Hi, it’s Michelle!

Happy National Ice Cream Day 🍦 celebrated on the third Sunday in July. Can you eat ice cream and crochet at the same time? Or split the difference and crochet something ice cream related. 🍨 

Read to the end for this week’s meme and please share with a crochet buddy!🧡 

In this week’s e-mail:

• Yarn from recycled fibers

• Boosts for your crochet business

• Crushing “long-ass” chains!

LOOPED IN

Crochet News

• Spinning Sustainability: Can Recycled Yarn Deliver Quality? In world obsessed with sustainability, the yarn industry is lagging behind. Textile industry leaders met in Switzerland to discuss the role of technology, data and automation in using recycled raw material.

  The variable nature of recycled fibers requires spinners to re-learn spinning to either adapt current systems or integrate additional steps to ensure consistency and quality control. And hopefully fewer knots! (Read more: TextileWorld)

• Tiny Crochet. Big Meaning. We have seen giant crochet installations in this space, but these delicate crochet sculptures are the opposite. The sculptures were created by the artist to “serve as manifestations of an evolving worldview shaped by grief, loss, and an obsessive search for meaning.” (See more: ThisIsColossal)

• Stuffed with Love: Crocheted Toys for Flood Survivors. “A Stitch of Kindness” started by Instagrammer Twin Stitches is collecting crocheted stuffed animals from local crochet artists to comfort Texas flood survivors by sending a “small hug in yarn form”. (See more: FoxAntonio)

• Crochet Hats Are Back (And So Easy!) Crochet caps are all the rage this summer and they are easy to make! (See more: Stylist)

• Healing behind bars. Utah-based Healing Threads Ministries is a nonprofit started by a former prisoner who learned to crochet while serving time. They are dedicated to teaching incarcerated men how to crochet with purpose and helping others behind bars give back to their communities. (See more: KJZZ)

STITCH BY STITCH

⛓️ Tackling Long Crochet Chains (Without Crying)

There’s nothing like ✨falling in love✨ with a pattern that starts with "Ch 287" to make you question your life choices! Long starting chains are a patience test, but they don’t have to knock you off track. Here’s how to manage them with your sanity intact:

Stitch Markers are your Best Friend

• Place a stitch marker every 10 or 20 chains as you go helps break the chain into easier-to-count segments. Choose a number that works for you and your project.

• Use different colored markers at big milestones like 50 or 100 so you don’t have to recount from the beginning every time you lose track.

• Bigger yarn calls for larger stitch markers. Don’t be chintzy!

• Locking or split ring markers can work equally well if the yarn is not too thin (or thick)

Try a Clicker or Row Counter

Some crocheters like using a digital or manual row counter to track chains in groups of 10. Every time you chain 10, click once. It’s simple and can reduce mental load—if you remember to click! (👋)

Go Up a Hook Size

Chain with a hook one size larger than what your pattern calls for, then switch back for row one. Looser tension on the chains makes it easier to work into them, especially if you’re using the back bump.

Consider the Back Bump

Speaking of which, crocheting into the back bump of the chain creates a clean, finished edge that looks almost identical to the top of your rows. It’s a bit slower, but worth it for neater edges. Use a hook with a pointed head like the Susan Bates line to stab into the stitches!

Foundation Chains can Save the Day

The chain and first row of stitches are combined to make a Foundation chain. It’s stretchier, easier to count, and you get to skip that awkward second row. This works for single, half-double, or double crochet foundations.

Eliminate Distractions

In your crazy world, this one is tough! Pause your show, silence your phone, lock the door, count out loud, do whatever you need to avoid interruptions and distractions while chaining so you don’t have to start over... again.

Off By One or Two? No Worries.

If you’re short a chain, just add one at the end. If you have a few extra at the end, use a blunt needle to remove the knot. It won’t ruin your project.

Long Rows Need Help Too

Long chains = long rows. Mark your first and last stitch of each row so you don’t miss or add extras on the turns.

Count stitches at the end of every row to stay on track. Use stitch markers on rows too!

Or...Just don’t! 🚫

No shame in skipping long chains altogether: “Crocheting in the round” is the self-care you didn’t know you needed.

Start with hats, mandalas, or circular blankets and live your best spiral life.

Long chains may be annoying, but with the right tools and a few mindset shifts, they don’t have to derail your momentum. Mark, count, breathe—and know that you're not alone in muttering under your breath at chain 212. 🧡

P.S. We’re accepting suggestions for features on crochet designers or industry professionals. If you’re a new crochet designer or have a new product or service you’d like us to feature and have less than 2k followers, pitch us at [email protected] with “Emerging Crochet Designer” in the subject.

YARN OVER HOOK

My Weekly Favorite Finds

💰 Business Assistance

• Best patterns - 52 crochet items to sell (Zamiguz)

• A picture is worth 1000 words - Pro tips for taking pictures of your crochet (TheCrochetVillage)

• An online hub connecting makers to local craft fairs and pop-up markets. (ThePopUpPros)

🎄 One surprise a day!

• This 2025 Advent Calendar has new surprises for every day until Dec 25. Surprises, not stress—no make-alongs included! (TwiceShearedSheep)

🧶 Crochet Tip of the Week

• Crochet Finishers, Rejoice! 10 easy borders to try for the perfect finishing touch. (ICanCrochetThat)

 🧡 Featured Crochet Charity

• Founded to reduce the stigma around mental illness and prevent suicides…one heart at a time. (TheLittleHeartProject)

IN STITCHES

WEAVING IN THE ENDS

Thanks for reading and happy counting!

—Michelle 🧡

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