Free Crochet Patterns, Crochet Classes & Techniques

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Ewa’s Motif – Granny Square Crochet Pattern with Video

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This Granny Square Crochet Pattern with Video was inspired by some gorgeous yarn I purchased from Bella Yarn Studio after seeing it on her Instagram feed. The yarn is Sole by Pascuali and is a luxurious blend of pima cotton with 10% cashmere. Perfect for a summer top or cardi.

I did lot of swatching of stitch patterns with this yarn before deciding to make a motif with one of the stitch patterns I had been playing around with. The middle image below shows the origin of Ewa’s motif.

You might be wondering why the pattern is called Ewa? Well, that’s because Ewa is the lovely lady behind Bella Yarn Studio. And you can pronounce it Eva if you’re not Polish and struggle to pronounce it!

Ewa’s Motif – Granny Square Crochet Pattern

Tools & Materials:

You could try a range of yarns but I feel this pattern is best suited to Fingering/4ply/Sport/DK Yarns in natural fibres, particularly cotton.

Blue motif : Sole by Pascuali in Horizon.
Taupe motif : Patons 100% Cotton DK in Raffia.

Yardage:

Per motif – 6g or 13m / 14 yds approximately.

Hook size:

  • 3.25mm/D for Fingering/4ply
  • 3.5mm/E or 3.75mm/F for Sport/DK

Dimensions:

After washing & blocking – 10-11cm / 3.93-4.3 inches square – depending on yarn and hook size used.

Ewa’s Motif – Granny Square Crochet Pattern Video

Video instructions for the motif is below – I strongly advise using the video in conjunction with the written instructions.

Ewa’s Motif – Granny Square Crochet Written Pattern

Here you can download the written pattern with join, as a pdf which includes a chart….click on image below (opens in new window).

Did you crochet it?

I hope you like my Granny Square Crochet Pattern with Video – if you give it a try, please let me know!

Connect with me!

You can often find me on Instagram. Please do follow and tag me @mezzamay if you make one of my patterns, use one of my tips or stitch patterns. I really love to see what you’re making.

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Why not sign up to my newsletter to receive news about my latest patterns, tutorials and courses!
First name or full name.

Affiliate Links

I use affiliate links in my posts usually for Amazon & Lovecrafts. If you click on a link and buy something I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Support me!

If you have enjoyed my free content or have found my tips and techniques useful, please consider making a small donation by buying me a coffee via Ko-fi. This helps towards the running costs of my website.

The Story of Two Crochet Designs – Journal of Scottish Yarns

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Buy the Cùl Mòr Cardigan crochet pattern now! Ravelry: Cùl Mòr Cardigan pattern by Merrian Holland

This is a bit of belated post and it seems like an age ago that I started working on the designs featured in the very first issue of The Journal of Scottish Yarns.  It was published at the beginning of June and I’m only just getting round to reflecting on the process so that I can tell you all about my contribution. The act of writing this post is partly for my own benefit to document my journey but also with the hope that you might want to support this fabulous project!

How it Started

Back in October 2021, I received a message via my website from Susan, asking if I’d like to design something for a new publication which focused on the textile industry in Scotland. My name had been passed to her from a Ravelry friend Emily, who is also a knitwear designer and tech editor. She explained that this new, quarterly magazine would be a mix of articles and projects, all focused on Scotland. Susan had seen my Twinkling Granny Squares Sweater and wondered if she could commission a crochet garment design using motifs and Scottish yarn. We arranged a Zoom call and right away I felt like I hit it off with Susan and was inspired by her warmth, enthusiasm, pride and love of all things yarny …and Scottish! Excited to start, and with a relatively short deadline, I immediately went online to research some Scottish yarn producers.

a collage of 3 images showing a crochet granny square cardigan with a waterfall front made of lambswool in muted shades of light grey, green blue and mustard

Brief

The brief for the designs in the first issue was quite loose – I was asked to design a crocheted garment with motifs, inspired by the colours of a Hebridean Beach– sea, sky, sand, gorse and heather.

Yarn

I had already partly formulated a cardigan design in my head using a simple variation of a granny square and “random” colour placements. It didn’t take me long to settle on J C Rennie Supersoft 4ply as my choice as it ticked all the boxes for the brief and my own personal requirements for yarn:

  1. Natural fibre – 100% lambswool.
  2. Made in Scotland!
  3. Good yardage.
  4. High quality.
  5. A large range of beautiful colours that fitted the brief.
  6. Great value (considering all of the above).

Once I’d selected the colourways and started swatching, I was delighted by the colours and texture of the J C Rennie Supersoft 4ply – the yarn seemed to embody the spirit of the Scottish Highlands that I fondly recalled from trips over the years. The resulting fabric was also perfect for the lightweight cardigan design I had in mind. Gently rustic but with a surprising amount of drape.

What’s in a Name?

