Table of Contents - How to Do the “Crochet to the Color” Method

Two-pattern set! Striking Tunisian filet crochet with lots of drape.

A lattice-edged Tunisian eyelet shawl. Features a new Tunisian stitch for the “tattoo-flower” accent and the back neck shaping.

This two-color convertible rhombus shape makes the most of one of my favorite things: Tunisian filet structure and drape.

Best next step for Tunisian crochet beginners! It’s based on Vashti’s introductory class content on diagonal Tunisian crochet techniques, and is designed to be the next step after the popular Burly Scarf pattern.

This is a simple convertible layer of two identical triangles of filet Tunisian crochet crocheted point to point. They’re edged as you go with sparkly “water droplets” (a beaded twisted fringe) because that’s how I roll.

This shawl (500 yds) and shawlette (250 yds) is a wide, shallow, self-edged triangle that is started in one corner. Simple shaping at the back neck makes it cling to the shoulders.

Make this sturdy hook holder in one evening with half of a ball of a super bulky yarn (55 yds or so), and a recycled plastic ring. Using a ring for the rim of the bucket base makes it even more stable than it already is.

A popular crochet stitch—the “V-stitch”—stacks up into a slim column that you then edge with simple stitches in a contrasting color. It’s easy to fine-tune the final size. Make a hairband or belt length with more yarn.

Two romantic 19th-century crochet stitches from contrasting traditions have gracefully joined forces to warm up 21st-century necks.

Change pendants quickly and freely—even while you wear the necklace. My solution is a decorative strip that securely links to the pendant with a simple macramé knot, as explained in the pattern. Perfect for donut-hole pendants.

The Smokestack Vest’s floaty drape and simple shape offer lots of ways to wear it: on or off the shoulders as a closed vest. Pull some of it over the head for a hood. Tumble it over the shoulders capelet style. Collapse it for an instant ring scarf, cowl, or head wrap.

Update: I’ll be teaching another class featuring this design at the July 2018 Chain Link conference in Portland Oregon.

I’ve had the idea for this double-flounced spring scarf ever since I swatched filet lace with the first shipment of our Lotus yarn. The name “Emdash” refers to the vertical spacers between tall stitch columns.

Note about crochet hook size: (Ravelry doesn’t list a size P hook) Use size P {11.5 mm} crochet hook; some size P hooks are 12 mm instead, which is fine too.

Cantina Scarf is the yarn-partying sister of Emdash and Antoinette. Multicolored flounces are fun to crochet. For the holidays, silvery colors and beaded picots remind me of silver bells.

Q-Star Coverlet is a lavish, reversible star stitch pattern that results in a beautifully durable, dense, and warm blanket—just like a real quilt. (The “Q” is for “quilted.”) Pattern includes photo tutorials and 2 reversible borders: wrapped puff eyelets, or simple solid single crochet.

This pillow glows in the dark, has a roomy hidden pocket, and holds up to years of use. (A child would love its comforting nightlight and built-in toy pocket features.)

The idea for Aery Faery came to me while watching Once Upon a Time (a TV series based on fairy tales): I wondered if a glittering mohair and silk lace version of Aero and Aeroette would be spellbinding. I proudly present Aery Faery.

Minuet Vest is a way to get a fancy vest from crocheting a simple shape. Just add a fancy border and seam the sides.

Bling Bam Bangle began as a test of ribbing stitches for a simple crochet bangle. At the time (September 2012) I was preparing to teach a crochet jewelry class at a CGOA conference in Reno, Nevada. My goal was a comfortable crochet bracelet that doesn’t require a clasp. A stretchy ribbed one would slide on and off the wrist for a soft crochet b...

Lucky Twists Boot Cuffs feature an all-over mock cable pattern with a ribbed cuff for fit. Wear them folded over the boot rim, or left long for more warmth. See issue #66 of my newsletter.

This free Slip Slope Boot Toppers pattern closely follows my original Slip Slope Scarf design (also free). That scarf introduced short rowing with my all-time favorite type of ribbing: slip stitches crocheted into the back loop.

Lucky Twist Mitts is based on everything I love about the original Luckyslips Mitts pattern: the right kind of stretchy in the right places. Slip stitch ribbing is perfect for comfortably snug and warm texting mitts.

Start this rectangular scarf in one corner and crochet it on the bias to the opposite corner. The special “filet lace”-style edging is crocheted as you go.

