Basic Tools For Leaning to Crochet | Posh Pooch Designs

I get this Question on a weekly basis, 

"What tools do I need to learn to Crochet?"

It can be very expensive if you purchase all the

 "things" you think you need.

But really you only need a few tools.

There are only 6 tools that you will need, 

When learning to Crochet

Video Chat - What tools you need to learn to Crochet

See This Video on my Youtube Channel at this LINK

1. Crochet Hooks - 

There are a lot of different types and sizes of 

Crochet Hooks.

I think when you first start, just pic up a few sizes of inexpensive hooks to see if you will like them.

Then you can try different kinds as you feel 

more confident.

2. Tape Measure:

 Some type of measuring tape or ruler to help you

 measure your items. This will help you with sizing and 
gauge.

3. Stitch Markers:

Stitch markers are a great help in marking corners, 
rows and such. There are several types. 
Some are plastic, some are metal,

and some are decorative. 

4. Yarn Needles:

You will need a Yarn Needle or Tapestry Needle 

for weaving in your ends, and sewing pieces together, 

and sewing on buttons.

There are several sizes, use one that fits the yarn 

you are using.

You will find them made of metal or plastic. 

5. Scissors:

You will Always want a pair of scissors with you.

You never know when you will need to cut out a knot.

You do not have to get an expensive pair. 

I like to buy a few pairs of child's school scissors 

when they are on sale in the Fall.

6. Yarn:

You definitely need Yarn! I suggest when you are

 first starting to purchase some inexpensive yarn 

and practice your stitches. Then when you feel more

 confident, splurge on some expensive yarn.

I hope this has answered your Question.

Know Go Check out all my

Free Patterns,

And make something fun!

Zoey's Scottish Beret | Posh Pooch Designs

My Grand Daughter, Zoey, needed a Scottish Beret.

Her Church was having a missions Conference 

and the children were doing a Missions Program.

Each Child was dressing up to represent 

all the different countries. 

She was dressing up like a little Scottish Girl

"A Bonnie Lassie".

Her mom asked me to make her a Scottish Beret.

So you know I did.

The Crochet Pattern I used was

Isabella's Fireside Girl's Beret

By Crochet Dynamite 

You can find the link for the Free pattern HERE

The only changes I made was making the bow a 

little smaller and adding the little 'thingy" on the top.

It is an easy well written pattern.

So if you need or want to make a child's beret

 this is a great pattern.

Zoey loved her beret and the program went well.

Dolly and Me Whimsical Capes | Posh Pooch Designs

Dolly and Me Whimsical Capes 
Crochet Pattern
By Sara Sach of
 Posh Pooch Designs

One for Dolly and one For Me

I wrote the pattern,

 the Whimsical Cape Shawl For Ladies

You can find this Free pattern Here

And Was asked if I had one for 

little girls and their American Girl Dolls.

 I didn't so I wrote one.

I have made a video To explain the 

Foundation Double Crochet and 

the V Stitched used in these Patterns.

See This Video on my Youtube Channel at this LINK

Dolly and Me Whimsical Cape Shawl 

Crochet Pattern by Sara Sach

 Please, Add this pattern to your Ravelry Favorites

Skill: Easy

Materials:

Crochet Hook: I

Yarn: Bulky yarn (5) 3-4 oz. Child’s Cape, 1 oz. Doll’s Cape

           I used Lion Brand Tweed Stripes/ Popsicle

Stitches:

Chain (ch)

Single Crochet (sc)

Slip Stitch (slst)

Double Crochet (dc)

Foundation Double Crochet (FDC)

Skip (sk)

Space (sp)

Sizes: Doll – 18 inch Doll (American Girl Doll)

            Girl - S – 3-5 year old – 20 inches), M-6-8 year old (24 inches)

Pattern written in Small with Medium in parenthesis.

Girl Cape Pattern:

Gauge: 4 dc = 1 inch

Each row is approximately = 1/2 inch

Notes: ch3 counts as the 1^st Dc on the next row.

R: 1 - FDC 63 (66) Turn, ch 3

R: 2 – 1 dc in the same st as ch 3, *ch3, sk 2 dc, dc, ch1, dc in the next dc*

Repeat From * to * across row, ch 3 turn.

