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The semester is coming to an end which means that stress is at an all time high. Even though this is the case, I make sure to allow myself around 30 minutes of crochet time. This is not always to avoid my responsibilities. Sometimes it is necessary to relax myself.

why you should crochet to support your mental health

I may be bias, however I think everyone should crochet. It has helped me ease so much stress and has allowed me to relax time and time again. There are multiple benefits crocheting has for your mental health including stress relief, providing routine,and it can even help process trauma and grief. Maybe crochet is not for everyone but with all of these benefits I think all adults should have a creative/artistic hobby. Lucky for you, I have a post that gives you all the information you need to learn how to crochet.

stress relief

As mentioned earlier, during stressful times I tend to allow myself around 30 minutes of crochet time. Usually, I do this before I go to bed which helps my mind relax from my busy day and everything that is going on. This has been so helpful to me throughout my college years. I have not particularly enjoyed college, so crochet has continued to help me get through it. Crochet helps to ease stress and be relaxing because it is repetitive. The repetitive motions of creating each stitch is meditating.

creative outlet

Having a medium to express creativity is important. From choosing colors to physically making the piece, there are choices and decisions made creatively throughout. Having this control over the project and all of the choices going into it can be deeply therapeutic. This can support your mental health by supporting emotional release and exploration.

provides routine

Having a solid routine helps me so much. A part of an effective routine for me is to have a good balance of work and relaxation. Crochet is an important part to my relaxation. Implementing some crochet time into my routine has gave me something to look forward to on my most stressful days.

encourages social connection

I have really leaned into this with my crochet work. I began posting my work on social media around the end of my senior year of high school. I quickly began following other creators and artists. Most of them were crocheters or knitters, but I would also follow artists of other mediums. Eventually, I built a community around my work and I now communicate frequently with a couple of other crocheters.

provides relief from trauma and grief

Crochet does help to process trauma and grief. It allows for quiet personal time with yourself which promotes you to really process your emotions and feel whatever you may be going through. Personally, I did use crochet to get me through a time when I was dealing with grief in my own life. Crochet helped me to slow down and really sit with myself and emotion.

Finding a project in the warmer months of the year can be difficult. Personally, I love a blanket or sweater project which is impossible to work on during warm weather. Thankfully for you, I have been crocheting for nine years and I know which projects are doable in the spring and summer.

what makes a perfect spring and summer crochet project

When I am brainstorming the perfect project for spring and summer time I often go over a list in my head.

• yarn fiber content
  • fibers like silk, linen, or cotton are better for summer wearables
• size of project
  • a smaller project won’t be as hot on you when you are working
  • this means any fiber is ok for a smaller item
  • for bigger pieces revisit the yarn fiber content point

small tapestries

This tomato tapestry is a pattern I designed. It is a very quick pattern, I can make it in around four hours. Every piece I have made has had the same colors as the photo above, however you could really play around with the colors for this piece.

This tapestry pattern is by one of my foavorite people. Liz Arts and Crafts on Instagram is a genius and this is one of her patterns. This Pulling Teeth Tapestry was the project I made when I was recovering from my wisdom tooth removal.

This pattern is called Heart Snake Eyes and it is also by Liz Arts and Crafts. If you can’t tell yet, Liz is one of my absolute favorite designers. This pattern is smaller than the Pulling Teeth pattern. This piece being smaller also means it is faster to make.

small accessories

I developed this pattern in the spring time two years ago. This pattern is not overly difficult, but if you are not very comfortable with basic stitches could be quite difficult. This pattern is called the Garden Tote Bag.

Bucket hats are a perfect spring and summer crochet project. They are fast and easy to make. There are many patterns out there, but this is the one I have developed. This pattern is called the Emma Bucket Hat and it is very simple and perfect for beginners.

One of my favorite parts of crocheting is picking out the colors I am going to use for any project. Picking out colors can be really fun but also very intimidating. I always want my projects to reflect the colors I am enjoying in the moment, or to be extra bright and crazy. I love to browse Pinterest to find color combinations that I can make my own. Currently, I am in love with a few different color combinations and I would love to share them with you.

picking color combinations

Before we get started, I want to share some thoughts about picking colors. For me, I always keep in mind the project. Is it simple stitches? or a complex stitch pattern? What type of project is it? tapestry? sweater? blanket?