The cardigan design is called Cùl Mòr, a twin summited mountain in the Scottish Highlands that I hiked up with my then boyfriend. Click here to read more and hear how it’s pronounced. The first sample I made for the journal features colours that evoke memories of that magical trip – Light Grey (Putty 221), Mustard Yellow (Cummin 262), Turquoise (Fauna 457), Green (Asparagus 185) & Blue (Teal Dust 1525).

Style & Fit

The Cùl Mòr cardigan has been designed as a loose-fitting, easy to wear piece with a waterfall opening. The lambswool Supersoft 4ply is lightweight, yet warm and has optional button loops so you can wear it with the fronts closed for extra warmth if needed. Available in a range of sizes with finished bust measurement from 96cm/37.75 inches to 176cm/69.25 inches. The length of the body and sleeves are easily customizable by adding extra motifs or half motifs.

granny square cardigans worn by two young women - hand made in natural lambswool in funky colours

Crochet Skill Level

Although there are a lot of motifs involved, the making of which require a certain level of ambition and commitment, I feel this crochet pattern is actually quite easy. The main motif is simple enough – an easy to memorise, slight variation of the traditional granny square. The fronts, back and sleeves are rectangles of motifs, which are all joined in the main colour using the “continuous granny stitch join” technique. This is an easy technique to master and I even have a video tutorial here which while not specific to the Cùl Mòr cardigan, does explain the basic principles.

For the larger sizes, there is some under arm shaping using a series of granny stitch “wedges” – granny stitch short shows if you like – to avoid the huge kimono effect sleeves that often come with poorly graded designs.

close up of continuous granny stitch join using lambswool yarn and clover amour crochet hook and underside of sleeve with shaping

Join us for a CAL (Crochet Along)?

Susan and I have a CAL planned! I’ll be on hand to help with any pattern queries… it will be fun and there will be prizes…are you interested? We’ll be announcing the guidelines soon.

I myself will be making another version of the Cùl Mòr but instead of a random colour sequence, I’m going to use the same order of colours for every motif!

a montage of 3 images showing fingerless mitts crocheted in natural shetland yarn

Spin Off Design – Loch Maree Fingerless Mitts

At some point, well into the design process of the cardigan, Susan asked if I’d also be able to contribute a smaller crochet design to the journal. I had already become a little intrigued by the way the central motif of the Cùl Mòr looked like a little flower so I started experimenting for a motif with that… and soon enough the Loch Maree fingerless mittens were born. I am ever so proud of these – needing only a small amount of J C Rennie Suppersoft 4ply yarn (leftovers from your cardi?!), the motifs are made first and then the main body of the mitten is crocheted sideways. The mitts have a proper, shaped thumb gusset that is added in once the main part of the mitt is completed. Only a small amount of sewing is required for seaming and then the mitts are finished with some slip stitch surface crochet.

I am a big fan of fingerless mitts as they are surprisingly warm and very practical with our constant smart phone use!! Have you ever made or worn fingerless mitts? If not, I would encourage you to give them a go!  

A Crochet Pattern Publication with a Difference

I was so delighted when I finally received my hard copy of the Journal of Scottish Yarns. It’s such a beautiful book with interesting articles …lots of space given to the knit and crochet instructions with minimal condensation of my original draft patterns and many beautiful photos showcasing the cardigan, including a version of the design in a different colourway. I love the vibrant version that Susan’s sister crocheted in black, pink, yellow and green, giving a stylish retro vibe.

knitting patterns modelled by four women from Journal of Scottish Yarns

And There’s More

The Journal features another crochet pattern by Samira Hill – Cullen, a lovely vest top that I will also be making and I’ve already swatched for!

There are 4 lovely knitting patterns – a tabard, a tank top, a cowl and a shawl.

As well as one embroidery project.

Fascinating articles, all beautifully illustrated/photographed:

  • A short history of Scottish textiles.
  • Susie Finlayson’s personal story as a stitcher of The Great Tapestry of Scotland.
  • Newburgh Handloom Weavers – making bespoke tweed.
  • 6,000 years of sheepy history (my favourite article in the journal!).
  • The origins of Iona Wool.
  • The Border Mill – it started with alpacas!
  • Embroidery and the Jacobites.
  • The Dovecot Team – creating a tapestry from a painting.
  • Advice on learning to spin.

There’s also a lovely interview of Susan on the Heather & Hops Vlog where you get to hear more about it and also see my designs in action! https://youtu.be/qxDpcFcDdfs

Get Your Copy

I really hope you are inspired to buy a copy of Susan’s first publication which promotes many small businesses and designers! Here are some lovely things others have said about the publication:

This is scholarly, intelligent, interesting and visually amazing. There are also beautiful patterns. A download code is included.

Janice C

I love the paper quality, colour plates and the composition of each page. The first article on the amazing and exciting project – The Great Tapestry of Scotland, in Galashiels, provided detailed information about its creation. As to the patterns – for me, those beautiful garments are aspirational. Thank you for a wonderful journal about a particular aspect of Scotland.

