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Crochet tips & tricks

Improve your crochet skills with our tutorial videos for crochet tips & tricks. Learn techniques like magic loop, cork screw spirals, stripes and more as well as useful tricks like how to make your projects more sturdy with sugared water!

Categories
Videos: 42
2:23
How to crochet a circle

In this DROPS video we show how to crochet a circle. Sometimes a crochet pattern starts with a circle; like many flowers. You make a number of dc's (US)/ tr's (UK) around the ring, start with ch 2-3 to get height. These first ch sts replaces the first dc/tr. Always end each round with a sl st in second/third ch in beg of round. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
3:47
How to crochet a magic loop

In this DROPS video we show how to crochet a magic circle loop. Many times crochet squares, circles etc start with a ring of chains leaving a hole in the middle. Sometimes you don't want that and then this technique comes handy. Hold on to tail and wrap the yarn around your left finger. Work sc (US)/dc (UK) around the yarn loop and the tail, when you have your desired number of sts, pull the tail to snug up the middle. Continue crochet around in the sts. After half the video we show you how to start and work dc (US)/ tr (UK) around the ring. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
7:52
How to crochet a button cover

In this DROPS video we show how to crochet a beautiful button cover. Chain 2 and then crochet 6 dc in the first of the 2 ch and finish round with a sl st in the first dc (= 1st round). Make sure to place a marker in 1st dc on each round. 2nd round: 1 ch, crochet 2 dc in each dc and finish with a sl st at beg of round (= 12 dc). 3rd + 4th round: 1 ch, 1 dc in each dc and finish with a sl st at beg. of round (= 12 dc). 5th round: 1 ch, crochet 1 dc in every other dc and finish with a sl st at beg. of round (= 6 dc). Put the button inside the cover, sew around and pull tight. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
10:36
How to crochet circles

In this DROPS video we show how to crochet different kind of circles used in several of our designs. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns using this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
8:02
How to crochet beads into work

In this DROPS video we show how to crochet beads into your work. Before starting your work put as many beads as you are planning to use on the yarn with the help of a sewing needle. Push away the beads and cast on as regular. Crochet until you want to start putting the beads in the work. The video first show how you add beads when working dc (UK tr) on RS, then working on WS, then finally how to add beads when working sc (UK dc). When working dc (UK tr) you pick up the thread behind the bead, work the dc in following stitch as normally, make sure to move the bead to front or to back before last pull through. When working sc (UK dc) you pick up the thread behind the bead, pull trough, skip the following stitch, and work next stitch as normally. On next row of dc/sc make sure to work the st on top of the bead to keep number of sts constant on row. Wash your garment inside out and also to use a laundry bag to be extra careful with the beads. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
6:33
How to crochet a Moebius/Möbius ring

In this DROPS video we show how to crochet a Moebius ring. Moebius, a German mathematician from the beginning of the 19th century, who developed the magically twisted circle ring on which this crochet technique is based. Ch a row in desired length of your cowls circumference. Form a ring with 1 sl st in first ch. ROUND 1: ch 3 (= 1 tr), skip first ch, continue to work 1 tr in every ch the entire round, work only in back loop of ch. Continue to work in the round and once you finish the first round you now work 1 tr in every ch in front loop of ch (i.e. there will be a "cross" in the transition). ROUND 2: (Insert a marker = beg of round). Begin working 1 tr in 3rd ch from beg of previous round, continue to work 1 tr in every tr the entire round. Continue in the round with desired stitch pattern. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where this technique is used by clicking on the pictures below.
4:18
How to crochet in both or in a single loop

In this DROPS video we show how to crochet through both or in a single loop. When nothing else is stated in our patterns you crochet the sts through both loops of the stitch below. To create different textures sometime you crochet only in the back loop or only in the front loop. In this video we show you how using the different methods creates different look on the crochet material. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
5:16
How to crochet a cork screw spiral

In this DROPS video we show how to crochet a cork screw spiral. This is a really fun and easy way of making cute decorations. Chain a row, approx double the length of the length of the finished cork screw. In the video we chain a row of 22, turn and work back in row 4 dc (US single crochet) in each chain. At the end help the cork screw twist. We have also crochet spirals where we have crocheted 2 and 3 double crochet (UK: double crochet) in each stitch and 2, 3 and 4 treble crochet (UK: treble crochet) in each stitch. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below. In the video we use the yarn DROPS SNOW
3:48
How to crochet on both sides of a chain band

