into ring, turn. 

Row 2 (RS): Ch 5, 3 dc in first ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in ch-3 space, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, tc in 4th ch of tch, turn. 

Row 3 (WS): Ch 5, 3 dc in first ch-1 sp, * ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp; repeat from * to center ch-3 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in ch-3 sp, ** ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp; repeat from ** to last ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in last ch-1 sp, ch 1, tc in 4th ch of tch, turn. 

Row 4 (RS): Ch 5, 3 dc in first ch-1 sp, * ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp; repeat from * to center ch-3 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in ch-3 sp, ** ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp; repeat from ** to last ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in last ch-1 sp, ch 1, tc in 4th ch of tch, turn.  

Repeat rows 3 and 4 to desired size or until about 1 ⅓ of the yarn has been used, ending after a row 3.

BORDER

Row 1 (RS): Ch 1, sc in tc, skip first ch-1 sp, * ch 1, 7 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp; repeat from * to center ch-3 sp, ch 1, 11 dc in ch-3 sp, ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp, ** ch 1, 7 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp; repeat from ** to end placing the last sc in 4th ch of tch. Fasten off. 

FINISHING

Fasten off. Weave in all ends. 

Lesson 5 Video Instruction

Great Patterns and Classes from My Friends!

The Classic Colorwork Collection - Fair Isle, Corner to Corner, Mosaic crochet hats. Three images with each of the hat patterns demonstrated.

Three of my friends have collaborated together on an amazing e-book! These hats are the perfect addition to any pattern collection and accessory closet.

The patterns come with video tutorials, and I tell you this honestly. These three women are very good at teaching, and I know you can work on these projects with their help.

If you are looking for something unique and fun, be sure to check these out before they are gone.

Additional Videos and Patterns You Might Like:

You might also consider purchasing a book like The New Crochet Stitch Dictionary. This has many different stitch techniques, including crochet edgings for beginners and advanced crocheters. It’s a terrific resource.

How to Front Post Double Crochet (And More About Crochet Post Stitches)

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Once you have learned how to work basic crochet stitches, there are so many different things that you can do with them. For example, you can learn how to crochet in the front loop or back loop of a stitch, rather than working through both stitches. And, if you want to really change up the texture of a piece, you can also learn how to crochet post stitches. In other words, you crochet around the stitch from the row below rather than working into the top of the stitch. Front post double crochet is one of the most popular choices for post stitches.

fpdc tutorial

What Are Crochet Post Stitches?

As aforementioned, crochet post stitches are worked around the stitch from the row below. Usually, you work into the loops at the top of the stitch, right? Or sometimes you crochet into spaces. However, you can also crochet around the stitch from the row below.

Front post double crochet is popular because the double crochet stitch is tall enough to easily find and work around the stitch. You can work single crochet post stitches, too, but it’s harder to figure out exactly where to insert the hook. The height of the double crochet makes it much easier.

Front and Back Post Stitches

Just like you can work into the front loop or back loop of the top of stitch, you can work front or back post stitches. The difference is in where and how you insert the hook.

In front post crochet stitches, you’ll insert the hook from the front of the stitch to the back and then back to the front. In contrast, back post stitches require inserting the hook from the back to the front of the post first, then going back to the back of the post. The videos below will make all of this clearer.

How to Create Texture With Crochet Post Stitches

Post stitches add texture to your work by pushing the stitch either forward or backward. Alternating front and back post stitches is a great way to create crochet ribbing. This can be used to get the right fit on hat brims or glove cuffs, for example.

You can also use a combination of front and back post stitches in groupings to do basketweave crochet. Moreover, crochet cables are usually made with post stitches. Therefore, learning these techniques opens up a lot of opportunities for you to turn basic crochet stitches into something special.

How to Front Post Double Crochet

Front post double crochet is easier than you might think. All that you’re doing is working a regular double crochet stitch. However, you’re working it around the post of the stitch below it. The post is the vertical body of the stitch.

For front post double crochet, abbreviated FPDC, you will:

  • Yarn over.
  • Insert the hook from the front of the work to the back. Then you’ll bring it back through to the front on the other side of the stitch.
  • Then you’ll complete your double crochet stitch.