Yarn Issue 1 – Spring / Summer 2022 [print & digital] — YarnJournal

Win a Copy

Can’t afford to buy a copy right now? Don’t worry, I have a spare copy to give away to one lucky newsletter subscriber! And I will ship worldwide! If you already have a copy…don’t worry – I will send you Issue 2 instead, when it’s out!

To enter the draw, you just need to do 3 things (If you haven’t already!):

  1. Sign up to my newsletter (scroll to bottom of post).
  2. Follow me on Instagram or Facebook .
  3. Follow Susan’s Instagram page for Journal of Scottish Yarns.

Winners will be drawn at random and will be notified via the email address you’ve used to sign up to this newsletter. Closing date for the draw is 30th September 2022.

small granny squares & a chevron stitch crochet in shetland lambswool in autumnal colours

What’s Next?

As you may know from my last newsletter, I am all about crochet these days, having given up my previous job to pursue my crochet dreams. And luckily there’s definitely an Issue 2 and it will include a design from me! All I can tell you now is that I’ll be using Jamieson’s of Shetland DK yarn for a cosy sweater.

Thanks for reading, and as always, if you have any questions or feedback, I’d love to hear from you.

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Crochet a Stretchy Rib Cuff

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Crochet Ribbed Cuff

These instructions are for making the ribbing first and then sewing onto the sleeve afterwards. There are methods where you attach the ribbing directly to the garment as you make it, but in this instance, because the sleeve is considerably wider and I wanted the cuff to be a specific fit around my wrist, I chose to make the ribbing independently.
The ribbing is created sideways, i.e. worked perpendicular with the edge of the sleeve, with slip stitch rows, where each stitch is made in the back loop of the slip stitch from the previous row.
You can make the ribbed cuff as wide as you like, in this case my cuff is 8cm with 22 sts.

The sweater I have made the ribbed cuff for is the Claremont Sweater. You can find the pattern for the motif and join here : Claremont Granny Square with Join

Thank you for visiting my website! If you have found any of my content useful, please consider making a small donation via Ko-fi. I hope you can appreciate that it takes many hours of hard work to share my extensive crochet knowledge via my free content. ♥ THANK YOU ♥

Tools & Materials

You can use any yarn weight and corresponding hook size but for these instructions, I am using a Light DK / Sport weight yarn in one colour (Paintbox DK in Champagne White) with a 4mm / G hook – this is the same size hook that I crocheted the rest of the Claremont Sweater with.

Crochet a Stretchy Rib Cuff Instructions

Scroll down for video tutorial and downloadable pdf version of the instructions.

Key (US crochet terminology)
 
beg – beginning
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
sl st – slip stitch
sk – skip

Starting chain : Leaving a long tail (for seaming the edges of the cuff together later), start with a slip knot loop on your hook and chain the required number of stitches and add 1 chain as a turning chain – I chained 23 for 22 stitches.

Note : you’ll need a nice, neat and even chain that isn’t loose as it will end up making one end of your ribbing wider. If you struggle to make a tighter chain, go down a hook size, just for the starting chain.

Row 1 : sk the 1st ch, work 1 sl st into the back loop of each chain (see fig.1).

Note : you will need to crochet the sl sts quite loosely or you will not be able to work into them again on the return row. Practise pulling up the loop a little higher through the stitch than you normally would. One way to do this is to tip the back end of the hook down towards the ground as you pull the loop through the st. (see fig.2).

Tip : To keep the edges of your ribbing looking neat, you’ll need to make sure you turn the work in the same direction each time you start a new row. I am turning my work clockwise. (see fig.3)
three images showing a crochet chain in white cotton

Row 2 : ch1 (see fig.4), do not sk any sts, sl st into the back loop of each st, bearing in mind you may need to tilt the back of the fabric towards you to see the back loop as this stitch sits very flat to the fabric and therefore the loops are only visible when you tip the top edge of the work towards you (see fig.5). Take care not to miss the last stitch (see fig.6)! This can often be smaller and is sometimes accidentally missed. If you are unsure whether you need to crochet into what’s left of the row, count the stitches you have already made! Remember to crochet loosely by opening up the loop you create when you pull it put through the stitch.

a collage of three images showing slip stitch ribbing being crocheted in white cotton

Repeat Row 2 as many times as needed.

Finish with an even row. Fasten off leaving a nice long tail – you’ll use this to sew the cuff to the sweater sleeve.

Keep Going!

This stitch may require a new bit of muscle memory for you so don’t be disheartened if the first few rows seem difficult – keep going, keep the stitches relaxed, keep the pulled-up loop nice and open… after a while it will start to come easily and you’ll be able to work the stitch much more quickly and neatly.

You need to make at least 12 rows before you can experience the stretch effect of this slip stitch ribbing.

For my Claremont Sweater, I have crocheted 60 rows of sl st, giving me an 18cm strip of ribbing.