R: 3 – 1 dc in the same dc as the ch3, *ch3, dc, ch1,

dc in the ch1 space between the next 2 dc*

Repeat From * to * across row, Turn, ch 3

R: 4 – R: 15 – Repeat R: 3.

Only ch 1 at the end of R: 15

R: 16 – Trim -1 sc in each st and in each ch around, tie off and weave in your ends.

Sew a Button to top right side. No buttonholes are needed, as the space between

 the 1^st 2 dc are perfect for the buttonholes.

Doll Cape Pattern:

Notes: ch2 counts as the 1^st hdc on the next row.

R: 1 - FDC 33, Turn, ch 2

R: 2 – 1 hdc in the same st as ch 2, *ch2, sk 2 dc, hdc, ch1, hdc in the next dc*

Repeat From * to * across row, ch 3 turn.

R: 3 – 1 hdc in the same hdc as the ch2, *ch2, hdc, ch1,

hdc in the ch1 space between the next 2 hdc*

Repeat From * to * across row, Turn, ch 3

R: 4 – R: 6 – Repeat R: 3.

Only ch 1 at the end of R: 6

R: 7 – Trim - 1 sc in each st and in each ch around, tie off and weave in your ends.

Sew a Button to top right side. No buttonholes are needed, as the space between

 the 1^st 2 hdc are perfect for the buttonholes.

 An Instant Download PDF File, 

containing all 3 Crochet Patterns, 

The Ladies, Child's and Doll's 

Whimsical Cape Shawl Crochet Patterns,

 is available in my Ravelry shop at This Link:

3 Whimsical Cape Shawl Crochet Patterns  

How To Read Yarn Labels | Posh Pooch Designs

You are walking a long in your favorite 

yarn store and see a luscious ball or skein of yarn.

 You pick up the yarn and look at the label.

Um... What?

What does all this mean?

Even to a person who has worked with yarns for years, 

all these symbols can be very confusing.

And "information" you are looking for,

 can be lost in all the 'information".

Yarn companies try to keep to the Standards 

for symbols. And Although it may seem like

 they are trying to be tricky,

 they really are not.

They are actually trying to give you as much 

information as possible on a small piece of paper.

See This Video on my Youtube Channel at This LINK

Ok... let us Get Started.

We will be referencing the Yarn above for today's Blog.

 It is Red Heart Steller - Nova

1. The Yarn Weight -  This Skein  is a Super Bulky 6.

All Yarns are classified into different yarn weights.

This refers to the yarn's strand thickness.

       0. Lace

             1. Super fine –Sock, Fingering

             2. Fine –Baby, Sport Weight

             3. Light  - Light Worsted Weight, DK Weight

             4. Worsted Weight, Afghan

             5. Bulky – Chunky weight, Rug yarns

             6. Super Bulky – Blanket, Roving

                 Although most yarns are put in these categories, 

                 there is still " wiggle" room between thicknesses.

                                                1             2              3 

2. Knitting Symbol – 

   Needle 10 US/ 6 mm

   A Swatch of 10 sts wide by 14 rows = 4 x 4 inch swatch (10 X 10 centimeters)

  3. Crochet Symbol –

    K -10.5 / 6.5 mm

   A Swatch 9 single crochets wide and 12 rows = 4 x 4 inch swatch (10 X 10 centimeters)

So those make sense, What about those 5 square symbols beneath those?

They are Care Instructions - For the yarn and as well as,

 items made from the yarn.

                                1      2       3      4        5

1.  Washing

2. Drying

4. Ironing

5. Bleaching

6. Dry Cleaning

Red Heart Yarn uses the Garment Standards for Laundry Care and so do most other yarn companies.
Here is a link to garment standards of textile symbols : LINK

For this Skein it reads: 

Machine Wash, Cold, Gentle Cycle, Dry Flat

 Next you will find What the yarn is made of.

This yarn is: 99% Acrylic, 1% Metallic

The amount of yarn per Skein is given in 

ounces, grams and yards.

For This Skein it is 8 oz. 224 grams/ 160 yds. 

Lastly,  if your skein has a dye lot, it will be listed 

near the Bar code sticker.  

As you can see This Yarn is Lot 23529

I hope this answered all your questions

 about reading yarn labels.

Whimsical Cape Shawl Crochet Pattern and Video | Posh Pooch Designs

Whimsical Cape Shawl Crochet Pattern
By Sara Sach of
 Posh Pooch Designs
is perfect for Morning, day or evening.
And Anytime of year!