Here’s the video instruction:

How to Back Post Double Crochet

Oftentimes, if you’re working front post double crochet, then you’re also going to want to learn back post double crochet. As aforementioned, you can combine the two to create ribbing, basketweave, and other textures. Here’s how to back post double crochet:

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8 Ways to Celebrate I Love Yarn Day

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I Love Yarn Day is the second Saturday of October every year. Therefore, it’s coming up on October 9, 2021. If you aren’t entirely sure what this holiday is, or how to celebrate it, then this post is for you. And even if you already know all about I Love Yarn Day, here are some extra thoughts about what to do to share your love of yarn with others.

Note: This post includes affiliate links. I receive a percentage of sales from those links. Your price doesn’t increase. You still get the best sales deal! Thanks for the support.

yarn day 2021

What Is I Love Yarn Day?

The Craft Yarn Council created this holiday in 2010 as a way to celebrate all yarn crafts. It’s hard to believe that this is already the eleventh year of this annual event.

You know that I’m all about being BiCrafty. As both a knitter and crocheter, I love bringing the community together. Whether you do one craft or both, this is something that we can all celebrate together. After all, I Love Yarn Day celebrates the joy of yarn regardless of how you work with it.

8 Ways to Celebrate I Love Yarn Day

Anything that you do or share related to yarn celebrates this international holiday. In particular, it’s just a way to announce to the world that fiber has made your life better in small or big ways. However, there are certain things that you can do to more fully celebrate this holiday. If yarn makes you feel good, then make your weekend better than usual with one (or more) of the following options:

1. Buy Yarn

wecrochet yarn sale for I love yarn Day

If you want an excuse to buy yarn, then this holiday provides a great excuse. And it’s not just because we’re all celebrating yarn. It’s also because there are some great sales in honor of I Love Yarn Day. For example, both KnitPicks and WeCrochet offer 20% off yarn in honor of the celebration. This sale begins October 7, 2021. It ends at midnight on October 11, 2021. During the sale, both sites have 20% off all yarn using promo code ILOVEYARN.

2. Share How Yarn Helps You

The Craft Yarn Council has done a great job over the years of raising awareness about the health benefits of crochet and knitting. In particularly, they’ve emphasized how yarn crafts help relieved stress. In fact, one year, the entire theme of the event was “Stitch Away Stress.” Yarn helps.

“Research we conducted in April at the height of the pandemic shows that 84% of fiber artists are currently creating with yarn to relieve stress.” – Jenny Bessonette, executive director of the Craft Yarn Council

Have you used yarn to relieve stress? Has it helped you in other ways? Knitting and crochet have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even physical pain. Share in the comments on this post how yarn has helped you! Let others know how yarn has helped you by posting about it on your own blog, on social media, or just mentioning it in conversation with a friend. Hashtags #craftastherapy #crochetismytherapy and #knittingistherapy are great places to find similar posts on social media.

Alternatively, do some research into the health benefits of yarn. Or take an hour to yourself to de-stress with yarn. That’s a smart way to celebrate I Love Yarn Day!

3. Share #ILoveYarnDay on Social Media

Use the “#ILoveYarnDay hashtag on Facebook, Instagram, or your other favorite social media site. Share your works in progress, finished pieces, your favorite ever make, or just a photo of your yarn stash. Don’t forget to browse what other people are sharing with the tag. This is a great way to draw attention to the wonders of yarn. Plus, even just browsing the images can feel relaxing!

BONUS: MAKE YOURSELF A YARN SCREENSAVER OVER ON MY INSTAGRAM.

Go to @themarlybird. Underneath my bio, you’ll see my saved highlights. The first one is “wallpapers.” All of those are images from my yarn stash. Screenshot one or more to add to your phone. Let it delight you!

4. Try a New Knit or Crochet Pattern

Set aside some time this weekend to make something with yarn. After all, isn’t that what loving yarn is all about? Try a new technique. Or try a new pattern.

In fact, consider joining BiCrafty Bootcamp Crochet Edition. It’s not too late to join. And we’re making lots of fun crochet patterns together. The group just worked on my new double-stranded baby blanket crochet pattern.