Seam the Cuff

Using the tail you left at the start (see fig.7), seam the edges of the cuff with a whip stitch through the back loops only of the starting ch and last row made – work front to back, matching stitch for stitch (see fig.8). Sew a double stitch for the first and last whip stitches made for security (see fig.9). Fasten off and weave in the end (see fig.10).

two images showing crochet stretch rib in white cotton
a collage of 3 images showing the seaming of stretchy crochet slip stitch cuff

Attaching the Ribbing to the Sweater Sleeve

selection of tools and materials required to sew a crochet rib cuff to a lacey white sweater - scissors, pins, thread

You will need:

  • Wool needle.
  • Dressmakers’ pins.
  • Scrap yarn for tacking (either 4ply or sewing thread in a different colour to sweater).
  • Scissors
Note: the edge of the sleeve has been prepared with a single crochet border to attach the cuff to. Please see separate instructions for this.

Turn the sleeve inside out. Insert the cuff, with right side facing, inside the sleeve. Line up the seam of the cuff with the inside seam of the sleeve. Pin in place (see fig. 11). Locate the middle of the sleeve edge – in this case, as the sleeve is 3 motifs wide, the middle is the starting ring of the 2nd motif. With the cuff folded at the side seam, match up the fold of the cuff with the middle of the sleeve edge and pin in place (see fig. 12).

two images showing a crochet cuff being pinned to a sweater ready to be sewn on

Gather the Sleeve to Match the Cuff with a Running Stitch

Starting close to one of the pins, attach the tacking thread in the sc border row on the sleeve. Make a double stitch to secure the tacking thread (see fig.13). Make a simple running stitch through the sc border of the sleeve (you’re not attaching the cuff yet, this stitch is ONLY going through the fabric of the sleeve). Stop when you reach the second pin. Carefully pull the tacking thread so that the sleeve fabric gathers (see fig.14). Once you’ve pulled it in enough to match the width of the cuff, make a double stitch to secure the gathers. Massage the gathers to distribute evenly and pin to the cuff (see fig.15).

Now do the same for the other half/side of the sleeve. Cut the tacking thread.

a series if 3 images showing the gathering of a white cotton sleeve with blue tacking stitch in preparation for sewing on a stretch rib crochet cuff

Sew the Cuff to the Sleeve

Thread the extra long tail from the cuff onto the wool needle. If you’ve ended up the long tail at the wrong end/side of the cuff, simply start with a fresh piece of yarn, ensuring it’s about 5 times as long as the circumference of the cuff and secure near the inside seam of cuff.

Whip stitch the cuff to the sweater – insert the needle through both loops of the sc border on the sweater (same way as you’d insert a hook) and then sew to the part of the ribbing that’s directly adjacent, making sure to catch 2 “strands” of yarn from the ribbed edge (see fig. 16). If you only catch one strand it will not be very secure and can also create holes where the loop you’ve caught on the ribbing pulls open.

Remove pins as you go. Finish with a double stitch. Before securing and tying off, carefully remove all tacking, turn the work inside out and check you are happy with your work before you commit to tying off and sewing in ends (see fig.17).

two images showing a stretch crochet cuff with a woman's hands, being added to a white cotton sweater

Crochet a Stretchy Rib Cuff – Download pdf Instructions

Click on the image below – opens in a new window.

Crochet ribbed cuff in white cotton - part of a lacey sweater. Woman's hand with crocheted ribbed cuff holds pot with cactus

Crochet a Stretchy Rib Cuff – Video Tutorial

Best used in conjunction with written instructions!

Did you crochet it?

I hope you like my Claremont Granny Square Pattern – if you give it a try, please let me know!

Connect with me!

You can often find me on Instagram. Please do follow and tag me @mezzamay if you make one of my patterns, use one of my tips or stitch patterns. I really love to see what you’re making.

Newsletter

Why not sign up to my newsletter to receive news about my latest patterns, tutorials and courses!
First name or full name.

Affiliate Links

I use affiliate links in my posts usually for Amazon & Lovecrafts. If you click on a link and buy something I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Support me!

If you have enjoyed my free content or have found my tips and techniques useful, please consider making a small donation by buying me a coffee via Ko-fi. This helps towards the running costs of my website.


Learn to Crochet Course – Starting Friday 29th April – SOLD OUT

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Since my last course sold out so quickly and I’ve had quite a few people asking for a weekday, daytime course, I’m, happy to announce that your wish is my command! I will be running my next course on Fridays from 12:30-2:30 at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, in Walton-on-Thames!

My beginners crochet course, consists of 4 classes where you will get to grips with all the basics needed to get you competent and confident in the art of crochet.

I have developed a special project that covers starting off, chaining, the basic stitches and joining motifs together for a finished item.

This course is for you if you are :

  • a complete beginner and you’ve never even picked up a hook.
  • someone that has dabbled in crochet but never really got to grips with it.
  • someone that may have crocheted many years ago but need refreshing on the basic techniques.
  • self taught from the internet but want to make sure you’re not picking up any bad habits.

