Ever wonder why certain crochet stitches are better for some patterns and not others? Does using a particular stitch really make a difference in the finished product? Even if you are not a crocheter, having a little bit of stitch knowledge can help you pick the best quality product. This year I want to find new stitches I haven't used yet. Come along with me as I explore new and fancy stitches and what projects they are best used for. What a mouth full! Besides being quite a mouth full to say the Wide Half Double Crochet Cluster Stitch (WHDC) The Half Double Crochet Cluster Stitch creates a dense but delicate looking fabric and seems to pair well geometric shapes, hats, blankets, or baby sweaters. Below are the written instructions and a video by Daisy Farm Crafts. I really like her style and think she makes great instructional videos. Written Instructions: YO, insert your hook in between stitch posts of previous row, YO and pull up a loop, YO, insert your hook into same space, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through all five loops on hook CHAIN Any number ROW 1 Starting in the 3rd chain from the hook, *YO, insert your hook, YO and pull up a loop. YO, insert your hook into same space, YO and pull up a loop. YO and pull through all five loops on hook. Repeat from * in each chain to end of row. CH 2 and turn. ROW 2 Starting in the space between the 1st and 2nd stitch, *YO, insert your hook, YO and pull up a loop. YO, insert your hook into same space, YO and pull up a loop. YO and pull through all five loops on hook. Repeat from * in each space between stitch posts of previous row, ending with the last stitch in between the final stitch post and the turning chain. CH 2 and turn. REPEAT ROW 2 Video Instructions More stitch worthy ideas for WHDC #bloggingthemoonCM #stitchofthemonth #whdcstitch Check out The Crocheted Moons Fall/Winter Selection!

Below you will find unique creations and patterns I have designed exclusively for my customers. I go into the "hows" and "whys" you won't find them anywhere else. New and ready to go! You've heard me talk about this problem several times....discontinued yarn! But that is only half the problem...yarn stretches when weighted down, there was no pockets, the strap was too long, and the bag itself was too bulky :( What is a designer to do? The answer, keep trying my friends, keep trying. I have tested several different bag styles along with several different materials to make it more durable, but still cute and fashionable and eureka! We want to see! First, I started with the name of the bag. I thought Grandma's Roses would be an enduring sentiment to the past, but a bag like this needs a fresh, updated name like, ROSE GARDEN HANDBAG. I then chose a new silky, thread like yarn for the flower petals, a beautiful medium green yarn that accentuates the color of the flowers, and chose to stay with the great linen color for the overall bag. That's not all folks, I have also made the squares smaller (which makes the bag a wonderful medium sized purse), added a canvas lining with pockets, & at the behest of my daughter, gave the bag a leather strap instead of a crocheted one. The canvas lining and the leather strap will help tremendously with the yarn stretching out of shape. One last detail, I adorned the bag with a large wooden button for the closure, so no more pulling on your bag (and stretching further out shape) to fasten it closed. I didn't change everything though, the bottom of the bag is still made with a marled mocha color that hides the dirt and stains purses can attract as we toss them around and set them down in somewhat questionable places. #bloggingthemoonCM #CMexclusivedesgin #revisedrosehandbag Rose petal colors: Yarn for leaf motif: Bag color: Bag Straps: Get your new and improved Rose Garden Handbag here: As a whole, this bag looks beautiful, is more durable, and has a wide range of uses. It is with great excitement that I share with you the new and improved version!