This Crochet Pattern, The Whimsical Cape Shawl

 has been updated with lots of new pictures, 

and a Brand New Video

At This LINK

Quick and Easy to Make.

 Whimsical and Fun to wear.

Crochet Pattern is designed in 4 sizes!

Watercolor Forest Shawl Crochet Pattern and Video | Posh Pooch Designs

Watercolor Forest Shawl Crochet Pattern

By Sara Sach of

Posh Pooch Designs

We remade the Video - 

It clear and not Fuzzy, and the Stitches are closer up.

See This Video on my Youtube Channel at this LINK

Watercolor Forest Shawl Crochet patter By Sara Sach

Please, add this pattern to your Ravelry Favorites

Skill: Easy

Materials:

Crochet Hook: N-9.00MM

Yarn: Worsted Weight (4) 13.5 oz. / 604 yds.

           I used Red Heart Boutique Treasure / Watercolor (4 skeins)

Stitches:

Chain (ch)

Slip Stitch (slst)

Double Crochet (dc)

Skip (sk)

Space (sp)

Notes:
This is basically a C2C Style Shawl (corner to corner)
Therefore you will turn each row.

Size: Width – 60 inches, length - 30 inches

R: 1 – We will be starting at the point and working up in a variation of the C2C method.

Ch 6, 1dc in the 4^th ch from the hook, 1 dc in the next ch, ch1, sk the next ch,

1 dc in the next ch,

R: 2 – ch 6, 1dc in the 4^th ch from the hook, 1 dc in the next ch, ch1, sk the next ch,

Slst in the 1^st ch 3 space, ch3, dc, ch1, dc in the ch 3 sp,

R: 3 – ch 6, 1dc in the 4^th ch from the hook, 1 dc in the next ch, ch1, sk the next ch,

Slst in the 1^st ch 3 space, ch3, dc, ch1, dc in the ch 3 sp,

 Slst in the next ch 3 space, ch3, dc, ch1, dc in the ch 3 sp,

R: 4 - ch 6, 1dc in the 4^th ch from the hook, 1 dc in the next ch, ch1, sk the next ch,

Slst in the 1^st ch 3 space, ch3, dc, ch1, dc in the ch 3 sp,

 *Slst in the next ch 3 space, ch3, dc, ch1, dc in the ch 3 sp* Repeat 1 more time,

R: 5 - ch 6, 1dc in the 4^th ch from the hook, 1 dc in the next ch, ch1, sk the next ch,

Slst in the 1^st ch 3 space, ch3, dc, ch1, dc in the ch 3 sp,

 *Slst in the next ch 3 space, ch3, dc, ch1, dc in the ch 3 sp* Repeat 2 more times,

R: 6 - ch 6, 1dc in the 4^th ch from the hook, 1 dc in the next ch, ch1, sk the next ch,

Slst in the 1^st ch 3 space, ch3, dc, ch1, dc in the ch 3 sp,

 *Slst in the next ch 3 space, ch3, dc, ch1, dc in the ch 3 sp* Repeat across row

R: 7 – R: 41 – Repeat R: 6 (repeat as many times as you like to make it as big as you like.)

R: 42 – Top Trim – Turn Working across the top of the Shawl, *Slst in the 1^st ch3 sp,

Dc, ch2, dc in the st*( The stitch between the bumps)  Repeat From * to * across,

Side Trim- Turning and working down the 1^st side, *Sc in the 1^st row edge,

Dc, ch2, dc in the next row edge,* Repeat From * to * across to the Point of the shawl,

dc, ch2, dc, ch2, dc, ch2 in the point.

Then repeat as done for the first side of the shawl, join with a slst to the 1^st st.

An ad Free Instant download PDF file 
is available in my RAVELRY shop
 for $4.50 at this Link

Have fun making this classy shawl!

And post a pic to my facebook page at this link:

Posh Pooch Designs

American Girl Doll Clothes | Posh Pooch Designs

I decided to make a blog post with all the 

American Girl items I designed for my 

Granddaughter for her birthday.

 And, this way you can find all 

My Crochet Patterns easily.

All the doll patterns are designed for 18 inch dolls, 

like The American Girl Dolls.