As well as my expert guidance and hands on practical work, the course includes detailed class notes with photo tutorials AND everything you need, including hook, yarn, needles, stitch markers and a handy project bag.

You’ll be making a small item which will teach you how to make a traditional and solid granny square.
You will learn all the essential techniques that can be applied to most basic projects such as:

  • choosing the right size hook and yarn
  • how to hold your hook and yarn
  • chaining
  • slip stitch, single & double crochet
  • crochet chart symbols
  • how to make a square
  • how to change colours
  • how to join motifs using sewing and crochet
  • how to make a cord
  • how to finish off

Learn to Crochet Course Dates 2022

Week 1 – Friday 29th April 12:30-2:30pm
Week 2 – Friday 6th May 12:30-2:30pm
Week 3 – Friday 13th May 12:30-2:30pm
Week 4 – Friday 20th May 12:30-2:30pm

Cost

The 4 week course is £75 and covers all materials needed.

What you might want to bring

  • Notepad & pen.
  • Scissors.
  • Drink.

This is a great way to learn a new hobby in a friendly setting where you can meet other students with similar interests as well as supporting your local arts centre.

FAQ

Q: Why is the course 4 weeks long?
A : I have seen many day classes and classes that are a couple of hours long, promising to teach you to crochet. Of course there are some that can pick things up very quickly, but a key element of learning to crochet is muscle memory… this is very difficult to achieve in a short, one off class. In fact, a large percentage of my students had previously attended these kinds of classes and not quite managed to commit the techniques to memory. My immersive courses allow you to go home and practice what you’ve learnt in class and come back to me the following week for help with anything you’re unsure of. This 4 week structure really allows the skills to sink in and stick!

Q: I would like to attend your course but I am not able to make all the classes.
A : You can still get a lot out of the course, even if you have to skip some of the weeks, however,  Week 1 & Week 2 are mandatory. It’s very difficult for me to re-teach a whole missed class for one student and then fit in the content for the scheduled class. I have tried to do this in the past and ends up being unsatisfactory for the the student trying to catch up and also for the other students who didn’t miss a class. You will be sent class notes and videos (where applicable) for any classes missed and I’m happy to help via email/WhatsApp. The full cost of the course also applies, even if you can only make some of the classes.

Q: I do not need the starter kit as I have my own yarn and hooks.
A: After many years of teaching crochet to beginners, I have found that the hooks and yarn used make a massive difference to how easily the student picks up the technique and how much they enjoy the experience. Students that bring unsuitable equipment invariably end up frustrated so I have made the decision to provide and include all the materials in the cost of the course.

Q: I am a knitter. I’d like to crochet but I’m worried I won’t be able to.
A: Yes, I have come across this concern many times. There still seems to be a misconception that you either knit or crochet… of course you can do both! Often those with previous experience of knitting or other types of handicrafts can find picking up a new skill relatively easy.

Q: I use a wheelchair, is there wheelchair access to the studio?
A: Yes, there is a ramp into the studio. Please get in touch when you book and I will double check with the staff at the Riverhouse that everything is set up correctly for you.

Q: The dates of this course don’t suit me, will you be running another course and if so, when?
A: I usually run my beginners classes twice a year on Saturdays. If you are not free on Saturdays, I offer one-to-one classes from my home studio or from your home. I can also teach small, private groups of up to 4 people if you have friends/family that would like to join you. Please contact me for more information.

Q: What is your cancellation policy.
A: Please read about our cancellation policy in our terms and conditions: Terms & Conditions

SOLD OUT

Did you miss out? Please sign up to my newsletter for notifications of my next beginners course.

No Holes Small Solid Granny Square Pattern

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I designed the “No Holes Small Solid Granny Square Pattern” motif because I wanted a solid granny square that was properly square with sharp corners and no holes. Additionally, I needed a small motif that would be suitable for using the mini skeins I had from www.lottieknits.com. The beautiful hand dyed mini skeins are “Little Bird Sock” which is a 80% Superwash Merino and 20% Nylon blend that crochets up beautifully, holding the shape of the stitches well and offering good drape for clothing without bulk.

The mini skeins I had were quite vivid colours. I had accumulated more than a dozen different colours, so I selected all the pinks, purples and oranges to pair with a solid black yarn to make them really stand out. Putting a dark border on the “No Holes Small Solid Granny Square Pattern” and joining lots of them together in a random colour sequence gives a beautiful paint box effect.

a collage of three images - all on a white backgreound. The first image shows a solid, no holes granny square in variegated purple yarn with a thick black border. The second image shows the hem of a dress made with bright crochet motifs in reds, pinks and oranges and three motifs without border. The third image shows part of a crochet dress made with the same motifs.

Tools & Materials:

You can use any yarn weight and corresponding hook size but for these instructions, I have used the following:

This motif works best with a natural fibre that can be blocked to retain its shape.