In need of a good DYI project or want to brush up on you crochet knowledge, well my dears, you have come to the right place. The 3 little pigs...I mean stitches... There are three main stitches in crochet, and the rest are variations of them. Starting with the smallest stitch, you have Single Crochet (SC), Half Double Crochet (HDC), and Double Crochet (DC), which each increases in size and length to give your project a different design, thickness, and height. Throughout the rest of the blog, we will go over each stitch in detail so that by the end, you'll hopefully feel like an expert ;) **JUST A LITTLE TIP....while you are learning the names of the stitches and reading your crochet patterns, keep in mind the language it is written in. What!?...you say...the pattern already looked as if ancient aliens wrote it...well not to fret. Imagine you find a vintage crochet pattern for an awesome bag. Despite following the pattern, stitch by stitch, the resulting bag is off. What went wrong? Surprise! The pattern you were working from was written in British crochet terms. This happens more now than it did before because of the Internet, which provides access to crochet patterns from around the world. Understanding how the two styles of pattern writing matches-up can save you from future headaches. While chain stitch, is a chain stitch and a slip stitch, is a slip stitch, these are the terms that differ: Most people will list on their patterns if it's English or British terminology, but if it's not read through the pattern and see if you're familiar with the rest of the lingo, like gauge (English) or tension (British). If there's several other terms you don't understand it's a good indication it's written with British terminology or you can also "Google" the terms you don't know. Single Crochet Stitch Single crochet is the shortest and most basic of all stitches. It requires less yarn to make each stitch, but can take more yarn to do the pattern since the stitches are small and compact. Here is a picture of what the stitch looks like and below is a video posted by Crochet Guru in 2013. It's a great step by step of how to do the single. Half Double Crochet Stitch The half double crochet stitch is taller than a single crochet stitch, and shorter than double crochet stitch. You make the half double similar to how you make the single, with just an extra yarn-over (when you wrap the yarn around the hook) at the beginning. Half double crochet makes a solid piece of fabric without large holes. To the right is a picture of how the half double crochet looks and an instructional video by Crochet Guru posted in 2013 that will guide you through all the steps of making the half double. Double Crochet Stitch Double crochet stitches are basic crochet stitches that create an open, tall fabric and regardless of the project you are crocheting, this classic stitch will be your go-to stitch time and time again. Once again to the right is picture showing what a double looks like and below that is a video again by Crochet Guru showing the steps on how to complete the stitch. Keep Practicing! Now that you have learned 3 of the must-know-stitches your arsenal of creativity is armed and ready! The main thing to remember is that practice makes perfect. #bloggingthemoonCM #knowyourcrochet #threebasicstitches

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In need of a good DYI project or want to brush up on you crochet knowledge, well my dears, you have come to the right place. 1..2..3..to start There are 3 easy steps to creating what's called "the starting chain" or "foundation chain" or "base chain". So whatever the lingo, almost all crochet starts with a starting chain which is a series of loops that begins with a slip knot and once it's made, it is a long, straight piece that looks similar to a metal chain. You then work the first row of other stitches into the chain to start making your crochet fabric. Throughout the rest of the blog we'll go over the 3 steps that are the gateway to your creativity. First and Foremost, the Slip Knot Making a slip knot is the No. 1 step in many crochet projects. A slip knot is a type of knot that you use to attach the yarn to the crochet hook so that you can begin making your chains. You begin by making your loop (pic 1), slip the hook underneath the yarn that is connected to your yarn ball and bring the end of your hook around so the yarn is wrapped around it (pic 2), pull the yarn through the loop on your hook (pic 3), it now looks like a loose knot and all you need to do is pull it tight so the loop is the same size as the shaft of your hook (pic 4). Until you start your chain you can keep adjusting the size of the knot by either pulling up on the loop or down on the strand of yarn attached to your yarn ball. Coming in Second... Is yarn placement! Before we discuss yarn placement, here is some quick terminology: Working Yarn = the yarn that is attached to your yarn ball. It is the strand you use to crochet with; Tension = how tight or loose you hold your working strand of yarn. In your dominant hand you will hold the hook