Of course, I also have hundreds of other knit and crochet patterns for you to choose from, including many that are free patterns. If you haven’t finished crocheting for Halloween, yet, then check out our roundup of 150+ Halloween knit and crochet patterns. Also, remember that October is breast cancer awareness month, so you might want to check out these 21 free knit and crochet breast cancer patterns, which include my free knit chemo cap pattern. Or, if you’re ahead of the game and getting ready for the holidays, you might want to start this weekend with my free crochet granny square stocking pattern.

5. Take a Yarn Class!

Knit and crochet classes are a great way to learn new things, make something fun, and connect with other people in the community. There are online and in person yarn classes. And there are some classes you can do at your own pace. For example, check out the latest deals on Creativebug online craft class memberships.

6. Teach Someone Else to Knit or Crochet

I Love Yarn Day is all about spreading the love of yarn. What better way to do that than to teach a yarn craft to someone who doesn’t know how to knit or crochet yet? If you only do one of those crafts, perhaps you’ll want to trade lessons with someone who knows the other craft.

Or schedule some time, in person or online, to pass along your love of the craft to the next generation. Many of us learned to knit or crochet from a mother, grandmother, or aunt. Even if we didn’t stick with it at the time, that memory lingered and we came back to yarn later. Sharing that is special.

7. Check Out Craft Giveaways

There are usually a variety of sites offering craft giveaways for I Love Yarn Day. For example, check out this year’s Interweave Giveaway. My friend Tamara of Moogly blog always has some good giveaways going on as well. Check her blog for the latest ones.

8. Knit or Crochet Something for Charity

Crafting for others is such a great way to spread the love of yarn. It’s also good for you. When we do something to help others, it warms our own hearts. The Craft Yarn Council supports Warm Up America as their charity of choice for I Love Yarn Day. However, you can also choose the cause you most care about and donate locally or globally. Alternatively, knit or crochet a gift for someone that you know is need.

What are you going to do to celebrate I Love Yarn Day? What is the number one reason that you love yarn? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Read More:

21 Free Breast Cancer Patterns to Knit and Crochet

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so we’d like to highlight some free breast cancer patterns to knit and crochet. Unfortunately, it’s common for cancer patients to lose their hair from treatment. And they often have to spend long hours in cold hospitals. So we’ve gathered 21 FREE Yarnspirations and Marly Bird knit and crochet patterns for hats, scarves, cowls, and shawls. You can make these for cancer patients, whether your family, friends or in your community.

Of course, they’re in pink, the traditional awareness color for breast cancer. But you can easily make them in another color for a different cancer awareness or the recipient’s favorite color.

Free breast cancer patterns to knit and crochet - 5 patterns shown: 2 caps, shawl, cowl, and scarf.

10 Free Crochet Patterns for Breast Cancer Patients

These 10 free crochet patterns include five different chemo cap patterns, a warm shawl, three scarf patterns, and two cowls.

With Hope Scarf Free Crochet Pattern

11 Free Knit Patterns for Breast Cancer Patients

These 11 free knitting patterns include 5 chemo caps, three shawls to wrap someone in love, a scarf, a cowl, and cozy wristers to keep hands warm.

Soft and Cozy Knit Hat Free Knitting Pattern

Many of the above patterns are simple, but some are a little more complex. But worked in soft yarn we know they’ll be well-received.

We hope you’ll use these breast cancer patterns to knit and crochet to bless someone going through a difficult time.

Also on the Blog

6 Free Racoon Patterns to Crochet

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Raccoons are a common sight across much of North America! These little animals, often affectionately referred to as bandits or trash pandas due to their coloring, can be celebrated with these free crochet patterns!

6 Free Racoon Patterns to Crochet

Racoon Hat

Little kids will be so cute in this hat!

Download the free Racoon Hat crochet pattern

Raccoon Hat Free Crochet Pattern

Racoon Lovey

This little lovey is a great friend for a little one!

Download the free Raccoon Lovey crochet pattern

Raccoon Lovey Free Crochet Pattern

Raccoon Ornament

This raccoon with colorful mittens works as an ornament or just a small toy!

Download the free Raccoon Ornament crochet pattern

Raccoon Ornament Free Crochet Pattern

Rocky Raccoon

This raccoon is 22″ tall — plenty big for everyone to play with!