Finished dimensions:

5cm x 5cm / 2” x 2”

With three round border – 11cm x 11cm / 4.3” x 4.3”

Important Note:

To achieve the desired effect of the “No Holes Small Solid Granny Square Pattern”, this design features some slight changes to a traditional granny square or even other motifs you may have previously made.

The main differences to take note of are:

  1. After Round 1 you turn the work and make the next round on the “wrong side”. This helps minimise the line or “step” that’s created when a new round is crocheted into the “right side” of the previous round and in effect visually softens the line between the first and second rounds.
  2. The start and end of Round 2 is slightly unusual. It starts with a partial corner with the first proper stitch being worked into the slip stitch that joined the previous round. The final stitch of the round is placed into the same stitch as the slip stitch from the previous round, i.e. the 4th chain of the beginning chain 4 from round 1. This can be tricky to work back into but it’s important to make the last stitch in this chain rather than working around the chain which will leave a visible hole.
  3. The final round is best finished with an invisible bind off.

None of the above may make any sense to you right now, but don’t worry, it’s not a difficult motif – follow the downloadable instructions below and use the video for extra help if you need it!

No Holes Small Solid Granny Square – Instructions

Download the pdf instructions by clicking on the image below.

front cover of pdf crochet pattern for a small solid granny square with no holes. On a white background there is a small section of a dress made with colourful square motifs with a solid black border. An outstretched hand has three crochet motifs balanced on the palm in orange and purple

What I made!

I made a dress with this motif. Although there is not pattern for this dress, I can teach you how to make your own. Join my next guided online course, to design and make your own granny square sweater: sign up for the waitlist.

Did you crochet it?

I hope you like my No Holes Small Solid Granny Square Pattern – if you give it a try, please let me know!

Connect with me!

You can often find me on Instagram. Please do follow and tag me @mezzamay if you make one of my patterns. I really love to see what you’re making.

Newsletter

Why not sign up to my newsletter to receive news about my latest patterns, tutorials and courses!

Affiliate Links

I use affiliate links in my posts usually for Amazon & Lovecrafts. If you click on a link and buy something I may receive a small commission. This is at no additional cost to you.

Support me!

If you have enjoyed my free content or have found my tips and techniques useful, please consider making a small donation by buying me a coffee via Ko-fi.

Learn to Crochet Course – Starting 5th March 2022 – SOLD OUT

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I’m excited to announce that I am able to resume some of my crochet classes at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, in Walton-on-Thames!

Starting with my beginners crochet course, consisting of 4 classes where you will get to grips with all the basics needed to get you competent and confident in the art of crochet.

I have developed a special project that covers starting off, chaining, the basic stitches and joining motifs together for a finished item.

This course is for you if you are :

  • a complete beginner and you’ve never even picked up a hook.
  • someone that has dabbled in crochet but never really got to grips with it.
  • someone that may have crocheted many years ago but need refreshing on the basic techniques.
  • self taught from the internet but want to make sure you’re not picking up any bad habits.

As well as my expert guidance and hands on practical work, the course includes detailed class notes with photo tutorials AND everything you need, including hook, yarn, needles, stitch markers and a handy project bag.

You’ll be making a small item which will teach you how to make a traditional and solid granny square.
You will learn all the essential techniques that can be applied to most basic projects such as:

  • choosing the right size hook and yarn
  • how to hold your hook and yarn
  • chaining
  • slip stitch, single & double crochet
  • crochet chart symbols
  • how to make a square
  • how to change colours
  • how to join motifs using sewing and crochet
  • how to make a cord
  • how to finish off

Learn to Crochet Course Dates 2022

Week 1 – Saturday 5th March 3:30-5:30pm
Week 2 – Saturday 12th March 3:30-5:30pm
Week 3 – Saturday 19th March 3:30-5:30pm
Week 4 – Saturday 26th March 3:30-5:30pm

Cost

The 4 week course is £75 and covers all materials needed.

What you might want to bring

  • Notepad & pen.
  • Scissors.
  • Drink.

This is a great way to learn a new hobby in a friendly setting where you can meet other students with similar interests as well as supporting your local arts centre.

FAQ

Q: Why is the course 4 weeks long?
A : I have seen many day classes and classes that are a couple of hours long, promising to teach you to crochet. Of course there are some that can pick things up very quickly, but a key element of learning to crochet is muscle memory… this is very difficult to achieve in a short, one off class. In fact, a large percentage of my students had previously attended these kinds of classes and not quite managed to commit the techniques to memory. My immersive courses allow you to go home and practice what you’ve learnt in class and come back to me the following week for help with anything you’re unsure of. This 4 week structure really allows the skills to sink in and stick!

Q: I would like to attend your course but I am not able to make all the classes.
A : You can still get a lot out of the course, even if you have to skip some of the weeks, however,  Week 1 & Week 2 are mandatory. It’s very difficult for me to re-teach a whole missed class for one student and then fit in the content for the scheduled class. I have tried to do this in the past and ends up being unsatisfactory for the the student trying to catch up and also for the other students who didn’t miss a class. You will be sent class notes and videos (where applicable) for any classes missed and I’m happy to help via email/WhatsApp. The full cost of the course also applies, even if you can only make some of the classes.