and in your other hand you hold the working strand and how you hold your working strand determines how tight or loose your tension is. Tension determines how your stitches look. If you hold your yarn too tight your stitches will be small and tight, they can pull and pucker your project, and it makes it hard to crochet the next row, but if your tension is too loose your stitches will be too big, your piece will not hold shape, you can't get the correct measurements, and the overall appearance of the project can look sloppy. Tension is not a hard skill to learn, it's just a skill that takes practice and finding the best way to hold your yarn. In the above pic are 4 different styles of holding your working strand. I hold my yarn like the picture on the bottom row, left side, where the yarn is only wrapped around the pointer finger. Here's a couple of tricks I've learned. One, once my yarn is in position, DO NOT hold onto the yarn. Let your fingers be more of a guide to hold the strand steady while you crochet. Two, even after you've practiced your tension and it's still too tight or loose, use a different size of hook. If you're too tight, use one hook size bigger than recommended, and too loose do the opposite, use a hook size smaller. Last but not Least And finally the chain itself. Just like that worm or frog you dissected in school, we're going to dissect the anatomy of the chain. Take a look at the pic in the middle, starting on the left you have your slip knot you just learned how to do and the yarn tail from making the slip knot. Then you have your front and back loops that make the shape of an 'V', the backside of the chain (back bump), your working loop that stays on your hook, and finally your working yarn strand. The picture on the right shows what the front side (right side) and the backside (wrong side) of your chain will look like. You'll want to pay attention to what side is facing you because as you are chaining, you can get your chain twisted. It won't have a huge effect on your project, but you won't have a neat straight edge at the end. Now onto the fun part, making your chain. Once you have your slip knot in place, and your working strand comfortably situated around the other hand: (1) you'll slip the hook underneath your working strand and bring the end of your hook around so the yarn is wrapped around it, (2) pull the yarn through the loop on the hook, (3) repeat steps one and two until you chain the number you need. Counting the number of chains you need is simple. Like the chart below, you just count the FRONT (or top) loop. Video Instructions If you're like me sometimes you need to read and see it for it to click. I found an easy to follow video that goes over slip knots and chaining...and remember practice does make perfect! #bloggingthemoonCM #knowyourcrochet #slipknotsandchaining

Ever wonder why certain crochet stitches are better for some patterns and not others? Does using a particular stitch really make a difference in the finished product? Even if you are not a crocheter, having a little bit of stitch knowledge can help you pick the best quality product. This year I want to find new stitches I haven't used yet. Come along with me as I explore new and fancy stitches and what projects they are best used for. Boxed In This is considered a vintage stitch used in older patterns, but there's nothing out of date about the way this stitch looks. It is a simple stitch that makes a big impact and has gone by a few different names over the years, like, the crazy stitch, the crazy shell, or the brick stitch. It is also part of stitch collection called "brick stitches". Another example of "brick stitching" is corner to corner (C2C) crochet that is done on the diagonal, however, the box stitch is still done in the traditional manner of crocheting from side to side. To create this fun stitch you use basic crochet stitches to do it which makes it perfect for an advanced crocheter or an expert. Written Instructions: CHAIN Chain multiple of 5, plus 3 more (ex: ch 10 + 3 = 13 chains) ROW 1 Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, work 1 SC. 1 SC into each CH across the row. CH 1 and turn. ROW 2 Starting in the 1st stitch, work 1 SC. 1 SC into the next st, CH 3. *Skip three stitches, work 1 SC into each of the next two stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the row. CH 3 and turn. (Turning chain counts as a stitch.) ROW 3 Starting in the space made by the chain 3, work 5 DC. Work 5 DC into each CH 3 space across the row, ending the row with 1 DC into the last SC. CH 1 and turn. REPEAT ROWS 2 AND 3 Video Instructions I found two great videos that shows a couple of different ways to crochet the box stitch. One is by Daisy Farms that was posted in 2021 and the second one was posted in 2019 by Kristina Crochet. Daisy Farms Kristina Crochet Breaking out of the Box No matter what style you choose to the box stitch in, it is a stitch that really does make a big impact. Here are some splendid examples. #bloggingthemoonCM #stitchofthemonth #boxstitch Check out The Crocheted Moons Fall/Winter Selection!

