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Freeform crochet… what is it?
For a few months of the year, I’m lucky to stay on our boat in Australia! So here I am, relaxing with lots of time to start some Freeform Crochet projects!
So what is freeform crochet?
Freeform crochet can be described as “patternless”, and is often referred to as “painting with yarn”. Incredibly fun and relaxing, there is no wrong way or right way… only your way.
I love to use finer yarns and a small latch hook. A latch hook is traditionally used for rug making and sometimes hair braiding, but I have found a new and easy way to crochet!
Once you have (easily) mastered the simple crochet stitches, using a latch hook, you can embrace your inner artist and try some freeform crochet! I have some free videos on YouTube and when you are ready to move to freeform and more advanced crochet, I have a subscription which includes videos, tutorials and one to ones on the platform 2, facebook group
Thanks for looking and remember to keep in touch by subscribing to the blog!
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What is a latch hook?
Did you know the answer? A latch hook is usually used for making rag rugs or hooked rugs. It is slightly similar to a traditional crochet hook but it a latch to hold the yarn when a loop is pulled through. Have you ever made a rug using a latch hook?
Can you use a latch hook for crochet?
Well, I love crochet and I love teaching (I’m a retired teacher) so I combined my two passions and discovered an easy way to crochet… the new way! I found that by using a latch hook, instead of traditional crochet hook, beginners and kids, picked up the basics in minutes. I believe it is easier… just try it out and see! They say …… ‘this is soooo cooool ! ‘
Left is a latch hook and Right is a traditional crochet hook So when children ask me “What is a latch hook?” I tell them, that it is like having their own little machine. I explain, it’s how knitting machines work with rows of similar latch hooks and that is how machine made knitted jumpers and cardigans are made.
Giving a child a latch hook is in itself motivating. But seeing the resulting chain appear is a fascinating experience and as they succeed they often become absorbed in the process. Adults do too, as not a lot of folks have used a latch hook and for those who have, it sparks off memories of making rag rugs!!
A short chain length will make a simple plain bracelet. A longer chain length will make a necklace.
Traditionally beginners would go on to make repeated rows and rows of traditional stitches, however the next step I teach is to make the same chain length bracelet with fancy yarns. There are so many available nowadays
I also go on to teach a different set of basic stitches, which have been chosen for ease of use with a latch hook. These are chain stitch , slip stitch, bullion stitch, Tunisian stitch, and later puff stitch.
I have many resources including a book on Amazon, a Youtube channel with tutorials and a community of like minded latch hook crocheters on facebook!
Join in the fun and subscribe to the blog for future updates and projects.
Thanks for reading!
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Tunisian Crochet
One of the basic stitches introduced for crochet is Tunisian Crochet Simple Stitch. Did you know, I teach crochet with a latch hook instead of a traditional crochet hook? It’s so much easier!
Don’t believe me? Check out my other articles and my YouTube channel.
If worked with the upright stitch with two or three colours it is very simple to work this stitch with a latch hook. It is also easy to do, I think easier than knitting in the sense that you are casting on (picking up loops) and casting off.
It’s an attractive and neat stitch. I love it. It doesn’t have to be square either.
Tunisian crochet, is easy and I have many resources to help you out, including a book on Amazon, a Youtube channel with tutorials and a community of like minded latch hook crocheters on facebook!
Join in the fun and subscribe to the blog for future updates and projects.
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Latch Hooking for Beginners ..crochet history
It is the week before Christmas and I have just sent my Crochet book off to the printers. It should be for sale on Amazon in a couple of months! It’s all about Latch hooking for beginners but not in the rag rugging sense… it’s all about making traditional crochet much easier to teach and learn!
*edit …. it is now available for sale.. check it out!
Meanwhile I am returning to this blog to share some of the ideas in the book. It is all about a fresh look at crochet using a latch hook! So it’s a new and exciting hobby. Kids get so absorbed in it. And it is mistake free learning, no dropped stitches !