These questions are very important ones and may sway the final yarn choices you make. For example, if I were making a blanket that had somewhat simple stitches, I would compensate by using a bright bold palette. If I were making a sweater with complex stitching, I would pick a single color or two neutral colors.

my favorite color combinations

pink & sage

This is just a classic. I have used this in multiple ways. Currently, I have a fun sweater vest in the works using these two colors and more variations of green. This palette is very feminine and is my favorite when I am working on my girly projects.

burgundy & baby blue

These two colors together have by far been my favorite for the past year or so. I have made multiple projects featuring these colors together, and those projects are my favorites. I enjoy this combination so much because of the contrast between the two colors. These colors are perfect when you are trying to accentuate a part of the project because the colors stand out so well against one another. I am currently working on a sweater made entirely of these two colors.

olive & lavender

Once again this is a combination I find myself reaching for time after time. It is another very feminine palette. I have included these colors in many projects over the past couple of years. These colors would be great for a project with not much complexity in stitches. I have used it on a pillow to create a checker board effect. I have also made african flower hexagons using this combination.

This crochet cleaning cloth pattern is perfect for dusting, dishes, or any other cleaning needs. I love these for a quick and easy project. I use these weekly in my own home to dust. I find that the texture of the stitches picks up dust so nicely.

notes

I originally developed this pattern because I wanted to implement more sustainable products into my home. Making these cotton rags was a great start. As a college student, money can be tight, so always opting for the sustainable choice isn’t an option for me. However, I have found that making smaller changes with what I can afford is good enough for me right now.

how to crochet the waffle stitch

If you don’t know how to do the crochet waffle stitch this video may help you navigate this pattern. The stitch is not overly difficult but could be very hard for beginners.

supplies

• weight 4 cotton yarn (Lily Sugar & Cream)
• size H hook (5 mm)
• scissors
• yarn needle

abbreviations

• ch: chain
• dc: double crochet
• fpdc: front post double crochet
• nxt: next
• **: repeat until end of row

crochet cleaning cloth written pattern

ch 32 + 2

Row 1: dc in each ch across, ch 2, turn (33)

Row 2: *fpdc in nxt 2 st, dc 1 in nxt st*, ch 2, turn (33)

Row 3: *dc in nxt 2 st, fpdc in nxt st*, ch 2, turn (33)

repeat rows 2 and 3 iuntil you have a total of 14 rows

you did it!!

You finished the pattern! It really is that fast and simple. I love making these so much. I have only made them for myself and my house but they could serve as a nice gift as well. I make mine in different fun bright colors to add a bit of fun into my cleaning routine.

try my other free patterns

I have been crocheting for nine years now. It is safer to say I make it look easy. The truth is that crochet can be rather difficult for beginners. So here it is, the beginner’s guide to crochet. This post includes all tutorials that helped me and tutorials from creators I respect in the yarny world.

basic stitches

The first thing to understand in crochet is the basic stitches. The first stitches you must learn are:

• chain
• single crochet
• half double crochet
• double crochet

This video from simplydaisy15 details the importance of chains.

This video is also from simplydaisy15 will teach you how to single crochet.

Once again a simplydaisy15 video, this time you will learn half double crochet, double crochet, and even triple crochet.

beginner patterns

Now that you know the basic stitches, you are able to create small beginner pieces. Once I learned the basics, the first thing I wanted to learn was a granny square.

This video was one of my favorites when learning how to make a granny square. They are so versatile as well. You can make single ones to keep practicing your technique. Once you have a lot of them, you can sew or join them together to make a blanket or a bag or other various items.

The button above is for a free pattern I offer for a water bottle bag. This project is great to include in the beginner’s guide to crochet because it allows for you to practice in the round, double crochets, and single crochets.

The sunset rug pattern is perfect for beginners because it is a simple repetitive pattern. It will teach you what to expect from larger projects without being too difficult. Give it a try!

creators you should follow

When I was learning to crochet it was important for me to follow other crocheters to see what I could possibly do in the future. Below is a list of my favorite creators and where to find them.

• Passioknit Goods: YouTube
• Liz Arts and Crafts: YouTube
• My Yarn Ball: Instagram

These few creators all play huge roles in my inspiration so I hope they help you with yours.

what is creative block

Creative block is something we all deal with in some aspect. I know for me it usually occurs when I am way too stressed or busy in another aspect of my life. I can also feel the effects when I have way too many projects I need to be working on at once.