Ever wonder why certain crochet stitches are better for some patterns and not others? Does using a particular stitch really make a difference in the finished product? Even if you are not a crocheter, having a little bit of stitch knowledge can help you pick the best quality product. This year I want to find new stitches I haven't used yet. Come along with me as I explore new and fancy stitches and what projects they are best used for. Lovely, little, links This stitch has a wonderful woven look to it that is created by linking your double crochet stitches together in the middle of the post. By doing this you get the height of the double, but not the the thickness. It also eliminates the gaps and holes you can get with the double and makes a more solid piece of fabric. The written instructions to this handy stitch is below and below that from December 18, 2013 is video from Moogley that shows each step. Written Instructions: ROW 1 Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, insert your hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, *insert your hook into the next chain, yarn over and pull a loop. Repeat from * two more times, (or until desired height of stitch.) Yarn over and pull through two loops 4 times or until you have one loop remaining on the hook. To begin the next stitch, insert hook under horizontal bar, YO and pull a loop back through. Insert hook under next horizontal bar, YO and pull a loop back through. Continue inserting hook under each horizontal bar in same manner until you reach the chain. Insert hook into next chain, YO and pull a loop back through. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops until one loop remains on hook. CH 4 (or however many you need to match the height on the first row) and turn. REPEAT ROW 1 Video Instructions What to do, What to do? When I first saw this stitch I immediately thought of edging. Edging for sweater cuffs and bottoms, for blankets, heat pads, and dish towels. But...there are several other items you can make with this stitch like, bags, hats, rugs and pillows! #bloggingthemoonCM #stitchofthemonth #linkedstitch Check out The Crocheted Moons Fall/Winter Selection!

Below you will find unique creations and patterns I have designed exclusively for my customers. I go into the "hows" and "whys" you won't find them anywhere else. Special requests are my specialty! It is true I love creating unique designs you can only find at CM, but I really love when I get special requests from you guys. Not just ideas, but a request that is just for you. I love stretching my imagination to come up with just the right thing. Below are some special requests that I have recieved over the last year: How do I put in my request? Go to The Crocheted Moon's website: www.thecrochetedmoon.com Then on the menu bar click on 'Shop' Under Shop, select 'Special Request Order Form' (it's the first tab at the top) Fill out the order form, but before you click 'Submit' read the Order Disclosure. It has the final details about your order and how you submit your payment. #bloggingthemoonCM #CMexclusivedesgin #specialrequest #bloggingthemoonCM #CMexclusivedesgin #pumpkinpoppers Watch Me! Photo Gallery Shop for Halloween

In need of a good DYI project or want to brush up on you crochet knowledge, well my dears, you have come to the right place. Tools of the Trade Like any good craftsmen or hobbyist the right tools are a must. There are a few variations on what people like to use or what is available to them, but mostly you'll need: yarn (of course), crochet hook, scissors, yarn needle, measuring tape, & stitch markers. There are a few other tools that are not a 'must have', but can make some crocheters lives a little easier, like a stitch counter or a gauge meter (helps you gauge the correct size of your stitches). Tools, Tools, where are the Tools? This is going to be a quick blurb. The tools you need aren't too hard to find. If you're a web suffer then you can get all of your tools online, just make sure it's a safe reputable site like Amazon, Etsy, or Ebay. If you're a physical location kind of gal because you love browsing through all the arts and crafts at the store you can find what you're looking for at places like Michael's, Hobby Lobby, or Joanne's (or whatever full service craft store is closest to you). A few good secondary stores, or if you're in a bind store, would be Walmart or Target. They have a few odds and ends on hand. If you can't find what you're looking for at the physical locations most of these craft stores have a website that offers more of a selection and sometimes they run 'online' promotions that give you a good discount. You have them, now what? We'll start off easy...scissors and yarn needle. Scissors are pretty straight forward. Like sewing you want to a good pair of fabric scissors that won't fray your yarn when you cut it. In addition to my fabric scissors (that my kids have been warned with their life NOT to touch!), I also have a pair of yarn snippers just like the one featured in the pic. I love the cap that comes with it for added protection, for yourself and your projects, when you're not using it. Yarn Needle helps finish off work by weaving in all the leftover tails hanging about. Even when I crochet the tails into my piece as I am working, I still like to weave the last little bit into the