Q: I do not need the starter kit as I have my own yarn and hooks.
A: After many years of teaching crochet to beginners, I have found that the hooks and yarn used make a massive difference to how easily the student picks up the technique and how much they enjoy the experience. Students that bring unsuitable equipment invariably end up frustrated so I have made the decision to provide and include all the materials in the cost of the course.

Q: I am a knitter. I’d like to crochet but I’m worried I won’t be able to.
A: Yes, I have come across this concern many times. There still seems to be a misconception that you either knit or crochet… of course you can do both! Often those with previous experience of knitting or other types of handicrafts can find picking up a new skill relatively easy.

Q: I use a wheelchair, is there wheelchair access to the studio?
A: Yes, there is a ramp into the studio. Please get in touch when you book and I will double check with the staff at the Riverhouse that everything is set up correctly for you.

Q: The dates of this course don’t suit me, will you be running another course and if so, when?
A: I usually run my beginners classes twice a year on Saturdays. If you are not free on Saturdays, I offer one-to-one classes from my home studio or from your home. I can also teach small, private groups of up to 4 people if you have friends/family that would like to join you. Please contact me for more information.

Q: What is your cancellation policy.
A: Please read about our cancellation policy in our terms and conditions: Terms & Conditions

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Beaded Tealight Holder Crochet Pattern

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This Beaded Tealight Holder Crochet Pattern is the perfect way to upcycle Gü & Bon Maman glass ramekins. Scroll down to download step by step instructions or to view video instructions to make these beautiful handmade homewares!

The evolution of this beaded tealight holder crochet pattern is rather circuitous. I was asked to run a private crochet class to teach the mesh stitch so the students could learn how to make a re-usable shopping bag. The class would only be 2 hours long which would not be enough time to make a bag. I do like to make sure that my stand alone classes allow the students to walk away with a finished product. How could I create a mini project that would incorporate some of the elements required to make a bag?

10g of Yarn, Re-purposed Ramekins & Abandoned Beads

As it happened, I had also bought a selection of the “Yarn & Colors Mini Must Haves” on a whim a few weeks previously, not really having any idea what to make with them. At the same time, a rather large stack of empty Gü ramekins were creating a perilous booby trap, ready to go off at any time, in one of my kitchen cupboards. I was also emptying out the remnants of stuff my daughter had left in her room after moving to the US and found several packets of Preciosa Candy Mix beads that she obviously no longer wanted. In the back of my mind, I started to wonder if these three elements could be combined to make something useful… and I also wanted the challenge of creating a complete object with only one of the tiny, 10g mini balls!

Many hours were spent experimenting, getting the pattern just right so that it would fit the glass ramekins and also use only one of the mini skeins.

I ran this as a course at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre in Walton. Unfortunately, I never ran the private class as the interested party pulled out at the last minute. I was really looking forward to running the class and had also purchased more yarn, beads, hooks, tealights and elastic bands. Enough to make up 6 kits with 3 tea lights in each. Luckily, I did manage to sell some of the kits during the first lockdown and then my lovely friend Dee, from Dee Opp Yoga placed an order for a set of 10 beaded tealight holders which meant I did make back the money I had spent on materials.

The pattern is for the standard Gü ramekins, which are tapered. The pattern also includes instructions at the end for the ramekins with straight sides which are ever so slightly bigger.

The Preciosa Candy Mix beads are now discontinued but I will list some alternatives below.

A Perfect Gift for Friends & Family

Once you get the hang of the pattern, these crocheted tea light covers work up pretty quickly. With a huge range of yarn colours and beads, you can make endless combinations to match any decor. I have made dozens of these now as thank you gifts and birthday or Christmas presents. People are always delighted with a beautiful and unique handmade gift.

Tools & Materials – Per Holder

  • 3ply or 4ply Cotton Yarn, 10g / 25m (27yds).
  • Hook – 2.5mm / C/2 (Clover Amour are my favourite).
  • Glass jar with a diameter of 7.5cm & height of 4.5cm (Gü cheesecake ramekins with slightly tapered sides).
  • 125 x Small glass or crystal beads with a hole big enough to thread the yarn through, see section below about beads.
  • Tea light.
  • Elastic band that fits snuggly around the top of the jar, no thicker than 4mm. Approx. 5cm diameter works well.
  • Tapestry or wool needle.

Beads

The Czech crystal beads in the photo tutorials are from Preciosa in “Jelly Candy Mix”. They are a square cut bead. 3.4 x 3.4mm with a 1.1mm hole. I used about 10g per jar.

Other suitable beads include:

  • Miyuki Delica Size 8.
  • Toho Seed Beads Size 6.

I bought these from eBay.