I’ve combed through 200 crochet sources and haven’t yet found pre-1973 occurrences of this simple, reversible, accordion-like star stitch. I’ve modified it to emphasize its natural pleated texture and lovely scalloped edges. 

Updates

I celebrate a 19th century Star stitch with this scarf. It’s designed to offer maximum color fun because there are zero ends to weave in, and no switching between attached colors. It’s finished with fringe-as-you-go edges.

This is a beaded “booster pack” for the Lotus Chips set. It has six little patterns that includes three methods for crocheting with beads.

Lotus Chips is a set of six small jewelry patterns: four chip shapes, and 2 simple ways to wear them. The emphasis is on crocheting (and wearing!) a spectrum of yarn colors. I use this jewelry-like set like ‘paint chips’ for designing with my yarn stash.

Luckyslip is a delightfully snug and stretchy texting mitt that is quick to crochet and easy to customize in two sizes (for luckymen and luckywomen). It satisfies my primary requirement for fingerless mitts: a comfortably snug fit at the finger opening and a stretchy cuff. I thought maybe I was just picky, but others who have tried them on ment...

My goal with Fish Lips is to bring out a bold, modern side of Love Knot stitches (a.k.a. Lover’s Knots, Solomon’s Knots). I started with a scarf, then also liked it worn sideways like a pullover shrug; so I joined two shorter scarves with a “rosebud bridge” seam. The wide seam also softens the bateau neckline for a comfortable fit.

This love knot crochet pattern is updated with a stitch diagram and more, as of September 2014. The original edition appeared in the Summer 2013 issue of Interweave Crochet magazine.

Updates: I now teach a 3-hour class on this design.

Like its cousin the Thaxton Hooded Cowl, Notch is luxuriously stretchy, squishy, and toasty-warm. Experiencing how the notched short-row wedges take shape is fun—it’s the textural highlights of the Thaxton Hooded Cowl, repeated for decorative impact.

I developed this strategic four-edge stitch shaping combination from scratch because common shaping methods don’t work well for diagonal Tunisian crochet. My goal was to find a uniformly finished solid edge for Tunisian Simple Stitch (Tss) that’s also symmetrically stretchy. I researched 100 or so sources and I know of no one else using it; nor...

My Crochet Inspirations Newsletter #47 goes into more detail about the rayon threads used.

This design was a 2015 crochet award finalist.

This is an expanded version of a popular photo tutorial I posted in Crochet Pattern Companion, one of my blogs that has gone into early retirement as of January 2013. (You can read about that here.)

You might like to see the newsletter issue I just sent out about this stitch and design here.

This stretchy slip stitch lace loop scarf (ring scarf, eternity scarf) is worked in short rows and is reversible. Wrap it twice for a cowl look; or leave unseamed. The scarf will have angled scarf ends if it is left unseamed.

Four Peaks Scarf is a newly remastered, rectangular variation of the L-shaped Five Peaks Shawl. (Five Peaks first appeared in the Spring 2010 issue of Interweave Crochet magazine.)

This stretchy 100% slip stitch crochet pattern contrasts two kinds of slip stitch ribbing for a fascinating, richly textured effect. It’s worked in one piece, lengthwise, and would be a beautiful wintertime gift.

This quick pattern for the hippie in (most) all of us uses a beefier Love Knot variation that I developed (although surely someone else has before me). Crocheting these “Buffalo Knots” with two strands of medium weight cotton yarn held together gives them even more heft than they usually have.

Love Knot stitch is also called Lover’s Knot, Knot Stitch, Solomon’s Knot. The stitch a handy addition to a crocheter’s toolbox. Use it to make a quick and easy to crochet cord. Made with thicker yarns, this versatile cord would make a great tie belt, hairband, or drawstring handle for a purse.

I’ve crocheted and used almost fifty different coffee cozies and other beverage sleeves over the years, and this simple version remains one of my favorites to use in real life.

Update: This pattern is now value-bundled with two other slider charm patterns in my DesigningVashti shop.

This hyperbolic 100% slip stitch crochet ruffled scarf pattern features self-edged short rowing. Using a large hook size means you make progress faster than you might expect.

This pattern has a stitch diagram, offers two lengths, and two seaming schematics for the cowl and for creating a true hooded version. Also a photo sequence for creating the notch.

Update: The story of this scarf is the topic of issue #31 of my Crochet Inspirations Newsletter. Antoinette has inspired two newer sister-scarves: Cantina and Emdash. (See all DesigningVashti filet patterns in one place.)