back of the piece for extra durability. I feel it holds the loose ends tighter so they do not slip out of your project and it comes unraveled when you wear it, use it, or wash it. To weave your tails in, pick the appropriate size needle for your yarn, thread the tail on the needle and weave it through a section of the loops on the back of the piece....easy peasy! Next we'll move on to the measuring tape and the stitch markers. The measuring tape, plain and simple, is used to measure your project when you need to make a certain size. You can get them at any craft store for around a dollar and they come in a variety of colors. Stitch marker is any object that allows you to keep track of a specific spot while you are crocheting. For example, sometimes when you crochet a circular pattern you don't always fasten the two ends of the row together before you start the next one. You crochet more in a spiral that does not have a clear stopping or starting point. The stitch marker can keep track of your starting point for you. They can also be used to help you keep track of how many rows you have crocheted by fastening the marker to the edge around the first stitch of the row. I usually mark my rows in sections of '10' for easy counting. Like the measuring tape, the stitch markers are plastic and come in several different colors. However, my preference is using actual safety pins in varying sizes for different projects. I like the safety pins better because they have a point, which I feel makes it easier to fasten to your projects especially if it's a tight weave or a small project with fine yarn; and it allows me to poke it in my pant leg or arm of my chair until I need it again :) Now to the heavy hitters, so to speak. The most important items that you'll need to even begin your project. Let's start with yarn. In recents posts I have gone over how to pick your yarn based on what you're making so if some of this sounds familiar that's why. But it never hurts to do a bit of a refresher. The first thing we did was pick our pattern and at the top right before the instructions begin you should see a section that list your materials and what type and size of yarn you need. If the exact brand of yarn is not available to you or you have a preferred brand you like using, you can choose a similar yarn that matches the color you need and the size number that is listed with it (ex: 6 or 7 as shown below). Super Fine 1: Super fine yarn is lightweight and typically used for baby items, sock patterns, or shawls. Lacy items often fall under this category, as this type of yarn works best for creating delicate pieces. Fine 2: Sport weight yarn works best for items such as socks, wraps, heirloom sweaters, and other delicate accessories. It is also used for lightweight afghans. Light 3: Slightly heavier than a fine weight yarn, this weight is used for items such as garments and heavier baby items. Medium 4: Worsted weight yarn is the most frequently used. It is easy to work with (making it great for beginners), approximately double the weight of DK or sport yarn, and ideal for working up afghans. Bulky 5: Bulky yarn is about twice as thick as worsted weight. It usually works up quickly when using large needles/hooks, and it’s great to use when making sweaters, scarves, rugs, and throws. Super Bulky 6: Super bulky yarn is a thick yarn that works up quickly. It is most commonly used for cowls, scarves, and hats. Jumbo 7: Jumbo yarn is the thickest yarn weight, added in 2014 to classify the super thick yarns that began to appear on the market. Jumbo yarns are great for arm knitting and work up quickly. The materials will also list how many balls of yarn or skeins you need for the project. If you look under the yarn listed as 6....it stats you need 2 balls of yarn. To your right I have included a chart that shows different items you can crochet and how much yarn you would need based on the thickness of the yarn. Now that you have selected the right yarn, you will need a tool to use it with. And since you all are very smart, I know, you know, you need a hook! There are as many varieties of crochet hooks as there are grains of sand and picking a fun design to match your own personal style is half the fun of crocheting! However, I am only going to quickly cover the basics of choosing your crochet hook because earlier last year I posted a blog about crochet hooks with more details. I will add the link to that blog along with a few others at the end of this post. So, in my opinion some of the most important decisions about choosing your hook is the size you need and comfort while crocheting. Back to our example pattern...once again under materials you can find the size of hook you need for your project and in this case you would need a 8mm hook or a 'L' hook. Hook sizes can be referred to by millimeters or a letter reference. A 'L' hook is 8mm and the most common size of hook is a 'H' hook that is 5mm. The quickest and easiest way to match the letter reference with its size is to simply look it up on Google.....OR.............. You can take a gander at the hook conversion chart below: Real quick before we move on, another place that will show the size of hook needed, is on the yarn label itself. When you buy yarn it comes with a label that has a ton of great info about how to best use it. This label shows a 