A flower brooch Take a look at my many resources including a book on Amazon, a Youtube channel with tutorials and a community of like minded latch hook crocheters on facebook!
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Wednesday live video… my basic stitches!
I am revisiting this post to see if the link to my video works and hay ho it does!!!
So if you click on the link you will find one of my latest videos all about the basic stitches that I use for latch hook crochet.
I am pleased it works because this is one of my better videos. It is really informative and I tend not to talk too much drivel as I have done in the past.
I am also quite chuffed because I am hopefully getting my head around some of this confounded techno bumf!! Do make a comment if you stumble about with this too.
Then do click the above link and pop over to my facebook group page where I sum up all the basic stitches!!
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Learn Easy Crochet on facebook
I guess I have neglected my blog in favour of my Facebook page and fb group which are both getting further reach and becoming a buzzing social scene for “Easy Crochet – new way”, using a Latch Hook!
I have been preoccupied with trying to learn all the technical knowhow to advertise this hobby, especially during lockdown. After the successful drop in workshops last year which convinced me that kids just love making chains and flowers with a latch hook then I needed to press on with my passion to make this work.
I also was inspired by the 700 + people that became members of my group and another 700 + who liked my fb page!
I have been preoccupied learning all the technical know how to get my message out there. Thanks to a faithful few, the Facebook platform is now becoming a buzzing social network. I would like to give a special mention to Rita and Devin who have posted and commented religiously with me to get more engagement on Facebook. It takes a lot of commitment to beat the algorithms. By having more engagement, more members get to see the posts so if you are interested in getting the word out there…come and join us!
It is now a place for like minded friends to meet. There are zoom meetings , numerous instructional videos on my YouTube Channel , live workshops on Facebook and my sometimes hilarious Granny Roz video s featuring the real me!
So do join us and you will meet the very talented and creative Rita and our biggest supporter Devin from Pennsylvania!
My book ‘Latch Hook Crochet for Beginners is on Amazon. Devin gave it an amazing review. Do look!!
Another review
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book! Ideal for crafting, art, all ages. A great teaching resource. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 May 2019 Verified Purchase
“This is an excellent crafting book, a new take on crocheting that is ideal for all ages. It also includes ideas for free-form crochet, the ‘latch patch’, which kids will love. This takes the craft and turns it into an art form. I would recommend this book for all ages, and it would also make an excellent teaching resource for schools”
Thank you for reading!
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Learn Crochet the easy way!
There is a new and easy way to learn crochet and that’s by using my tried and tested method of a Latch Hook tool… Yes, that’s right! A latch hook, usually associated with rug making or even hair braiding, and can be used to create traditional, crochet stitches. It makes crochet, so easy, for beginners, kids and anybody! It’s also a great introduction for Freeform Crochet and fibre art activities.
A Latch Hook Tutorials for learning crochet
Do check out my free YouTube Channel! There are some free videos on making chains, headbands and more.
Be sure to check out my video ‘How to teach Latch Hook Crochet‘. If you are wondering what this new hobby is about then do watch me teaching Darcy :-
~ How to hold her hook and …
~ How to work a chain.
It is so easy for young children to learn how to crochet using this easy method…….
Make it fun with the chain along rhyme
“ONE JOB !!! TWO JOBS !! And BACK MY BUSY FINGER !!………..”
Look at that busy finger! And so often it is impossible to make a mistake , because whatever you make is how it is meant to be…. There is no right way or wrong way… only your way.
Remember to follow me on social media for new ideas and subscribe to the blog for updated posts 🙂
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Easy Crochet projects for beginners and kids
There are so many easy crochet projects for beginners and kids. Why not make a start with a simple crochet bracelet, by following my tutorial on YouTube! If you have read any of my other posts, you will know that I use a non traditional method for teaching crochet. I like to call it Easy Crochet – the New way and it’s learnt using a latch hook.
A latch hook is usually associated with rug making and even hair braiding….. but it can also be used to do traditional crochet too!