Beaded Tealight Holder Crochet Pattern – Instructions

You can purchase the pattern from:

LoveCrafts

Ravelry

front cover of free beaded tealight crochet pattern showing colourful cotton designs

Larger Ramekin

hands hold two empty glass ramekins - one is Gu and one Bon Maman

For the supermarket own brand & Bon Maman puddings in a similar glass ramekin, you’ll need to modify the pattern ever so slightly because the glass dishes are a tad bigger- instructions are on the last page of the download. For these I used Miyuki Delica Size 8 which are crystal beads in a Rose Gold colour. I also added extra beads around the trim on the last row. These were a Christmas gift for my mum.

Did you crochet it?

I hope you like my Beaded Tealight Holder Crochet Pattern – if you give it a try, please let me know!

Connect with me!

You can often find me on Instagram. Please do follow and tag me @mezzamay if you make one of my patterns. I really love to see what you’re making.

Newsletter

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Affiliate Links

I use affiliate links in my posts usually for Amazon & Lovecrafts. If you click on a link and buy something I may receive a small commission. This is at no additional cost to you.

Support me!

If you have enjoyed my free content or have found my tips and techniques useful, please consider making a small donation by buying me a coffee via Ko-fi.

Half Claremont Granny Square with Join

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Here are the instructions for the half Claremont granny square with join.

This half motif is a useful option for lengthening the sleeves and body of a garment where one full motif would be too much. I have used the half motif to do just that for this version of my Claremont Sweater. You could just as easily use it to make a blanket or table runner to a more exact size.

You can find the instructions & video tutorial for the full Claremont motif here : Full Claremont Granny Square with Join.

white cotton hand made crochet sweater detail, showing the half motif on cuffs and hem

Tools & Materials

You can use any yarn weight and corresponding hook size but for these instructions (see examples below), I am using a Light DK / Sport weight yarn in one colour with a 4mm / G hook (Paintbox Yarn DK Cotton in Champagne White).

Half Claremont Victorian Style Granny Square with Join – Instructions & Chart

For written instructions with photo tutorials and chart, please download the PDF from my FREE Crochet Motif Directory

front cover of pdf pattern for half claremont granny square motif

Video Tutorial – Victorian style half granny square with join

Did you crochet it?

I hope you like my Half Claremont Granny Square Pattern – if you give it a try, please let me know!

Connect with me!

You can often find me on Instagram. Please do follow and tag me @mezzamay if you make one of my patterns, use one of my tips or stitch patterns. I really love to see what you’re making.

Newsletter

Why not sign up to my newsletter to receive news about my latest patterns, tutorials and courses!

Affiliate Links

I use affiliate links in my posts usually for Amazon & Lovecrafts. If you click on a link and buy something I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Support me!

If you have enjoyed my free content or have found my tips and techniques useful, please consider making a small donation by buying me a coffee via Ko-fi.

Claremont Granny Square with Join – Free Crochet Pattern

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UPDATE: If you want to make your own custom sweater using this motif, I now run an online, guided course to design & make your own granny square sweater. It includes this Claremont motif and lots more! Sign up for the waitlist here: Online Granny Square Sweater Course – Join Waitlist

Claremont is a Victorian style granny square with join. I have used it to make 2 different sweater designs which I made as part of my “Design & Make Your Own Sweater Course”. It looks fantastic in a classic, off white cotton but would also look good in any, solid colour. With a simple border, I think this motif would make a beautiful throw or blanket.

a montage of 3 images showing a woman with long hair wearing a white cotton crochet sweater made with a victorian style granny square

Tools & Materials

You can use any yarn weight and corresponding hook size but for these instructions (see examples below), I am using a Light DK / Sport weight yarn in one colour with a 4mm / G hook (Paintbox Yarn DK Cotton in Champagne White).

When making a project with this motif, for the best results, use one, solid colour. The mesh style join creates an attractive design element along the edges and at the corners of motif, especially where four motifs converge.  If you use different colours for each motif, this effect is lost.

white claremont victorian crochet motif in 4ply. dk and aran worsted yarn

Claremont Victorian Style Granny Square with Join – Instructions & Chart

For written instructions with photo tutorials and chart, you can download it from my Free Crochet Motif Directory

front cover of pdf crochet pattern for Victorian style granny square with join

Video Tutorial – Victorian style granny square with join

Half Motif

The instructions on how to make the half motif can also be found in my free crochet motif directory.

Did you crochet it?

I hope you like my Claremont Granny Square Pattern – if you give it a try, please let me know!

Connect with me!

You can often find me on Instagram. Please do follow and tag me @mezzamay if you make one of my patterns, use one of my tips or stitch patterns. I really love to see what you’re making.

Newsletter

Why not sign up to my newsletter to receive news about my latest patterns, tutorials and courses!

Affiliate Links

I use affiliate links in my posts usually for Amazon & Lovecrafts. If you click on a link and buy something I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Support me!

If you have enjoyed my free content or have found my tips and techniques useful, please consider making a small donation by buying me a coffee via Ko-fi.