I always love learning new techniques to improve my crochet projects. Likewise, I then want to incorporate those techniques into my patterns so that you can improve your crochet projects too. One technique I learned a little over a year ago is the foundation half double crochet (abbreviated Fhdc), also referred to as a chainless foundation method. Using this approach will create a stretchy start to your project instead of a tight, unyielding chain.

Written Instructions

Ch 3, yarn over, insert hook in 3rd chain from hook, yarn over and pull up loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and draw through 1 loop (1 chain created), yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook—1 foundation half double crochet created. *Yarn over, insert hook under the 2 loops of the chain created in the last stitch and pull up loop, yarn over and draw through 1 loop, yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook; repeat from * for length of foundation.

Picture Tutorial

1- Chain 3.

2- Yarn over.

3- Insert hook in 3rd chain from the hook.

4- Yarn over and draw loop through.

5- Yarn over.

6- Draw through 1 loop (1 chain created).

7- Yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook (1 Fhdc created).

8- Yarn over.

9- Insert hook through chain created in previous stitch.

10- This is how it should look when you insert your hook through the chain.

11- Yarn over and draw through a loop.

12- Yarn over.

13- Draw through 1 loop (another chain created).

14- Yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook (another Fhdc created).

Repeat steps 8 through 14 for the number of Fhdc specified in the pattern. Here is what 10 Fhdc looks like.

This is a view of those same 10 stitches from the bottom.

I have always loved the idea of crocheting and knitting with unusual “yarn” sources. I have made napkin rings by knitting wire and a fluffy bathroom rug out of fleece. Those projects had such fun results, so I turned to fabric yarn again when I wanted to make a cover for plain and uncomfortable kitchen stool.

Here are the steps I used to make yarn from a piece of knit fabric.

Step 1: Fold the fabric in half with the folded edge closest to you.

Step 2: Cut into the folded edge at intervals of however wide you want your strips to be (I made mine 3 inches wide).

Step 3: Continue cutting across the width of the fabric until a few inches from the raw edges. It is okay if your cuts are not completely straight. Any mistakes will be hidden in the stitches.

Step 4: Cut through the raw edge of the top layer only on every other cut.

Step 5: Fold the top layer of the fabric back so that you can see the bottom layer.

Step 6: Cut through the raw edge on the bottom layer only on the cuts opposite of the top layer.

Step 7: Trim some of the fabric around the corners off so that there isn’t so much bulk in the places when the fabric yarn turns. Again, this does not need to be extremely neat.

My fabric was 2.5 yards long, so I continued using these steps for a few cuts at a time, and crocheted with whatever length I cut until I ran out. Then I made a few more cuts and so on. I found this method easier than trying to wind all of that fabric into a ball. Also you won’t cut fabric that you don’t need, so you can save it for another project.

I just released my Big Button Interchangeable Flower Pattern and I thought it would be a good time to share a little trick I picked up in junior high home economics class. When sewing on a button, you want to make sure that there is room between the button and whatever you are sewing it to. By creating a shank out of your sewing thread, it allows space for the button to function properly.

1. Since my flowers pattern uses a 1.5″ button, I chose to secure the button with embroidery floss rather than normal thread.

2. Use a double strand of thread. Securely attach the thread to the item on which you are sewing a button.

3. Bring your needle and thread through one hole in the button. Center the button over the stitch. Insert your needle into the other hole in the button and into the item on which you are sewing. Pull through. Slip a toothpick between the thread and button to create a space for the shank.

4. Make 3 or 4 stitches through each hole.

5. Bring your needle and thread to the right side under the button. Remove the toothpick.

6. Wind the thread several times around the button stitches to form a shank.

7. Secure the thread in your item under the button by making a knot or several small stitches.

8. Trim your thread and you’re done — a button with room to bloom!