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Stitch LedgerLearn Crochet, Patterns and Charity Making

A crochet companion magazine

Learn Crochet Stitches and Make for Charity

Learn Crochet, Patterns and Charity Making

Start with the basics
Illustration of three women seated at a wooden table crocheting with yarn and handmade projects.
Illustration of three women seated at a wooden table crocheting with yarn and handmade projects.

Browse by shelf

Four shelves, one workbasket

Each shelf below opens its own page with every article it holds: start where your next project needs you.

02

Trustworthy Free Crochet Patterns

Find trustworthy free crochet patterns for blankets, hats, scarves and toys, plus smart tips for reading instructions, checking gauge and choosing yarn.

04

Learn Crochet by Watching

Learn by watching step by step crochet lessons in the spirit of original video pages, from starting chains to finishing handmade projects today.

Shelf 01

Learn the Basics

Stitches, abbreviations, gauge and pattern reading: the shelf every beginner consults before starting a project.

Learn the Basics

Understanding Gauge and Gauge Swatches

Understand what crochet gauge means, how to make and measure a swatch, count stitches and rows, and adjust hook or tension when gauge differs.

Shelf 02

Patterns and Back Issues

9 available back issue guides from 2012 to 2014 plus a guide to free patterns shared today: pick a project with steady technique.

Patterns and Back Issues

From the Archive: Issue 1 Fall 2012

Revisit Fall 2012 Issue 1 with weekend throw, hats in the round, baby blankets and Halloween trick or treat bags for first confident projects.

Patterns and Back Issues

Issue 2 Winter 2012 in Review

Explore Winter 2012 Issue 2 with quick colorful gifts, cozy cowls, holiday patterns and the Purple Stitch Project for warm seasonal making joy.

Patterns and Back Issues

Issue 3: Cables and Texture

Discover Issue 3 crocheted cables, textured scarves and wraps, soft baby blankets and a Valentine wreath for learning rich stitch texture today.

Patterns and Back Issues

Issue 4 Spring 2013: Motif Magic

Enjoy Spring 2013 Issue 4 motif magic with Super Squares tote, crocheted quilts and projects for home and fashion style to make now.

Shelf 03

Crochet for Charity

Blankets, hats and comfort items for neighbours and hospitals: what charities request and how to give.

Shelf 04

Watch Lessons and Fixes

Step by step lessons, half double crochet in close-up and errata notes: correct tension, edges and counting.

Watch Lessons and Fixes

How to Make Half Double Crochet

Master half double crochet step by step, see where it fits between single and double, and use it for hats, scarves and cozy blankets with ease.

Watch Lessons and Fixes

Pattern Errata and Corrections

Understand why pattern corrections happen, revisit the Issue 1 beanie mix up, and learn what to do when a pattern changes mid project today.

From the charity shelf

Crochet for neighbours and hospitals

Warm Up America sections, Project Linus blankets, chemo caps and preemie hats: size ranges and fibre notes before you start.

Crochet for Charity and Warm Up America

Volunteers joining small crocheted squares into a blanket on a large community table.
Volunteers joining small crocheted squares into a blanket on a large community table.

Open an issue

Dossiers from the archive

Each dossier below revisits one back issue or one skill page: open the one that matches your next make.

Patterns and Back Issues

From the Archive: Issue 1 Fall 2012

Revisit Fall 2012 Issue 1 with weekend throw, hats in the round, baby blankets and Halloween trick or treat bags for first confident projects.

Patterns and Back Issues

Issue 6 Fall 2013: Red Scarves and Zigzags

Bundle up with Fall 2013 Issue 6 Red Scarf Project, foundation stitches and ziggety zag afghans for cozy cold weather giving and heartfelt charity.

Patterns and Back Issues

Issue 3: Cables and Texture

Discover Issue 3 crocheted cables, textured scarves and wraps, soft baby blankets and a Valentine wreath for learning rich stitch texture today.

Patterns and Back Issues

Crochet 1-2-3 Issue 11

Stitch Ledger record of Issue 11 (May 2014): a designer's March 23, 2014 account of filming technique videos on a smartphone at her dining table.

Learn the Basics

Understanding Gauge and Gauge Swatches

Understand what crochet gauge means, how to make and measure a swatch, count stitches and rows, and adjust hook or tension when gauge differs.

Watch Lessons and Fixes

How to Make Half Double Crochet

Master half double crochet step by step, see where it fits between single and double, and use it for hats, scarves and cozy blankets with ease.

About Stitch Ledger: how the magazine reads its sources and who the guides help. The small print lives on the legal notice page.