I deal with my creative block in many ways depending on what is causing it. I will share three ways to get through creative block in this post.

how a creative block effects my work

Personally, when I am facing a creative block it means I can not bring myself to crochet. I may want to and have a million ideas but I can’t actually do it. My creative block does not allow me to physically create pieces. I don’t usually have a problem with the “whats next” after finishing a project.

take a break

This may be the most obvious but take a break. There is no benefit in forcing creativity and it may even sink you further into that hole. Stepping away from a project (or projects in my case) can really help you have a mental reset and will allow you to come back to the project feeling inspired with a clear mind.

Your break can be as long as you want it to be. You can leave a project for thirty minutes or for two weeks. Whichever will help you complete the project with a focused clear mind.

quality time

Another way I get through my creative block is by spending quality time with loved ones. Whether it is sitting on the couch and watching our show with my fiance or going home for the weekend to see my parents, this quality time really allows me to refocus and appreciate those around me.

By connecting with the people I love the most my whole perspective changes. This allows me to come back to my creative space with a new appreciation for the piece. This method is my favorite to use when I am struggling with a large or complicated project.

design or write patterns

This may not apply to everyone but I will explain how it could. I am a pattern designer. That is a big part of myself as an artist is I am consuming other patterns from other artists and simultaneously developing my own. When I am facing a creative block most time for me that means I have a hard time reaching for my yarn and hook. A good solution for me is to write patterns or design new patterns.

Most of the time I have a backlog of 2-3 patterns that just need to be wrote. I usually would rather crochet then write those patterns. When I am in a creative block I actually write those patterns. It helps me slowly get back into the crochet world once again without having to pick up my hook.

If you are not a pattern designer like myself, I recommend scrolling Pinterest or Etsy. By doing this you will see other people’s finished work and you may even get ideas of what your next project may be. If I am really not in the headspace to write patterns you will find me on my couch scrolling Pinterest.

will you try these methods?

Let me know if these methods work for you! You can message me on Instagram @kait.mae.crochet

I usually say my own patterns are my favorites and I know that makes me very biased however, this pattern may take the cake. I developed this pattern because I was simply excited for garden tomatoes a couple of summers ago. This free crochet pattern is perfect for anyone who is new to tapestry crochet. It is fast and easy and just really cute.

supplies

• worsted weight yarn in three colors
  • color a: background color, I used yellow
  • color b: tomato color, I used red
  • color c: stem/leaf part, I used green
• H crochet hook (5mm)
• scissors
• yarn needle

abbreviations

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• st: stitch
• nxt: next
• fo: finish off

free crochet tomato tapestry pattern

with color a

row 1: ch 31, sc 1 in 2nd ch from hook, sc 1 in each ch across, ch 1, turn (30)

row 2-3: sc 1 in each st across, ch 1, turn (30)

row 4: sc 1 in nxt 7 st, switch to color b, sc 1 in nxt 16 st, switch to color a, sc 1 in nxt 7 st, ch 1, turn (30)

row 5: sc 1 in nxt 6 st, switch to color b, sc 1 in nxt 18 st, switch to color a, sc 1 in nxt 6 st, ch 1, turn (30)

row 6-7: sc 1 in nxt 4 st, switch to color B, sc 1 in nxt 22 st, switch to color A, sc 1 in nxt 4 st, ch 1, turn (30)

row 8-12: sc 1 in nxt 3 st, switch to color B, sc in nxt 24 st, switch to color A, sc 1 in nxt 3 st, ch 1, turn (30)

row 13: sc 1 in nxt 3 st, switch to color B, sc 1 in nxt 7 st, switch to color C, sc 1 in nxt st, switch to color B, sc 1 in nxt 3 st, switch to color C, sc 1 in nxt st, switch to color B, sc 1 in nxt 12 st, switch to color A, sc 1 in nxt 3 st, ch 1, turn (30)

row 14: sc 1 in nxt 4 st, switch to color b, sc 1 in nxt 5 st, switch to color c, sc 1 in nxt st, switch to color b, sc 1 in nxt 4 st, switch to color c, sc 1 in nxt 2 st, switch to color b, sc 1 in nxt 2 st, switch to color c, sc 1 in nxt 2 st, switch to color b, sc 1 in nxt 6 st, switch to color a, sc 1 in nxt 4, ch 1, turn (30)

