Scrap Afghan Square - Photo © Amy Solovay

This past week, I've been sorting my scrap yarn into piles, and working on new ideas for what to do with it all. I've already made bunches of daisies and flowers. I'm trying to decide whether to start on a scrap afghan, or finish the baby blanket that's been hanging around on my to-do-list forever.

I've already posted bunches of scrap yarn patterns, but there's always room for another project on the list...

See Also: How to save money on crochet

Red White and Blue Crochet Projects - Photo © Amy Solovay

Those of us in the USA have quite a few patriotic holidays to look forward to. Coming up soon:

• Independence Day is July 4, 2013
• Flag Day is June 14, 2013
• Memorial Day is May 27, 2013

Crochet:

If you'd like make crochet a part of your celebration, why not to crochet a special project with a patriotic theme?

Even if you don't live in the USA, you might enjoy crocheting some of our red white and blue projects (pictured.) Feel free to re-color them if you like.

Here are some ideas to consider:

• Red, white and blue potholder
• Blue, white and red potholder
• Red and white striped potholder with striped details worked in surface crochet
• Red and blue beaded bracelet
• Red white and blue crocheted heart shape
• Flag afghans and Americana afghans
• More free crochet patterns

Rag Ball for Crochet - Photo © Amy Solovay

Crocheting with fabric strips is a bit different than crocheting with yarn. The most significant difference: unless you buy ready-made rag balls or quilters' jelly rolls, you'll have to cut your fabrics into strips before you can start crocheting with them.

If you'd like to learn more about rag crochet, you're invited to take a look at the following pages:

• Fabric crochet necklace with wire-wrapped pendants -- This is a great starter project for learning the technique of rag crochet.
• Rag crochet flower trivet or coaster -- This is another small project that's great for getting started with rag crochet.
• Free crochet patterns for rag rugs
• Rag bag tutorials
• Suggestions for crocheting rag rugs

Double crochet stitch is an important stitch to know. It is one of the most essential basic crochet stitches.

Double Crochet Stitches - Photo © Amy Solovay

Here are some resources for learning how to work double crochet stitch:

• Lucille's double crochet stitch video
• My step-by-step double crochet stitch tutorial with photos
• List of double crochet stitch variations

Double Crochet Abbreviation

The abbreviation for the double crochet stitch is "dc." So, every time you see this abbreviation appear in your crochet pattern, you'll know that it means you're supposed to work a double crochet stitch.

Free Patterns for Practicing Your Double Crochet Stitch

• Crochet a granny square -- free pattern with tutorial
• Beginner's double crochet neck warmer pattern

See Also: How to crochet