 The Child's Crochet Patterns are designed 

For Little Girls 2-8 years old.

They are super easy patterns, and 

made with Red Heart With Love yarn.

No snaps, buttons or tricky closures, 

so they are easy to put on your dolls.

The Name of the Free Crochet Pattern is 

above each picture, and that is the 

link to take you to the pattern.

1. Dolly and Me Spring Beanies

2. Doll Spring Poncho 

 Child's Spring Poncho

3. Simple Dolly Dress

4. Whimsical Cape Shawl - Dolly and Me

I really enjoyed designing these items
 for my granddaughter, 

and I am hoping she will love them.

I am so looking forward to getting some pictures

 of her and her dolls wearing these!

I decided to give my new doll a name.
We are calling her
 "Colorado Sunshine".

Dolly and Me Spring Beanies Crochet Pattern | Posh Pooch Designs

Dolly and Me Spring Beanies

 Crochet Patterns By Sara Sach of

 Posh Pooch Designs

Dolly and Me Spring Beanies - 

One For Dolly and One For your little girl!

The Doll beanie is Designed for the 18 inch dolls, 

like The American Girl Dolls.

The Child's Beanie is designed to fit a child 

about 2 to 8 years old.

These beanies were designed for my 

Granddaughter for her birthday.

The yellow dress the doll is wearing in the picture

 is the Simple Doll Dress and the 

Free Crochet Pattern can be found at this link:

 Simple Doll Dress Crochet Pattern

See the Video on my Youtube channel -

Part 1- The Doll Beanie - at this LINK

The Child Size Beanie Hats Crochet Pattern and Video Has Been 

Moved To This LINK

Dolly and Me Spring Beanies Crochet Pattern
 By Sara Sach
Please, ad this pattern to your Ravelry Favorites

Skill Level: Easy

Materials:

Crochet Hook - H

Yarn - Worsted Weight yarn (4) I Used Red heart With Love

             Bright Pink – C1 (3 oz.)

             Spring Green – C2 (1oz)

             Yellow – C3 – (1 oz.)

              Purple – C4 – (1 oz.)

Yarn needle

Stitches:

Chain (ch)

Single Crochet (sc)

Double Crochet (dc)

Slip Stitch (sl st)

Space (sp)

Skip (sk)

Change (chg)

Size:  Doll Hat -Fits 18 inch dolls like American Girl Dolls

           Child’s hat – fit Child 2 to 8 years old (15 – 16 inches)

Dolly Hat –

Ch3 counts as a st, unless indicated otherwise.

Rounds are joined with a slst.

R: 1 – With C1, Ch 4, 9 dc in the 2^nd ch from the hook, join to the 1^st dc,

Ch3, (10 dc)

R: 2 – 1 dc in the same st as ch3, 2 dc in each dc around, join, ch 3

(20 dc)

R: 3 - 1 dc in the same st as ch3, 1 dc in the next dc, 2 dc in the next dc,

join, ch 3 (30 dc)

R: 4 -1 dc in the same st as ch3, 1 dc in the next 2 dc, 2 dc in the next dc,

join, (40 dc)

R: 5 – Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch1) sk the next dc, *1dc in the next dc, ch1, sk 1 dc*

Repeat From * to * around row, join to 3^rd ch of ch4, (20dc, 20 ch1 = 40sts)

R: 6 – ch3, 1 dc in each dc and in each ch1 sp around, join,

R: 7 – Repeat R: 5

R: 8 – 1 sc in each st and in each ch 1 sp around, join (40sc)

R: 9 – Chg to C2, Repeat R: 8 

R: 10 – Repeat R: 8

R: 11 – Chg to C3, Repeat R: 8, tie off, weave in your ends.

Small Flowers – Make 1

With C4, Ch 2, 10 sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, join with a slst to 1^st sc.

Ch 2, 3 dc, in 1st sc, ch2, sl st in the next sc, ch 2, (1 petal made)

Repeat 5 more times for 6 petals. Tie off, and weave in your end.

Sew onto beanie.

I sure hope my granddaughter loves these items 

I designed for her and her American Girl Doll.

 Once she gets them, I also hope for a picture

 of her and her doll wearing them.

An add Free Instant Download PDF file is 

available in my Ravelry  shop a for $3.50 at this link:

Dolly and Me Spring Beanies Crochet Pattern