This is an all-season, use-any-yarn design: any weight, fiber, amount, and Tunisian hook size. Compare the dense wintery wool scarves with the breezy summery examples pictured.

This 100% slip stitch crochet scarf features short rowing with my all-time favorite type of ribbing: slip stitches worked into the back loop.

Learn to crochet short rows with different slip stitches for a self-shaping, self-striping crocheted cowl scarf—neckwarmer—long loop scarf—even a mobius-style infinity scarf. Fun, fast, and easy to crochet technique.

Swappable lace panels for seasonal transitions! I had a summer wardrobe crisis: new bright white linen clothes made my purses look dull or old. Inspired by how my mother pairs white with dark blue, I decided that a dark blue bag would be a great “neutral” color for a summer accessory.

Crocheting and wearing Aero is an elegant experience of Tunisian crochet lace. With the add-as-you-go beaded picot option and fine silk yarn, the beauty of the lacy stitches hanging from the hook inspired me to crochet “just one more row”.

This Tunisian eyelet lace crochet pattern is my favorite way to crochet with fancy tube yarns that can be lumpy in other crochet stitches.

Update: Sizes Small & Medium are published in one PDF, and sizes Large & 1X are in a separate PDF. Both are downloadable together in one listing at my revamped website. Here in Ravelry they’re listed separately; the Small & Medium pattern is here.

This Tunisian crochet lace pattern pleasantly edges itself as you work each offset group of rows. It is crocheted with no shaping, then seamed into a ring scarf (a.k.a. Snood, Shoulder Cowl Wrap, and Eternity scarf).

This pattern is written for standard sizes Small, Medium, and Large. Armholes are comfortably roomy, which reduces abrasion of a delicate yarn.

The Trailing Vine Lariat is a stitch sampler that combines old and new crochet cord stitches. I wrote it in steps rather than rows or rounds, because you’ll need no foundation chain, and sometimes you don’t even crochet into another stitch (it depends on the fancy stitch used). Crochet one ‘row’ and you’re done.

This pattern also includes an early stitch video: How to Crochet the Spiky Puff Stitch.

May this Cheerful Chores activity bring to your family the enjoyment and long-range benefits that it has brought to mine. It made simple lessons in money concepts charming to my young child.

This is pure slip stitch crochet, done in the back loop. With a larger-than usual crochet hook, it crochets up faster than you’d think.

Update: Sizes Small & Medium are published in one PDF, and sizes Large & 1X are in a separate PDF. Both are downloadable together in one listing at my revamped website. Here in Ravelry they’re listed separately; the Large & 1X pattern is here.

This purse may look all dressed up, but we know that a 100% crochet handbag will hold up under real use! The main body of the bag is a special woven-look crochet stitch that’s ‘close-knit’, light weight, and flexible.

Alzannah is a quick to crochet vest that converts easily to an asymmetrical & ruana-type wrap. The pattern includes choices for customizing both length and width, crocheting larger sizes, and converting the vest into a ruana or wrap. It’s a pleasure to try it on as you go; it’s constructed from the center out to each sleeve opening.

A scarf like Pallas might typically be crocheted from the center column out to each edge for the symmetrically ribbed look, but this one was begun at one long edge and crocheted continuously to the other edge. It’s just more fun when the yarn needn’t be cut and re-attached.

These stretchy, 100% ‘Bosnian’ (slip stitch) mitts hug the hands like those “Isotoners” my Mom used to wear. The snug fit is due partly to the slip stitch fabric and partly to the elastic content of the sock yarn.

Here’s a plush, wearable reason to revive a vintage stitch pattern that has also been called thermal stitch, potholder stitch, and Helena stitch. This design uses basic single crochet stitches worked the unique double-layer way.

The soft pleats of this Tunisian Knit Stitch fabric create plush and stretchy insulation.

With a big crochet hook, thick woolly yarn and about 20 minutes of your time, create a silent, charming assistant to protect your inner sanctum or someone else’s. It’s a nice last minute gift for someone who needs it.

This pattern expresses my fondness and concern for the endangered skates and rays of the seas. They just want to coexist with us.

Orbit is a warm and versatile cowl that can be rolled, folded, scrunched, and stretched for wearing several ways. It’s naturally stretchy, especially in a bouncy wool yarn like Mochi Plus or Noro.

OK, this li’l guy is kind of crazy-looking, no? It’s based on my son’s third-grade classroom drawing of the relationship between cups, pints, quarts, and gallons. (Photo of his drawing is at left.)

