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Workshops

Single Crochet

This workshop will teach the basics of beginning crochet by introducing the single crochet stitch. An overview of types of yarn, types of hooks, and necessary tools needed to create most crochet projects will be touched on. Very basic techniques, such as how to hold the crochet hook and yarn will be introduced. Viewers will learn to create a potholder using basic techniques such as making a slip knot and a foundation chain, as well as creating a border and a loop for hanging the work. 

Example of a single crochet pot holder

Materials:

  • 1 skein all-cotton yarn, medium weight (4), any color
  • Size H/8 (5 mm) crochet hook
  • Tapestry needle for weaving in
  • Scissors

Abbreviations:

ch - chain

sc - single crochet

sl st - slip stitch
 

Pattern:

Ch 21

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and sc in each ch across (20 sc), turn. * (See note)

Row 2: sc in first sc from hook and sc in each sc across (20 sc), turn.

Row 3: repeat row 2 until you have a square.

If not adding a border, finish off.

Border (optional):

At end of last row, sc evenly down the side of square. 

Work 3 sc in corner stitch.

Holding tail from foundation chain in the back, work a sc in each foundation chain across bottom of square, catching loose tail as you go.

Work 3 sc in corner stitch and sc evenly up the next side of square.

If not adding loop for hanging, finish off. 

Loop for hanging (optional):

Ch 10

Sl st in same corner as ch 10, creating a loop.

Finish off.

Weave in all loose tails

*Note: Most patterns require a turning chain at the end of each row. This is absolutely necessary for stitches other than single crochets. However, I have found that the edges are neater with single crochet patterns if you forego the turning chain. 

The Moss Stitch

 

Crochet scarves are a great beginner crochet project to start with when you are first learning how to crochet. Since they are typically worked in rows and aren’t very large (like a blanket), they tend to go rather quickly.

For this scarf, we will be using the Moss Stitch, which is a simple “single crochet, chain one” repetitive pattern. This particular design uses different colored squares with three rows of white between each square, but you can use any color combination that you find pleasing. You can even do the entire scarf in a single color and not bother with color changing at all!

You can use any type of yarn you choose. Some yarn types are softer and fluffier than others, but basically you will need 4-medium worsted weight yarn. Red Heart yarn is one of the more popular brands, but any worsted weight yarn will work perfectly. 

The width of the scarf is up to you. The larger the square, the wider the scarf will be. I made my scarf extra wide with 6” squares, but a 4”-5” square will work just as nicely. I will be giving the directions for a 6” square to match mine, but will give directions where needed for a 4”-5” square in parentheses. Of course, if you are making the entire scarf with one color and not making squares, disregard any instructions for making squares and changing colors.

One of the most important points to remember when using the moss stitch is that the foundation chain must always be an even number!

Ok, let's get started!

Materials

Yarn: Any 4-medium worsted weight yarn will do. For this pattern I used one skein each:

Color A: Mainstays Purple

Color B: Mainstays Pink

Color C: Mainstays Yellow

Color D: Mainstays Teal

Color E: Red Heart Minty

Color F: Red Heart Persimmon

Color G: Red Heart Light Jasmine

Color H: Mainstays Green

Joining Color: Mainstays White

5.5 mm J crochet hook

Yarn or tapestry needle (for weaving in tails)

Scissors

Measuring tape or ruler

Crochet abbreviations

sc = single crochet

ch(s) = chain(s)

ch-1 sp = chain-1 space; the space formed where you crocheted one chain stitch in the previous row

rep = repeat

sk = skip

st = stitch

tch = turning chain

[ ] = repeat instructions within brackets as directed

Instructions

With Color A, make a slip knot on your hook and chain 30 (20).

Chain 2 extra for a turning chain (tch). You will ch 2 at the end of each row, 1 for the ch-1 space and one for the tch.

Row 1: Sc in the 4th ch from the hook, [ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch] fifteen times (10 times). 15 sc, 15 ch-1 sp (10 sc, 10 ch-1 sp). At the end of the row, ch 2, 1 for the ch-1 space and one for the tch.  Turn

Row 2 and each row following until you have a square (measure width and match height): [Sc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1] fifteen times (10 times). At the end of the row, ch 1 for tch (you should have chained 1 with the last sc). Turn

Changing colors: Once you have a square of the desired color A, change to joining color (I chose white). If you need help changing colors, see this link. With joining color,  rep row 2 three times for three rows of joining color.

