https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/custom-crochet-gift • Posted by Recycled Miracles
My grandmother taught me the basics of crochet when I was a kid, and that was a long time ago. Since then I have taught myself more advanced patterns and techniques. I love the double crochet because it looks nice, lets the item breath (like scarfs and hats) and you can make things pretty quickly with it. I love these "doilies" because they are personal and can be transported very easily. The black item is about 2' x 1'. The green item is actually a blanket throw about 5' x 3'. The pattern instructions are the same but the yarn and crochet hook are different sizes.
My grandmother taught me the basics of crochet when I was a kid, and that was a long time ago. Since then I have taught myself more advanced patterns and techniques. I love the double crochet because it looks nice, lets the item breath (like scarfs and hats) and you can make things pretty quickly with it. I love these "doilies" because they are personal and can be transported very easily. The black item is about 2' x 1'. The green item is actually a blanket throw about 5' x 3'. The pattern instructions are the same but the yarn and crochet hook are different sizes.
Grab your graph paper and design away. Leave square empty where you want to have the lettering. You can make any design or lettering you like, as long as it is block style. Once you have your design complete, it is time for math. No grumbling it is easy, really. Count the center of each block and each line as 1. If you are using lettering make sure you find the center of each line so you can have everything centered from the same point. Don't forget to count the 1st and last line, these are you beginning and ending stitches and don't forget to add enough squares to the beginning and end for an edging.
Now crochet a chain with the total number of stitches for your design. Chain 3 more, for the beginning stitch, then follow your pattern. Start with as many rows of double crochet as you like then dbl 1, skip space, dbl crochet in each opening space and 2 dbl in each solid space. FYI your pattern will look the opposite, I do this to save on time and pencils :-)
Another thing to remember is that you will be working right to left, then left to right on your pattern. I like to put a dots on the directions I am going on that row, that way I can remember which direction that row will go. I also like to add an edging round for decoration and to keep the piece from curling at the corners.
I have created names, music symbols, band logos, like Blue Oyster Cult, random designs etc etc etc. The possibilities are endless, as long as you can design it on graph paper you can crochet it. :-) Sorry if my directions do not sound simple but anyone with basic knowledge of crochet can make these. Let me know if you have any questions. I am not one to follow patterns when I crochet and am even worse at explaining how I make something :-)