5mm hook is recommended for a medium weight (4) yarn. Now, that doesn't mean you have to use a 5mm hook with this weight of yarn. When you become familiar with hook sizes and yarn weights you can experiment using different sizes to give you a tighter or looser weave to your project. Ok, now to the comfort portion! And yes, like a good pair of shoes, comfort does make a big difference. No matter what size of hook you're using, the type of tip, or your grip...if you love to crochet you must do it in style and comfort. The motion of crocheting after a while can unfortunately start to cause joint pain. So, my husband, being the wonderful guy he is, did some research and found these ergonomic hooks with special handles that help alleviate soreness from repetitive action. And you must believe they did exactly what they claimed, so much better than the simple steel hooks. But they too have their merits. You can find them at just about any store with a craft section and they are a good price range especially for beginner crocheters. Alright, I am hoping you did not just use this post to fall asleep with ;), but before you log off, check out the related links to choosing your crochet hooks, yarn weights, and few others that will help you understand the tools of the trade better. #bloggingthemoonCM #knowyourcrochet #crochetmaterials

Ever wonder why certain crochet stitches are better for some patterns and not others? Does using a particular stitch really make a difference in the finished product? Even if you are not a crocheter, having a little bit of stitch knowledge can help you pick the best quality product. This year I want to find new stitches I haven't used yet. Come along with me as I explore new and fancy stitches and what projects they are best used for. Sprig! This stitches’ name brings to my mind winter scenes of crisp branches covered in berries, which I think is very fitting. This wintery stitch is used to create a firm, close pattern that is great for snowy outerwear like gloves, mitts, scarves, & cowls. It is also a lovely stitch for edging blankets, table runners, placemats, or washcloths... And the best part...The Sprig Stitch can be done by all skill levels. Here are the written instructions: CHAIN Multiple of 4, plus 3 ROW 1 Starting in the 4th chain from the hook, work 2 SC. CH 2 and in the next chain, work 2 SC. Skip 2 chains, *work 2 SC in the next chain, CH 2, 2 SC in the next chain, skip two chains. Repeat from * until there are 2 chains left. Skip over one and SC into the last chain. CH 3 and turn. ROW 2 Starting in the first chain 2 space, work 2 SC, 2 CH, 2 SC. *Skip 4 stitches, then work 2 SC, 2 CH, 2 SC into the next chain 2 space. Repeat from * across the row. End with 1 SC in the space formed by the CH 3 turning chain. CH 3 and turn. REPEAT ROW 2 I also found this wonderful video tutorial posted a year ago by Amanda Crochets that shows the steps to creating the Sprig stitch: Video Instructions Examples of the Splendid Sprig Stitch Below are some beautiful examples of using the Sprig stitch in bun hats, mittens, and washcloths. The mittens done the Sprig stitch are adorable! I may have to add my own variation of them to this year's winter collection. #bloggingthemoonCM #stitchofthemonth #sprigstitch Check out The Crocheted Moons Fall/Winter Selection!

The creations have been created and are on their way, so come see what's popping up at The Crocheted Moon. A sweet treat for your dapper gentlemen! A new style, but the same great quality. I am always looking for ways to update and perfect CM's products. I have been experimenting for a while with the construction of these little buggers and I am very pleased with my newest design. The bowties in the Sweetheart collection are a "Double Winged" style and instead of a single piece for each bow they are made as a circular band giving them a double layer that keeps the edges from turning up at the corners and holds its shape better. The fastener on the back is still the double prong clip that makes attaching it to the shirt's top button quick and easy. Available sizes are Toddler (2-4yrs), Child (5-12yrs), and Adult (13yrs and up). Also for your color selection you will have a choice of Cherry Red, Crystal White, and Night Sky Black and they will be available both online and at the upcoming Lehi Farmers Market Valentine Event....just in time for the holiday of Love, Valentine's Day! #bloggingthemoonCM #comingsoon #sweetheartbowties Get your sneak peek here Valentine's Vendo Event Info Take a look at more great CM accessories

Check this spot for new updates or changes to The Crocheted Moon or our products. Heartbreak.... The fabulous silky, soft Romantique yarn that Little Bigfoot and Magic the Unicorn are made out of has been discontinued :( Unfortunately this can happen when a store discontinues a line of yarn and gets new ones in. This means the original Mystic Friends are now in limited quantities. I only have 4 of each left. But there is hope! The line will not be discontinued, but revised. I did find a yarn that should make a swell replacement. It is by Yarn Bee and called Ethereal Eyelash. The colors will be similar, but slightly darker than the Romantique colors. Here's what the yarn looks like and I can't wait to test it out on our little friends. #bloggingthemoonCM #CMexclusivedesigns #magicandbigfoot