Download the free Rocky Raccoon crochet pattern

Rocky Raccoon Free Crochet Pattern

Racy Raccoon Ornament

Colorful yarn makes this raccoon stand out!

Download the free Racy Raccoon Ornament crochet pattern

Racy Raccoon Ornament Free Crochet Pattern

Lil’ Bandit Blanket

Wrap toddlers in this hooded blanket for extra coziness!

Download the free Lil’ Bandit Blanket crochet pattern

Lil' Bandit Blanket Free Crochet Pattern

Also on the Blog

Double-Stranded Crochet Blanket Free Pattern

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(Extra Credit for BiCrafty Bootcamp: Crochet Lessons for Knitters)

Hi BiCrafty Bootcamp Crocheters! We are giving you a break this week from learning something new in crochet. After all, you’ve really been soaking up a whole lot of information over the past few weeks. So, we’re skipping the live video. But we don’t want to leave you without a project. So we’re sharing a single double double-stranded crochet blanket free pattern for you to work on this week as extra credit. It will help you practice your basic crochet skills, build your muscle memory, and start something new.

BiCrafty Bootcamp Lessons to Date

Here’s where you can find what we’ve done in BiCrafty Bootcamp so far. This includes links to each of the four lessons we’ve completed. Each lesson has links at the bottom for extra suggested projects you might like. The main post and individual posts also have a live video tutorial for each section. There’s already a lot of info here, and we’re only one month into this terrific crochet bootcamp.

It’s not too late to join BiCrafty Bootcamp. Sign up free here.

Click Here to Join BiCrafty Bootcamp with Marly Bird

What is Single Double Crochet?

You’ve heard me mention single double crochet stitch before. It’s one of my favorite stitch patterns. Single double crochet stitch simply means, as the name suggests, that you alternate single crochet stitches and double crochet stitches across the row. You work single crochet into double crochet from the row below and vice versa. You might also have heard this called seed stitch, griddle stitch, lemon peel stitch, or another name. Crochet stitch names aren’t consistent across different designers and eras. But the design is a beautiful texture, no matter what you call it. We call it single double combination crochet stitch.

Learn how to crochet this stitch right here.

What is Double-Stranded Crochet?

This is a double-stranded crochet blanket pattern. That sounds like something complicated. Doesn’t it? It’s not at all. It simply means holding two strands of yarn together while you work. We’re going to use a worsted weight yarn. So you’ll make this double-stranded crochet blanket by holding two strands of worsted weight yarn together. Since this makes a thicker, bulkier yarn than a single strand, you’ll work with a larger crochet hook. Other than that, though, you’re doing the same thing that you’ve already learned how to do as a crocheter. Nothing new here. Just practice and build muscle memory.

Materials for Double-Stranded Crochet Blanket Free Pattern

Hopefully, you already did your shopping with your handy BiCrafty Bootcamp Yarn List. This list covers what you need for the next five lessons, too.

Yarn: 4 balls of Red Heart Ombre Super Saver – 2 balls in color A, 2 balls in color B (colors of your choosing)

Hook: 1 Size K (6.5 mm) crochet hook OR 1 size L (8 mm) crochet hook (WeCrochet Hook, TooShay Crochet Hook)

Notions: Locking stitch markers from WeCrochet, Chenille, and tapestry needles for weaving in ends

Double-Stranded Crochet Blanket Free Pattern

This is my go-to crochet baby shower blanket pattern. If I need a quick gift to whip up, I grab two colors of ombre yarn and make this fun blanket.

It keeps me interested while I crochet because it is exciting to see the colors meld and flow into one another as I crochet.

Plus, because I hold the yarn double, it works up double quick! I have been known to make a blanket like this in one day. Mind you, I was sitting all day and only working on the blanket, but I did it 🙂

Now you can make your fun Go To Crochet Baby Shower Blanket.

>>The pattern can be found here <<

or click the image below.

Click here for a Double-Stranded Crochet Blanket Pattern - Baby Shower Blanket - Marly Bird

Video Tutorial For Single Double Crochet Stitch Pattern and Working Double-Stranded

Here’s the promised video! Click on the image below to see how to work this simple crochet stitch with two strands of yarn. You’ll have a baby gift in no time!

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