One skein makes a sophisticated cowl for women, and two skeins makes a man-sized chain mail scarf.

Wear the large rectangle in front and it’s a sleeveless top; wear it in back and it’s a vest. Wear it upside down for a trendy ‘cocoon’-looking vest. Waterlily is a twist on 3 seamed rectangles; the sportweight yarn makes the Waterlily stitch pattern bold-looking without being overly dramatic or chunky.

Okay, I admit it, pouring on the “melted chocolate” (fabric paint) was even more fun than the crocheting! Any chunky-weight yarn can be used for this project.

I am very pleased to finally be able to make this pattern available to all the crocheters who have ever wished they could crochet their own super-stretchy “magic” tube scarves that stretch every which way into hoods, cowls, even tube tops! The “magic” is in the combination of stitch, hook size, and yarn type.

See the discussion thread for a Frostyflakes Crochet Along in my Ravelry forum. See the Frostyflakes CAL Gallery here (note—gallery is currently being updated).

New updated & downloadable version! Pattern now includes instructions to crochet the forked tongue as shown in the photos.

This is the perfect project for showing off medium-size accent beads that are too fancy to have thread strands covering them (as is usually the case with crochet stitches). Seed beads add twinkle to the crochet links.

This is a simple, easy, and quick necklace to crochet. This design was originally created to be a versatile way to wear interchangeable dichroic glass pendants.

This pattern is written for three different yarn weights in both US & UK/AUS terms, and includes design options. (That’s why the yarn list looks long; not all are actually used for one cuff.)

This fly-or-be-trapped educational toy is apparently irresistible to elementary school children. Slide your hand into the back and when a bug gets close, snap it shut! Pattern includes instructions for flies too). The loops around the edge can be interlocked to zip it closed for complete fly digestion (see 3rd photo). This step seems to fascina...

Even if you’re experienced with Love Knots, it’s likely that these “Lovepods” are new to you. They work up quickly with a range of yarns: one row of big stitches and you’re done creating this magical crochet look.

This beginner’s Tunisian crochet pattern works up quickly and results in a sumptuous gift for a man.

The most elementary and historic of crochet stitches – the Slip Stitch – has modern effortless style. For a “pullover shrug” the stitch has a stretch and drape to rival knits, resembles garter stitch in this pattern, and works up quickly with a large hook.

No beads, no metal clasps, just pure crochet. Every kind of smooth worsted weight yarn (#4 Medium Weight category) seems to work well. You can also use sport weight yarn by crocheting it with two strands held together. The purple one shown is crocheted with two strands of sport weight yarn.

This pattern is ✨free at my newly renovated website ✨

Use extra-thick Peaches ‘n Creme cotton yarn and this absorbent crochet stitch pattern for a great bathmat or rug for the home. Crochet it while watching TV. You can also hold together two strands of regular worsted weight yarn as you crochet.

Here’s a necklace cord that’s quick and easy. It makes for a popular class in yarn shops for advanced crochet beginners.

My goal was to make lavish, extravagant use of one skein of lace weight pure undyed cashmere yarn. I normally avoid using a lot of picot stitches when I crochet for fun, yet the yarn looked and felt like it wanted to be crocheted into picots. It became a personal challenge: what if I packed in the maximum amount of picots I could muster? The re...

This wide, breezy triangular wrap is crocheted P2P: it starts in one corner and is worked side to side to the other corner. It’s a great way to experience Tunisian crochet.

This is my all-time favorite water bottle tote. Those who have seen me at crochet conferences over the years know that I carry it with me everywhere. It’s designed to look good toting most water bottle sizes, to recover gracefully from being repeatedly bunched up in carry-on luggage, and most of all, to feel good on the shoulder.

Any sport weight yarn is great. For the metallic pink underlayer in two of these photos I used DMC embroidery flosses, all six strands of it together. Pattern includes more information.

Real crochet apron designed for practical use by home bakers and hostesses. Uses half of one cone of white Sugar and Cream cotton. Practical as a store bought cloth apron but pretty enough for a French maid!

This pattern is ✨free at my newly renovated website. ✨

The ‘Satin Pillows’ crochet stitch was developed for this design.

Amy Shelton reviewed this pattern over in Crochetville.

Once you try a few ridgy rounds of this stitch pattern and see how a dramatic color-changing yarn comes alive, you may find it as hard to set down your hook as I did! I keep this bag on display as home decor when not in use. In fact, I think it would look great as a throw pillow, and I’m curious how it would look felted.