Crochet: How much yarn do I need?

Whenever I'm getting ready to start a new project, I always get stuck determining how many yards of yarn I need. Making hats and other small projects is usually no problem. I grab one or two skeins and head to the checkout. But larger projects, like blankets, I'm stumped. So I play the guessing game and hope I get lucky. So far, I have.

If you're working from a pattern, it's a little easier. Usually, the pattern will tell you precisely how many balls of yarn you need.

Number of skeins called for in the pattern × yards per skein = total yards needed

But if you are designing your own pattern, or using different yarn than suggested, it can get tricky. After some internet searching, I came across a helpful chart from Lion Brand. Using the chart, I was able to make an educated guess at the amount of yarn I'll need. It's definitely better than guessing!

I also came across a couple of mobile apps that may make future yarn shopping easier.


1. Crochet Handy - iOS - $.99
This app helps you quickly determine how much yarn you need for your next crochet project.

This seems like a great tool, though possibly missing out on some features, such as, hook size and a limited project list. Alas, I'm an Android user and this app is only available on iOS, so I haven't tried it. If anyone tries it out, let me know how it works for you. And please, someone make something similar for Android users!


2. Yarn Shopper - Android - FREE
This app helps you see how many skeins of yarn you'll need and how much you'll pay for your project. It has a built-in list of top yarns in each weight category, but lets you add and edit your own yarn descriptions as well.

This app makes shopping around for yarn so much easier! Though it may not be great for helping me determine yardage, it does help me keep yarn and prices organized. Hopefully, the developers will keep adding new features. I'd love to see a barcode scanner and a place to add an image.

If any of you have tried and true ways of determining how much yarn you need for a project, please share! I'd love to continue taking the guess work out or yarn buying.

Crochet: The Magic Ring Tutorial

The Magic Ring has changed the way I crochet. I hated that little unsightly hole left in the center when crocheting in the round. I didn't want a hole in the top of my hats. No matter how tightly I started off my chain, I could never fully close that darn circle.

Sure, there are times when having an open hole may be desirable, for instance, when making granny squares, flowers, and other motifs. But I really wanted a way to control the opening. Then I found the adjustable ring. Possibly, my favorite crochet technique ever. Warning: Once you try it, you may never go back to the other methods.

Magic Ring Tutorial

I'll be demonstrating using double crochet and will assume you know how to chain, slip stitch, and double crochet.

Step 1: Begin by making a loop, putting the tail of your yarn behind your working yarn. Leave at least a three-inch tail. As you become familiar with this method, you'll be able to leave a shorter tail if desired.

Step 2: Hold your strands where they overlap and insert your hook from front to back through the ring. Pull up one loop on your hook.

Step 3: Ch 3 (*counts as dc; see Note)

Step 4: Find a comfortable way to hold your ring as you begin to work dcs. Dc into the ring. Make certain to crochet over the tail as you go. Continue working as many dcs as needed for your pattern.

Step 5: Pull the tail to draw the ring closed. If your tail has looped around a few times, untwist it before pulling tight.

Step 6: Slst into your first dc when finished to begin next round. How tightly you draw your ring closed is up to you and the desired effect you hope to achieve.

*Note: Often, I do not count the ch 3 as a stitch when double crocheting. It mostly depends on the type and thickness of yarn I'm using. Thick and chunky yarns, I count ch 3 as a stitch. Thin yarns, I do not count ch 3 as a stitch. Use your own judgement as to what looks the best for your project.

I hope you enjoy this technique as much as I do! Please feel free to contact me at nakesha@beansproutboutique.com with any questions or clarifications. Happy hooking. :)

Crochet: Tips for Writing Good Patterns

I've finally decided to take the plunge and turn my scribbles and notes into actual crochet patterns that someone besides myself could understand. The first step was determining which hat pattern I wanted to write out. After all, some of the hats I've made are from other people's patterns. And others, well, maybe no one would want to make. So I narrowed it down and chose the Aviator Hat. It's cute and popular and fairly easy for a beginner.

Getting started was a little intimidating. Luckily, I take really good notes and already had this pattern pretty well worked out. After looking at some of the patterns I've purchased and found easy to use, I found some common trends. I decided to piece together the things I liked to make my own template. Below are the top ten things I found to be important to include in a crochet pattern.

1. Include the name of the pattern, your name, and your web address.
Once a customer downloads your pattern, you want to make sure they know where they purchased it and can find you again in the future.

2. Include a photo of the finished product.
I love to open a pattern and see a large image of the item. Not only is it a quick reference, but it inspires me to want to make the project.

3. Have a copyright notice for your protection. 
Decide whether customers will be permitted to sell items made from the pattern. Here is my copyright notice: © Copyright Notice: You have permission to sell the finished product for this pattern. If you sell the finished hats online, I would love if you would include a link to my pattern at www.beansproutboutique.com. The pattern and the images are copyright protected. Rewriting, reselling, distributing, or copying the pattern or using the images to sell your finished items is prohibited. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. © Copyright 2013 Bean Sprout Boutique

4. List the sizes included in the pattern. 
If you are creating clothing items or items that may have different sizes, decide if you will you offer one size or patterns for several.

5. Have a materials list. 
Be sure to include hook sizes, the weight and brand of yarn, and any other notions you may need to complete the final look of the project.

6. Terms or Abbreviations
Having a terms or abbreviations list can be very helpful, especially for a beginning crocheter. Using yarn industry standard terms is important. The Craft Yarn Council has a list of standard terms if you need a reference.

7. Include your gauge. 
For some items, size may not matter. However, if your pattern is for a clothing item, gauge is important! Checking the gauge will let the pattern reader know if he or she will need to use a larger or smaller hook to obtain the correct finished size.

8. Pattern notes 
If your pattern has special instructions regarding the stitches, pattern notes may help clarify.

9. Pattern instructions 
How you write your pattern is very important. Begin with Round or Row, depending on the project. Make sure to use the abbreviations, terms, and symbols to save space and make the pattern easier to read. And include a stitch count at the end of each Round or Row. You may also want to include photos during various steps of the project.

10. Include a stitch guide. 
Stitch guides are written instructions for how to complete each stitch. Including this in the pattern will help alleviate the need for the pattern reader to search for tutorials on how to complete the stitch.