In this DROPS video we show how you can crochet on both sides of a chain band. This is a great start for a bottom of a bag, cell phone cozy etc that want a smooth rounded bottom. Start by working a ch band the length of the bottom. Work 1 dc in back loop of 2nd ch from hook, continue with 1 dc in back loop of each ch along the band, at the end of row turn and continue working dc in each ch loop on the other side of band. At the end of row, continue working in the round. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns using this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
3:01
How to turn when crocheting double crochet

How do I get a straight piece? Which is the first stitch to work into after you turned? Which is the last stitch to work into? In this DROPS Video we show an example on how to work double crochet (dc) back and forth with 5 sts. Chain the number of sts you want (in our sample 5) + 1 additional stitch. Work a dc in 2nd ch from hook, work dc in each of rem ch across, turn. Ch 1 to turn with, work a dc in 2nd st from hook, and dc in rem dc's on row, turn. Repeat last row for a straight piece with a constant number of stitches. You must read the pattern and maybe look at a chart to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns using this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
3:00
How to fix a loose neck edge

Is your neck too wide or too elastic? Did you know there's an easy way to fix that? In this DROPS video we show how to crochet a band in the back of neck to limit the stretching. We are using a yarn in contrasting color so it will show better. From inside stick hook through a stitch, pick up yarn and pull through, stick through next stitch, pull through yarn and make slip stitch, repeat this but skip for example every 2nd or 3rd stitch depending on how much tighter you want the neck to become. After last stitch, cut yarn, pull through and fasten ends each side.
3:43
How to turn when crocheting treble crochet

How do I get a straight piece? Which is the first stitch to work into after you turned? Which is the last stitch to work into? In this DROPS Video we show an example on how to work treble crochet (tr) back and fort with 5 sts. Chain 1 st less than the number of tr you want (in our sample 5) + ch 3 additional stitches, i.e we chain 4+3 = 7. Work a tr in 4th ch from hook, work tr in each of rem ch across, turn. Ch 3 to turn with that replaces the first tr on next row, work a tr in 2nd, 3rd and 4th tr on row, and then 1 tr in 3rd ch from beginning of last row, turn. Repeat last row for a straight piece with a constant number of stitches. You must read the pattern and maybe look at a chart to be able to follow. You’ll find pattern using this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
2:59
How to fix a pulled crochet stitch

In this DROPS video we show a basic tips how to fix a pulled crochet stitch. First try to pull the garment, both ways and most of the loop will hopefully disappear. If the loop is still slightly loose, use a crochet hook and follow the yarn and pull a bit of the thread. If you are not 100% satisfied you can also block the garment. Put it in a little lukewarm water (make sure it is not too hot) for 30-40 minutes, squeeze out the water and put it on a floor rug or mattress and reshape the garment and let it dry. In this video we use the yarn DROPS Alaska.
2:51
How to fix a forgotten treble crochet

In this DROPS video we show how you can work in a forgotten treble crochet in a piece consisting of treble crochets. Put the thread behind the piece, pull the thread through with the hook, work 3 chain stitches and finish with pulling the thread over the row above and through the loop in hook. Cut and fasten the threads. We use the yarn DROPS Snow in the video.
10:34
How to crochet a heel with double crochet

In this DROPS video we show how to work a heel with double crochet, which is used in the "Rainbow Racers" sock in DROPS 214-58. We have already worked the leg and in the video we show who we work over 16 stitches over the leg and how to decrease 8 stitches, and then increase / work stitches in the side back and forth, to we have 16 stitches again. The "Rainbow Racers" socks are worked with 2 threads DROPS Delight, but in the video we use 1 thread DROPS Snow. You must read a pattern with this technique to be able to follow this video properly. You’ll find a pattern by clicking on the pictures below.
3:33
How to pick up stitches with a crochet hook in a garter stitch edge

In this DROPS video we show how to pick up stitches with a crochet hook inside the garter stitch edge. To get the desired number of stitches in a pattern, you have to "skip" some stitches. We use the yarn DROPS Snow in the video.
1:55
How to make a work a bit stiff with sugared water

In this DROPS video we show how we make sugared water and get the Christmas heart from DROPS Extra 0-1394 stiff. Mix a lot of sugar in cold water (90 g sugar in 120 ml water) and stir until all sugar is dissolved, dip the heart in the water, squeeze out the water, form and leave the heart flat to dry (1-2 days). If it was not stiff enough, repeat the process to the desired stiffness (colourless fizzy drink can also be used). You will find patterns where this technique is used by clicking the pictures below
2:11
How to crochet fringes

In this DROPS video we show how to crochet fringes. We have already crocheted some fringes. Pull out a loop with the crochet hook to the desired length, twist the thread (the more times the thread is twisted, the tighter the fringe become), fold the thread double and it will twist together. Work a double crochet in the next stitch. We use the yarn DROPS Snow in the video.