Join Color B and create a second square exactly as the first, change to joining color for 3 rows, join with Color C and continue the entire pattern until the scarf is completed. I used the colors in the order listed above under materials, completed the square of green and went in reverse order for the second half of the scarf. Feel free to use any color scheme you like.

Finishing: Fasten off, leaving enough yarn for you to weave in your ends. Thread your tapestry needle using this end of yarn and weave it into the work so that it cannot be seen. Repeat with any other loose ends you may have hanging.

And there you have it! Your beautiful Moss Stitch scarf is ready to wear and enjoy.

Crochet scarves are a great beginner crochet project to start with when you are first learning how to crochet. Since they are typically worked in rows and aren’t very large (like a blanket), they tend to go rather quickly.

For this scarf, we will be using the Moss Stitch, which is a simple “single crochet, chain one” repetitive pattern. This particular design uses different colored squares with three rows of white between each square, but you can use any color combination that you find pleasing. You can even do the entire scarf in a single color and not bother with color changing at all!

You can use any type of yarn you choose. Some yarn types are softer and fluffier than others, but basically you will need 4-medium worsted weight yarn. Red Heart yarn is one of the more popular brands, but any worsted weight yarn will work perfectly. 

The width of the scarf is up to you. The larger the square, the wider the scarf will be. I made my scarf extra wide with 6” squares, but a 4”-5” square will work just as nicely. I will be giving the directions for a 6” square to match mine, but will give directions where needed for a 4”-5” square in parentheses. Of course, if you are making the entire scarf with one color and not making squares, disregard any instructions for making squares and changing colors.

One of the most important points to remember when using the moss stitch is that the foundation chain must always be an even number!

Ok, let's get started!

Materials

Yarn: Any 4-medium worsted weight yarn will do. For this pattern I used one skein each:

Color A: Mainstays Purple

Color B: Mainstays Pink

Color C: Mainstays Yellow

Color D: Mainstays Teal

Color E: Red Heart Minty

Color F: Red Heart Persimmon

Color G: Red Heart Light Jasmine

Color H: Mainstays Green

Joining Color: Mainstays White

5.5 mm J crochet hook

Yarn or tapestry needle (for weaving in tails)

Scissors

Measuring tape or ruler

Crochet abbreviations

sc = single crochet

ch(s) = chain(s)

ch-1 sp = chain-1 space; the space formed where you crocheted one chain stitch in the previous row

rep = repeat

sk = skip

st = stitch

tch = turning chain

[ ] = repeat instructions within brackets as directed

Instructions

With Color A, make a slip knot on your hook and chain 30 (20).

Chain 2 extra for a turning chain (tch). You will ch 2 at the end of each row, 1 for the ch-1 space and one for the tch.

Row 1: Sc in the 4th ch from the hook, [ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch] fifteen times (10 times). 15 sc, 15 ch-1 sp (10 sc, 10 ch-1 sp). At the end of the row, ch 2, 1 for the ch-1 space and one for the tch.  Turn

Row 2 and each row following until you have a square (measure width and match height): [Sc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1] fifteen times (10 times). At the end of the row, ch 1 for tch (you should have chained 1 with the last sc). Turn

Changing colors: Once you have a square of the desired color A, change to joining color (I chose white). If you need help changing colors, see this link. With joining color,  rep row 2 three times for three rows of joining color.

Join Color B and create a second square exactly as the first, change to joining color for 3 rows, join with Color C and continue the entire pattern until the scarf is completed. I used the colors in the order listed above under materials, completed the square of green and went in reverse order for the second half of the scarf. Feel free to use any color scheme you like.

Finishing: Fasten off, leaving enough yarn for you to weave in your ends. Thread your tapestry needle using this end of yarn and weave it into the work so that it cannot be seen. Repeat with any other loose ends you may have hanging.

And there you have it! Your beautiful Moss Stitch scarf is ready to wear and enjoy.