Follow me on my facebook page and join my groups ‘Easy Platform Crochet for Beginners‘ and ‘Latch Hook Crochet Platform Two’
These bracelets are an easy way to begin easy crochet with a latch hook. Each one has a new motif and learning curve. All of which will be used in further projects to increase your crochet skills!
I also have a book available on Amazon, with many challenges and step by step guides with pictures.
Feel free to get in touch with any questions about easy crochet projects and remember to subscribe to my blog so I can keep you updated!
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How to teach easy crochet… free resources!
Beginners crochet is easy to teach with my free resources. If you follow my blog or social media, you will know I have discovered a new and easy way to teach crochet!
It’s using a latch hook instead of traditional crochet hook, which makes it easier for beginners and little fingers, to learn the stitches. Learning the basic crochet stitches is easy and can lead to many wonderful creations such as bracelets, headbands, bookmarks and freeform crochet pieces. It’s an amazing fibre art activity, which kids and adults will love getting immersed in.
Check out my YouTube videos which show how to teach step by step easy crochet!
Do check it out and let me know how you get on. Here is the link to the video.
A resource for those who would like to teach someone to crochet
Two info videos I also have a book which teaches crochet, step by step, available on Amazon. School and party packs are also available which personal support from me, Granny Roz! Just get in touch about a pack for more information.
I have a great community following on facebook... do take a look!
Of course, following the blog would be a great idea to keep up with new tutorials and future reference for teaching easy crochet. Just sign up to the mailing list.
Thanks for reading!
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Why use a Latch Hook?
A latch hook is traditionally used for making hooked rugs or rag rugs. It is quite similar to a traditional crochet hook, however a latch hook holds the yarn when a loop is pulled through. BUT did you know, you can use a latch hook for traditional crochet too?!! Why use a latch hook when there is a traditional crochet hook? Well…..I discovered a new way of teaching crochet and found that using a latch hook, traditional stitches can be taught in minutes.
Easy Crochet – the new way!
When people ask me “Why use a latch hook?” I tell them, that it is like having their own little machine. I explain, it’s how knitting machines work with rows of similar latch hooks and that is how machine made knitted jumpers and cardigans are made.
Using a latch hook makes teaching crochet easy and bracelets, headbands, bookmarks can be made in no time!. Think of all the hours you and the kids can spend absorbed in a new activity. You can make some meaningful crochet gifts too.
So next time someone asks “Why use a latch hook?” you can tell them the answer! Feel free to point them towards my many resources including three text books on Amazon, a Youtube channel with tutorials and a community of like minded latch hook crocheters on facebook!
Roslyn Hill💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
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What is a Crochet Scrumble?history
What is a crochet scrumble? It is a type of freeform crochet which means to just take the hook and yarn and just have a go at it. There’s no pattern to follow… no need to work in rows or rounds. Feel free to change colors whenever you like and create whatever shape you please.
Instead of using the brilliant and inspiring term ‘SCRUMBLE’ (originators Sylvia Cosh and James Walters) I am calling it the LATCH PATCH. The reason for this is I use a latch hook instead of a traditional crochet hook. I believe it is so much easier to use… don’t believe me? Watch six year old Lulu, on my facebook page making a simple chain in minutes. Latch patches or crochet scrumbles can be taught in the same way with a latch hook.
In previous posts I referred to experimental scrumbles as SCRUMBLE JUMBLES as to the untrained eye they can appear odd. However I have found that by adding a couple of eyes these first experimental latch patches can become a cute ‘Beasty Brooch‘.
I spent most of 2018 updating my easy crochet ideas in the form of my first book ‘Latch Hook Crochet for Beginners’ . As I write this I am waiting for the mail to deliver my first print copy for inspection by me. I keep telling Phil I am 99% sure it will be fine. At this stage I don’t want to find any major goofs!
*Edit the book had a couple of changes needed but it’s now available to buy on Amazon. PLease do take a look!
Anyway my ideas have evolved a bit since I last blogged and there are many articles on teaching crochet and what is a latch hook for? I also have many teaching resources including Youtube and my facebook page and groups. Join the community!
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