row 15: sc 1 in nxt 4 st, switch to color b, sc 1 in nxt 7 st, switch to color c, sc 1 in nxt st, switch to color b, sc 1 in nxt 2 st, switch to color c, sc 1 in nxt 2 st, switch to color b, sc 1 in nxt 2 st, switch to color c, sc 1 in nxt 3 st, switch to color b, sc 1 in nxt 5 st, switch to color a, sc 1 in nxt 4 st, ch 1, turn (30)

row 16: sc 1 in nxt 5 st, switch to color b, sc 1 in nxt 6 st, switch to color c, sc 1 in nxt 2 st, switch to color b, sc 1 in nxt st, switch to color c, sc 1 in nxt st, switch to color b, sc 1 in nxt 2 st, switch to color c, sc 1 in nxt 2 st, switch to color b, sc 1 in nxt 3 st, switch to color c, sc 1 in nxt 2 st, switch to color b, sc in nxt st, switch to color a, sc 1 in nxt 5 st, ch 1, turn (30)

row 17: sc 1 in nxt 7 st, switch to color c, sc 1 in nxt 3 st, switch to color b, sc 1 in nxt 2 st, switch to color c, sc 1 in nxt 2 st, switch to color b, sc 1 in nxt st, switch to color c, sc 1 in nxt 4 st, switch to color b, sc 1 in nxt st, switch to color c, sc 1 in nxt 3 st, switch to color a, sc 1 in nxt 7 st, ch 1, turn (30)

row 18: sc 1 in nxt 9 st, switch to color c, sc 1 in nxt 12 st, switch to color a, sc 1 in nxt 9 st, ch 1, turn (30)

row 19: sc 1 in nxt 14 st, switch to color c, sc 1 in nxt 2 st, switch to color a, sc 1 in nxt 14 st, ch 1, turn (30)

row 20-22: sc 1 in each st across ch 1, turn (30)

fo, weave in ends

yay!! you are finished with this free crochet tapestry pattern. tag me in your finished makes on instagram, I would love to see them.

my other free crochet patterns

I developed this free crochet pattern a couple of summers ago. As the name implies, it is a rather simple pattern. This project is perfect for those pesky half skeins you may have laying around. Although cotton would be the best fiber for this project (because of the sturdiness), acrylic would work fine too. If you decide to use acrylic keep in mind the stretch of the strap. You may have to decrease the amount of rows on the strap to avoid the acrylic from stretching too much.

notes

This pattern is mine. This means you may not sell this pattern in any way. Since I do offer this pattern as a free crochet pattern as well as a paid for PDF, you may share this link with whoever you want. You may not share the paid for PDF with others. Any pieces made from this pattern may be sold with credit to me Kait Mae Crochet as the designer.

supplies

• worsted weight (4) yarn, cotton is best, acrylic will work
• G size crochet hook
• scissors
• yarn needle

abbreviations

• slp st: slip stitch
• ch: chain
• dc: double crochet
• inc: increase
• **: repeat instructions between until end of row
• nxt: next
• blo: back loop only
• sc: single crochet
• fo: finish off

free crochet pattern

row 1: form a magic loop or chain 4, slp st into 1st ch to form ring, ch 3, dc 12 into loop, slp st into 1st dc, ch 3 (12)

row 2: inc in each st around (2 dc in each st) slp st into 1st dc, ch 3 (24)

row 3: *inc in same st, 1 dc in nxt st* slp st into 1st dc, ch 3 (36)

row 4: dc 1 blo in each st around, slp st into 1st dc, ch 4 (36)

row 5: *sk first st, dc into nxt st, ch 1*, slp st into 1st dc, ch 3 (36)

row 6: dc 1 in each st around, slp st into 1st dc, ch 3 (36)

row 7-13: repeat rows 5 and 6

row 14: ch 1, sc in st around, slp st into 1st dc, ch 3 (36)

strap instructions: sc 4, ch 1 turn, sc 4 across, repeat for a total of 170 rows or desired length, join to other side, fo

you did it!

You have successfully completed this free crochet pattern. Now you can share it on instagram and tag me @kait.mae.crochet, I would love to see what you created.