If this was an 80’s TV ad on a sales channel, I’d start with a really energetic “Lost your crojo? Can’t decide what to stitch next? Feeling like your crochet needs a little extra hmpfff?” But it isn’t a TV ad, so I’ll skip that and save you (and myself) the silliness.
But I do have a tip to share with you if you can relate to any of the above questions.
Crochet stitch dictionaries will get you hooked up
Enter… online stitch dictionaries! Yes, dictionaries are all the rage in the 21st century, and I couldn’t abide by them more.
In their crochet version, they are a great way to help you with:
Choosing a stitch for your next project.
Getting inspired to grab your hook again if you’ve been feeling in a crochet slump.
Finding a quick make that can also get you upping your skills.
Of course, we all love our physical books and cherish public libraries. Being champions of all things handmade and analog, we on KnitLeaks couldn’t say otherwise.
But maybe you don’t have that much space at home, are far from any library, or the one that is nearest doesn’t keep that many crochet books. Or it’s simply more convenient to grab your phone and look something up!
What’s with stitch dictionaries?
Online, you’ll usually find them living on websites and also on YouTube channels. They can include information like:
stitch count and repeats;
written step-by-step instructions;
photo and video tutorials;
how to use the stitches, together with pattern suggestions;
and, of course, pictures of the finished piece so you can browse the archive before you choose (and imagine aaalll the possibilities).
Crochet dictionaries, virtual or physical, are great tools to find the stitch you’ve been looking for and didn’t know existed, recall a more complex stitch pattern, or simply challenge yourself for the sake of it.
Here are two places to check out.
Olivia Kent put together 51 tutorials for crochet stitches and techniques on Hopeful Honey, her website. Here, you can find very well-organized How-to’s that are a pleasure to look at and follow. On each one, you’ll also find a print option you can use without any fuss*, to keep the instructions at hand offline or in the wild.
From special stitch combinations to essential techniques like increasing and decreasing or crocheting in the round, you’ll have a field day on Hopeful Honey’s Stitchionary (also available on YouTube).
*Usually, I’d recommend showing your love for Olivia’s work and generosity in making these resources available, but unfortunately, it seems her crochet is on hold for an indefinite time, at least online. :(
It's a real family endeavor that brings us the most beautiful blankets, together with tutorials that are a joy to watch. You’ll feel inspired and warm inside on Daisy Farm Crafts' website. It’s one of my favorite places to find simple yet impactful stitch patterns in a perfectly explained and easy-to-follow way.
On the “Crochet stitches” section of Daisy Farms’ website, you have How-to’s for stitches particularly well suited for projects like blankets, together with suggested (and free) patterns to use them on.
Their channel on YouTube is worth a visit, too! It was here that I found the Herringbone half double crochet stitch on this beautiful gingham baby blanket to create a cowl with Rosa Pomar’s Beiroa yarn.
Browse around, pick up your hook, and try something new. And why not start creating your own sample book? Do share your for organizing swatches. Asking for a friend… ;)
PS: If you’re looking to build up your physical library, check these Fundamental Craft Books for Your Fiber Library.
